bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in dietary ingredients for broiler chickens
Authors: Ravindran V. , Hew L. I. , Ravindran G. , Bryden W. L. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids in 107 samples representing 22 food ingredients were determined using 6-week-old broiler chickens. The ingredients assayed included five cereals (barley, maize, sorghum, triticale and wheat), two cereal by-products (rice polishings and wheat middlings), four oilseed meals (canola, cottonseed, soya-bean and sunflower meals), full-fat canola, maize gluten meal, four grain legumes (chickpeas, faba beans, field peas and lupins) and five animal protein sources (blood, feather, fish, meat and meat and bone meals). The mean ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids in wheat and maize were higher than those in sorghum, triticale and barley. However, variations observed in individual amino acid digestibilities among samples within cereal type were greater than those determined between cereals. Threonine and lysine were the least digestible indispensable amino acids in the five cereals evaluated. The most digestible indispensable amino acid was phenylalanine in wheat and, leucine in maize and sorghum. In the case of the wheat middlings and rice polishings, threonine was the least digestible indispensable amino acid and arginine was the best digested.In the oilseed meals assayed, amino acid digestibility was highest for soya-bean and sunflower meals, intermediate for canola meal and lowest for cottonseed meal. Ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids in lupins were found to be slightly lower than those in soya-bean meal. The amino acid digestibilities of field peas, faba beans and chickpeas were considerably lower than those of lupins. Digestibility of arginine was the highest and that of threonine was the lowest of the indispensable amino acids in oilseed meals and grain legumes, except in cottonseed meal. Lysine was the least digestible amino acid in cottonseed meal.In the animal protein sources assayed, digestibility coefficients of amino acids in blood meal were high, intermediate in fish meal, and low in meat meal, meat and bone meal and feather meal. Variation in amino acid digestibility coefficients determined for blood meal samples was small. However, wide variations in amino acid digestibilities were observed for other animal protein sources, highlighting significant batch-to-batch differences. In particular, marked variations were determined for meat meal and meat and bone meal samples. Cystine was the least digested amino acid in animal protein meals, with the exception of blood meal in which isoleucine had the lowest digestibility. The limitations of using apparent digestibility values in diet formulations and the concept of the standardized digestibility system to overcome these limitations are discussed.
Characteristics of cattle movements in Britain – an analysis of records from the Cattle Tracing System
Authors: Mitchell A. , Bourn D. , Mawdsley J. , Wint W. , Clifton-Hadley R. , Gilbert M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis paper reviews the main temporal and spatial characteristics of cattle movements in Britain, based on an analysis of records in the British Cattle Movement Service's Cattle Tracing System (CTS) database, focusing on the period 2001 to 2003, during which notification of cattle movements was mandatory. Movements vary weekly and seasonally according to the production cycle, with peaks in late spring (April) and early autumn (October), and an average 1·63 million farm-to-farm movements per month, equivalent to 19·6 million per annum. The geographical distribution of these movements appears to be relatively stable from year to year, with the great majority of animals moving less than 100 km per journey, although many tens of thousands move over far greater distances of up to 1000 km. The procedures developed to extract, match, geo-reference, analyse and display movement records have greatly enhanced the utility of the CTS database, in that it is now feasible to assess, monitor and mapthe spatial dynamics and geographical distribution of cattle movements, and provide this information in standardized format on a regular basis.
Population parameter estimation of daily milk yield of the Chios sheep using test-day random regression models and Gibbs sampling
Authors: Banos G. , Arsenos G. , Abas Z. , Basdagianni Z. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractParameters of daily milk yield during the first three lactations of Chios ewes were estimated with random regression models. Data consisted of 42 675 test-day records of 7121 ewes from 75 flocks that had lambed between 1998 and 2000. Models fitted fourth order fixed regressions on Legendre polynomials of the number of days post partum and fourth order random regressions on the individual animal. (Co)variance components were estimated with Gibbs sampling. Lactations were analysed separately. The four eigen values accounted for 0·80 to 0·84, 0·11 to 0·15, 0·04 to 0·05 and about 0·01 of the animal variance, respectively, depending on lactation number. Animal variance estimates, including genetic and, partly, permanent environment effects, were high at the beginning of each lactation and decreased as lactation progressed, suggesting that the animal effect is most important to early daily records. Residual variance was highest in the middle of lactation, suggesting that non-systematic environmental factors play a bigger at that time. Animal correlation estimates between daily yield records ranged from 0·26 to 0·99, were highest for adjacent days and decreased for days further apart. The decline had a different shape in the three lactations and was more evident in the first, suggesting that the three lactations may be biologically distinct traits. Animal correlation estimates between daily and total lactation milk yield ranged from 0·61 to 0·98 and were highest in the middle and lowest towards the end of lactation. Early lactation daily yield had an animal correlation of 0·70 to 0·80 with total lactation milk yield, in all three lactations. Results of this study suggest that daily milk yield records in the early stages of lactation may be useful for selection of ewes with high producing ability and accurate prediction of total lactation milk yield.
Biochemical differences in Merino sheep selected for resistance against gastro-intestinal nematodes and genetic and nutritional effects on faecal worm egg output
Authors: Liu S. M. , Smith T. L. , Palmer D. G. , Karlsson L. J. E. , Besier R. B. , Greeff J. C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe faecal egg count (FEC) and total egg output is reduced in parasite-resistant sheep and breeding sheep for resistance should reduce infective larval contamination of pastures. This research compares lambs and rams from the parasite-resistant flock, Rylington Merinos, with unselected controls at the same level of larval challenge and the same level of food supply in an animal-house environment. The sheep were penned individually. The parasite resistant sheep excreted 0·85-fold less eggs than the control animals after infection with Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia circumcincta for 12 or 18 weeks. During the infection period the parasite resistant lambs had higher plasma immunoglobulin concentration and higher ratio of globulin to albumin than the control animals. In the mature rams these genotype differences diminished. They also had lighter mass of the small intestine with a higher proportion of mucosa, but heavier mass of the large intestine. Parasite infection caused a depletion of blood glutathione in the lambs given food at maintenance or 1·5 × maintenance, and the parasite-resistant sheep (both lambs and rams) also had lower glutathione concentration. Maintaining good body nutrient reserve before the infection reduced the egg output in the early stage of the infection. Food intake had little effect on worm egg production in young sheep given food at maintenance or above. It is suggested that an improvement of nutrition, sulphur-containing amino acids in particular, is required to recover the loss of productive performance caused by the infection.
Associations of acute phase protein levels with growth performance and with selection for growth performance in Large White pigs
Authors: Clapperton M. , Bishop S. C. , Cameron N. D. , Glass E. J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAbstract Acute phase proteins (APP) are released into the circulation in mammals upon infection and may be used to diagnose the health status of managed populations of animals such as pigs. The current study determines APP levels in a population of apparently healthy Large White pigs from a single farm, to address two questions: (1) whether phenotypic associations can be observed between productivity and APP, indicating the effects of possible subclinical infections and (2) whether previous selection for either food intake or ‘lean growth under restricted feeding’ influences APP levels. The APP investigated were alpha1- acid glycoprotein (AGP) and haptoglobin. The APP were measured at 18 and 24 weeks of age in pigs previously selected for high lean growth (no. = 31), low lean growth (no. = 38), high daily food intake (no. = 24) and low daily food intake (no. = 26), but performing under ad libitum feeding conditions. Performance traits and APP levels were constant over the experimental period, indicating that the farm health status did not vary over time. Performance traits and APP were recorded on 119 pigs, of which 80 had both APP and performance measurements. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate phenotypic relationships between performance traits and APP levels. Plasma concentrations of AGP were higher in 18-week-old pigs compared with 24-week-old pigs (P< 0·01) whereas haptoglobin levels did not vary according to age. Significant sex differences in APP levels were observed. Females had higher circulating levels of AGP than males at both 18 weeks and 24 weeks. Females also had higher levels of haptoglobin at 18 weeks. Levels of AGP had significant negative correlations with daily weight gain (−0·59,P< 0·01 and −0·48,P< 0·05 at 18 and 24 weeks respectively) and with daily food intake (−0·53,P< 0·01 and −0·38,P< 0·05 at 18 and 24 weeks respectively). At age 24 weeks, haptoglobin was negatively correlated with both daily weight gain (−0·35,P< 0·05) and food efficiency (−0·34,P< 0·05). Pigs selected for high lean growth under restricted feeding had higher AGP levels than pigs selected for low lean growth under restricted feeding at 18 (593v. 332 μg/ml,P< 0·01) and 24 weeks of age (313 v. 219 μg/ml,P< 0·05). Selection for daily food intake did not consistently affect AGP levels, and neither selection criteria influenced plasma haptoglobin concentrations. To conclude, we have demonstrated that amongst contemporaneous pigs of the same genotype, higher systemic AGP levels and, to a lesser extent, higher haptoglobin levels are associated with decreased performance, and that genetic selection for ‘efficient lean growth under restricted feeding’ can increase serum AGP levels.
Development of a maternal breeding goal and tools to select for this goal in UK beef production
Authors: Roughsedge T. , Amer P. R. , Thompson R. , Simm G. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA maternal breeding goal for the UK beef industry is described and economic selection indexes are developed to assist in the selection of animals for the goal. The breeding objective is made up of general maternal ability traits, cow size, calving and carcass traits. The general maternal ability traits include calving interval, age at first calving, lifespan, maternal weaning weight and maternal calving difficulty. The calculations of economic values for the traits are outlined and discounted genetic expression coefficients are presented. Three selection indexes are illustrated. The first provides a general dualpurpose index for the selection of bulls to produce replacement heifers in most situations. The second, the hardy breed index, is designed to allow selection for improved maternal performance in extensive and hardy environments. The third, the fertile herd index, allows producers who do not have herd fertility problems to place more selection emphasis on objectives other than fertility. A sample of data from the Limousin breed was used to calculate estimated breeding values (EBVs) which were used to investigate response to the three indexes when the top 20% of sires were selected from either sires with 50 or more grand-maternal progeny or bulls with no recorded progeny. Approximately two thirds of the economic response seen in the selection of heavily used bulls was observed in bulls with no progeny for the hardy and dual-purpose indexes. Bulls were also selected using the existing UK terminal sire index and the resulting bulls assessed in the dual-purpose maternal index. There was found to be a negative economic response to the maternal aspect of the index, though a positive response was seen in the carcass objective. The indexes are presented as the sum of four subindexes emphasizing the contribution of maternal ability, cow size, calving and carcass, respectively to the total index. This further assists commercial producers in selection decisions.
The influence of livestock management on habitat quality for farmland birds
Authors: Buckingham D. L. , Peach W. J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAbstract This review covers research linking foraging habitat quality for birds to livestock management in lowland farmland. Based on this research we propose a framework for predicting the value of grazing systems to birds. This predictive framework is needed to guide the development of agri-environment measures to address farmland bird declines in pastoral areas. We show that the exacting requirements of declining granivorous birds pose the greatest challenges, while the needs of soil invertebrate feeding species are more easily met.
Impact of grazing management on biodiversity of grasslands
Authors: Tallowin J. R. B. , Rook A. J. , Rutter S. M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis paper reviews recent work carried out by the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research and collaborating organizations that addresses some of the impacts of grazing management on both species-rich and species-poor lowland neutral grassland. Results indicate that for species-rich grassland, lenient grazing pressure maintained botanical diversity and the abundance of positive indicator species of nature conservation value over a 5-year period and also enhanced faunal diversity and abundance reflecting improvements in spatial, architectural and temporal structure. However, there was no enhancement in positive indicator species and there was also an increase in pernicious weeds suggesting that grazing alone may not suffice to deliver all the biodiversity goals for these grasslands and that additional management interventions may be required. For species-poor grassland, results indicate that distinctive differences in structure can lead to differences in faunal diversity. There is also some tentative evidence that livestock breed may affect invertebrate species assemblages.
How do the nature of forages and pasture diversity influence the sensory quality of dairy livestock products?
Authors: Martin B. , Verdier-Metz I. , Buchin S. , Hurtaud C. , Coulon J. -B. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAbstract This review summarizes the recent developments in understanding of the relationships between the diet of animals and the sensory quality of dairy products. Feeding dairy cattle with maize silage by comparison with hay or grass silage leads to whiter and firmer cheeses and butter and sometimes to differences in flavour. Major differences in sensory characteristics were observed between cheeses made with milk produced by cows on winter diets (based on hay and grass silage) or turned out to pasture in the spring. Conversely, preserving grass as silage, by comparison with hay, has no major effect on cheese sensory characteristics, except on colour, the cheese being yellower with grass silage. Several recent experiments have shown a significant effect of grass botanical composition on cheese texture and flavour. These effects are due to the presence in milk of specific molecules directly introduced by feeding (carotenes, terpenes) or produced by the animals (plasmin, fatty acids) under the effect of specific diets.
Profiles of Self‐Reported HIV‐Risk Behaviors Among Injection Drug Users in Methadone Maintenance Treatment, Detoxification, and Needle Exchange Programs
Authors: Mark Hayley Diana , Nanda Joy , Davis‐Vogel Annet , Navaline Helen , Scotti Roseanne , Wickrema Rasanjali , Metzger David , Sochalski Julie 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT
Objective:
Injection drug use has accounted for more than one third of acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases in the United States. The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics, types, and frequency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) recruited from a needle exchange program (NEP), methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and detoxification (detox) program. Design: A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used to determine whether the selected HIV‐risk behaviors and demographic characteristics of IDUs varied by site of recruitment. Sample and Measurements: Confidential questionnaires were completed by 445 IDUs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Results: Data analysis revealed that HIV sexual and injection‐risk behavior varied by recruitment site. Subjects recruited from the NEP were more likely to engage in HIV‐risk behaviors than subjects recruited from the MMT or detox sites. Conclusions: Interventions occurring in program and treatment sites need to be sensitive to various demographic characteristics and behaviors if they are to reach those at highest risk of HIV infection. Targeting HIV prevention interventions based upon risk group membership alone (e.g. IDUs) fails to address the distinct risk behaviors and demographic characteristics of enrollees in different programs.
A Qualitative Approach to Understanding Patients' Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
Authors: Drew Debra , Hewitt Hilary 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of becoming diagnosed with Lyme disease. Design: A qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted to investigate the experience of becoming diagnosed with Lyme disease.Sample: A purposive sample of 10 participants diagnosed with Lyme disease were interviewed and tape‐recorded. Data saturation guided the size of the sample. Methods: The interviews were transcribed verbatim. Key words or phrases were extracted and clustered; clusters were interpreted into themes. Analyzed data were confirmed with the participants for trustworthiness and reliability. Results: Six themes emerged from the interviews. Participants expressed feelings of frustration during the long road to diagnosis. They endured multiple diagnostic tests and were seen by numerous health care providers. Participants voiced financial stress. They expressed the need for self‐advocacy and felt validation when a diagnosis was made. Despite the chronicity of their illness, the participants voiced a sense of hopefulness for their future. Conclusion: A deep understanding of the lived experience of becoming diagnosed with Lyme disease allows for nurses to prioritize health care interventions and strategize ways to implement quality improvement systems as clients enter the health care environment.
Talking Circles: Northern Plains Tribes American Indian Women's Views of Cancer as a Health Issue
Authors: Becker Sara A. , Affonso Dyanne D. , Beard Madonna Blue Horse 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT
Objective:
The purpose of this research was to understand the cultural meanings of cancer among American Indian women from Northern Plains tribes living in western South Dakota and their experiential view of breast and cervical cancer screening. Design and Sample: Using an exploratory design, a purposive sample of 28 women, 35–75 years of age, were recruited into three Talking Circles. Measurement: Talking Circle and focus group methodology, combined with Affonso's Focus Groups Analytic Schema, were used to generate contextual data sets including thematic findings. Results: Ten themes emerged indicating interrelationships between cultural traditions and health structures of care. The themes provided a unique perspective for conceptualizing women's experiences with breast and cervical cancer screening. Conclusions: Incorporating women's cultural experiences into screening services is necessary to address clinical and policy challenges for reducing breast and cervical cancer mortality among American Indian women. Findings from this research will be used to guide a future study investigating breast‐screening patterns related to mammography adherence and development of interventions specific to American Indian women.
Needs Assessment and Intervention Strategies to Reduce Lead‐Poisoning Risk Among Low‐Income Ohio Toddlers
Authors: Polivka Barbara J. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT
Objective:
Examine parental receipt of lead‐poisoning prevention information and preferred methods of receiving this information. Design: Cross‐sectional mailed survey of parents with children 1–2‐year‐old‐enrolled in Medicaid. Sample: Respondents (n = 532) were primarily female, white, with at least a high school education, and between the ages of 20–30 years. Measurements: Items from the Blood Lead Education and Screening Tool concerning parental receipt of lead‐poisoning prevention information, persons with whom parents had discussed lead‐poisoning prevention, parental receipt of a reminder about blood lead testing, and parents' preferred methods of obtaining lead‐poisoning prevention information. Results: Most respondents had obtained lead‐poisoning prevention information, but only 28% reported receiving a reminder to have their child's blood lead level assessed. Brochures and discussions with health care providers were the preferred methods of obtaining lead‐poisoning prevention information. More minority respondents preferred receiving information via videos, billboards, and home visits. Younger parents preferred brochures, billboards, and speaking with someone at the health department or women, infants, and children supplemental nutrition (WIC). Most respondents identified multiple means by which they would like to receive lead‐poisoning prevention information. Conclusions: Implementation of individual, community, and system‐level interventions by public health nurses are needed for comprehensive lead‐poisoning prevention education.
Self‐Reported Physical Activity Validated by Pedometer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Speck Barbara J. , Looney Stephen W. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT
Objective:
The objective was to validate self‐reported physical activity based on a daily activity record (DAR) with concurrent pedometer and 7‐day physical activity‐recall questionnaire data. Design: The design was a one‐group descriptive correlational study. Sample: The sample consisted of 25 working women with a mean age of 39.8 years, 92% Caucasian, and 63% with a combined family income of $60,000 or greater. Measurements: Three instruments: (a) DAR, a self‐reported record of moderate or higher intensity physical activities including household, exercise, leisure, and occupational. Metabolic equivalent unit (MET) scores were calculated from the self‐report data, (b) 7‐day physical activity recall, and (3) Yamax pedometers (SW‐701) measured number of steps. Results: MET scores based on the DAR (n = 22) were strongly associated with both pedometer data (Spearman's rho = 0.607, p = 0.003) and 7‐day physical activity‐recall data (Spearman's rho = 0.542, p = 0.009). Conclusion: The results of this validation study indicated a statistically significant correlation of self‐reported physical activity (DAR) with pedometer values and 7‐day physical activity‐recall data. The DAR may be useful for measuring physical activity in community health programs and in community‐based research.