bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
77 Performance of growing pigs fed wheat-based diets containing wheat millrun and a multi-carbohydrase enzyme
Authors: Kpogo Livingstone Agbee , Jose Jismol , Agyekum Atta K , Beaulieu Denise A
Published: December 2019

The inclusion of wheat millrun, a low-cost milling co-product, into swine rations is limited by high non-starch polysaccharide content. The objective of these trials was to determine the response of growing pigs to wheat millrun inclusion, with or without, a multi-carbohydrase enzyme (xylanase, cellulase, amylase, glucanase, invertase). In Exp1, the effects of millrun inclusion and multi-carbohydrase on nutrient digestibility were investigated. The six treatments, arranged as a 3x2 factorial, included millrun (0, 15 or 30%) and enzymes (0 or 1 mg/kg) as main effects. Barrows (n = 48; 60.2±2.2 kg) were housed individually and fed 3×maintenance for 11d. Feces and urine were collected d8-11. In Exp2, 4 treatments (0 or 30% millrun and 0 or 1 mg/kg enzyme; 2x2 factorial) were fed to 180 pigs (60.2±2.2 kg) housed in groups of 5 until they reached 125 kg BW. The diets were isonitrogenous while energy was reduced in the millrun diets. In Exp1, apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and N, and digestible energy (DE) content, declined linearly (87.3 to 81.5%; 86.3 to 83.5%; 3.86 to 3.68 Mcal DE/kg DM, respectively; P < 0.01) with increasing millrun inclusion. ATTD of energy was reduced by the inclusion of the enzymes (85.0 to 84.2%; P = 0.05) but there was no effect on DE content, or N ATTD (P > 0.10). In Exp2, ADG and G:F were reduced in pigs fed millrun (P < 0.05) while pigs fed diets supplemented with enzymes had reduced G:F during the initial 14d. There was no effect of millrun or enzyme on ADFI or days to market (P > 0.10). No interactions were detected between millrun and enzyme in either Exp1 or Exp2 (P > 0.10). In conclusion, reduced ADG and energy and N digestibility, were observed with the inclusion of 30% wheat millrun in diets for growing pigs, regardless of multi-carbohydrase enzyme inclusion.
111 Awardee Talk - Sustainable diets must include animal-source foods
Authors: Adesogan Adegbola T , Mckune Sarah , Dahl Geoffrey E , Havelaar Arie , Eilitta Marjatta E
Published: December 2019

The notion that consuming animal-source food (ASF; milk, meat, fish and eggs) is incompatible with sustainable development is flawed. Negative perceptions of livestock consumption in many sustainability debates arise from a focus on overconsumption of ASF, particularly in middle to high-income countries, and a narrow interpretation of sustainability that focuses only one, albeit important, indicator — climate change. However, for the almost 800 million extremely poor people who live on less than $1.90/day and subsist on a diet heavily based on starchy foods, more — not less — ASF will be required for sustainable development, as they provide key nutrients required for full human development. Childhood stunting rates and the associated reductions in health, cognitive development, and economic productivity are rampant in countries with low levels of ASF consumption. Yet these foods are the best sources of high-quality nutrient-rich food for children aged 6 to 23 months according to the World Health Organization, and may be the only source of some. Compared to plant foods, ASF supply greater quantities of higher quality protein and more bioavailable vitamin A, vitamin D3, iron, iodine, zinc, calcium and folic acid among other nutrients, and they are the only natural source of vitamin B12, deficiency of which is associated with developmental disorders, anemia, poorer cognitive function, and lower motor development. Therefore, consumption of ASF by the poor should be prioritized to prevent the devastating, lifelong and intergenerational effects of stunting. Consumption of ASF is also important in developed countries to reduce consumption of “empty” calories that contribute to obesity and to meet specific nutrient needs. Sustainable intensification of ASF production addresses the need to improve livestock productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock systems while feeding the world and specifically meeting the growing global demand for ASF, which is expected to double by 2050.
273 The effect of fermented feed on meat quality, lipid antioxidant ability, lipid and protein metabolism in longissimus dorsi muscle of finishing pigs
Authors: Yang Xuefen , Qiu Yueqin , Jiang Zongyong
Published: December 2019

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of fermented feed on meat quality, lipid antioxidant ability, lipid and protein metabolism in longissimus dorsi muscle of finishing pigs. Boars [Duroc × (Landrace × Large white)] weighed (90 ± 2.3) kg were raised through (130 ± 4.5) kg by a basal diet pretreated with or without solid-state fermentation. In comparison to the control group, fermented feed did not affect the growth performance and lipid antioxidant ability, while it increased lean mass (P < 0.05), tended to increase lion area, and reduced the last rib fat depth (P < 0.05). Additionally, fermented feed improved the meat quality of longissimus dorsi muscle by decreasing shear force (P < 0.01) and drip loss at 48 h post slaughter (P < 0.05) and increasing the scores of sensory parameters including tenderness(P < 0.05), fragrance (P < 0.05) and broth freshness (P < 0.05), and enhancing intramuscular fat (IMF) content by 23.2%. Fermented feed significantly up-regulated the abundance of lipogenic-related genes FASN, PPARγ, DGAT2 and HNF-4α mRNA (P < 0.05), while decreased lipolytic-related gene IL-15 in longissimus dorsi muscle (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed that fermented feed effectively increased mRNA expression of MyoD (P < 0.05), decreased MAFbx (P < 0.01) in longissimus dorsi muscle. Besides, protein levels of phosphorylated AKT, mTOR, S6K1, and 4EBP1 in longissimus dorsi muscle were effectively increased by fermented feed. In conclusion, these findings suggested that fermented feed improved the meat quality including both eating quality and technical characteristics, enhanced muscle protein synthesis and IMF deposition in longissimus dorsi muscle of finishing pigs, the underlying mechanism may be partly due to fermented feed effectively modulated the key regulators related to lipid and protein metabolism in the longissimus dorsi muscle. These findings may provide a new insight into the application of fermented feed as a nutrition strategy for finishing pigs.
280 Quality grading using color and electrical conductivity of beef
Authors: Richardson C Reed , Ramkumar Mala S
Published: December 2019

Four sources of beef were used to determine if the degree of variance in color (Hunter LH) and electrical conductivity (EC) measures correlate to quality grade. It also tested the reliability of the Varian spectrophotometer machine for color scores on beef. Source 1 (S1) samples varied in cuts that were frozen then thawed. S2 – S4 were delivered whole and cut into 16 individual, 1-inch thick samples. Source 2 (S2) was a whole boneless ribeye and choice grade; Source 3 (S3) was a whole strip loin, Wagyu breed and prime grade; Source 4 (S4) was a whole strip loin, Akaushi breed and prime grade. All color measurements (n = 48) were taken on raw samples. EC (n = 48) was measured in microsiemens (μS) for 120s with sampling rate of two measures per s. An emulsified meat slurry solution was placed into a 3in wide silicon vessel with copper electrodes attached to both sides, and placed into plastic container connected to a digital multimeter. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis on color & EC replications and total color & EC means and performed across S1 then S2 – S4. Color results across color mean replications for individual samples were non-significant (P > 0.05, 95% confidence level). Source color means for S1=33.6873, S2=55.4319, S3=47.8122 & S4=53.5633. S1 had the lowest LH mean compared to S2-S4 and presumed to be a result of myoglobin state. These data indicate reliability of the Varian color machine as method for scoring steaks. EC results showed prime grades S3 and S4 had lower scores compared to S1 and S2 with EC means of S1=24.8043, S2=63.5294, S3=17.0451 & S4=18.9656. S3 & S4 both had significant correlations (P < 0.05) between EC and color scores indicating EC and color correlations can be useful in quality grading of beef.
360 Awardee Talk - weight loss strategies in horses
Authors: Phillips Shannon E
Published: December 2019

Almost half of the American horse population is reported to be overweight, with approximately 20% reported as obese. Excessive adiposity is associated with potential health consequences including joint disease, heat intolerance, insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome, and laminitis. Health management for affected horses includes strategies that not only decrease fat mass but also improve insulin dynamics, as insulin resistance is closely associated with the development of laminitis. Negative energy balance to achieve fat loss can result from decreased caloric intake, increased energy expenditure, or a combination of both. Decreased calorie intake can be achieved by limiting feed intake by reducing the amount of feed offered, limiting pasture intake (through the use of grazing muzzles or limiting time at pasture), and by selecting lower energy density feeds. Weight-loss research has suggested feeding forages at a rate of 1.5% of body weight (90% DM), balanced with appropriate amounts of amino acids, vitamins and minerals as needed. Some horses appear to be “weight loss resistant” and may require further restrictions under veterinary supervision (closer to 1.0 - 1.2% of body weight). Strict feed restriction may increase the risk of hyperlipidemia, colic, gastric ulcers, the onset of wood chewing behavior and/or the consumption of bedding. Several studies have reported significant weight loss with restricted dietary energy intake, though effects on insulin dynamics are varied. Forced exercise not only increases energy expenditure, but also results in more pronounced improvements on insulin dynamics. Light, moderate and heavier exercise protocols have resulted in improvements in insulin sensitivity, with greater benefits along with fat loss being associated with higher workloads. However, lameness may compromise weight-bearing exercise efforts. It is recommended that weight loss strategies for horses incorporate both dietary energy restriction and increased exercise when possible.
363 Integrated transcriptomic and gut microbiome analysis of the toxic effects of T-2 toxin on the small intestine of chickens
Authors: Liu Meng , Wei Jin-Tao , Wu Kun-Tan , Khalil Mahmoud Mohamed , Sun Lv-hui
Published: December 2019

This study was conducted to reveal the mechanism of T-2 toxin induced small intestine injuries in broilers through a new perspective that combined transcriptomics and microbiology studies. 96-d-old male Cobb broilers were randomly allocated into 4 treatment groups with 4 replicates of 6 birds/cage and all birds were fed a corn-soybean-based diet (Control) and the other 3 groups supplemented with T-2 toxin at 1.0, 3.0 or 6.0 mg/kg, respectively, for 2 weeks. Growth performance and nutrients digestibility were analyzed. Duodenum was collected to assay for histology, transcriptomics and microbiology. Compared with the control, final body weight, body weight gain and feed intake were decreased (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner with increasing dietary T-2 toxin dose. Specially, in dietary T-2 toxin at 6.0 mg/kg, the feed/gain increased (P < 0.05) 11.4% and the apparent metabolic rate of crude protein, calcium and phosphorus were decreased (P < 0.05) by 14.9%, 18.0% and 16.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, T-2 toxin induced severe degeneration, necrosis and desquamation of the villous epithelial cells, increased inflammatory cells. Furthermore, the results of transcriptome drew that 2536 genes showed significant differences and were partially enriched in metabolic pathways, cell growth and death, apoptosis, the metabolism by CYP450, immune response pathways. Gut microbiota play a key role as microbial and duodenum genes and metabolites affected by T-2 toxin shared multiple pathways. Remarkably, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria that related to energy metabolism and inflammatory were seriously affected (P < 0.05). In summary, combined the results of integrated analysis, T-2 toxin partially induced intestine injury, potentially through changing the gene expression and the intestinal micro-ecology or damaging the intestinal mucosal directly, thus inducing inflammatory and apoptotic.
142 Human edible feed conversions of U.S. beef production
Authors: Andreini Emily M , Place Sara E , Oltjen James W
Published: December 2019

Multiple factors need to be considered in assessing the sustainability of ruminant livestock production, such as the valuable role ruminants serve in the conversion of feeds grown on non-arable lands and by-products into products suitable for human consumption. The use of intensive systems, where ruminants are fed large quantities of potentially human edible crops, such as cereal grains, poses a debate about the competition between livestock and humans for grains that could be consumed directly by humans. The inclusion of animal products in human diets provides an important source of energy and protein, which often have higher digestibility and superior amino acid compositions. This analysis was conducted for seven U.S. regions in order to determine the human edible feed conversion efficiency (heFCE) of energy and protein and the net protein contribution (NPC) of U.S. beef production using data collected by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Efficiency and NPC values above 1 indicate that beef production is contributing more to meeting human protein or energy requirements than the cattle are consuming, and values below 1 indicate beef is competing for those nutrients. The Southwest and Southeast regions returned heFCE values for energy above 1, while the average of all regions was 0.88 ± 0.27 SD. All regions had heFCE values for protein above 1 with an average of 1.73 ± 0.54 SD. The NPC of all US regions were greater than 3; averaging 4.55 ± 1.41 SD, which illustrates beef’s contribution of high quality protein to human diets. Incorporating a detailed evaluation of different production system efficiencies in converting potentially human edible feeds into human edible animal products of higher quality broadens the discussion for beef’s place in the diet.
PSVI-9 Occurrence of mycotoxins in US forage grasses
Authors: Gott Paige N , Hendel Erika G , Curry Shelby M , Stam Aaron M
Published: December 2019

Initial survey of standing pastures in the southern United States investigated the occurrence of mycotoxins in grasses. Zearalenone (ZEN), an endocrine disruptor, was the most prevalent mycotoxin and is a potential threat to reproductive performance in grazing livestock. The ongoing survey expanded to cover a greater geographic area and additional grass species, as well as hay and preserved forages, were included in the survey to further investigate the presence of mycotoxins in US grasses. Fresh pasture samples were hand-plucked (25–30 subsamples per pasture) to simulate cattle foraging behavior and composited for analysis. Baled forages were sampled using a probe and other preserved forages were collected via grab samples from the face of bags or silos. Samples were screened for the presence of mycotoxins at Activation Laboratories (Ancaster, Ontario, Canada; 16 mycotoxins) or Romer Labs (Union, MO; 17 mycotoxins) via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Parameters of the main mycotoxins detected are presented on a dry basis in parts per billion (ppb) in Table 1. A total of 415 samples were collected March 2016 through February 2019 primarily from southern states (FL, TX, AL, GA, LA). One or more mycotoxins were detected in 286 samples (68.9%). ZEN was detected most frequently across all samples (60.0%; 1428.4 ± 181.3 ppb) with type A trichothecenes (A-Trich; including T-2 toxin & HT-2 toxin; 16.6%; 1139.5 ± 647.2 ppb) and type B trichothecenes (B-Trich; including deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, and fusarenon X; 9.6%; 1230.9 ± 522.9 ppb) being the next most prevalent toxin group. These survey results suggest a variety of mycotoxins occur in multiple grass species and can be detected from fresh pasture as well as in hay and other preserved forages. The types and concentrations of mycotoxins detected may pose challenges to livestock reproduction, health, and performance even when consuming high forage diets.
PSVI-8 Detoxification of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol by Biofix® Plus PRO in a molasses-based liquid feed supplement in an in vitro rumen batch culture system
Authors: Gott Paige N , Schatzmayr Dian
Published: December 2019

Supplementation of animal feeds with mycotoxin binders is routinely used to mitigate mycotoxin challenges. Adsorption efficiency of a binder is dependent on the structure and chemical properties of the mycotoxin, binder, and the complex gastrointestinal environment. Limited adsorption of non-polar mycotoxins has driven innovation of mitigation strategies including biotransformation or detoxification of mycotoxins by microorganisms and enzymatic activity. The current objective was to measure the efficacy of Biofix® Plus PRO (BPL) within a molasses-based liquid feed supplement to detoxify zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) in an in vitro rumen batch culture system. Twelve reactors were filled with 1 L of liquid (50% rumen fluid, 30% reverse osmosis water, 20% synthetic saliva) and 10 g of feed (43% chopped hay, 57% corn-soy-based concentrate). Three treatments were tested in quadruplicate: Control (CON; liquid mixture only), Mycotoxin (MTX; CON + mycotoxin culture material to achieve concentration of 100 ppb ZEN and 1000 ppb DON), and BPL (MTX + 20 g/L of molasses-based liquid feed supplement including 1.65% of BPL). Samples were taken at 0 (molasses-based liquid feed added to BPL reactors after 15 min of incubation), 1, 3, 6, and 24 h and analyzed for ZEN and DON by HPLC. Results were averaged by treatment. No ZEN or DON was detected at any time point in CON group. After 3 h, ZEN was reduced by 91% and DON reduced by 87% in BPL group, with no detectable mycotoxins by 6 h. After 24 h, ZEN and DON were reduced 35% and 28%, respectively in MTX group due to natural microbial activity of the rumen fluid. Overall, the addition of Biofix® Plus PRO reduced ZEN and DON levels under the rumen batch culture conditions.
PSIV-22 The effects of altering ruminal fermentable carbohydrate supply in finishing diets containing distillers grains on rumen fermentation characteristics and nitrogen utilization
Authors: Ream Cody , Stevens Allison V , Chibisa Gwinyai
Published: December 2019

This study examined the effects of altering ruminal fermentable carbohydrate (RFC) supply by feeding different amounts of corn and wheat in finishing cattle diets containing 15% corn dried distillers grains [DDGS; dry matter (DM) basis] on ruminal fermentation characteristics and nitrogen (N) utilization. Six ruminally-cannulated crossbred heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28 d periods. Dietary treatments were either corn (73% of diet DM; CON), 53:20 corn:wheat blend (20W) or 33:40 corn:wheat blend (40W) as the major fermentable carbohydrate source. Diets were isonitrogenous (12% CP; DM basis). Feed intake was measured daily. Indwelling pH logger were used to measure ruminal pH (d 22 to 28) and ruminal fluid was collected from d 26 to 28 to determine fermentation characteristics, as were feces and urine to measure N excretion. Data was analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS. Dry matter and N intake tended to be lower (P ≤ 0.07) for heifers fed the 40W compared to the CON and 20W diets. There was no diet effect (P = 0.15) on total VFA concentration; however, the duration and area for pH < 5.5 tended to be longer (P = 0.07) and greater (P = 0.096), respectively, for heifers fed the 20W and 40W compared to the CON diet. There was no diet effect (P ≥ 0.44) on ruminal ammonia concentration and total urine N excretion (g and % of N intake). However, urine urea N (UUN) excretion as a percentage of total urine N tended to be lower (P = 0.05) in heifers fed the 20W and 40W compared to the CON diet. In summary, although altering RFC supply by feeding increasing amounts of wheat resulted in a decrease in UUN excretion, it also caused a decrease in ruminal pH that possibly compromised DM intake.
PSII-13 Effects of antibiotics on serum metabolomic profiles in weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E. coli
Authors: Kim Kwangwook , He Yijie , Jinno Cynthia , Song Minho , Ji Peng , Liu Yanhong
Published: December 2019

Our previous studies have shown that exposure to low-dose antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) may exacerbate the negative effects of Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection on weaned pigs. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of low-dose AGP on serum metabolomic profiles of weaned pigs experimentally infected with F18 E. coli. Thirty-four pigs (6.88 ± 1.03 kg BW) were individually housed in disease containment rooms and randomly allotted to one of three treatments with 9–13 replicate pigs per treatment. The three dietary treatments were control diet (control) and 2 additional diets supplemented with 0.5 or 50 mg/kg of AGP (carbadox), respectively. The experiment lasted 18 d [7 d before and 11 d after first inoculation (d 0)]. The F18 E. coli inoculum was orally provided to all pigs with the dose of 1010 cfu/3 mL for 3 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected on d 0 before E. coli inoculation and on d 5 and 11 post-inoculation (PI). Serum metabolomics were analyzed for untargeted metabolomics by gas chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometer (GC-TOF-MS). All processed data were statistically analyzed and evaluated by online MetaboAnalyst tool. No significant differences were observed in serum metabolites between control and low-dose AGP throughout the experiment. Supplementation of high-dose AGP changed the concentrations of several serum metabolites (P < 0.05; arabitol, guanine, and xylitol) compared with control pigs on d 5 PI. Further metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that low-dose AGP modified (P < 0.05) pentose phosphate pathway, DNA synthesis in T and B lymphocytes, bile acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism in E. coli infected pigs, compared with high-dose AGP. In conclusion, the modification of serum metabolites and metabolic pathways by low-dose AGP may be involved in reduced growth performance, exacerbated diarrhea and systemic inflammation of weaned pigs induced by E. coli infection.
PSII-24 Towards a better understanding of the gut microbiome functions in the swine production: extensive cultivation of the swine gut microbiome from different growth stages
Authors: Wang Xiaofan , Wei Xiaoyuan , Deng Feilong , Tsai Tsungcheng , Maxwell Charles V , Zhao Jiangchao
Published: December 2019

Substantial progress has been made in the culture-omics of the human gut microbiota. However, little is known about the culture-omics of the swine gut microbiota, despite recent reports of their significant roles in swine health and production. To fill this knowledge gap in research, we tested 52 bacterial cultivation methods with different media and gas combinations. Fresh fecal samples (0.2g/sample) were collected from three pigs at the end of four growth stages: lactation, nursery, growing and finishing and were mixed with a stomacher in 20 mL saline. Aliquots of 50 uL microbial suspensions were then spread onto different media plates and incubated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions at 37C for up to 5 days. An additional aliquot of each sample was subjected to direct DNA extraction as a positive control. Bacterial colonies from each plate were collected and DNA was extracted from these samples using the Powersoil DNA isolation kit and sequenced with an Illumina Miseq sequencer targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Sequences were analyzed with the Deblur algorithm in the QIIME2 package. A total of 378, 482, 565, and 555 bacterial features were observed from microbial solutions at the end of lactation, nursery, growing and finishing. Our culturing methods recovered 415, 675, 808, and 823 features correspondingly, representing 45.2%, 54.8%, 53.3%, and 56.4% of total features observed in microbial solutions. The top ten most easily cultured genus were Escherichia, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Megasphaera, Acidaminococcus, Bacillus, Mitsuokella, Enterococcus and Prevotella. Non-parametric permutational multivariate analysis of variance shows that the main factors driving the swine culture-omics included medium, age and oxygen condition. This study identifies the cultivable bacteria from fecal samples collected at different growth stages of pigs and provides a guidance to cultivate potential beneficial or pathogenic bacteria of interests and validate their functions in swine production.
PSI-34 The Impact of Varying Protein Sources on Feedlot Goat Fecal Microbiome
Authors: Mitchell Allianna , Jones Cassandra K
Published: December 2019

The effect of protein sources with different RUP values on feedlot goat fecal microbiome has not been studied. This experiment evaluated the impact of varying protein sources on feedlot goat fecal microbiome. Fourty-five Boer-influenced goats (23.53 kg ± 1.07; approximately 75 d of age) were blocked by body weight and randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment diets (15 goats/treatment) with ad libitum feed and water for 42 d. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous, with varying primary protein source: 1) 18.7% solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM), 2) 22.0% expelled soybean meal (SoyPlus), or 3) 34.4% distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS). On d 42, fecal pellets were collected from each goat and stored at -80°C until microbiome sequencing. Samples underwent PCR amplification of the V4 region of the 16S gene and sequencing on Illumina HiSeq 2500 (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA) by a commercial lab (MR DNA, Shallowater, TX). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with Turkey’s test for post hoc comparisons. Beta and alpha diversity were analyzed using Qiime with Kruskal-Wallis pairwise comparisons and ANOSIM. Genera, with individual abundance greater than 1%, that were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in SBM-fed goats compared to goats fed DDGS and SoyPlus include Clostridium, Paludibacter, Tannerella, and Methanobrevibacter. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes was greater in SBM-fed goats compared to DDGS-fed goats (P = 0.04) and Euryarchaeota was more abundant in goats fed SBM compared to DDGS (P = 0.003) and SoyPlus (P = 0.0001). Protein source did not affect β-diversity (r ≈ 0) or α-diversity (P > 0.10). In summary, altering protein source in finishing goat diets created shifts in some phyla and genera, however the diversity within and between microbial communities across treatments were uninfluenced.
PSVIII-41 Study of functional variants in homozygous islands in Nelore cattle
Authors: Magalhães Ana Fabricia Braga , Mercadante Maria Eugênia Zerlotti , Silva Danielly Beraldo dos Santos , Júnior Gerardo Alves Fernandes , Rios Ana Cristina Herrera , Mota Lúcio Flávio Macedo , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to identify functional variants within runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands present in the genome of Nellore cattle. Genotypic information of 3,492 animals and 755,319 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), were used. ROH segments were detected using PLINK software. Only ROH segments shared by more than 50% of the population individuals were used for identifying homozygosity islands. The islands functional variants were classified using the VEP tool (predictor of variant effect) from ENSEMBL software. If the variant SIFT score was less than 0.05 it was considered to be “deleterious,” otherwise it was “tolerant.” We found five islands of homozygosity, located in chromosome 5, 7, 12, 21 and 26. Within the islands, a total of 1,181 variants were processed by VEP and all of them were recognized as existing variants. In total, 51 overlapped genes and 69 overlapped transcripts were found. Most of the variants were SNPs located in the intronic regions (55%), followed by intergenic spaces (14%), upstream (13%) and downstream gene variants (12%). The intronic variants can be related to specific QTLs, either because they are associated with regions affecting gene expression or in linkage disequilibrium with the causative mutation or even because they have an unknown function. Only a small portion of the variants is in synonymous regions (4%), splice regions (1%), untranslated regions (UTRs) (1%) or are missense variants (1%). We have found 11 missense variants, being three considered deleterious and eight tolerant. The deleterious variants were annotated: INHBC, SMIM33 e FBXW4 genes. The knowledge of functional variants distribution is important for improving annotation of the bovine genome. This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001 and by São Paulo Research Foundation FAPESP (grants 2018/04313-7 and 2017/10630–2).
PSIII-17 The effects of a yeast product on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, fecal fermentative end products, fecal microbiota, and immune responses of adult dogs
Authors: Lin Ching-Yen , Steelman Andrew J , Godoy Maria R C de , Swanson Kelly S
Published: December 2019

Research in various animal species has demonstrated the effectiveness of yeast products to improve health and performance. However, little research on yeast products are available for dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a yeast product on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD), fecal characteristics, fecal microbiota, and immune responses of adult dogs. Twelve adult female beagles (age: 4.8±0.9 yr; BW: 13.3±0.7 kg) were fed the same diet, but supplemented with a yeast product (165 mg/d) or a placebo (125 mg cellulose/d) via gelatin capsules in a crossover design. In each period, a 21-d adaptation phase was followed by 5 d of total fecal collection for ATTD measurement. Fresh fecal samples (within 15 min defecation) were collected on d 22 for fecal dry matter, pH, fermentative end-products, and fecal microbiota measurements. Blood samples were collected on d 27 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated for evaluations of immune cell populations and immune cell responsiveness. Except for microbiota data, data were analyzed using Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4. Microbial sequence data were analyzed using QIIME 1.9.1. and STAMP 2.1.3. ATTD, fecal characteristics and fermentative end-products were not altered by treatment (P > 0.05). Microbial alpha- and beta-diversity and specific microbial taxa were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). Immune cell populations and immune cell responsiveness of toll-like receptors were not altered by treatment (P > 0.05). However, the strong period effect reported for all parameters may have mitigated the yeast product expected benefits. In conclusion, the yeast product tested in this study did not significantly alter the outcomes measured in healthy adult dogs. Future studies testing higher yeast product dosages, studying dogs undergoing stress, antibiotic administration or immune challenge, or studying dogs most susceptible to gastrointestinal distress (weanling; geriatric), may be of interest.
PSI-16 Exploring complete blood count as a predictor of resilience in pigs using a natural disease challenge model
Authors: Bai Xuechun , Putz Austin , Wang Zhiquan , Fortin Frederic , Harding John , Dekkers Jack C , Field Catherine , Plastow Graham
Published: December 2019

Disease resilience is defined as an animal’s ability to maintain a relatively undepressed performance in the face of infections, due to optimal resource allocation between immunity and productivity. Extending breeding goals with resilience is a pragmatic way to improve herd health and reduce economic losses related to infectious diseases. To make genetic improvement for resilience, there is a need for predictors that can be obtained in high health nucleus herds where the selection of breeding animals takes place. Therefore, our study aimed to determine whether a clinical measure, CBC, is a useful indicator trait for resilience. Least square means and variance component analyses were conducted using CBC and 660K SNP genotype data of 2593 pigs that went through a nursery-to-finish natural disease challenge model and exhibited divergent responses in terms of growth and individual medication. CBC taken from healthy pigs before challenge did not show differences between resilient and susceptible pigs. However, resilient animals showed a significantly greater increase of lymphocytes at the early stages of infection and hemoglobin at the late stage. Neutrophils in resilient animals showed a tendency for a reduction during the late stage of infection. These results suggest that CBC traits could provide an indication of a change in resource allocation in response to infection. Resilient animals are expected to allocate more resources towards immunity during the early stages of infection to help limit infection so as to resolve inflammation and recover earlier in order to maintain high rates of production. CBC traits were heritable and genetically correlated with growth and treatment, which may indicate the potential to develop CBC as a predictor for the selection of resilience among breeding animals. Further studies are underway to test if CBC traits have value as an indicator of resilience in combination with genome-wide association studies and genomic prediction.
PSXIV-3 Expression of genes within the methionine-folate cycle are altered by glucose and one-carbon metabolite supplementation in bovine embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Crouse Matthew S , Caton Joel , Dahlen Carl , Borowicz Pawel , Ward Alison
Published: December 2019

We hypothesized that supplementation with one-carbon metabolites (OCM; methionine, folate, choline, and vitamin B12) in divergent glucose media would alter expression of genes in the methionine-folate cycle of DNA methylation in bovine embryonic tracheal fibroblasts. Cells were cultured in EMEM medium containing 1 g/L (Low) or 4.5 g/L (High) of glucose with no added OCM (CON), or 2.5, 5, or 10 times folate, choline, and B12 (2.5X, 5X, or 10X, respectively) in the CON media. Methionine was limited to 2X CON. The data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Cells were passaged three times in treated media before RNA extraction. Gene expression analysis was conducted on Methionine Adenosyltransferase 2A and 2B (MAT2A and MAT2B) DNA Methyltransferase 1, 3A, and 3B (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B), S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase (AHCY), and Methionine Synthase (MTR). There was no glucose × OCM interaction for DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, AHCY, or MTR (P > 0.17). Expression of MAT2B was greater (P < 0.01) in 2.5X, 5X, and 10X OCM in High media compared with all other treatments. Expression of DNMT1 was greater in CON, 5X, and 10X OCM in Low media compared with all other treatments. Expression of MTR was greater (P = 0.03) in CON and 10X OCM treatments compared with 2.5X and 5X levels. Finally, MAT2A and AHCY expression was affected by glucose level, with MAT2A being greater (P = 0.02) in Low compared with High, and AHCY being greater (P < 0.01) in High compared with Low media. These data suggest that glucose and OCM supplementation differentially affect the expression of genes in the methionine-folate cycle of DNA methylation. Additionally, these data demonstrate that additional work elucidating the changes in protein abundance of these enzymes, concentrations of methionine-folate cycle intermediates (specifically S-adenosylmethionine:S-adenosylhomocysteine), as well as changes in DNA methylation are needed.
PSIX-21 Effect of reduced digestible protein and amino acid supply imposed in the grower and finisher period or solely in the finisher period on growth performance and feeding behaviour
Authors: Bee Giuseppe , Maikoff Guy
Published: December 2019

Above 65 kg empty BW, protein deposition is greater in pigs fed protein-restricted compared to standard diets. It is unclear whether the greater CP deposition rate in the finisher period results from the restricted CP supply in the grower phase. To elucidate this, a growth performance study (22.1–110.0 kg BW) was performed with 48 Large-White pigs. They were assigned within litter to 3 dietary treatments: C, LP-F, LP-GF. The grower-finisher diets of treatment C were formulated based on the Swiss feeding recommendations whereas those for the LP-GF treatment contained 20% lower digestible CP and essential amino acids levels than the C diets. Pigs of the LP-GF group were offered in the grower and finisher period the standard and the low CP diets, respectively. The pigs were reared in one large pen, equipped with 6 automatic feeders, which allowed measuring the individual ad-libitum feed intake per visit. The BW was determined weekly. Growth performance and feed behaviour data were analysed with a linear mixed model using treatment as fixed and litter, litter size and farrowing series as random effects. Despite total CP intake was 6 and 16% lower (P < 0.05) in the LP-GF than the LP-F and C groups, respectively, overall ADG from 22.1 to 110.0 kg BW did not differ. Accordingly, gain-to-CP-intake ratio was 9 and 20% greater (P < 0.05) in the LP-GF than the LP-F and C group. In the grower, but not the finisher period, LP-GF pigs visited 1.6-times more (P < 0.05) the feeder and ingested 12% less (P < 0.05) feed per visit than C and LP-F pigs. These data suggest that lowering the CP supply by 20% in the grower and finisher compared to solely the finisher period or not at all has no detrimental effect on growth performance and markedly improves CP utilization for growth.
PSXI-7 Effect of a proprietary blend of botanicals on zootechnical and economical performances in Angus breed steers receiving a natural (NAE) diet
Authors: GREEFF Echbert , CARMAN Jeremy , RAY Michael
Published: December 2019

Many retailers have already adopted a “No Antibiotics Ever” (NAE) policy for some meat sources. Therefore, natural alternatives that would satisfy this growing public health concern about antibiotic resistance while meeting the needs (to support feed efficiency and net profit) of beef producers would have value. 1,185 Angus breed steers in a sixty thousand cap. commercial feedlot (TX) were involved in a randomized block design to evaluate the effect of a blend of flavouring phytocompounds (Kender Beef 101, Kender Bio Tech, CO) on performance, mortality rate and margin of non-implanted steers fed with no antibiotics over a 189-d period study. Animals were weighed (852 ± 78.3 lbs of initial LW) and randomly distributed in 8 pens located back to back within one alley. A total mixed diet was offered ad libitum (57.2% DM, 15.2% CP, 2.9% NPN, 8.2% CF and 3.5% Fat). Tested diet was supplemented with 100g/tonne (as DM basis) of the proprietary blend of flavouring phytocompounds via a micro-dosing machine. Veterinary observations, cost of medicine and death were daily reported. Live weight gain was not different between groups (NS) but steers from the tested group needed significantly less total feed intake (3.84 vs 3.71%LW, P < 0.01) to achieve the same growth performance. Subsequently, feed efficiency tended to be optimised in the supplemented group (8.10 vs 7.80, P = 0.078). Total deaths averaged 7 and 5 in both CTL and tested groups, respectively (1,23 vs 0.81%, NS). Medicine cost was significantly lower in the tested group compared to the CTL one (0.03 vs 2.21 USD/hd, P < 0.01). Finally, calculated net profit was higher by 31 USD/hd for the tested group (263 vs 294 USD/hd, P = 0.067). In Angus steers fed a NAE diet, the flavouring phytocompounds (Kender Beef 101) supplementation supported feed efficiency and improved net profit for the beef producer.
PSXI-17 Influence of hops on in vitro ruminal fermentation of corn grain
Authors: Castillo-Castillo Yamicela , Solis Raul , Quintana Armando A , Arzola Claudio , Olivas-Palacios Ana Luisa , Salinas-Chavira Jaime , Anderson Robin
Published: December 2019

An in vitro incubation was carried out to evaluate the potential of hops (Humulus lupulus) as an alternative to antibiotics for upgrading animal production. Whole pellets of hops (Variety Galena) were ground and incubated in a batch culture of ruminal fluid (2000 mg of ground corn grain + 10 mL of fresh rumen liquor). Ruminal fluid was collected from two beef cows through an esophageal tube. The hops were incubated by 24 h at levels of 0, 800, 1600 and 2400 µg/mL. Data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance using PROC GLM of SAS. Hops addition linearly decreased (P < 0.01) gas production (GP; 90.89, 61.73, 36.63 and 28.37 µmol/g respectively) and methane production (MP; 9.76, 1.70, 1.30 and 0.46 µmol/g respectively). The CO2 production linearly increased as levels of hops increased (P < 0.02; 87.5, 88.4, 98.1 and 99.3 µmol/g respectively). The ammonia-N production was reduced in treatment 2 with respect to other treatments (P < 0.03; 12.6, 9.2, 13.7 and 13.5 µmol/g). Effects on ruminal fermentation of corn grain were dose dependent of hops. Addition of hops in ruminant feeding may offer a means to decrease ruminal methane production. Further research is needed to test efficacy of hops on other in vivo rumen-fermentation parameters.
PSXII-41 Evaluation of grain sorghum hybrids reveals potential for improving ruminal fermentation
Authors: Johnson James R
Published: December 2019

In vitro incubations were used to compare fermentation characteristics of corn (uncharacterized hybrid) to 25 sorghum parental lines and hybrids (Clemson University; Richardson Seed Inc., Lubbock, TX; Scott Seed Company, Hereford, TX). Two experiments were conducted as randomized complete block designs using ruminal contents from two ruminally-fistulated steers (blocks). Grains were ground by a 1-mm screen and used as substrates (2 g, dry matter basis) in laboratory fermenters containing strained ruminal contents and bicarbonate buffer. Fermenters were equipped with pressure monitoring devices (ANKOM Technology, Macedon, NY) to quantify gas production as an indicator of microbial digestion. Cultures were incubated for 24 (experiment 1) to 30 hours (experiment 2), and gas production was recorded at 15-minute intervals. Dry matter disappearance was determined, and organic acid concentrations in the spent culture media were analyzed by gas chromatography. Experiment 1 compared corn to 24 sorghum cultivars, and experiment 2 compared corn to six sorghum cultivars, five of which were represented in experiment 1, plus one waxy hybrid. Data were analyzed using mixed models with cultivar as a fixed effect and block as a random effect. For gas production data, time and the interaction between time and cultivar also were used as fixed effects. For both experiments, there was an interaction between cultivar and time (P < 0.0001) for gas production, revealing large differences among cultivars with respect to their relative susceptibility to microbial fermentation. Similarly, dry matter disappearance; production of acetate, propionate, and butyrate; and acetate:propionate varied substantially among cultivars (P < 0.01), and in many cases exceeding measurements obtained with control corn. Sorghum cultivars used in these experiments varied widely in their susceptibility to digestion by ruminal microorganisms, revealing potential for development of hybrids that can compete with corn as energy sources while contributing to improved sustainability of feedlot production.
PSX-28 Narasin inclusion and different levels of hay change the cecal parameters in feedlot lambs
Authors: Sardinha Lairana A , Polizel Daniel M , Baggio Marcelo , Limede Arnaldo C , Barroso José P R , Martins André S , Oliveira Gabriela B , Ferraz Marcos V C , Vaz Pires Alexandre
Published: December 2019

Narasin is an antibiotic ionophore that may change rumen fermentation; however, the effects on the post-rumen are unknown. The objective of this study was to determinate the effects of different levels of hay and narasin inclusion on the cecal parameters of lambs. Forty-four lambs were allotted in a randomized complete block design, defined by initial BW, in a 2x2 factorial treatment arrangement. The first factor was forage (coastcross hay) inclusion (10 or 20%, DM basis) and the second factor was narasin (0 or 13 ppm). The experimental diets were isonitrogenous (17.4%, DM basis) and the experiment lasted 112 days. At the end of the experimental period, the lambs were slaughtered without fasting, and the cecal fluid was collected to determinate pH and short chain fatty acid (SCFA). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The effects were considered significant when P < 0.05. There was no interaction between forage content and narasin inclusion. Narasin increased the molar concentration of propionate (N0: 19.4; N13: 21.4 mM/100mM; P = 0.02) and decreased isobutyrate (N0: 1.6; N13: 0.7 mM/100mM; P = 0.05) and acetate:propionate ratio (N0: 3.4; N13: 2.9; P = 0.03). The valerate was greater in diets with 10% hay when compared of diets 20% (H10: 2.0; H20: 1.3 mM/100mM; P < 0.01). The experimental diets not affect the molar proportion of acetate (62.7±1.3 mM/100mM), butyrate (12.9 ± 0.7 mM/100mM), isovalerate (1.3 ± 0.5 mM/100mM) total SCFA concentration (68.6 ± 8.5 mM) and cecal pH (6.2 ± 0.14). Therefore, the inclusion of 13 ppm of narasin changes the cecal fermentation in high concentrate diets. In addition, the inclusion of 10 or 20% of hay has a little influence on cecal fermentation.
PSX-27 Effects of narasin supplementation frequency on lamb ruminal fermentation
Authors: Oliveira Gabriela B , Polizel Daniel M , Biava Janaina S , Pasqualino Letícia , Oliveira Graziela , Bertoloni Analisa , Barroso José P R , Baggio Marcelo , Ferreira Evandro M , Pires Alexandre Vaz
Published: December 2019

This study evaluated the frequency of narasin supplementation on ruminal fermentation in lambs. Four male lambs (castrated and cannulated in the rumen) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experimental design. The experimental diets consisted of 95% coastcross hay (16% CP) and 5% ground corn (DM basis), used as the delivery vehicle for the narasin. The diet was fed daily. The treatments were: C (no additives), N24: narasin offered every 24 hours at 13 ppm; N48: narasin offered every 48 hours, being 26 ppm offered on the first day and ground corn without narasin on the second day; N72: narasin offered every 72 hours, being 39 ppm offered on the first day and ground corn without narasin on the second and third days. The trial lasted 4 periods of 36 days each. Between the 31st to 36th days of each period, the rumen fluid was collected (hours 0; 6 and 12). All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and the treatments were compared through the Tukey test at 5% probability. There was no effect at the molar concentration of acetate (76.25 ± 1.22 mM/100mM), butyrate (4.9 ± 0.59 mM/100mM), ammonia (15.17 ± 2.03 mg/dl) and pH (6.36 ± 0.13). There was an effect of the molar concentration of propionate (C = 15.88b; N24 = 17.35a; N48 = 16.91a; N72 = 16.57ab mM/100mM; P < 0.01), acetate:propionate ratio (C = 4.86; a N24 = 4.38 b; N48 = 4.53b; N72 = 4.66ab; P < 0.01) and the total SCFA (C = 88.96b; N24 = 107.43 a; N48 = 100.53a; N72 = 84.62b mM; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the daily supply of narasin and every 48 hours positively affected ruminal fermentation parameters in lambs, but this effect decreased when used every 72 hours.