Factors affecting velvet antler weights in free-ranging reindeer in Alaska

Free-ranging reindeer on the Seward Peninsula in western Alaska are rounded up from late May to early July and antlers are removed. We used data collected from 1987 to 1997 to determine how velvet antler weights of males and females varied with age, year, reproductive status, Julian date, and body weight. Male antler weights increased with age up to age five years, and were lower in castrates than in bulls. There was a significant positive relationship between body weight and antler weight in both sexes. Female antler weights increased with age until at least age nine. Lactating females had lower antler weights than non-lactating females, but this effect is better explained by differences in body weight. Antler weight of individual reindeer at age two years was better predicted by their antler weights as yearlings than their body weight as yearlings

Lactation in yearling Alaskan reindeer: Implications for growth, reproduction, and survival

Unlike most Rangifer herds, free-ranging female reindeer {Rangifer tarandus) on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska frequently give birth as yearlings (12 months). In other reindeer herds this early reproduction has led to negative effects such as decreased future weight gain and reproduction. We analyzed reindeer data collected on the Seward Peninsula between 1987 and 1997 to determine what effect lactating as yearlings had on future weight gain, reproductive rates, and survival. Reindeer were rounded up during June and early July. Individual ear tag numbers were recorded, females were visually inspected for the presence of a distended udder, and some animals were weighed. Females with distended udders as yearlings had subsequent recapture rates, survival rates, weight gain, and future reproductive success comparable to females that did not have distended udders as yearlings. These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of increased calf weight gain outweigh potential negative effects of early reproduction in these reindeer. This may be due to high quality range leading to heavy calves and the ability of females to maintain body reserves during lactation

'You were quiet - I did all the marching': Research processes involved in hearing the voices of South Asian girls

This article is available open access through the publisher’s website at the link below. Copyright @ 2011 A B Academic Publishers.This article provides insights into the outcomes of reflection following two interview approaches used to explore narratives of the lived, individual experiences of South-Asian girls living in West London. In attempting to illuminate and re-present the cultural experiences as told by these girls, the choice of interview approach became critical in allowing the voices to be effectively heard (Rogers, 2005). This article therefore considers how a semi-structured interview approach offered valuable insights into the girls' experiences but became constraining for both researcher and participant in unveiling the complexity and depth of their lives. These constraints emerged through reflection by both participants and researcher. As a result of reflexivity during the research process, the researcher moved towards the use of research conversations during the second phase of the study. Ultimately the study revealed how the girls felt empowered by the opportunity to narrate their individual experiences and tell of their lives. In narrating their reflections on being part of the research, there was a clear recognition that the process facilitated the articulation of new voices and ‘multi-voicedness’ (Moen, 2006

Degradable intake protein level and forage source and forage particle size in finishing beef cattle diets

Two finishing trials and a metabolism trial were conducted to evaluate level of ruminally degradable N in finishing diets on animal performance, carcass characteristics and ruminal metabolism. Supplementing steers with either.88, 1.34, or 1.96% urea resulted in no difference in dry matter intake, daily gain, or feed efficiency. Steers fed diets supplemented with urea were 5.4% more efficient and gained 6.6% faster than steers receiving no supplemental urea. Metabolizable protein supplied in all diets exceeded the steer\u27s requirements. However, diets containing no urea were deficient in ruminally degradable N. In the metabolism trial, N intake and ruminal ammonia N concentration increased linearly with level of urea supplementation. Diets containing no urea were deficient in ruminal ammonia N. Results from this study indicate dry-rolled corn finishing diets are deficient in ruminally degradable N. Supplementing these diets with an inexpensive source of ruminally degradable N improved animal performance. However, supplementation with urea above.88% was not beneficial. In addition, two finishing trials and a metabolism trial were conducted to evaluate the effect of forage source and forage particle size in finishing diets on animal performance, carcass characteristics and ruminal metabolism. In finishing Trial 1, steers fed diets containing forage had greater DMI than steers fed all-concentrate diets. Steers fed alfalfa diets gained faster with a greater concentrate efficiency (ingredients minus forage) compared with steers fed either all-concentrate diets or diets containing wheat straw. In finishing Trial 2, altering alfalfa particle size had no effect on any performance or carcass measurement. In the metabolism trial, steers fed straw diets spent more time chewing and tended to have higher ruminal pH, lower total VFA concentration, and higher acetate to propionate ratios compared with other treatments. In conclusion, altering alfalfa hay or wheat straw particle size had no effect on finishing cattle performance or ruminal metabolism. However, daily gain and feed efficiency in steers fed diets containing either alfalfa hay or wheat straw was not similar