Body composition in non-reproductive adult males and females in a long-term selection experiment for litter size in mice

Earlier studies have shown that adult mice from a line selected for high litter size (S-line), in particular females, had higher residual food intake (RFI) than mice from a non-selected control line (C-line). It was suggested that this increase in RFI, in particular the mature selected females, may anticipate the metabolically stressful periods of pregnancy and lactation. The present study investigated whether body composition at maturity has been changed as a correlated response to selection, in order to support the offspring during pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, part of the observed differences between individuals in RFI may be attributable to differing proportions of body protein and lipid. For these reasons, differences in body composition at maturity between males and females of the S-line and the C-line were investigated. Lipid percentage was similar for C-line animals and S-line females; S-line males had a significantly lower lipid percentage. Males had a higher protein percentage than females, in particular S-line males. The results show that body composition in adult non-reproductive females has not been affected as a correlated effect of selection for high litter size. Furthermore, the results suggest that the high lean content in S-line males may explain part of the high RFI compared with C-line animals. Body composition in S-line females probably does not explain the high RFI compared with S-line males and C-line animals. Factors other than protein and lipid levels must be responsible for the differences found between the lines and sexes in RFI.     

Lactation efficiency as a result of body composition dynamics and feed intake in sows

Through genetic selection and improvement of environment, litter size of sows increases. Increased energy requirement during lactation, increases the risk of excessive mobilization from body stores, with detrimental effects on reproductive performance. Feed intake capacity tends to decrease due to selection towards leaner pigs with a lower feed conversion ratio. However, to facilitate sows to wean large litters extra feed intake, or even better, a higher feed efficiency during lactation would be favourable. The objective of the present study was to describe the dynamics of body composition of sows and piglets during lactation, and to relate these traits to a newly introduced trait called “lactation efficiency”. Energy metabolism of lactating sows was described, based on on-farm observations of weight and backfat of sows before parturition and at weaning, weight of piglets at birth and at weaning and feed intake of sows during lactation. “Lactation efficiency” was defined as energy efficiency of sows, and calculated for individual sows at two different farms. The average lactation efficiency was 68% and 65% for both farms; meaning that 68 and 65% of the metabolisable energy through feed intake or mobilization from body stores, above maintenance of the sow (input), was used for piglet growth and piglet maintenance (output). The association between lactation efficiency and other reproductive traits was studied by estimating the correlations within farms. Sows with a higher lactation efficiency showed lower feed intake (r = − 0.27 and r = − 0.35 for both farms respectively) and smaller fat losses (r = − 0.34 and r = − 0.29, respectively). The energy output of efficient sows was slightly higher (r = 0.23 and r = 0.30). The more efficient sows were the better mothers, as mortality of their piglets was lower (r = − 0.12 and r = − 0.16), piglet growth rate was higher (r = 0.16 and r = 0.23), and at weaning their litters were less variable (r = − 0.08; only available at one farm). Results were remarkably similar for the two farms, despite different feeding strategies. Extra input, by means of feed intake or mobilization from body stores generated extra output by means of litter weight at weaning. This experiment demonstrated that an accurate recording of energy metabolism and relevant reproduction traits with little intervention is possible on commercial farms.     

Effects of malic acid on feed intake, milk yield, milk components and metabolites in early lactation Holstein dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of malic acid (MA) on feed intake, milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and energy balance in early lactation Holstein dairy cows from 1 to 63 day in milk (DIM). Twenty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows, blocked by lactation number, previous 305-d mature equivalent milk production, and expected calving date, were arranged into four groups in a randomized block design. Treatments were: control (without MA), LMA, MMA and HMA with 70, 140 and 210 g malic acid per cow per day, respectively. The supplement of food grade MA (99.8% of MA) was hand-mixed into the top one-third of the daily ration. Cows were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration consisting of equal proportion of forage and concentrate. Milk yield increased (P = 0.04), but feed intake and milk components were not affected (P > 0.05) by MA supplementation. The energy balance, expressed as the difference between energy input and output, tended to be higher (P = 0.08) for MA supplemented cows during the 63-DIM period MA and supplemented cows showed a trend (P = 0.07) toward less loss of BW during the 63-day period, especially during the first 21-day of lactation. Concentrations of plasma glucose and serum insulin were higher for cows fed LMA, MMA, and HMA relative to control and linearly (P < 0.01) increased with increasing MA supplementation. Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and urine ketones were lower for MA-supplemented cows at 7, 14 and 21 DIM of lactation and linearly (P < 0.01) decreased with increasing MA supplementation. Although feed intake was not affected, milk yield increased, MA-supplemented cows experienced higher concentrations of plasma glucose and serum insulin, lower concentrations of plasma BHBA and NEFA, and lower concentrations of urine ketones, suggesting that nutrient digestibilities and energy availability may have been improved.     

Reallocation of body resources in lactating mice highly selected for litter size

The present study investigated differences in the allocation patterns of body stores in lactating female mice from a line selected for high litter size at birth (S-line, average litter size of 20) and dams from a nonselected control line (C-line, average litter size of 10). Body weight, litter size, litter weight, and absolute and relative lipid and protein mass were measured at peak lactation (2 wk in lactation) and at weaning (3 wk in lactation). Body size in S-line females has been increased as a correlated effect of selection for high litter size at birth, allowing for larger litters and higher absolute milk production. However, these dams produce larger litters relative to their own body weight. At peak lactation, lipid and protein percentage did not differ between lines. At weaning, S-line females had a higher protein percentage (P < 0.001) and lower lipid percentage (P < 0.05) than C-line females. Apparently, S-line females produce more offspring but at a greater cost to their own metabolism. This process was insufficient to supply the offspring with adequate resources, resulting in reduced (P < 0.0001) pup development and increased (P < 0.0001) preweaning mortality rates.     

Characteristic of duodenal myoelectric activity in relation to food in piglets during the 3rd and 4th week of life

The relationship between duodenal myoelectric activity and liquid food intake was investigated in eight conscious piglets with bipolar electrodes implanted on the wall of the duodenum. Piglets were fed with commercial milk formula and the effects of volume and feed dry matter intake on duodenal myoelectric activity were measured by means of an analog–digital recording system.The cyclic pattern of duodenal myoelectric activity, i.e. the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC), was preserved when piglets received small meals at regular intervals. The duration of the whole MMC cycle, as well as the duration of phase II of the MMC, were only weakly correlated (r = 0.2, P < 0.05 for both parameters, respectively) to the amount of ingested food. However, the increase of the amount of feed dry matter intake of a meal from 2.1 to 4.5 g kg^− 1 of live body mass (LBM) as well as an increase of volume of a meal from 13 to 26 ml kg^− 1 LBM significantly increased the duration of the MMC cycles (P < 0.05) due to the elongation of phase II of the MMC (P < 0.05).The present study shows that in piglets fed with a liquid diet the upper gut motility response to food is similar to that previously observed in adult animals.     

Energy balance, milk production and reproduction in grazing crossbred cows in the tropics with and without cereal supplementation

The aim of this work was to study the effect of parity order and reproductive management systems on rabbit production performance. A total of 73 rabbit does (I group) were submitted to a 35-day intensive rhythm [artificial insemination (AI) on day 4 post-partum (pp) and weaning at 25 days of lactation], and 108 rabbit does (SI group) were submitted to a 42-day semi-intensive rhythm (AI on day 11 pp and weaning at 35 days of lactation) during 9 months. Primiparous does had the lowest live body weight at parturition (P < 0.0001) and at 21 days of lactation (P < 0.0001). They also had lower milk production (P < 0.0001) than does with later parities. I group animals needed a higher number of AI than SI group to become pregnant (1.70 ± 0.03 vs. 1.39 ± 0.03; P < 0.0001: especially after the third). Prolificacy was not affected by the management system. Parturition interval (PI) was longer than expected in both groups [56.0 ± 1.4 and 50.9 ± 1.38 days in I and SI groups, respectively (P < 0.05)]. Mean productivity, estimated as number of weaned rabbits per female and year, was 12 kits higher in rabbit does of the SI group (P < 0.05). From the third parturition onward, an increase in live body weight of kits at different ages was observed. At 21 (P < 0.05) and 25 days of age (P < 0.01), kits from the I group rabbit does weighed more than those from the SI group; however, the latter showed a higher weight at 35 (P < 0.05) and 60 days of age (P < 0.05). Rabbit does with two or three parturitions had higher litter size at 21 and 25 days of age (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Kit mortality between 21 and 25 days of age and between 35 and 60 days of age was not affected by treatments but was higher in the I group between 25 and 35 days (18.2 vs. 5.03% in the I and SI groups, respectively; P < 0.0001) and as age of does increased (P < 0.05). In light of these results, we could conclude that long term doe reproductive performance is negatively affected and litter viability decreased when using intensive compared to a semi-intensive reproductive management.     

Effects of cow parity on voluntary hay intake and performance responses to early weaning of beef calves

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of early calf weaning from both primiparous and multiparous beef cows on hay intake and measures of performance. Over two consecutive years, 96 Brahman × British cows (48 cows/year) and their calves were stratified by parity and calving date and randomly assigned to one of two weaning treatments (n = 24 cows/weaning treatment; 12 primiparous and 12 multiparous). Weaning treatments consisted of normal-weaned (calf remaining with cow throughout the study) or early weaned (calves removed from cow at 86 ± 5 days of age). An estrus synchronization and fixed-timed artificial insemination protocol (CO-Synch + CIDR) was applied to all cows at 21 days after early weaning. Following fixed-timed artificial insemination, cows were put onto bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (3 pastures/treatment; 4 cows/pasture) for a 60-day period to evaluate voluntary hay intake. During this time, cows were provided free-choice access to grass hay (‘Florona’ stargrass; Cynodon nlemfuensis) and 2.3 kg per head daily of a urea-fortified molasses supplement. Hay intake was determined by subtracting the dried weight of residual hay from the amount offered over the 60-day evaluation period. Cow body weight and body condition score were measured on day 0 and 60. Immediately following the hay intake determination period, all cows were grouped by weaning treatment and exposed to mature Angus bulls for 21 days. Pregnancy determination to artificial insemination and natural service was determined by transrectal utrasonography on two occasions conducted 60 days after artificial insemination and again 40 days after bull removal. Multiparous cows had greater hay dry matter intake (P < 0.001), body weight (P < 0.001), and body condition score (P < 0.001) than primiparous cows throughout the study. Overall, early weaning resulted in greater than a 16% decrease (P < 0.01) in hay dry matter intake, irrespective of parity. Early-weaned cows had greater (P < 0.01) body weight and body condition score than normal-weaned cows on day 60, but not day 0. Pregnancy rate to artificial insemination was greater (P < 0.01) for multiparous compared to primiparous cows. There was a weaning treatment × parity interaction for overall pregnancy rate, whereas early-weaned primiparous, but not multiparous, cows had a greater (P < 0.05) overall pregnancy rate compared to their normal-weaned contemporaries. These data imply that early calf weaning (90 days of age) will increase body weight and body condition in both multiparous and primiparous cows; however, early-weaning provides a greater advantage to overall pregnancy rate when applied to primiparous versus multiparous cows.     

Consequences of variation in weaning-to-estrus interval on reproductive performance of swine females

Frequency distribution of females according to weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) was evaluated in a database containing 15,600 breeding records of one Brazilian farm. The consequences of WEI duration on the reproductive performance was evaluated, emphasising on the effect of very short WEI (0 to 2 days). Only females with WEI up to 21 days, lactation length of 13 to 26 days and parity 1 to 8 were included in the analyses. The average WEI was 4.8 days and the percentage of females showing estrus within 2 days after weaning was 6.1%. In both primiparous (PO 1) and multiparous females (PO > 1) those with WEI of 3–5 days showed the lowest return to estrus rate. The highest RER and the lowest FR were observed when estrus occurred on the day after weaning, for primiparous sows, and on the day of weaning, for multiparous sows. In both parity classes, WEI of 0–2, 6–8, 9–12 and 13–18 days resulted in FR lower (P < 0.05) than those observed for WEI of 3–5 days. In PO 1 females, the lowest subsequent litter size (SLS) was observed in those with WEI of 6–8 and 9–12 days (P < 0.05). In PO > 1 females SLS increased significantly from WEI 0–2 to WEI 3–5 days, it decreased in females with WEI of 6–8 days and increased again in females with WEI of 9 to 21 days. A negative effect of WEI on reproductive performance is clear in females with very short WEI (0–2 days) and in those with WEI of 6–12 days.     

Colostrum production by primiparous and multiparous Holstein dairy cows and its usefulness as an estimator of full lactation milk yield

This study determined colostrum production of lactating primiparous and multiparous Holstein dairy cows, as well as the predictability of full lactation milk yield based upon this colostrum production. Holstein cows that calved between December 18, 2006 and December 24, 2007 (n = 134) had their first two post-partum milkings weighed and assayed for density. Cows then entered normal production groups and were assessed for milk yield and milk components every 4 or 5 weeks for the duration of their lactation. Primiparous cows produced less colostrum (10.6 versus 13.6 kg; P = 0.02) and density adjusted (DA) colostrum (5.2 versus 8.5 kg; P < 0.01), but there were no differences in estimated 305 day mature equivalent (305ME) milk production (mean = 13,654 kg) or lactation lengths (mean = 301 days) between parities. Colostrum and DA colostrum were poor estimators of subsequent 305ME milk production within primiparous cows (r² = 0.20 and 0.01 respectively) and multiparous cows (r² = 0.18 and 0.12 respectively). Colostrum production of these high producing cows was somewhat lower than expected, highly variable among cows within parity, higher for multiparous versus primiparous cows, and was not a good estimator of subsequent 305ME milk production.     

The effect of high calcium intake by pregnant Awassi ewes at late gestation on minerals status and performance of ewes and newborn lambs

Calcium (Ca) requirement increase rapidly by pregnant ewes at late gestation as a result of high fetal growth. Furthermore, Ca deficiency results in poor growth and bone development in growing newborn lambs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium supplementation (Calcium carbonate–CC) and vitamin AD₃E injection (75,000 IU/shot) to pregnant Awassi ewes at late gestation (− 45 days prepartum) on their mineral levels and performance of their newborn lambs. Forty pregnant Awassi ewes at late gestation (65 ± 6.1 kg) were selected before parturition (− 45 days; using hormonal sponges for estrus synchronization) and randomly divided to 4 dietary treatments. The treatments were: group 1 Control (1.4% CC); group 2 (2.4% CC); group 3 (1.4% CC + 2 shots vitamin AD3E at − 45 and − 21 days prepartum); group 4 (2.4% CC + 2 shots vitamin AD3E at − 45 and − 21 days prepartum). Blood samples were collected from ewes (− 45, 0 days prepartum: 30 and 60 days postpartum) and lambs (0, 30 and 60 days old). Average milk yield and samples were collected. Body weights of lambs were taken at birth, 30 and 60 days old. Blood serum and milk samples were prepared and analyzed by AAS for Ca, Mg, Co, Mn and Cu concentrations.Calcium concentrations in bloods serum of ewes, 0 and 60 days postpartum, and lambs at weaning (60 days old) from group 4 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to other groups. No significant effect (P > 0.05) of treatment on Co, Mg and Cu in blood serum of ewes and lambs except for Cu concentration in ewes. Moreover, a significant increase (P < 0.01) in milk inorganic% (30 and 60 days samples) in ewes from group 2 when compared with other groups. The average milk yield (AMY) of ewes from group 2 and 4 at late stage of lactation (45–60 days) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to groups 1 and 3. In addition, Ca% in colostrums samples from ewes in groups 2 and 4 were significantly higher (P < 0.01). The average daily gain (ADG) and total body gain for lambs up to weaning (60 days old) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in groups 1 and 2 compared with the other groups.In conclusion, increasing level of Ca intake in feed of Awassi ewes at late gestation, with or without vitamin AD₃E injections, improve the calcium concentration in colostrums and blood serum of ewes and their lambs without negative effect in their health and performance.     

Effects of replacing grass silage harvested at two maturity stages with maize silage in the ration upon the intake, digestibility and N retention in wether sheep

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of interactions between medium quality grass silage (GS1) and maize silage (MS) as well as between low-quality grass silage (GS2) and MS on ad libitum intake, digestibility and N retention in wether sheep. Two grass silages (GS1 and GS2) were ensiled in round bales, without additives, from the primary growth of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) harvested at two different maturity stages. The study consisted of seven feeding treatments incorporating GS1, GS2 and MS fed alone and forage mixtures of GS1 and MS as well as GS2 and MS (67:33% and 33:67%, respectively, DM (dry matter) basis).Delayed harvesting lowered (P < 0.05) the crude protein (CP) concentration in GS2 compared to GS1. The DM content (g kg^− 1 fresh sample) and starch concentration (g kg^− 1 DM) of MS were 264 and 211, respectively.Inclusion of MS in the GS1-based ration had positive linear effects on CP and starch digestibility (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and N intake (P < 0.01) while a negative effect on neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). A positive associative response of GS1 and MS was observed for DM ad libitum intake (g kg^− 1 M^0.75 day^− 1) (quadratic, P < 0.05), CP digestibility (quadratic, P < 0.01), N intake (quadratic, P < 0.01) and N balance (quadratic, P < 0.05). Inclusion of MS into the GS2-based ration had a positive linear effect on the ration fresh matter ad libitum intake (kg day^− 1 and g kg^− 1 M^0.75 day^− 1) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), NDF ad libitum intake (kg day^− 1 and g kg^− 1 M^0.75 day^− 1) (P < 0.01), digestibility of DM (P < 0.01), organic matter (OM) (P < 0.01), ADF (P < 0.05), starch (P < 0.001), digestibility of OM in DM (D-value) (P < 0.001), and N intake (P < 0.01). Positive associative effects of GS2 and MS were observed on all the intake and digestibility parameters measured, N intake (quadratic, P < 0.001) and N balance (quadratic, P < 0.05). It was concluded that, as expected, a positive associative response of GS2 and MS was recorded for all the measured parameters while that of GS1 and MS for a limited number of parameters, probably due to lower quality of MS (lower starch concentration) than required for improved utilization of the GS1-based ration.     

Supplementation of cottonseed meal on feed intake, digestibility, live weight and carcass parameters of Sidama goats

The experiment was conducted at Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) College in Ethiopia using twenty-four yearling intact male Sidama goats with a mean body weight (BW) of 16.8 ± 1.14 kg (mean ± SD). The objective of the experiment was to examine the effect of different levels of cottonseed meal (CSM) supplementation on the feed intake, digestibility, BW gain, and carcass parameters of Sidama goats. The experiment consisted of 90 days of feeding trial and 10 days of digestibility trial followed by evaluation of carcass parameters at the end of the experiment. The treatments included ad libitum feeding of hay (T1, control) and daily supplementation of CSM at 200 g (T2), 300 g (T3) and 400 g (T4) per head on dry matter (DM) basis. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design. The experimental goats were blocked on initial BW and six goats were randomly assigned to each treatment. Hay DM, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake were higher (P < 0.001) in the non-supplemented than in the supplemented goats, however, the contrary was true for total CP intake. Total DM intake was higher (P < 0.001) for goats supplemented with the high level of CSM than those on the control treatment. Among CSM supplemented goats, the intake of CSM DM, CP, NDF (P < 0.001) and total CP (P < 0.01) were higher in the order of T4 > T3 > T2. The high level of supplementation with CSM resulted in better (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility coefficient (DC) of DM and organic matter (OM) compared to the non-supplemented goats. The apparent DC of CP was higher (P < 0.01) for supplemented than non-supplemented goats. The non-supplemented goats had lower daily BW gain, empty BW, dressing percentage on slaughter weight base, rib-eye muscle area (P < 0.01), BW change (P < 0.001), final BW (P < 0.05) and higher feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) than the supplemented ones. The medium level of supplementation resulted in higher daily BW gain (P < 0.01), BW change (P < 0.001), final BW (P < 0.05) and lower feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) than the lower level of supplementation, but with no differences (P > 0.05) in these parameters with the high level of supplementation. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementation of CSM at 300 g DM per head per day resulted in better animal performance parameters in Sidama goats.     

A meta-analysis on effects of supplementing low-quality roughages with foliages from browses and tree fodders on intake and growth in sheep

A meta-analysis of data obtained from previous studies was conducted to understand the responses of foliage supplementation on intakes of basal DM (BDMI) and total DM (TDMI), and daily gain (ADG). Thirty-four published studies containing 223 treatments and 1127 sheep met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Major predictive variables considered were percentages of foliages in diet (SD), CP in foliages (PS), NDF in foliages (FS), NDF in forages (FB), CP in basal roughages (PB), CP in diet (PD) and foliage CP intake (SPI). TDMI (g/d) increased quadratically (P < 0.001) with increasing PS, FS, SPI (R² = 0.66), PB, SD (R² = 0.58) and PD (R² = 0.73). The maximal response of TDMI were 778 g/d at 42% of SD, 894 g/d at 19.8% PD, 893 g/d at 148 g/d SPI and 749 g/d at 26.4% PS (P < 0.001; R² = 0.58, 0.73, 0.66, and 0.37, respectively). BDMI increased quadratically with increasing SD, PD and PB, but decreased quadratically (P < 0.001) with increasing PS (P < 0.001; R² = 0.07). The breakpoint of BDMI was 570 g/d at 6.58% of PD in the diet (P < 0.001, R² = 0.28). Overall, BDMI responded at very low level of SD in the diet, peaking at 7.6% SD with BDMI of 572 g/d (P < 0.001, R² = 0.72). However, when PB was less than 3%, the maximal BDMI was 489 g/d at foliage levels of 25.7%. When PB was between 3 and 6%, maximal BDMI was at 13% of foliage in the diet and the basal forage intake of 597 g/d; whereas, BDMI decreased linearly with SD when PB was greater than 6%. BDMI (g/d) decreased quadratically when foliage CP percentages were lesser than 10%, but increased quadratically with PS when foliage CP percentages were greater than 10%. ADG responded positively and quadratically to PS, SPI, SD, PD and TDMI (g/d) and the relationships were moderate to high. However, ADG (g/d) decreased linearly with increasing FS (P < 0.001, R² = 0.35). The maximal ADG was 42 g/d at 43% of SD, 41 g/d at 9.4% PD, 42 g/d at 53 g/d SPI, 35 g/d at 25% PS and 46 g/d at TDMI of 889 g/d (P < 0.001; R² = 0.74, 0.84, 0.74, 0.29 and 0.74, respectively). It is concluded that the interactions of quality and quantity of foliage supplements and quality of basal forages affect intakes of basal and total DM, and growth in sheep.     

Effects of intermittent suckling on the performance and digestive efficiency of Iberian piglets weaned at 35 days of age

During two consecutive replicates Iberian sows (n = 20) were subjected either to a conventional lactation (C) or intermittent suckling (IS). Piglets in the C treatment had free access to the dam. Piglets on IS treatment were separated from the sow during 6 h on days 29 and 30, 8 h on days 31 and 32, and 10 h on days 33 and 34. Litters on both treatments were weaned at 35 days of age and offered a starter diet until day 60 of age. The apparent digestibility (ApD) of nutrients and gross energy (GE) of the post-weaning diet was measured using Cr₂O₃ as external indigestible marker. Litters on IS tended to increase solid feed intake during the milk restriction (125 ± 12 vs. 70 ± 19 g piglet^− 1 day^− 1; P = 0.08). Feed intake was improved by IS during the second week post-weaning (676 ± 17 vs. 497 ± 12 g piglet^− 1 day^− 1, P < 0.01), but differences were totally offset after the 7th week of age. Differences in average growth rate of litters on C and IS treatments did not attain statistical significance during the period of restriction and in the first week post-weaning. Litters on IS showed increased growth rate during the second week post-weaning (422 ± 31 vs. 289 ± 33 g piglet^− 1 day^− 1; P = 0.01), but slower daily gains from the 3rd week post-weaning to 60 day of age than litters on C treatment (371 ± 14 vs. 432 ± 15 g piglet^− 1 day^− 1; P < 0.05). Nevertheless, neither at weaning nor at 60 days of age average body weight of piglets differed between treatments (7.71 ± 0.31 vs. 7.94 ± 0.30 kg for C and IS, at 35 days of age, 15.62 ± 0.65 vs. 16.20 ± 0.62 kg, at day 60). The apparent digestibility of nutrients of the starter diet offered after weaning remained unaffected by the treatment, except for a trend for higher ApD of GE for the piglets on IS treatment (P = 0.08). ApD for CP and GE was 78.1 ± 0.6 and 78.8 ± 0.3%, respectively. No significant differences in the proportions of total viscera and gastrointestinal tract to empty body weight (EBW) were observed between C and IS piglets at weaning and 60 d of age. In conclusion, the increase in feed intake observed prior and early after weaning as a consequence of intermittent suckling during the last week of 35 d lactation had no effect on nutrient digestibility measured at two weeks after weaning and failed on improving Iberian piglet performance.     

Early lactation dairy cows: Development of equations to predict intake and milk performance at grazing

The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of parity and days in milk (DIM) on dry matter intake (DMI) and actual milk yield (MY_Act) of grazing spring calving dairy cows in early lactation (< 100 DIM) and to develop equations to predict DMI and milk yield for grass based systems of milk production. A dataset containing 335 observations from 134 Holstein Friesian dairy cows was assembled from two early lactation grazing studies. Observations were available for primiparous (n = 130) and multiparous (n = 205) cows during periods of DMI measurement using the n-alkane technique. Animal performance was divided into two classes of DIM: less than 50 DIM (< 50 DIM) or between 51 and 100 DIM (> 50 DIM). Parity and DIM had a significant effect on grass DMI (GDMI), total DMI (TDMI), MY_Act and milk composition. TDMI increased with parity and DIM and ranged from 13.4 kg/cow per day (primiparous animals, < 50 DIM) to 20.1 kg/cow per day (multiparous animals, > 50 DIM). Actual MY increased with parity and decreased with DIM (range: 24.1 kg/cow per day (primiparous animals, > 50 DIM) to 33.0 kg/cow per day (multiparous animals, < 50 DIM)). Multiparous cows had greater bodyweight (BW) and lower BCS than primiparous cows. In the early lactation period a number of variables had a significant effect on GDMI, TDMI and milk yield. These predictor variables included BW, BCS, potential milk yield (MY_Pot), DIM, daily herbage allowance (DHA; > 4 cm), concentrate level and parity. The equations accounted for 79%, 83% and 86% of the variation in GDMI, TDMI and milk yield, respectively. Actual milk yield was always below the MY_Pot of the cows, the mean difference was 5.8 kg/cow per day. As DHA and concentrate level increased, the difference between MY_Act and MY_Pot reduced. This study supports the concept that immediately post-calving offering a grass based diet with a medium level of concentrate supplementation is sufficient to support high milk production in grazing dairy cows.     

Alfalfa as a supplement of dried cornstalk diets: Associative effects on intake, digestibility, nitrogen metabolisation, rumen environment and hematological parameters in sheep

The aim of the current study was to investigate the associative effects of a cornstalk-based diet supplemented with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay on intake, digestibility, nitrogen (N) metabolisation, rumen environment and hematological parameters in Xiaoweihan sheep. We also investigated the optimal range of alfalfa hay to achieve positive associative effects and avoid negative effects. Xiaoweihan sheep (n = 5; fitted with rumen T-cannula) were fed five cornstalk-based diets in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Diets contained 0, 50, 150, 300, 450 g alfalfa, and were supplemented with 100 g concentrate, respectively. Our results suggested that supplementation of 300 g alfalfa hay reduced (P < 0.05) cornstalk intake, but significantly increased dry matter (DM) intake (P < 0.05). Additionally, DM digestibility of 150 g alfalfa hay supplementation was slightly higher than that noted in other diets. Metabolism studies showed 50–150 g alfalfa hay supplementation had a positive associative effect (P < 0.05) on N utilization, with the greatest benefit noted with 150 g per day (P < 0.05) compared to unsupplemented diets. Alfalfa supplementation (50–450 g per day) resulted in an elevated trend of ammonia nitrogen (NH₃–N) with 50 or 150 g of alfalfa hay more likely to promote sheep rumen environment, with a noticeable increase (P < 0.05) in serum urea nitrogen (UREAN) concentrations observed with 300 g alfalfa hay per day. Our data suggested that the optimal range to achieve beneficial effects and avoid negative effects was 150–300 g per day for cornstalk-based diets for sheep.     

Relationship between feeding behaviour and feed intake of dairy cows depending on their parity and milk yield

To investigate the relationship between the parameters of feeding behaviour and feed intake, 70 lactating dairy cows (23 primiparous and 47 multiparous) were monitored from the 2nd to 15th week of lactation. Data were collected by using an automatic feeder and electronic identification of individual cows from 10 July 2005 to 16 January 2006. The resulting data of the cows in primiparous and multiparous condition were categorised into groups based on the mean of their milk yield over the first 15 weeks of lactation: primiparous cows with below-average milk yield (LP) and above-average milk yield (HP) with an average of 28.44 and 34.31 kg energy-corrected milk (ECM) per day, respectively, and multiparous cows with below-average milk yield (LM) and above-average milk yield (HM) with an average of 38.70 and 44.49 kg ECM per day, respectively. The parameters of feeding behaviour were calculated based on the estimated meal criterion from pooled data. Parity, level of milk yield, and day had significant effects on some of characteristics of feeding behaviour and feed intake parameters. There was no significant difference in meal duration either between primiparous and multiparous cows or between LP and HP. However, a significant difference between LM and HM was observed. Cows in HM had shorter feeding times but a larger meal size, higher DMI, and feeding rate. Moreover, these cows displayed a stronger correlation between meal duration, daily mealtime and daily feed intake (r = 0.37 and 0.50, P < 0.001, respectively) than any other cow or group of cows of the study. Meal duration, daily mealtime, meal size and daily DMI increased on average about 32%, 20%, 35%, and 22% respectively, considering all milk yield groups from the 2nd to 15th week of lactation.     

Effect of feeding forest foliages, rice straw and concentrate-based total mixed ration on nutrient utilization and growth in mithun (Bos frontalis)

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding Borrena hirticulata (BH), Ficus hirta (FH), rice straw (RS) and concentrate-based total mixed ration (TMR) on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation and growth in mithun. Growing male mithun calves were randomly allotted to 2 feeding groups (6 in each), TMR₁ and TMR₂. The TMRs consisted of RS 300 g kg^− 1, concentrate 400 g kg^− 1 and BH 300 g kg^− 1 (TMR₁) or FH 300 g kg^− 1 (TMR₂) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Both TMRs were fed ad libitum to the animals for 121 d and a digestibility study was conducted during the last 7 d of the experiment. To assess rumen fermentation, rumen fluid was collected at 2 h interval for 24 h. Apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein (CP) and crude fibre (CF) did not differ significantly between the TMRs. Nevertheless, apparent digestibility of ether extract was found to be significantly (P < 0.01) greater in TMR₂ (0.59) compared to TMR₁ (0.54). Body weight gain (BWG; g d^− 1), DM intake (kg d^− 1), CP intake (g d^− 1) and feed efficiency (kg feed kg^− 1 gain) were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) greater in TMR₁ (548, 5.14, 713 and 9.28) compared to TMR₂ (496, 4.91, 703 and 10.03). An insignificant positive association (r = 0.35) between DM intake and BWG, but a significant (P < 0.01) positive association (r = 0.74) between CP intake and BWG were evident. Rumen pH (5.71 to 7.18) and ammonia-nitrogen (8.0 to 25.0 mg/dl) did not differ significantly between the TMRs, but differed significantly (P < 0.01) at different h post-feeding. In contrast, rumen total volatile fatty acid (42 to 105 mM) and total nitrogen (40.4 to 90.3 mg/dl) differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the TMRs and at different h post-feeding. The study revealed that BH, FH, RS and concentrate-based TMRs may be fed to mithun for satisfactory growth.     

Effect of magnesium sulphate and l-tryptophan and genotype on the feed intake, behaviour and meat quality of pigs

Sixty-nine entire male pigs with different halothane genotype (homozygous halothane positive — nn-, n = 36; and homozygous halothane negative — NN-, n = 33) were fed with a supplementation of magnesium sulphate (Mg) and/or l-tryptophan (Trp) in the diet for 5 days before slaughter. Animals were housed individually and were submitted to stressful ante mortem conditions (mixed in the lorry according to treatments and transported 1 h on rough roads). Individual feed intake was recorded during the 5-d treatment. At the abattoir, pig behaviour was assessed in the raceway to the stunning system and during the stunning period by exposure to CO₂. Muscle pH, colour, water holding capacity, texture and cathepsin activities were determined to assess meat quality. The number of pigs with an individual feed intake lower than 2 kg/day was significantly different among diets (P < 0.05; Control: 8.7%; Mg&Trp: 43.5%; Trp: 17.4%) and they were considered to have inadequate supplement intake. During the ante mortem period, 15.2% of pigs included in the experiment died, and this percentage decreased to 8.7% in those pigs with a feed intake > 2 kg/day, all of them from the stress-sensitive pigs (nn). In general, no differences were observed in the behaviour of pigs along the corridor leading to the stunning system and inside the CO₂ stunning system. During the stunning procedure, Trp diet showed shorter periods of muscular excitation than control and Mg&Trp diets. The combination of a stressful ante mortem treatment and Mg&Trp supplementation led to carcasses with high incidence of severe skin lesions. Different meat quality results were found when considering all pigs or considering only those with adequate supplement intake. In this later case, Trp increased pH₄₅ (6.15) vs Control diet (5.96) in the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle (P < 0.05) and pH at 24 h (Trp: 5.59 vs C: 5.47) led to a higher incidence of dark, firm and exudative (DFD) traits in SM muscle (P < 0.05). Genotype affected negatively all the meat quality traits. Seventy-five percent of LT and 60.0% of the SM muscles from nn pigs were classified as pale, soft and exudative (PSE), while none of the NN pigs showed these traits (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between genotypes on the incidence of DFD meat.Due to the negative effects observed in the Mg&Trp group in feed intake and carcass quality, the utilization of a mixture of magnesium sulphate and tryptophan is not recommended.     

Milking frequency affects the circadian body temperature rhythm in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate milking frequency as a potential stressor in Holstein–Friesian dairy cows managed in a pastoral farming system. The circadian body (vaginal) temperature rhythm was measured in cows milked twice-a-day (2x) or once-a-day (1x) in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted at peak lactation (50 ± 11 days in milk, DIM) and the second in response to a transition from 2x to 1x milking at mid-lactation (153 ± 21 DIM). At peak lactation, body temperature was continuously recorded for seven days in 40 dairy cows, milked either 2x (two groups, n = 10 per group) or 1x (two groups, n = 10 per group) from the time of calving. At mid-lactation, 60 dairy cows were milked either 2x (four groups, n = 5 per group), 1x (four groups, n = 5 per group) or switched from 2x to 1x on the afternoon of 156 DIM (2x:1x, four groups, n = 5 per group). Body temperature was measured in three of the five cows per group (36 cows in total) for 10 days from 153 to 162 DIM. Milk yield and total grazing time (Experiment 2 only) were recorded in all cows. At peak lactation cows milked 2x had a higher (P ≤ 0.051) mean body temperature between 1600 and 0000 h than 1x cows (38.6 vs. 38.4 °C; SED = 0.03 °C). At mid-lactation, mean body temperature was also elevated between 1600 and 2000 h in 2x cows compared to 1x cows (2x: 38.6 °C, 1x:38.4 °C, SED = 0.04 °C; P < 0.001) and tended (P = 0.083) to be higher in 2x cows between 2000 and 0000 h. On the day the milking frequency was switched from 2x to 1x (156 DIM), mean body temperature still tended to be higher (P = 0.087) between 1600 and 2000 h in cows continuing on 2x compared with 2x:1x and 1x cows. Body temperature in 2x:1x cows on 157 DIM was lower than 2x cows and similar to that of 1x cows, but there was no consistent effect of milking frequency on body temperature from 158 to 162 DIM. Cows milked 2x had a higher daily milk yield than 1x cows at peak lactation and at mid-lactation (peak lactation 2x: 28.1 ± 5.1, 1x: 24.5 ± 4.7 kg milk per day). Time spent grazing between 1600 and 2000 h was initially at least 22 min higher (P = 0.031) in 1x cows than in 2x:1x and 2x cows on 153 DIM but there were no differences (P ≥ 0.107) in the remaining days of the trial. Milk yield in 2x:1x cows declined rapidly on 156 DIM to be lower (P < 0.001) than both 2x and 1x cows but from 157 DIM began to follow the same pattern as 1x cows. In conclusion, milking frequency had an effect on the circadian body temperature rhythm, particularly in the late afternoon and evening. There was a decline in body temperature from 1600 h if milking frequency was reduced, but this change was not explained by treatment differences in time spent grazing during the same period. The alterations in the circadian body temperature rhythm with milking frequency were likely due to differences in metabolic activity and internal heat production associated with locomotor activity and relative milk production rather than physiological stress per se.