bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of natural zeolite on nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and performance of Holstein steers given a diet containing urea
Authors: Sadeghi A. A. , Shawrang P. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate effects of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) on nutrient digestibility, carcass attributes and performance of Holstein steers given a diet containing urea. Forty-five Holstein steers (309 (s.d. 11·2) kg) were given diets as follows: control diet based on maize and soya-bean meal (SBM); treatment 2 (T2), control diet (without SBM) containing 20 g/kg urea; treatment 3 (T3), control diet (without SBM) containing 20 g/kg urea and 30 g/kg zeolite. Just before feeding, ruminal ammonia levels were low in all treatments. At 2·5 h post feeding, steers given T2 and T3 diets had higher (P<0·05) ruminal ammonia concentration than the control. At 5·5 h post feeding, steers on T3 diet had the highest ruminal ammonia concentration, which was higher (P<0·05) than the value for steers given T2 diet. Plasma urea nitrogen level increased post feeding for all treatments. At 3 h post feeding, the level for steers given T2 diet was higher (P<0·05) than those on control and T3 diets but at 6 h post feeding, the level was higher for steers on T3 diet. No differences (P>0·05) were observed in dry-matter intake among treatments. Live-weight gain and gain: food ratio were highest (P<0·05) for steers on the control diet, with no differences (P>0·05) between steers given T2 and T3 diets. Including zeolite in a diet containing urea had no effect (P>0·05) on total tract digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein but increased (P<0·05) digestibility of neutral-detergent fibre and acid-detergent fibre. Hot carcass weight and kidney, pelvic and heart fat weight of steers were highest in control, intermediate in T3 and least in T2 (P<0·05). No differences (P>0·05) were found in longissimus muscle area and fat thickness over longissimus muscle among treatments. Including 30 g/kg of zeolite in a diet containing 20 g/kg of urea decreased ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration, plasma urea nitrogen level and increased fibre digestibility but its effect on feedlot performance was negligible.
Allometric association betweenin vivoestimation of body composition during growth using deuterium dilution technique and chemical analysis of serial slaughtered pigs
Authors: Landgraf S. , Susenbeth A. , Knap P. W. , Looft H. , Plastow G. S. , Kalm E. , Roehe R. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop accurate mathematical-statistical functions to estimate body composition of live pigs between 20 and 140 kg weight from total body water (TBWA) determined by the deuterium dilution technique. Chemical body compositions during the growth period are essential input parameters for biological pig growth models, which are used to estimated the nutrient requirements, improve the entire production system, determine optimal slaughter weight, optimize selection for food intake, etc. In the present study, 48 pigs (17 female and 31 castrated males) were used in an experimental station to obtain protein, lipid, ash and water content at 20, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 140 kg live weight. At each target weight, body water of the animals was determined by the deuterium dilution technique. Eight pigs of each live-weight group were slaughtered and chemically analysed. Water content of the empty body decreased from 74 to 53%, whereas lipid content rose from 7 to 30%. Between 20 and 30 kg body weight, protein content increased from 16 to 17% and thereafter decreased to 16%. Ash content was constant at 3%. To estimate body composition of the remaining animals from TBWA (%) determined by deuterium dilution technique, two sets of exponential prediction functions were used to describe the relationship between chemically analysed body components and TBWA (%). The first set of prediction functions fitted one intercept for the entire growth period and the second set of prediction functions fitted a different intercept for each weight class. Correlation coefficients between estimated and chemically determined empty body water, lipid, protein and ash for the first set of functions were 0·93, 0·86, 0·83 and 0·65, respectively. The second set of prediction functions showed higher accuracy (2 to 10%), but had the disadvantage of non-continuous estimates over the entire growth period. In contrast, by using the first set of prediction functions, a continuous accurate estimation of body composition of live pigs was obtained over a large range of growth (20 to 140 kg) based on deuterium dilution space.
Milk progesterone profiles and their relationship with fertility, production and disease in dairy cows in Northern Ireland
Authors: McCoy M. A. , Lennox S. D. , Mayne C. S. , McCaughey W. J. , Edgar H. W. J. , Catney D. C. , Verner M. , Mackey D. R. , Gordon A. W. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA detailed investigation was conducted to identify the main factors influencing the current poor reproductive performance in dairy herds in Northern Ireland. Nineteen herds were selected and a comprehensive database was established, comprising detailed information collected over a 2-year period. Milk progesterone monitoring (no.=1423 cows), based on twice weekly sampling, was included in this on-farm investigation. The mean interval from calving to commencement of luteal activity was 30·1 days and 13·4% (184/1378) of these cows had not commenced luteal activity by day 50post partum. In addition, there was a high incidence of abnormal progesterone profiles: delayed ovulation type I; 15·6% (242/1388), delayed ovulation type II; 11·7% (125/965), persistent corpus luteum type I; 19·4% (212/1121) and persistent corpus luteum type II; 11·9% (70/619). Delayed commencement of luteal activity and abnormal profiles were associated with reduced fertility performance manifested as increased interval to first AI service and ultimately prolonged calving interval. Delayed commencement of luteal activity and abnormal progesterone profiles, with the exception of ‘delayed ovulation type II’ profiles, were not associated with lower conception rates. Assistance at calving was associated with delayed commencement of luteal activity. Delayed commencement of luteal activity and delayed ovulation types I and II profiles were associated with indicators of nutritional stress and poorer production performance in early lactation. Retained foetal membranes were strongly associated with prolonged luteal phases (persistent corpus luteum types I and II profiles). While hormonal therapy may prove useful in treating cows with abnormal milk progesterone profiles, the prevention and treatment of associated diseases and the implementation of good management practices are likely to be more rewarding.
Ewes increase their intake when offered a choice of herbage species at pasture
Authors: Cortes C. , Damasceno J. C. , Jamot J. , Prache S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn stall-feeding conditions, food diversity has been shown to increase an animal's motivation to eat and its level of food intake. This effect has also been suggested, but not demonstrated, for free-grazing animals. In free-grazing conditions, however, animals may have to search for the preferred plant species and this may reduce their intake rate. Moreover, the management of diverse swards faces a risk of overgrazing the preferred species and undergrazing the less preferred species, leading to resource degradation. We investigated the effect of food diversity on foraging behaviour and intake in grazing sheep, in interaction with the type of diversity (conterminal monoculturesv. mixtures) and management (two monocultures offered simultaneouslyv. successively over time). Five treatments were compared with five groups of five dry INRA 401 ewes for five periods, using a Latin-square design: LOL=grazing a monoculture ofLolium perenne cv.Herbie (L); FES=grazing a monoculture ofFestuca arundinacea cv.Florine (F); STRIPS=grazing conterminal monocultures of L and F, 0·5:0·5 by ground area, with animals having a free choice between both species; TIME=grazing L from 16:00 to 09:00 h and F from 09:00 to 16:00 h; MIX=grazing an intermeshed mixture of L and F. Sward height was maintained at 9 cm. Each period comprised a 5-day adaptation subperiod followed by a 5-day measurement subperiod. Dietary choices and intake were measured usingn-alkanes, and grazing time was assessed using the Ethosys®recording system. Intake rate was calculated as the ratio of intake to grazing time. Intake in the monoculture treatments were higher than predictions made for housed animals given similar foragesad libitum, demonstrating that sward conditions were favourable for the expression of voluntary intake in all treatments. Intake was higher in LOL than in FES, this result being consistent with predictions for stall-feeding conditions. There was no difference in diet composition, foraging behaviour and intake between the bispecific treatments (STRIPS, TIME and MIX). Intake was higher in the bispecific treatments than in LOL (1666v. 1492 g digestible organic matter per day,P<0·001). Grazing time was higher in STRIPS and MIX than in LOL (420 and 430 min respectivelyv. 366 min,P<0·01). Dry ewes increase their intake when offered a choice of herbage species at pasture, this being mediated via an increase in grazing time rather than an increase in intake rate. There was no interaction with type of diversity or type of management.
Growth and food utilization of the Australian short-finned eel, Anguilla australis australis (Richardson) given paired iso-energetic diets with increasing crude protein content
Authors: Engin K. , Carter C. G. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of 100 g/kg increments of crude protein (approx. 250 (P25) to 550 (P55) g/kg of crude protein) in paired iso-energetic diets on the growth performance of the juvenile Australian short-finned eel (1·83 (s.e. 0·01) g average wet weight). The highest growth response was obtained with treatment P45 followed by P35, P55 and P25. It appeared that food efficiency ratio (FER) increased with increasing crude protein content in low energy diets (treatments P25 and P35). However, 100 g/kg increase in dietary crude protein content (from 450 to 550 kg crude protein per kg diet) in high energy diets resulted in lower FER for treatment P55 than for the treatment P45. The protein efficiency ratio (PER, %) was higher in low protein:low energy diets (treatments P25 and P35) than that of high protein:high energy diets (treatments P45 and P55). The protein productive values (PPV, %) for treatments followed a similar trend to PER in this experiment. The lowest PPV was obtained by the treatment P55 and it was significantly different from that of the other three treatments. A proportional increase in dietary crude protein content in paired iso-energetic diets did not significantly change the whole body protein content. However, a small increase in whole body protein content with increasing dietary crude protein in each group was detected. In conclusion, the present study showed protein sparing effects of lipids and carbohydrates in the diets of the short-finned eel. Further studies specifically investigating the effects of dietary carbohydrate to lipid ratios at different protein levels would improve diet formulation and reduce nutrient impact in intensive recirculation systems.
Estimation of whole body lipid mass in finishing pigs
Authors: Kloareg M. , Noblet J. , Van Milgen J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractMost nutritional pig growth models are based on the deposition of whole body protein (P) and lipid (L) mass. Chemical analysis of the whole animal is the best method to determine body composition. However, this method is expensive, time consuming and the carcass is lost. Alternatively, P and L may be estimated using simple indicators that should be precise and easily accessible. Although empty body weight (EBW) is a good indicator for P (through the strong relation between water and P), L is more difficult to estimate. This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between simple carcass measurements and L. Measurements included backfat thicknessin vivoand at slaughter in the hot and cold carcass and the weight of carcass, organs and primal cuts. To maximize variations in adiposity a total of 30 females and barrows from two genotypes (Piétrain×(Landrace×Large White) and Large White) were slaughtered at body weights typically used in Europe (i.e. 90 to 150 kg) and ground for chemical analysis. Backfat mass (in combination with EBW) was the best indicator for L (L (kg)=0·0590×EBW (kg)+2·99×backfat mass (kg),R2=0·96). Different backfat thickness measurements were highly correlated and appeared reasonable indicators for total backfat mass. Backfat thickness measured in the hot carcass between 3rd and 4th last lumbar vertebra at 8 cm from the mid line was the second best indicator for L (L=(0·0855+0·0073×backfat thickness)×EBW,R2=0·94). On average, 18% of total body lipids were located in the backfat. Although these equations can be used to obtain a reasonable estimate of whole body lipid mass, a significant genotype effect remained. Differences between genotypes in the partitioning of lipids between different tissues suggest that the quantification of an external lipid depot alone is insufficient to precisely estimate whole-body lipid mass across genotypes.
Genetically modified soya bean in rabbit feeding: detection of DNA fragments and evaluation of metabolic effects by enzymatic analysis
Authors: Tudisco R. , Lombardi P. , Bovera F. , dˇAngelo D. , Cutrignelli M. I. , Mastellone V. , Terzi V. , Avallone L. , Infascelli F. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe presence of DNA fragments in tissues from rabbits given genetically modified (GM) soya-bean meal (solvent extracted) was investigated by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach. Moreover, the possible effects on cell metabolism were evaluated by determination of several specific enzymes in serum, heart, skeletal muscle, liver and kidney. The chloroplast sequence for tRNA Leu by using the Clor1/Clor2 primers designed on chloroplast trnL sequence was clearly detected. On the contrary, two couples of species specific primers for conventional (Le1-5/Le 1-3 which amplifies the soya bean lectin gene) and genetically modified (35S1/35S2 which amplifies the 35S CMV promoter that is present in the genomic structure of GM soya bean) soya bean were not found in all samples. No differences in enzyme levels were detected in serum, but a significant increase of lactic dehydrogenase, mainly concerning the LDH1 isoenzyme was found in particular in kidney and heart but not in the muscle, thus suggesting a potential alteration in the local production of the enzyme. Finally, no significant differences were detected concerning body weight, fresh organ weights and no sexual differences were detected.
Genetic parameters for direct and maternal effects on body weights of Muzaffarnagari sheep
Authors: Mandal A. , Neser F. W. C. , Rout P. K. , Roy R. , Notter D. R. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractEstimates of co(variance) components were obtained for weights at birth, weaning and 6, 9 and 12 months of age in Muzaffarnagari sheep maintained at the Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Mathura, India, over a period of 28 years (1976 to 2003). Records of 5530 lambs out of 169 rams and 1631 ewes were used for the study. Analyses were carried out by restricted maximum likelihood (REML), fitting six animal models, including various combinations of maternal effects. Heritability estimates for weight at birth, weaning and 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 0·09, 0·21, 0·06, 0·10 and 0·14, respectively. Maternal heritability of body weight declined from 0·07 at birth to 0·02 at weaning. The maternal permanent environmental component contributed 10 to 11% to the total variance for all traits except weight at 12 months. A significant large negative genetic correlation was observed between direct and maternal genetic effects on weaning weight, suggesting the presence of antagonistic environmental, as well as perhaps genetic, effects in daughter and dam. Results suggest that maternal additive effects were only important in early stages of growth, whereas a permanent environmental maternal effect existed at all ages up to 9 months, probably as a carry-over effect of maternal influences present at weaning. Modest rates of genetic progress appear possible for all weights, but the presence of an antagonism between direct and maternal effects on weaning weight would complicate attempts to improve both by selection.
Reproductive toxicological effects of gossypol on male rabbits: semen characteristics and hormonal levels
Authors: Taha T. A. , Shaaban W. F. , El-Mahdy A. R. , El-Nouty F. D. , Salem M. H. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two sublethal doses (4 and 20 mg/kg live weight (LW); every other day) of gossypol on semen and hormonal characteristics of male rabbits. The experiment lasted 16 weeks and included two periods: a treatment period (first 8 weeks) where the animals were given the test materials, and a recovery period (second 8 weeks) where drugs were withdrawn. Results showed that LW and respiration rate (RR) decreased ( P<0·05) among animals that received gossypol, while rectal temperature increased ( P<0·05). Animals in gossypol treatment groups had decreased ( P<0·05) blood plasma levels of tri-iodothyronine (T3) and testosterone. This was accompanied by reductions ( P<0·05) in sperm concentration, total sperm output, percentage incidence of forward motility, total functional sperm fraction and semen initial fructose concentration. Gossypol however increased ( P<0·05) reaction time (i.e. decreased libido), percentages of dead sperm and abnormal sperm (AbSp) and altered acrosomes. Estimated weights of testes and semen ejaculate volume increased ( P<0·05) possibly due to increased water retention. Values of LW, RR, AbSp, and blood plasma T3 and testosterone returned to control levels after withdrawal of gossypol, while the effect of this drug on other parameters continued during the recovery period.
Piglet use of the creep area and piglet mortality – effects of closing the piglets inside the creep area during sow feeding time in pens for individually loose-housed sows
Authors: Berg S. , Andersen I. L. , Tajet G. M. , Haukvik I. A. , Kongsrud S. , Bøe K. E. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of closing the piglets inside the piglet creep area during the first two or four sow feedings on piglet mortality from birth until weaning and piglet use of the creep area within the first 3 days after farrowing. A total of 96 sows in individual loose-housing farrowing pens were randomly allotted to one out of three groups: C0 – control (piglets not closed inside the creep area during feeding), C2 – piglets closed inside the creep area during the first two sow feedings after farrowing, C4 – piglets closed inside the creep area during the first four sow feedings after farrowing. Production results were registered on all sows, and the behaviour of 33 of the sows and litters were recorded, using instantaneous sampling every 10 min for 6 h during day 1, 2 and 3 after farrowing (farrowing=day 0). There were no effects of closing the piglets inside the creep area during sow feeding on piglet mortality, piglet activity or location. However, to make this conclusion reliable, this should be tested for several herds and with different types of creep areas. The piglets were lying increasingly more in the creep area from day 1 to day 3 (P<0·001), and at the same time mean proportion of the litter observed lying in close proximity of the mother decreased (P<0·001). How much the piglets used the creep area differed strongly between sows (P<0·05).
Does natural larval parasitism of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) vary between years, generation, density of the host and vine cultivar?
Authors: Xuéreb A. , Thiéry D. 
Published: March 2006

Abstractpulations of European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana Franc, Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sémillon) using a natural L. botrana population during the first year, and a natural population supplemented with artificially inoculated individuals during the second year. Levels of natural populations of larval parasitoids were measured by their parasitism rate. The ichneumonid Campoplex capitator Aubert was the most common species collected from L. botrana larvae. Its incidence was higher during the spring compared to summer. The overall parasitism rate found on the experimental vineyard varied from 23% in 2000 to 53% in 2001, and was mainly due to C. capitator. Parasitism was not affected by the grape cultivar on which the host developed but was positively correlated with the host density, per bunch or per stock, suggesting that among the five grape cultivars tested, C. capitator females probably do not discriminate between hosts feeding on different grape cultivars, but rather the densities of L. botrana larvae.
Structure of worldwide populations of Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) as revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism profiles
Authors: Blanc M.P. , Lugon-Moulin N. , Panighini C. , Pijnenburg H. , Rossi L. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne through transportation affects the infestation of stored tobacco. Using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), DNA polymorphisms were assessed in 16 populations of L. serricorne collected from 15 countries. The dendrograms constructed from profile distance matrices revealed well-supported colony clusters. There was no clear clustering as a function of the geographic origin of the samples. The results suggest extensive insect dispersal among geographical regions due to movement of infested commodities worldwide. This first AFLP population study of a stored-product insect demonstrates the potential of AFLP for distinguishing L. serricorne populations.
Genetic differentiation of geographically separated populations of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Kavar T. , Pavlovčič P. , Sušnik S. , Meglič V. , Virant-Doberlet M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractGenetic variation in the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) from 11 geographically separated sampling locations (Slovenia, France, Greece, Italy, Madeira, Japan, Guadeloupe, Galapagos, California, Brazil and Botswana) was studied by sequencing 16S and 28S rDNA, cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene fragments and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Sequencing revealed 11 distinct haplotypes clustering into lineages A, B and C. Lineage C was characteristic for a single analysed specimen from Botswana. Lineage B was detected in Japan, and it probably arose in Asia. Haplotypes of European and American specimens belonged to lineage A; specimens from France, Slovenia, Madeira and Brazil shared highly similar haplotypes (>99%) from subgroup A1, while all the specimens from Greece, California, Galapagos and Guadeloupe shared a haplotype from subgroup A2. RAPD data were more variable but consistent with mtDNA sequences, revealing the same clustering. They separated the Botswanian specimen from Japanese specimens and from a group of more closely related specimens from Europe and America. Sequence and RAPD results both support the African origin of N. viridula, followed by dispersal to Asia (lineage B) and, more recently, by expansion to Europe and America (lineage A). RAPD analysis revealed two highly supported subgroups in Japan, congruent with mtDNA lineages A2 and B, suggesting multiple colonization of Japan. Invariant sequences at the 28S rDNA combined with other results do not support the hypothesis that cryptic (sibling) species exist within the populations investigated in this study.