Other Animal 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).

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 …

The Effects Of Increasing Dietary Lysine In The Phase Iii Starter Diet On Growth Performance Of Segregated Early-Weaned Pigs (1994), K Q. Owen, J R. Bergstrom, K G. Friesen, J W. Smith Ii, B T. Richert, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred forty-four high-health, high-lean growth barrows were used to determine the dietary lysine requirement to maximize growth performance from 40 to 75 lb. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block, with blocks established on initial weight. Prior to the start of the study, pigs were fed a common Phase II diet (1.4% lysine) for 14 d. After the 14 d acclimation period, pigs were allotted to each of six dietary treatments, ranging from .75 to 1.25% digestible lysine (.91 to 1.49% total dietary lysine). Pigs were housed in pens of four, with six replicate pens per treatment. …

Influence Of Diet Complexity And Weaning Age On Carcass Characteristics And Growth Performance From Weaning To Market (1994), T Signer, K Q. Owen, R M. Musser, J W. Smith Ii, B T. Richert, Steven S. Dritz, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 180 barrows (initially 7.4 or 11.9 lb and 9 or 19 d of age) was used in a growth assay to determine the influence of two weaning ages and three diet complexity sequences on growth performance and carcass characteristics. The growth performance of pigs used in this trial was excellent, as shown by the range of average age at 240 lb from 144 to 149.7 d. Growth performance was similar regardless of weaning age. Thus, when health status and environment are similar, pigs weaned at 19 d of age can attain a weight of 240 Ib at …

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 …

Roasting And Extruding Affect Ileal Digestibility Of Nutrients From Soybeans In Growing And Finishing Pigs (1994), I H. Kim, M S. Kang, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eight crossbred barrows (initial body wt of 90 lb and 180 lb for four growing and four finishing pigs, respectively) were fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum and used in 36-d metabolism experiments (4 x 4 Latin squares) to determine the effects of roasting and extruding full-fat soybeans on nutrient utilization. Treatments were 1) soybean meal, 2) roasted soybeans, 3) extruded soybeans, and 4) soybeans extruded with an extrusion enhancer (sodium sulfite). The soybean meal and soybeans were mill-run. The control diet was cornstarch-based, with .9% lysine, .65% Ca, and .55% P for the growing pigs and .75% lysine, …

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 …

Effect Of Chelated Manganese On Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of Finishing Pigs (1994), L J. Kats, K G. Friesen, K Q. Owen, B T. Richert, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Steven S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 80 medium-lean growth crossbred barrows (initially 77 lb) was used in a study to evaluate the effect of manganese level (24, 44, or 88 ppm) and source (inorganic vs chelated manganese) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. Barrows were allotted by weight to pens containing two pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were assigned to one of four dietary treatments with 10 replications per treatment. Pigs were housed in pens (5 ft x 5 ft) in an environmentally regulated finishing barn and allowed ad libitum access to feed and water. …

The Effect Of Spray-Dried Plasma Source On Starter Pig Performance (1994), J W. Smith Ii, B T. Richert, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 416 pigs (initially 9.36 Ib and 15 d of age) was used in a 28-d growth assay to evaluate the effects of spray-dried plasma source on starter pig performance. Pigs were blockedby weight and allotted to one of four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. Three spray-dried plasma sources were tested: bovine, porcine, and plasma collected from only sows. Plasma sources and lactose replaced skim milk in the control diet to form the experimental diets. Experimental diets were fed during Phase I (d 0 to 14 postweaning), and all pigs were fed a common Phase …

Estrus And Early Pregnancy In Sows Weaned At Less Than 11 Or More Than 23 Days: Effects Of Vitamin A And Gonadotropin Treatments (1994), S Tonn, P Groothius, B Boese, R Blair, Duane L. Davis

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The problem of reduced reproductive performance in sows weaned at 5 to 11 days (early weaned) after farrowing was assessed by comparing estrous and embryonic traits in these sows and others weaned at 23 to 31 days postpartum. The effects of treatment of both groups of sows with PG600 and vitamin A also were studied. PG600 increased the number of sows in estrus regardless of weaning age and reduced the interval from weaning to estrus for early-weaned sows. Both vitamin A and PG600 tended to increase the number of embryos recovered at 11.5 days after the onset of estrus.; Swine …

Effects Of Alfalfa Form And Level On Subacute Acidosis, B.J. Healy, Robert T. Brandt Jr., S.M. Gramlich

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eight ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (1225 lb) were used to investigate the effects of 5 vs 10% alfalfa hay or pellets on rumen characteristics during subacute acidosis. Alfalfa hay was obtained from one source, and alternate bales were either chopped (3- to 4-inch length) or ground and pelleted (3/8-inch pellet). Intake during the recovery period after feed challenges tended (P=.12) to be greater for diets containing 10% alfalfa. Duration of rumen pH below 5.5 was less for diets with chopped vs pelleted (P<.10) or 10 vs 5% (P<.05) alfalfa. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations during the challenge ph ase and for the overall experimental period were increased (P<.05) when steers were fed 5 vs 10% alfalfa diets but were similar during the baseline and recovery periods. The higher pH and lower VFA concentration resulting from feeding 10% alfalfa diets suggest that steers fed a moderate amount of roughage can withstand greater fluctuations in intake without developing acidosis.

The Effect Of Sodium Bicarbonate Level On Rumen Metabolism In Steers With Induced Subacute Acidosis, S.A. Shuey, Robert T. Brandt Jr., S.M. Gramlich

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sodium bicarbonate at 1 or 2% of dry matter intake was evaluated as a means of alleviating subacute acidosis, using six fistulated Holstein steers in a controlled acidosis challenge model. Steers were feed challenged by withholding an evening feeding and then feeding 2.5% of BW for two consecutive mornings. Postchallenge rumen pH for control steers (no sodium bicarbonate) was lower (P<.05) than for steers fed either 1% or 2% sodium bicarbonate, which were similar to each other. Hours below pH 5.6 were less (P<.01) postchallenge for steers fed sodium bicarbonate and w ere similar between the 1 and 2% levels. Although sodium bicarbonate reduced ruminal pH hours below 5.6, it did not appear to alter concentrations of volatile fatty acids or lactate in acidotic steers. Sodium bicarbonate appears to be beneficial in managing subacute acidosis in situations where wide intake fluctuations are common or expected.

Effect Of Morning Vs Evening Feeding Of Limit-Fed Holsteins During Summer Months, Robert T. Brandt Jr., Christopher D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Thirty-eight Holstein steers (avg 339 lb) were grouped into four weight blocks, with two pens per block. Within each block, cattle in one pen were fed at 8:00 a.m. and those in the other at 8:00 p.m. All cattle were limit-fed to achieve a programmed rat e of gain of 2.2 lbs/d using NRC net energy equations. The trial lasted from July 13 through September 6, 1993. With the same quantity of feed, cattle fed in the evening gained 18% faster than cattle fed in the morning (P<.02) resulting in better feed efficiency for the evening-fed cattle (P<.06). Average high temperature for the 56-day period was 88F, average low temperature was 69 ÌŠF, average relative humidity was 73%, and average wind speed was 1.8 mph. Feed tended to be consumed within a 3-hour period, regardless of time of feeding. Because the effective ambient temperature frequently rose above the upper critical temperature for cattle (77 ÌŠF), animals needed to expend energy to dissipate excess heat. These results indicate that cattle limit-fed during the summer may utilize metabolizable energy more efficiently if allowed to ferment the bulk of their feed during the cooler hours of the evening.

Implanting Suckling Heifer Calves: Growth And Subsequent Performance, D.D. Simms

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 361, suckling, heifer calves was used over a 2-year period to assess the effects of implanting with either Ralgro® or Synovex-C® on growth and subsequent performance as replacement females. Both implants increased (P<.01 ) weaning weights over that of controls, with the weight increase being retained by yearlings. Pelvic area also was increased at 1 year of age by both implants, with Synovex-C producing larger (P<.01) pelvic areas than Ralgro. However, just prior to calving, body weight and pelvic area were similar among treatments. Uterine scores, cycling activity prior to breeding, percentage exhibiting estrus, and pregnancy percentage were similar for all treatments. Implanting tended to reduce first-service conception rates. Synovex-C implanted heifers calved later (P<.05) than Ralgro-implanted heifers and, consequently, their calves tended to be lighter at weaning. Levels of calving difficulty we r e similar for all treatments. In summary, implanting suckling heifer calves at 2-4 months of age will increase growth rate, but this research indicates some potential for reduction in reproductive performance.

Effect Of Stage Of Growth And Sampling Procedure On The Trace Mineral Content Of Kansas Native Grass, J.D. Arthington, L.R. Corah, S.D. Utter

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

To determine the trace mineral content of Kansas native grasses, samples were collected from four locations of tall or intermediate grasses and four locations of short grasses. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels tended to be lower during dormancy than in the growing season; however, manganese (Mg) and iron (Fe) levels were essentially the same throughout the year. In terms of meeting the dietary requirements of grazing cattle, Cu was adequate in June but marginal in February, whereas Zn was marginal to deficient at both collection times. In addition, the impact of grazing selectivity on the validity of trace mineral …

The Effect Of Mass Treatment With Micotil® At Arrival On The Health And Performance Of Long-Hauled Calves, F.K. Brazle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Long-hauled calves (n=170 were either mass-medicated with Micotil® or served as controls. Micotil reduced mortality (1.2 vs 8.1%) and morbidity (59.7 vs 75.5%), but it did not improve ADG.

Effect Of Lasalocid And Length Of Morning Grazing On Weight And Shrink Of Steers Grazing Bromegrass Pastures, K.P. Coffey, F.K. Brazle, Joseph L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 72 mixed breed steer s from two sources was used in an experiment to determine the effect of lasalocid and length of morning grazing prior to weighing on weight and shrink of steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures. Steers were divided into eight groups and weighed at either 6, 7, 8, or 9 a.m. on 4 separate days. Half of the steers received a control mineral mixture and half received a mineral mixture containing lasalocid. Weights of purchased steers having an excitable disposition were not affected (P>.10) by length of morning grazing prior to weighing. However, weights …

In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility Of Selected Forage Sorghum Silages As Influenced By Plant Parts, 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.

Commercial Cattle Producers: Bull Selection Criteria, D.D. Simms, J.M. Geske, R.P. Bolze

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A survey of 312 commercial cattle producers was conducted to determine the relative importance of selection criteria used in buying bulls. Calving ease was a major consideration of a high percentage of producers, and individual performance was being emphasized more than expected progeny differences (EPDs). Only 23% of the producers included EPDs in their first three selection criteria. Visual appraisal focused on structural soundness, length, and muscling.

Location Effects On Forage Production And Quality Among Selected Pioneer Corn Hybrids, D.G. Tiemann, K.K. Bolsen, D.H. Clark, W. Kezar

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Six Pioneer corn hybrids were grown in Kansas and four of the six hybrids within three locations in Utah. The Utah hybrids were harvested between the one-quarter and one-half milk line stages of kernel maturity, whereas the Kansas hybrids were harvested at approximately 90% of kernel maturity. Location had a significant effect on the agronomic characteristics and chemical composition of the hybrids. Whole-plant dry matter (DM) and digestible DM yield, grain yield, and percent grain were higher in the Kansas-grown corn. The greater yield and proportion of grain were results of the excellent growth conditions i n 1992 and their …

Agronomic Traits And Growing Cattle Performance For Whole-Plant Corn And Forage And Grain Sorghum Silages, B.S. Dalke, R.N. Jr. Sonon, D.L. Holthaus, L. Pfaff, K.K. Bolsen, Matthew A. Young

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Agronomic and cattle performance traits were measured for the following silages produced in 1992: irrigated Pioneer 3377 corn, ensiled with or without Biotal® silage inoculant; DeKalb 42Y grain sorghum; and Cargill 200F, Pioneer 947, DeKalb FS-5 and FS-25E, and Northrup King (NK) 300 forage sorghums. All sorghums were grown under dryland conditions. The irrigated corn had the highest whole-plant dry matter (DM) and grain yields, and NK 300 and DeKalb FS-5 had the highest whole-plant DM yields among the sorghums. NK 300 also had the highest grain yield among the sorghums; DeKalb FS-5 and FS-25E had the lowest. Steers fed …

Continuous-Culture Fermentation As A Tool For Forage Evaluation, E.S. Vanzant, R.C. Cochran, S. Stafford, G. St Jean, K. C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Ruminal degradation of organic matter and protein in alfalfa and prairie hay were evaluated in vivo, using cannulated cows, and in vitro, using a continuous-culture fermenter to simulate ruminal fermentation. Estimates of organic matter degradability, microbial N flow per unit feed N input, and efficiency of microbial growth were not different (P>.10) between the in vivo and in vitro systems. However, for both forages, estimates of nitrogen degradability were greater with the in vitro system. Despite the differences between in vivo and in vitro techniques for some variables, continuous-culture fermentation will allow us to compare the effects of dietary …

Influence Of Dietary Energy Levels On Reproductive Function And Fertility In Yearling Beef Heifers, S.D. Utter, L.R. Corah

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Fifty-nine heifers were allotted to be fed at two different energy levels. One group gained 1.77 lb/hd/day, and the other 1.25 lb/hd/day. Estrus was synchronized with the MGA/prostaglandin system. After MGA removal, ovarian development was monitored daily by ultrasound (10 per group) until estrous was detected following the PGF injection. Heifers were inseminated artificially based on estrus behavior. Faster gaining heifers had higher final body condition scores and greater changes in body condition score. The high energy diet caused a slight (P=.11) decrease in AI pregnancy rate for purebred heifers.

Restricting Calf Presence Without Suckling Shortens Postpartum Interval To First Ovulation, 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 Monensin On Weight Gain, Growth Traits, And Semen Characteristics In Yearling Beef Bulls, C.W. Peters, S.B. Laudert, L.R. Corah, C.L. Krehbiel, David A. Nichols

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Feeding the ionophore monensin to yearling beef bulls improved (P<.05) weight gain by 4.2%. Final hip height was similar between treatments, but bulls fed monensin had almost 1 cm greater (P<.01) scrotal circumference and more than 10 cm 2 larger (P<.01) pelvic area. Semen characteristics generally were unaffected by treatment. However, bulls fed monensin had less (P<.01) semen motility than controls. Approximately 30 sperm morphology traits were evaluated; values were similar between treatments except for those traits listed. Collection date tended to influence (P<.15) volume, concentration, motility, and postfreeze characteristics.

Among-Breed Estimates Of Heritability For Birth Weight, Weaning Weight, And Mature Cow Weight, K.M. Andries, R.R. Schalles, D.E. Franke

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Data from a rotational crossbreeding study was used to calculate among-breed heritabilities of birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), and mature cow weight at 5 years of age. The among-breed estimates were higher than previous within-breed estimates because of the inclusion of genetic differences between breeds. Maternal effects for BWT and WWT also were calculated. These estimates allow for comparisons among breeds and for the eventual calculation of EPDs for hybrid cattle.

Heritabilities And Genetic Correlations For Birth Weight, Weaning Weight, And Yearling Weight In Polled Hereford Cattle, J.B. Glaze, R.R. Schalles

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Performance data from a Polled Hereford herd selected for feed conversion were used in the calculation of heritabilities and genetic correlations for birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), and yearling weight (YWT). Direct heritabilities for BWT, WWT, and YWT were .31, .16, and .25, respectively. Corresponding maternal heritabilities for BWT, WWT and YWT were .04, .01, and .18, respectively. With the exception of the correlation between WWT and YWT (.98), the other genetic correlations were low to moderate, ranging from -.27 to .12.

Polyvinylchloride-Packaged Loin Strip Steaks From Vacuum-Packaged Beef Strip Loins Decontaminated With Lactic Acid And Stored For Up To 126 Days, 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 …