bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production and behavioural responses of high‐ and low‐yielding dairy cows to different periods of access to grazing or to a maize silage and soyabean meal diet fed indoors
Authors: Hernandez‐Mendo O. , Leaver J. D. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe study examined whether high‐yielding cows grazing pasture respond differently from low‐yielding cows in milk production and feeding behaviour, to increasing the time made available for eating a maize silage and soyabean meal (TAMS) diet indoors and reducing the time available for grazing (TAG). Two experiments, each lasting 42 d, were carried out in spring (Experiment 1) and autumn (Experiment 2) using Holstein‐Friesian cows at two different levels of milk yield (MYL). Milk production and feeding behaviour were examined for TAG + TAMS systems of 19 h, TAG plus 1 h TAMS (19 + 1), and 5 h TAG plus 15 h TAMS (5 + 15). There were two levels of concentrate (0 and 6 kg d−1), and in the spring experiment two sward heights (4–6 and 8–10 cm) were also studied. Milk yield, persistency of milk yield, liveweight change and estimated total DM intake were significantly higher on the 5 + 15 than on the 19 + 1 grazing system in Experiment 1 but not in Experiment 2. There were no significant interactions of TAG + TAMS treatment with MYL for any production or behavioural measurements except for maize silage feeding time, where high MYL cows spent a significantly greater time eating maize silage than low MYL cows on the 5 + 15 treatment but not on the 19 + 1 treatment. It can be concluded that high‐ and low‐yielding cows respond similarly in milk production and feeding behaviour to different combinations of TAG and TAMS. In autumn, estimated daily intakes of herbage were lower on both grazing treatments relative to spring, resulting from lower rates of herbage intake with no compensatory increase in grazing time. In contrast, rates of intake of maize silage were higher in autumn especially on the 19 + 1 system. These results may imply a change of preference from herbage to maize silage between spring and autumn.
Diet selection of dry and lactating beef cows grazing extensive pastures in late autumn
Authors: Farruggia A. , Dumont B. , D'hour P. , Egal D. , Petit M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe diet selection, made by twelve dry and twelve lactating spring‐calving Salers beef cows at the end of the grazing season on an extensively grazed natural mountain pasture in central France, was compared. Sward structure, selection bites, daily grazing time and digestibility of the diet were measured in mid‐October (P1) and mid‐November (P2). Live weights were measured twice monthly throughout the experiment. Daily milk production was assessed in the week before the grazing behaviour measurements. Lactating cows grazed more selectively than dry cows: they took more bites on green patches (0·20 vs. 0·13 of total bites, P < 0·01; Jacob's selectivity index: 0·13 vs. −0·25, P < 0·001), which is consistent with the higher overall nitrogen concentration in faeces (18·1 vs. 17·3 g kg−1 DM, P < 0·05). Lactating cows tended to slightly increase their daily grazing time compared with dry cows (on average 9·9 vs. 9·5 h, P = 0·07) and grazed faster in mid‐November (74 vs. 69 bites min−1, P < 0·05). The lactating cows lost more live weight (−24 vs. −12 kg cow−1, P < 0·05) between P1 and P2. A positive correlation was found between consumption of green patches by lactating cows and their daily milk production in P2 (r = 0·574, P = 0·05), whereas no correlation occurred between individual milk production and liveweight loss. Dry cows were less selective, which supports management practices that promote the use of cows with low requirements on extensively grazed pastures in late season.
The effect of initial spring grazing date and subsequent stocking rate on the grazing management, grass dry matter intake and milk production of dairy cows in summer
Authors: Kennedy E. , O'Donovan M. , Murphy J. P. , O'Mara F. P. , Delaby L. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of an early (February; F) or delayed (April; A) primary spring grazing date and two stocking rates, high (H) and medium (M), on the grazing management, dry matter (DM) intake of grass herbage and milk production of spring‐calving dairy cows grazing a perennial ryegrass sward in the subsequent summer. Sixty‐four Holstein‐Friesian dairy cows (mean of 58 d in milk) were assigned to one of four grazing treatments (n = 16) which were imposed from 12 April to 3 July 2004. Cows on the early spring‐grazing treatment were grazed at 5·5 cows ha−1 (treatment FH) and 4·5 cows ha−1 (treatment FM) while cows on the late‐grazing treatment were grazed at 6·4 cows ha−1 (treatment AH) and 5·5 cows ha−1 (treatment AM). The organic matter digestibility and crude protein concentration of the grass herbage were higher on the early‐grazing treatment than on the late‐grazing treatment. The cows on the FM treatment had significantly (P < 0·001) higher milk (24·5 kg), solids‐corrected milk (22·5 kg), fat (P < 0·01, 918 g) and protein (831 g) yields than the other three treatments. Cows on the FM treatment had a higher (P < 0·001) DM intake of grass herbage by 2·3 kg DM per cow per day than cows on the AH treatment, which had a DM intake significantly lower than all other treatments (15·2 kg DM per cow per day). The results of the present study showed that grazing in early spring has a positive effect on herbage quality in subsequent grazing rotations. The study also concluded that early spring‐grazed swards stocked at a medium stocking rate (4·5 cows ha−1; FM) resulted in the highest DM intake of grass herbage and milk production.
Effect of maize grain and herbage allowance on estimated metabolizable energy intake and animal performance in beef cattle finishing systems
Authors: Machado C. F. , Morris S. T. , Hodgson J. , Berger H. , Auza N. J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of levels of supplementation with maize grain and herbage allowance (HA) on grass herbage and maize intake, animal performance and grazing behaviour in two replicated grazing experiments with Angus beef cattle in Argentina. In Experiment 1, the response to increasing HA (2·5, 5·0 and 7·5 kg DM herbage 100 kg−1 live weight (LW) d−1 with and without 0·5 kg DM maize grain 100 kg−1 LW d−1) was investigated. In Experiment 2, the responses to level of maize grain offered (0, 0·5 and 1·0 kg DM maize grain 100 kg−1 LW d−1) at an HA of 2·5 kg DM herbage 100 kg−1 LW d−1 and an HA of 5·0 kg 100 kg−1 LW d−1 without maize grain were assessed. In Experiment 2, soyabean meal was added to control the crude protein concentration in the diet. Two methods were used for intake estimations: pre‐ and post‐feeding herbage mass difference, and the use of the n‐alkane and 13C technique. The latter predicted most accurately the metabolizable energy requirements calculated from live weights and liveweight gain of beef cattle attained in each treatment in both experiments. Increasing HA significantly increased herbage intake and liveweight gain (P < 0·01), and general quadratic relationships between these variables could be fitted across experiments despite differences in animal and pasture characteristics. Increasing the amount of maize grain offered significantly reduced herbage intake and grazing time, but increased liveweight gain and digestibility of the diet. Substitution rate increased with increasing HA in Experiment 1 but was not affected by level of maize supplementation in Experiment 2. These relationships will aid the development of grazing management models for Argentinean conditions.
Molecular genetic discrimination of Buffel grass genotypes and F1 hybrids for breeding purposes using amplified fragment length polymorphism analyses
Authors: Griffa S. , Díaz D. , Ribotta A. , Lanza Castelli S. , Muñoz N. , López Colomba E. , Luna C. , Grunberg K. , Biderbost E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBuffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is an apomictic species that is widely adapted to arid and semi‐arid, tropical and warm climates. Six apomictic cultivars used as male parents, one sexual line used as the female parents and 15 putative F1 genotypes were studied using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique for their evaluation and recognition. The NTSYS programme and Jaccard's Index were used to establish the genetic similarity; and a phenogram was constructed. A total of 152 bands was recorded. Three primer combinations were sufficient to identify the genotypes. The maximum proportion of polymorphisms was 0·835, and 0·510 of the polymorphisms consisted in individual bands that strictly diagnosed unique genotypes. Texas 4464 and Americana cultivars were the most different from the sexual line, indicating that they might be the best genotypes for future crossing. Two hybrids were identified among F1 material to demonstrate the usefulness of the AFLP technique in characterizing genotypes and recognizing hybrids in Buffel grass for breeding purposes.
Spring and autumn establishment of Caucasian and white clovers with different sowing rates of perennial ryegrass
Authors: Black A. D. , Moot D. J. , Lucas R. J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe effect of sowing date (SD) and sowing rate of perennial ryegrass (PRG) on the establishment of Caucasian and white clovers in New Zealand was assessed. Clovers were sown in spring on 24 September (SD1) and 9 November (SD2) 1999, and in autumn on 4 February (SD3) and 31 March (SD4) 2000. On each date, clovers were sown with 0, 3, 6 or 12 kg ha−1 of PRG. Total herbage dry matter (DM) production up to 6 November 2000 was 13–16 t DM ha−1 for SD1 and SD2 when sown with 3–12 kg ha−1 of PRG, and 7–10 t DM ha−1 for sown clover monocultures. For SD3 and SD4, total herbage production was 6–9 t DM ha−1 with PRG, while total herbage production of clover monocultures was 5·4 t DM ha−1 for SD3 and 2·6 t DM ha−1 for SD4. By 6 November 2000, white clover contributed proportionately more than 0·15 of herbage mass when sown with 3–12 kg ha−1 of PRG on SD1, SD2 or SD3, but less than 0·09 when sown on SD4. The proportion of Caucasian clover never exceeded 0·09 of herbage mass in any of the swards. White clover was successfully established in spring and in autumn with 3–12 kg ha−1 of PRG provided the 15‐mm soil temperature was above 14 °C. None of the combinations of Caucasian clover and PRG provided an adequate proportion of legumes during the establishment year. This unsuccessful establishment of Caucasian clover with PRG was attributed to its inability to compete for available light as a seedling due to slow leaf area expansion from secondary shoot development and a high root:shoot ratio. Alternative establishment strategies for Caucasian clover may include the use of slow establishing grasses, cover crops and temporal species separation.
Development and growth characteristics of Caucasian and white clover seedlings, compared with perennial ryegrass
Authors: Black A. D. , Moot D. J. , Lucas R. J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSeedling competition for resources during establishment affects the potential success of individual species within a pasture. Germination, emergence and leaf expansion are key characteristics that contribute to the competitive ability of species. In this study, development and growth characteristics of Caucasian clover, white clover and perennial ryegrass (PRG) seedlings were quantified. A base temperature of <4°C and an optimum temperature of ∼27°C were found for development in each species. Thermal time (Tt) requirements for 75% of final germination were lower for Caucasian clover (46°C d) and white clover (40°C d) than for PRG (76°C d), but Tt requirements for 50% of final emergence were similar (∼110°C d). The phyllochron (°C d leaf−1) for primary stem leaves was slower for Caucasian clover (109°C d) than for white clover (94°C d) and PRG (101°C d). Appearance of the first PRG tiller, which indicates the initiation of secondary leaf development, occurred after 373°C d, compared with 532°C d for the first white clover stolon. Caucasian clover crown shoots did not develop until >1180°C d. Consequently, white clover and PRG had more leaves (∼15 plant−1) and faster shoot relative growth rates (∼0·062 mg mg−1 d−1) than Caucasian clover (5 leaves plant−1, 0·049 mg mg−1 d−1).
Mannan‐mediated gene delivery for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Tang Choon K. , Lodding Jodie , Minigo Gabriela , Pouniotis Dodie S. , Plebanski Magdalena , Scholzen Anja , McKenzie Ian F. C. , Pietersz Geoffrey A. , Apostolopoulos Vasso 
Published: December 2006

SummaryRecent years have seen a resurgence in interest in the development of efficient non‐viral delivery systems for DNA vaccines and gene therapy. We have previously used oxidized and reduced mannan as carriers for protein delivery to antigen‐presenting cells by targeting the receptors that bind mannose, resulting in efficient induction of cellular responses. In the present study, oxidized mannan and reduced mannan were used as receptor‐mediated gene transfer ligands for cancer immunotherapy. In vivo studies in C57BL/6 mice showed that injection of DNA encoding ovalbumin (OVA) complexed to oxidized or reduced mannan‐poly‐L‐lysine induced CD8 and CD4 T‐cell responses as well as antibody responses leading to protection of mice from OVA+ tumours. Both oxidized and reduced mannan delivery was superior to DNA alone or DNA‐poly‐L‐lysine. These studies demonstrate the potential of oxidized and reduced mannan for efficient receptor‐mediated gene delivery in vivo, particularly as DNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.
T‐cell migration: a naive paradigm?
Authors: Cose Stephen 
Published: December 2006

SummaryNaive T cells have long been thought to recirculate exclusively between secondary lymphoid organs via the lymph and blood. Evidence is now emerging that this view may be too simplistic and that naive T cells routinely traffic through non‐lymphoid organs in a manner similar to that of memory T cells, albeit in lower numbers. This represents a fundamental shift in the current paradigm of T‐cell migration through different types of tissue. This review summarizes these recent findings, along with the similarities and differences in migratory properties of naive and memory T cells, and discusses how and why naive T cells might access non‐lymphoid tissues.
Expert intrapartum maternity care: a meta‐synthesis
Authors: Downe Soo , Simpson Louise , Trafford Katriona 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Title. Expert intrapartum maternity care: a meta‐synthesis Aim.  This paper reports a meta‐synthesis exploring the accounts of intrapartum midwifery skills, practices, beliefs and philosophies given by practitioners working in the field of intrapartum maternity care who are termed expert, exemplary, excellent or experienced.Background.  Expertise in nursing and medicine has been widely debated and researched. However, there appear to be few studies of practitioners’ accounts of expertise in the context of maternity care. Given current international debates on the need to promote safe motherhood, and, simultaneously, on the need to reverse rising rates of routine intrapartum intervention, an examination of the nature of maternity care expertise is timely.Method.  A systematic review and meta‐synthesis were undertaken. Twelve databases and 50 relevant health and social science journals were searched by hand or electronically for papers published in English between 1970 and June 2006, using predefined search terms, inclusion, exclusion and quality criteria.Findings.  Seven papers met the criteria for this review. Five of these included qualified and licensed midwives, and two included labour ward nurses. Five studies were undertaken in the USA and two in Sweden. The quality of the included studies was good. Ten themes were identified by consensus. After discussion, three intersecting concepts were identified. These were: wisdom, skilled practice and enacted vocation.Conclusion.  The derived concepts provide a possible first step in developing a theory of expert intrapartum non‐physician maternity care. They may also offer more general insights into aspects of clinical expertise across healthcare groups. Maternity systems that limit the capacity of expert practitioners to perform within the domains identified may not deliver optimal care. If further empirical studies verify that the identified domains maximize effective intrapartum maternity care, education and maternity care systems will need to be designed to accommodate them.
The effectiveness of implementing a bladder ultrasound programme in neurosurgical units
Authors: Lee Yuh‐Yun , Tsay Wen‐Lin , Lou Meei‐Fang , Dai Yu‐Tzu 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Title. The effectiveness of implementing a bladder ultrasound programme in neurosurgical units Aim.  This paper reports an evaluation of the differences among rates of unnecessary catheterization, urinary retention and urinary tract infection before and after implementing a bladder ultrasound programme to assess urine volume.Background.  Bladder ultrasound is a non‐invasive alternative to urethral catheterization for the determination of bladder urine volume. Much of the literature available on bladder ultrasound technology addresses the accuracy of the equipment, with little research on the clinical outcomes or benefits of the intervention.Methods.  A quasi‐experimental design was adopted. Data were collected from March 2001 to May 2001 in a control group in two neurosurgical units in Taiwan. During July and August 2001, nurses were taught how to operate a portable ultrasound machine and how to implement the programme. Data were collected from September to November 2001 in the study group.Results.  The rates of unnecessary catheterization in the control group and the study group were 35·3% and 7·0%, respectively. The urine volume (more than 500 mL) in the control group and the study group were 13·4% and 20·3%, respectively. The study group had a statistically significantly lower average catheterization volume than that of the control group (676·9 mL vs. 777·1 mL, t = 1·84, P < 0·05). During 3 months before and after the implementation of the programme, the urinary tract infection rates in the control group and the study group were 3·47% and 2·87%, respectively. After 6 months the urinary tract infection rates decreased to 1·39%.Conclusion.  The bladder ultrasound programme was successful and could be used to manage patients with urination disorders in neurosurgical units.
Spiritual care in Christian parish nursing
Authors: Van Dover Leslie , Pfeiffer Jane Bacon 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Title. Spiritual care in Christian parish nursing Aim.  This paper reports the development of a substantive theory to explain the process parish nurses use to provide spiritual care to parishioners in Christian churches in a context where patients and nurses share a common set of values.Background.  Despite a surge of interest in spirituality and spiritual care in nursing, consensus is lacking on how care should be conceptualized and provided.Method.  Grounded theory method was used to explore and describe the processes 10 American parish nurses experienced and used as they gave spiritual care. Data were collected between 1998 and 2001. Participants were interviewed and audiotapes transcribed verbatim. Constant comparative methods were used to analyse more than 50 separate incidents reported by the nurses.Findings.  From its initial emergence as the core category, ‘Bringing God Near’ became a Basic Social Process theory of giving spiritual care for these parish nurses. This Basic Social Process became a theory through writing theoretical memos that described how the ‘main concern’ of the nurses to give spiritual care was resolved. Phases within the process include: trusting God, forming relationships with the patient/family, opening to God, activating/nurturing faith and recognizing spiritual renewal or growth. The essence is bringing God near to people as they face health challenges. Findings from the study and spiritual care literature are integrated in the discussion.Conclusion.  The parish nurses' spiritual challenge is to respond to what God is directing the nurse to be and do to strengthen people spiritually. This spiritual care can help restore the patient's sense of well‐being, and encourage growth in faith. Those interested in providing and teaching spiritual care in the church context will find this theory useful as a conceptual guide.
Patients’ accounts of the differences in nurses’ and general practitioners’ roles in primary care
Authors: Redsell Sarah , Stokes Tim , Jackson Clare , Hastings Adrian , Baker Richard 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Title. Patients’ accounts of the differences in nurses’ and general practitioners’ roles in primary care Aim.  This paper reports a study of patients’ accounts of the differences in nurses’ and general medical practitioners’ roles in primary care.Background.  Nurses are now diagnosing and treating illnesses including conducting first contact care consultations. However, the findings of international studies reporting patients’ views of developments in nursing roles are not consistent. Whilst some studies report higher satisfaction following nurse consultations, others suggest that patients do not want nurses to replace general medical practitioners. Healthcare professionals’ views of the boundaries of their roles have been studied, but patients’ views have not been reported.Method.  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 28 adults attending general practices for urgent ‘same day’ appointments during 2004. Participants were interviewed prior to their consultation with either the nurse or general medical practitioner and 19 participants were interviewed after the consultation. Data collection and analysis were concurrent, and based on the constant comparative method.Findings.  Participants’ views reflected traditional hierarchies in primary care. They preferred to consult with general medical practitioners if they perceived their symptoms to be serious and with nurses for minor symptoms and reassurance. They thought that nurses had more time for them and were more compassionate. Interpersonal/relational continuity of care was important and for most participants this was with a general medical practitioner who knew them. Participants trusted known practitioners; they also placed trust in professional groups and familiar structures such as the practice.Conclusion.  New nursing services should incorporate patients’ views on continuity of care provider when developing models of care delivery. Patient information leaflets in general practices should be used to explain the roles of general practitioners and nurse practitioners/practice nurses. As these roles develop further, more research is needed into all aspects of their implementation and patients’ views should particularly be evaluated.