Life Sciences Commons^™

An Update On The Biological Control Of Rabbits, Stuart Wheeler

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

When myxomatosis was introduced into Western Australia in the early 1950s, farmers, pastoralists and government alike thought it was an answer to the rabbit problem.

The disease was devastatingly effective in the short term and initially had a 99 per cent kill rate. With time, the virus declined in strength, and the surviving rabbits have multiplied.

There have been many recent reports about new forms of biological control for rabbits and potential improvements in old ones.

This article summarises each of the prospective methods and improvements, and assesses the potential usefulness of each.

Enlarged Posterior Maxillary Teeth In The Scarlet Snake, Cemophora Coccinea (Serpentes: Colubridae), Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Stanley E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Feed-Grade Antibiotics In Starter Diets Containing Spray-Dried Blood Products (1993), K Q. Owen, Steven S. Dritz, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 240 pigs (initially 11.6 lb and 19 d of age) was used to compare four different feed-grade antibiotics or antibiotic combinations in phase I (d 0 to 14 postweaning) and phase II (d 14 to 28 postweaning) starter pig diets. Apramycin and carbadox were compared in the phase I diet. Combinations of tylosin/sulfamethazine and neomycin sulfate/oxytetracycline were compared in the phase II diet. No differences occurred in pig performance for the phase I and phase II periods between the feed-grade antibiotics compared in this growth assay. Therefore, determination of appropriate feed-grade antibiotic inclusion will depend on 1) …

Preservation Of Alfalfa Hay With A Microbial Inoculant (1993), R.K. Taylor, W.C. Mahanna, Dale A. Blasi, Thomas Mark Maxwell, James P. Shroyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eleven large, round, alfalfa bales were treated with Pioneer® Brand 1155 Alfalfa Hay Inoculant and nine bales were untreated. The initial baling moistures were 14.1% (low) or 17.6% (medium). No significant differences were found in dry matter recovery or changes in acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen levels during the 2-month storage period. Average temperature was highest in the medium moisture bales, but was not high enough to cause heat damage. The microbial inoculant did not improve preservation or quality of the alfalfa hay at the baling moistures used in this study.

Use Of Visual Appearance As An Indicator Of Degree Of Doneness In Ground Beef Patties (1993), K.E. Warren, Melvin C. Hunt, M.A. Hague, Donald H. Kropf, Sally L. Stroda

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Outbreaks of food-borne illness have emphasized the need for proper cooking of ground beef patties. Because of difficulties in measuring internal temperature of ground beef patties, visual indicators usually are used to estimate degree of doneness. As internal temperature increases from 130 to 170 ÌŠF, the internal appearance is expected to change from very red to brown and juice color from red to clear. Based on ground beef patties from three sources, we found that internal color over-estimated internal temperature. Expressible juice decreased in redness as internal temperature increased but did not run clear even at temperatures over 160 ÌŠF. …

Effect Of Protein Concentration In Supplements And Frequency Of Supplementation On The Performance Of Beef Cows Grazing Dormant Bluestem Range (1993), J.L. Beaty, R.C. Cochran, E.S. Vanzant, J.L. Morrill, Robert T. Brandt Jr., D.E. Johnson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred twenty-eight, pregnant, Angus x Hereford cows were used to determine whether response to altering frequency of winter range supplementation depends on the protein concentration in the supplements. Supplements containing 12%, 21%, 31%, or 41% crude protein (CP) were fed either daily (7X) or three times weekly (3X). Both groups consumed 31 lbs of supplement per head weekly. Frequency of supplementation exerted only minor influences on cow performance and had no effect on calf performance. However, cows lost less body weight and condition as CP concentration in the supplement increased. In addition, calf weaning weights were improved with increasing …

Effect Of Molybdenum/Sulfur-Induced Copper Deficiency Upon Enzyme Levels And Reproduction In Heifers (1993), J.D. Arthington, L.R. Corah

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

To evaluate the effects of molybdenum (Mo)- and sulfur (S)- induced copper (Cu) deficiency, 99 prepubertal heifers were allotted into two groups. Treated heifers (n = 72) were fed a grass hay naturally high in Mo (Mo = 8 ppm and Cu = 3.2 ppm). Sulfur was supplemented to achieve a dietary level of .3%. Control heifers (n = 27) received a grass hay with normal levels of Mo (Mo = .47 ppm and Cu = 1.5 ppm). Copper was supplemented to achieve a dietary level of 8 ppm. Diets were fed for a period of 163 d. Liver samples …

Influence Of Dietary Lysine On Growth Performance And Tissue Accretion Rates Of High-Lean Growth Gilts Fed From 80 To 160 Lb (1993), K G. Friesen, L J. Kats, B J. Kerr, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, John A. Unruh, Donald H. Kropf

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One-hundred eight high-lean growth gilts (75.5 lb initial weight) were used to determine the dietary lysine requirement to maximize growth performance and protein accretion from 80 to 160 lb. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block, with initial weight serving as the blocking factor. Six dietary treatments were included, ranging from .54 to 1.04% digestible lysine (.69 to 1.25% total dietary lysine). Pigs were housed in pens of three, with six replicate pens/treatment. Pig weights and feed disappearance were collected weekly to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake ADFI, and feed efficiency (F/G). Initially, six …

Effects Of Wheat Gluten And Plasma Protein On Growth Performance And Digestibility Of Nutrients In Nursery Pigs (1993), J S. Pendergraft, C G. Mills, L L. Burnham, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

An experiment was conducted to determine the nutritional value of wheat gluten and spray-dried porcine plasma in diets for weanling pigs. For the experiment, 120 pigs (14 lb avg initial body wt) were used in a 35-d growth assay. Treatments fed from d 0 to 14 postweaning were: 1) a dried skim milk-dried whey-soybean mealbased control; and 2, 3, and 4) spray-dried wheat gluten, spray-dried porcine plasma, and a blend of the wheat gluten and porcine plasma used to replace dried skim milk on a protein basis. All pigs were fed the same corn-soybean meal-dried whey-based diet from d 14 …

Do Dietary Buffers Improve Growth Performance Or Nutrient Digestibility Or Decrease Stomach Ulcers In Finishing Pigs? (1993), K J. Wondra, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock, Keith C. Behnke

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The effects of supplemental buffers in finely ground diets were determined in two experiments. In Exp. 1, 128 pigs (123 lb average initial body wt) were fed a cornsoybean meal-based diet (488 μm mean particle size for corn) for 66 d. Treatments were a control and 1, 2, or 3% added sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Average daily gain, dressing percentage, and plasma urea N concentration decreased as the concentration of NaHCO3 in the diet was increased. However, the reduction in average daily gain occurred only at the 2 and 3% additions. Feed intake, feed/gain, backfat thickness, stomach ulceration score, stomach keratinization …

Soybean Meal Is Necessary In Diets For Early-Weaned (12 D Of Age) Pigs (1993), K Q. Owen, Steven S. Dritz, Michael D. Tokach, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 192 pigs (initially 8.0 lb and 12 d of age) was used to determine the optimal soybean meal level to be included in starter diets for the 12-d-old weaned pig. The trial was a 28 d growth assay. Pigs were allotted by weight to six replicates of four treatments with six or 10 pigs per pen. From d 0 to 14 postweaning, pigs were fed a common diet or experimental diets containing 5, 10, and 15% soybean meal. These high nutrient dense diets were formulated to contain 1.7% lysine. All pigs were fed a common transition diet …

Influence Of Dietary Lysine On Growth Performance Of High-Lean Growth Gilts Fed From 160 To 300 Lb (1993), K G. Friesen, K Q. Owen, B T. Richert, L J. Kats, B J. Kerr, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, John A. Unruh, Donald H. Kropf

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One-hundred eight high-lean growth gilts (159.6 lb) were used to determine the dietary lysine requirement to optimize growth performance from 160 to 300 lb. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block, with initial weight serving as the blocking factor. Six dietary treatments were used, ranging from .44 to .94% digestible lysine (.59 to 1.16% total lysine). Pigs were housed in pens of three, with six replicate pens/treatment. Pig weights and feed disappearance were collected weekly to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (F/G). Average daily gain increased from 160 to 230 …

Effect Of Spray-Dried Blood Meal In The Phase Iii Diet (1993), L J. Kats, K G. Friesen, B T. Richert, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach, Steven S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 216 weanling pigs was used to evaluate the use of spray-dried blood meal (SDBM) in the phase III diet for pigs weighing approximately 25 pounds. At weaning, pigs (initially 11.6 lb and 21 d of age) were allotted by weight, gender, and ancestry to the dietary treatments. There were six pigs per pen with six replications per treatment. Pigs were started on a common phase I diet containing 20% dried whey, 7.5% spray-dried porcine plasma, and 1.75% spray-dried blood meal. This diet was formulated to contain 1.5% lysine and .44% methionine. On d 7 postweaning all pigs …

Low Protein Corn Does Not Influence Finishing Pig Performance (1993), R E. Musser, C A. Kerr, B T. Richert, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 150 pigs was used to evaluate the effects of corn with different crude protein content on growth performance of finishing pigs. Our objective was to determine if low protein corn might result in poorer pig performance compared with pigs fed diets containing corn with a normal protein content. Control pigs were fed a diet containing corn with a crude protein content of 8.5% and formulated with soybean meal to 14.6% crude protein (.70% lysine). Pigs were also fed a diet with low crude protein corn (7.5%), which was substituted on an equal weight basis for normal corn …

Growth And Microbiology Of Nonmedicated, Segregated, Early-Weaned Pigs (1993), M M. Chengappa, M W. Vorhies, Steven S. Dritz, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Seventy pigs, 7 to 10 d of age, were randomly selected by litter of origin from a commercial farm in Northeast Kansas to compare the growth and microbiology of nonmedicated, segregated, early-weaned pigs to controls raised at the farm of origin. After weaning, both groups were fed a similar nutritional programs consisting of dry diets. No antimicrobial drugs were administered to the pigs except for a feed grade antimicrobial (carbadox) from weaning to 50 lb. Pigs were monitored for 12 weeks. Individual pigs weights, nasal swabs, and serum samples were collected on d 0 and then every 14 d thereafter …

Evaluation Of 24 Corn Hybrids For Silage Agronomic Performance Under Both Irrigated And Dryland Conditions (1993), R.N. Sonon, B.S. Dalke, D.L. Holthaus, D.R. Bonilla, L. Pfaff, John E. Boyer, B.E. Brent, K.K. Bolsen, Matthew A. Young

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In 1992, 24 corn hybrids were grown under both irrigated and dryland conditions and were harvested at 90% of the kernel milk line. Growing condition and hybrid significantly affected plant height and the number of days to the tasseling and silking stages. Most dryland hybrids had higher dry matter (DM) contents than irrigated hybrids, but all 24 hybrids had higher grain yields under irrigation. Growing condition and hybrid also significantly affected whole-plant DM and stover yields and percentages of cob and stover. The grain portion made the greatest contribution to the higher whole-plant silage yields for the irrigated hybrids compared …

Pellet Quality Affects Growth Performance Of Nursery And Finishing Pigs (1993), C R. Stark, Robert H. Hines, Keith C. Behnke, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of diet form (meal vs pellet) and amount of fines in pelleted feed on growth performance of nursery and finishing pigs. One hundred twenty-six weanling pigs, with an average initial body wt of 12.5 lb, were used in the 35-d nursery experiment. The same phase I diet (pelleted) was fed to all pigs for 7 d, then the pigs were switched to phase II diet treatments (d 7 to 35 postweaning). Treatments were the same phase II diet fed as: 1) meal; 2) screened pellets (fines removed); and 3) the screened pellets …

Factors That Influence Number Of Bids On Finished Cattle (1993), Ted C. Schroeder, J. Mintert, R. Jones

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Previous research indicates that the number of bids received on pens of fed cattle has a positive influence on price. This study was undertaken to determine what factors influence the number of bids received on pens of cattle. The number of bids for fed cattle was investigated in 13 southwestern Kansas feedyards during May through November, 1990. Results indicated that cattle of desired weight, with higher estimated carcass yield and quality grade, in larger pen sizes, and sold in the middle of the week received the most bids. In addition, feedyard asking price relative to packer price offers also influenced …

How Does Cow-Calf Association Inhibit The Onset Of Estrous Cycles After Calving? (1993), J. Ernest Minton, E.L. Knoppel, R.E. Stewart, S.D. Viker, G.H. Kiracofe, Jeffrey S. Stevenson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The "suckling response" maintains anestrus in beef cows for about 40 to 60 days postpartum. The suckling response remains intact in mastectomized cows, so stimulation of the inguinal area, and not milk flow or teat stimulation, must be part of the response. Cow-calf recognition is part of the suckling response because suckling by cross-fostered calves after nose-to-nose contact followed by suckling of an alien calf does not prevent cycling. We believe the suckling response involves a cow recognizing her own calf, followed by the calf stimulating her inguinal area. It may be possible to initiate estrus by simply blocking the …

Factors Influencing The Price Paid For Bulls At Central Test Stations In Kansas From 1988-1992 (1993), D.D. Simms, J.R. Schwenke

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Results of 13 sales of Angus (n=185) and Simmental (n=544) bulls at central bull tests in Kansas from 1988 through 1992 were analyzed to determine the relationship between performance and the price received. The Kansas bull test index (based 50% on weight per- day-of-age and 50% on test ADG) was the most significant single factor determining price in both Angus and Simmental bulls. Birth weight, final weight, and frame score were other major contributors to price in Angus bulls, whereas weaning weight ratio, birth weight, and being polled were important in Simmental bulls. Expected progeny differences made small but significant …

Pasture And Subsequent Feedlot Performance By Beef Cattle Grazing Acremonium Coenophialum-Infected Tall Fescue And Offered Different Levels Of Ground Grain Sorghum (1993), A.S. Freeman, K.P. Coffey

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred twenty-six crossbred steers and sixty-three crossbred heifers (704 lb BW) were used to evaluate the effects of energy supplementation on animal performance during grazing of endophyte-infected tall fescue and on subsequent feedlot performance. Grazing ADG increased linearly (P.10) by SG that had been fed on pasture.

In Vitro Digestibility Of Sorghum Parent Lines Predicts Nutritional Value Of Their Hybrid Offspring In Cannulated Finishing Pigs (1993), B J. Healy, P J. Bramel-Cox, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Nutritional value of eight sorghum hybrids, resulting from matings of four male lines with two male-sterile lines, was determined. The male lines were two sorghums with consistently high in vitro digestibility (High-digestibility 1 and Highdigestibility 2) and two sorghums with consistently low in vitro digestibility (Lowdigestibility 1 and Low-digestibility 2). The male-sterile lines were Kansas 52 and Redlan, two lines commonly used for genetic testing by sorghum breeders. The hybrids were fed to eight barrows fitted with ileal T-cannulas and also evaluated for starch digestibility in ruminal fluid. Corn was used as a control. Corn had greater ileal and total …

Effects Of Application Of Water And Nitrogen On Nutrient Use From Corn And Sorghums By Pigs (1993), B T. Richert, P J. Bramel-Cox, Merle D. Witt, B J. Healy, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of growing conditions on nutrient yield and quality of corn and sorghum. Main effect treatments were: corn (C), bronze pericarp heterozygous-yellow endosperm sorghum (BS), and yellow pericarp homozygous-yellow endosperm sorghum (YS); optimal irrigation (I) and minimal irrigation (MI); 100 lb/acre of N fertilization (F) and no N fertilization (NF), in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Grains were grown in 1988 (Year 1, with little rainfall) and 1989 (Year 2, with above average rainfall) in the semi-arid environment at Garden City, KS. In Year 1, sorghums yielded 15% more grain …

Effect Of Methionine:Lysine Ratio On Growth Performance And Blood Metabolites Of Growing-Finishing Pigs (1993), L J. Kats, K G. Friesen, B T. Richert, K Q. Owen, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eighty growing-finishing pigs (40 barrows and 40 gilts) were used in three consecutive growth assays to determine the optimum methionine:lysine ratio for pigs weighing from 48 to 107 lb, 120 to 179 lb, and 191 to 245 lb, respectively. Each growth assay was to be conducted for a 28-d period with a 14-d transition period between assays. Pigs were allotted by weight and placed in pens each containing one barrow and one gilt. Pigs were assigned to one of eight experimental treatments with five replicate pens per treatment. Pigs were fed diets containing either high lysine (1.0, .9, or .8%, …

The Influence Of Threonine:Lysine Ratios On Growth Performance And On Plasma Urea Nitrogen In Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed From 85 To 240 Lb (1993), K G. Friesen, L J. Kats, K Q. Owen, B T. Richert, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eighty crossbred pigs (initially 85.2 lb BW) were used in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement to determine the influence of dietary threonine:lysine ratios on growth performance and plasma urea N in growing-finishing pigs. The experiment was conducted in three phases from 85.2 to 124.2, 139.1 to 203.1, and 204.9 to 241.1 lb, with pigs fed one of eight dietary treatments. Two levels of dietary lysine were fed (low vs high) and four levels of dietary threonine were fed within each lysine treatment (60, 65, 70, and 75% of dietary lysine). Dietary lysine decreased from 1.0% and .8% at 85.2 …

Integrated Swine Systems "The Animal Component" - Phase One; The Kansas State University Survey (1993), B T. Richert, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 650 questionnaires were sent to Kansas swine producers, and 279 were returned. There was an excellent distribution in producer size based on number of pigs marketed per year and producer age and educational level. The use of a lagoon to store swine waste is the most popular method in Kansas (38.8% of the respondents). One-third of the swine waste is disposed of by surface spreading and only 10.0% is applied primarily by soil injection. Less than one-half (45.5%) of the producers feel that nitrates in swine waste are environmental concerns and even less (27.0%) are concerned about …

The Influence Of Dietary Lysine On Carcass Characteristics And Subprimal Cut Distribution Of High-Lean Growth Gilts Fed To 230 And 300 Lb (1993), S R. Stuewe, K G. Friesen, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, John A. Unruh

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Seventy-two high-lean growth gilts were used to determine the effects of dietary lysine on carcass characteristics and subprimal cut distribution of gilts fed to 230 or 300 lb. The gilts were fed one of six lysine treatments (digestible lysine of .44, .54, .64, .74, .84, and .94% corresponding to .55, .67, .79, .91, 1.03, and 1.15% total lysine, respectively). For gilts fed to 230 or 300 lb, effects on carcass characteristics or subprimal cut distribution were minimal. For gilts fed to 230 lb, only slight linear decreases in 402 ham and boneless 402C ham were observed as dietary lysine increased. …

Economies Of Size For Farrow-To-Finish Hog Production In Kansas (1993), Michael R. Langemeier, Ted C. Schroeder

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Economies of size measure the impact on average cost of production of increasing the size of operation. Data from 91 farrow-to-finish operations enrolled in the Kansas Farm Management Associations in 1992 were used to empirically estimate economies of size. Results indicate that average total cost and operation size are significantly correlated, and that average total cost declines as operations become larger. Results also indicate a substantial variability in costs of production between producers. In fact, costs of production between producers of a given size vary more than costs of production between operations of different sizes.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November …

Influence Of Dietary Lysine On Carcass Characteristics Of High-Lean Growth Gilts Fed From 80 To 160 Lb (1993), K G. Friesen, B J. Kerr, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, John A. Unruh, Donald H. Kropf

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Seventy-two high-lean growth gilts (initially 75.5 lb BW) were used to determine the influence of dietary lysine on carcass characteristics at 120 and 160 lb. Gilts were randomly selected for slaughter when the average weight of pigs in the pen equaled or exceeded 120 and 160 lb. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block, with initial weight serving as the blocking factor. Six dietary treatments were included, ranging from .54 to 1.04% digestible lysine (.69 to 1.25% total dietary lysine). At 120 lb, hot carcass weight decreased and then increased as did dressing percentage for gilts fed increased …

Kansas State University Swine Enterprise Record Summary (1993), B T. Richert, Michael R. Langemeier, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Approximately 30 swine operations are enrolled in the 1992 - 93 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 is the combined data for the 18 farrow-to-finish operations in Kansas that kept records during 1992. The semiannual data represents the last 6 months of 1992, whereas the annual data are for …