Life Sciences Commons^™

Vocal Learning In Grey Parrots (Psittacus Erithacus): Effects Of Social Interaction, Reference, And Context, Irene M. Pepperberg

Sentience Collection

For many passerines, the extent,timing, and even presence of allospecific vocal learning can be influenced by the form of input that is received. Little data exist, however, on vocal learning in parrots (Psittacidae). I have previously proposed that such vocal learning proceeds most readily when input is (1) referential, (2) contextually applicable, and (3) interactive. The referential aspect demonstrates the meaning of the code to be taught, the contextual aspect demonstrates the use that can be made of the information contained in the code, and the interactive aspect provides explicit training that is constantly adjusted to the level of the …

Numerical Competence In An African Gray Parrot (Psittacus Erithacus), Irene M. Pepperberg

Sentience Collection

An African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus), Alex, trained to label vocally collections of 1-6 simultaneously presented homogeneous objects, correctly identified, without further training, quantities of targeted subsets in heterogeneous collections. For each test trial Alex was shown different collections of 4 groups of items that varied in 2 colors and 2 object categories (e.g., blue and red keys and trucks) and was asked to label the number of items uniquely defined by the conjunction of 1 color and 1 object category (e.g., "How many blue key?"). The collections were designed to provide maximal confounds (or distractions) and thus replicate the …

Other On-Station Activities For Wool Pastoralists, Mark Stevens

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The impact of low wool prices has been most severe on specialist wool growers who have little scope for diversification, particularly those in the pastoral area.

Although there are limited opportunities for new enterprises on all pastoral stations, individual pastoralists are examining other on-station activities to determine which ones might be suitable. In doing so, they are evaluating:

• location (proximity to a major highway or population centre);

• natural attractions (coast, gorges, river, wildflowers);

• natural resources (native fauna and flora); and

• water supply (quantity and reliability of good quality water).

Supplemental Chromium And Revaccination Effects On Performance And Health Of Newly Weaned Calves (1994), S.A. Lindell, Robert T. Brandt Jr., J. Ernest Minton, Frank Blecha, Gerald L. Stokka, C.T. Milton

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium (Cr) supplementation (4 mg/hd/day in a yeast form) or no supplementation, with or without revaccination with a modified live viral vaccine at 9 days postweaning o n performance, health, and ability to withstand an IBR challenge infection. In Trial 1, Cr supplementation had no effect on performance of newly weaned calves in a 28-day receiving study, but reduced the incidence of respiratory disease by 37%. Revaccinati on depressed dry matter intake and had no effect on animal health. In trial 2, blood plasma levels of cortisol and ACTH (stress hormones …

Effect Of Grain Type In Supplements And Supplementation Frequency On The Performance Of Beef Cows Grazing Winter Range (1994), R.C. Cochran, J.L. Beaty, E.S. Vanzant

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred twenty, pregnant, Angus x Hereford cows (1111 lb) grazing dormant bluestem range were used to evaluate whether the effect of altered frequency of supplementation on cow performance depended on the grain type in the supplement. Two supplementation frequencies (daily and three times weekly) and two grain types in the supplements (sorghum grain or corn) were evaluated. Both supplements contained 21% CP and were fed to provide 32.6 lb DM/week. Interactions were not significant. Winter weight loss through calving was greater (P#.02) for the cows supplemented three times weekly, although the magnitude of the effect was not large. Use …

Breed Effects And Retained Heterosis For Growth, Carcass, And Meat Traits In Advanced Generations Of Composite Populations Of Beef Cattle (1994), K.E. Gregory, L.V. Cundiff, R.M. Koch, M. Koohmaraie, Michael E. Dikeman

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Retained heterosis for growth, carcass, and meat traits was estimated in F3 generation steer progeny in three composite populations finished on two levels of dietary energy density (2.82 MCal ME and 3.07 MCal ME, and 11.5 % CP) and serially slaughtered at four endpoints at intervals of 20 to 22 days. Breed effects were evaluated in the nine parental breeds of Red Poll (RP), Hereford (H), Angus (A), Limousin (L), Braunvieh (B), Pinzgauer (P), Gelbvieh (G) , Simmental (S), and Charolais (C) that contributed to the three "˜composite' populations. MARC-I was l/4 B, l/4 C, l/4 L, l/8 H, and …

In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility Of Selected Forage Sorghum Silages As Influenced By Plant Parts (1994), R.N. Jr. Sonon, K.K. Bolsen, B.E. Brent, L.H. Harbers, John E. Boyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eleven forage sorghum cultivars and one grain sorghum hybrid were used to determine the effect of individual plant parts on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of sorghum silage. IVDMD was highest for the head and lowest for the leaf sheath. When head and leaf blade parts were added to whole-plant material, IVDMD increased. When leaf sheath and stalk parts were added, IVDMD decreased, with the greatest decrease for leaf sheath. These results are consistent with an earlier study in our laboratory.

Relationships Between Lignin Content And Fermentability Of Intact And Chemically Treated Big Bluestem Fiber (1994), R.C. Cochran, G. Towne, Evan C. Titgemeyer, K. C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

An accurate assessment of forage quality is required to allow prediction of animal performance. One of the most commonly used methods of forage evaluation is to measure lignin content, with more heavily lignified materials being considered less digestible. Two measures of lignin, acid detergent lignin (ADL) and acetyl bromide lignin (ABL), were assessed with regard to their ability to predict forage digestibility. Big bluestem forage samples were collected from three ungrazed, annually burned pastures at 38, 58, and 97 days postburn. These times were selected to represent a broad range of forage quality. Cell wall material was treated chemically by: …

Restricting Calf Presence Without Suckling Shortens Postpartum Interval To First Ovulation (1994), D.P. Hoffman, Jeffrey S. Stevenson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The suckling interaction between a cow and her calf is one of the factors that maintains a cow in postpartum anestrus (the period between calving and the beginning of first estrous cycle). Anestrus continues if the cow perceives that her calf is attempting to nurse, even when the mammary glands have been denervated or removed. Cross-fostering of an alien calf to a cow fails to maintain postpartum anestrus, indicating that cow-calf recognition is also a factor. We restricted calves so they could nuzzle the cow's head and neck but could not suckle. Compared with weaning calves 1 wk postpartum, restriction …

Effect Of Lactic Acid Sprays On Shelf Life And Microbiological Safety Of Beef Subprimals (1994), R.K. Prasai, L.E. Mease, L.R. Vogt, Donald H. Kropf, Daniel Y.C. Fung, Curtis L. Kastner

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Beef loins were sprayed with 1.5% lactic acid either before or after vacuum storage, both before and after vacuum storage, and before vacuum packaging followed by a water spray after storage. We stored treated loins at either 30 ÌŠF or 36 ÌŠF for up to 126 days in vacuum packages. Nonsprayed or nonstored loins served as controls. Total aerobic plate counts (APCs) and tests for presence/absence of two important foodborne pathogens, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, were conducted during storage. Acid spraying prior to vacuum packaging was more effective in reducing bacterial contamination than spraying after storage. However, counts were …

Polyvinylchloride-Packaged Loin Strip Steaks From Vacuum-Packaged Beef Strip Loins Decontaminated With Lactic Acid And Stored For Up To 126 Days (1994), L.E. Mease, Donald H. Kropf, R.K. Prasai, P.B. Kenney, L.R. Vogt, Daniel Y. Fung, Curtis L. Kastner

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Aerobic plate counts (APCs), presence/ absence of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., and visual color evaluations were used to determine the microbiological and display quality of steaks fabricated from beef strip loins sprayed with lactic acid (1.5% v/v) or water before, after, o r both before and after vacuum storage (14, 28, 56, 84, or 126 days) at either 30E or 36EF compared to nonsprayed or nonstored controls. Lactic acid applied pre- and poststorage (126 days) at 30EF reduced APCs of steak s up to 2 log (99%). L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were absent from all steaks. Lactic acid …

Sodium Sulfite And Extrusion Affect The Nutritional Value Of Soybean Products For Nursery Pigs (1994), L L. Burnham, I H. Kim, Terry L. Gugle, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 150 weanling pigs (14.2 lb avg body wt) was used in a 28-d growth assay to determine the effects of using sodium sulfite as an extrusion enhancer for soy products. Treatments were: 1) soybean meal (SBM), 2) SBM + sodium sulfite, 3) extruded SBM, 4) SBM extruded with sodium sulfite, 5) extruded whole soybeans, and 6) whole soybeans extruded with sodium sulfite. For d 0 to 14, pigs fed SBM had greater average daily feed intake (ADFD, although they had poorer efficiency of gain (F/G) than pigs fed the extruded soy products. Also, pigs fed sodium sulfite …

Alcohol- And Water-Extracted Soy Protein Concentrates For Early-Weaned Pigs (1994), L L. Burnham, M R. Cabrera, I H. Kim, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 72 weanling pigs (average initial wt of 7 lb and 10 d of age) was used in a 38-d growth assay to determine the nutritional value of alcohol- and water-extracted soy protein concentrates. Pigs were sorted by sex, weight, and ancestry and assigned to 12 pens with six pigs/pen. The soy preparations were fed in a nursery regimen with Phase I (d 0 to 10), Phase II (d 10 to 24), and Phase III (d 24 to 38) diets. Pigs and feeders were weighed at initiation and conclusion of each phase, with fecal samples collected on d …

Roasting And Extruding Affect Nutrient Utilization From Soybeans In 10- And 20-Lb Pigs (1994), I H. Kim, Terry L. Gugle, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Ninety nursery pigs were used in two metabolism experiments to determine the effects of roasting and extruding on the nutritional value of Williams 82 soybeans with (+K) and without (-K) gene expression for the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor. Treatments for both experiments were: 1) soybean meal; 2) +K roasted; 3) +K extruded; 4) -K roasted; and 5) -K extruded. The roasting and extrusion treatments were accomplished with a Roast-A-Tron8 roaster and an InstaPr0 8 extruder. Diets were the soybean preparations (96.5% of the diet) with only vitamins and minerals added as needed to meet or exceed NRC requirements. Daily feed allowance …

Dietary Lysine Requirements Of Segregated Early-Weaned Pigs (1994), K Q. Owen, B T. Richert, K G. Friesen, J W. Smith Ii, J R. Bergstrom, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Steven S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 320 (160 barrows and 160 gilts) 14- to 18-d-old pigs (initially 10.2 ± 2.2 lb) was used to determine the optimal level of dietary lysine needed for the segregated early-weaned pig. Two diet formulation methods were used with six dietary lysine levels within each formulation method, resulting in a 2 X 6 factorial arrangement of treatments. The first formulation method consisted of a basal diet that contained 1.95% lysine. Increasing levels of cornstarch replaced L-lysine to achieve the other five dietary treatments (1.2, 1.35, 1.50, 1.65, and 1.80% dietary lysine). All other amino acids in each diet …

Influence Of Dietary Methionine On Body Weight Gain And Composition In High-Lean Growth Gilts Fed From 100 To 240 Lb (1994), K G. Friesen, K Q. Owen, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, John A. Unruh

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred-fourteen high-lean growth gilts (initial wt of 100 lb) were used to determine the level of digestible methionine required to optimize growth performance and carcass characteristics from 100 to 240 lb. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with blocks based on initial BW. Three pigs per pen and six pens per treatment were used. Gilts were fed a corn and soybean meal-based diet containing .21, .24, .27, .30, .33, or .36% digestible methionine (.25 to .425% total methionine) in both the grower and finisher periods. The grower diet (fed from 100 to 165 lb) was formulated …

Processing Procedures And Feeding Systems For Sorghum-Based Diets Given To Lactating Sows (1994), I H. Kim, Joe D. Hancock, L L. Burnham, G A. Kennedy, David A. Nichols, Robert H. Hines

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One-hundred twenty nine primiparous sows were used to determine the effects of alternative processing procedures and feeding systems on the nutritional value of sorghum grain-based diets for lactating sows. Treatments were a ground sorghum control, steam- flaked sorghum and extruded sorghum fed in meal form, or the ground sorghum control given as pellets or gruel (1: 1 ratio of water and feed on a volume:volume basis). Average daily feed intake was greater for sows fed pelleted and gruel forms compared to sow fed the diets with steam-flaked and extruded sorghum. However, no differences occurred in sow weight or backfat losses …

Influence Of Buffered Propionic And Fumaric Acids On Starter Pig Performance (1994), J R. Bergstrom, T L. Signer, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A 28 d growth trial was conducted to determine the effects of adding organic acids to a Phase I starter diet on pig performance. At weaning (13 ± 2 d of age and 8.86 lb), 300 pigs were blocked by weight and allotted to each of five diets. The control diet was corn-soybean meal based; contained 20% dried whey, 7.5% spray-dried porcine plasma, and 1.75% spray-dried blood meal; and was formulated to 1.5% lysine, .9% Ca, and .8% P. Luprosil NC (.4%; a buffered liquid propionic acid), Luprosil salt (.4%; a buffered dry propionic acid), fumaric acid (1.5%), and a …

The Effect Of Dietary L-Carnitine On Growth Performance And Tissue Accretion Rates In The Early-Weaned Pig (1994), K Q. Owen, S A. Blum, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Steven S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 216 pigs (initially 11.7 Ib and 21 d of age) was used in a 35-weight, ancestry, and sex in a randomized complete block design, resulting in six pigs per pen (three barrows and three gilts) and six pens per treatment. Experimental diets were fed in two phases from d 0 to 35 postweaning. During Phase I (d 0 to 14 postweaning), the control diet was corn-soybean meal based; included 7.5% spray-dried porcine plasma, 25% dried whey, and 1.75% spray-dried blood meal; and was formulated to contain 1.6% lysine; and .44% methionine. On d 14, all pigs were …

Effect Of Chelated Trace Minerals On Nursery Pig Growth Performance (1994), B T. Richert, L J. Kats, D E. Nuzback, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 442 weanling pigs (initial age and wt of 22 d and 14.4 lb, respectively) was used on a commercial farm in northeast Kansas to evaluate growth performance with diets containing a chelated trace mineral premix or an inorganic trace mineral premix. Minerals evaluated in the premixes provided 16.5 ppm Cu, 165 ppm Fe, 40 ppm Mn, and 165 ppm Zn. For the inorganic trace mineral treatment, the mineral sources were copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, and zinc oxide. The chelated trace mineral premix had the following fractions of these minerals provided as amino acid chelates: 109.7% …

Kansas State University Swine Enterprise Record Summary (1994), B T. Richert, Michael R. Langemeier, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Approximately 15 swine operations are enrolled in the 1993 to 1994 Kansas Swine Enterprise Record Program provided by Kansas State University. This program evaluates biological and economic performance and is part of a cooperative record-keeping project with extension personnel and swine producers in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Records are summarized every 6 months, and the corresponding data are pooled to form state and regional averages. This summary includes the combined data for the 38 farrow-to-finish operations in the three-state region. The semi-annual data represent the first 6 months of 1994, whereas the annual data are for the 12-month period …

Influence Of Postmortem Injection Of Calcium Chloride On Tenderness Of Pork Longissimus Muscle (1994), B J. Mcfarlane, John A. Unruh

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Twenty-seven pork carcass sides were assigned randomly to either blast chilling for 1 h at -13°F followed by 23 h chill at 34°F or a standard chill at 34°F for 24 h. At 24 h postmortem, the longissimus muscle from the center loin region was removed and divided into anterior and posterior halves. Halves were assigned randomly to either calcium-chloride (CaCI2) injection or non-injected controls. Those receiving CaCl2 were injected with a .3 molar solution at 10% pump by weight. Muscles then were stored for 3 d at 34OF before 1-in chops were removed, cooked to an internal temperature of …

Influence Of Oats And Oat Products In Phase I And Ii Diets On Growth Performance Of Weanling Pigs (1994), M M. Rantanen, M R. Cabrera, L L. Burnham, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments were conducted to determine the nutritional value of oats and oat products in diets of weanling pigs. In Exp. 1, 115 weanling pigs (avg initial body wt of 12.4 lb and avg age of 19 d) were used in a 38-d growth assay. Treatments were 1) a corn-soybean meal-based control, 2) ground oats, 3) oat groats, and 4) oat flour. Phase I diets were formulated to 1.55% lysine, and at d 10 postweaning the pigs were switched to a Phase II diets formulated to 1.3% lysine. At d 24 postweaning, all pigs were changed to a sorghum-based Phase …

Comparison Of Norse Lt-94 (Herring Meal) To Other Protein Sources In Early-Weaned Starter Pig Diets (1994), B T. Richert, J W. Smith Ii, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two growth trials were conducted to compare Norse LT-94 to other protein sources in starter pig diets. In trial 1, 270 weanling pigs (initially 13.7 lb and 20 d of age) were used to compare Norse LT-94 (herring meal), select menhaden fish meal, and spraydried blood meal as protein sources in the Phase II diet. Pigs were blocked by weight with six replications of three treatments and 15 pigs per pen. During Phase I (d 0 to 7 postweaning), all pigs were fed the same high nutrient density diet. During Phase II (7 to 28 d postweaning), pigs were fed …

Diversification In The Woolbelt, John Allen

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The productivity and diversification initiative for wool growers incorporates two leves of diversification.

Greatest emphasis is placed on industry wide increases in cropping intensity and in the range of crop types grown.

The second level involves non-traditional, alternative enterprises, each offering prospects for expansion of a limited number of wool growing businesses, suited to particular parts of the woolbelt.

The alternative enterprises include floriculture, aquaculture, export hay, farm tourism, commercial timber, horticulture and new animal industries.

Level Of Urea In High Grain Diets: Finishing Steer Performance (1994), C.T. Milton, Robert T. Brandt Jr.

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eighty-eight medium-framed crossbred steers (731 lb) were used to identify the optimal level of urea in finishing diets for growth and carcass traits. Diets contained no urea or .5, 1.0, or 1.5% urea (dry matter basis) and no other supplemental protein. Feed efficiency and gain were improved substantially by the first increment of urea (.5%), with little or no improvement from subsequent urea additions. Pooled across level, urea improved feed efficiency by 5.6% and gain by 8.9%, whereas dry matter intake declined 3.3% compared to controls. Regression analysis indicated that the optimal level of urea for gain and feed efficiency …

Level Of Urea In High Grain Diets: Nutrient Digestibility, Microbial Protein Production, And Rumen Metabolism (1994), C.T. Milton, Robert T. Brandt Jr.

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Four ruminally and duodenally fistulated steers (1228 lb) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to evaluate the effects of dietary urea level on nutrient digestion, microbial protein production, and rumen metabolism of steers fed a rolled corn diet without urea or with .5, 1.0, or 1.5% urea (dry matter basis) and no other supplemental protein. Rumen digestibilities increased 33% for organic matter and 25% for starch with the first increment (.5%) of urea, but little or no improvement occurred with subsequent urea additions. Apparent rumen nitrogen digestibility decreased linearly, whereas total tract and true ruminal nitrogen …

Source And Level Of Crude Protein For Implanted Finishing Steers (1994), C.T. Milton, Robert T. Brandt Jr.

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred medium-framed, crossbred steers (738 lb) were used to compare non-protein nitrogen to natural protein supplementation of finishing diets for implanted steers. Diets were formulate d to contain 11.5 or 13.5% crude protein and were supplemented with either urea or soybean meal. A fifth treatment of cottonseed meal supplementation (13.5% dietary crude protein) was added to evaluate differences between natural sources of rumen degradable protein. Steers were implanted with Revalor® and fed for 132 days. During the first 70 days, daily gain and feed efficiency were improved 8.8 and 6.1%, respectively, for steers supplemented with soybean meal vs urea. …

D- Vs L-Methionine Utilization By Growing Steers (1994), C.G. Campbell, G. St. Jean, Evan C. Titgemeyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Increasing the amino acid supply to the small intestine of growing cattle can increase performance, if specific amino acids are limiting. Although this can be accomplished by feeding rumen undegradable protein, a more economical approach may be supplementing only those amino acids that actually limit performance, but in a form that will bypass the rumen. Methionine (MET) is thought to be a limiting amino acid for growing cattle. DL-MET, a 50 :50 mixture of natural methionine (L-MET) and the unnatural optical isomer (D-MET) is used widely in monogastric rations. Ruminally protected DL-methionine is also available for cattle; however, little information …

Effect Of Rumen-Escape Protein Level On Feedlot Performance And Carcass Traits Of Implanted Vs Nonimplanted Yearling Steers (1994), Robert T. Brandt Jr., Christopher D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred eighty yearling steers (743 lb) were blocked by weight; implanted with Synovex® (S), Synovex plus Finaplix® (SF), or not implanted (C); and fed diets containing 11.75% (L), 13.0% (M), or 14.25% (H) crude protein with all supplemental protein above 11.75% being supplied by corn gluten meal and blood meal in a 50:50 ratio (crude protein basis). An addition al protein level fed to S and SF implanted cattle was H for the first 70 days on feed and L thereafter (H-L). Animals were reimplanted on day 70. Steers treated with SF gained faster and more efficiently than non-implanted …