bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen and energy metabolism and serum constituents in lambs given broiler poultry litter processed by three deep-stacking methods
Authors: Rude B. J. , Rankins D. L. , Dozier W. A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPoultry litter has been used as an economical nitrogen (N) source in ruminant diets. However, litter must be processed to eliminate pathogens. Broiler poultry litter was processed by three different deep-stack methods: (1) uncovered, (2) covered with 0.1524 mm clear polyethylene, and (3) aerated by placing perforated pipe 1 m apart within the stack. Stack temperature was measured for 28 days. The litter was used to formulate experimental diets (186 g litter per kg), while the control diet contained urea as the N source. All diets contained 100 g/kg cottonseed hulls, 16 to 17 g/kg limestone, varying amounts of cracked maize and added retinol. The control diet contained 131 g/kg crude protein (CP) while the litter diets contained 125 g/kg CP. The diets were offered to 16 crossbred wether lambs (37 (s.e. 6·1) kg) in individual metabolism crates for 16 days. Blood was collected at the initiation and termination of the trial. Covering litter with plastic decreased temperature ivithin the stack (P < 0·05). Maximum temperature for the uncovered, covered and aerated stacks was: 68°C, 57°C and 72°C, respectively. Dry-matter intake and dry matter, energy and neutral-detergent fibre apparent digestibilities were not different (P > 0·05) among the diets. Apparent digestibility for N was less (P < 0·05) in lambs given uncovered and aerated litter than in those given the control diet. However, N apparent digestibility in lambs given covered litter was not different from that of those given the control diet. Gross energy and N retention of the four diets were not different (P > 0·05). Covering deep-stacked broiler poultry litter improved N digestibility by proportionately 0·15 compared with uncovered litter. Serum chloride was decreased while serum urea was increased (P < 0·05) in sheep consuming the litter-containing diets. Deep-stacked broiler litter should be covered in an air-tight manner in order to maximize its nutritive value.
Level and pattern of winter concentrate allocation in dairy cows: results in first lactation cows
Authors: Coulon J. B. , D'Hour P. , Garel J. P. , Petit M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA total of 148 dairy cows in their first lactation and with a mean calving date of 6 December were used in a 4–year experiment. The experiment was designed to examine the effect of level and distribution of concentrate given during the winter period in addition to grass silage (ad libitum) and hay (4 kg/day) on total lactation performance. Each year the same five treatments were compared: three levels of concentrate supply during the winter period (H, M and L), and, for levels M and L, two different allocation patterns (standard (S) or flat rate (F)). Concentrate allocation was individually pre-determined according to expected milk production. During summer, all animals grazed together as a single group. During the experimental period (weeks 4 to 18 of lactation), concentrate and roughage intakes were 6·3, 5·0 and 3·6 kg dry matter (DM) per day and 9.;5, 9·6 and 10·0 kg DM per day in group HS, MS and LS respectively. Milk yield and protein concentration of group HS were higher than that of group MS (+1·3 kg I day and +1·0 g/kg) or LS (+3·0 kg/day and +1·7 g/kg). During winter, live-weight changes were +4, -26 and -39 kg for group HS, MS and LS respectively. Over the 40 weeks of lactation, the differences in milk production and concentrate supply were 193 kg and 196 kg DM between groups HS and MS, and 518 kg and 413 kg DM between groups HS and LS. There was no significant difference between groups S and F.
Crossbreeding Jersey with Ghana Shorthorn and Sokoto Gudali cattle in a tropical environment: additive and heterotic effects for milk production, reproduction and calf growth traits
Authors: Rege J. E. O. , Aboagye G. S. , Akah S. , Ahunu B. K. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCrossbreeding data involving Ghana Shorthorn, Sokoto Gudali and their Jersey F1s and backcrosses collected over a 16-year period were analysed to estimate additive and heterotic effects for milk production, reproduction and calf growth traits. Sokoto Gudali was significantly better than Ghana Shorthorn in all milk production traits. Calving interval and annualized milk production were better in Gudali than in the Shorthorn. The F1s had higher lactation milk yield, milked longer, produced their first calves earlier and had shorter dry periods and calving intervals than their corresponding purebreds. However, genotype was not significant for number of services per conception. Both F1s had higher average daily gain and weaning weight than their corresponding purebreds. Sokoto Gudali backcross (Jersey × F1) was significantly (P < 0·05) better than the F1 in lactation length. However, in Gudali crosses, there was no advantage in increasing the proportion of Jersey genes beyond 0·5 for milk production traits. Additive effects were significantly (at least P < 0·05) lower in the Shorthorn and the Gudali than in Jersey for milk production traits except proportion of butterfat. Heterosis estimates were significant (P < 0·01) for milk production traits for the Shorthorn but not for the Gudali. Heterotic effects were large and significant (at least P < 0·05) in improving annualized milk production in Shorthorn crosses, whilst none of the heterotic effects for reproductive traits was significant. At both 0 and 0·5 levels of Jersey inheritance, the Gudali was superior (P < 0·01) to the Shorthorn in birth weight, weaning weight and pre-weaning average daily gain. Heterotic effects for calf traits were positive and much larger in Gudali crosses than in Shorthorn crosses. In general, backcrosses were, at best, similar to the F1s implying that upgrading these indigenous breeds beyond 0·5 European inheritance may not be desirable.
Efficiency of energy utilization in cattle given food ad libitum: predictions according to the ARC system and practical consequences
Authors: Tolkamp B. J. , Ketelaars J. J. M. H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractOverall efficiency of energy utilization (i.e. total net energy intake as a fraction of metabolizable energy intake) in cattle given food ad libitum was calculated from information included in the United Kingdom energy evaluation system as published by the Agricultural Research Council. For growing cattle (live weight 250 kg), overall efficiency was estimated for five levels of diet metabolizability (ranging from q = 0·45 to q = 0·65) for each of two diet types: coarse/long roughage and fine/pelleted diets. The overall efficiencies varied from 0·58 to 0·62 and were not systematically affected by diet type or diet metabolizability. For lactating cattle (live weight 600 kg), overall efficiency was also calculated for five diets with metabolizability ranging from 0·45 to 0·65. Calculations were made for cows at equilibrium intake (i.e. zero energy balance) and at milk production levels proportionately 0·30 higher or lower than those attained at equilibrium intake. Overall efficiencies varied from 0·60 to 0·63 and were not systematically affected by diet metabolizability.It is concluded that, in practical cattle production systems with ad libitum feeding, the net energy content of food may be estimated at 0·6 of the metabolizable energy content (or 0·5 of the digestible energy content), irrespective of diet type, diet metabolizability or productive function.
Influence of stocking rate and faeces deposition in the pen at different temperatures on skatole concentration (boar taint) in subcutaneous fat
Authors: Hansen L. L. , Larsen A. E. , Jensen B. B. , Hansen-Møller J. , Barton-Gade P. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe aim of this work was to investigatethe effect of stockingrate (0·6 m2 per pig or ≥1·2 m2 per pig) and faeces plus urine deposition on skatole concentration (boar taint)in subcutaneousfat. The study utilized pens with concrete flooring and different environmental temperatures.The experimental material consisted of 144 cross bred male and female pigs in each of two experiments. One experiment was carried out in the summer (temperature ≥ 22°C) and one in the winter (temperature approx. 17°C in the pig house). In both experiments, stocking rate and faeces deposition were kept constant up to first delivery to the abattoir. Then stocking rate and faeces deposition were changed to the opposite treatment a week before the last three of the four deliveries to the abattoir.The experiment confirmed the hypothesis that the pigs which lay in their faeces plusurine in pens with the high stocking rate for at least a week had a higher skatole level in subcutaneous fat than pigs kept clean in pens with the low stocking rate. It was feasible within a week before slaughter to increase or lower the skatole level by changing the treatment of the pigs.Male and female pigs showed similar differences. Air temperature (season) had a significant influence on skatole level. The level was significantly higher in subcutaneous fat at hight emperatures in the summer experiment compared to the winter experiment despite the fact that the pigs with high stocking rate in the winte rexperiment were as heavily fouled with faeces and urine as those in the summer experiment.Skatole concentrations in faeces of individual pigs were not influenced by different temperatures or treatments, and there was no significant correlation between the skatole level in faeces and in subcutaneous fat.High skatole levels in subcutaneous fat seemed to have a genetic component.It is hypothesized that skatole from faeces plusurine (excreta) especially at temperatures of 30° Cor more may pass through the skin of the pig and/or that skatole in a gaseous form may be absorbed through the lungs.
Influence of a hormonal preparation containing glucocorticoids (dexamethasone esters), progestagen (chlormadinone acetate) and oestrogen (ethinyl oestradiol) on testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-binding proteins and spermatogenic cells in finishing bulls
Authors: Renaville R. , Massart S. , Lognay G. , Devolder A. , Sneyers M. , Marlier M. , Severin M. , Burny A. , Portetelle D. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractGrowth-promoters are banned by the European Community, but different hormonal cocktails are still illegally used. This experiment was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of one of the most currently used cocktails on some hormonal parameters and spermatogenesis in finishing bulls in an attempt to provide a suitable screening technique for their illegal use. Sixteen double-muscled Belgian White Blue finishing bulls (mean ivcight: 535 (s.d. 37) kg) were blocked into control (C; no. = 7) and treated (Dex; no. = 9) groups. Animals were treated i.m. with the hormonal preparation (dexamethasone isonicotinate and phosphate, chlormadinone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol) on day 0, day 15 and day 30. Animals were slaughtered on day 45. Three h before each treatment and just prior to slaughter, jugular blood samples were collected to monitor the testosterone (T) response to an i.v. injection of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) (0·5 fig GnRH per kg body weight). Testicular tissue was also collected at slaughter. Plasma T and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) were evaluated using Western ligand blotting. Daily weight gains were lower in the control group (1·29 (s.d. 0·13) kg for C v. 1·60 (s.d. 0·39) kg for Dex) but the difference ivas not significant. After treatment, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa disappeared from the testis and seminiferous tubules consisted only of Sertoli cells; these observations suggest that treated animals were sterile. Moreover, plasma T concentrations in response to GnRH stimulation were suppressed fP < 0·001) in the Dex group between day 15 and day 45 (mean maximal responses: 5·4 to 7·9 μg/l in C group v. < 0·2 μg/l in Dex group at day 15, 30 and 45). Treatment did not show any prominent effect on plasma IGF-1 levels but increased IGFBPS band intensity. In conclusion, treatment with a cocktail containing dexamethasone esters, chlormadinone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol for a short period induced a number of changes in finishing bulls luhich might be possible to develop as a screening method for the identification of illegally treated animals.
Selection for components of efficient lean growth rate in pigs 3. Responses to selection with a restricted feeding regime
Authors: Cameron N. D. , Curran M. K. , Kerr J. C. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractResponses to four generations of divergent selection in pigs for lean growth rate (LGS) with restricted feeding were studied. The selection criterion was designed to obtain equal correlated responses in growth rate and carcass lean content, measured in phenotypic s.d. Animals were to be performance tested in individual pens with a mean starting weight of 30 kg for a period of 84 days. Daily food intake was equal to 0·75 gig of the daily food intake for pigs offered food ad-libitum. In the high, low and control lines, there ivere 1250 Large White-Edinburgh (LW) pigs and 875 British Landrace-Wye (LR) pigs. Each selection line consisted of 10 sires and 20 dams, with a generation interval ofl year.After four generations of selection, cumulative selection differentials were 5·9 and 4·8 phenotypic s.d. for LW and LR populations, with similar responses, 1·8 (s.e. 0·17) phenotypic s.d. Mean weight at the end of test, growth rate and backfat depths at the shoulder, mid back and loin were 89 kg, 712 g/day, 26,13 and 13 mm for LW and for LR pigs were 87 kg, 683 g/day, 28,10 and 10 mm. High line pigs were heavier at the end of test (4·3 (s.e.d. 1·4) kg and 4·0 (s.e.d. 1·6) kg) for LW and LR populations, with corresponding responses in growth rate (54 (s.e.d. 16) g/day and 47 (s.e.d. 18) g/day). Responses in the three backfat depths were −4·1 (s.e.d. 1·2) mm, −2·6 (s.e.d. 0·7) mm and −2·9 (s.e.d. 0·7) mm for LW and −2·2 (s.e.d. 0·05) mm, −2·2 (s.e.d. 0·4) mm and −2·4 (s.e.d. 0·5) mm for LR populations. Responses in weight off test and backfat depths were symmetric about the control lines.Heritabilities for LGS were 0·34 and 0·28 (s.e.d. 0·5) for the LW and LR populations, when estimated by residual maximum likelihood. Common environmental effects for LGS were 0·11 (s.e. 0·03) for LW and 0·17 (s.e. 0·04) for LR. Heritabilities for growth rate and average backfat depth were similar for LW and LR populations (0·17 and 0·29, s.e. 0·05), as were common environmental effects (0·10 s.e. 0·04). Average phenotypic and genetic correlations between growth rate and backfat, for LW and LR populations, were small (0·15 (s.e. 0·03) and −0·06 (s.e. 0·16), respectively).Responses to selection and genetic parameter estimates demonstrate that there is substantial genetic variation in growth and fat deposition when pigs are performance tested on restricted feeding.
Effect of nitrogen supply on the retention and excretion of nitrogen and on energy metabolism of pregnant sows
Authors: Everts H. , Dekker R. A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTo reduce nitrogen excretion (NEx) the effect of nitrogen supply on nitrogen retention (NR) and NEx was studied in pregnant sows during three parities. A nitrogen supply of 40 g/day (treatment L) was compared with 62 g/day (treatment C) during day 0 to 85 of pregnancy. In the last month of pregnancy nitrogen supply on treatment L was 50 g/day and on treatment C 74 g/day. Faecal digestible lysine supply followed the same pattern as nitrogen. Nitrogen and energy balances were measured during mid pregnancy (day 50 to 60; no. = 22) and late pregnancy (day 105 to 112; no. = 60). During mid pregnancy treatments had a minor affect on NR and energy metabolism. NEx on treatment L was proportionately about 0·40 lower than on treatment C. During late pregnancy NR was lower on treatment L than on treatment C. NEx on treatment L was proportionately reduced by 0·35 compared with treatment C. In parity 1 the lower NR on treatment L was compensated by a higher fat gain. Results indicate that nitrogen and faecal digestible lysine supply on treatment L were close to minimal requirement in late pregnancy. Assumed values for maintenance requirement of nitrogen (0·45 g N per kg M0·75) and efficiency of ingested nitrogen to NR (0·6) were in line with the results of the balance trials. The observed nitrogen retention of sows, especially during mid pregnancy, permits a reduced nitrogen supply to reduce NEx.
Effect of triple versus double mating on sow productivity
Authors: Tilton J. E. , Cole D. J. A. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTTwo hundred Landrace × Large White sows were used to evaluate the influence of mating to Landrace or hybrid boars, at different intervals and with different frequencies, on subsequent reproductive performance. Sows were allocated at random to either a mating on each of the first 2 days of oestrus (double mating), two matings on the 1st day and one on the 2nd, one on the 1st day and two on the 2nd or single matings on each of the first 3 days of oestrus. All triple mating systems increased number of piglets born and born alive, with mating on 3 consecutive days significantly influencing these parameters compared with double mating (P < 0·05). Number of piglets weaned and mean piglet weaning weight were not affected significantly by treatment. Breed of boar used did not influence significantly any of the factors measured.
Effects of trenbolone acetate and resorcylic acid lactone on protein metabolism and growth in steers
Authors: Griffiths T. W. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTTwenty-four castrate male cattle were used in two nutritional balance and slaughter experiments to measure the effects of two implantations with 300 mg trenbolone acetate and 36 mg resorcylic acid lactone over the live-weight range 250 to 400 kg. Control and implanted animals were pair-fed barley-based diets of differing protein concentration in the first experiment and the lower protein diet at two levels of feeding in the second experiment.Daily live-weight gain and nitrogen retention were significantly increased by implantation in both experiments. The carcasses of implanted animals contained significantly more lean meat and a higher proportion of meat in the forequarter. The edible portion of these carcasses contained significantly more protein and water and less fat.Live-weight gain and carcass composition were not influenced by dietary protein intake. Increased feeding level improved live-weight gain, suggesting that a higher metabolizable energy intake would give an increased response to implantation.
The energy value to ruminants of malt distillers' draff, and of a mixture of draff and pot ale syrup
Authors: Wainman F. W. , Dewey P. J. S. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTTwo foods, distillers' wet draff and draff plus pot ale syrup, containing 207 and 256 g crude protein per kg dry matter respectively, were given as sole food at the maintenance level to four adult wether sheep. Two of the sheep were given draff and two draff plus syrup for a 28-day period; the treatments were then changed over for a second period. The copper contents of the foods were 17 and 30mg/kg dry matter for the draff and draff plus syrup respectively. Sheep are particularly susceptible to copper and care should be taken when feeding such by-products, but during these short-term trials there was no evidence of copper poisoning. Energy losses in the faeces and urine were measured for all sheep, and methane losses were measured in closed-circuit respiration chambers for two sheep on each treatment. The metabolizable energy values of the foods were 10·8 (s.e. 0·15) and 12·5 (s.e. 0·15) MJ/kg dry matter for the draff and draff plus syrup respectively. The proportions of gross energy intake lost as methane were 0·029 for the draff and 0·042 for the draff plus syrup; these were much lower than the values predicted by the commonly used equation.
Changes in body composition relative to weight and maturity in large and small strains of Australian Merino rams 3. Body organs
Authors: Butterfield R. M. , Zamora J. , James A. M. , Thompson J. M. , Reddacliff K. J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTMaturing patterns are established for 26 body organs using data from 35 rams of two strains of Merinos of different mature size (97 and 120 kg).The proportion of shorn full live weight represented by each structure at maturity was very similar for all organs except the head, hide and distal limbs which were relatively heavier in the small strain. and small intestine and blood which were relatively heavier in the large strain.All organs were early maturing relative to shorn full live weight except the hide and the penis plus bladder, which matured at the same rate as live weight. The maturity coefficients differed between strains only for the head, thyroid and omasum.Differences in the proportion of live weight comprised by each organ in the two strains were compared at the same shorn full live weight and at the same proportion of mature shorn full live weight. Differences in the various portions of the alimentary tract and other internal organs, with the exception of the kidneys, which were evident in comparisons at the same weight, were reduced when compared at the same proportion of maturity. The difference between strains for head, hide and distal limbs was greater at equal maturity than at equal weight suggesting a functional relationship to body weight rather than to ultimate mature body size.It was concluded in genetic comparisons of animals of different mature size, the most appropriate basis of comparison of relative organ weight will be at the same proportion of mature live weight.
Growth and backfat depth of pigs kept at a high temperature
Authors: Holmes C. W. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY1. Two experiments have been carried out to determine the effect of a high air temperature, 32·33°C, on growth and backfat depth of pigs, by comparison with a thermo-neutral air temperature, 22·24°C. The diet consisted predominantly of whey, since it was expected thatthis would enable appetite to be maintained at the higher temperature.2. Food intake was reduced by 5% to 7% during the period of exposure to 32°C in Experiments 1 and 2 respectively. Growth rate and FCE were reduced significantly only in Experiment 2.3. Backfat depths measured above the eye muscle were significantly increased by the hot treatment in both experiments; those measured on the split carcass were consistently greater for the hot treatment.
The influence of a bio-active feed supplement (hormonexa) on the performance and carcass quality of bacon pigs
Authors: Laird R. , Walker-Love J. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThree trials, each involving 24 pigs, were conducted to assess the value of Hormonexa as a feed supplement for pigs slaughtered at 90 kg live weight. Rations were compounded from a variety of feeding stuffs to different protein levels and the pigs were fed on various nutritional planes. Hormonexa was added to these rations at the rate of 1·32 kg per 1000 kg meal.In all three trials growth rate and food conversion efficiency were not affected significantly by the addition of the supplement. There was a tendency for the pigs receiving the supplement to be slightly leaner but in only 1 out of 39 measurements of fat thickness was the difference between control and supplemented pigs statistically significant (P< 0·05).No benefit from this feed supplement has been demonstrated in terms of animal performance or carcass quality under a range of feeding systems.