Crop Quality and Utilization: A Twelve-Hour In Vitro Procedure for Sorghum Grain Feed Quality Assessment

Improvedmethods for assessing cereal crop feed value are a prerequisite for the genetic improvement of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] feed value. Rate of starch digestion is now commonly believed to be the limiting factor in sorghum utilization by cattle (Bos taurus). However, techniques to assess this trait are not useful to sorghum breeders because of high labor inputs, lab error associated with starch measurement, and need for high numbers of replications. The objective of this study was to develop a simple technique capable of identifying differences in digestion between sorghum and corn (Zea mays L.) and detecting differences among sorghum genotypes. In vitro starch and dry matter digestion were measured on sorghum and corn lab standards at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 40 h. Maximum differentiation between corn and sorghum dry matter digestion (345 vs. 253 g kg21) and starch digestion (403 vs. 301 g kg21) occurred at 12 h, and dry matter and starch digestion were highly correlated. Differences among five sorghum lines were significant for 12-h dry matter digestion and ranged from 229 to 272 g kg21. This procedure provides a precise and rapid technique that can be used by feed grain breeders to evaluate modifications in grain digestion parameters

Policies for promoting agricultural development. Report of a Conference on Productivity and Innovation in Agriculture in the Underdeveloped Countries / David Hapgood, Editor ; Max F. Millikan, Conference Chairman

Conference held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Endicott House, Dedham, Massachusetts, June 29 through August 7, 1964Conference financed by A.E.D"1514"--handwritten on cove

Evaluation of Fractionated Distillers Grains (High Protein and Bran Plus Solubles) on Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Finishing Diets

A finishing study evaluated the effect of feeding a new, high protein distillers grains along with corn bran plus condensed distillers solubles compared to traditional wet distillers grains, traditional dry distillers grains and a corn-based control. Each byproduct replaced corn at 40% of the diet dry-matter. Intake was not affected by treatment; however gain and carcass weight were greater and feed conversion improved for high protein distillers and corn bran plus solubles than either type of traditional distillers grains or corn. Based on feed efficiency, the feeding values of high protein distillers grains and corn bran plus solubles are 121% and 125% that of corn, respectively. These new byproducts appear to be viable options for producers to utilize in finishing diets

Evaluation of Corn Bran Plus Solubles on Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Finishing Diets

A finishing study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding corn bran plus solubles, a new feed resulting from a pre-fermentation fiber removal process, compared to wet distillers grains plus solubles at two levels of inclusion (20% and 40% of diet DM). Intake increased with inclusion of byproduct, and steers fed 20% wet distillers had the greatest intakes numerically. Byproduct inclusion, regardless of type, increased daily gain over the corn-based control. Feed conversions were improved with increased inclusion of both Bran + Solubles and wet distillers, and both were superior to the control. Increased inclusion of both byproducts resulted in a linear increase in carcass weight. Feeding Bran+Solubles resulted in performance and carcass characteristics similar to wet distillers at both 20% and 40% inclusion

Growth, profits and technological choice: The case of the Lancashire cotton textile industry

Using Lancashire textile industry company case studies and financial records, mainly from the period just before the First World War, the processes of growth and decline are re-examined. These are considered by reference to the nature of Lancashire entrepreneurship and the impact on technological choice. Capital accumulation, associated wealth distributions and the character of Lancashire business organisation were sybiotically linked to the success of the industry before 1914. However, the legacy of that accumulation in later decades, chronic overcapacity, formed a barrier to reconstruction and enhanced the preciptious decline of a once great industry

HER2 testing in breast cancer: Opportunities and challenges

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in 15-25% of breast cancers, usually as a result of HER2 gene amplification. Positive HER2 status is considered to be an adverse prognostic factor. Recognition of the role of HER2 in breast cancer growth has led to the development of anti-HER2 directed therapy, with the humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin (R)) having been approved for the therapy of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Clinical studies have further suggested that HER2 status can provide important information regarding success or failure of certain hormonal therapies or chemotherapies. As a result of these developments, there has been increasing demand to perform HER2 testing on current and archived breast cancer specimens. This article reviews the molecular background of HER2 function, activation and inhibition as well as current opinions concerning its role in chemosensitivity and interaction with estrogen receptor biology. The different tissue-based assays used to detect HER2 amplification and overexpression are discussed with respect to their advantages and disadvantages, when to test (at initial diagnosis or pre-treatment), where to test (locally or centralized) and the need for quality assurance to ensure accurate and valid testing results