[in Japanese]

View full abstract

This study investigated the influence of the feed particle size on the feeding behaviour of laying hens. The feeding behaviour was examined on the six hens reared on four different forms (A_1 : <1.0,A_2 : 1.0〜2.0,A_3 : 2.0〜2.83 and A_4 : 2.83〜4.5mm) of the same feed in individual cages under the 14L : 10D condition. The frequency of pecking pellets or mash was also measured on other four birds. The results obtained are as follows : 1. Daily feed intakes were not appreciably affected by different forms of the feed, but the time spent for eating decreased in accordance with an increase in the size of feeds. There was a significant difference between A_1 and A_4 on the average eating rate (g/min.). 2. The frequency of pecking the pellets was one flfth of that of pecking the mash. 3. From these results, it appears that the difference in the time spent for eating depends on the particle size, which may be attributable to the difference in the feed intake per a pecking. 4. Individual variations in feeding behaviour of hens were large on pellets feeding. It was suggested that the individual variations were due to the frequency of "eating for leisure".

View full abstract

The effect of wind from blast duct on lactating cow was investigated under natural summer condition. Ten lactating Holstein cows were divided into two groups, control and winded, and subjected to a switch back design with two weeks periods. Wind at a speed of 0.5-2m/s was recorded on the surface of winded cows. Respiration rates and rectal temperatures of winded cows were lower comparing to the control cows. Milk yield was higher for winded cows than the control cows. The difference in milk yield was estimated to be 0.7kg per head per cow. It is concluded that the wind from blast duct is effective for the dairying in summer.

View full abstract