bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXV-3 The influence of the dams genotype on the indicators of the breeding value of offspring
Authors: Lapshina Alexandra , Gabidulin Vyacheslav , Alimova Svetlana , Kizaev Mikhail , Ruchay Aleksey
Published: October 2021

Aberdeen Angus cattle of Australian breeding is a new ecological and genetic genotype and it is currently in the process of formation and differentiation, the genealogy of the breeding stock is represented by the leading related groups of bulls-leaders of domestic and imported breeding. The aim of this work was to study the breeding value of Bismarck5682bovine cows of Australian selection (n = 20) and Design1015 (n = 20) of domestic reproduction of the Aberdeen-Angus breeding and their influence on the selection and genetic parameters of the productivity of heifers-daughters. It was revealed that the representatives of the Design line had an advantage in live weight (615.4 kg,lim-705-495kg) by 9.8% (P < 0.001), milk productivity (219.7 kg,lim-241-184kg) by 2.4% (P > 0.05) and height insacrum (134.5 cm,lim-140cm-128cm) by 4.1% (P < 0.001) compared to peers of Bismarck line.The ability of animals to realize their breeding potential is determined by many factors. So, it was revealed that the heifers of Design lineexceeded their peers from Bismarck group in live weight in 15 months (359.8 kg, Cv-5.24%) by 5.2%, (P >0.05), average daily gain (652.8 g, Cv-7.86%) - 10.6% (P< 0.001), body conformation score (19.7 points, Cv-3.72)- 14.5% (P< 0.01). It should be noted that heifers – daughters of the Bismarck genealogical line gave in sacrum height but had a better estimate of meat forms by 2.9% with reliable values. These results allow us to conclude that the offspring of the Bismarck 5682 genealogical line of Australian breeding are more affected by the negative factors of the new breeding zone. Thus, a step-by-step selection evaluation of the breeding stock will allow more reliable identification of breeding bulls with a better ability to improve valuable distinguishing features in the generations of cows during their linear breeding. The research was carried out within the framework of RAS 0526-2021-0001.
PSXV-1 Genetic evaluation of longevity of cows culled due to fertility-related problems using random regression models and censored data
Authors: Oliveira Hinayah R , Miller Stephen P , Brito Luiz F , Schenkel Flavio S
Published: October 2021

A recent study showed that longevity based on different culling reasons should be considered as different traits in genetic evaluations. However, it is still necessary to create a pipeline that avoid including/excluding animals culled for different reasons in every genetic evaluation run. This study aimed to: 1) perform a genetic evaluation of the longevity of cows culled due to fertility-related problems including records of animals culled for other reasons (i.e., age, structural problems, disease, and performance) as censored records; and, 2) identify the impact of censored data in the genetic parameters and breeding values estimated. Two longevity indicators were evaluated: traditional (TL; time from first calving to culling) and functional (FL; time period in which the cow was alive and also calving after its first calving) longevity. Both TL and FL were evaluated from 2 to 15 years-old, and codified as binary traits for each age (0 = culled and 1 = alive/calved). Both trait definitions were analyzed using a Bayesian random regression linear model. Animals culled for reasons other than fertility were either excluded from the data (standard) or had their records censored after the culling date reported in the dataset (censored). After the quality control, 154,419 and 450,124 animals had uncensored and censored records, respectively. Heritabilities estimated for TL over the ages ranged from 0.02 to 0.13 for standard, and from 0.01 to 0.12 for censored datasets. Heritabilities estimated for FL ranged from 0.01 to 0.14 (standard), and from 0.01 to 0.13 (censored). Average (SD) correlation of breeding values predicted over all ages, using the standard and censored datasets, was 0.77 (0.16) for TL, and 0.83 (0.11) for FL. Our findings suggest that including censored data in the analyses might impact the genomic evaluations and further work is need to determine the optimal predictive approach.
PSXV-11 Using assisted reproductive technologies for obtaining new breeding forms by hybridization in sheep breeding
Authors: Vinokurov Nikolaj , Vladimirov Leonid , Machakhtyrov Grigoriy , Machakhtyrova Varvara , Sleptsov Evgeniy
Published: October 2021

Arctic and northern latitudes are rarely used in animal husbandry, meanwhile, wild species of animals that are best adapted to the harsh climate successfully live in these territories. The aim of the study was to obtain new breeding forms in sheep using assisted reproductive technologies. Domestic sheep of the Buryat Coarsewool and sperm from 4 Siberian bighorn sheep of the Yakut population (Ovis nivicola lydekkeri) were used. Methods of postmortal removal of viable semen from epididymal aspirate and also the composition of a newly created extender for freezing epididymal semen have been developed. Thirteen sheep were inseminated using laparotomy. Sheep in estrus were identified by a test ram. The viability of the semen is influenced by the time interval from the moment of death to the removal of the semen from the epididymal aspirate. The temperature of the environment in which the testicles were kept before the semen removal also affects the final quality of the sperm. Thus, the highest viability of epididymal semen was observed at t = + 4°C when removed within 2 hours after the ram` death. As a result of research, the optimal composition of the extender was developed from test solutions of different compositions. The viability of spermatozoa for the extender was 25–30% higher than in others. Since the fertilizing properties of epididymal semen are lower than that of ejaculated semen, we used the intratubal insemination method. As a result, 8 hybrid F1 offsprings (1/2 domestic sheep x 1/2 wild bighorn sheep) were obtained, which can be kept year-round in winter pastures in the conditions of extremely low temperatures.
PSIX-17 Cytokine profile of cow blood in the treatment of acute postpartum endometritis with recombinant α -, γ-interferons
Authors: Shabunin Sergey , Mikhalev Vitaly
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to research the cytokine profile of cow blood in the treatment of acute postpartum endometritis with the use of recombinant α-, γ-interferons. Animals of the first group (n = 9) with a diagnosis of acute postpartum endometritis were intramuscularly injected with propranolol hydrochloride, denatured emulsified placenta, and nioxityl. Propranolol hydrochloride was administered for 4 days at a dose of 10 ml/animal at 24-hour intervals. The denatured emulsified placenta was injected subcutaneously on days 1-5-9 at a dose of 25 ml /animal. Nioxityl was injected intrauterine at a dose of 150 ml three times with a 48-hour interval. Cows of the second group (n = 11) with the same diagnosis were additionally injected intramuscularly with bovine recombinant α-, γ-interferons three times in 1–3 days at a dose of 5 ml/animal, 1 cm3 of which contains at least 1x104 IU/cm3 of the total antiviral activity of bovine recombinant α-, γ-interferons. Blood samples are taken from all groups before and at the end of the experiment. Blood samples are examined for the content of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-10 (IL-10) using Bovine Elisa Kit Clood-Clone Corp (USA). The therapeutic effectiveness in the first group was 77.8%, in the second - 90.9%, which is 13.1% more. At the end of the course, the level of IL-2 decreased by 42.5% (43.5±4.2 pg/ml, P < 0.01), TNF-Α by 9.1% (457.9±34.6 pg/ml), the level of IL-4 increased by 14.8% (44.2±3.5 pg/ml, P < 0.05), IL-10 by 56.6% (35.7±2.8 pg/ml, P < 0.01). In the second group, the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines decreased: IL–2 by 48.7% (38.8±1.6 pg/ml, P < 0.01), TNFα by 26% (372.5±17.6 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and increased anti–inflammatory cytokines: IL-4 by 46.2% (56.3±4.1 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and IL-10 by 80.3% (41.1±3.5 pg/ml, P < 0.001), which indicates a decrease in the inflammatory response.
PSIX-14 Active and passive immunity in calves vaccinated with a subunit targeted vaccine against BVDV
Authors: Venturini Mauro , Bellido Demian , Baztarrica Josefina , Rocha Lucia , Parreño Viviana , Wigdorowitz Andrés
Published: October 2021

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infects ruminants, with a worldwide distribution, the virus causes a broad spectrum of clinical diseases and economic losses. Vaccination against BVDV is an important component of prevention and control programs. Currently, only modified live vaccines (MLV) and inactivated vaccines are used. Both have historical disadvantages; MLV in terms of safety and inactivated vaccines in terms of immunogenicity. We have previously reported the development and efficacy trials of the first targeted subunit vaccine against BVDV. The core of the vaccine is a fusion of the BVDV structural protein, E2, to a single-chain antibody, APCH, together termed, APCH-E2. The APCH antibody targets the E2 antigen to the MHC-II present on antigen-presenting cells. The goal of this work was to evaluate passive immunity through colostrum and active immunity of calves immunized with the novel vaccine. 24 A. angus heifers were divided into two groups, 12 immunized with the vaccine and 12 received placebo, in the last trimester of gestation. Serum samples from calves were taken at day 30 of age and analyzed by competitive ELISA. In the vaccinated group, 92% of the d30 old calves maintained medium (25%) or high (67%) antibody levels against BVDV, while 50% of the animals in the control group presented low antibody level (Pearson’s chi-squared p:0,07) (Table 1). At 5 months of age, calves of both groups were immunized with the targeted vaccine. Thirty days later, 96% of the calves had medium or high antibody levels against BVDV, which was independent of their respective heifer vaccine status. These results confirm the new targeted subunit vaccine against BVDV is safe and efficacious to be used in pregnant cattle and can passively immunize newborn calves. They also show that these maternal antibodies do not interfere with the active immunization of calves.
PSIX-20 Galectins expression and secretion in cow milk
Authors: Mulakala Bharath Kumar , Eboghoye Eluka-Okoludoh , Ekwemalor Kingsley , Worku Mulumebet
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the expression and secretion of Galectins (Gal) in cow milk. Cow milk contains a range of proteins of moderate or low abundance that contribute to host defense. However, host defense proteins in milk were not fully discovered. Galectins belong to the lectin family that recognizes specific carbohydrates on cells and involved in innate immune responses. Holstein Friesian cows (n = 16) from North Carolina A&T diary unit were used for this study. Based on the Dairy Heard farm index, eight cows each were assigned to the high or low SCC group. Total RNA was isolated from somatic cells converted to cDNA, for real-time PCR. Cow-specific Gal primers were designed using the NCBI Primer 3 tool. Housekeeping genes RPLP0, UCHL5, and beta-actin were served as internal controls. Total whey protein concentration was determined using a BCA kit. Secretion of Gal was assessed using a specific ELISA kit. Data were analyzed using the Proc ANOVA procedure in SAS 9.4. Galectin was transcribed and secreted in milk. Transcription of Galectin was different in both HSCC and LSCC groups. Total protein concentration remained the same in both groups. Secretion of galectins was different between the HSCC and LSCC group but not significantly. The observed difference in HSCC and LSCC cows warrants further study using more animals; this will aid in a better definition of the role of Gal in the milk host defense. These may also aid as the diagnostic biomarkers for certain infections.
PSX-B-27 Physiological changes in grazing dairy cows at increasing temperatures under moderate climate conditions
Authors: Pontiggia Alice , Münger Andreas , Eggerschwiler Lukas , Stucki Dimitri , Ammer Stefanie , Bruckmaier Rupert M , Keil Nina M , Dohme-Meier Frigga
Published: October 2021

The continuous direct exposure to solar radiation, coupled with their own metabolic heat production, make grazing dairy cows on pasture particularly susceptible to heat stress. Heat stress can impair performance, animal welfare, and health. The objective of the present study was to identify physiological indicators of heat stress in dairy cows in a pasture-based production system under moderate climate conditions. The study was performed with 24 lactating Holstein dairy cows during summer 2018 and 2019 at the experimental farm of Agroscope (Posieux, Switzerland). Cows grazed full-time using a set stocking system. Climate conditions were recorded every min and were used to calculate the comprehensive climate index (CCI), which reflects the felt temperature in °C. The vaginal temperature (VT) of each cow was measured every 10 minutes with temperature loggers and was used as a physiological indicator of heat stress. Blood and milk were sampled once daily in the afternoon before and during milking, respectively. The concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were analyzed in blood plasma and cortisol concentration was analyzed in milk. Data from 12 periods of up to 3 consecutive days with increasing CCI was analyzed. Analysis were performed with the averaged CCI and the maximal VT recorded between 0830 and 1430 h. The VTmax was positively correlated with CCIaverage (P < 0.001). The T4 and T3 concentrations decreased with increasing CCIaverage and VTmax (P < 0.01). Cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with CCIaverage and VTmax (P < 0.05). Changes in VT and hormones showed that cows responded to increasing environmental temperature and may have perceived the rising heat load as a stressor.
PSX-B-29 Using ozonized flaxseed oil for treatment of postpartum endometritis
Authors: Nikolaev Semen , Konopeltsev Igor
Published: October 2021

Postpartum endometritis is one of the leading causes of infertility in cattle. The study aims to investigate the possibility of using ozonized flaxseed oil (OFO) for treating postpartum purulent-catarrhal endometritis in cows. Ozone was synthesized by using medical ozone generator and chemically pure oxygen. Linseed oil (400.0 ml) was bubbled with an ozone-oxygen mixture for 4 hours through a ceramic sprayer. An ozone concentration at the outlet was 30 mg/l. The therapeutic efficacy of OFO was studied on cattle of the Kholmogory breed with a productivity of 4800 - 5800 kg of milk per year. Thirty animals with symptoms of postpartum purulent-catarrhal endometritis were divided into two groups (n = 15). All of the subjects were in the second and third lactation periods. Animals from both groups were injected with 2% sinestrol solution on days 1 and 3 of treatment. OFO was used in the experimental group (EG). The cattle of the control group (CG) received a 7.5% solution of benzethonium chloride. Drugs were administered intrauterine at a dose of 50–150 ml (depending on the uterus’s size) using a polystyrene pipette, with an interval of 48–72 hours. Cows were inseminated artificially by the cervical method. The pregnancy was determined on the 30-35th day after insemination by ultrasonography. After 5 months of observation, all animals of the CG were pregnant. The pregnancy rate in the EG was 93,3%. In the groups efficiency of the first insemination was 20% and 47%, respectively. In the EG, one impregnation required 1.8±0.2 inseminations, which is 0.5 less than in the CG (2.3±0.3). The duration from calving to impregnation in cows in the EG was 104.4±6.9, 21.2 days less (P < 0.05) than the control, where the period was 125.6±7.6. Thus, OFO can be effectively used for the treatment of endometritis in cattle.
PSX-B-25 Milk productivity and zinc species analysis in cattle depending on the level of lead accumulation
Authors: Kazakova Tatiana , Marshinskaia Olga , Notova Svetlana
Published: October 2021

The aim was to study the milk productivity and zinc species in dairy Holstein cow blood serum depending on the level of lead accumulation. Fat and protein content in milk was assessed by the FIL-IDF procedure. The major zinc species in dairy cow blood serum were tested using a hybrid high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry technique. The lead content in the blood serum of all animals was in the intervals of the physiological standard. Animals with low-normal values (Pb concentration up to the 25th percentile) and high-normal values (Pb concentration above the 75th percentile) were taken to form comparison groups. Animals with high-normal values of lead had a statistically significant decrease of milk yield by 21.8% and daily production of fat by 16.4%. There was a tendency towards a decrease in the yield of protein and its percentage. It was found that the zinc content in all studied fractions (α 2-macro-globulin tetramer, α 2-macro-globulin dimer, albumin, citrates, total content) was statistically significantly lower (more than 4.8 times) in the group with high-normal values of lead. The change in the redistribution of zinc-binding ligands was found depending on the level of lead in the blood. The relative content of the α2-macro-globulin tetramer and α2-macro-globulin dimer was significantly higher by 7% and by 13% in the group with high-normal values of lead. There was the decrease in the level of animal productivity, the metal-ligand forms of zinc underwent changes despite the absence of a significant difference in the total level of lead in the blood serum. This indicates a high potential for the use of speciation analysis in the laboratory diagnosis and allows predicting and correcting zinc metabolism. The studies were performed in accordance with the research plan for 2019–2021 of the Federal Research Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies RAS No. 0526-2019-0001.
PSI-3 An assessment of the barrier function of canine skin after repeated decontamination
Authors: Discepolo Dakota R , Kelley Russell , Wayman Jamie , Fuess Elizabeth , Perry Erin B
Published: October 2021

Working canines are often deployed to environments with unknown chemical and biological contaminants. Deployed canines may operate in highly contaminated disaster sites for lengthy periods of time requiring daily decontamination efforts. The skin provides a barrier by retaining moisture and preventing entry by contaminants and pathogens. However, few data exist on the impact of repeated decontamination to the canine skin. The objective of this study was to identify changes in dermal health during and after a 14-day serial decontamination program. Labrador retrievers (n = 8) were decontaminated daily using a dish detergent solution (1:8, detergent:water). Skin measurements were collected weekly for pH, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum, and moisture. Additionally, visual assessments were recorded for skin health, coat condition, and dander scores (back and body). Statistical tests were conducted with SAS (version 9.4) with measurements analyzed using a PROC GLM Two Way ANOVA and visual assessments analyzed using PROC FREQ Chi Square test. Significance was set at 5% for all tests. Repeated decontamination significantly increased TEWL (P < 0.0001) through day 16. Sebum content was also impacted by repeated daily decontamination efforts (P = 0.0387). Sebum decreased initially before steadily rising. In contrast, moisture content (P = 0.3842) and pH (P = 0.7462), were unaffected by repeated decontamination. Interestingly, dander scores assessed on the back were worsened by repeated decontamination (P = 0.0222) but dander scores assessed across the whole body were unaffected (P = 0.1804). Coat shine was unaffected by decontamination (P = 0.1156) similar to coat softness (P = 0.3418). Overall coat condition remained unchanged as a result of repeated decontamination efforts (P = 0.9466). These data reveal that daily decontamination impacts dermal function, potentially risks for canines working in contaminated areas. Future work should include investigations into methods for decontamination to mitigate these risks.
PSI-9 Digestibility and metabolizable energy content of supplemented diets based on native shrubs and buffelgrass for small ruminants in northeastern Mexico
Authors: Tejeida Víctor Manuel Perrusquía , Aguilar Nydia Corina Vásquez , Rodríguez Humberto González , Barragán Hugo Bernal , Dávila Fernando Sánchez , Vázquez Néstor Arce , Brenner Estela Garza
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing 10% of sorghum grain (SG), soybean meal (SBM) or dried citrus pulp (DCP) upon dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), and metabolizable energy content (ME) of diets based on dried leaves of two shrub species (Acacia farnesiana and Acacia rigidula) and one grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) browsed by small ruminants. Twelve experimental diets were elaborated using three forage sources: C. ciliaris, A. farnesiana and A. rigidula and evaluated either alone (0% supplementation) or supplemented with 10% of SG (9.0% CP, 22.3% NDF), SBM (42.8% CP, 16.3% NDF) or DCP (4.9% CP, 19.1% NDF). In vitro DMD (Daisy incubator, ANKOM) at 48 h, and in vitro gas production (GP, in calibrated 100 mL glass syringes) at 24 h, were determined by incubating samples in an inoculum prepared by using rumen liquor of two rumen fistulated sheep and artificial saliva in a 1:4 ratio. OMD and ME content were calculated from the gas production, crude protein, ash, and ether extract content. Data were evaluated according to a 3 x 4 factorial experiment. There were no significant (P > 0.05) forage source x supplement interaction effects. Leaves of A. farnesiana had higher (P < 0.05) DMD (64%), GP (26 mL), ME (1910 kcal ME/kg DM), and OMD (53%) than other forages (mean 47% DMD, 17 mL GP, 1232 kcal ME/kg DM, and 39% DMO). Supplements increased (P < 0.05) DMD (average +8%), but only DCP increased (P < 0.05) the GP (+23%) of evaluated forages. Leaves of A. farnesiana had higher DMD (P < 0.05; 64%). There were no effects (P >0.05) of the 10% added supplements in ME content or DMO. In conclusion, leaves of A. farnesiana and DCP are valuable sources of nutrients and energy for small ruminants in northeastern Mexico.
PSI-14 Effects of maternal nutrient restriction during late gestation on neonatal beef calf serum chemistry and complete blood cell count
Authors: Wichman Lindsey G , Redifer Colby A , Meyer Allison M
Published: October 2021

To determine effects of late gestational nutrient restriction (NR) on neonatal blood chemistry and hematology, primiparous fall-calving crossbred beef heifers [BW: 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7] were individually fed either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (n = 13) of NASEM net energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to parturition. Calf jugular blood was obtained at 0 (pre-suckling), 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postnatally to determine serum chemistry and complete blood cell count. Data were analyzed with fixed effects of treatment, hour, and their interaction, using repeated measures. Calving date was a fixed effect; calf sex was included when P < 0.25. The treatment x hour interaction (P < 0.10) affected total protein, globulin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, creatine kinase, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, sodium, anion gap, and potassium. Total protein and globulin at 6 to 48 h were greater (P ≤ 0.02) in NR calves. Calves from NR heifers had greater (P < 0.08) GGT at 6, 12, and 48 h and greater (P ≤ 0.07) AST at 0 to 24 h. Creatinine at 24 h and creatine kinase at 6 to 24 h were greater (P < 0.04) in NR calves. Hematocrit from 6 to 24 h and RBC and hemoglobin at 6 and 12 h were greater (P ≤ 0.09) in CON calves. Sodium from 0 to 48 h and anion gap at 6 h were greater (P < 0.09) in CON calves. Calves from NR heifers had greater (P = 0.03) 0 h potassium. Treatment affected chloride, which was greater (P = 0.08) in CON calves. These data indicate calves born to nutrient restricted heifers may experience more trauma at calving but have improved passive transfer.
PSIII-6 Relationship of geographical location, cattle type, sex, and pen size to rates of liver abnormalities
Authors: Grimes Becca B , Johnson Jay W , McEvers Trent , Tennant Travis C , Lucherk Loni W , Lawrence Ty E
Published: October 2021

Bovine liver abscess outcomes of individual animals (n = 989,296) were observed from 2013 to 2021 on a pen (n = 6,420) basis to quantify liver abscess prevalence and severity, as well as other liver abnormalities such as liver flukes. Cattle originated from 122 feedlots located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Livers were audited at eighteen different beef abattoirs. Observational categories included sex (heifer, steer), cattle type (Holstein, beef-type), and pen count. Pen counts were grouped (< 40, 41–80, 81–160, 161–320, and >320) to quantify the association of pen size on liver abscess outcomes. Data were analyzed as a series of binomial proportions using generalized linear mixed models with fixed effects of observational categories (cattle type, feedyard location, pen size and sex). Cattle fed in Oklahoma or Texas exhibited greater (P < 0.01) frequency of liver flukes (3.2% vs 0.5%) than cattle fed in Colorado or Nebraska. Cattle fed in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arizona, and Oklahoma exhibited fewer (P < 0.01) total abscesses (23.5%, 26.0%, 23.6%, 19.3%, 16.9%, and 18.1%) than cattle fed in Idaho, Minnesota, and Texas (36.4%, 36.4%, and 33.2%). Beef-type cattle were observed to exhibit fewer (P < 0.01) total abscesses (22.0% vs 41.1%) and fewer (P < 0.01) severe abscesses (10.2% vs 26.4%) than Holstein cattle. Likewise, native heifers exhibited fewer (P < 0.01) total abscesses (20.6% vs 23.3%) and fewer (P < 0.01) severe abscesses (9.3% vs 11.1%) than native steers. Abscess prevalence differed as a function of pen size. Both total abscess and severe abscess rates decreased (P < 0.01) as animal count within a pen increased (32.66%, 27.47%, 27.86%, 23.17%, and 20.33%; 17.20%, 14.48%, 14.80%, 11.45%, and 9.14%). These results suggest liver abscess prevalence and severity is affected by a wide range of factors.
PSIII-10 The effect of a direct-fed microbial (10-G) on live animal performance and carcass characteristics of fed beef heifers
Authors: Mayer Lauren M , Martens Kevin , Lucherk Loni W , Lawrence Ty E , Tennant Travis C
Published: October 2021

Heifers (n = 1,394; 291 ± 9.9 kg) were used to test the effects of a direct-fed microbial (10-G) on live growth performance and carcass characteristics. Heifers were blocked by arrival day and randomly allocated to treatment (0 or 2g/animal/d; CON and 10-G, respectively) in a randomized complete block design with ten pens per treatment. Heifers were fed for an average of 192 days. Growth and carcass outcomes were analyzed using mixed models with pen as experimental unit and block as random effect. Dry matter intake (P = 0.63), average daily gain (P = 0.69), gain:feed (P = 0.95) and final body weight (P = 0.79) did not differ between treatments. Neither deads and removals (P = 0.52) nor first or second treatment morbidity rates (P ≥ 0.84) were different between treatments. Hot carcass weight (P = 0.19), dressed carcass yield (P = 0.33), 12th rib fat depth (P = 0.73), ribeye area (P = 0.13), calculated empty body fat (P = 0.71) or marbling score (P = 0.20) were not different between treatments. Yield grade distributions did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.44), however cattle fed 10-G tended (P = 0.09; 15.78 vs 20.34%) to be represented by fewer USDA Select carcasses. Livers from cattle fed 10-G tended (P = 0.10; 1.02 vs 2.19%) to have a lower frequency of abscesses when compared to CON. Heifers fed 10-G also had fewer (P < 0.05; 5.27 vs 8.51%) severe liver abscesses. These results suggest that supplementing fed beef heifers with 10-G decreased rates of severe liver abscesses without altering live animal performance or carcass characteristics.
PSIII-9 Supplementation of beta-carotene or fatty acids alters production of prostaglandins in bovine endometrial epithelial cells
Authors: Harman Allison R , Swanson Rebecca
Published: October 2021

Differential prostaglandin secretion from the bovine endometrium can be used as a marker for an embryotropic or embryotoxic uterine environment. Beta-carotene has antioxidant properties and is the precursor for retinol, which has been shown to improve early embryonic development in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, dietary fatty acid supplementation, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to alter prostaglandin production. The objective of this study was to determine prostaglandin production of endometrial cells following treatment with beta-carotene, EPA, or DHA. Bovine endometrial epithelial cells were treated for 24 hours with serum-free media supplemented with either 10 µM beta-carotene, 10 µM EPA, 10 µM DHA or ethanol (>1% volume/volume) vehicle control. After treatment, concentrations of PGE2 and PGF2a were analyzed in media via commercially available ELISA kits. Concentrations and ratios of prostaglandins were analyzed via ANOVA using the mixed procedure in SAS version 9.4. Beta-carotene treatment decreased PGE2 (P < 0.0001) and PGF2a (P = 0.0003) concentrations in media compared to controls. However, the ratio of PGE2:PGF2a was not different (P = 0.1203) between beta-carotene and controls. DHA treatment decreased PGE2 (P < 0.0001) concentrations in media but did not alter (P = 0.1079) PGF2a concentrations in media compared to controls. The ratio of PGE2:PGF2a was not different (P = 0.6343) between DHA and controls. EPA treatment did not alter (P = 0.1503) PGE2 concentrations in media compared to controls. Conversely, PGF2a concentrations were decreased (P = 0.0088) in media treated with EPA compared to controls. Therefore, the ratio of PGE2:PGF2a was increased (P = 0.0116) between EPA versus controls. These studies demonstrate that in vitro supplementation of EPA may alter the endometrial synthesis of prostaglandins to be more embryotropic. Therefore, EPA may be therapeutic for in vivo trials to influence the early uterine environment.
PSIII-8 Sire breed differences for carcass attributes in feedlot steers using ultrasound technology
Authors: Buie Harley , Jesko Noah P
Published: October 2021

Live animal ultrasound measurements were taken on thirty-two feedlot steers and heifers for estimation of carcass endpoints including 12th rib fat thickness (FTU), ribeye area (REAU) and intramuscular fat (%FatU). Ultrasound measurements were collected by an inexperienced technician using an Aloka 500 ultrasound unit using Beef Image Analysis (BIA) software. The objective of the study was to evaluate carcass differences of four sire breed types including Angus (n = 11), Ultrablack (n = 6), Nelore (n = 6), Braunvieh (n = 1) and Angus X Nelore X Braunvieh hybrid (n = 8). Carcass data collected at harvest included 12th rib fat Thickness (FTC), Ribeye area (REAC), marbling score (MS), Yield Grade (YG), and Quality Grade (QG). The data were analyzed using SAS to determine breed effects. Means for FTU, FTC, REAU, REAC, %FatU and MS were 0.59 cm, 0.57 cm, 90.80 cm2, 83.53 cm2, 4.83%, and 483.75, respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in YG and FT due to breed of sire. However, there was a trend for sire breed for ribeye area (P = 0.0728) for Angus X Nelore X Braunvieh cross and MS (P = 0.0786) for Ultrablack. Pearson correlation values between FTU and FTC, REAU and REAC, and %FatU and MS were 0.1217 (P = 0.05068), 0.3545 (P = .0465) and 0.5161 (P = 0.0025), respectively. These data suggest little differences existed in carcass attributes between various sire breeds out of a set of crossbred commercial cows.
PSIII-3 Metabolizable utilization of energy and protein for egg production by addition of dried citrus pulp and eggshell into diet for laying quails (coturnix japonica)
Authors: Rodríguez Carlos Alfredo Gaona , Barragán Hugo Bernal , Aguilar Nydia Corina Vásquez , Brenner Estela Garza , Vázquez Néstor Arce , Dávila Fernando Sánchez
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding 0% (T1), 6% (T2), 12% (T3) and 18% (T4) of a mixture (83% dried citrus pulp (DCP) and 17% eggshell) into a sorghum-soybean meal-limestone based diet for laying quails, on production efficiency and quality of egg. Thirty-two quails were individually housed and randomly assigned (n = 8) to the four experimental diets, during the first 5 week of the laying cycle. Quail LW and feed intake were recorded weekly. Produced eggs were weighed (n = 457) and egg mass production recorded. Proportions of albumen, yolk and shell, egg yolk color, and shell thickness, were determined (n = 55/treatment). On week 5, total excreta of 24 laying quails (n = 6) were collected throughout 96 h, to determine metabolizable utilization of DM, energy, crude protein and ash. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS® software. Initial and final LW, feed intake and egg production were similar (P >0.05) among treatments. Egg mass was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 than T4. Egg weight of quails fed T1 and T2 was higher than others (P < 0.05). The eggshell of quails fed T2 was thicker (248 vs 236 μm; P < 0.05) than T1. Eggshell proportion of quails fed the mixture was higher (P < 0.05) than in T1 (11.3 vs 10.5%). Yolk proportion of T1 was higher (P < 0.05). The b* parameter was lower (P < 0.05) for T1. Metabolizable utilization of dietary DM (72.1%) and energy (68.8%) of T1 was 13% higher (P < 0.05) than T4, however protein (avg 41.4%) and ash (avg 46.7%) utilization were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. In conclusion, adding up to 12% of the mixture (83% DCP and 17% eggshell) in quail diets, resulted in similar egg production parameters, and metabolizable utilization of dietary DM, crude protein, energy and ash, however improved thickness of eggshell, compared to the control diet.
PSIII-2 Infrared technology: A potential tool for improved pork production
Authors: Ereke Samuel O , Brown Jennifer , Roy Cyril , Phyllis Shand , Predicala Bernardo , Cook Nigel
Published: October 2021

This study investigated infrared technology (IRT) as a non-invasive tool for identifying febrile or stressed pigs before slaughter. A total of 120 market pigs (BW= 105.1 ± 4.9 kg) were transported in five replicate trips (20–25 pigs/replicate) for ~2 hr to an abattoir during summer 2020. Ocular and body temperatures of the pigs were recorded using a consumer grade digital infrared camera (FLIR C3, FLIR Systems) in lairage immediately after transport. Thermographic images were taken from 0.25m and 2m from pigs’ eyes and body (back/flank), respectively. At slaughter, blood samples were collected from each animal for cortisol, glucose and lactate analyses. Carcass pH measures were taken at 1 and 3 h post-mortem and loin samples were collected for meat quality assessment. Linear regression models (SAS 9.4) were used to evaluate whether post-transport temperature was predictive of blood and meat quality responses using ambient temperature and relative humidity as covariates. There were significant relationships between pigs’ ocular and body temperatures and blood measures. The regression coefficient (r2) of ocular temperatures for blood cortisol, glucose and lactate were 0.15, 0.15 and 0.04, respectively (P ≤0.03). There were significant relationships between pig ocular temperatures and pH taken at 1, 3 and 24 h post-mortem (r2=0.32, 0.18 and 0.51 respectively, P < 0.001). Meat yellowness (b*) and drip loss increased with body temperatures [r2=0.12 (P =0.0002) and 0.05 (P = 0.024), respectively]. Results for Warner-Bratzler shear force showed that higher temperatures were associated with tougher meat (ocular temperature: r2=0.51, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, as pig temperature increased, blood stress markers and drip loss increased and pH at 1 and 3 h post-mortem decreased, indicative of pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat traits. IRT shows potential for identifying diseased/stressed pigs prior to slaughter and could be a valuable tool for improved food safety and meat quality.
PSIV-9 Effective ruminal degradability of steam-flaked corn is influenced by flake density and starch retrogradation
Authors: Trotta Ronald J , Kreikemeier Kelly K , Royle Randy F , Milton Todd , Harmon David L
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate in situ ruminal digestion characteristics of steam-flaked corn with large differences in starch availability (SA) using two different models: 1) increasing flake density and 2) exposure to 55°C temperatures to induce starch retrogradation. Five ruminally-cannulated steers (body weight = 390 ± 7.86 kg) were pen-fed a starter diet. In Exp. 1, sifted flakes with flake densities of 257, 296, 335, 373, and 412 g/L (SA: 87%, 76%, 66%, 43%, and 49%, respectively) were evaluated. In Exp. 2, three steam-flaked corn fractions were evaluated: flakes + fines (not sifted), sifted flakes (>4-mm), and sifted fines (< 4-mm). Feed fractions were stored for 3-d at either 23°C or 55°C (average SA across steam-flaked corn fractions: 53.3% and 25.5% respectively). Treatments of Exp. 2 were arranged with a 3 × 2 factorial. Both experiments were duplicated and analyzed as randomized complete block designs. In Exp. 1, the fractional rate of degradation linearly decreased (P < 0.001) and effective ruminal dry matter degradability (ERD) linearly decreased (P < 0.001) from 80.8% to 60.3% as flake density increased from 257 to 412 g/L. In Exp. 2, storage of steam-flaked corn samples at 55ºC for 3-d decreased (P < 0.001) the fractional rate of degradation and ERD by 38.6% and 21.7% across all feed fractions, respectively. Using data from Exp. 1 and 2, SA of sifted flakes was positively correlated (Pearson = 0.8435; R2 = 0.71; P < 0.001) to ERD. The results of the current study demonstrate that decreased SA resulting from starch retrogradation or increased flake density is associated with decreased ERD. Decreases in SA and ERD may indicate that increasing flake density or starch retrogradation could potentially alter the site of digestion in cattle, by increasing postruminal starch flows.
PSIV-2 A comparison of feedlot growth and performance of beef x Holstein crossbred steers and Holstein steers
Authors: Basiel Bailey L , Dechow Chad D , Felix Tara L
Published: October 2021

Objectives were to compare feedlot performance and carcass traits of F1 beef × Holstein steers and Holstein steers. Angus or Limousin × Holstein crossbred [n = 27; age = 12 ± 3 months; body weight (BW) = 435 ± 8 kg] and Holstein (n = 20; age = 11 ± 2 months; BW = 400 ± 9 kg) steers were fed at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Livestock Evaluation Center for 111 days. Feed intake was recorded using the GrowSafe Feed Intake Monitoring System (Model 4000E, GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Calgary AB, Canada). The diet contained corn silage, dried distillers grains, soybean meal, and cracked corn and was formulated to meet or exceed the requirements of beef cattle (NASEM, 2016). Growth performance variables of interest and carcass measurements were analyzed with the Mixed procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). USDA assigned quality grades (QG) and yield grades (YG) were analyzed the with GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Breed was a fixed effect in all models. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between breeds in average daily gain or feed efficiency. Crossbreds exceeded Holsteins in initial (P < 0.01) and final BW (P = 0.01), dry matter intake (P = 0.03), hot carcass weight (P < 0.01), backfat (P = 0.03), and ribeye area (REA; P < 0.01). Thirty-five percent (35%) of the Holsteins received a QG of Choice or above while 74% of crossbreds graded USDA Choice or above (P = 0.01). However, 75% of Holsteins were YG 2 or lower while only 45% of crossbreds achieved YG 2 or less (P = 0.05). There was no improvement in efficiency when crossbreds were compared to Holsteins; however, carcasses from crossbreds were more likely to grade USDA Choice or above while yielding greater REA and backfat than Holsteins.
PSIV-11 Effects of feeding a 50% cranberry vine pellet on milk components during lactation in sheep
Authors: Smith Delaney , Thonney Michael , Petersson Katherine , Hoffman Maria L
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of feeding cranberry vine (CV) on milk components during early lactation as part of a larger study on the antiparasitic efficacy of CV supplementation on ewes during the periparturient period. Ewes were fed a 50% CV pellet (CVP; n = 12) or a control pellet (CON; n = 13) beginning at 102±1 d of pregnancy until d 65±1 postpartum. The CV pellet fed was formulated to be equivalent in digestible dry matter to the control pellet. BW was determined weekly during the study and milk samples were collected weekly during lactation. Data were analyzed in SAS with repeated measures. Ewe BW were similar at the start of study (180.36lbs ± 4.70lbs; P = 0.43) however by wk 8 postpartum CVP ewes weighed less than CON ewes (CON: 212.31lbs±7.86lbs; CVP: 185.58lbs±8.00lbs; P = 0.04). There was a treatment*wk effect observed for milk fat, protein and MUN (P ≤ 0.05). Ewes fed CVP exhibited reduced milk fat at wks 2 (CON: 6.75%±0.63%; CVP: 6.06%±0.58%; P = 0.03) and 5 (CON: 6.66%±0.37%; CVP: 5.54%±0.26%; P = 0.05), milk protein was reduced in CVP ewes at wk 2 (CON: 4.92%±0.12%; CVP: 4.72%±0.19%; P = 0.05) and MUN was greater at weeks 4 (CON: 22.89±0.7mg/dL; CVP: 27.93±0.85mg/dL; P = 0.01) and 8 (CON: 24.80±0.51mg/dL; CVP: 26.64±0.86mg/dL; P < 0.01) in CVP ewes. Somatic cell analysis is pending. In conclusion, CVP supplementation during lactation affects milk composition in sheep. Studies are underway to determine the effect of CV supplementation on additional metabolic parameters in pregnant and lactating ewes.
PSV-7 Sire fecal egg count EBV are predictive of offspring response to an artificial gastrointestinal nematode infection in Rambouillet sheep
Authors: Thorne Jacob W , Bowdridge Scott A , Murdoch Brenda M , Redden Reid
Published: October 2021

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) pose a significant risk to the health and productivity of Rambouillet sheep, a noted wool and meat producing breed, in the United States. Capturing phenotypic measurements of Rambouillet while infected with GIN is essential for the calculation of estimated breeding values (EBV) as a selection tool to improve host resistance to GIN. Weaned (age= ~120 d.) Rambouillet lambs (n = 75) were each inoculated with 10,000 Haemonchus contortus L3 larvae and placed in a feedlot. Lambs were offspring of two representative sires, A (n = 26) and B (n = 49), with post-weaning fecal egg count EBV (PFEC) from LAMBPLAN, of -9.94 and +9.20%, respectively. Lamb fecal egg count (FEC), packed-cell volume (PCV) and body weight (BWT) measurements were captured at 7-day intervals for 6 subsequent weeks. Actual FEC were loge transformed (lnFEC) to meet normality and then backtransformed least squares means (LSM) are reported. lnFEC, PCV and BWT were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures including fixed effects of sex, sire and average daily gain (ADG) classification (for lnFEC and PCV), and sex and sire (for BWT). Significant differences (P = 0.0216) in average lnFEC were observed between offspring from sires A [2242 eggs per gram (epg)] and B (2914 epg). Weekly lnFEC differed (P < 0.0001) and a trend identified between sexes (females = 3414 epg vs males = 2712 epg, P = 0.0909). Interestingly, females exhibited a higher average PCV than males, (34.93% v. 31.15%, P < 0.0001), suggesting potential pathological differences by sex in response to GIN infection. Artificial GIN infections offer a more controlled test than under natural conditions and are a viable option to aid in identifying Rambouillet sheep more resistant to GIN. These results indicate EBV calculated with FEC from a natural GIN infection are predictive of the response of Rambouillet lambs to an artificial infection of H. contortus.
Responses to an intra-articular lipopolysaccharide challenge following dietary supplementation ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaefermentation product in young horses
Authors: Martinez Rafael E , Leatherwood Jessica L , Arnold Carolyn E , Glass Kati G , Walter Kelly W , Valigura Hannah C , Norton Sharon A , White-Springer Sarah H
Published: October 2021

Dietary intervention may be a valuable strategy to optimize the intra-articular environment in young horses to prolong their performance career. To test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product would reduce markers of joint inflammation and increase markers of cartilage metabolism following a single inflammatory insult, Quarter Horse yearlings (mean ± SD; 9 ± 1.0 mo) were balanced by age, sex, body weight (BW), and farm of origin and randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: 1.25% BW/d (dry matter basis) custom-formulated concentrate only (CON; n = 9) or concentrate top-dressed with 21 g/d S. cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; n = 10) for 98 d. Horses had ad libitum access to Coastal bermudagrass hay. On day 84, one randomly selected radial carpal joint from each horse was injected with 0.5 ng lipopolysaccharide (LPS) solution. The remaining carpal joint was injected with sterile lactated Ringer’s solution as a contralateral control. Synovial fluid obtained before supplementation (day 0) and on day 84 at preinjection hour 0 and 6, 12, 24, 168, and 336 h postinjection was analyzed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), carboxypropeptide of type II collagen (CPII), and collagenase cleavage neopeptide (C2C) by commercial assays. Rectal temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, carpal surface temperature, and carpal circumference were recorded prior to each sample collection and for 24 h postinjection. Data were analyzed using linear models with repeated measures. From day 0 to 84, synovial C2C declined (P ≤ 0.01) and the CPII:C2C ratio increased (P ≤ 0.01) in all horses with no effect of diet. In response to intra-articular LPS, synovial PGE2 increased by hour 6 (P ≤ 0.01) and returned to baseline by hour 336; CPII increased by hour 12, remained elevated through hour 168 (P ≤ 0.01), and returned to baseline by hour 336; and C2C increased by hour 6 (P ≤ 0.01) but did not return to baseline through hour 336 (P ≤ 0.01). Post-intra-articular injection, PGE2 levels were lower in SCFP than CON horses (P = 0.01) regardless of injection type. Synovial CPII and the CPII:C2C ratio demonstrated stability during the LPS challenge in SCFP compared with CON horses (P ≤ 0.01). Clinical parameters were not influenced by diet but increased in response to repeated arthrocentesis (P ≤ 0.01). Dietary SCFP may favorably modulate intra-articular inflammation following an acute stressor and influence cartilage turnover in young horses.
Greenhouse Rearing Methods for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on Live Cowpea Plants
Authors: Abrams Adelaine E , Alvarez Alfredo , Rodriguez Matthew S , Kron Cindy R , Bellamy Dave E , Walse Spencer S
Published: October 2021

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a pest of concern that must be controlled for market access of host material and regulated articles to certain countries. This work outlines a rearing system for BMSB on live cowpea plants, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabales: Fabaceae), including methods to induce adults to both enter and exit diapause. This scalable system affords continuous access to >600 specimens per week of each life stage and/or age group, which is particularly advantageous when developing treatment efficacy data.