bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
224 Automatic image feature extraction for genetic analysis in cattle
Authors: Nye Jessica , Zingaretti Laura , Perez-Enciso Miguel
Published: December 2019

Image analysis has increasingly become an important tool for increasing productivity in many industries, yet its application in breeding programs is under utilized. With coat color patterns from dairy bull images, we explore automatic image analysis that extracts features which can be used in genetic analysis. In order to remove the unnecessary background information, the current methods require time consuming human inspection. Here, we present and compare a composite method that creates a mask (i.e., removes the background portion of the image) and calculates the proportion of dark and light coloration in bulls (n = 657) from the breeds Holstein and Ayrshire in dynamic backgrounds (e.g., forest, grass, hay, snow, etc.). This composite method combines the supervised algorithm MASK-RCNN, an unsupervised image segmentation approach, and k-means color clustering. The first step identifies the region of interest removing the majority of the background noise, while the second and third steps optimize the identification of the bull and segments the color patterning. We find a very low discrepancy between the proportion of white and dark between the manual curation and the composite method (+/- 1.40%); with an immense reduction in data collection time. This automatic composite method greatly improves the efficiency of complex image segmentation and analysis without compromising the quality of the data extracted, making analysis computationally feasible for large data sets. The next step is to calculate genetic parameters from these extracted phenotypes with genomic and/or pedigree data.
234 Earning public trust in gene editing
Authors: Plate-Church Amy te
Published: December 2019

Gene editing has tremendous potential to benefit society and food production. Yet, the social license to develop the technology to its full potential is dependent on public support and market acceptance. Traditionally it has been assumed that sound science and appropriate government oversight will result in social acceptance of innovation. What consumers want first and foremost, according to research from The Center for Food Integrity (CFI), is to know that food producers share their values, like producing safe, affordable, nutritious food in a manner that protects our environment. Sixty-five percent of U.S. consumers surveyed want to know more about how food is produced (CFI, 2017). Testing of videos about CRISPR indicate more than half of viewers want to learn more, and support for CRISPR rose from 45 to 60% when given credible, clear and understandable information. In reviewing more than 15 studies about consumer opinions on biotechnology, CFI found these consistent themes. 1) There is a considerable knowledge gap among consumers – in science and modern plant and animal breeding. 2) Before describing gene editing, it is helpful to show the evolution of genetic improvement. 3) The public wants information from credentialed experts, but they do not want an academic explanation. 4) Analogies and visuals are important to explain science, and they should be understandable without being oversimplified. 5) Consumers show strongest support for benefits of science related to environmental stewardship, healthier food and disease resistance. 6) Consumers have additional questions about use of science in animals, compared to plants. Because scientists and academic institutions among the most-trusted sources for information about biotechnology, they have a unique opportunity to effectively engage and provide information the public wants and needs to make informed decisions about gene editing.
235 Awardee Talk - Processing considerations for the pet food industry
Authors: Aldrich Charles G
Published: December 2019

The US is the largest pet food market in the world and produces approximately 8.5 MMT of pet food annually. Most of this is processed or cooked in some manner and fortified to be nutritionally complete with a need to assure more than 40 nutrients are met with each bite. To overlook this can lead to poor product performance, rejection by consumers, animal health issues, and recalls. Whether we consider baking, canning or extrusion, this food is subjected to some form of particle size reduction, conveyance, mixing and shear, cooking and drying process to agglomerate ingredients, provide texture and palatability, improve nutrient utilization, control spoilage, or eliminate pathogen contamination. Many of the raw ingredients are processed in similar fashion. While many benefits can be attributed to these processes, essential nutrients can be lost, utilization can be affected, unintentional compounds can be produced, shelf-keeping quality can be shortened, and sensory attributes can be altered. The objective of this review is to provide insight into significant issues that are currently being researched or should be addressed in future research. Examples from research from a variety of areas will be provided along with a discussion of mechanisms, formulation strategies, and process modifications which should be considered in order to ameliorate unintended alternations of foods intended for companion animals. Research relevant to amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and starch will be discussed, along with work demonstrating the impact on shelf-life, sensory qualities, and performance of pet foods.
240 True nutrient and amino acid digestibility of black soldier fly larvae differing in life stage using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay
Authors: Do Sungho , Koutsos Elizabeth , Utterback Pamela L , Parsons Carl M , Godoy Maria R C de , Swanson Kelly S
Published: December 2019

Edible insects such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are alternative protein sources for animal feeds due to their high protein content and low environmental footprint. However, protein quality and amino acid (AA) content may vary across insect species and life stage. Our objective was to determine the effects of life stage on true nutrient and AA digestibility of BSFL intended for use in animal feeds using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. All animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee prior to experimentation. 24 cecectomized roosters (4 roosters/substrate) were randomly assigned to test substrates [BSFL0= day 0 (day of hatch); BSFL11= day 11; BSFL14= day 14; BSFL18= day 18; BSFL23= day 23; BSFL29= day 29]. After 24h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 20g of test substrates. Following crop intubation, excreta were collected for 48h. Endogenous corrections for AA were made using 5 additional cecectomized roosters. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. True dry matter, organic matter, and nitrogen digestibilities were not different among substrates, but acid-hydrolyzed fat tended to be greater (P < 0.10) for BSFL23 and BSFL29 than BSFL14 and BSFL18. Although all substrates had a high digestibility, BSFL0 and BSFL11 had the lowest (P < 0.05) digestibilities for most indispensable and dispensable AA. Digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to AAFCO nutrient profiles and NRC recommended allowances for dogs and cats. In general, BSFL18 had the highest and BSFL11 had the lowest DIAAS-like values for most indispensable AA. Threonine, methionine, and arginine were often the first-limiting AA. Our results suggest that BSFL are a high quality protein and amino acid source, but that life stage can affect the AA digestibility and protein quality of this novel protein source.
339 Challenges and opportunities in developing a companion animal nutrition curriculum for veterinary students
Authors: Kitts-Morgan Susanna E , Lenox Catherine , Spangler Dawn
Published: December 2019

Preparing future veterinarians who are knowledgeable and competent in companion animal nutrition presents distinct challenges and opportunities for veterinary educators. Students enter veterinary school from vastly different undergraduate backgrounds, which translates to students with varying degrees of knowledge related to companion animals and nutrition. Oftentimes, nutrition may be overlooked or not emphasized in veterinary curricula, resulting in new graduates who are not able to perform diet assessments for patients. Because nutrition is a fundamental cornerstone of health, veterinary educators have a responsibility to provide veterinary students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent in companion animal nutrition. Challenges for veterinary educators in delivering companion animal nutrition curriculum can be broadly categorized as: 1) challenges regarding lack of student knowledge of the petfood industry/companion animal nutrition, 2) challenges in student ability to apply companion animal nutrition skills, 3) challenges in preparing students for communication with clients, and 4) challenges regarding educational resources to teach veterinary students. On the other hand, many opportunities exist for veterinary curricula to incorporate nutrition effectively. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, offering basic and advanced nutrition courses, nutrition labs, and nutrition case studies. To produce veterinarians competent in companion animal nutrition, veterinary educators must identify and overcome the challenges in training veterinary students.
252 Combined soluble fiber improve the obesity phenotype and insulin sensitivity of diet-induced obese mice by regulating the intestinal microbial composition
Authors: Xu Chuanhui , Liu Jianhua , Zheng Rong , Peng Jian
Published: December 2019

With the global spread of obesity, we recognize the importance of healthy diet and it is necessary to increase the dietary fiber intake. To investigate the effects of the combined soluble fiber (CSF) on the health of obese individuals, we divided 14 obese C57BL/6J male mice into two groups: Control group (n = 7) and CSF group (n = 7). Both groups received a 12-week high-fat diet (Period 1) and a 4-week low-fat chow diet (Period 2), but CSF was added into diets for the CSF group and equivalently replaced for cellulose. Compared with the Control group, the CSF group maintained a similar body weight and feed intake, but had higher insulin sensitivity, during the period 1. During the period 2, both groups lost weight, but the CSF group lost more weight, and decreased the Lee’s index as well as the daily feed intake, improved the insulin sensitivity. The CSF group increased the levels of PYY and GLP-1 in the postprandial blood, and increased the level of adiponectin while decreased the levels of endotoxin, leptin, interleukin-6 and TNF-α in the fasting blood. The CSF group increased mucosal layer thickness, crypt length and Brdu positive cell rate of the colon tissue. Stool samples were collected at the 16th week and analyzed with 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Results indicated that the CSF group reduced the relative abundance of the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, while increased Bacteroides and the Bacteroides/Firmicutes ratio. CSF group had higher levels of acetic acid, propionic acid and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in stool. These results suggest that CSF may promote the production of SCFAs by regulating intestinal microbial composition, promote the releases of satiety hormones, thereby reducing feed intake. On the other hand, CSF improves the intestinal integrity, reduces inflammation, and then improve insulin sensitivity.
79 Effect of source and dietary concentration of trace minerals on serum mineral status, ruminal pH, and ruminal volatile fatty acids in lactating Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Briggs Nicole T , Hatew Bayissa , Steele Michael A
Published: December 2019

Inorganic sources of trace minerals are commonly supplemented in dairy cow diets; however, there has been an increase in the supplementation of minerals complexed with organic compounds. These organic trace minerals are thought to have greater bioavailability which may enhance rumen fermentation and absorption. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of dietary concentration and source of supplemental trace minerals on serum trace mineral status and rumen fermentation. Six lactating Holstein cows were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square design with a 23-day adaptation and 5-day experimental period. Cows were fed the same basal diet daily except for the difference in source [organic (ORG) versus inorganic (INO)] and concentration (50%, 100%, and 200% based on NRC recommendations) of trace mineral supplemented. During the experimental period feed intake and blood were collected daily. Rumen fluid was collected on the final two days of the experimental period. Data was analyzed with PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. Dry matter intake (18.1 ± 0.70 kg), serum mineral concentrations (Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn), and rumen pH (6.5 ± 0.64) did not differ among the treatments. However, serum concentration of Co was higher in 200% ORG compared to 50% and 100% INO and 50% ORG. Ruminal concentration of acetate was higher in 50% and 100% ORG compared to 200% ORG. Butyrate ruminal concentration was higher at 50% ORG compared to 200% ORG. Ruminal propionate concentration was higher in 50% INO and 50% ORG compared to 100% INO and 200% ORG. These findings demonstrate serum trace mineral status and ruminal pH are not tightly controlled by the source of trace minerals when supplemented at 50%, 100% and 200% of the NRC recommendations, however rumen fermentation may be affected by the dietary concentration of trace minerals in the diet.
82 Effect of by-product feed supplementation of a hay-based diet on rumen fermentation, diet digestibility, methane production and protozoal population in an artificial rumen (RUSITEC)
Authors: Robinson Sidonie P , Saleem Atef , Ominski Kim , Wittenberg Karin , McAllister Tim A , McGeough Emma
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the effects of adding sunflower screenings, flax screenings and quinoa to a hay-based diet on ruminal fermentation, DM digestibility (DMD) and enteric methane (CH4) production in an artificial rumen system (RUSITEC). The experiment was a RCBD with 4 treatments assigned to 16 fermentation vessels (n = 4/treatment) in 2 RUSITEC apparatuses. The control diet was 100% hay, with treatments consisting of sunflower screenings, flax screenings and quinoa dockage at inclusion rates of 1.10, 1.38, and 1.59 g DM, respectively. The study period was 15 d, with an 8-d adaptation and 7-d sample collection period. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with fixed effects of treatment, day of sampling and their interaction as fixed effects. Compared to control, the addition of sunflower screenings decreased (P = 0.020) CH4produced per g of DM digested (10.43 vs. 7.88 mg/g DMD). Inclusion of sunflower screenings reduced (P < 0.01) DMD (67.6 vs. 57.8 %) and the number of protozoa (2.2x104vs. 1x103ml) compared to the control. The addition of flax screenings versus the control diet increased (P = 0.001) CH4produced per g of DMD (10.43 vs. 15.05 mg/g). However, inclusion of flax screenings resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in DMD and number of protozoa compared to the control (1.07x103vs. 2.2x104ml, 64.33 vs. 67.64 %, respectively). The addition of flax screenings decreased DMD (P = 0.04). Quinoa inclusion had no effect on DMD or protozoa count, while CH4production increased (P = 0.0003) compared to the control (15.15 vs 10.43 mg/g DMD). Disappearance of NDF did not differ between treatments (P = 0.72). Inclusion of sunflower screenings and quinoa did not affect molar proportions of propionate or and butyrate, while decreased (P < 0.05) by adding flax screenings. In conclusion, the addition of sunflower screenings provided the greatest potential to reduce CH4 emissions associated with supplemented hay-based diets.
83 The impact of xylanase on arabinoxylan hydrolysis when included in corn or wheat based diets fed to swine
Authors: Wightman Dakota L , Izydorczyk Marta , Gonzalez-Ortiz Gemma , Beaulieu Denise A
Published: December 2019

Carbohydrases added to swine diets hydrolyze non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) to smaller oligosaccharides, decreasing their degree of polymerization (DP). Wheat contains more NSP in the form of arabinoxylans (AX), however corn AX have higher arabinose:xylose. This experiment determined the potential for a differential response to the carbohydrase, xylanase, when added to corn or wheat based diets for swine. Twelve ileal cannulated barrows (BW 37±2.1kg) were used in a modified crossover design with a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments in two periods (n = 6). Grain (81.5% corn or 90.5% wheat) and xylanase (±0.01%, 16,000 XU/kg feed) were main effects. The crossover occurred only between xylanase; pigs remained on the same grain throughout and pig was randomized within sequence. Isoenergetic/isonitrogenous (3,500 Kcal ME/kg, 0.87% SID Lys) diets were fed at 3x maintenance for 18d; fecal and digesta samples were collected on d15-16 and d17-18, respectively. Ileal energy digestibility tended to improve with xylanase (71.3–73.8%; P < 0.10). Fecal energy digestibility was improved by xylanase in wheat, but not corn, based diets (grain*xylanase, P < 0.05). Ileal butyric acid was highest when pigs received the wheat diet without xylanase (grain*xylanase, P < 0.05). Xylanase had no effect on fecal short chain fatty acids (P > 0.10). Pigs fed wheat diets had increased percent fecal propionic and lower butyric and valeric acid than those fed corn diets (P < 0.05). Ileal arabinose:xylose ratio was reduced with xylanase in corn, but not wheat diets, while the opposite was observed in fecal samples (grain*xylanase, P < 0.05). Ileal samples from pigs receiving corn without xylanase had the highest AX-DP (grain*xylanase, P < 0.05). Fecal AX-DP was reduced with xylanase inclusion (P < 0.05) and was lower in wheat, than corn based diets (P < 0.05). Xylanase decreased AX-DP throughout the gastrointestinal tract and tended to improved ileal energy digestibility in corn and wheat based diets.
95 Betaine improves growth performance by increasing digestive enzymes activities, and ameliorating intestinal structure of piglets
Authors: Li Sisi , Wang Haichao , Feng Jie
Published: December 2019

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of betaine on intestinal structures and digestive enzyme activities of piglets. A total of 150 crossbred piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), with an average initial body weight of 8.52 ± 0.26 kg and age of 39-day, were randomly divided into three dietary treatments, each of which was replicated five times with ten pigs per replicate. The dietary treatments were basal diet supplemented with 0, 1250, 2500 mg/kg betaine, respectively. The experiments lasted for 30 days. The results showed that supplementation of betaine in the diet significantly increased average daily gain (P < 0.05), decreased diarrhea rate (P < 0.05), and improved feed conversion rate (P < 0.05) of piglets. The villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of small intestine were significantly increased with betaine supplementation (P < 0.05). The addition of betaine in diet also increased the expression of tight junction proteins in small intestine (P < 0.05) and decreased the diamine oxidase in plasma (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and ether extract (P < 0.05) and the activities of amylase, trypsin, and lipase (P < 0.05) in small intestinal were increased with betaine addition. Enzyme kinetic experiments in vitro indicated that hypertonic environment formed by NaCl could inhibit the activities of amylase and trypsin. While betaine addition improved the affinity of amylase and trypsin with their corresponding substrates, thereby counteracted the inhibitory effect of hyperosmolarity. In conclusion, the supplementation of betaine in diet could improve growth performance of piglets by ameliorating intestinal structure, increasing digestive enzymes activities, promoting the digestion of nutrients and decreasing the diarrhea rate.
106 Virginia Tech Graduate Extension Scholars program: Artificial insemination course for inmates
Authors: Dias Nicholas W , Sales Alvaro , Currin John , Redifer Tracey , Scherer Hannah H , Mercadante Vitor R G
Published: December 2019

The Graduate Extension Scholar program has the purpose of providing graduate students a unique professional development opportunity to develop high quality outreach programs, where the students actively participate extension and outreach. Weekly seminars are held by the program director and the graduate assistants, where program development and engagement strategies are presented to prepare the scholar. The program has existed since 2014, with 14 scholars participating. The present report is related to a single program during the fall of 2018. An artificial insemination course was taught for inmates with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC). A total of 16 students were taught, being 4 farm employees and 12 inmates from two locations within VDOC. Inmates with minor offenses and good behavior get the opportunity to often work in the prison farms and learn farming as a skill. The objective of the present work was to provide inmates with an extra valuable skill in the farm and improve their work experience. The course was held in the Greenville correction facility for 2 days in the fall of 2018 and consisted of two portions: Hands-on theoretical, and live animal interaction. The theoretical portion was planned to provide students basic knowledge of reproductive anatomy and physiology of the cow, the artificial insemination (AI) technique, and proper semen handling. This portion consisted of a power point presentation and practice of technique on tracts from slaughter animals and simulation of rectal palpation with a mannequin (Breed’n Betsy). During the animal interaction portion of the class, students were able to practice the technique on culled cows and were asked to perform the technique correctly on 3 different animals. At the completion of the program, a survey was performed and all students considered the program positive and claimed to have gained knowledge and become confident with the technique.
262 Brassicas as an alternative forage in the northeastern United States
Authors: Billman Eric D , Dillard S Leanne , Soder Kathy J
Published: December 2019

In the northeastern United States, winter forage management has traditionally necessitated either: a) feeding conserved forages, or b) stockpiling grazeable perennial forage. Forage brassicas offer a low-cost alternative to these strategies. This project evaluated performance of different annual forage brassicas in northeastern forage production systems. Three brassicas, ‘Barisca’ rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), ‘Inspiration’ canola (B. napus L.), and ‘Appin’ turnip (B. rapa L.) were compared against ‘KB Supreme’ annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) for dry matter yield and nutritive value over two autumn production seasons. Replicated plots were 5.5 × 9.1 m and seeded (brassicas at 5.6 kg/ha; ryegrass at 22.4 kg/ha) in August of 2015 and 2016 in a randomized complete block design. Four harvests occurred each year at two-week intervals following initial harvest. Statistical analyses were conducted using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS 9.4; harvest and species were fixed effects, while year and its interactions were considered random. Harvest date had no significant impact on DM yield (P > 0.05). All brassica yields (734 – 861 kg/ha) were significantly greater (P < 0.001) than annual ryegrass (344 kg/ha). This indicated brassica yield was superior under environmental stress conditions that hinder annual ryegrass growth. Nutritive value concentration suggested ryegrass had greater CP (28.1%) than the brassicas (24.2 – 25.4%) and minimal differences in net energy content (< 2%) among species (P < 0.001). However, per-area (kg/ha) values resulted in consistently greater (P < 0.001) CP (176 – 204 kg/ha), and NEL (1.2 – 1.5 Mcal/ha) than annual ryegrass (CP = 88 kg/ha; NEL = 0.56 Mcal/ha). Therefore, the greater yield potential of forage brassicas allows them to supply greater nutrient supplementation during periods of low forage availability, at a reduced feeding cost.
265 Determination of microbial enzyme efficacy on fiber digestion of bermudagrass hay supplemented with either DDGS or corn
Authors: Althaber Colton , Coffey K P , Compart Devan Paulus , Shelby Sarah , Hays Melanie , Niyigena Valens , Bignar John
Published: December 2019

Certain enzymes have improved fiber digestion of low-quality forages. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of a combination of a protease and Aspergillus oryzae and A. niger fermentation extracts on fiber digestion and rumen fermentation of bermudagrass hay supplemented with different energy concentrates. Bermudagrass hay was chopped and offered for ad libitum consumption to 20 ewes per study (33.1 ± 10.65 kg BW; Exp. 1; 36.0 ± 11.10 kg BW; Exp. 2) housed individually in 1 × 1.5-m pens (n = 5/trt). In Exp. 1, hay supplemented with DDGS at 0.25% BW, 1% BW, 1% BW + 2.3 g enzyme, or 1% BW + 3.5 g enzyme. In Exp. 2, hay was supplemented with cracked corn at the same levels as used in Exp. 1. Each experiment consisted of a 14-d dietary adaptation followed by 7 d of total fecal collection. On d 21, rumen samples were taken at 3 h intervals from each ewe for analysis of pH and VFA concentrations. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS and orthogonal contrasts compared 0.25% vs. 1% BW, no enzyme vs. 2.3 g/d enzyme and 2.3 g/d vs. 3.5 g/d enzyme. In Exp. 1 NDF digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) from 1% vs. 0.25% BW supplement. Ruminal acetate and the acetate:propionate ratio were greatest (P < 0.05) from 0.25% BW vs. the other diets. Exp. 2, DM and OM intake were greater (P < 0.05) from the 1% BW diets and tended (P = 0.08) to be greater from 1% BW alone vs. 1% BW + 2.3 g enzyme. Ruminal acetate concentrations were greatest (P < 0.05) from 0.25% BW. Therefore, the blend of A. oryzae and A. niger fermentation extracts and a protease was not effective under the conditions of this study.
341 Up-regulation of wound healing pathway may trigger adipogenic potentials of intramuscular progenitor cells in Wagyu as compared to Angus cattle
Authors: Du Min , Zhou Xiang , Fu Xing , Zhang Yangzi , Zhang Shuwen , Michal Jennifer J , Wang Hongyang , Jiang Zhihua
Published: December 2019

Marbling and muscle growth are significantly different between Angus and Wagyu cattle, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of the present study was to unravel genetic information flows specific to each phenotype. Biopsies of the Biceps femoris muscle were collected from three animals per breed. Intramuscular progenitor cells were isolated from the biopsies and alternative polyadenylation (APA) events were profiled using the WTTS-seq (whole transcriptome termini site sequencing) method. In adipogenic progenitor cells, 271 and 341 differentially expressed (DE) APA sites were identified as upregulated in Angus and Wagyu, respectively (adjusted P < 0.1). Pathway enrichment revealed that cellular wound healing events are unique to Wagyu. For these seven pairs of gene family members (in a broad sense), AKT1, CD47 and CD99, IGFBP3, KIF3A, RIOK1, RUNX1 and THBS1 were upregulated in Angus, while AKT3, CD59 and CD200, IGFBP2 and IGFBP4, KIF3B, RIOK3, RUNX2 and THBS2 were upregulated in Wagyu. There were 313 and 171 upregulated DE-APA sites in satellite cells derived from Angus and Wagyu, respectively (adjusted P < 0.1). Muscle system related pathways were enriched specifically for Angus. The CAPZA1, FAM227B, LDB2 and TTLL4 genes contained at least one DE-APA site that was specifically abundant in Angus or Wagyu. For these six gene family member pairs, ANKRD1, CD82, FBXO17, IGFBP2, PDLIM3 and THBS1 were abundantly expressed in Angus, but ANKRD28, CD9, CD14 and CD164, FBXO33, IGFBP5, PDLIM1 and THBS2 were upregulated in Wagyu. In brief, intramuscular progenitor cells and satellite cells may be characteristically different between Angus and Wagyu. Based on DE-APA events, the myogenesis pathways are enriched in cells from Angus, but the adipogenesis pathways are dominant in cells derived from Wagyu. This research was supported by the USDA-NIFA under Award Numbers 2016-67015-24470/2018-67051-27500 to ZJ and 2015-67015-23219/2016-68006-24634 to MD.
345 The effects of maternal nutrient restriction followed by re-alimentation on offspring growth and metabolism in sheep
Authors: Smith Brandon I , Vásquez-Hidalgo Manuel A , Vonnahme Kimberly A , Swanson Kendall C , Grazul-Bilska Anna T , Reed Sarah A , Zinn Steven A , Govoni Kristen E
Published: December 2019

The duration and timing of inadequate maternal nutrition can have detrimental effects on metabolism and organogenesis in the offspring. Re-alimentation, a common management practice that involves feeding full nutrient requirements following a period of nutrient restriction, may reduce the negative impacts of maternal nutrient restriction. To determine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction and re-alimentation on offspring growth,48 primiparous ewes, confirmed pregnant with singletons, were fed a control diet consisting of100% NRC requirements (CON) starting on day25 of gestation. On day50 of gestation, ewes (n = 7) were euthanized and fetal liver, muscle, and blood samples were collected. The remaining animals were fed either CON or60% NRC requirements (RES). On day90 of gestation, a portion of ewes were euthanized (n = 7 per treatment) and fetal samples and weights were collected. Remaining ewes were maintained on the current diet (CON-CON, n = 6; RES-RES, n = 7) or switched to the alternative diet (CON-RES, RES-CON; n = 7/treatment). On day130 of gestation, all remaining ewes were euthanized. All fetal BW, liver, longissimus muscle, semitendinosus, and triceps brachii weights were determined for each day of gestation. Fetal BW’s were not different between treatment groups (P = 0.29; P = 0.83). Fetal liver weights decreased12.89% in RES-RES compared with CON-CON at day130 (P = 0.049), but were not different at day90 (P = 0.69). There was a tendency for decreased semitendinosus weight in RES group compared with CON at day90 (P = 0.055). Liver lipid droplet accumulation was analyzed for day90 and130 using histochemistry and an effect of maternal nutrition was not observed (P = 0.562). In summary, maternal nutrient restriction reduces offspring muscle and liver growth. To gain insight into the effects of maternal nutrient restriction and re-alimentation on liver development and metabolism, analysis of liver morphology, gene expression, and global metabolomics are needed. Supported by USDA-AFRI grant2016-67016-24884
68 ASAS-EAAP Exchange Speaker Talk: Natural feed additives enhancing innate immunity: the gateway to sustainable animal health
Authors: Fink-Gremmels Johanna
Published: December 2019

Sustainable animal health is one of the key objectives in modern livestock management, as animal health is also directly linked to performance and feed efficiency. The feed industry, however, faces an increasing number of uncertainties associated with declining resources, climate change and increasing world market prices for feed materials. Specialized feed ingredients and feed additives can promote feed utilization and animal health by increasing the resilience to infectious disease thereby meeting also societal demands to reduce the need for an undesirable use of antibiotics in the absence of severe infectious diseases. Feed additives are commonly originating from natural substances such as organic acids, pre- and probiotics and are already widely accepted and used. Understanding their mechanism of action on pathogen exclusion and improvement of gut health, are the drivers for the development of new additives, including phytogenic agents, which are added due to their multiple actions as antimicrobials, antioxidants and digestives and measurable beneficial effect on the innate immune system. Such innovative solutions require a multi-disciplinary cooperation with the aim to understand the specific mode of action on digestive functions, the gut microbiome and the cross-talk between the intestinal mucosal barrier and other mucosal organs such as the lungs and the innate immune system. Moreover, specific pharmaceutical technologies are needed for a targeted release of feed additives within the intestinal tract and to guarantee their stability during feed and drinking water application. Bridging these insights with the physiological development of animals at different stages of life and the unavoidable risk for endogenous and environmental stressors, enables a cost-effective integration of natural feed additives into sustainable health programs of livestock operations, ultimately contributing also to animal wellbeing and food safety and security.
274 Improved beef quality and yield in Wagyu compared to Angus sired cattle unaffected by protein supplementation during the late gestation
Authors: Liu Xiangdong , Moffitt-Hemmer Natasha , Deavilla Jeanene , Neibergs Shannon , Busboom Jan , Nelson Mark , Du Min
Published: December 2019

Maternal nutrition during the late gestation affects marbling fat in offspring. Wagyu cattle are well known for their very high marbling with more unsaturated fatty acid contents, but they grow slower than Angus cattle. The interaction between maternal diet and breed on marbling fat development is unclear. To examine, Angus cows (621 ± 73kg) were selected and separated into two groups, bred with either Angus or Wagyu semen. During the last 90 d of gestation, cows in each group were further separated and received either a low protein diet (85% of the NRC metabolizable protein requirement), which mimics the protein intake common in Northwestern region when fed a wheat straw based diet, or a high protein diet (108% NRC requirement). All progeny were managed together and harvested at a final body weight of 576.5± 16.6 kg. For Wagyu sired offspring, marbling score and quality grade was higher than Angus (P < 0.01), and also had higher Ribeye area (P = 0.07). The marbling scores were higher for the low protein diet for all except Wagyu steers. No difference was detected in KPH fat and the yield grade was higher for Wagyu sired cattle than Angus (P < 0.01). In both diets, Angus offspring showed higher shear force (P < 0.05). When grouped according to sex, higher marbling was observed in heifers (P < 0.01). No difference was found in cooking yield, drip loss, but Wagyu sired offspring had thicker back fat than Angus (P < 0.01). Within the high protein diet, Wagyu beef had higher linoleic acid content compared to Angus (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Wagyu sired cattle had better quality and yield compared to Angus sired, and protein supplementation during the late gestation had no major effect on beef quality. (Supported by the USDA-NIFA grants 2015-67015-23219/2016-68006-24634 to MD)
118 Awardee Talk - Genomic control of fatty acid profile in beef
Authors: Shackelford Steven D , King Andy , Snelling Warren , McDaneld Tara G , Kuehn Larry A , Bennett Gary L , Wheeler Tommy
Published: December 2019

Steers (n = 868) were raised, feedlot-finished with ad libitum access to a high-energy diet and harvested to determine if there is genomic control of fatty acid profile traits in beef breeds common to the United States. Cattle included purebred and crossbred progeny of Angus, Red Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Simmental, Charolais, Limousin, Gelbvieh, Maine Anjou, Chiangus, Braunvieh, Salers, Brahman, Brangus, Santa Gertrudis, and Beefmaster as well as three composite lines. Either directly or through imputation, genotypes were determined for > 133,000 functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). At approximately 38 h postmortem, a 2.54-cm-thick longissimus steak was obtained from the 13th rib region of the left side of each carcass. At 14 d postmortem, steaks were cooked and subsequently longissimus was pulverized in liquid nitrogen. Fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. A genome-wide association study was conducted for fatty acid profile traits expressed as a deviation from the contemporary group mean using the Mixed Linear Model Analysis of SNP & Variation Suite 8.8.3 (Golden Helix) and Pre-computed Kinship Matrix using the GBLUP Genomic Relationship Matrix. A SNP in coiled coil domain containing 57 (CCDC57; Chromosome 19 at 51,349,695) affected the percentage of C14:0 (P < 10–46), short-chain fatty acids (P < 10–36), and saturated fatty acids (P < 10–17). Also, a SNP in thyroid hormone responsive (THRSP; Chromosome 29 at 18,090,403) affected the percentage of C14:0 (P < 10–16) and short-chain fatty acids (P < 10-10). The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids was affected by SNP in myostatin (Chromosome 2 at 6,213,980; P < 10–15). These results show that fatty acid profile of beef can be changed through genetic selection but, it is not clear if the level of change will be great enough to impact human health.
114 Effect of altering fatty acid profile on fresh meat palatability
Authors: Legako Jerrad F
Published: December 2019

Fatty acids in fresh meat contribute to palatability in many ways. However, fatty acids primarily influence flavor and juiciness. Perceived juiciness is impacted through lubrication by fatty acids and stimulation of saliva during mastication. Therefore, the content of fatty acids primarily impacts juiciness. However, for flavor, fatty acid content and composition are each important. Volatile flavor compounds have been demonstrated to have greater expression as overall fatty acid content increases. This may be through the retention of fat-soluble volatile compounds leading up to consumption. In addition to content, fatty acid composition may also be altered. Factors, such as, species, muscle, and diet dictate fatty acid composition. In general, these factors mediate proportions of major fatty acids and thus alter levels of fatty acid saturation. As fatty acid saturation is decreased, there is greater propensity towards oxidation. Greater fatty acid oxidation generally leads to negative off-flavors. During storage and handling there is opportunity for less saturated fresh meats to undergo oxidation, ultimately impacting flavor. To summarize, both fatty acid content and composition play roles in fresh meat palatability. Understanding the role of fatty acids in palatability helps equip processors and meat scientist to maintain or improve meat palatability.
120 Awardee Talk: Amino acid and energy requirements of high producing sows
Authors: Goodband Robert , Menegat Mariana , Gourley Kiah , Thomas Lori , Tokach Mike , Dritz Steve , Woodworth Jason , DeRouchey Joel
Published: December 2019

Improvements in genetic selection, nutrition, health, and management has led to continuous improvement in sow productivity over the past 10 to 20 years. Today’s sows are more prolific with greater number of pigs gestated, nursed, and weaned per litter than in the past. Modern genotype females are also faster growing and leaner than predecessors. These changes in reproductive performance and body composition alter nutrient requirements during gestation and lactation. Gestation nutrient requirements appear to be met with approximately 11 to 12 g/d of standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine and 5,000 to 6,000 Kcal/d NE. Providing greater lysine intake increases protein deposition and sow weight gain and may reduce stillbirth rate; however, the magnitude of economic benefit provides marginal economic response. Increasing energy and amino acid intake the last 3 to 4 days pre-farrowing appears to be a better alternative to shorten farrowing duration, increase the number of pigs born alive, and their weaning weights, than providing extra feed from d 90 of gestation through farrowing. During lactation, the goal is still to increase feed intake to minimize sow weight loss. Lysine requirement estimates in lactation seem to vary from study to study possibly reflecting the degree of sow muscle and fat catabolism. A summary of several lactation studies predicts a daily lactation requirement of 27 g SID Lys from the diet with an additional 13 g mobilized from body tissue for each 1 kg of litter growth. From a feed management standpoint, the availability of equipment to provide ad libitum consumption has been a major benefit in lactation. In conclusion, the literature suggests there are many successful ways to feed sows in gestation, peri-partum, and lactation, indicating that today’s sows are extremely resilient to nutritional challenges.
131 Alleviation of piglet allergic reaction to soybean meal via supplementation with protease
Authors: Park Sangwoo , Lee Jung Wook , Cowieson Aaron J , Pappenberger Guenter , Woyengo Tofuko A
Published: December 2019

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of protease supplementation on degradation of soybean meal (SBM) allergenic proteins (glycinin and β-conglycinin) and gut health of weaned pigs fed SBM-based diets. In Experiment 1, two SBM samples (SBM1 and SBM2) from 2 different sources were subjected to porcine in vitro gastric degradation to determine the effects of protease (at 15,000 units/kg) on degradation of the soybean allergenic proteins. In Experiment 2, forty-eight weaned pigs (BW = 6.66 kg) were obtained in 2 batches of 24 pigs each. Pigs were individually housed in metabolic crates and fed 4 diets (12 pigs/diet). The diets were corn-based diet with SBM1 or SBM2 without or with protease at 15,000 units/kg in 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Diets were fed for 10 days at the end of which the pigs were sacrificed for measurement of small intestinal histomorphology, permeability of small intestine mounted in Ussing chambers, and serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The SBM1 and SBM2 contained 46.9 and 47.7% CP, 14.0 and 14.6% glycinin, and 9.90 and 10.3% β-conglycinin, respectively. Protease and SBM source did not interact on any of the response criteria measured in this study. Protease supplementation tended to increase (P = 0.069) the in vitro gastric degradation of glycinin by 20%. Protease supplementation tended to reduce (P = 0.099) fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran 4,000 Da (which is a marker probe for intestinal permeability) flow in jejunum by 33%, and reduced (P = 0.037) serum TNF-α concentration by 16%. Protease did not affect small intestinal histomorphology. In conclusion, protease increased gastric degradation of glycinin, and reduced gut permeability and serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine, indicating that the protease used in the current study can be added in diets for weaned pigs to improve gut health of weaned pigs fed SBM-based diets.
135 FH and FGSH prepared from fish skin gelatin using ginger protease alleviates DSS-induced Colitis via Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Deng Zhao , Peng Jian
Published: December 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inﬂammatory disease aﬀecting the colon, and its incidence is rising worldwide. Hence, it is important to apply new strategies to cope with the IBD. We previously found that hydrolysate fractions (HF) and fish skin gelatin hydrolysate (FSGH), isolated from fish skin gelatin hydrolysate using ginger protease, could exert antioxidant effects in IPEC-J2 cells. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of FH and FGSH in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Mouse were treated with 3% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days to induce acute colitis. FH (200 mg/kg) and FGSH (200 mg/kg) was administered for 7 days before and during DSS treatment via oral gavage once per day. Mouse were sacrificed at day 7 after colitis induction. The results showed that FH and FGSH significantly ameliorated the clinical symptoms of DSS-induced mice colitis, such as weight loss, disease activity index (DAI), colon shortening, spleen hypertrophy and histological scores. For MPO activity, an important indicator of neutrophil infiltration and acute inflammation in DSS-induced mouse colitis, FH and FGSH significantly reduced the level of DSS-induced hyperactivated MPO. Treatment with FH and FGSH also significantly inhibited the secretion proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-12 in DSS-induced mouse colitis. And FH and FGSH administration significantly increased expression of antioxidant enzymes GCLM, GCLC and GPX4 and maintained tight junction in colon tissues. Furthermore, we found that FH and FGSH significantly increased the level of Nrf2 in colon tissues, it indicated that FH and FGSH may alleviated colitis by Nrf2 pathway. Overall, these results suggested that FH and FGSH could be a potential promising candidate for the treatment of IBD.
134 The efficacy of a Buttiauxella sp. phytase relative to diets with graded levels of inorganic phosphate in piglets
Authors: Lizardo Rosil , Velayudhan Deepak E , Villca Boris , Marchal Leon , Dersjant-Li Yueming
Published: December 2019

The effect of a Buttiauxella sp. phytase on performance and bone ash in piglets was evaluated. A negative control (NC) diet was formulated without inorganic phosphate [0.11% digestible phosphorus (P)] and lower in calcium (Ca, 0.5%). NC was supplemented with the phytase at 0, 500 and 1,000 FTU/kg diet or with mono-calcium phosphate (MCP) at 4 levels to add 0, 0.7, 0.14 and 0.18% digestible P and with additional limestone to maintain Ca to P ratio (1.2 to 1.3). The latter was the positive control (PC) and contained 0.7% Ca and 0.29% digestible P, meeting NRC requirement. A total of 108 Pietrain × (Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets were fed adaptation diets from 21 (weaned) to 42 d of age. Then, they were divided into 9 blocks according to body weight (BW) (9 replicates/treatment, mean initial BW 10.2 kg, mixed sex) and allocated at 2 piglets per pen. Piglets were fed mash test diets (based on corn, soybean meal with broken rice, rice bran and sugar beet pulp) ad lib for 28 d. At the end, 1 piglet per pen was euthanized and the right foot collected to determine metacarpal ash, Ca and P content. Data were analyzed using JMP 14.0. The NC reduced (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), bone ash, Ca and P, and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) vs PC (Table 1). Increasing phytase and MCP linearly increased (P < 0.05) ADG, bone ash, Ca and P and reduced FCR. Linear regression analysis using increasing digestible P from MCP as reference indicated that phytase at 1,000 FTU/kg can replace 0.16, 0.18 or 0.16% digestible P from MCP, using bone ash, ADG or FCR as response parameter, respectively. In conclusion, Buttiauxella phytase improved performance and bone ash in piglets fed diet without added inorganic phosphate.