bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of sub-clinical nematode parasitism on reproductive performance in the sow
Authors: Pattison H. D. , Smith W. C. , Thomas R. J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTTen sows were each infected with 300 000 larvae of Oesophagostomum dentatum after weaning their second litter, and subsequent per formance over one parity was compared with that of 10 ‘worm free’ controls. Mean worm burden in the sows when slaughtered immediately after weaning, was 13 480 ±2377. From service to weaning of the litter the mean body weight of worm-free sows increased (+11·3 kg) whereas that of infected sows declined (—13·1 kg) and at slaughter the carcasses of infected sows had lower depths of backfat. Worm-free sows averaged 12·8 pigs born of which 11·3 were born alive, corresponding values for infected sows being 12·4 and 9·5. Worm infection reduced birth weights by 15% but differences were not significant. Litters were equalized at eight pigs shortly after birth, and subsequent weaning weights were 10·5 % lower in those of infected sows despite a 29 % higher consumption of creep feed. Clinical disease was never observed in the infected sows, and no parasitic infection was found in the piglets. It is concluded that sub-clinical infections of O. dentatum in sows may be of economic significance.
A model for calculation of the energy requirements of the pregnant ewe
Authors: Geisler Pamela A , Jones C. Merryl 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA computer program is described which allows the calculation throughout pregnancy of the energy requirements of a ewe of any weight carrying any number of foetuses. The calculations rely on a prediction of potential lamb birth weight, from which a foetal growth curve of weight against time from conception is generated. Tied to the foetal growth curve are the growths of the placenta and fluids, while growth of the uterus is related to the ewe's weight at mating. Weights are converted to energy through energy density curves applicable through pregnancy for each component. An efficiency factor converts this energy requirement into a metabolizable energy requirement. With assumptions on the maintenance requirements for the ewe-foetus system, the total requirement for energy during pregnancy is calculated.Predictions from the model are compared with other estimates of energy requirements available in the literature. The sensitivity of the predictions of energy requirements for the pregnant ewe to variations in the assumptions made in the construction of the model is discussed. The most important assumptions are those on the maintenance requirements for the ewe-foetus system. Effects on the predicted energy requirements of varying either the efficiency for foetal growth or the gestation length are also discussed.
The effects of additions of sodium hydroxide and a concentrated solution containing urea, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, trace elements and vitamins on the intake and digestibility of oat straw by beef cows
Authors: Bass Jean M. , Fishwick G. , Hemingway R. G. , Parkins J. J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTEight pregnant beef cows and four rumen-fistulated cows were given 1·67 kg barley dry matter per day and 5·1 kg chopped oat straw dry matter treated by one of four different methods. The straw treatments (given in a 4 × 4 Latin square design) were (A) nil, (B) sodium hydroxide (25 g/kg straw, dry matter basis), (C) a fully soluble liquid supplement containing urea, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, trace elements and vitamins (40 g/kg straw, dry matter basis), and (D) sodium hydroxide plus liquid supplement. In the absence of liquid supplement 0·3 kg per day of the straw dry matter was not consumed, and with the sodium hydroxide plus liquid supplement treatment the cows would have consumed more straw than was offered. Sodium hydroxide increased the digestibility of the straw organic matter from 0·46 to 0·50 (P <0·05), and this was further increased to 0·53 (P <0·01) for the combined sodium hydroxide plus liquid supplement treatment. The calculated metabolizable energy intakes from straw were increased from 31 (nil) t o 36 by either the sodium hydroxide or liquid supplement treatments (P <0·05) and to 41 by the combined treatments (P <0·001). Sodium hydroxide tended to increase the concentrations of n- and iso-butyric acids in the rumen liquor.
The relative efficiency of food utilization of British Friesian entire male and castrate male cattle at two levels of feeding
Authors: Griffiths T. W. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA combined nutritional balance and comparative slaughter experiment using 20 animals compared entire male and castrate male cattle when pair-fed at high and medium levels of feeding and slaughtered at a constant 400 kg live weight. The carcasses were dissected into lean meat, separable fat, and bone, and the edible portion of the carcass was further analysed for crude protein, fat and water.There were no significant differences between entire and castrate animals in their ability to digest energy, nitrogen or modified acid detergent fibre. The mean metabolizable energy values (MJ/kg dry matter) of the diets were 10·6 for castrates and 10·9 for entire animals. Live-weight and carcass gains (kg/day) for each treatment were respectively: entire high feeding level, 1·10, 0·69; entire medium feeding level, 0·91, 0·57; castrate high feeding level, 0·92, 0·57; castrate medium feeding level, 0·79, 0·48. Castrate carcasses contained significantly (P < 005) less lean meat and more separable fat. The edible portion of these carcasses also contained significantly (P < 0·05) more total fat but less protein and water than entire carcasses. Daily carcass protein gain was significantly higher for entire animals (P < 0·001) but daily energy gain was not significantly different. The most efficient conversion of dietary metabolizable energy and crude protein to either live weight or carcass meat production was obtained by the use of entire animals and the high level of feeding.
Conception rates of beef cattle in Botswana following synchronization of oestrus with cloprostenol
Authors: Buck N. G. , Light D. , Makobo A. D. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTIn three trials conducted in 3 successive years, Africander, Brahman, Tswana, Tuli and crossbred cattle were injected intramuscularly with 500 jug of cloprostenol on two occasions 11 days apart to synchronize oestrus. The cattle were inseminated 72 and 96 h after the second injection. Controls of the same breeds were exposed to natural service for a period of 22 days. In all trials the conception rate to natural service was significantly higher (P < 0·01).Conception rates to both breeding methods were highest in Tuli and crossbred cattle and lowest in the Africander and Brahman. Non-lactating cows showed higher fertility than suckling cows and maiden heifers.Vasectomized bulls used in one trial were shown to be useful in the selection of breeding cows suitable for oestrus synchronization. Further studies are justified to maximize the benefits of a potentially valuable method of breeding beef cattle in ranching conditions.
Genetic size-scaling rules in animal growth
Authors: Taylor C. S. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTStriking similarities are known to exist in the growth processes of different mammalian genotypes. Two genetic size-scaling rules formally summarize these well-established similarities. In consequence, experimental results in one breed or species can often provide an excellent quantitative guide to biological relationships in other species. Despite strong genetic similarity, much genetic diversity usually remains.
Genetic and environmental influences on beef cattle production in Zambia 2. Live weights for age of purebred and reciprocally crossbred progeny
Authors: Thorpe W. , Cruickshank D. K. R. , Thompson R. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTLive weights from birth to 3·5 years are reported for beef cattle reared under ranching conditions in Zambia. The 809 cattle were purebred Africanders, Angonis, Barotses and Borans and the reciprocal crossbreds of the latter three breeds born in 2 years. All animals born in the 1st year and half the males born in the 2nd year grazed natural grassland. The remaining males and all females born in the 2nd year received, in addition, dry season supplementary feed from 1·5 years of age.The interaction of genotype with year-of-birth was important but not the interactions of genotype with management or sex. Purebred progeny of the introduced Africander breed were heavier than the progeny of the indigenous Angoni and Barotse breeds in both year-of-birth groups, but only heavier than progeny of the introduced Boran breed in the first group. On average, the Africander progeny had live-weight advantages of about 16% and 10%, and the Boran progeny advantages of about 12·5% and 5·5% over the purebred Angoni and Barotse progeny respectively. Heterosis estimates tended to increase with age, reaching levels of about 5 to 6% in the Barotse/Boran crosses at and after 1·5 years. Heterosis was not shown by the other crosses. The Barotse and Boran breeds had similar maternal effects which were superior to those of the Angoni breed.
Estimates of genetic parameters for pre-weaning and post-weaning growth traits of Chios lambs
Authors: Mavrogenis A. P. , Louca A. , Robison O. W. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTData on 792 Chios lambs born during the 1972/73 and 1973/74 lambing seasons were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for birth weight, weaning weight, age at weaning, pre-weaning daily gain, body weight at 5, 10, 15 and 20 weeks of age, and postweaning daily gain. Body weight at 15 weeks of age had the highest heritability estimate (0·73 ± 0·17) and that of post-weaning daily gain was also high (0·56 ± 0·15). Selection for either weight at 15 weeks or post-weaning daily gain would be expected to yield a greater response than selection for pre-weaning daily gain or weaning weight. Genetic correlations among weights and/or gains were positive (approximately 0·20). Phenotypic correlations among weights and gains were generally higher than genetic correlations. However, the correlation between pre— and post-weaning daily gain was small (0·08). Likewise, post-weaning daily gain had low correlations with all weights before 10 weeks. Age at weaning had moderate negative associations with all weights but a very low positive correlation with post-weaning daily gain.
A note on the effects of forced air movement and environmental temperature on weight gain in the pig after weaning
Authors: Mount L. E. , Start I. B. , Brown D. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTTwenty-six groups of four or eight pigs of mean initial weight 23·2 kg and mean age 84 days were exposed to environmental temperatures of 8, 12, 16 or 20°C under still-air conditions (wind-speed = 0·1 m.s−1) or of 12CC with wind-speeds of 0·45 or 0·8 m.s−1. The animals were fed at a fixed level close to three times their maintenance requirement, with water ad libitum, and were weighed weekly over a 7-week period. Variation in temperature between groups from 8 to 20°C had no significant effect on weight gain, but increasing wind-speed to 0·8 m.s−1 at 12°C resulted in reduced weight gain.
A note on the growth performance and carcass composition of Texel- and Suffolk-sired lambs in an intensive feeding system
Authors: Latif M. G. A. , Owen E. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTSixteen male and 16 female lambs were used to compare the performance and carcass composition of Texel- and Suffolk-sired lambs out of Finnish Landrace × Dorset Horn ewes. Lambs were weaned at 6 weeks of age and individually fed an all-concentrate diet ad libitum to slaughter at 30 kg (females) and 36 kg (males). At slaughter, offal weights were recorded and carcass left sides jointed and dissected.Breed types did not differ in weight at weaning, growth iate, age at slaughter, daily feed intake or feed conversion rate. Texels had heavier carcasses (17·2 v. 16·4 kg: P <0·01) and higher dressing percentages (50·7 v. 49·2: P <0·05) than Suffolks. Texel-cross carcasses had 2·9% more lean (P <0·05), but 3·8% less total fat CP <0·01).The results indicate the suitability of Texel-sired lambs for intensive lamb production.
Physiological attributes as possible selection criteria for milk production 1. Study of metabolites in Friesian calves of high or low genetic merit
Authors: Tilakaratne N. , Alliston J. C. , Carr W. R. , Land R. B. , Osmond T. J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe use of variation in metabolism to predict genetic merit for milk production was studied using 42 Friesian calves: 11 ♀♀, 10 ♂♂ were the offspring of four bulls with high (H), and 11 ♀♀, 10 ♂♂ of four with low (L) improved contemporary comparison (ICC) values (mean = + 402 kg and − 276 kg respectively). The animals were 14 or 15 weeks of age at the start of the study and treated similarly throughout.Blood samples were collected: I—in relation to feeding; II—at set intervals; III—during a 44-h fast; and IV—following the sudden introduction of an energy metabolite (sodium propionate), and then refeeding. Plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, urea, free fatty acids, total proteins and albumin were measured in all samples.Blood characteristics apparently differed among animals, particularly protein and urea (repeatability 0·74 and 0·62 respectively).The progeny of high ICC bulls had lower levels of urea during fasting (H = 4·70, L = 5·62P< 0·05) but higher levels of free fatty acids (H = 578, L = 492 μ equivalents/l;P< 0·05). There was a small difference in total protein (H = 69·7, L = 66·8 g/l,P< 0·05) but the other metabolites showed no significant ICC group difference.In general, sex of the animal did not influence the metabolites.Results suggest that calves with different potentials for milk production vary in aspects of energy and nitrogen metabolism; the possibility of using these as criteria for genetic selection for milk production is discussed.
A comparison of machine-milking and the calf-suckling technique as methods of measuring the milk yield of beef cows
Authors: Somerville S. H. , Lowman B. G. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe milk production of 14 Hereford × British Friesian females in their second lactation (cows) and 36 in their first lactation (heifers) was measured at three levels of nutrition either by machine-milking twice a day, without the use of exogenous oxytocin, or by a calf-suckling technique. Machine-milking significantly increased the number of cows drying-off within 150 days of parturition (i><0·05) and significantly reduced milk yields compared with the calf-suckling technique (P< 0·01).The 150-day cumulative milk yields of the heifers were not significantly affected by method of milking, but the coefficient of variation of milk yield was significantly greater in the machine-milked group(P< 0·05). One machine-milked heifer dried-off within the first 150 days of lactation.There was no evidence of an interaction between method of milking and plane of nutrition in either the cows or the heifers.It was concluded that measuring the milk production of beef cows by machine-milking, without the use of exogenous oxytocin, may be unreliable. Factors influencing the usefulness and reliability of the calf-suckling technique are discussed.
The effects of breed, crossbreeding and other factors on variation in fleece and skin traits
Authors: Woolliams J. A. , Wiener G. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTBreed and crossbreeding significantly affected variation in 10 fleece, follicle density and fibre diameter traits in 12-week-old lambs. The breeds involved were the Scottish Blackface, South Country Cheviot, Welsh Mountain, Lincoln Longwool, Southdown and Tasmanian Merino, but the last only by rams.The Southdown came closest to the Merino in affecting density and diameter traits although the Merino crosses remained clearly distinguishable by their high follicle density. The Lincoln and Blackface crosses were notable for their long fibres and the Blackface crosses also had the least dense follicle and coarsest primary fibres. The coarsest secondary fibres were from Lincoln and Cheviot crosses. Heterosis estimates were obtained for crosses involving the Blackface, Cheviot, Welsh and Lincoln breeds. Significant heterosis was present in a wide range of traits but was not apparent in all crosses. Maternal differences were evident for many of the traits but with density these differences were apparently related to maternal effects on live weight of the lamb. The sex of the lamb, its birth type and rearing and its 12-week live weight significantly affected many of the traits.Among breeds and crosses a strong relationship was found between fibre density and average fibre diameter. The relationship suggested that breed variation in total fibre area per unit area of skin was small compared with the breed variation in its components. Fleece weight per unit area was most closely related to mean fibre length.
A note on the effect of monensin and amicloral in steer diets
Authors: Horton G. M. J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe effects of feeding monensin and amicloral at 33 and 1500 mg/kg of diet, respectively, were investigated in two experiments using 330-kg steers. Monensin and amicloral, either alone or in combination, increased the digestibility of organic matter and crude fibre compared with a control diet (P< 0·001). Crude protein digestibility was increased by monensin (P< 0·001). Use of monensin and amicloral, alone or in combination, increased molar proportions of propionic acid by 22% on average (P> 0·05), and monensin decreased butyric acid by 37% (P< 0·05).Ruminal ammonia concentrations were lower in steers fed monensin (P< 0·05). Steers fed monensin consumed 6 % less feed, gained 9 % more weight (P< 0·05) and utilized feed 14% more efficiently (P< 0·05) than control animals. Amicloral, either alone or with monensin, lowered feed intake by 11 % (P< 0·05), had no effect on average daily gain and improved feed efficiency by about 12% (P< 0·05). There were no treatment effects on any of the carcass parameters.
Diurnal variation of progesterone levels in milk and milk fat of crossbred cows during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy
Authors: Batra S. K. , Pahwa G. S. , Suri A. K. , Pandey R. S. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTChanges in progesterone levels in milk and in milk fat were measured by radioimmunoassay in nine crossbred cows for 40 days after insemination. On average, progesterone in milk was minimal: 1·10μg/l at the morning milking (M) and 1·63μg/l at the evening milking (E) on the day of oestrus; this increased to 15·72 μg/l at M and 22·8 μg/1 at E on day 13 after insemination, and thereafter declined to 0·99 μg/l at M and 1·12μg/l at E on the day that the next oestrous cycle commenced in non-pregnant cows. In pregnant animals the level was maintained, and fluctuated from 1505 to 19·60μg/l at M and 18·09 to 23·01 μ/1 at E up to 40 days of pregnancy.The average progesterone concentration in milk fat was 18·9μg/l at M and 24·1 μl at E on the day of oestrus, and rose to a peak of 141·7μ/l at M and 153·8μg/1 at E on day 13 after insemination. It continued to increase and fluctuated between 160·6 and 195·8μg/l at M, and 161·1 and 225·6μg/l at E, in pregnant animals, but dropped to 12·0μg/1 at M and 16·7 μg/l at E on the day of the succeeding oestrus in those animals which failed to conceive. Progesterone concentration in milk and in milk fat was significantly higher in evening samples than in morning samples (P<0·05).
A note on propionic acid-treated barley of different moisture contents in the diets of growing pigs
Authors: Cole D. J. A. , Williams I. H. , English P. R. , Luscombe J. R. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTGrowth and carcass traits were measured in pigs grown from 25 to 90 kg live weight on barley stored and prepared in different ways. Some of the barley was prepared in the conventional manner by drying to a moisture concentration of 140g/kg before hammer-milling. The remainder of the barley was rolled after treating batches, containing 140, 180 and 240 g moisture per kg, with propionic acid. A total of 128 pigs was used at three centres.There were no differences between the centres and no differences in the performance and carcass measurements of pigs given acid-treated and rolled, or untreated and milled barley, despite differences in physical form between the rolled and milled samples. When the intake of dry matter was equalized there was no apparent effect on the pigs of acid treatment of barley containing different amounts of moisture.
Growth and carcass composition in the crossbred progeny of six terminal sire breeds of sheep
Authors: Wolf B. T. , Smith C. , Sales D. I. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTRecords were available for the progeny of Dorset Down, Oxford, Suffolk, Ile-de-France, Oldenburg and Texel sires out of Border Leicester × Blackface and Animal Breeding Research Organisation Dam Line × Blackface ewes. The data analysed were: (a) growth traits to 12 weeks for 2585 lambs, the progeny of 102 sires; (b) growth traits for slaughter at fixed weights of 35kg and 40kg for 1884 lambs (79 sires); and (c) half carcass dissection traits for 956 lambs (65 sires).Oxford and Suffolk cross lambs were heaviest at all ages and thus youngest at slaughter. Texel cross lambs grew slowly to 12 weeks but were not significantly older than Dorset Down, Ile-de-France and Oldenburg cross lambs at slaughter. The Texel cross produced the leanest carcass with a high lean/bone ratio and eye-muscle area. Dorset Down and Ile-de-France cross lambs were fattest at slaughter but had high values for lean/bone ratio and eye-muscle area. Interactions between breed of sire and slaughter weight were non-significant for all traits (P>0·05).Breed differences in carcass composition were also compared statistically as if at a constant percentage of subcutaneous fat. The differences were not so great as at constant live weight but the Texel cross would have had the leanest carcass. Side weights would be heaviest in the Texel and lowest in the Dorset Down and Ile-de-France. Oxford, Suffolk and Dorset Down cross lambs would be youngest at slaughter and Texel and Oldenburg crosses oldest.
The effect of wilting of herbage on silage composition and its feeding value for milk production
Authors: Gordon F. J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA randomized block experiment was used to assess the effects of wilting of herbage prior to ensiling. Three silages, each a composite of three harvests taken over the season, were prepared by ensiling herbage as unwilted, medium-wilted or high-wilted material with mean dry-matter contents in the resulting silages of 192, 254 and 455g/kg respectively. The silages were ensiled in bunker silos using the same harvesting machinery and with formic acid applied at the rate of 2 81/t of herbage. The silages were offered to 81 January- and February-calving cows from the 8th day post partum until going to pasture on 27 April, with a mean period on treatmen t of 92 days. In addition, all animals received a fixed concentrate allowance of 7·6 kg/day. Wilting increased silage dry-matter intake, the mean intakes being 9·2, 9·4 and 10·0kg/day for the unwilted, medium-wilted and high-wilted material respectively, but resulted in a significant depression in milk yield, with the yields obtained during the final 14 days on treatment being 23·6, 21 -8 and 21·5kg/day respectively. Milk composition, live weight, body condition, total ration digestibility and nitrogen-balance data are also presented.