bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Halothane sensitivity as a field test for stress-susceptibility in the pig
Authors: Webb A. J. , Jordan C. H. C. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe possible use of a pig's reaction to the anaesthetic halothane as a field test for Porcine Stress Syndrome in genetic improvement pro-grammes was investigated. A standard 3-min halothane test gave incidences of positive reaction of 20% in a composite Pietrain/Hampshire line, 5% in Norwegian Landrace, 1% in Hampshires and zero in Durocs, Large Whites and N. American Yorkshires. In the Pietrain/Hampshire population, two generations oftwo-way selection on the test gave a divergence in incidence of positive reaction of 85%, and the frequencies of affected progeny supported the hypothesis of monogenic recessive inheritance. From second tests made 20 days after the first, the probability of misclassifying a pig's reaction on one test was 5 ± 1%. Positive reactors had significantly shorter and leaner carcasses, fewer pigs born alive, poorer meat quality, higher mortality and greater plasma creatine phosphokinase activity than negative reactors.
Annual reproductive rhythm and ovulation rate in four fat-tailed sheep breeds
Authors: Sefidbakht N. , Mostafavi M. S. , Farid A. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTKarakul, Mehraban, Naeini and Bakhtiari sheep were checked twice a day for oestrus using aproned rams and were laparotomized within 5 to 16 h of the end of every second oestrous period. Oestrus was observed for 12 monthly periods commencing on 21 April.The Mehraban breed with 1 -6 oestrous periods per month was less seasonal in its breeding activity (P<0·01) than the other breeds. Four-year-old ewes were more sexually active (P<0·01) than 3-year-old ewes (1·48 v. 1·28 oestrous periods per month). Seasonal variation in the sexual activity of the ewes was observed (P<001); the peak of activity in July to January was followed by a steady decline in February and March to a low in April and May, and then a steep recovery phase in June. There was only limited sexual activity for at least 4 months (March to June).The overall mean cycle length was 17·8 days (14 to 23 days), and the means for the four breeds were 17·6, 17·8, 17·8 and 17·9. The oestrous cycle was longer (P<0·05) during the period from December t o February than during that from June to August.The overall mean duration of the oestrous period was 36·9 h and the means for the four breeds were 35·2, 38·0, 37·4 and 37·1 h, respectively (P<0·05). The duration showed some monthly variation (P<0·01) but did not follow a special seasonal pattern. The ovulation rates for the four breeds were 1·07, 1·13,0·94 and 0·95 respectively, (P<0·01). There was a non-significant decline in the mean ovulation rate from March to June. Right ovaries were more active than left ovaries as judged by the observation of a higher average number of corpora lutea per ewe per laparotomy (0·58 v. 0·43, P<001).
Pre- and postnatal study of the carcass growth of sheep 1. Growth of dissectable fat and its chemical components
Authors: Broad T. E. , Davies A. S. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTTwenty-four prenatal (15 female), and 15 postnatal female Romney sheep, comprising a weight range from 3g to 60 kg, were dissected into their major carcass tissues. Adipose tissue was not dissectable from foetuses aged less than 80 days. The growth rates of the dissected adipose tissues and their chemical components, deoxyribonucleic acid, protein, and total lipid subdivided into phospholipid, cholesterol and triglyceride, were compared relative to the growth of the total carcass wet weight. Total side (half-carcass) adipose tissue grew at a rate substantially greater than total carcass weight. The subcutaneous adipose tissue of the forequarter grew at the fastest rate while that from the shoulder, sternum and internal cavity of the forequarter grew slowest, at rates which were not significantly different from that of the carcass. Of the chemical components, triglyceride and cholesterol grew at the fastest rate, deoxyribonucleic acid grew at the slowest rate, and phospholipid and protein grew at intermediate rates; all grew faster than the carcass. Predictions were made of the distribution of triglyceride in the carcass of the sheep at different stages of growth.
A note on the storage of sodium hydroxide-treated whole-crop barley beneath grass and lucerne silage
Authors: Moore A. , Harris C. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTOne hundred tonnes of spring-sown barley harvested as whole crop were treated on a commercial farm with pearl sodium hydroxide at 46 g/kg dry matter.The treated material was stored in a silage clamp beneath grass and lucerne silage. A thin layer of grass, cut and wilted to hay-making dry matter, was placed immediately on top of the barley to absorb any silage effluent.Monthly samples were taken for microbiological examination and chemical analysis throughout winter storage, while the material was fed to British Friesian dairy cows. There was no evidence of fermentation by clostridia in the whole-crop barley or wilted grass and there was no spoilage of the exposed feeding face. The treatment increased the in vitro organic matter digestibility and the in vitro digestible organic matter in the dry matter of the whole-crop barley. No excessive urination or other ill effects were observed in the stock.The method proved practical for the satisfactory storage and feeding of sodium hydroxide-treated whole-crop barley.
A note on the influence of Avoparcin on apparent digestibility and nitrogen retention in growing pigs
Authors: Ellis M. , Davies M. , Briggs P. A. , Armstrong D. G. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA metabolism trial was carried out to examine the influence of an antibiotic food additive (Avoparcin) on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen retention in the growing pig. Two groups of pigs, comprising 12 castrates per group, were fed a barley-based diet (190g crude protein per kg dry matter) with or without the inclusion of the antibiotic (at a dietary concentration of 20 mg/kg). Addition of Avoparcin had no significant effect on the apparent digestibility of dry matter or gross energy but resulted in a small increase in the apparent digestibility of nitrogen (0·012; P < 0·05). There was a corresponding improvement in nitrogen retention (0·051) but the difference was not statistically significant.
Effects of sex and energy intake between 48 and 90 kg live weight on protein deposition in growing pigs
Authors: Campbell R. G. , Taverner M. R. , Curic D. M. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTTwenty four entire male and 24 female pigs growing from 48 to 90 kg live weight were used to investigate the effects of five rates of food intake supplying daily between 23 MJ digestible energy (DE) and 41·8 or 39·2 MJ DE for entire males and females respectively, on rate of protein deposition, and on growth and body composition.Entire males deposited protein faster than females, and for both sexes the rate of protein deposition increased linearly with increase in energy intake up to 33 MJ DE per day (P < 0·001) but was not significantly affected by further increase in energy intake.Average daily gain increased quadratically (P < 0·001) with increase in energy intake and at all levels was higher for entire males than for females. Food:gain ratio (g food per g growth) which was lower for entire males improved with increase in energy intake up to 33 MJ DE per day and deteriorated with further increase in energy intake.At 90 kg live weight entire males contained less fat and more protein and water in the empty body than females. For both sexes, body fat content increased at a decreasing rate with increase in energy intake up to 33 MJ DE per day, and at an increasing rate with further increase in energy intake.Total energy retained was linearly (P < 0·001) related to energy intake and at all rates of energy intake was higher for females than for entire males. The estimates of DE required for maintenance were 15·9 MJ/day (0·664 MJ/kg M0·75 per day) and 12·4 MJ/day (0·51 MJ/kg M0·75 per day) for entire males and females, respectively.
Citric acid and fumaric acid as food additives for early-weaned piglets
Authors: Henry R. W. , Pickard D. W. , Hughes P. E. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe effects of diet acidification on the growth performance of piglets were assessed in two experiments. In the first, 167 piglets were weaned at 10 days of age and penned in litter-mate groups (seven groups per treatment) which were allocated to one of three diets, with either citric acid (30 g/kg; C), fumaric acid (15 g/kg; F) or no additional organic acid (N); pigs were fed ad libitum for 25 days. The rate of live-weight gain was significantly higher for treatment C than for treatments F or N (216 (s.e. 10), 170 (s.e. 7) and 189 (s.e. 6) g/day respectively; P < 0·05). The voluntary food intake on treatment C also tended to be higher than on the other two diets (220 (s.e. 24), 182 (s.e. 18) and 189 (s.e. 7) g/day for treatments C, F and N respectively).In experiment 2, 30 crossbred piglets were penned in single-sex groups of three and weaned at 10 days of age. The same diets were used as in experiment 1 but all three diets were available ad libitum to each group of piglets for 25 days. When dietary choice was allowed, piglets consumed significantly greater quantities of the control diet than of the acidified diets (1381, 1422, 2972 (s.e. 132) g/day for diets C, F and N respectively; P < 0·01). When the relative intake of each diet was correlated with live-weight gain, only diet C showed a significant positive correlation (r = +0·74; P < 0·05). Correlations of F and N intakes with live-weight gain were negative. It is concluded that citric acid (30 g/kg) in the diet of early-weaned piglets promotes live-weight gain, although acidification of the diet may decrease palatability.
Biochemical and haematological changes associated with short periods of work in draught oxen
Authors: Pearson R. Anne , Archibald R. F. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTBlood samples were taken from three Brahman × Friesian cattle while they walked for 1 h daily on a treadmill pulling 20 or 25 kg weights suspended in a cage. Heart rate and energy expenditure during work were closely correlated. The work had no significant effect on blood levels of red cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein, albumin, glycerol, urea, Mg, Ca, Na, K and chloride. White blood cells, glucose, lactate, free fatty acids, P-hydroxybutyrate and inorganic phosphate were affected by work although the changes were shortlived and values had returned to resting levels 75 min after work finished. The changes were similar in each animal and indicated work done by draught cattle is largely at a submaximal level. Apart from lactate no blood parameters were identified that could be usefully used to compare performance.
The intake of silage and grazed herbage by Masham ewes with single or twin lambs and its repeatability during pregnancy, lactation and after weaning
Authors: Newton J. E. , Orr R. J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe intake of silage, concentrates and grazed herbage, and the performance of 16 Masham ewes carrying and suckling either single or twin lambs, was measured during the last 7 weeks of pregnancy, during lactation and after weaning.There was no difference in intake between ewes with singles or twins in pregnancy, lactation or after weaning. The metabolizable energy intakes, from silage and concentrates, of the ewes with singles and twins were 101 and 100 MJ per head per day in weeks 7 and 6 pre partum, 21·4 and 19·9 MJ in weeks 3 and 2 pre partum, and 24·4 and 23·8MJ in the 1st week of lactation. The intakes from grass and concentrates were 32·3 and 338MJ in weeks 5 and 6 of lactation for the ewes with singles and twins respectively, and 13·8 and 15 2M J from grass alone after weaning. There was no effect of ewe live weight on intake and, although the ewes with singles were producing less milk than those with twins, their intakes were similar.The same ewes consistently ate the most feed. The overall coefficient of concordance was 05 6 and the coefficients for mid- and late-pregnancy, late pregnancy and early lactation, and early- and mid-lactation were 0·57, 0·62 and 0·66 respectively. The ewes with twins that consistently ate the most lost less weight in pregnancy, produced similar litter weights and suckled lambs that grew faster. Their levels of intake and production were high: the growth rate from 0 to 6 weeks of age of the twin lambs suckling the large-eaters was 721 g/day compared with 631 g/day for those suckling the small-eaters. During lactation the ewes with singles appeared t o consume more metabolizable energy than their maintenance, milk yield and live-weight gain requirements justified, whereas the group of smaller-eating ewes with twins put on more weight than expected from their intakes.
Effect of soaking the meal ration of growing pigs in water or skim milk
Authors: Barber R. S. , Braude R. , Mitchell K. G. 
Published: September 2010

1. Thirty-two individually-fed pigs were used to determine the effects of soaking their daily meal ration in either water or in liquid skim milk and water for approximately 24 hr. before feeding. The experimental period continued from about 10 weeks of age to bacon weight.2. Neither soaking procedure had any significant effect on the rate of growth, efficiency of food utilisation, dressing percentage, carcass length, backfat thickness or commercial grading results of the pigs.3. The growth rate and efficiency of food utilisation of the pigs given meal plus skim milk were significantly better than for those given the all meal diet. The dressing percentage of the former was also significantly higher than the latter, but there were no significant differences between the two groups in carcass length or backfat thickness.4. Possible reasons for the difference in performance of the all meal and meal plus skim milk-fed pigs are discussed.
Effects of variations in energy and protein intake on digestibility, nitrogen balance and carcass composition in British Friesian castrate male cattle
Authors: Griffiths T. W. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTwenty-seven castrate male cattle were used in two nutritional balance and slaughter experiments to measure the effects of increasing levels of dietary protein (9 to 15% in the dry matter) at two levels of feeding (approximately 16 and 22 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/100 kg live weight (LW) per day) on digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance and carcass growth and composition over the LW range 130 to 390 kg.The higher level of feeding increased LW gain and carcass gain (CG) but higher protein intake increased LW gain and CG only at the higher feeding level as a result of its favourable effect on digestibility. N balance tended to overestimate carcass N retention at higher levels of protein intake.The higher level of feeding increased the separable fat and total fat in the carcass. Increased protein intake had no effect on the lean meat content but increased the percentage protein in the edible portion of the carcass. LW gain, CG and carcass energy deposition were related to ME intake only but N balance and carcass protein gain were related to both ME and digestible crude protein intake.
The effect of reduction in daylength, level of feeding and age on the reproduction of young female sheep mated at an induced ovulation
Authors: Al-Wahab R. M. H. , Bryant M. J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractFifty-six young female Suffolk × (Cadzow Improver × Scottish Blackface) sheep were used in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment investigating: (i) change in daylength (constant C v. reduced R), (ii) level of feeding (to appetite, H, v. 75% of that allowance, L), and (iii) age at hormone treatment (20 v. 28 weeks). At the appropriate age, the sheep were treated with a progestagen (MAP) and 750 i.u. PMS, inseminated, and slaughtered 26 days later. In a second experiment, change in daylength and level of feeding only were investigated. Hormone treatment took place at 20 weeks of age. In both years, all sheep showed oestrous behaviour and ovulated. A greater number of sheep yielded embryos on C than on R treatments (P<0·05 in Year 2), but no effect of feed level or age was found. Of those sheep not yielding embryos, a greater number on R than on C treatments showed a second ovulation at 20 weeks but not at 28 weeks.
A note on sexual development of Icelandic rams
Authors: Dýrmundsson Ó. R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe results of studies into penial, scrotal and testicular development of Icelandic male lambs indicate relatively early attainment of physiological puberty. This stage of sexual maturity is generally reached by 4 months of age, with marked variation in both puberal age and body weight. Testicular and epididymal weights were more closely associated with body and carcass weights than with age of the lamb. It is a common practice to use Icelandic male lambs for breeding at 7 months of age.
Energy cost of eating in cattle given diets of different form
Authors: Adam I. , Young B. A. , Nicol A. M. , Degen A. A. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT1. Energy costs of eating were determined from the increased rates of oxygen uptake by five steers aged 18 to 20 months and weighing 298 to 407 kg.2. Five diets were tested: pelleted concentrate (500 g barley grain per kg, 400 g lucerne meal per kg, 90 g soya bean meal per kg, and 10 g NaCl, trace mineral and vitamin supplement per kg); pelleted lucerne; lucerne hay; chopped-grass hay (700 g brome per kg, 300 g fescue per kg); and chopped fresh turnips. The dry-matter concentration of the pellets and hays was approximately 900 g per kg while the turnips contained only 140 g per kg.3. The rates of ingestion differed markedly between diets during the (15 to 50 min) twice-daily (morning and evening) feeding periods. On a dry-matter basis, the pellets were consumed most rapidly at a rate of 130 to 138 g per min, while the hays were consumed at approximately 38 g per min and the turnips at 30 g per min.4. The energy costs per min spent eating were similar for all rations (27·6 to 35·6 J/ kg live weight). However, because of different rates of ingestion, the energy costs per kg DM ingested were different: 222 to 238 J/kg live weight for the pelleted foods, 1029 J/kg live weight for the hays and 1427 J/kg live weight for the turnips.5. The energy cost of eating is more a function of time spent eating than a function of the amount of food ingested. Thus, rate of ingestion and duration of the meal are key factors in determining the energy cost of eating in cattle.
Variation in rectal temperature of cattle in a tropical environment and its relation to growth rate
Authors: Turner H. G. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTRectal temperatures of cattle grazed near the tropic of Capricorn in central Queensland were studied. The cattle were of Bos indicus, B. taurus and crossbred lines, and were represented by over 200 growing heifers in each of 2 years and some supplementary groups.Rectal temperatures were loge normally distributed when they were expressed as deviations from a basal temperature of 38°C. They were significantly repeatable, but were more highly repeatable when herd mean temperature was above 39·5°C. The heritability estimate was 0·33 (P < 0·01).The mean phenotypic regression of growth rate on rectal temperature, within breed groups, was 0·04 (s.e. 0·006) kg/day per °C (r = 0·3, P < 0·01) over the entire growth period from birth to 18 months of age but greater during warmer seasons. The estimated genetic correlation was insignificant in one group of heifers but −0·86 (s.e. 0·17) in the other.The evidence of favourable and possible unfavourable responses to selection of cattle for low rectal temperature in warm environments is discussed.
A note on the effect of mixed or segregated penning of boars and gilts over the live-weight range 20 to 80 kg on performance, carcass characteristics and behaviour
Authors: Smith W. C. , Pearson G. , Holmes R. J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTIn a study involving 32 boars and 32 gilts penned in either single-sex or mixed-sex groups of eight over the live-weight range 20 to 80 kg, the system of penning did not influence performance or carcass measurements, and with boars had only slight effects on the colour and ultimate pH of the m. longissimus. Sensory panel evaluation of heated backfat from fresh and cured carcasses of boars showed a similar and low sex odour level for single- and mixed-sex groups. System of penning did not influence the extent and duration of agonistic behaviour nor the incidence of mountings.
The rôle of the breed of dam and of the breed of lamb in determining the copper status of the lamb. 1. Under a dietary regime low in copper
Authors: Wiener G. , Wilmut I. , Woolliams Carol , Woolliams J. A. , Field A. C. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe relative importance of the breed of lamb and the breed of dam in determining the copper status of the lamb until 24 weeks of age was investigated by transferring embryos within and reciprocally between Scottish Blackface and Welsh Mountain ewes. A diet low in Cu (2·4 mg/kg dry matter (DM) was fed both to the ewes from mating onward and subsequently to their lambs.At birth, lambs with Welsh dams had greater concentrations of Cu in their livers than lambs with Blackface dams. This difference, although reduced, still remained at 9 weeks of age (weaning), when lambs with Welsh dams also had greater concentrations of Cu in plasma.By 24 weeks of age, Welsh lambs, irrespective of their dams' breed, had greater concentrations of Cu in both liver and plasma than Blackface lambs, although the average Cu concentration in the liver was below 10 mg/kg DM in both breeds.Results are also given for concentrations of Cu in kidney, brain and milk.The experiment suggests the importance of maternal breed in determining the susceptibility, both of the foetus and of the young lamb to problems associated with Cu deficiency.
The rôle of the breed of dam and of the breed of lamb in determining the copper status of the lamb. 2. Under a dietary regime moderately high in copper
Authors: Wiener G. , Wilmut I. , Woolliams Carol , Woolliams J. A. , Field A. C. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe relative importance of the breed of dam and the breed of lamb in determining the copper status of the lamb was investigated by transferring embryos reciprocally between Scottish Blackface and Welsh Mountain ewes. A diet moderately high in Cu (8 mg/kg dry matter (DM)) was fed both to the ewes from mating onward and subsequently to their lambs.At birth, 9 and 24 weeks of age the concentration of Cu in the liver of lambs was the same for the two maternal breeds but within breed groups there was correspondence between full sibs when they were born to the same dam.By 9 weeks and at 24 weeks of age Welsh lambs, irrespective of their dam's breed, had greater concentrations of Cu in liver than Blackface lambs. The average concentration at 9 weeks was 190 and 130 mg/kg DM respectively for the two breeds of lamb.Results are also given for concentrations of Cu in plasma, kidney, brain, milk and faeces.The results differ from those found in the previous paper under a regime of low dietary Cu where the maternal breed affected concentration of Cu in the liver of lambs up to 9 weeks of age.
The allometric relationship between carcass muscle and carcass bone in Scottish Blackface sheep
Authors: Jackson T. H. 
Published: September 2010

Thirty-seven Blackface wether sheep, ranging from birth to eighteen months of age, were used to derive the allometric relationship between carcass muscle and carcass bone.The equationlog10 muscle (g) = 1·36 log10 bone (g)—0·804fitted the data well. (r = 0·995, b = 1·36±0·05, Sy.x = 0·0595.)The deviations from this equation had a coefficient of variation of 14% indicating that other factors may influence the relationship of muscle to bone.It is suggested that the variablelog10M—1·36 log10 5 + 0·804is independent of differences due to different stages of natural development and can be used to examine the effects of different treatments on the muscle: bone ratio. The constant applies to sheep only.