Estimation of the net energy value of barley for finishing beef steers.

The objective of this study was to identify barley grain characteristics measured by laboratory procedures that could be used to predict barley energy content for finishing beef steers. Twenty-eight different barley genotypes were evaluated including 18 cultivars and 10 experimental lines. Laboratory analysis of barley samples included bulk density, particle size, N, ADF, starch, and ISDMD (in situ DM disappearance after 3 h of ruminal incubation).

Ruminal Fermentation of Anti-Methanogenic Nitrate- and Nitro-Containing Forages In Vitro.

Nitrate, 3-nitro-1-propionic acid (NPA) and 3-nitro-1-propanol (NPOH) can accumulate in forages and be poisonous to animals if consumed in high enough amounts. These chemicals are also recognized as potent anti-methanogenic compounds, but plants naturally containing these chemicals have been studied little in this regard. Presently, we found that nitrate-, NPA-, or NPOH-containing forages effectively decreased methane production, by 35-87%, during in vitro fermentation by mixed cultures of ruminal microbes compared to fermentation by cultures incubated similarly with alfalfa.

The effect of dexamethasone on the longevity of syringe driver subcutaneous sites in palliative care patients.

Objective: To assess the effect of adding 1 mg dexamethasone to syringe drivers on the viability time of subcutaneous cannulation sites in palliative care patients.

Design: Prospective, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial in which patients received half their daily infused medications plus 1 mg dexamethasone in 1 mL saline through one subcutaneous site (test site) and the other half of their medications plus 1 mL saline through another symmetrically placed site (control site).

Participants And Setting: Palliative care patients from the inpatient units at two hospices, recruited between 1999 and 2002.