Studies in the wool production of grazing sheep. 3. Changes in efficiency of production

1965 ◽  
Vol 5 (19) ◽  
pp. 396 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Arnold ◽  
WR McManus ◽  
ML Dudzinski

Data from an experiment described by Arnold, McManus and Bush (1964) were used to examine the efficiency of wool production of sheep grazing at different stocking rates. Large differences were found between seasons and between stocking rates in the gross efficiency of wool production (GE), in estimated maintenance requirements (MR), and in an activity index (a). The seasonal pattern for GE, MR, and a was for highest GE and lowest MR and a to occur in late spring. MR and a rose in summer, declined in autumn, and rose in winter following shearing. The maximum value of MR was nearly twice the minimum value. With increased stocking rate the mean annual GE decreased and MR and a increased. The maximum effect recorded was a 34 per cent decrease in GE and a 50 per cent increase in MR for the year. The relations between GE and MR was curvilinear. Possible causes of changes in MR are discussed and the paucity of evidence on stress mechanisms in grazing sheep is pointed out. The use of production data for evaluating pastures is discussed in the light of these results.

1975 ◽  
Vol 15 (73) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
PA Kenney ◽  
IF Davis

A study was made during a three year period (1 968-1 970) of wool production by a flock of 540 ewes grazing annual pasture at Werribee, Victoria. The ewes were stocked at three rates (5, 7 1/2 and 10 ewes ha-1) and lambed between July 6 and August 20 or between September 10 and October 29 each year. Fibre diameter and length of wool samples were measured in 1968, 1969 and 1970 ; in 1970 growth of greasy wool was calculated from staples of dye-banded wool. Wool growth was reduced in all ewes during late pregnancy and early lactation but was not affected during late lactation in ewes lambing in September. The proportion of tender fleeces from all ewes was greater in 1970 and the weight of fleeces from only those ewes bearing single lambs was less in all years for ewes lambing in July than for ewes lambing in September. More ewes were barren and fewer ewes had twins in July and consequently the mean fleece weights of all ewes from both groups were similar. Fleeces from ewes stocked at 10 ha-1 were lighter, shorter and finer than fleeces from ewes stocked at 5 and 7 1/2 ha-1, but the proportion of tender fleeces did not differ between the groups. Wool production of ewes stocked at 5 and 7 1/2 ha-1 increased from 1968 to 1970, whereas that of ewes at 10 ha-1 did not. This was associated with differences in pasture availability and composition. At 10 ewes ha-1 less pasture was present in winter and spring in 1970 than in 1968, whereas at the other stocking rates it was greater. In 1970 the density of weeds in autumn was greater and in spring more silver grass (Vulpia spp.) and less brome grass (Bromus spp.) was available at the high stocking rate.


1966 ◽  
Vol 6 (20) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
WR McManus ◽  
GW Arnold ◽  
ML Dudzinski

The results of a three-year experiment with Merino wethers grazed at four stocking rates were examined. There were consistent differences between individual sheep at all times of the year in their intake of digestible organic matter (DOMI), clean wool production (WP), and in their efficiency of conversion of food to wool (E). Within stocking rates there were no consistent relationships between DOMI and WP.


1978 ◽  
Vol 18 (91) ◽  
pp. 202 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Cannon ◽  
MJ Sharkey ◽  
PT Stewart

Oat yields and wool production of Merino wethers were measured at five stocking rates in five systems of land use in each of two years, 1971 and 1972, in north-east Victoria. Nominal stocking rates were 6.8, 8.6, 10.5, 12.4 and 14.2 sheep ha-1. The production at each stocking rate was compared in the following systems: 1, all pasture; 2, and 3. pasture grazed year long with oats grazed in winter and oat stubbles in summer on 15 per cent (system 2) or 30 per cent of the plot area (system 3) ; 4. and 5. pasture grazed throughout with oat stubbles grazed in summer but crops not grazed during the growing season and crops comprised either 15 per cent (system 4) or 30 per cent of the plot area (system 5). In 1971 the rainfall of 540 mm was sufficient to produce a harvestable oat crop and to maintain sheep on all plots without supplements. The mean oat yield of 2.04 � 0.01 t ha-1 for system 3 far exceeded that of the more heavily grazed crops in system 2 (1.44-0.05) or of ungrazed crops in systems 4 and 5 (1.44i-0.07). Clean wool production per head from each system was compared in terms of an 'average' stocking rate S which accounted for variation in grazing intensity throughout the year inherent in systems 2, 3, 4, 5. In 1971 clean wool production kg-1 declined with increase in average stocking rate in all systems but the mean of the four dual land use systems did not differ from the all pasture system (1). 1972 was a drought year with only 330 mm of rain, oat crops failed to produce grain and were grazed from October. The wool production of sheep on systems 2 to 5 was greater than that of sheep at equivalent average stocking rates on the all pasture system. Growing oats for grazing and grain in association with wool production would appear to be more profitable than wool production alone. Light grazing of oats in winter may increase oat yield but more information is needed in relation to seasonal variation and oat variety.


Author(s):  
P.J. Mcivor ◽  
B.R. Watkin

The pattern of defoliation of cocksfoot by Romney sheep at two stocking rates (approximately 36 and 80 sheep/ha) was studied in the autumn. After an autumn "flush" of growth, pasture availability, pasture height and green leaf length showed a rapid then steady decline during the grazing period. The length of green leaf removed per defoliation was closely related to the length of leaf available - i.e.,-the shorter the length available, the shorter the length removed. The proportion of g&en leaf length removed, however, showed little change over the grating period. Tillers were, grazed every 5 or 6 days in the high-stocked treatment and every 7 or 8 days in the medium-stocked treatment. These were generally the taller tillers, particularly in the mediumstocked treatment. Evidence of preferential grazing of different aged tillers was not obvious. However, towards the end of ihe experimental period the youngest tillers in the, medium-stocked treatment were grazed less frequently but more severely than, older tillers. In the highstocked treatment the youngest tillers were less severely grazed than older tillers. Preference for the youngest leaves 0n.a tiller was evident in all treatments. The mean liveweight of sheep incre&ed on the medium-stocked treatment but decreased slightly on the high-stocked treatment. The plant and animal responses recorded are discussed.


1961 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 689 ◽  
Author(s):  
JE Vercoe ◽  
DE Tribe ◽  
GR Pearce

An experiment is reported in which the digestible organic matter and digestible nitrogen intakes of Corriedale wethers grazing on improved pastures in a Mediterranean- type environment 1%-ere measured by the faecal index method from August 1957 to August 1958. The mean digestible nitrogen intake fell from a maximum of 50 g/clay in the spring to a minimum of 6 g/day in the late summer, and reached an autumn maximum of 13 g/day before falling to a winter minimum of 8 g/day. The mean digestible organic matter intake fell from a maximum of 1500 g/day in the spring to a summer minimum of 600 g/day, rose again to an autumn maximum of 1000 g/day, and fell again to a winter minimum of 600 g/day. The results are discussed in relation to the theoretical maintenance requirements of the sheep and the nutritional value of herbage.


1966 ◽  
Vol 6 (20) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Arnold ◽  
WR McManus ◽  
IG Bush

Merino wethers were grazed for four years on Phalaris-subterranean clover pastures at four stocking rates. Measurements over two years showed that wear of incisor teeth increased substantially with stocking rate. This wear was closely associated with intake of silica by the sheep. After the experiment marked carry-over effects in wool production and live weight were observed in adult wethers. Significantly more wool was produced by sheep previously grazing at high stocking rates. Possible reasons for this effect are discussed.


1964 ◽  
Vol 4 (15) ◽  
pp. 404 ◽  
Author(s):  
WR McManus ◽  
GW Arnold ◽  
JR Paynter

A four-year study of the variation in wool characteristics of both periodic midside fleece samples and whole fleeces is reported. The wools are derived from an experiment (Arnold, McManus and Bush 1964) in which Merino wethers were continuously grazed on improved pastures at four widely different stocking rates. Despite very large differences in pasture availability and nutritional patterns between treatments the fleeces were essentially similar in staple length, fibre diameter, clean scoured yield, wax and suint content, in quality count and subjective characteristics of soundness, handle, colour, and character. The value of the fleeces was similar for all treatments. Staple length and fibre diameter were lowest in late summer and late winter, when feed quantity and quality, respectively, were also lowest. On all treatments over half the fleeces exhibited 'trade tenderness' attributable to undernutrition in summer. Winter shearing minimises the effects of undernutrition in winter on the soundness of the fleeces. The staple length on the tattoo midside was 21 per cent greater than annual growth on the alternate midside region. Possible reasons for this increase are discussed.


Author(s):  
J. Santoantonio ◽  
L. Yazigi ◽  
E. I. Sato

The purpose of this study was to investigate the personality characteristics in adolescents with SLE. The research design is a case-control study by means of the Rorschach Method and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Study group: 30 female adolescents with lupus, 12–17 years of age. The SLE Disease Activity Index was administered during the period of psychological evaluation. Control group: 32 nonpatient adolescents were matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic level. In the Wechsler Intelligence Scale the mean IQ of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (77 and 98, respectively, p < .001). In the Rorschach, the lupus patients showed greater difficulty in interpersonal interactions, although they displayed the resources to process affect and to cope with stressful situations. A positive moderate correlation (p = .069) between the activity index of the disease and the affect constriction proportion of the Rorschach was observed: the higher the SLEDAI score, the lower the capacity to process affect. There is a negative correlation between the activity index of the disease and the IQ (p = .001): with a higher activity index of the disease, less intellectual resources are available.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1627.2-1627
Author(s):  
F. I. Abdelrahman ◽  
M. Mortada

Background:Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a destructive inflammatory disease which was reported to have the longest diagnostic delay among the inflammatory rheumatic disease. This lag period have a great impact on the clinical outcome and socioeconomic state of the patients. With the advent of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors, early diagnosis in AS has become important(1).Objectives:to evaluate the period from symptom onset to diagnosis of AS in Egyptian patients and to examine possible reasons for delayed diagnosis and its impact on the economic and social life of the patients.Methods:The study included 87 AS patients diagnosed according to the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria (2). A face-to-face interview was applied to take medical history, and a questionnaire that contains some clinical aspects of disease was used. Diagnosis delay was described as the gap between first AS symptom and correct diagnosis of AS. Clinical and functional assessment of axial SpA measured by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). The direct medical cost during years of delay (including costs of medical consultations, medications, investigations, physiotherapy and surgical treatment) had been estimated by Egyptian pound.Results:The study included 87 AS patients with mean age (30.03±8.3), 70 male (80.5%) and 17 female (19.5%).Mean delay in diagnosis was(5.7 ±4.9) years. Mean of diagnostic delay for patient diagnosed before 2010 is (14±4.4) and that of patients diagnosed after 2010 is (3.5±1.8) with significant difference between both (p value<0.0001). The main cause of delay was incorrect diagnosis as follow degenerative disc disease (43/87, 49.4%), non-specific back pain (31/87, 35.6%), rheumatoid arthritis (10/87,11.5%), rheumatic fever (2/87, 2.3%) and tuberculosis of spine (1/87, 1.1%). The mean of the medical visits was (6±5.4). Most incorrect initial diagnoses were made by orthopedicians (57.9%), followed by neurologists (22.2%) followed by rheumatologist (10%) and general phyisicians (9.9%). Absence of extra-articular manifestations, negative family history and juvenile age are significantly associated with diagnostic delay. Delay in diagnosis is significantly associated with higher disease activity index(BASDAI), functional index (BASFI), and damage index(BASMI). The mean of the costs during years of delay is (15671.3±546.1) with the mean of cost per each year delay (660.9±6.6) with high significant association between the cost and longer delay in diagnosis (<0.0001). Regarding work ability, we found that(32.2%) are fit for work, unfit (29.9%), partially fit (37.9%) with high significant difference between ability of work and shorter delay. Regarding social effect, 40.2 % of patients developed negative effect on social life with significant association to diagnostic delay (0.004).Conclusion:Our study confirmed the importance of early diagnosis of AS due to its impact on patient’s health outcome and socioeconomic state.We recommend to increase the awareness about the disease among healthcare professionals in our region.References:[1]Sykes M. et al: Diagnostic delay in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; Ann Rheum Dis.2015;74:e44.[2]Rudwaleit M. et al: The development of Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis; Ann Rheum Dis, 68 (2009), pp.777-783.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1078.1-1079
Author(s):  
I. Yoshii

Background:Patient’s global assessment (PGA) is one important component of Boolean composite criteria for remission in treat with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, PGA no more than 10mm is sometimes obstacle to attain clinical remission. In recent few years, one opinion that PGA no more than 20mm may be comparable as no more than 10mm.Objectives:The aim of this study is to analyze how difference of these PGA level affect disease activity and daily activities in living, and evaluate which is optimal for the remission with Boolean remission criteria from real world setting.Methods:RA patients who were followed up for more than three years in the institute were picked up in the study. Each patient was monitored with tenderness joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), PGA, evaluator’s global assessment (EGA), serum C-reactive protein level (CRP), calculated disease activity score with simplified disease activity index(SDAI), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and pain score using visual analog scale (PS-VAS) every consulted time from the first encounter (Baseline). Patients were classified according to achievement of Boolean remission criteria. Group 1: a patient group who attained Boolean remission wih TJC≦1, SJC≦1, CRP≦1mg/dl, and PGA≦1 (G-1), Group 2: a patient group who could not attained the Boolean remission used in the G-1 evaluation, but could attained another Boolean remission with TJC≦1, SJC≦1, CRP≦1mg/dl, and PGA≦2 (G-2), and Group 3: a patient group who could not attain Boolean remission for neither criterion.Mean values of measured parameters at Baseline and after the Baseline were compared statistically with Student T-test. Mean values of the same parameters in the G-1 and G-2 at the time of attain Boolean remission for each criteria, mean values of each of these parameters thereafter, and changes of these parameters were compared statistically with Student T-test.Results:A total of 438 patients 385 in the G-1 group, 16 in the G-2 group, and 37 in the G-3 group, were recruited. In parameters at Baseline, level of TJC, SJC, PGA, EGA, SDAI, and HAQ-DI in the G-1 was significantly lower than in the G-3, whereas no significant differences in any parameters demonstrated between in the G-2 and G-3. Level of HAQ-DI, and PS-VAS after Baseline in the G-1 was lower than in the G-3, whereas no significant difference of these parameters after Baseline demonstrated between in the G-2 and G-3. TJC, SJC, PGA, and EGA demonstrated significant less level in the G-1 than in the other two groups. The mean SDAI score at the time of first achievement of Boolean remission in the G-1 and G-2 were 1.08 and 2.57, respectively. The mean value of SDAI score after remission in the G-1 and G-2 were 3.35 and 6.44, respectively. These values and PS-VAS including change of the SDAI score demonstrated significant difference between the two groups (p<0.01), whereas HAQ-DI in the two groups demonstrated no significant difference.Conclusion:These results suggested that setting PGA as no more than 10mm should be reasonable for the evaluation of clinical remission with the Boolean criteria.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


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