bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of hoof trimming and protein level on lameness in dairy cows
Authors: Manson Felicity J , Leaver J D 
Published: June 2019

Lameness in dairy cattle can result in significant economic loss. High protein levels in the diet have been implicated as a cause of lameness, whilst trimming has been advocated as an effective preventative measure. This trial examined the effects of these two factors on locomotion, hoof measurements and incidence of lameness.Forty eight autumn calving cows in a continuous design experiment, lasting from weeks 3 to 26 of lactation were allocated to 4 treatments: LT (161 g/kg DM crude protein in the total diet, hooves trimmed); LUT (161 g/kg DM, untrimmed), HT (198 g/kg DM, trimmed) and HUT (198 g/kg DM, untrimmed). The protein levels in the complete diet were adjusted by substituting barley for soya. Daily ME intakes were maintained at the same level for all treatments by adjusting the high protein diet intake to that of the low protein, which was offered ad libitum. The cows feet were shaped and trimmed to a toe length of about 7 cm, 4 months before calving. Cows were scored for their locomotion weekly on a scale of 1 to 5 high scores indicate lameness. Hoof shape, growth, wear and hardness were recorded every 8 weeks on the right hind claw.
A Comparison of three energy levels in straw mixes used for partial storage feeding of dairy cows
Authors: Roberts D J 
Published: June 2019

Partial storage feeding (grazing during the daytime and housing overnight) is becoming an established management system after turnout in the spring. Ad libitum grass silage is the most common overnight feed. However, some farmers do not have adequate silage available and a straw mix is a possible alternative feed. There is little information available concerning the optimum energy content of straw mixes (or other forages) used for partial storage feeding. In this experiment 3 straw mixes were fed with different energy contents.In a continuous design experiment lasting 8 weeks (18 April to 12 June 1985) 60 autumn calving Friesian dairy cows and heifers were set stocked together during the daytime at 10 cows/ha. They were housed overnight and straw mixes, with low (L), medium (M) or high (H) metabolisable energy (ME) contents, were fed ad libitum each to 20 cows. In addition an average of 2.3 kg concentrates were offered daily. The grazing area was a perennial ryegrass ley which received 224 kg N, 13 kg P2O5 and 13 kg K2O/ha. The mean composition of the straw mixes, herbage and concentrate are given in Tables 1 and 2.
The effect of level of protein in the concentrates on hay intake and milk production by saanen goats
Authors: Badamana M.S. , Sutton J.D. , Mowlem A. , Oldham J.D. 
Published: June 2019

Increasing the crude protein (CP) concentration of dairy concentrates in mixed diets has been found to increase milk yield and forage intake in lactating dairy cows. However relatively little is known about the response of lactating goats to such dietary changes. The purpose of the present experiment was to see if beneficial responses could be established in lactating goats given fixed amounts of concentrates with different protein concentrations and ad libitum hay.Twenty-seven Saanen goats in their second or later lactation were offered 1.5 kg hay (98 g CP, 393 g acid-detergent fibre, 609 g neutral detergent fibe/kg dry matter (DM), and from 0.15 increasing to 0.45 kg concentrates (152 g CP/kg DM) daily in the 6 weeks before kidding. During the first 2 weeks after kidding, the concentrates were increased to 0.7 kg/day. Results for milk production in week 2 were used for covariance in subsequent calculations. At week 3 of lactation all goats were allocated to one of three groups and were offered hay ad libitum and 1 kg concentrates containing 117 (LP), 152 (MP) or 185 (HP) g CP/kg DM daily to week 15.
Breeding ewes - an evaluation of the use of Fecundin under field conditions
Authors: Maund Barbara A 
Published: June 2019

Immunisation against ovarian steroids has been shown to improve the reproductive performance of ewes. Using this principle the drug Fecundin was developed by Glaxo Animal Health Ltd. and is marketed by Coopers Animal Health Ltd. who supplied the drug for this study. The response to Fecundin was evaluated in ewes lambing in the spring under a wide range of commercial conditions in an ADAS co-ordinated trial.ADAS Sheep Specialists and Advisers co-operated in locating and collecting the data from suitable commercial flocks and 2 EHF's with a minimum of 150 but more usually 200 ewes and where accurate lambing records could be obtained. Potentially naturally prolific types of ewes eg. Mules and Finn crosses were excluded. Approximately eight weeks before the rams were introduced all the ewes were condition scored and randomised to treatment or control. Treated ewes were injected with Fecundin and again 21-28 days later. At lambing the number of lambs born alive and dead and barren ewes were recorded in all flocks. Lambing dates, lamb birthweights and lamb survival were available in a limited number of flocks.
An evaluation of four ultrasonic pregnancy detection methods currently used commercially for sheep
Authors: Hooper P.N. , Minter C.M. 
Published: June 2019

A number of mechanical methods are available for the diagnosis of pregnancy and the determination of foetal numbers in sheep. The application of four ultrasonic systems currently used commercially was investigated.The ‘scanning window’ in the ewe is apparent between approximately 45 to 100 days of pregnancy. Highly accurate pregnancy diagnosis and prediction of foetal numbers have been reported using the real time scanning technique. However, considerable variation in expertise can exist between operators while further discrepancies emanate from the different methods used to calculate predicted success rates. The estimation of operator accuracy from trial work is complex since errors may arise from both over- and under-estimation of foetal numbers resulting in confusion when pregnant ewes are subsequently grouped incorrectly. A true estimate of operator accuracy should reflect relative foetal numbers predicted.
Discrimination by sheep between swards of differing white clover content
Authors: Clark D A , Hodgson J 
Published: June 2019

The effect of contrasting white clover contents on diet selection by grazing sheep provides an insight into grazing behaviour mechanisms. When sheep have a choice between ‘strips’ containing either 70% white clover or 100% grass they consistently choose to graze the former. When clover is intermingled with grass in normal sheep-grazed swards evidence for selective grazing is less clear. The objectives of this experiment were, firstly, to define the pattern of discrimination in response to variation in the contrast in clover content between alternative swards. And, secondly, to test whether the pattern is affected by the mean clover content about which the range is established.The ‘base’ levels of clover content: 30 and 60% together with 7 ‘contrast’ levels from -30 to +30% of ‘base’ level were planned. Swards of equal content were included as controls. Thus the 30% base was contrasted with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60%; and the 60% base with 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90% white clover. Each combination of treatments was repeated at two nitrogen levels: C and 30 kg N/ha and the whole replicated twice. The experimental area was at Grasslands Division, Palmerston North, New Zealand. The pasture comprised well-established Ruanui ryegrass - Huia white clover with some weed species. Fifty-six plots (5.6 x 3.5 m), each containing 2 ‘contrast’ areas at 2.8 x 3.5 m were sprayed with different herbicides on 29 July 1983 to achieve the above contrasts.
A comparison of two methods for the estimation of herbage intake by lactating dairy cows
Authors: Clements A.J. , Mayne C.S. , Woodcock S.C.F. 
Published: June 2019

The herbage Intake of grazing dairy cows can be estimated either directly from measurements made through the animal or alternatively from sward measurements. Of the animal-based techniques, the most widely adopted method used to estimate herbage intake is the faecal output-indigestlbillty ratio technique. More recently, animal energy requirements have been used as a basis to predict herbage Intake. The objective of the present study was to compare the two animal-based techniques for estimating herbage intake.Two experiments were carried out during 1984 and 1985. In Experiment 1 a total of 42 lactacing British Friesian cows were allocated to three grazing treatments. Herbage Intakes were estimated over three twelve-day periods during the experiment. In Experiment 2, 40 cows were allocated to three grazing treatments and Intakes were again estimated over three twelve-day periods. Two methods were used to estimate the herbage Intake of the cows. Method 1 involved the estimation of herbage intake from animal energy requirements using both observed liveweight changes (Method 1a) and liveweight changes calculated from a regression analysis of llvewelghts over the experitmental period (Method 1b). With Method 2 intakes were estimated by the faecal output-indigestibllity ratio technique.
Supplementary feeding of forages or concentrates to dairy cows at pasture
Authors: Kibon A. , Holmes W. 
Published: June 2019

Two experiments have compared the effects of forages or concentrates offered to dairy cows, continuously stocked in late Summer at a low stocking rate in Experiment 1 or a higher stocking rate in Experiment 2.In Experiment 1 (July - October 1984) 20 Spring calving British Friesian cows were allocated to a Latin square design with four, three week periods and four treatments, a control group, grazing only (TO), grazing with 5 kg dry matter fresh lucerne per day (TL), grazing with 5 kg dry matter hay per day (TH) and grazing with 4 kg DM concentrate per day (TC). In Experiment 2 (August -October 1985) 24 cows of similar calving dates were used in an incomplete Latin square design lasting eight weeks to compare treatments TO, TL, TS and TC where silage (TS) replaced hay. All supplements were offered for 1 hour after each of two milkings per day.
Development of behaviour in beef bulls: Sexual behaviour causes more problems than
aggression
Authors: Appleby Michael C , Wood-Gush D G M 
Published: June 2019

Rearing entire male calves for beef is becoming more common, but there is concern that sexual behaviour among bulls may be economically damaging and that there may be aggression between bulls and against stockmen. Behaviour has only been studied in detail in mature bulls or under disturbed conditions.To compare the development of behaviour in stable groups of Friesian-Holstein bulls and steers prior to sale at one year old, and to assess implications for management.Twelve bulls and 12 steers were held in an open-sided house at 5 m2/calf, with2 ad libitum hay, concentrates and water. From 5 to 10 months old, each calf was observed for one hour each month and all sexual and aggressive interactions between calves were recorded. At 6½ months, the pen was divided into halves, separating bulls and steers. This reduced the frequency of all interactions. At 10 months, reaction to humans was assessed on a scale from 1 (approach strongly) to 5 (avoid strongly). Bulls and steers were compared on all measures by the Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical test (* = P < 0.05, ** - P <0.01).
The use of whey and whey products in piglet creep rations
Authors: Davies O D 
Published: June 2019

Dried skimmed milk (DSM) is a common constituent of piglet creep rations. Dried whey and whey products are however increasing in popularity, mainly due to their lower cost.To compare these two milk products, twenty litters from Large White x Landrace sows, totalling 188 piglets, were offered one of two creep rations.
Grape juice concentrate as a feed for beef cattle
Authors: Hemsley C.L. , Rowlinson P. , Ellis M. 
Published: June 2019

Wine production within the EEC has been increasing continuously over the past decade,creating a surplus which has been handled either by storage as wine or concentrated grape Juice, or by the distillation of wine to higher strength alcohol. As a possible alternative outlet, it has been proposed that grape juice concentrate (GJC) be used as a component of animal feed systems.The dry matter (DM) of GJC averages 630 g/kg, with a sugar content of 920 g/kg DM of which approximately equal proportions are fructose and glucose. The protein content averages only 10g/kgDMTo investigate the feasibility of utilising GJC in the diet of beef cattle a production trial tas planned, using information on voluntary intakes of GJC and total dry matter intakes (DMI) obtained in a preliminary cattle feeding study.
The effect of protein content of the supplement on the response to level of supplementation with dairy cattle offered grass silage ad libitum
Authors: Mayne C. S. 
Published: June 2019

Previous studies at this Institute have shown that there is an interaction between level of supplementary feeding and protein content in the supplement. For example, a given milk yield can be obtained by offering supplements of high crude protein content at much lower levels than would be required with conventional supplements. Furthermore, this approach enables a greater reliance on the forage component of the diet, particularly where high quality grass silage is available. The objective of the present large scale study was to determine milk production responses to supplements of differing protein content, given with high quality grass silage, and to examine effects on ration digestibility.The experiment was carried out over a two year period, with a total of 168 autumn-calving British Friesian dairy cows. Supplements containing either 100, 220, 340 or 460 g crude protein (CP)/kg fresh weight were offered from day 14 of lactation. Each supplement was offered at four levels, with 9 animals per treatment.
The effects of feeding diets containing high levels of fibrous by-products during late pregnancy on sow performance
Authors: Edwards S A , Taylor A G 
Published: June 2019

Many by-products available for feeding to pigs are high in fibre. The effects of such materials on feed in-take and killing-out percentage make them poorly suited for feeding to growing pigs, except at very low inclusion levels. These considerations are not limiting in the breeding sow, and the potential for utilising bulky by-products is consequently much greater. There may also be advantages for animal welfare and simplicity of management if diets containing such products can be fed ad libitum in loose housing systems.This experiment was carried out to measure the effects of inclusion of very high levels of fibrous by-products in the diet of sows during late pregnancy on subsequent performance of the sow and litter.
An alternative approach to the use of silage inoculants
Authors: Merry R J , Theodorou M K , Beever D E , Leemans D K , Thomas C 
Published: June 2019

Most commercially available silage inoculants are supplied as freeze-dried preparations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) which are rehydrated immediately prior to application to herbage (Wilkinson, 1989). One limitation of this approach is that rehydrated bacteria are likely to be less active initially than ‘freshly cultured’ (actively growing) cells. Thus an extended lag phase may precede the period of logarithmic growth of freeze-dried inoculants. From the above argument, it follows that freshly cultured bacteria may be preferable in order to enhance activity in the initial period of ensilage.In two experiments, firstly the principle of using freshly cultured inoculants was examined in laboratory silos followed by a scale-up of the inoculant production process to investigate the practicability of using it in an on-farm system, and examining its effect on silage composition and cattle production response.
Sensory attributes of organic and conventional beef
Authors: Younie D. , Hamilton M. , Nevison I. 
Published: June 2019

Awareness of food quality has increased considerably amongst consumers for a number of reasons. These include concern over agrochemioal residues and eating quality. Food produced to organic standards is claimed to be of intrinsically better quality than conventionally produced food. Apart from the likelihood of reduced agrochemical residues, it is also suggested that organic food tastes better. Livestock diets are known to influence the taste of meat and milk products (Younie et al 1988). The experiment described here was initiated to determine whether beef produced organically had different flavour characteristics from conventionally produced beef.Beef samples were obtained from two groups of Hereford x Frieslan steers born in autumn 1987, reared within the framework of an 18 month beef system and finished in early 1989.
Evaluation of the performance of five exotic pig breeds under test station conditions in zimbabwe
Authors: Pathiraja N. , Mandisodza K. T. 
Published: June 2019

Three British breeds, Large White, Landrace and Welsh are used widely in producing crossbred sows for commercial slaughter pig production in Zimbabwe. In most cases crossbred sows are mated either to Duroc or Hampshire to produce slaughter progeny. This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of these five breeds under test station conditions.The records for this study were obtained from the central test station. The data included 1513 centrally tested pigs over the five year period 1984-88. The traits analysed were daily gain (DG) g, food conversion ratio (FCR) between 35-86 kg, k backfat depth at 86 kg (BF) mm, conformation-score (CS) and leg-score (LS). The data for CS and LS were on a 50-point scale, taken at the end of the test. Animals were fed on a restricted scale during performance testing. The data were analysed by least-squares procedures. For all the traits fixed effects considered in the analysis were season, year, sex, breed, age at start of the test and interactions as appropriate. The season according to month at start of performance test was classified as cold (April-June), dry (July-September), early Summer (October-December) or late Summer (January-March).
Lifetime performance of pigs fed post-weaning diets of different levels of ideal protein
Authors: Kay R.M. , Miller B.V. , Bourne F.J. , Gibson J. 
Published: June 2019

Both level of feeding and dietary composition have been demonstrated to influence bacterial colonisation and diarrhoea in the weaned pig. Specifically, Bertschinger et al (1979) demonstrated that diets low in protein and energy and high in fibre content could protect the weaned pig against challenge with live pathogenic E. coli. However, pig growth was so compromised that it proved to be unsatisfactory for commercial practice. Miller et al (1984) demonstrated that a diet in which the protein (casein) had been hydrolysed to constituent amino acids or peptides, thus markedly reducing its antigenicity, also could prevent post-weaning diarrhoea and minimise associated gut changes. They therefore, suggeted that one of the factors which may contribute to the aetiology of post-weaning diarrhoea is a transient hypersensitivity to dietary antigens prior to tolerance development.The aim of this present work was to attempt to combine these two approaches yet achieve acceptable piglet performance, the long-term aim being to design weaner diets which effectively control post-weaning diarrhoea on commercial farms without resulting in the use of antibiotics either prophylactically or therapeutically.
The application of electronics to the study of animal behaviour
Authors: Lawrence A B 
Published: June 2019

Animal behaviour is increasingly seen as a useful tool in animal production. However, behavioural observations are time costly, and it is difficult to ensure precision and repeatability of measurement.An alternative to observation is to use electronics to automatically record behaviour and two such applications are illustrated:The first system developed at Edinburgh records drinker and chain-related activity, two common abnormal behaviours in pregnant sows. Water flow meters record drinker use. Chain behaviour is monitored by supplying each sow with a vertically hanging chain to which is attached piezo-electric ‘wire’. Electrical activity is generated from the flow meter or the piezo-electric wire as the sow manipulates the drinker or the chain, and is read by a micro-computer at 60 seconds intervals. The system estimates water use and circadian patterns of drinker and chain activity for 16 sows. Applications include recording the development of these two behaviours in response to variations in variables such as feeding regime.
Electronics in genetic improvement of pigs
Authors: Webb A.J. , Bampton P.R. , Smith S. , Close S. P. 
Published: June 2019

Past genetic improvement programmes have concentrated mainly on lean growth. They have relied on a few simple measurements of growth rate, food intake and ultrasonic backfat, which were laborious to record, check and process. Now there is increasing concern to improve, or at least avoid undesirable correlated changes in, eating quality, distribution of lean, and reproduction.New electronic techniques offer the opportunity to record additional traits, with lower costs and faster data processing. This paper reviews the likely impact of electronics on the rate and nature of genetic improvement in pigs.
The effect of inclusion of virginiamycin in feed on glucose and alanine transport by intestinal brush border membrane vesicles of sheep
Authors: Parker D.S. , Tapper H. , Mason H. , Tuer H. 
Published: June 2019

Manipulation of the bacterial population of the intestine has been shown to result in changes in the structure and function of mucosal tissues. The objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of inclusion of a non-therapeutic antibiotic, virginiamycin, in the diet of sheep on the activity of the Na* -dependant transport of glucose and alanine by enterocyte cells. These transport mechanisms can be studied by isolation of brush border membrane vesicles following sub-cellular fractionation of the mucosal tissues.Tissue was obtained from two separate growth trials in which the effect of inclusion of virginiamycin on lamb growth was being studied. In Trial 1 (glucose studies) the animals had been fed a concentrate diet plus hay ad libitum and virginiamycin was included at 100 ppm in the treatment group. In Trial 2 (alanine studies) the sheep were fed a concentrate diet with virginiamycin included at 50 ppm in the treatment group.
The influence of allyl-trenbolone on the steroid hormone concentrations of multiparous sows in lactation and after weaning
Authors: Costa A , Varley M A 
Published: June 2019

Previous work has shown that although the ovaries of multiparous sows are quiescent throughout lactation (McDonald, 1980; Edwards, 1982) there are episodes of oestrogen activity in the peripheral circulation which are both highly variable and at very high concentrations (Varley and Foxcroft, 1989). The suspicion is that the source of this oestrogen is the adrenal gland although it is also possible that body fat stores are capable of being involved in this. Any treatment causing adrenal regression should therefore reduce the incidence of oestrogen episodes in the peripheral circulation.An experiment was therefore carried out at Leeds University to investigate the use of an orally active progestogen, allyl-trenbolone, which is routinely used in gilts and sows for the control of oestrous cycles, on the steroid hormone status and reproduction in multiparous sows.