bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of dietary n-3/n-6 ratio on fatty acid composition of liver, meat and perirenal fat in rabbits
Authors: Bernardini M. , Dal Bosco A. , Castellini C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe metabolic pathways of dietary fatty acids were studied in rabbits by analysing the fatty acid profile of different tissues (liver, perirenal fat,longissimus lumborummuscle). Four groups of 24 hybrid males each were assigned to four semi-purified diets, varying in the source oflipids which differed in n-3/n-6 ratios: 180 g/kg sunflower (S), 80 g/kg flaxseed + 90 g/kg sunflower (SF), 160 g/kg flaxseed (F) and 60 g/kg fish oil (FI). The liver showed a very important rôle in fatty acid syntheses and was the tissue richest in long-chain (≥20 C) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) of n-3 and n-6 series. The S diet gave the highest mono-unsaturated fatty acids and n-6 LCP (respectively, 201·9 and 384·9 g/kg,P< 0·01) also showing a clear antagonism v. n-3 LCP; the FI diet determined the highest enrichment of n-3 LCP (179·5 g/kg,P< 0·01). a-linolenic acid was efficiently converted into n-3 LCP mainly when п-ЗІп-6 ratio was high (Σn-3/С20: 4n-6: 2·74 and 3.61,P< 0·01 in flaxseed and fish-oil diet, respectively). The same trend occurred in the muscle but in a less consistent way. The adipose tissue more closely reflected the composition of the dietary fatty acids, showing variations mainly concerning polyunsaturated fatty acids (S diet), and LCP n-3 (FI diet: 44·9 g/kg,P< 0·01). Results showed the possibility of modifying the fatty acid profile of rabbit meat by dietary means and that the n-3/n-6 ratio of the food is crucial in regulating the relative presence of LCP n-3 or n-6 in meat products.
A period of energy supplementation but not the type of supplement influences the insulin response to exogenous glucose in food-restricted post-partum suckler beef cows
Authors: Ponsart C. , Ponter A. A. , Khireddine B. , Humblot P. , Sauvant D. , Mialot J.-P. , Grimard B. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTwo experiments were designed to study the influence of an increase in energy supply on the utilization of exogenous glucose in food-restricted post-partum Charolais suckler beef cows. In experiment 1, 18 cows were given a basal diet (BD) providing 0·70 of energy requirements from calving with or without an energy supplement (SD) of 2 kg of rolled triticale grain starting at day 32 post partum. On day 42 post partum an injection of glucose (1·0 mmol/kg live weight) lasting 20 min resulted in a similar plasma glucose and cortisol profile in each diet group but a smaller plasma insulin increase in SD than in BD cows (146 (s.e. 37)v.273 (s.e. 37) pmol/l,P< 0·05). Plasma non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were reduced by the glucose injection (P< 0·01). Experiment 2 compared the efficiency of an energy supplement in the form of concentrate (CS, maize grain, no. = 11) or forage (PS, maize silage, no. = 10) in oestrous-synchronized beef cows previously given a restricted diet. Glucose injection resulted in a small increase in insulin concentrations during infusion with a peak at 20 min (PS: 250 (s.e. 34)v.CS: 257 (s.e. 32) pmol/l,P> 0·05). No differences were observed between the two groups of cows for glucose, insulin and cortisol profiles (P> 0·05). Similar pregnancy rates after oestrous synchronization treatment were observed in CS and PS cows (6/11v.5/10). In conclusion, a period of supplementation sufficient to re-establish energy balance, but not the type of supplement, influences the insulin response to exogenous glucose in food-restricted post-partum Charolais beef cows.
Different means of administering polyethylene glycol to sheep: effect on the nutritive value of Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. foliage
Authors: Ben Salem H. , Nefzaoui A. , Ben Salem L. , Tisserand J. L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPolyethylene glycol-4000 (PEG) was used to inactivate tannins in Acacia cyanophylla Lindl foliage. In the first of two experiments, four groups of five Barbarine sheep were held in metabolism crates so that intakes, apparent digestibilities, nitrogen balances and urinary excretion of allantoin could be measured. The second experiment involved four groups of three male Queue Fine de l'Ouest sheep fitted with rumen cannulae and housed in individual pens to measure rumen fermentation parameters and dry matter in situ degradation of A. cyanophylla foliage. All animals received fresh A. cyanophylla foliage ad libitum and 330 g concentrate on a daily basis. In each experiment, three groups of sheep received 20 g PEG daily, either mixed with concentrate (PEG-concentrate), dissolved in drinking water (PEG-water) or sprayed as a solution on A. cyanophylla foliage at the point of feeding (PEG-treatment). The fourth group was not supplied with PEG (control). Dry-matter intake of A. cyanophylla was low (28·3 g/kg metabolic live weight (M0·75) per day) and increased in sheep given the PEG-concentrate diet (38·2 g/kg M0·75 per day). PEG-concentrate and PEG-water diets resulted in an improvement in protein utilization as indicated by an increase of crude protein apparent digestibility (2·1 and 1·9 fold, respectively), nitrogen retention (3·2 fold with both dietary treatments) and urinary excretion of allantoin (1·9 and 1·5 fold, respectively). Improvements obtained with PEG-treatment diet were low and in general not significant (P > 0·05). Low neutral-detergent fibre and acid-detergent fibre apparent digestibility coefficients of diets led to the conclusion that conventional detergent extraction techniques are questionable in determining the in vivo digestibility of cell wall constituents for tannin-rich forages. Results from rumen fluid analyses indicated that sheep given PEG-containing diets had higher ammonia-nitrogen and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations (P < 0·05). These results, coupled with the increase of allantoin excretion gave clear evidence that the efficiency of microbial synthesis was improved with PEG addition. The absence of change in ruminal pH and molar proportions of individual VF A suggested similar fermentation patterns among all dietary treatments. PEG supply increased the slowly degradable fraction of A. cyanophylla foliage incubated in the rumen (P < 0·05), thus dry matter potential degradability (a + b) was highest in sheep given PEG-containing diets. It is concluded that the affinity of acacia tannins to PEG, increased the availability of degradable proteins, which resulted in an improvement of the nutritive value of acacia foliage. However, for practical situations, adding PEG to concentrate or to drinking water is recommended for sheep browsing A. cyanophylla trees in the field or fed indoors.
Effects of urea and saccharose on intake and digestion of a Digitaria decumbens hay by black belly sheep
Authors: Archimède H. , Aumont G. , Saminadin| G. , Deprès E. , Despois P. , Xandé A 
Published: August 2016

AbstractEffects of incorporation of urea and saccharose in diets, on intake and digestion by sheep of a 35-day-old pangola (Digitaria decumbens) hay, have been studied according to a 4 × 4 Latin-square design. Sixteen rams were given four diets: hay (C); hay plus urea (U, 23 g/kg hay); hay plus saccharose (S, 60 g/kg hay), hay plus urea and saccharose (SU). Acid-detergent fibre and crude protein (CP) content of the roughage were 395 and 78 g/kg dry matter (DM) respectively. Intake of hay (g DM per kg live weight0.75), supplemented with urea and sugar (42⋅9), was lower (F < 0.05) than with other diets (47.2, s.e. 1.6). The organic matter (OM) total tract and ruminal digestibility of the diet C, S, U and SU were 0.622, 0.590, 0.615 and 0.587 (s.e. 0.007); 0.361, 0.380, 0.378 and 0.345 (s.e. 0.015) respectively. Effective degradation and nylon bag kinetics of DM degradation were higher with U and SU compared with S or C. Few differences were observed between diets for ruminal concentration of volatile fatty acids. The ruminal ammonia concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) for the diets with urea than without urea (78 v. 215 mg/l). The efficiencies of the microbial synthesis (g nitrogen per kg OM fermented in the rumen) were, 23.6, 22.4, 24.9 and 29.3 (s.e. 1.7) for the diets C, U, S and SU respectively.Even though additional urea increased nitrogen availability for ruminal bacteria, urea supplementation did not affect significantly intake or digestion of the pangola hay of medium CP content used in this experiment.
Physiological responses of sheep during long road journeys involving ferry
crossings
Authors: Hall S. J. G. , Broom D. M. , Goode J. A. , Lloyd D. M. , Parrott R. F. , Rodway R. G. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
With a view to comparing previous findings from experimental journeys, with
observations during commercial transport of sheep, hormonal and other
physiological data were gathered during three long journeys (866 to 1178 km), all
of which involved a sea crossing (1 h 45 min to 8 h 55 min). One was a commercial
journey from the United Kingdom to continental Europe and the other two, which
were simulated commercial journeys under the control of the investigators, were
from a Scottish island to Cambridge. In all journeys there was a break in lairage
(duration 13 to 24 h). The stocking rate on the commercial journey (0·17 m2 per
sheep for shorn sheep of 35 to 37 kg body weight) was less generous than
previously used in experimental journeys. In all journeys there was an apparent
increase in plasma concentration of cortisol soon after loading and commencement
of travel, with subsequent decline. Transient increases in beta-endorphin and
prolactin were also observed but changes in creatine kinase were not obvious.
Haematocrit showed slight evidence o f a decline during the journeys. These
findings are generally similar to those obtained in experimental journeys and
there was no evidence of a hormonal response to sea conditions during the ferry
crossings. When transport was resumed after a period of rest with food and water
off the vehicle, the physiological responses were less marked than they had been
during the first stage of the journey. Under the circumstances observed, long
journeys of the type commonly practised commercially probably do not of themselves
pose a major welfare challenge.
Effects of the percentage of Texel or Rouge de ľOuest genes in lambs on
carcass characteristics and meat quality
Authors: Carson A. F. , Moss B. W. , Steen R. W. J. , Kilpatrick D. J. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of the percentage of Texel or Rouge de
l’Ouest (Rouge) genes in lambs (0, 50, 75 or 100%; the remainder being Greyface
(Border Leicester × Scottish Blackface)) on lamb carcass characteristics and meat
quality. Ewe lambs were slaughtered at 34, 40, 46 and 52 kg and ram lambs were
slaughtered at 40, 46, 52 and 58 kg live weight. Dressing proportion increased (P
< 0·001) by 0·53 and 0·27 g carcass weight per kg live weight for each 1%
increase in Texel or Rouge genes respectively. Carcass conformation classification
increased (P < 0·001) by 0·016 and 0·007 units (on a five-point scale) for each
1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes respectively. Carcass fat depth measures were
reduced by Texel and Rouge genes such that at a constant fat depth end point,
carcass weight could be increased by 0·029 and 0·023 kg for each 1% increase in
Texel or Rouge genes. Carcass lean content increased (P < 0·001) by 0·99 and
0·27 g/kg for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes. Subcutaneous fat content
was reduced (P < 0·001) by 0·36 and 0·29 g/kg for each 1% increase in Texel or
Rouge genes. Intermuscular fat content was reduced (P < 0·01) by 0·38 g/kg per
1% increase in Texel genes, whereas Rouge genes had no effect. Similarly, bone
content was reduced (P < 0·01) by Texel genes only (0·31 g/kg per 1% increase
in Texel genes). Warner-Bratzler shear force values showed a quadratic effect with
increasing Texel and Rouge genes, with an initial decrease from 0 to 50% followed
by an increase to 100%. Cooking loss increased (P = 0·05) as the percentage of
Rouge genes in lambs increased. Increasing the percentage of Texel or Rouge genes
significantly increased L* values (P < 0·01 and P < 0·05 respectively), b*
values (P = 0·05 and P< 0·05 respectively) and H° values (P <
0·001).
Water intake and excretion, urinary solute excretion and some stress
indicators in mink (Mustela vison): 2. Short-term response of adult males
to changes in ambient temperature
Authors: Tauson A.-H. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Quantitative water intake and excretion, urinary osmolality and urinary
excretion of Na, K and cortisol were studied in an experiment with nine adult male
mink. The experiment comprised four periods each of 3 days, and ambient
temperature (Ta) was increased from 5°C to 20 °C (periods 1
to 2) and, after an interval of 1 day, continued at 20°C and then decreased to 5°C
(periods 3 to 4). Three different water supplies were given, namely E: extra water
in the food, N: normal ad libitum water supply or R:
restricted, free access to drinking water twice daily. Intake of metabolizable
energy (ME) was calculated, and the water intake and excretion data were related
to ME intake. The effect of Ta on quantitative water intake
and excretion was evident, with the greatest response recorded when
Ta was decreased. Intake of drinking water was highest at
20 °C, as well as the total water balance. The water supply had some, but not a
profound, influence on water intake and excretion, with tendencies for reduced
drinking water intake and water excretion in urine for R mink. Intake of ME
decreased during period 3 at 20 °C and then increased when Ta
was decreased to 5°C, which was reflected by an increased 24-h excretion of Na and
K as well as an increased osmolality of the urine. Therefore, it was concluded
that water intake and excretion were affected by combined effects of
Ta and ME intake. Generally, it was shown that the mink
responded rapidly to changes in Ta, and within 24 h
significant effects of the change could be recorded for several of the traits
studied.
Effect of previous lambing date and subsequent month of mating on reproductive
performance in Mule ewes
Authors: Mitchell L. M. , King M. E. , Aitken R. P. , Wallace J. M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The objective was to determine the effect of previous lambing date and
subsequent month of mating on reproductive performance in Mule (Bluefaced
Leicester × Scottish Blackface) ewes. Sixty-four ewes which had previously lambed
in January (13 January (s.e. = 1 day)) and 80 ewes which had previously lambed in
May (15 May (s.e. = 1 day)) were allocated equally to four mating periods (30
August to 17 September, 1 November to 19 November, 3 January to 21 January and 14
February to 4 March) in a 2 × 4 factorial design. From 20 days before and during
their designated mating period, January- and May-lambing ewes were separately
housed in straw-bedded pens under natural photoperiod and were given 1 kg per head
per day dried grass pellets. A vasectomized ram was continuously present with each
group for 17 days and was replaced by a raddled, fertility tested entire Suffolk
ram at the start of the mating period. Ewes were mated at a single natural oestrus
and those marked by the ram were recorded daily. Ovulation rate was measured by
laparoscopy on day 6 after mating. For ewes which had previously lambed in January
(16 per group), numbers by month of mating that showed oestrous behaviour,
ovulated and were pregnant, respectively, were: September, 16, 15 and 12;
November, 16, 15 and 14; January, 15, 15 and 10 and February, 15, 16 and 7. Mean
(s.e.) ovulation rates by month of mating were 2·1 (0.16), 2·5 (0.19), 2·1 (0.09)
and 2·2 (0.19) corpora lutea per ewe ovulating, and lambing rates by month of
mating were 1·3 (0.25), 1·9 (0.25), 1·2 (0.24) and 0·8 (0.23) lambs per ewe to the
ram. For ewes which had previously lambed in May (20 per group), numbers by month
of mating that showed oestrous behaviour, ovulated and were pregnant,
respectively, were: September, 13, 20 and 12; November, 20, 20 and 19; January,
20, 20 and 17 and February, 20, 20 and 13. Mean (s.e.) ovulation rates by month of
mating were 2·0 (0.13), 2·3 (0.11), 2·1 (0.05) and 2·2 (0.11) corpora lutea per
ewe ovulating, and lambing rates by month of mating were 1·0 (0.21), 2·1 (0.15),
1·5 (0.17) and 1·2 (0.21) lambs per ewe to the ram. Ovulation, pregnancy and
lambing rates were not influenced by previous lambing date, but lambing rates were
significantly (P < 0·01) reduced for ewes mated in September and February
compared with November. Results demonstrate that in Mule ewes acceptable ovulation
rates can be achieved throughout the period September to February but lambing
rates are reduced when ewes are mated at the extremes of their natural breeding
season. The main factor contributing to the reduction in lambing rates was an
increase in the number of ewes failing to establish pregnancy as a consequence of
ovulation without oestrous behaviour, fertilization failure and (or) total embryo
loss.
The effects of synchronizing the rate of dietary energy and nitrogen supply to
the rumen on the production and metabolism of sheep: food characterization and
growth and metabolism of ewe lambs given food ad libitum
Authors: Witt M. W. , Sinclair L. A. , Wilkinson R. G. , Buttery P. J. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The effects of diets formulated to have two rates of organic matter (OM)
release and to be either synchronous or asynchronous with respect to their hourly
release of nitrogen (N) and OM in the rumen on the growth, intake and metabolism
of ewe lambs was studied. In experiment 1, the in situ degradation characteristics
of N and OM for 16 food ingredients was determined. The foods varied considerably
in their chemical composition and degradability coefficients of N and OM. Based on
this information, four diets were formulated to differ in their rate of N and OM
release in the rumen but to have a similar content of metabolizable energy (10·4
MJ/kg dry matter (DM)), crude protein (140 g/kg DM), daily ratio of N: OM released
(34 g N per kg OM) and digestible undegradable protein (32 g/kg DM) but to be
synchronous or asynchronous with respect to hourly N: OM ratio. The four diets
were slow energy, synchronous (SS), slow energy asynchronous (SA), fast energy,
synchronous (FS) and fast energy asynchronous (FA).
In experiment 2 the four diets were offered ad libitum to 24 ewe lambs of an
initial live weight of 25 kg in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Lambs were slaughtered
at 40 kg live weight. Animals offered diets FS and FA had a higher growth rate
than those offered diets SA and SS (266 v. 225 g/day respectively; P < 0·05).
There was a significant interaction between rate ofOM and N release on DM intake
(DMI) with lambs offered diet FS consuming less than those offered FA (1·47 v.
1·67 kg DM per day; P < 0·05). Rate of energy release and synchrony had an
effect on food conversion efficiency (FCE; kg gain per kg DMI) with lambs offered
diets FS and FA having a greater FCE than those offered SS and SA (0·170 v. 0·146
respectively; P < 0·001) and those offered diets SS and FS had a greater FCE
than those offered diets SA and FA (0·164 v. 0·152 respectively; P < 0·05).
Diet had little effect on carcass composition. The proportion of propionate in
rumen fluid was greater in lambs offered diets FS and FA than in those offered
diets SS and SA (222 v. 168 mmol/mol respectively; P < 0·01). Plasma urea
concentrations exhibited a cyclical trend throughout the day with highest
concentrations occurring 2 h after fresh food was offered. Lambs offered diet FS
had lower plasma urea concentrations at 6, 10 and 14 h after feeding. Plasma
concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate were lower throughout the day in lambs offered
diet FS. The current findings are consistent with the view that a rapid release of
OM and synchronizing hourly N: OM release in the rumen can improve the efficiency
of growth through improvements in protein and/or energy metabolism.
Phase-feeding to optimize performance and quality of Belgian Blue
double-muscled bulls
Authors: Campeneere S. de , Fiems L. O. , Cottyn B. G. , Boucqué Ch.V. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
To optimize performance and carcass quality of Belgian Blue double-muscled
bulls four phased feeding regimens were evaluated. All diets were offered
ad libitum and consisted of 650 g concentrates and
350 g maize silage per kg dry matter (DM). Total period was divided into three
phases (ca. 360 to 460, 460 to 570 and 570 to 680 kg). All four groups received
the same maize silage but the different energy and protein densities were applied
using different concentrates. During the three phases, the negative control (NC)
group constantly received a diet with a low protein and a moderate energy density;
the second group (DP) received with each phase diets with decreasing protein
density while the energy density remained moderate; the third group (IE) received
diets with increasing energy density at a constantly high protein density and the
last group (DPIE) received diets which decreased in protein and increased in
energy density.
The NC group grew significantly slower during the first interval (1·37 v.
1·62 kg/day for the other groups), resulting in a significantly longer total
finishing period. During the third period IE had the slowest growth. The NC group
needed 21 and 20 days more than the DP and DPIE groups, respectively, to reach the
same slaughter weight. The NC group had the lowest DM intake during the first
interval, the IE group during the third interval. No significant differences (P
> 0·05) were found for food conversion, when expressed as DM or NEF (net energy
for fattening). IE had the worst protein conversion while NC had the best, with
the two other groups being intermediate.
The only important significant difference concerning carcass quality was the
improved dressing proportion of the IE and DP groups. Although significant,
differences in the fat content of the m. longissimus thoracis are of minor
importance. These results proved that for Belgian Blue double-muscled bulls,
protein density of the diet can be decreased with increasing live weight, while
energy should be increased to give optimal performance.