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Fonsêca VFC, Dos Santos JDC, Saraiva EP, Xavier Neta GC, Morais LKC, Bícego KC, Pereira WE, Pimenta Filho EC, Moura GAB, Sejian V, Fuller A. Do newborn lambs with black and white hair-coats in an equatorial semi-arid environment maintain homeothermy? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00484-024-02710-9. [PMID: 38884796 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-024-02710-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
We assessed newborn lambs from two hair-coat sheep breeds, the black Santa Ines (n = 29) and white Dorper (n = 26), to determine how they behaviourally and physiologically respond to the prevailing thermal conditions in an equatorial semi-arid environment. Measurements of hair-coat surface temperature, rectal temperature and the lambs' exposure to sun were recorded across the first 24 h of life every hour, after the lambs had received colostrum. Lambs and ewes were kept in a lambing pen and could freely move between a shaded area or be exposed to sun. During the study period, the air temperature ranged between 20 ºC and 34 ºC. When exposed to sun, lambs and ewes could experience as much as 1200 W m-2 of solar irradiance. Santa Ines lambs exhibited higher (highest density interval at 95%, HDI) hair-coat surface temperatures than did Dorper lambs. Overall, both Santa Ines and Dorper lambs sustained homeothermy, with a mean rectal temperature ranging from 38.7 ºC to 39.1 ºC between night and daytime phase, and a mean amplitude of ~ 0.8 ºC. Nevertheless, from 10:00 to 15:00, some lambs were found to be moderately hyperthermic. Five Santa Ines and three Dorper lambs had rectal temperatures above 40 ºC, and one Santa Ines lamb, while exposed to sun, had a rectal temperature of 41.3 ºC. Over this time period, lambs were more likely to move to shade (HDI at 95%). From 00:00 to 06:00, despite the air temperature being lower than the hair-coat surface, favouring high rates of sensible heat loss to the environment, no lamb exhibited signs of hypothermia (rectal temperature < 37.5 ºC). In conclusion, haired newborn lambs coped well with high levels of radiant heat during the daytime and lower temperatures at night. However, providing access to shade during the daytime is important to improve the welfare of newborn lambs delivered in equatorial semi-arid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- V F C Fonsêca
- Laboratory of Animal Biometeorology, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil.
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - J D C Dos Santos
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
| | - E P Saraiva
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
| | - G C Xavier Neta
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - L K C Morais
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
| | - K C Bícego
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - W E Pereira
- Department of Fundamental and Social Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, Areia, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - E C Pimenta Filho
- Department of Fundamental and Social Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, Areia, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - G A B Moura
- Laboratory of Animal Biometeorology, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - V Sejian
- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research Puducherry, Puducherry, India
| | - A Fuller
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Freitas-de-Melo A, Orihuela A, Hötzel MJ, Ungerfeld R. What Do We Know and Need to Know About Weaning in Sheep? An Overview of Weaning Practises, Stress and Welfare. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.823188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial weaning is the separation of the mother and her lamb, involving the forced ending of suckling and milk supply by the ewes to their lambs. Artificial weaning time varies depending on the purpose of each sheep farm and the characteristics of the lambs, including age and weight of the lambs, and their ability to eat solid food. Artificial weaning is performed from 24 h postpartum until around the age of natural weaning (up to 12 mo of age). Artificial weaning results in the breaking of the ewe-lamb bond, the end of suckling and the complete replacement of milk by solid food, frequently added to changes in both the physical and social environment. It triggers behavioural, physiological and immunological changes that generate negative consequences on the health of both ewes and lambs, as well as on the growth of the lambs, rising animal welfare concerns. As artificial weaning is considered one of the most stressful situations in the life of farm mammals, it is important to consider the factors involved in those responses to develop adequate strategies and improve sheep welfare at weaning. The most frequently used method is the abrupt separation of the ewes and their lambs. However, the adaptation of the animals after weaning can be improved by alternative weaning methods (e.g., progressive, two-steps weaning and mixed regimes), hormonal treatments (e.g., administration of progesterone), and pre- and postweaning management (e.g., the use of creeping feeding, and the presence of conspecifics or humans after weaning). This review presents and summarises information on the stress response and animal welfare issues at artificial weaning in sheep and some management practises that can be used to reduce these problems. The major points included are the ewe-lamb bond at birth and during the lactation period; the stress response at weaning; the factors involved in the stress response at weaning; the different types and weaning methods and their repercussions on animal welfare; and some strategies that can be used to improve sheep welfare at weaning. Lastly, we propose directions for research needed to develop practical alternatives to minimise sheep's stress response at weaning.
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Menant O, Ungerfeld R, Lévy F, Pérez-Clariget R, Freitas-de-Melo A. Out-of-season breeding and ewe-lamb bond from birth to weaning in Corriedale sheep. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Silva LC, Angrimani DS, Regazzi FM, Lúcio CF, Veiga GA, Fernandes CB, Vannucchi CI. Exogenous surfactant replacement immediately at birth as preventive therapy for lung prematurity in neonatal lambs. Theriogenology 2021; 171:14-20. [PMID: 34000686 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Surfactant treatment is a manner to reduce alveolar superficial tension and increase pulmonary compliance in premature neonates. Thus, we aimed to analyze the effect of exogenous surfactant treatment in combination with manual ventilation for preterm lambs. We used 15 ewes and their lambs (n = 16), prematurely born at 135 days. At birth, lambs were submitted to orotracheal intubation attached to a handheld resuscitation device and randomly allocated to: Control Group (n = 5; only manual ventilation), Single Surfactant Group (n = 5; manual ventilation coupled by intratracheal administration of 100 mg/kg surfactant) and Double Surfactant Group (n = 6; surfactant volume was divided into two doses (50 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg) administrated at birth and 30 min thereafter). A complete physical exam, arterial gas analysis, blood glucose, urea and creatinine concentration and chest radiographic assessment were performed at fixed times. All lambs had decreased body temperature until 20 min after birth. However, control and double surfactant groups reached a thermic plateau after 30 min. Regardless of the time-point, control lambs had higher heart rate in comparison to treated neonates, including bradycardia in Single Surfactant Group. Single instillation led to lower oxygenation degree, compared to the Double Surfactant Group, suggesting that surfactant treatment was not able to adequately spread within the alveoli. Lambs treated with surfactant had severe impairment of aerobic activity, leading to anaerobic metabolism. All groups had hypercapnia, which can be explained by inadequate respiratory pattern and pulmonary opacity (89% of the lambs had severe or moderate lung content). In conclusion, exogenous surfactant therapy in association with manual ventilation is ineffective in reverting pulmonary immaturity of the preterm lamb, leading to less vitality, hypoxemia, delayed pulmonary clearance and high mortality rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liege Cg Silva
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Daniel Sr Angrimani
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Regazzi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Cristina F Lúcio
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Gisele Al Veiga
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Claudia B Fernandes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Camila I Vannucchi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil.
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Jacobson C, Bruce M, Kenyon PR, Lockwood A, Miller D, Refshauge G, Masters DG. A review of dystocia in sheep. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Does lambing season affect mother-young relationships and lamb vigor in D'man sheep reared in oases? Animal 2020; 14:2363-2371. [PMID: 32539905 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731120001342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although sheep are known to be seasonal breeders and give birth in winter, not all of them follow this trend. A few breeds can be mated and give birth all year round, meaning that mothers and neonates will have to face contrasting climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to test whether lambing season affects maternal and neonatal behaviors in D'man sheep. During four different lambing seasons (winter, autumn, summer and spring), periparturient ewes (n = 111) and their lambs (n = 213) were kept under 24-h-video surveillance in order to record postpartum behaviors. Mother-young preference was tested around 48 h after parturition. Lamb vigor was studied by the determination of birth weight, early postnatal behavior and rectal temperature at birth and 48 h later. Litter expulsion time was not affected by lambing season, but birth weight was biased against summer and winter born lambs. Ewes provided a higher intensity of care to their offspring in winter: latency for grooming was shorter and time spent grooming was longer compared to lambing in spring and summer (P = 0.01 in all cases). On the other hand, lambs were the most active in spring as they were faster to extend their hind legs (P = 0.01), stand up (P = 0.04) and reach the udder (P = 0.04). Rectal temperature at 48 h was affected by season of birth (P < 0.001) with higher values observed in summer. Glycemia variation between birth and 48 h was the lowest in spring born lambs and plasma levels increased less in spring born lambs than in winter (P < 0.0001), autumn (P < 0.0001) and summer born lambs (P < 0.0001). In the choice test, mothers clearly preferred their own young and no season effect was detected except that in the first minute of the test they spent less time near their own young in winter than in the other seasons (P = 0.04). Lambs also chose their mother successfully without any major effect of the season however, but winter born lambs were the least vocal (P = 0.01). Overall, this study show that maternal care, lamb behavior and vigor vary lightly according to seasons, albeit not in a consistent manner. In conclusion, a season is no more detrimental than another for the onset of mother-young relationships.
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Araújo da Silva J, Saraiva EP, Bispo SV, Fonsêca VDFC, Gonçalves dos Santos SGC, dos Santos JDC, da Costa Pinheiro A, Almeida MEV. Maternal investment and growth performance of lambs in a hair coat sheep breed raised in equatorial semi-arid environment. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1700070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Josinaldo Araújo da Silva
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group (BIOET), Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
| | - Edilson Paes Saraiva
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group (BIOET), Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
| | - Safira Valença Bispo
- Department of Animal Science, Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil
| | - Vinícius de França Carvalho Fonsêca
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group (BIOET), Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
- Paulista State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Antônio da Costa Pinheiro
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group (BIOET), Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
| | - Maria Elivânia Vieira Almeida
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group (BIOET), Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
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Friend MA, Bhanugopan MS, McGrath SR, Edwards JH, Hancock S, Loudon K, Miller D, McGilchrist P, Refshauge G, Robertson SM, Thompson AN, Masters DG. Do calcium and magnesium deficiencies in reproducing ewes contribute to high lamb mortality? ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an17588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
High lamb mortality continues to be a significant economic and welfare problem within the Australian sheep industry, with 20–30% of lambs born in commercial flocks dying mostly within 3 days of birth. Clinical hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia cause ewe mortality, and, subsequently, either fetal or lamb death, but it is not known whether subclinical deficiencies of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) compromise lamb survival. This review considers the potential mechanisms through which Ca and Mg deficiencies may influence lamb survival, and factors influencing the risk of deficiency. Pastures grazed by lambing ewes may be marginal in calcium (Ca; <4 g/kg DM) and magnesium (Mg; <0.9 g/kg DM) but also have a high dietary cation–anion difference (>12 meq/100 g DM) and high concentrations of potassium (K; >30 g/kg DM) and nitrogen. In young cereal crops, sodium concentrations are also often low (<0.9 g/kg DM). This combination of minerals and other nutrients creates an imbalance in supply and increases susceptibility to acute Ca (hypocalcaemia) and Mg (hypomagnesaemia) deficiency. Calcium is required for smooth muscle function and has a direct role in uterine contraction, so may influence the duration of parturition. Low Ca and Mg intake both influence insulin release and sensitivity, low Mg results in poor glycaemic control and insulin resistance by impairing both insulin secretion and its action on peripheral tissues, also potentially altering the duration of parturition as well as risk of metabolic disease. Magnesium is also a neuroprotectant that slows the neuronal damage during hypoxia and has been linked with thermogenesis in offspring and increased immunoglobulins in colostrum. These functions indicate potential importance in improving the ease of parturition and improved ability of the newborn lamb to thermoregulate and survive after birth. Subclinical Ca and Mg deficiencies commonly occur in 20% of lambing ewes grazing temperate pastures, so further studies are warranted to investigate whether correction of these deficiencies can improve lamb survival.
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de França Carvalho Fonsêca V, Maia ASC, Saraiva EP, de Melo Costa CC, da Silva RG, Abdoun KA, Al-Haidary AA, Samara EM, Fuller A. Bio-thermal responses and heat balance of a hair coat sheep breed raised under an equatorial semi-arid environment. J Therm Biol 2019; 84:83-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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de Amorim MLCM, Saraiva EP, de França Carvalho Fonsêca V, Guerra RR, Dos Santos SGCG, de Melo Costa CC, Almeida MEV, da Costa Pinheiro A, Pimenta Filho EC. Coat and skin morphology of hair sheep breeds in an equatorial semi-arid environment. J Therm Biol 2019; 84:103-110. [PMID: 31466742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to address if are there annual changes in the hair coat traits and skin morphology of hair sheep breeds raised in an equatorial semi-arid region? Coat and skin samples were taken from thirty Morada Nova (4 ± 2 years old; red coat; ±SD) and twenty Santa Inês multiparous ewes (5 ± 2 years old; brown and black coat; ±SD) every 3 months over a year. Hair coat traits included thickness (mm), density (number of hairs cm-2), length (mm), and diameter (mm), plus epidermal and dermal thickness (μm), sweat glands and blood capillaries area (μm cm-2) were determined. Means of solar irradiance and ambient air temperature were higher between September and December. Annual changes (P < 0.05) in hair density, diameter, length and thickness, as well as the skin blood capillaries and sweat gland area differed between breeds. The modifications on hair coat traits resulted in minor changes on the effective thermal conductivity of the hair coat surface both for Morada Nova and Santa Ines sheep. Nevertheless, it was clearly evident that the overall cutaneous thermal insulation for Morada Nova sheep was lowest in September that was coupled with lower hair density, coat thickness, and higher sweat gland and blood capillary area (P < 0.05). In conclusion, even in an equatorial region, phenotypic acclimatization on morphological traits of cutaneous surface and skin traits can modify the overall thermal insulation of sheep breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edilson Paes Saraiva
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group (BIOET), Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil
| | - Vinicius de França Carvalho Fonsêca
- Animal Biometeorology and Ethology Group (BIOET), Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil; Innovation Group of Animal Biometeorology (INOBIO-MANERA), São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil; Brain Function Research Group (BFRG), School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | | | | | - Cíntia Carol de Melo Costa
- Innovation Group of Animal Biometeorology (INOBIO-MANERA), São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil
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Fonseca VC, Saraiva EP, Maia ASC, Nascimento CCN, da Silva JA, Pereira WE, Filho ECP, Almeida MEV. Models to predict both sensible and latent heat transfer in the respiratory tract of Morada Nova sheep under semiarid tropical environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2017; 61:777-784. [PMID: 27726009 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-016-1255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to build a prediction model both sensible and latent heat transfer by respiratory tract for Morada Nova sheep under field conditions in a semiarid tropical environment, using easily measured physiological and environmental parameters. Twelve dry Morada Nova ewes with an average of 3 ± 1.2 years old and average body weight of 32.76 ± 3.72 kg were used in a Latin square design 12 × 12 (12 days of records and 12 schedules). Tidal volume, respiratory rate, expired air temperature, and partial vapor pressure of the expired air were obtained from the respiratory facial mask and using a physiological measurement system. Ewes were evaluated from 0700 to 1900 h in each day under shade. A simple nonlinear model to estimate tidal volume as a function of respiratory rate was developed. Equation to estimate the expired air temperature was built, and the ambient air temperature was the best predictor together with relative humidity and ambient vapor pressure. In naturalized Morada Nova sheep, respiratory convection seems to be a mechanism of heat transfer of minor importance even under mild air temperature. Evaporation from the respiratory system increased together with ambient air temperature. At ambient air temperature, up to 35 °C respiratory evaporation accounted 90 % of the total heat lost by respiratory system, on average. Models presented here allow to estimate the heat flow from the respiratory tract for Morada Nova sheep bred in tropical region, using easily measured physiological and environmental traits as respiratory rate, ambient air temperature, and relative humidity.
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Mother-offspring relationship in Morada Nova sheep bred in a tropical semiarid environment: A perspective on maternal investment and parental conflict. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Aguilar-Hernández JA, Urías-Estrada JD, López-Soto MA, Barreras A, Plascencia A, Montaño M, González-Vizcarra VM, Estrada-Angulo A, Castro-Pérez BI, Barajas R, Rogge HI, Zinn RA. Evaluation of isoquinoline alkaloid supplementation levels on ruminal fermentation, characteristics of digestion, and microbial protein synthesis in steers fed a high-energy diet. J Anim Sci 2016; 94:267-74. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-9376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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