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Papers Presented in the Study Commissions at the 28th Annual Meeting of the E.A.A.P. in Brussels 1977
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PAPERS PRESENTED IN THE STUDY COMMISSIONS AT THE 28TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE E.A.A.P. IN BRUSSELS 1977
(* = main papers; roman numerals refer to the number of the session)
JOINT SESSION: GENETICS/CATTLE PRODUCTION
I. Estimating breeding value o f cows *Philipsson, J. (Sweden), Dommerholt, J. (The Netherlands), Fimland, E. (Norway), Galliard, C. (Switzerland), Gj~bl-Christensen, L. (Denmark), Lederer, J. (Federal Republic of Germany), McClintock, A.E. (Great Britain) and Mocquot, J.C. (France). Problems in cow evaluation and current use of sow index. Report of a working group on cow evaluation. *Pearson, R.E. and Miller, R.H. (U.S.A.). Cow evaluation in North America. Dempfle, L. (Federal Republic of Germany). On the theory of dairy cow evaluation. Throdahl, S. and Syrstad, O. (Norway). Ten years'experiences with cow indexing. Langholz, H.J. and KSther, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Factors affecting the estimation of cow's breeding value in German Friesians of Lower Saxony. Gravert, H.O. and Pabst, K. (Federal Republic of Germany). Accuracy of estimating the breeding value for bull dams. Haussmann, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Estimation of breeding values of cows and of relevant parameters. Festerling, A. (Federal Republic of Germany). Conformation included in a bull dam selection index. Pogacar, J. (Yugoslavia). Cow evaluation in Slovenia. Elofson, L. (Sweden). Cow indexing in Sweden. Baum, N. and SchSnmuth, G. (German Democratic Republic). Practical aspects of bull dam selection. Bar-Anan, R. (Israel). A suggestion for evaluating the breeding value of cows in A.I. populations; Madsen, T. and Petersen, P.H. (Denmark). Comparison of a BLUP procedure and a selection index for cow evaluation.
JOINT SESSION: ANIMAL NUTRITION/CATTLE PRODUCTION III. Feeding beef animals for high performance *B6ranger, C. (France) and Holmes, W. (Great Britain). Beef production from grassland. *Kay, M. (Great Britain). Intensive beef production systems. *Geay, Y. (France). Genotype--nutrition interactions in cattle for beef production. De Boer, F. and Hamm, G.G.H. (The Netherlands). Effect of various feed-protein levels ¢ upon daily gain and carcass quality of fattening bulls of FH and MRIJ breeds. Cobi6, T., Vucetlc, S. and Bacvanskl, S. (Yugoslavia). Comparative fattening of red and white and black and white Friesian bulls. Boucqu6, Ch.V., Cottyn, B.G. and Buysse, F.X. (Belgium). Dried beet pulp as energy source for intensive bull fattening. Reklewski, Z., Zielinski, W. and Bidwell-Porebska, K. (Poland). Influence of the nutrition level of bulls on feed conversion and meat production.
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Kossila, V. (Finland). Effects of mineral supplementation and grain level on intensive beef production. Lettner, F. and Nies, W. (Austria). Effects of the feed additive Rumensin in addition to maize silage in the performance of fattening bulls. Anerdsen, H.R. (Denmark). Beef production from sugar beets.
JOINT SESSION: ANIMAL NUTRITION/PIG PRODUCTION I. Use o f feed additives in animals
*Ferrando, R. (France), Effect on man, animals and environment. *Van Limborgh, C.L. (The Netherlands). Feed additives in animal nutrition. Problems of the animal feed industry. *Braude, R. (Great Britain). Use of feed additives in E.A.A.P. member countries -- a survey. Loane, D.J. (Switzerland). Avotan avoparcin: a new growth promoting feed antibiotic. Raynaud, J.P. (France). Improvement of performances by carbadox on SPF or normal swine and optimal or suboptimum feed. Some recent published experiments. Beukers, R. (The Netherlands). Delvomycin. Herrmann, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Olaquindox (BAYO-N-OX®). Sutherland, I.H. (Great Britain). A review of the influence of Ronidazole on the performance of pigs. Fox, B.P. (Great Britain). Rumensin. Staun, H. and Hansen, V. (Denmark). Danish experiments with feed additives for bacon ¢ pigs. Zivkovi~, S. and Slatid, H. (Yugoslavia). Ten years experience of feed additives in diets of pigs on large scale farms in Yugoslavia. Casteels, M., Bekaert, H., Eeckhout, W. and Buysse, F.X. (Belgium). Recent observations with some new antibiotics as feed additives for swine. Urbaczyk, J., Rys, R. and Hanczakowska, E. (Poland). Effects of the level and quality of protein on Ridzol effectiveness in swine fattening.
JOINT SESSION: ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH/SHEEP PRODUCTION V. The use o f oestrus control and artificial insemination in sheep
Thimonier, J. (France). Hormonal control of oestrus and basic physiological mechanics. Quirke, J.F. (Ireland). The use of hormones for control of reproduction in adult ewes and ewe lambs. Cognie, Y. (France). Application of techniques under farm conditions. Williams, H.L.L. (Great Britain). Environmental control of oestrus with particular attention to alterations of day length. Colas, G. (France). Artificial insemination in the sheep: aims, results and prospects. Weisheit, H. (Austria). The onset of oestrus in hill sheep after lambing. Holtz, W., Nitter, G. and Thume, O. (Federal Republic of Germany). Control of the oestrus cycle in sheep under German field conditions. Haresign, W. and Acritopoulou, S. (Great Britain). Controlled breeding in sheep using the Prostaglandin Analogue ICI 80996. Reed, H.C.B., Curnock, R. and Unsworth, W.P. (Great Britain). Use of A.I. following oestrus synchronisation of ewes under field conditions. D:~rmundsson, ().R. (Iceland). Practical aspects of artificial insemination and oestrus synchronization in Iceland sheep.
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JOINT SESSION: ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH/PIG PRODUCTION II. Causes o f losses in breeding sows
Economic aspects *English, P.R. and Crabtree, J.R. (Great Britain). A comparison of a once bred gilt and conventional sow system for producing piglets -- technical and economic considerations. *Kroes, Y. and Van Male, J.P. (The Netherlands). Productive life of sows: economic aspects. Causes o f female losses in herds for breeding and commercial production *Einarsson, S. (Sweden). Disturbances in reproduction and measures for reducing these phenomena. *Dagorn, J. (France). Culling females. Causes and economical aspects. *Tomes, G.J., Nielsen, H.E. and Jacobsen, K.A. (Denmark). Review of 15 years recording of culling sows in Danish production units. Salehar, A. (Yugoslavia). Causes and frequency of culling sows on a large farm. Causes o .f. lossesv in breeding herdsv . in large scale production programmes , .v Mlskovm, M., Cerne, F. and Jancm, S. (Yugoslavia). Losses in gilts and sows and their principal causes in large units. JOINT SESSION: CATTLE PRODUCTION/SHEEP PRODUCTION IV. Mixed grazing o f cattle and sheep *Nolan, T. (Ireland). An ecological appraisal of mixed grazing. *Connolly, J. (Ireland). Development of methodology for mixed grazing. D~rmundsson, 0.R., J6nmundsson, J.V. and Gu~mundsson, 0. (Iceland). Mixed grazing of sheep and cattle under intensive conditions in Iceland. Over's, J., Pestalozzi, M., Helle, O., Nedkvitne, J.J. and Matre, T. (Norway). Mixed grazing research in Norway. Kilkenny, J.B. and Pollot, G.E. (Great Britain). An investigation of the factors influencing the utilised output from grassland. Cumlivski, B. (Czechoslovakia). Combined and collective pasture of sheep and cattle. Brelin, B. (Sweden). Mixed grazing with sheep and cattle. Molenat, G., Loiseau, P., Martin-Rosset, W. and Favre, Y. (France). Effects of l~ovine, ovine, caprine or equine grazing on mountain pastures. Dickson, I.A. and Frame, J. (Great Britain). The exploitation of fertilizer nitrogen applied to grassland by cattle only vs. mixed grazing of cattle and sheep. Rutter, W., Black, W.J.M., Carson, I.S., Fitzsimons, J. and Swift, G. (Great Britain). An integrated sheep and beef system -- its development and extension.
COMMISSION ON ANIMAL GENETICS II. Economic definition o f breeding goals Zeddies, J. (Federal Republic of Germany). Problems in establishing breeding goals for domestic animals from the economic point of view. Smith, C.W. (Great Britain). The estimation of the value of genetic improvement in the presence of inflation and risk. Brascamp, E.W. (The Netherlands). Sensitivity of overall economic gain and correlated responses to variation in economic weights in an aggregate genotype for pigs.
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Danell, (). (Sweden). Effect of population type on the definition of breeding goals. Karlsson, R. (Sweden). The economic values of different traits in pig breeding. Siler, R., Pod~bradsk~, Z. and Jakubec, V. (Czechoslovakia). Estimation of economic values of performance characters in pig and sheep breeding. Wilton, J.W. (Canada). The use of production systems analysis in developing selection goals and methods. III. Undesirable side effects o f selection *Menissier, F. (France). Undesirable side effects of selection in cattle for beef production. *Roberts, R.C. (Great Britain). Side effects of selection in laboratory animals. *Vangen, O. (Norway). Correlated responses in a selection experiment with pigs after 10 years of selection for growth rate and backfat thickness. Eikelenboom, G., Minkema, D. and Sybesma, W. (The Netherlands). Production characteristics of Dutch Landrace and Dutch Yorkshire pigs as related to their susceptibility to the Halothane-induced malignant hyperthermia syndrome. CSp, W.A.G., Minkema, D. and Eikelenboom, G. (The Netherlands). Halothane test in pig breeding. Pirchner, F., Mergl, R. and Flock, D.K. (Federal Republic of Germany). Consequences of selection for egg weight on hatchability. Averdunk, G., Osterkorn, K., Kr~usslich, H. and Gottschalk, A. (Federal Republic of Germany). Relations between performance testing results of testing bulls and calving results from testing. Bech Andersen, B. (Denmark). Direct and correlated effects of various selection strategies in performance tests of dual purpose bulls. Lampo, Ph. (Belgium). Heritability of stress Susceptibility; indicator enzymes and correlations between their blood levels and some economically important characters in Belgian pigs -- some preliminary results. Ansay, M., Janrain, M. and Hanset, R. (Belgium). Anatomical and physiological implications of selection for double-muscling in the Belgian Blue-White breed of cattle -- the creatinine test. IV. and V. Free short papers Schilling, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Recent state of sex control in domestic animals. Wilhelmson, M. (Sweden). Statistical methods for circular distributions used on rhythmic phenomena in animal breeding with an example from the laying pattern of the Japanese quail. Menken, M. (Federal Republic of Germany). Centromere fusion: a population study in Bavarian Brown cattle. Zwiauer, D. (Federal Republic of Germany). Linkage between biochemical marker genes and production characters in Brown cattle. Alsing, A., Claus, R., Pirchner, F. and Willeke, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Selection experiment on boar taint. Bruns, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Effect of accuracy of contemporary averages on the expected genetic gain from selection. Baum, N. (German Democratic Republic). Breeding of pigs and its organisation under the influence of artificial insemination. Fritzsche, J. (German Democratic Republic). Selection of female breeding pigs under the conditions of industrial production. Sybesma, W. (The Netherlands). Physiological and biochemical parameters in breeding. Klosz, T. (Hungary). Elaboration of a selection method based on performance test for young sows and boars in the frame of hybrid breeding.
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Niebel, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Optimum restrictions of production characters utilizing simultaneously several selection indexes in a population. Senft, B., Meyer, F. and Rudolph, K. (Federal Republic of Germany). Genetic aspects of lactoferrin in cows' milk. Clement, A. (Federal Republic of Germany). Estimation of parameters for crossbreedings between US Brown-Swiss and Bavarian Braunvieh cattle. E1 Hakim, A., Eichinger, H. and Pirchner, F. (Federal Republic of Germany). Influence of breed, slaughter weight and feeding level on specific meat production characters in cattle. Danell, 6. and R6nningen, K. (Sweden). Selection efficiency when using a selection index including an all-or-none trait and a normally distributed trait. Auran, T., Fimland, E. and Skjervold, H. (Norway). The foetal effect on milk yield in current lactation. Kiinzi, N., Gaillard, C., Leuenberger, H., Schneeberger, M. and Weber, F. (Switzerland). Beef breed bulls versus selected dual purpose bulls for meat production. Cunningham, E.P. and O'Byrne, T.M. (Ireland). Genetic correlation of milk production in Britain and Ireland. Van der Mey, G.J.W., Helder, A. and Van Dieten, S.W.J. (The Netherlands). Calving difficulties and perinatal death in daughter groups of bulls of the MRY breed. Petersen, P.H. (Denmark). A test for connectedness fitted for the BLUP procedure. Nazarenko, V.G. (U.S.S.R.). A combined set of selection traits in evaluating dairy cattle genotypes.
COMMISSION ON ANIMAL NUTRITION II. Evaluation of forages *Osbourn, D.F. (Great Britain). Chemical methods for assessing the nutritive value of forages. *Kirchgessner, M. and Kellner, R.J. (Federal Republic of Germany). Estimation of digestibility and net energy of fresh and dried forage by a cellulase method. *Den Braver, E.J. (Sweden). The suitability of the RDOM-method to determine ME in forages. Aerts, J.V., De Brabander, D.L., Cottyn, B.G. and Buysse, F.X. (Belgium). Comparison of various parameters for predicting organic matter digestibility. Savid, S., Latkovska, M. and Supid, B. (Yugoslavia). Nutritive value of high-oil maize. IV. Miscellaneous topics Kreula, M. and Rauramaa, A. (Finland). On the metabolism in the dairy cow of '4C formic acid and 14C formaldehyde used as preservatives in silage. Rauramaa, A. and Kreula, M. (Finland). Utilisation of '4C urea in the biosynthesis of milk components by a cow on low protein, urea-rich feed. Daenicke, R. and Rohr, K. (Federal Republic of Germany). The effea of substituting natural protein by urea on milk yield and milk composition. Rohr, K., Brandt, M., Castrillo, O. and Allam, S.M. (Federal Republic of Germany). Nitrogen and amino acids in duodenal contents as related to nitrogen source (natural protein vs. urea) and feeding level. Thompson, J.K., MacDonald, D.C., Warren, R.W. and Gelman, A.L. (Great Britain). Seasonal effects on the blood composition of dairy cows. Horton, G.M.J. (South Africa). Parenteral and oral administration of vitamin E and selenium to pregnant ewes. Sambraus, H.H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Application of different diets to guinea pigs
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Beck, H., Erbersdobler, H. and Gropp, J. (Federal Republic of Germany). Lysine application and growth in piglets. V~rhegyl, I., Szentmih~dyi, S., and V~rhegyi, J. (Hungary). Fattening of Hereford growing bulls imported from U.S.A. and Great Britain, using feeds with different energy levels. Valdman, E., Ilus, A., Ratnik, J. and Saluste, L. (U.S.S.R.). Efficiency of feeding hay and artificially dried grass of different quality to dairy cows and young cattle. Bonomi, A. (Italy). The utilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces fragilis live yeasts in the alimentation of weaning pigs. Experimental contribution.
COMMISSION ON ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH I. Farm animal behaviour and reactions to environmental conditions Cattle Andreae, U., Thielscher, H.H., Unshelm, J., Ellendorff, F., Elsaesser, F., Pfleiderer, U.E. and Smidt, D. (Federal Republic of Germany). Comparison of the activities of fattening bulls kept on fully slatted floor or in straw boxes. Krohn, C.C. and Konggaard, S.P. (Denmark). Effects of isolating first calf heifers in loose housing systems. Reinhardt, V., Reinhardt, A. and Mutiso, F.M. (Federal Republic of Germany/Kenya). Leadership in farm cattle. Reinhardt, V., Reinhardt, A. and Mutiso, F.M. (Federal Republic of Germany/Kenya). Cow--calf relationship in Massai cattle. Grommers, F.J., Schaftenaar, W., Rutgers, B. and Peterse, D.J. (The Netherlands). Sucking among cows. A contribution to prevention and treatment. Miiller, W. (Federal Republic of Germany). Dispersion of pathogenic agents from stable exhausts. Hinrichsen, J.K., Tzalis, K. and Rentzsch, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Birth weight, growth, fattening and carcass yield of calves from first births compared with calves from later births. Drew, B. and Pointer, C.G. (Great Britain). Effect of level of nutrition on fertility in Friesian heifers in autumn and early winter. Szfics, E., Moln~r, I., Weber, A., SzSllSsi, I. and D~vid, I. (Hungary). Effects of corn silage vs. alfalfa hay as singly fed roughages in comparison with combined rations upon nutritional behaviour and performance of lactating dairy cows. Adam, T. and ESry, A. (Hungary). Environmental-physiological examination of lactating Holstein-Friesian cows in a new management system. Sheep and goats Bianca, W. and Kunz, P. (Switzerland). Physiological reactions of three breeds of goats to cold, heat and high altitude. Pigs Schmidt, M. (Denmark). Behaviour in early weaned pigs kept in cages and on floor. Unterholzner, J., Teuscher, T., Steinhauf, D. and Weniger, J.H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Influence of high temperature on the growth of pigs. Martynenko, N.A. (U.S.S.R.). The influence of hormonal stimulation on the quality and survival of embryos in pigs. Horses Maton, A. (Belgium). Ethological and technical aspects of the housing of horses. ()dberg, F.O. (Belgium). Behaviour studies on horses. Poultry Vestergaard, K. (Denmark). Aggression in flocks of hens as related to density and type of floor.
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FSlsch, D.W. (Switzerland). Different laying behaviour of hens raised and housed under various conditions. Brantas, C.C. and Corstiaensen, C.J., (The Netherlands). Space structure relation of hens kept in cages with several floors. Burckhardt, Ch., FSlsch, D.W., Scheifele, U. and Niederer, Ch. (Switzerland). Measurements on skin and feathers of hens raised and housed under different conditions. Simonsen, H.B. (Denmark). Radiotelemetry of changes in deep body temperature in chickens. Petersen, J. and Horst, P. (Federal Republic of Germany). High temperature as a factor of genotype--environment interactions of laying hens. III. The ethology and ethics of farm animal production *Ross-Cockrill, W. (Italy). The potential and global exploitation of domestic animals. *Adler, H.C. (Denmark). Animal welfare in farm animal production. *Taylor, G.B. (Great Britain). Welfare aspects of animal transportation. *Ekesbo, I. (Sweden). Ethics, ethology and animal health in modern Swedish livestock production. *Bartussek, H. (Austria). Inclusion of ethics in research of management techniques as a consequence of intellectual experience. Worsaae, H. (Denmark). Indication of stress by analysis of serum corticosteroids. Unshelm, J., Smidt, D., Andreae, U., Ellendorff, F. and Elsaesser, F. (Federal Republic of Germany). Influence of various types of housing on catecholamine levels in the plasma of fattening bulls. Cena, M. (Poland). Practical possibilities of utilizing the results of ethology in animal breeding and veterinary science. Eichinger, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Investigations on activity assessment in stress situations. K~mmer, P. and Schnitzer, U. (Switzerland). Fairness against animals and management systems. Remarks on selected parameters. Van Putten, G. (The Netherlands). Comfort behaviour in pigs and its significance regarding their well-being. Irps, H., Steinhauf, D. and Weniger, J.H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Methods for measuring objectively parameters of behaviour in pigs. IV. The ethology and ethics of farm animal production *Teutsch, G.M. (Federal Republic of Germany). The ethical aspect of farm animal management. *Wildbolz, E. (Switzerland). Man and animal in a production orientated society -- a topic of Christian ethics. *Martin, G1. (Federal Republic of Germany). Ethology and ethics and its consequences for the management of farm animals.
COMMISSION ON CATTLE PRODUCTION
II. Optimal replacement and culling rates in dairy and beef herds *Renkema, J.A. (The Netherlands). Economic evaluation of replacement rates in dairy herds. *Weber, F. (Switzerland). Selection alternatives in cows and their influence on age distribution of herds. *Herbert, W.A., Kilkenny, J.B. and Gartner, J.A. (Great Britain). The effects of culling and replacement rates on performance in dairy and beef herds.
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*Leaver, J.D. (Great Britain). Optimal age at first calving. *Pearson, R.E. (U.S.A.). Factors affecting o p t i m u m culling and replacement policies for dairy cattle in the United States. V. Reports and free papers
*Baker, H.K., Bech Andersen, G., Colleau, J., Langholz, H., Legoshin, G., Minkema, D. and Southgate, J. Working party of the cattle commission. Recommended procedures for breed comparison trials. *Broster, W.H. and Swan, H. (Great Britain). Preliminary report of study group on feeding ,, systems for the high yielding dairy cow. Smerha, J. and Louda, F. (Czechoslovakia). The effects of alternating feed levels on sexual activity in the bull. Schwark, H.J., J~/hne, M. and Ebert, S. (German Democratic Republic). Growth and milk yield during first lactation of dairy cows of different genotypes at different age of first calving. Trapmann, W. (Federal Republic of Germany). Crossbreeding with German Friesian. Osterc, J. and Zagozen, F. (Yugoslavia). Investigation on the influence of breed and nutrition on the number and diameter of muscle fibres in cattle. Vlasov, V.I. (U.S.S.R.). Dairy cattle selection for modern technological systems. COMMISSION ON SHEEP AND GOAT COMMISSION I and II. Effects o f breed, nutrition and management on the performance o f the ewe during lactation *Flamant, J.C. (France) and Casu, S. (Italy). Breed differences in milk production potential and improvement of milk production by selection and breeding. *Robinson, J.J. (Great Britain). Response of the lactating ewe to variation in energy and protein intake. *Foot, J.Z. (Great Britain) and Tissier, M. (France). Voluntary intake of feed by lactating ewes. *Treacher, T.T. (Great Britain). The effects on milk production of the number of lambs suckled and age, parity and size of ewe. *Van Quackebeke, E., Larralde, M. and Caze, J.P. (France). Nutrition and management of herds for intensive milk production in the region of Roquefort. *Molenat, G., Flamant, J.C., Prud'hon, M. and Thiault, M. (France). Improvement of dry, Mediterranean pastures by sheep. *Eyal, E. and Folman, Y. (Israel). The nutrition of dairy sheep in Israel. *Louca, A. (Cyprus). The effects of time of weaning and suckling regime on the lactation performance of sheep and the growth rate of the lambs. *Sanna, A. (Italy). The milk sheep industry in Sardinia. *Kilkenny, B. (Great Britain). Nutrition and management of lactating ewes in systems for meat production under intensive grazing conditions. *Treacher, T.T. and Gibb, M.J. (Great Britain). Intake of herbage by ewes grazing during lactation. S6nmez, R. (Turkey). Comparison of milk yield and prolificacy between native sheep and Ost Friz crossbreds in Turkey. Jatsch, O. (Federal Republic of Germany). Suckling regime for the use of milk secretion potential in dairy ewes. Jakubec, V., Louda, F. (Czechoslovakia), Doney, J.M. (Great Britain) and K~i~,ek, J. (Czechoslovakia). The quantitative and qualitative milk production in the improved Valachian breed and its crossbreds with the Finnsheep.
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Jankowski, S., Pokora, A. and Pokora, K. (Poland). The effect of lactation length and number of lambs suckled on the ewe performance. Weide, H.J. (The Netherlands). The effect of a reduced protein allowance in lactating ewes. Cumlivski, B. (Czechoslovakia). Lactation comparison of fine-wooled sheep under normal breeding conditions. Cumlivski, B. (Czechoslovakia). Influence of nutrition on the lactation curve and milk fat c o n t e n t of Mutton Merino sheep. Nedkvitne, J.J. (Norway). Comparison of direct cut formic acid silage and barn dried hay in the feeding of lactating ewes. Zaluska, J., Moszozynska, A. and Hinc, A. (Poland). Investigations on the lactation in the Polish Merino sheep. Trimarchi, G. (Italy). Phenotypic correlations in Massese ewes. v
III. Free papers McGill, N.P. (Ireland). Suffolk sheep breed improvement programme in Ireland 1971--1976. Heil, G. (Federal Republic of Germany). Influence of season on twinning rate in GermanMerino ewes. Louda, F. (Czechoslovakia), Doney, J.M. (Great Britain), Smerha, J. and Skfivan, M. (Czechoslovakia). The dynamics of sperm production in Merino rams in relation to season of the year. Jensen, N.E. (Denmark). Preliminary results from DANSCAN ultrasonic measurements of fat thickness and loin area of lamb.
COMMISSION ON PIG PRODUCTION III. The status and potential o f artificial insemination in pig breeding Du Mesnil du Buisson, F. (France). Recent knowledge on reproduction in pigs. HolmstrSm, B.G. (Finland). Recent developments of A.I. techniques. Willems, C.M. (The Netherlands). Development of A.I. in pigs in Europe. Sundgren, P.E. (Sweden). Comparison of litter production from artificial insemination and natural mating. Kalm, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Economic aspects of A.I. in pigs. (A.cost-benefit analysis of A.I. versus natural mating.) Moen, R.A. (Norway). The utilization of A.I. in pig improvement programmes. Reed, H.C.B. (Great Britain). The future of A.I. in pigs. Treu, H. (Federal Republic of Germany}. A.I. with deep frozen semen in pigs (film). IV. Causes o f variation o f feed conversion ratio
Wenk, C. and Bickel, H. (Switzerland). Nutritional aspects of feed conversion. Plonait, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Effect of chronic disease on feed conversion and daily gain in fattening pigs. Ducluzeau, R. (France}. Interactions between the microflora of the digestive tract of animals and the diet. Whittemore, C.T. (Great Britain). The concept of efficiency of feed conversion to live weight gain in relation to optimisation of meat production from pigs. Ollivier,L. and Henry, Y. (France). Genetic variations of feed efficiency in growing pigs: interactions with nutritional conditions. Smith, C. and Fowler, V.R. (Great Britain). The importance of selection criteriaand feeding regimes in the selection and improvement of pigs.
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V. Reports and free short papers
Smith, D.H. (Great Britain). Report on European Pig Production. Petersen, U. (Federal Republic of Germany). Effect of protein supply on performance and carcass composition of German Landrace and Pi~train pigs. Klobasa, F. and Werhahn, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Immunoglobulin G-content in blood serum of piglets. Groeneveld, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). The use of programmable desk calculators for estimating breeding values on auction sales for breeding pigs. Bokorov, T., Sredkovi~, A. and Nikoli~, M. (Yugoslavia). Investigation of the effect of sex and castration on the production and quality of pig meat. C~Sp, W.A.G., Buiting, G.A.J. and Scheele, H.T. (The Netherlands). Relation between feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion and slaughter quality in different breeds of pigs. Slagsvold, P. and Freysedahl, K. (Norway). Ferric glutamate in the drinking water as a source of iron for piglets. Szilv~ssy, B. (Hungary). Investigations on the etiology of anestrus in pigs by means of an ultrasonic equipment. Terentjeva, A.S. (U.S.S.R.). Some problems of animal reproduction at swine complexes in the U.S.S.R. Habe, F., Zago~en, F. and Rotar, I. (Yugoslavia). Quantitative changes of concentration of the immunoglobulin subclass G in blood serum of pregnant and lactating sows.
COMMISSION ON HORSE PRODUCTION I. Horse breeding and selection
Van Snick, G. (Belgium). Advancement and problems of Belgian horse breeding. Grundler, C. (Federal Republic of Germany). Repeatability of conformation characters of foals assessed in the frame o f progeny evaluation. Bruns, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Model calculations for the optimal use of the capacity of testing stations in horse breeding. Langlois, B. and Legault, C. (France). Performance and progeny testing of sport horses based on earnings in French horse shows. Schwark, H.J., Scheiber, K. and Asse, L. (German Democratic Republic). Correlations between characters in sport horses. Minkema, D. (The Netherlands). A method for the progeny testing of trotter stallions: Sommer, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Blood serum values and racing performance in galloping horses. II. Reproduction Kalm, H.P., Giinzel, A. and Himmler, V. (Federal Republic of Germany). Fertility problems in female horses. Klug, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Application of deep-frozen semen in horses. Selection of stallions and measures for oestrus control in mares. Naumenkov, A.I., Romankova, N.K. and Fomina, E.L. (U.S.S.R.). Improvement of method of long preservation of stallion sperm in deep-frozen state. Van de Plassche, M., Bouters, R., Spincemailie, J., Bonte, P., Coryn, M. and Dhondt, D. (Belgium). Specific fertility problems in mares. Telalba~id, R. and Pajanovid, R. (Yugoslavia). A b o u t the influence of inbreeding on pregnancy duration in Bosnian mountain horses.
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IV. and V. Miscellaneous topics Kellet, I. (Ireland). Training of the show jumper. Telalba~i~, R. and Pajanovid, R. (Yugoslavia). Investigations on the working capacity of pack horses in Yugoslavian mountains. Zeeb, K. (Federal Republic of Germany). Behaviour patterns in horse training (film). Du~ek, J. (Czechoslovakia). Aspects of selection intensity in horse breeding. Catalano, A.L. (Italy). Biometric study of mares registered in the stud book of the Italian saddle horse. Dattilo, M. (Italy). Basic aspects of feeding sporting horses. Anashina, N. (U.S.S.R.). Production and rational use of meat products of horse breeding. Adalsteinsson, S. (Iceland). Inheritance of colours in Icelandic ponies. Sasimowski, E. (Poland). Principles for the unification of classifying horse breeds. Bouquet, Y., Van de Weghe, A. and Podliachouk (Belgium). Some aspects of the marker systems of blood substances in horses.
EVALUATION
OF E.A.A.P. ANNUAL MEETINGS
ACTIVE MEMBERS AND WORKING GROUPS The efficiency with which E.A.A.P. Annual Meetings have been conducted has been discussed in Livestock Production Science, 1974 (Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 232--234). The adopted "Guidelines for Preparing and Conducting Sessions of Study Commissions at the Annual Meetings of E.A.A.P." (E.A.A.P. Publ. No.15, 1975) improved the quality of the sessions to a significant extent. Partial precirculation of papers was achieved in Copenhagen in 1974. Excellent precirculation of papers was achieved in Ziirich in 1976 and Brussels in 1977. The proposed timing of a session, namely, a restricted presentation time of 20 minutes for main papers and 5 minutes for short papers, gives room for a discussion period of about 45 minutes. The discussion leader of each session has the task of co-ordinating the programme in collaboration with the speakers. His responsibilities also include stimulating panel discussion and summarizing the results. In 1974 we concluded our proposals with the words "Even with the help of good procedures for the meeting there is no guarantee of an efficient exchange of results and ideas. Success will depend upon the collaboration of all members in following the procedures". The aim of this contribution is to evaluate some aspects of recent E.A.A.P. study meetings. Special attention is given to the activity of participants and the help of working groups. AN EFFICIENT STUDY MEETING It can be concluded that, following the E.A.A.P. guidelines, the study meetings have improved a great deal in efficiency and delegates have gained much more satisfaction from attending the meetings. On the other hand there is still room for further improvement. An ideal situation is unlikely to materialize. There is always a balance of what can be realized in practice compared with what might be achieved in theory. PRECIRCULATION
OF PAPERS
The basis of the present procedure is the precirculation of full papers to all members planning to attend a study meeting. This precirculation was realized very successfully in Ziirich in 1976 and in Brussels in 1977 (about 3 weeks in advance). It is intended to fol-
PAPERS PRESENTED IN THE STUDY COMMISSIONS AT THE 28TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE E.A.A.P. IN BRUSSELS 1977
(* = main papers; roman numerals refer to the number of the session)
JOINT SESSION: GENETICS/CATTLE PRODUCTION
I. Estimating breeding value o f cows *Philipsson, J. (Sweden), Dommerholt, J. (The Netherlands), Fimland, E. (Norway), Galliard, C. (Switzerland), Gj~bl-Christensen, L. (Denmark), Lederer, J. (Federal Republic of Germany), McClintock, A.E. (Great Britain) and Mocquot, J.C. (France). Problems in cow evaluation and current use of sow index. Report of a working group on cow evaluation. *Pearson, R.E. and Miller, R.H. (U.S.A.). Cow evaluation in North America. Dempfle, L. (Federal Republic of Germany). On the theory of dairy cow evaluation. Throdahl, S. and Syrstad, O. (Norway). Ten years'experiences with cow indexing. Langholz, H.J. and KSther, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Factors affecting the estimation of cow's breeding value in German Friesians of Lower Saxony. Gravert, H.O. and Pabst, K. (Federal Republic of Germany). Accuracy of estimating the breeding value for bull dams. Haussmann, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Estimation of breeding values of cows and of relevant parameters. Festerling, A. (Federal Republic of Germany). Conformation included in a bull dam selection index. Pogacar, J. (Yugoslavia). Cow evaluation in Slovenia. Elofson, L. (Sweden). Cow indexing in Sweden. Baum, N. and SchSnmuth, G. (German Democratic Republic). Practical aspects of bull dam selection. Bar-Anan, R. (Israel). A suggestion for evaluating the breeding value of cows in A.I. populations; Madsen, T. and Petersen, P.H. (Denmark). Comparison of a BLUP procedure and a selection index for cow evaluation.
JOINT SESSION: ANIMAL NUTRITION/CATTLE PRODUCTION III. Feeding beef animals for high performance *B6ranger, C. (France) and Holmes, W. (Great Britain). Beef production from grassland. *Kay, M. (Great Britain). Intensive beef production systems. *Geay, Y. (France). Genotype--nutrition interactions in cattle for beef production. De Boer, F. and Hamm, G.G.H. (The Netherlands). Effect of various feed-protein levels ¢ upon daily gain and carcass quality of fattening bulls of FH and MRIJ breeds. Cobi6, T., Vucetlc, S. and Bacvanskl, S. (Yugoslavia). Comparative fattening of red and white and black and white Friesian bulls. Boucqu6, Ch.V., Cottyn, B.G. and Buysse, F.X. (Belgium). Dried beet pulp as energy source for intensive bull fattening. Reklewski, Z., Zielinski, W. and Bidwell-Porebska, K. (Poland). Influence of the nutrition level of bulls on feed conversion and meat production.
108
Kossila, V. (Finland). Effects of mineral supplementation and grain level on intensive beef production. Lettner, F. and Nies, W. (Austria). Effects of the feed additive Rumensin in addition to maize silage in the performance of fattening bulls. Anerdsen, H.R. (Denmark). Beef production from sugar beets.
JOINT SESSION: ANIMAL NUTRITION/PIG PRODUCTION I. Use o f feed additives in animals
*Ferrando, R. (France), Effect on man, animals and environment. *Van Limborgh, C.L. (The Netherlands). Feed additives in animal nutrition. Problems of the animal feed industry. *Braude, R. (Great Britain). Use of feed additives in E.A.A.P. member countries -- a survey. Loane, D.J. (Switzerland). Avotan avoparcin: a new growth promoting feed antibiotic. Raynaud, J.P. (France). Improvement of performances by carbadox on SPF or normal swine and optimal or suboptimum feed. Some recent published experiments. Beukers, R. (The Netherlands). Delvomycin. Herrmann, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Olaquindox (BAYO-N-OX®). Sutherland, I.H. (Great Britain). A review of the influence of Ronidazole on the performance of pigs. Fox, B.P. (Great Britain). Rumensin. Staun, H. and Hansen, V. (Denmark). Danish experiments with feed additives for bacon ¢ pigs. Zivkovi~, S. and Slatid, H. (Yugoslavia). Ten years experience of feed additives in diets of pigs on large scale farms in Yugoslavia. Casteels, M., Bekaert, H., Eeckhout, W. and Buysse, F.X. (Belgium). Recent observations with some new antibiotics as feed additives for swine. Urbaczyk, J., Rys, R. and Hanczakowska, E. (Poland). Effects of the level and quality of protein on Ridzol effectiveness in swine fattening.
JOINT SESSION: ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH/SHEEP PRODUCTION V. The use o f oestrus control and artificial insemination in sheep
Thimonier, J. (France). Hormonal control of oestrus and basic physiological mechanics. Quirke, J.F. (Ireland). The use of hormones for control of reproduction in adult ewes and ewe lambs. Cognie, Y. (France). Application of techniques under farm conditions. Williams, H.L.L. (Great Britain). Environmental control of oestrus with particular attention to alterations of day length. Colas, G. (France). Artificial insemination in the sheep: aims, results and prospects. Weisheit, H. (Austria). The onset of oestrus in hill sheep after lambing. Holtz, W., Nitter, G. and Thume, O. (Federal Republic of Germany). Control of the oestrus cycle in sheep under German field conditions. Haresign, W. and Acritopoulou, S. (Great Britain). Controlled breeding in sheep using the Prostaglandin Analogue ICI 80996. Reed, H.C.B., Curnock, R. and Unsworth, W.P. (Great Britain). Use of A.I. following oestrus synchronisation of ewes under field conditions. D:~rmundsson, ().R. (Iceland). Practical aspects of artificial insemination and oestrus synchronization in Iceland sheep.
109
JOINT SESSION: ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH/PIG PRODUCTION II. Causes o f losses in breeding sows
Economic aspects *English, P.R. and Crabtree, J.R. (Great Britain). A comparison of a once bred gilt and conventional sow system for producing piglets -- technical and economic considerations. *Kroes, Y. and Van Male, J.P. (The Netherlands). Productive life of sows: economic aspects. Causes o f female losses in herds for breeding and commercial production *Einarsson, S. (Sweden). Disturbances in reproduction and measures for reducing these phenomena. *Dagorn, J. (France). Culling females. Causes and economical aspects. *Tomes, G.J., Nielsen, H.E. and Jacobsen, K.A. (Denmark). Review of 15 years recording of culling sows in Danish production units. Salehar, A. (Yugoslavia). Causes and frequency of culling sows on a large farm. Causes o .f. lossesv in breeding herdsv . in large scale production programmes , .v Mlskovm, M., Cerne, F. and Jancm, S. (Yugoslavia). Losses in gilts and sows and their principal causes in large units. JOINT SESSION: CATTLE PRODUCTION/SHEEP PRODUCTION IV. Mixed grazing o f cattle and sheep *Nolan, T. (Ireland). An ecological appraisal of mixed grazing. *Connolly, J. (Ireland). Development of methodology for mixed grazing. D~rmundsson, 0.R., J6nmundsson, J.V. and Gu~mundsson, 0. (Iceland). Mixed grazing of sheep and cattle under intensive conditions in Iceland. Over's, J., Pestalozzi, M., Helle, O., Nedkvitne, J.J. and Matre, T. (Norway). Mixed grazing research in Norway. Kilkenny, J.B. and Pollot, G.E. (Great Britain). An investigation of the factors influencing the utilised output from grassland. Cumlivski, B. (Czechoslovakia). Combined and collective pasture of sheep and cattle. Brelin, B. (Sweden). Mixed grazing with sheep and cattle. Molenat, G., Loiseau, P., Martin-Rosset, W. and Favre, Y. (France). Effects of l~ovine, ovine, caprine or equine grazing on mountain pastures. Dickson, I.A. and Frame, J. (Great Britain). The exploitation of fertilizer nitrogen applied to grassland by cattle only vs. mixed grazing of cattle and sheep. Rutter, W., Black, W.J.M., Carson, I.S., Fitzsimons, J. and Swift, G. (Great Britain). An integrated sheep and beef system -- its development and extension.
COMMISSION ON ANIMAL GENETICS II. Economic definition o f breeding goals Zeddies, J. (Federal Republic of Germany). Problems in establishing breeding goals for domestic animals from the economic point of view. Smith, C.W. (Great Britain). The estimation of the value of genetic improvement in the presence of inflation and risk. Brascamp, E.W. (The Netherlands). Sensitivity of overall economic gain and correlated responses to variation in economic weights in an aggregate genotype for pigs.
110
Danell, (). (Sweden). Effect of population type on the definition of breeding goals. Karlsson, R. (Sweden). The economic values of different traits in pig breeding. Siler, R., Pod~bradsk~, Z. and Jakubec, V. (Czechoslovakia). Estimation of economic values of performance characters in pig and sheep breeding. Wilton, J.W. (Canada). The use of production systems analysis in developing selection goals and methods. III. Undesirable side effects o f selection *Menissier, F. (France). Undesirable side effects of selection in cattle for beef production. *Roberts, R.C. (Great Britain). Side effects of selection in laboratory animals. *Vangen, O. (Norway). Correlated responses in a selection experiment with pigs after 10 years of selection for growth rate and backfat thickness. Eikelenboom, G., Minkema, D. and Sybesma, W. (The Netherlands). Production characteristics of Dutch Landrace and Dutch Yorkshire pigs as related to their susceptibility to the Halothane-induced malignant hyperthermia syndrome. CSp, W.A.G., Minkema, D. and Eikelenboom, G. (The Netherlands). Halothane test in pig breeding. Pirchner, F., Mergl, R. and Flock, D.K. (Federal Republic of Germany). Consequences of selection for egg weight on hatchability. Averdunk, G., Osterkorn, K., Kr~usslich, H. and Gottschalk, A. (Federal Republic of Germany). Relations between performance testing results of testing bulls and calving results from testing. Bech Andersen, B. (Denmark). Direct and correlated effects of various selection strategies in performance tests of dual purpose bulls. Lampo, Ph. (Belgium). Heritability of stress Susceptibility; indicator enzymes and correlations between their blood levels and some economically important characters in Belgian pigs -- some preliminary results. Ansay, M., Janrain, M. and Hanset, R. (Belgium). Anatomical and physiological implications of selection for double-muscling in the Belgian Blue-White breed of cattle -- the creatinine test. IV. and V. Free short papers Schilling, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Recent state of sex control in domestic animals. Wilhelmson, M. (Sweden). Statistical methods for circular distributions used on rhythmic phenomena in animal breeding with an example from the laying pattern of the Japanese quail. Menken, M. (Federal Republic of Germany). Centromere fusion: a population study in Bavarian Brown cattle. Zwiauer, D. (Federal Republic of Germany). Linkage between biochemical marker genes and production characters in Brown cattle. Alsing, A., Claus, R., Pirchner, F. and Willeke, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Selection experiment on boar taint. Bruns, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Effect of accuracy of contemporary averages on the expected genetic gain from selection. Baum, N. (German Democratic Republic). Breeding of pigs and its organisation under the influence of artificial insemination. Fritzsche, J. (German Democratic Republic). Selection of female breeding pigs under the conditions of industrial production. Sybesma, W. (The Netherlands). Physiological and biochemical parameters in breeding. Klosz, T. (Hungary). Elaboration of a selection method based on performance test for young sows and boars in the frame of hybrid breeding.
111
Niebel, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Optimum restrictions of production characters utilizing simultaneously several selection indexes in a population. Senft, B., Meyer, F. and Rudolph, K. (Federal Republic of Germany). Genetic aspects of lactoferrin in cows' milk. Clement, A. (Federal Republic of Germany). Estimation of parameters for crossbreedings between US Brown-Swiss and Bavarian Braunvieh cattle. E1 Hakim, A., Eichinger, H. and Pirchner, F. (Federal Republic of Germany). Influence of breed, slaughter weight and feeding level on specific meat production characters in cattle. Danell, 6. and R6nningen, K. (Sweden). Selection efficiency when using a selection index including an all-or-none trait and a normally distributed trait. Auran, T., Fimland, E. and Skjervold, H. (Norway). The foetal effect on milk yield in current lactation. Kiinzi, N., Gaillard, C., Leuenberger, H., Schneeberger, M. and Weber, F. (Switzerland). Beef breed bulls versus selected dual purpose bulls for meat production. Cunningham, E.P. and O'Byrne, T.M. (Ireland). Genetic correlation of milk production in Britain and Ireland. Van der Mey, G.J.W., Helder, A. and Van Dieten, S.W.J. (The Netherlands). Calving difficulties and perinatal death in daughter groups of bulls of the MRY breed. Petersen, P.H. (Denmark). A test for connectedness fitted for the BLUP procedure. Nazarenko, V.G. (U.S.S.R.). A combined set of selection traits in evaluating dairy cattle genotypes.
COMMISSION ON ANIMAL NUTRITION II. Evaluation of forages *Osbourn, D.F. (Great Britain). Chemical methods for assessing the nutritive value of forages. *Kirchgessner, M. and Kellner, R.J. (Federal Republic of Germany). Estimation of digestibility and net energy of fresh and dried forage by a cellulase method. *Den Braver, E.J. (Sweden). The suitability of the RDOM-method to determine ME in forages. Aerts, J.V., De Brabander, D.L., Cottyn, B.G. and Buysse, F.X. (Belgium). Comparison of various parameters for predicting organic matter digestibility. Savid, S., Latkovska, M. and Supid, B. (Yugoslavia). Nutritive value of high-oil maize. IV. Miscellaneous topics Kreula, M. and Rauramaa, A. (Finland). On the metabolism in the dairy cow of '4C formic acid and 14C formaldehyde used as preservatives in silage. Rauramaa, A. and Kreula, M. (Finland). Utilisation of '4C urea in the biosynthesis of milk components by a cow on low protein, urea-rich feed. Daenicke, R. and Rohr, K. (Federal Republic of Germany). The effea of substituting natural protein by urea on milk yield and milk composition. Rohr, K., Brandt, M., Castrillo, O. and Allam, S.M. (Federal Republic of Germany). Nitrogen and amino acids in duodenal contents as related to nitrogen source (natural protein vs. urea) and feeding level. Thompson, J.K., MacDonald, D.C., Warren, R.W. and Gelman, A.L. (Great Britain). Seasonal effects on the blood composition of dairy cows. Horton, G.M.J. (South Africa). Parenteral and oral administration of vitamin E and selenium to pregnant ewes. Sambraus, H.H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Application of different diets to guinea pigs
112
Beck, H., Erbersdobler, H. and Gropp, J. (Federal Republic of Germany). Lysine application and growth in piglets. V~rhegyl, I., Szentmih~dyi, S., and V~rhegyi, J. (Hungary). Fattening of Hereford growing bulls imported from U.S.A. and Great Britain, using feeds with different energy levels. Valdman, E., Ilus, A., Ratnik, J. and Saluste, L. (U.S.S.R.). Efficiency of feeding hay and artificially dried grass of different quality to dairy cows and young cattle. Bonomi, A. (Italy). The utilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces fragilis live yeasts in the alimentation of weaning pigs. Experimental contribution.
COMMISSION ON ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH I. Farm animal behaviour and reactions to environmental conditions Cattle Andreae, U., Thielscher, H.H., Unshelm, J., Ellendorff, F., Elsaesser, F., Pfleiderer, U.E. and Smidt, D. (Federal Republic of Germany). Comparison of the activities of fattening bulls kept on fully slatted floor or in straw boxes. Krohn, C.C. and Konggaard, S.P. (Denmark). Effects of isolating first calf heifers in loose housing systems. Reinhardt, V., Reinhardt, A. and Mutiso, F.M. (Federal Republic of Germany/Kenya). Leadership in farm cattle. Reinhardt, V., Reinhardt, A. and Mutiso, F.M. (Federal Republic of Germany/Kenya). Cow--calf relationship in Massai cattle. Grommers, F.J., Schaftenaar, W., Rutgers, B. and Peterse, D.J. (The Netherlands). Sucking among cows. A contribution to prevention and treatment. Miiller, W. (Federal Republic of Germany). Dispersion of pathogenic agents from stable exhausts. Hinrichsen, J.K., Tzalis, K. and Rentzsch, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Birth weight, growth, fattening and carcass yield of calves from first births compared with calves from later births. Drew, B. and Pointer, C.G. (Great Britain). Effect of level of nutrition on fertility in Friesian heifers in autumn and early winter. Szfics, E., Moln~r, I., Weber, A., SzSllSsi, I. and D~vid, I. (Hungary). Effects of corn silage vs. alfalfa hay as singly fed roughages in comparison with combined rations upon nutritional behaviour and performance of lactating dairy cows. Adam, T. and ESry, A. (Hungary). Environmental-physiological examination of lactating Holstein-Friesian cows in a new management system. Sheep and goats Bianca, W. and Kunz, P. (Switzerland). Physiological reactions of three breeds of goats to cold, heat and high altitude. Pigs Schmidt, M. (Denmark). Behaviour in early weaned pigs kept in cages and on floor. Unterholzner, J., Teuscher, T., Steinhauf, D. and Weniger, J.H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Influence of high temperature on the growth of pigs. Martynenko, N.A. (U.S.S.R.). The influence of hormonal stimulation on the quality and survival of embryos in pigs. Horses Maton, A. (Belgium). Ethological and technical aspects of the housing of horses. ()dberg, F.O. (Belgium). Behaviour studies on horses. Poultry Vestergaard, K. (Denmark). Aggression in flocks of hens as related to density and type of floor.
113
FSlsch, D.W. (Switzerland). Different laying behaviour of hens raised and housed under various conditions. Brantas, C.C. and Corstiaensen, C.J., (The Netherlands). Space structure relation of hens kept in cages with several floors. Burckhardt, Ch., FSlsch, D.W., Scheifele, U. and Niederer, Ch. (Switzerland). Measurements on skin and feathers of hens raised and housed under different conditions. Simonsen, H.B. (Denmark). Radiotelemetry of changes in deep body temperature in chickens. Petersen, J. and Horst, P. (Federal Republic of Germany). High temperature as a factor of genotype--environment interactions of laying hens. III. The ethology and ethics of farm animal production *Ross-Cockrill, W. (Italy). The potential and global exploitation of domestic animals. *Adler, H.C. (Denmark). Animal welfare in farm animal production. *Taylor, G.B. (Great Britain). Welfare aspects of animal transportation. *Ekesbo, I. (Sweden). Ethics, ethology and animal health in modern Swedish livestock production. *Bartussek, H. (Austria). Inclusion of ethics in research of management techniques as a consequence of intellectual experience. Worsaae, H. (Denmark). Indication of stress by analysis of serum corticosteroids. Unshelm, J., Smidt, D., Andreae, U., Ellendorff, F. and Elsaesser, F. (Federal Republic of Germany). Influence of various types of housing on catecholamine levels in the plasma of fattening bulls. Cena, M. (Poland). Practical possibilities of utilizing the results of ethology in animal breeding and veterinary science. Eichinger, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Investigations on activity assessment in stress situations. K~mmer, P. and Schnitzer, U. (Switzerland). Fairness against animals and management systems. Remarks on selected parameters. Van Putten, G. (The Netherlands). Comfort behaviour in pigs and its significance regarding their well-being. Irps, H., Steinhauf, D. and Weniger, J.H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Methods for measuring objectively parameters of behaviour in pigs. IV. The ethology and ethics of farm animal production *Teutsch, G.M. (Federal Republic of Germany). The ethical aspect of farm animal management. *Wildbolz, E. (Switzerland). Man and animal in a production orientated society -- a topic of Christian ethics. *Martin, G1. (Federal Republic of Germany). Ethology and ethics and its consequences for the management of farm animals.
COMMISSION ON CATTLE PRODUCTION
II. Optimal replacement and culling rates in dairy and beef herds *Renkema, J.A. (The Netherlands). Economic evaluation of replacement rates in dairy herds. *Weber, F. (Switzerland). Selection alternatives in cows and their influence on age distribution of herds. *Herbert, W.A., Kilkenny, J.B. and Gartner, J.A. (Great Britain). The effects of culling and replacement rates on performance in dairy and beef herds.
114
*Leaver, J.D. (Great Britain). Optimal age at first calving. *Pearson, R.E. (U.S.A.). Factors affecting o p t i m u m culling and replacement policies for dairy cattle in the United States. V. Reports and free papers
*Baker, H.K., Bech Andersen, G., Colleau, J., Langholz, H., Legoshin, G., Minkema, D. and Southgate, J. Working party of the cattle commission. Recommended procedures for breed comparison trials. *Broster, W.H. and Swan, H. (Great Britain). Preliminary report of study group on feeding ,, systems for the high yielding dairy cow. Smerha, J. and Louda, F. (Czechoslovakia). The effects of alternating feed levels on sexual activity in the bull. Schwark, H.J., J~/hne, M. and Ebert, S. (German Democratic Republic). Growth and milk yield during first lactation of dairy cows of different genotypes at different age of first calving. Trapmann, W. (Federal Republic of Germany). Crossbreeding with German Friesian. Osterc, J. and Zagozen, F. (Yugoslavia). Investigation on the influence of breed and nutrition on the number and diameter of muscle fibres in cattle. Vlasov, V.I. (U.S.S.R.). Dairy cattle selection for modern technological systems. COMMISSION ON SHEEP AND GOAT COMMISSION I and II. Effects o f breed, nutrition and management on the performance o f the ewe during lactation *Flamant, J.C. (France) and Casu, S. (Italy). Breed differences in milk production potential and improvement of milk production by selection and breeding. *Robinson, J.J. (Great Britain). Response of the lactating ewe to variation in energy and protein intake. *Foot, J.Z. (Great Britain) and Tissier, M. (France). Voluntary intake of feed by lactating ewes. *Treacher, T.T. (Great Britain). The effects on milk production of the number of lambs suckled and age, parity and size of ewe. *Van Quackebeke, E., Larralde, M. and Caze, J.P. (France). Nutrition and management of herds for intensive milk production in the region of Roquefort. *Molenat, G., Flamant, J.C., Prud'hon, M. and Thiault, M. (France). Improvement of dry, Mediterranean pastures by sheep. *Eyal, E. and Folman, Y. (Israel). The nutrition of dairy sheep in Israel. *Louca, A. (Cyprus). The effects of time of weaning and suckling regime on the lactation performance of sheep and the growth rate of the lambs. *Sanna, A. (Italy). The milk sheep industry in Sardinia. *Kilkenny, B. (Great Britain). Nutrition and management of lactating ewes in systems for meat production under intensive grazing conditions. *Treacher, T.T. and Gibb, M.J. (Great Britain). Intake of herbage by ewes grazing during lactation. S6nmez, R. (Turkey). Comparison of milk yield and prolificacy between native sheep and Ost Friz crossbreds in Turkey. Jatsch, O. (Federal Republic of Germany). Suckling regime for the use of milk secretion potential in dairy ewes. Jakubec, V., Louda, F. (Czechoslovakia), Doney, J.M. (Great Britain) and K~i~,ek, J. (Czechoslovakia). The quantitative and qualitative milk production in the improved Valachian breed and its crossbreds with the Finnsheep.
115
Jankowski, S., Pokora, A. and Pokora, K. (Poland). The effect of lactation length and number of lambs suckled on the ewe performance. Weide, H.J. (The Netherlands). The effect of a reduced protein allowance in lactating ewes. Cumlivski, B. (Czechoslovakia). Lactation comparison of fine-wooled sheep under normal breeding conditions. Cumlivski, B. (Czechoslovakia). Influence of nutrition on the lactation curve and milk fat c o n t e n t of Mutton Merino sheep. Nedkvitne, J.J. (Norway). Comparison of direct cut formic acid silage and barn dried hay in the feeding of lactating ewes. Zaluska, J., Moszozynska, A. and Hinc, A. (Poland). Investigations on the lactation in the Polish Merino sheep. Trimarchi, G. (Italy). Phenotypic correlations in Massese ewes. v
III. Free papers McGill, N.P. (Ireland). Suffolk sheep breed improvement programme in Ireland 1971--1976. Heil, G. (Federal Republic of Germany). Influence of season on twinning rate in GermanMerino ewes. Louda, F. (Czechoslovakia), Doney, J.M. (Great Britain), Smerha, J. and Skfivan, M. (Czechoslovakia). The dynamics of sperm production in Merino rams in relation to season of the year. Jensen, N.E. (Denmark). Preliminary results from DANSCAN ultrasonic measurements of fat thickness and loin area of lamb.
COMMISSION ON PIG PRODUCTION III. The status and potential o f artificial insemination in pig breeding Du Mesnil du Buisson, F. (France). Recent knowledge on reproduction in pigs. HolmstrSm, B.G. (Finland). Recent developments of A.I. techniques. Willems, C.M. (The Netherlands). Development of A.I. in pigs in Europe. Sundgren, P.E. (Sweden). Comparison of litter production from artificial insemination and natural mating. Kalm, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Economic aspects of A.I. in pigs. (A.cost-benefit analysis of A.I. versus natural mating.) Moen, R.A. (Norway). The utilization of A.I. in pig improvement programmes. Reed, H.C.B. (Great Britain). The future of A.I. in pigs. Treu, H. (Federal Republic of Germany}. A.I. with deep frozen semen in pigs (film). IV. Causes o f variation o f feed conversion ratio
Wenk, C. and Bickel, H. (Switzerland). Nutritional aspects of feed conversion. Plonait, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Effect of chronic disease on feed conversion and daily gain in fattening pigs. Ducluzeau, R. (France}. Interactions between the microflora of the digestive tract of animals and the diet. Whittemore, C.T. (Great Britain). The concept of efficiency of feed conversion to live weight gain in relation to optimisation of meat production from pigs. Ollivier,L. and Henry, Y. (France). Genetic variations of feed efficiency in growing pigs: interactions with nutritional conditions. Smith, C. and Fowler, V.R. (Great Britain). The importance of selection criteriaand feeding regimes in the selection and improvement of pigs.
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V. Reports and free short papers
Smith, D.H. (Great Britain). Report on European Pig Production. Petersen, U. (Federal Republic of Germany). Effect of protein supply on performance and carcass composition of German Landrace and Pi~train pigs. Klobasa, F. and Werhahn, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Immunoglobulin G-content in blood serum of piglets. Groeneveld, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). The use of programmable desk calculators for estimating breeding values on auction sales for breeding pigs. Bokorov, T., Sredkovi~, A. and Nikoli~, M. (Yugoslavia). Investigation of the effect of sex and castration on the production and quality of pig meat. C~Sp, W.A.G., Buiting, G.A.J. and Scheele, H.T. (The Netherlands). Relation between feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion and slaughter quality in different breeds of pigs. Slagsvold, P. and Freysedahl, K. (Norway). Ferric glutamate in the drinking water as a source of iron for piglets. Szilv~ssy, B. (Hungary). Investigations on the etiology of anestrus in pigs by means of an ultrasonic equipment. Terentjeva, A.S. (U.S.S.R.). Some problems of animal reproduction at swine complexes in the U.S.S.R. Habe, F., Zago~en, F. and Rotar, I. (Yugoslavia). Quantitative changes of concentration of the immunoglobulin subclass G in blood serum of pregnant and lactating sows.
COMMISSION ON HORSE PRODUCTION I. Horse breeding and selection
Van Snick, G. (Belgium). Advancement and problems of Belgian horse breeding. Grundler, C. (Federal Republic of Germany). Repeatability of conformation characters of foals assessed in the frame o f progeny evaluation. Bruns, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Model calculations for the optimal use of the capacity of testing stations in horse breeding. Langlois, B. and Legault, C. (France). Performance and progeny testing of sport horses based on earnings in French horse shows. Schwark, H.J., Scheiber, K. and Asse, L. (German Democratic Republic). Correlations between characters in sport horses. Minkema, D. (The Netherlands). A method for the progeny testing of trotter stallions: Sommer, H. (Federal Republic of Germany). Blood serum values and racing performance in galloping horses. II. Reproduction Kalm, H.P., Giinzel, A. and Himmler, V. (Federal Republic of Germany). Fertility problems in female horses. Klug, E. (Federal Republic of Germany). Application of deep-frozen semen in horses. Selection of stallions and measures for oestrus control in mares. Naumenkov, A.I., Romankova, N.K. and Fomina, E.L. (U.S.S.R.). Improvement of method of long preservation of stallion sperm in deep-frozen state. Van de Plassche, M., Bouters, R., Spincemailie, J., Bonte, P., Coryn, M. and Dhondt, D. (Belgium). Specific fertility problems in mares. Telalba~id, R. and Pajanovid, R. (Yugoslavia). A b o u t the influence of inbreeding on pregnancy duration in Bosnian mountain horses.
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IV. and V. Miscellaneous topics Kellet, I. (Ireland). Training of the show jumper. Telalba~i~, R. and Pajanovid, R. (Yugoslavia). Investigations on the working capacity of pack horses in Yugoslavian mountains. Zeeb, K. (Federal Republic of Germany). Behaviour patterns in horse training (film). Du~ek, J. (Czechoslovakia). Aspects of selection intensity in horse breeding. Catalano, A.L. (Italy). Biometric study of mares registered in the stud book of the Italian saddle horse. Dattilo, M. (Italy). Basic aspects of feeding sporting horses. Anashina, N. (U.S.S.R.). Production and rational use of meat products of horse breeding. Adalsteinsson, S. (Iceland). Inheritance of colours in Icelandic ponies. Sasimowski, E. (Poland). Principles for the unification of classifying horse breeds. Bouquet, Y., Van de Weghe, A. and Podliachouk (Belgium). Some aspects of the marker systems of blood substances in horses.
EVALUATION
OF E.A.A.P. ANNUAL MEETINGS
ACTIVE MEMBERS AND WORKING GROUPS The efficiency with which E.A.A.P. Annual Meetings have been conducted has been discussed in Livestock Production Science, 1974 (Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 232--234). The adopted "Guidelines for Preparing and Conducting Sessions of Study Commissions at the Annual Meetings of E.A.A.P." (E.A.A.P. Publ. No.15, 1975) improved the quality of the sessions to a significant extent. Partial precirculation of papers was achieved in Copenhagen in 1974. Excellent precirculation of papers was achieved in Ziirich in 1976 and Brussels in 1977. The proposed timing of a session, namely, a restricted presentation time of 20 minutes for main papers and 5 minutes for short papers, gives room for a discussion period of about 45 minutes. The discussion leader of each session has the task of co-ordinating the programme in collaboration with the speakers. His responsibilities also include stimulating panel discussion and summarizing the results. In 1974 we concluded our proposals with the words "Even with the help of good procedures for the meeting there is no guarantee of an efficient exchange of results and ideas. Success will depend upon the collaboration of all members in following the procedures". The aim of this contribution is to evaluate some aspects of recent E.A.A.P. study meetings. Special attention is given to the activity of participants and the help of working groups. AN EFFICIENT STUDY MEETING It can be concluded that, following the E.A.A.P. guidelines, the study meetings have improved a great deal in efficiency and delegates have gained much more satisfaction from attending the meetings. On the other hand there is still room for further improvement. An ideal situation is unlikely to materialize. There is always a balance of what can be realized in practice compared with what might be achieved in theory. PRECIRCULATION
OF PAPERS
The basis of the present procedure is the precirculation of full papers to all members planning to attend a study meeting. This precirculation was realized very successfully in Ziirich in 1976 and in Brussels in 1977 (about 3 weeks in advance). It is intended to fol-