bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of processing on chemical characteristics and nutritive value of cereals
Authors: Champ M. , Delort-Laval J. 
Published: June 2019

A large variety of processes - physical, chemical and/or biotechnological - is currently applied to cereals (Table 1).Among physical treatments, grinding is the most comnon ; it does not modify the chemical characteristics of the grains but improves the accessibility of the enzymes of the gut to their substrates by disrupting endosperm and aleuron cell walls. Thus, milling exposes the interior parts of the grain to the digestive enzymes. Some physical processing of barley grain, such as rolling, is necessary to give optimum digestion of the nutrients by cattle (ORSKOV, 1976). This treatment, applied to barley, appears to be beneficial for young species (KREFT and BOYLES, 1989). Pigs eat whole or very coarsely milled grain reluctantly (MAXWELL et al., 1970) and utilize whole barley poorly (LAWRENCE, 1970). For this reason, barley grain is commonly milled before feeding. Grinding of maize using a roller mill does not modify average daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion and fattening time of pigs. However, sensory evaluation tests, meat from control pigs fed untreated maize is preferred to meat from pigs given rolled maize (ITOH et al., 1986). However, finely ground barley causes a strong increase in the frequency of oesophagogastric lesions whereas diets countaining coarsely ground barley or crushed oats caused few lesions. Balance trials on lamb indicate that whole maize have more digestible, metabolizable and net energy than ground maize (BONSEMBIANTEE et al., 1988).
Genetic manipulation of plants - the new opportunities
Authors: Davies D. R. 
Published: June 2019

The recently developed technologies of genetic engineering offer the plant scientist not only a number of opportunities for introducing valuable novel characteristics into some of our crop plants but also provide for the first time the means to analyse and dissect some of the complexities of plant development and metabolism, and which will ultimately lead to even greater contributions to plant science.At present the technology is still in an early phase of development. Methods of isolating particular genes and regulatory sequences are accelerating rapidly, as are the means of modifying them prior to their reintroduction into plants; the ability to culture cells and tissues in vitro are well established for a great number of species. Introducing the genes into plants cells is relatively easy for some species but remains very difficult as yet for others, including some of our most important crop plants; regenerating whole plants from cultured cells and tissues is similarly easy for some but difficult for others. However even at this early stage there are some remarkable achievements; the production of herbicide resistant plants by incorporating genes either from bacteria or from unrelated plants is one. Resistance to particular insects has been achieved by again incorporating a gene from a bacterium which codes for a toxin or one from a plant which codes for a naturally occurring compound toxic to insects. An achievement which may have even greater potential is that of the production of virus resistant plants; this is achieved by incorporating a part of the virus’ own genetic information into the plant. These achievements are already nearing commercial exploitation in some instances.
Influence of acetylation on peptide breakdown by microorganisms from the sheep rumen
Authors: Wallace R.J. 
Published: June 2019

Protein is broken down by rumen microorganisms via peptides and amino acids to produce ammonia at rates which frequently exceed microbial requirements for N. Much of the ammonia-N formed in this way is eventually excreted as urea. If any of the steps in the degradation sequence could be inhibited, excessive ammonia production would be reduced. More protein, peptides or amino acids would escape fermentation in the rumen, thereby improving the protein nutrition of the host animal.The breakdown of peptides to amino acids is a central part of the degradation sequence. The main enzymic mechanism by which peptides are hydrolysed in the rumen is a bacterial dipeptidyl aminopeptidase, which cleaves dipeptides from the N-terminus of the peptide chain (Wallace & McKain, 1990). Little carboxypeptidase activity appears to be present. The present experiments were undertaken to find out to what extent blocking the N-terminus of peptides enables them to survive degradation in rumen fluid, and to determine which peptides can be protected in this way.
The effect of a plasma derived immunoglobulin supplement on the survival and growth of neonatal piglets
Authors: Pullar R A , Varley M A , Anderton D J 
Published: June 2019

Neonatal mortality represents a major loss of production efficiency for herds throughout the world and despite research and development work spanning many years the losses are still not tolerable either in economic terms or in terms of animal welfare. In the United Kingdom where producers are amongst the very best, the Meat and Livestock Commission estimate that pre-weaning mortality nationally is of the order of 12.8% of all piglets born alive (MLC, 1984).The causes of death are well documented (Spicer et al 1986) but overlying, starvation, chilling and pathological problems are principal components. Central to all of these factors may be the events occurring within the first hours of a piglets life and those animals which are first born which suckle quickly and effectively have a high probability of survival.Conversely, those piglets which are later born and which are also smaller than the average for the litter may be at a severe disadvantage because of the competitive environment around the udder of the sow after parturition. Modern hybrid sows also vary widely in their ability to produce colostrum (Varley,1984)
Intake and behaviour of cattle at different feed barriers
Authors: Petchey A M , Abdulkader Jemal 
Published: June 2019

Feed barriers and mangers form an integral part of a cattle housing system. Their role is to prevent the animals’ wasting feed by scattering it or by walking and defecating over it. Feed barriers generally effect a better distribution of feed and should allow individuals adequate and ready access. Often they have a dual role and act as the side of a pen. These functions are often achieved with some regard to several managerial objectives; simplicity of feed distribution, labour economy, the regulation of excessive animal activity, minimal feed wastage and promotion of animal comfort.Time spent at the feed barrier depends on the feedstuff, the rate of eating by the animal, space allocation, and the accessibility of the feed. Depending on the feed barrier design the animal may need to exert some force to reach the food. Injuries arise in those situations where large forces are exerted against the barrier and/or accommodating postures (ie kneeling or other) are adopted to reach the food. In extreme cases intake may be restricted. Thus, to assure maximum intake and minimise injuries the feed must be within the easy reach of the animal. Two trials with Friesian heifers compared the performance of 4 types of feed barrier.
A Survey of the concentration of ammonia recorded in pig housing in England
Authors: Williams P.E.V. , Fitt T.J. 
Published: June 2019

In animal housing ammonia is an aerial pollutant resulting from the microbial conversion of nitrogenous materials excreted in faeces and urine. Ammonia is an irritant to cells lining the respiratory tract and an increased incidence of pneumonia in pigs and humans and atrophic rhinitis in pigs have been correlated with elevated ammonia levels. In a survey of 12 farms and 49 pig buildings concentration of ammonia was identified specifically as a causative agent in the aetiology of atrophic rhinitis (Robertson, Wilson and Smith 1990). Furthermore, high levels of ammonia can delay the onset of puberty in gilts perhaps as a result of the masking of boar odour (Malayer, Brandt, Green, Kelly, Sutton and Diekman 1988).Regulations have been introduced (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)) limiting the exposure of humans to atmospheric ammonia to a mean level of 25 ppm over an 8h work shift and 35 ppm for 10 minute exposure. As part of a study on the effectiveness of a feed additive formulated to control atmospheric ammonia, levels of ammonia in pig housing were monitored.
An assessment of the stress associated with slaughter in sheep
Authors: Anil M.H. , Preston J. , Warriss P.D. , Rodway R.G. 
Published: June 2019

The Slaughter of Animals (Humane conditions) Act 1990 prohibits killing animals within sight of another. There is a need to produce scientific evidence to show whether the sight of sticking (exsanguination) is stressful to animals that happen to observe this procedure. This has important consequences on the design of stunning and sticking areas in the abattoir. Sticking in a separate are can lead to a delay between stunning and sticking and increase the chance of animals regaining consciousness.In this study experiments were carried out to determine whether sheep did responded in a way which could suggest they found the experience of witnessing sticking distressing.
Home Wintering systems for replacement ewe lambs
Authors: Mitchell Linda M , King Margaret E 
Published: June 2019

Ovine enzootic abortion (EAE) is of major concern to sheep producers. Various schemes are currently in existence for its eradication, all based on an initial two year monitoring period during which a predetermined number of ewes in each participating flock are blood tested at strategic points in the annual cycle of production for determination of EAE antibody titres. The risk of introducing EAE is primarily dependent on flock replacement policy. Using home-bred replacement ewe lambs and wintering them on the farm of origin eliminates the risk of introducing EAE.The objective of the present study was to evaluate various home wintering systems in terms of their cost effectiveness and compatibility with other farm enterprises.
Performance of a summer lambing flock grazing clover rich swards maintained at two sward surface heights
Authors: Mitchell Linda M , King Margaret E , Mackie C.K. 
Published: June 2019

There is increasing interest in the development of later lambing systems for crossbred ewes which more closely match ewe nutritional requirements with grass growth (Stone, 1988). Lambing a proportion of the flock during summer potentially ensures a better continuity of lamb supply but the superior growth rate of summer born lambs dictates that finishing is not delayed to as great an extent as would be predicted from lambing date. The objective of the present study was to determine whether it is possible to alter lamb growth by controlling herbage availability without detriment to ewe body condition.The liveweight change of sixty four Mule ewes and their summer (24th May) born twin lambs was evaluated when grazing unfertilised clover rich swards maintained at a sward surface height (SSH) of 4-6cm (Treatment A) or rising from 4-6 to 6-8cm (Treatment B). Grazing treatments were duplicated with equal numbers of animals per treatment and commenced on 19/6/90 (day 0). Throughout the grazing period SSH was monitored twice weekly using a sward stick and was maintained within the target ranges by movable electric fencing. Samples for determination of herbage mass and botanical composition were obtained at monthly intervals. Lambs were weighed fortnightly, ewes were weighed and condition scored monthly until weaning on 28/8/90 (day 70).
Integration of sheep with dairy cows in a leader-follower system
Authors: Swift G , McClelland T H , Scott N A , Hodgson-Jones L S , FitzSimons J 
Published: June 2019

In a rotational grazing system for dairy cows, to achieve maximum yield/cow, optimum post grazing stubble height of between 8-10 cm is recommended. At this mean height, however, selective patchy grazing and excessive stem production occurs, particularly around dung patches. Sward deterioration gets progressively worse as the grazing season progresses, resulting in a decline in pasture utilisation and output. An alternative to topping to improve sward structure is a leader-follower system with sheep, as tested In Ireland (O'Riordan, 1989). A pilot investigation was carried out in 1989 and a more detailed evaluation of the technique was made in 1990. Results for 1990 are reported in this paper.A high yielding herd of 114 Holstein/Friesians (herd average 7200 l), in a genetic selection programme at the University of Edinburgh's Langhill Farm, were turned out on 3 May 1990. The cows rotationally grazed 2-3 ha paddocks for 3-4 days. Speed of rotation was determined by herbage availability and daily milk production, every effort being made to ensure that herbage intake to the dairy cows was never limiting.
Long-term changes in rumen fermentation in defaunated sheep
Authors: Frumholtz P.P. , Wallace R.J. , Newbold C.J. , Ørskov E.R. 
Published: June 2019

The removal of ciliate protozoa, or defaunation, results in the establishment of a new ecosystem in the rumen, consisting only of bacteria and fungi. Although extensive research has been done on ciliate-free ruminants, the role of protozoa in the rumen still provokes considerable debate. The diversity of experimental design, such as animal species, defaunation method, and diet could account for many of the differences observed between defaunation studies. Also it is important to examine the stability of the ciliate-free ecosystem. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in rumen fermentation of ciliate-free sheep over a period of one year.Eight male castrated sheep, weighing 60-70 kg, received twice daily 700 g of a diet of hay, barley, molasses, fish meal and vitamins/minerals (500, 299.5, 100, 91 and 9.5 g/kg DM respectively). Four sheep were defaunated by the rumen washing technique (Jouany and Senaud, 1979) and kept in isolated pens while the other four were left faunated with a mixed type A ciliate protozoa population. Rumen samples were withdrawn via the rumen cannula and blood samples were taken from the jugular vein -1, 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after feeding. There were three sampling periods: one month, six months and one year after defaunation.
Comparative performance of white clover and perennial ryegrass swards for finishing store lambs
Authors: Davies O D , Howard D W 
Published: June 2019

Environmental pressures on the agricultural industry to reduce the use of nitrogenous fertilizer, coupled with improvements in varieties now available, have heightened interest in the use of white clover on livestock farms in the United Kingdom. Furthermore white clover is nutritionally superior to ryegrass, particularly in its protein content. Store lambs require a high quality feed so that they grow well and achieve the desired amount of carcass finish. In this investigation the performance and subsequent carcass characteristics of store lambs finished on white clover or perennial ryegrass swards are compared.During the autumn of 1989, eighty four Texel x Welsh Mule wether lambs were divided into 4 balanced groups. Each group was penned into 0.65 ha paddocks of either white clover (C) or perennial ryegrass (PRG) swards to give two groups of twenty four lambs per sward type.The clover sward (3 ha field) was sown on 3 August 1983 with 6.85 kg/ha of an equal mixture by weight of Nesta (large leafed variety) and Menna (intermediate variety). Three silage cuts had been taken during the 1989 season totalling 7.2 tonnes DM/ha, the third cut being taken on 19 September.
The effect of calcium hydroxide treatment of spent grains on their digestion and utilisation by finishing lambs
Authors: Barker J.E. , Offer N.W. 
Published: June 2019

The use of malt distillers grains (draff) in ruminant diets is limited both by its moderate digestibility and variable intake. This is due to the low digestibility of its fibre and to the inhibitory effects of its unsaturated oil on rumen cellulolysis. Treatment of draff with Ca(OH)2 may ameliorate these limitations in two ways. Firstly, alkali treatment increases fibre digestibility due to hydrolysis of lignocellulosic linkages. Secondly, under alkaline conditions and in the presence of calcium ions, the unsaturated fatty acids of the draff oil form insoluble calcium soaps, thus reducing their inhibitory effects on rumen function.Thirty Blackface-cross lambs were allocated by sex and weight to three groups of ten. The animals were penned in pairs and were offered hay ad libitum and supplemented with 350g DM/d of either mineralised draff (MD), limed draff (LD - draff treated with 80g Ca(OH)2 /kg DM, held at 60°C for 18 hours and then dried at 60°C), or a proprietary lamb finishing concentrate (C - Premium Sheep Fattening Pellets, Carrs Farm Foods, Solway Mills, Silloth). The supplements were gradually increased to 1200g DM/d over 60 days. Dry matter intakes of hay and supplements were measured daily and animals were weighed weekly. The lambs were condition scored ‘blind’ on day 60 and were assessed for slaughter.
The effect of sugar beet pulp and rolled barley as absorbents on effluent production, silage fermentation and animal performance
Authors: Johnson P N 
Published: June 2019

Silage effluent represents a potential pollutant and a loss of ensiled nutrients. An absorbent provides the possibility of absorbing effluent, aiding fermentation and increasing the feeding value of the silage. Sugar beet pulp (SBP) nuts and rolled barley (RB) were evaluated as absorbents with direct cut grass silage.Perennial ryegrass swards of 222 g/kg average dry matter were direct cut between 10 and 12 July 1989. Grass was ensiled with the following rates of absorbent per tonne of fresh material:1.20 kg SBP (S20).2.40 kg SBP (S40).3.40 kg RB (B40).4.Untreated (U).Production of silage effluent was measured with a tippler mechanism attached to an electronic logger and recorded daily until 22 September. The silages were individually fed through Calan Broadbent doors to 48 x 12 month old Friesian steers between 24 October and 19 December.
The effects of water to feed ratio on the digestibility, digestible energy and nitrogen retention of a grower ration
Authors: Barber J. , Brooks P.H. , Carpenter J.L. 
Published: June 2019

With the increase in the use of wet feeding systems, there has been a controversy over the optimum water to feed ratio to be used in these systems. Braude et al., (1967) showed that the feed conversion ratio was 20% higher for wet fed pigs compared to dry fed pigs. However, Forbes et al., (1968) found no significant difference in daily gain between wet and dry fed pigs.Gill et al., (1987) conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of different water to feed ratios on the performance of growing pigs provided with an additional water supply. They showed that liveweight gain and feed conversion significantly improved (p < 0.05) as the water to feed ratio of the liquid feed was increased from 2:1 to 3.5:1.The objective of this experiment was to investigate whether water to feed ratio effects digestibility, digestible energy and nitrogen retention.
The effect of four levels of feed on the water intake and water to feed ratio of growing pigs
Authors: Barber J. , Brooks P.H. , Carpenter J.L. 
Published: June 2019

Much of the early studies investigating the water consumption of pigs have measured water use rather than actual water intake. Water use includes an unknown component of waste from the drinking utensil used.WATER USE = WATER INTAKE + WATER WASTAGEOne of the objectives of this study was to measure actual total water Intake of growing pigs and to calculate actual total water to feed ratio.Recommendations of water feed ratio for liquid feed systems have been commonly made from experimentation with non wet fed pigs. The Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock : Pigs (1985) state that where water is not freely available, for example by means of bowls or drinkers, at least 2 litres of water should be added to each kg of meal. Water to feed ratios calculated in this way may be over estimated as they include an element of waste from drinking utensils which does not occur with wet fed pigs. Also recommendations of this nature make no allowance for the amount of water a pig may choose to consume with its feed. The second objective of this study was to investigate how much water pigs choose to drunk with their feed and how much is drink interprandially.
Selection differentials in a pig dam line group nucleus
Authors: Webb A. J. , Bampton P.R. , Mitchell R. 
Published: June 2019

Mixed model methods allow genetic merit to be compared directly for pigs measured in different environments or generations. They take into account genetic relationships among all individuals in the population, and allow continuous selection throughout the animal's life. The advantage is more accurate selection in larger populations. The risk is that selection decisions are decentralised to many different sites, requiring a high degree of supervision.In 1986 a “group nucleus” using BLUP and AI was established for a pig dam line in order to improve both litter size and lean growth. Selection occurs at several different stages in the life cycle, and this study examines selection differentials during performance testing together with the loss of differential resulting from visual appraisal.
Effect of animal size and supplementation on the feeding value of whole crop wheat
Authors: Castejon M. , Leaver J.D. 
Published: June 2019

Previous studies (Castejon and Leaver, 1990) with heifers of 350 kg liveweight showed whole crop wheat (WCW) treated with 40 kg urea/t DM had a DOMD of 654 g/kg, and 8% of grain in the crop was excreted in the faeces. Morgan and Campling (1978) have shown that age of animal influences the digestibility of cereal grains.The objective of the present trial was to examine the intake, digestibility and liveweight gain of three sizes of heifer with and without supplementation.
Effects of water additives on water consumption, urine output and urine mineral levels in angora goats
Authors: Cooper R.A. , Evans Suzanne , Kirk J.A. 
Published: June 2019

Urolithiasis is the formation of stones (or calculi) within the urinary system. Such ‘stones’ may result in urethral or ureteral obstruction. Most uroliths found in goats are composed of magnesium ammonium phospate or calcium magnesium phosphate and, while the chemistry of urolith formation is not fully understood, high concentrate diets, inadequate water intake and alkaline urine are all thought to be conducive to their development. Urolithiasis is normally only a problem in castrate males and Angora goats appear to be particularly susceptible.It has been reported (Bell, 1959) that goats are sensitive to ‘sweet’ and ‘sour’ tastes and that their consumption of flavoured water is higher than that of plain water. This trial investigated the effects of water additives on water consumption, and on urine production and composition, to determine whether such additives might offer a means of reducing some of the factors predisposing towards urolithiasis.