bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
247 Prediction of daily water intake of pigs during a 41-day nursery phase
Authors: Scaff Taw J , Harshman Jared , Aparachita Pornpim , Sawyer Afton , Carter Scott D
Published: November 2020

A total of 3,080 pigs (5.5 to 21.8 kg) were utilized to determine the estimated daily water intake of pigs during a 41-d nursery period. The data set included results from 11 experiments with 28 pens (10 pigs per pen). Pigs were weaned between 18–22 d of age and housed in an environmentally-controlled nursery. Pigs were blocked by BW and allocated to pens upon arrival. Pens contained one stainless steel feeder and one cup waterer (Suevia model 929TM). Waterers had a water meter (Assured Automation WM-PD seriesTM) tracking daily intake and meter values were recorded at a similar time daily in each experiment. Barn temperature at arrival was 31.1 oC and decreased 1 oC per week. Pigs were fed standard corn-soybean meal diets formulated to meet or exceed swine NRC requirements (2012) for nursery pigs in a 4 or 5-phase feeding program. Data were analyzed using SAS to generate a regression equation and correlation between intake by day using PROC REG/PROC COR. Pen served as experimental unit with day as the dependent variable and intake the independent variable. Pen water intake was corrected to daily water intake/pig by dividing pen water intake by pig days. Average daily water intake during the nursery period was 1.70 ± 0.30 L/pig and total volume of water consumed during the nursery period was 65.5 ± 13 L/pig. There was a strong linear increase (P < 0.001) in water intake as days progressed with a prediction equation: Daily water intake, L/pig = (0.06983*day) + 0.24892 (R2 = 0.73). Water intake and day were highly correlated (r = 0.85; P < 0.0001). There was no effect of experiment or pen on prediction of water intake. In conclusion, water intake increases as nursery days increase and can be predicted based on day in the nursery.
262 Heat stress alleviation and dynamic temperature measurement for growing beef cattle
Authors: Augenstein Sheyenne M , Harrison Meredith A , Klopatek Sarah C , Oltjen James W
Published: November 2020

Heat stress continues to be a challenge for feedlot producers, forcing physiological adaptations in beef cattle that can have a negative impact on gain and carcass quality. Feedlots may want to incorporate systems that aid in mitigating heat stress, including sprinkler systems, which are commonly found on dairies. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of sprinkler systems on the body temperature of growing feedlot steers applied at three different temperature thresholds. Thirty-two Angus-cross beef steers (298 ± 15 SD days of age) were randomly assigned to 8 pens. Treatments were assigned to pens according to location to avoid drainage issues, with one replicate located on the eastern side of the feedlot and the other replicate located on the western side. Treatments including no sprinklers (C), high temperature threshold sprinklers (HT), moderate temperature threshold sprinklers (MT) or low temperature threshold sprinklers (LT). Sprinklers (flow rate: 5.11 L/min) were activated at 33°C (HT), 28°C (MT), and 23°C (LT) for five minutes at corresponding temperatures every thirty minutes for 57 days. Rectal temperature of steers in their pens was measured in the morning (0800 h), afternoon (1500 h), and evening (1900 h) three days each week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for a total of 19 experimental days. Weather measurements, including ambient temperature, windspeed, humidity and solar radiation were recorded at each measurement time along with the maximum values for each day. The change in body temperature (ΔBT) between the morning and afternoon was affected by ambient temperature (P < 0.01); MT (P = 0.02) and LT (P = 0.02) – different than C. There was no significant difference between sprinkler treatments and the control group (P > 0.05). Day affected (ΔBT) between the morning and afternoon (P < 0.05) and the afternoon and evening (P < 0.05). When averaged by day, the control group was significantly higher than MT (P = 0.04) between the morning and afternoon. The control group was also significantly higher than LT between the morning and afternoon (P = 0.03) and the afternoon and evening (P < 0.01). The change in steer body temperature between afternoon and morning was affected by ambient temperature, and averaged across days, lowering the temperature threshold for sprinkling decreased in the afternoon and evening body temperature increase in steers.
256 Heat stress and β-adrenergic agonists alter the adipose transcriptome and fatty acid mobilization in ruminant livestock
Authors: Reith Rachel R , Sieck Renae L , Grijalva Pablo C , Duffy Erin M , Swanson Rebecca M , Fuller Anna M , Beede Kristin A , Beard Joslyn K , Diaz Duarte E , Schmidt Ty B , Yates Dustin T , Petersen Jessica L
Published: November 2020

Heat stress (HS) negatively impacts livestock performance and carcass traits while beta-adrenergic agonist (βAA) supplementation improves animal production and efficiency; both can stimulate lipolysis in adipose. The objective of this study was to understand the independent and interacting effects of HS and βAA on the subcutaneous adipose transcriptome in lambs and on visceral adipose fatty acid mobilization in steers. For study 1, 24 wethers were assigned to thermal neutral (TN THI = 65) or HS (THI = 80) conditions and supplemented without (NS) or with ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) for 30d in a 2 x 2 factorial. TN lambs were pair-fed the average intake of HS. RNA collected from subcutaneous fat at harvest was sequenced. Differential expression (DE) analyses identified 71 (Padj < 0.05) loci altered due to the interaction of environment and supplement. No DE genes were observed for the main effect of supplement, but HS reduced expression (P < 0.05) of RBM3 and increased expression (P < 0.05) of ATXN7L1. HS was predicted by pathway analyses to impair adipogenesis and fatty acid mobilization. In study 2, 24 steers were assigned to TN (THI = 65) or HS (THI = 83) and NS or zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) treatments for 21d in a 2 x 2 factorial. TN steers were pair-fed the intake of their HS cohort. Ex vivo fatty acid mobilization from visceral adipose in response to 0 or 1µM epinephrine was quantified at harvest. Fatty acid mobilization did not differ among groups when unstimulated, but epinephrine-stimulated mobilization was less (P = 0.05) in HS and greater (P < 0.01) in ZH steers. These findings indicate that heat stress-induced reduction of fatty acid mobilization from adipose may be associated with increased expression of stress-responsive genes. Moreover, the stimulatory effect of ZH on epinephrine-induced fatty acid mobilization was present after chronic treatment. Our data have yet to identify an interaction between HS and βAA supplementation that demonstrably impacts well-being.
288 Forage mineral and nutrient element concentrations on sheep winter range
Authors: Julian Alexis , Scasta Derek , Stam Barton , Sebade Brian , Page Chad M , Springer Brady , Renner Wilson , Cunningham Hannah , Stewart Whit C
Published: November 2020

Supplementation strategies and nutritional management of ewes during critical production periods of breeding and gestation is an important consideration, particularly when ewes are on winter range. Clinical and subclinical trace mineral deficiencies at these times limit ewe productivity in these extensive environments. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify mineral element concentrations of common forages on winter range, and (2) evaluate producer supplementation strategies using a survey. We hypothesized that mineral element concentrations in winter forages were inadequate to meet ewe requirements during critical production stages and shrub species would contain higher levels of macro- and micro-mineral element concentrations than grass species. Forage samples were collected from 25 ranches across Wyoming winter range and were compiled by species and analyzed for nutrient and mineral element composition; however, data presented herein represents the first year of data collection (12 of 25 ranches). Nutrient and mineral element concentration results indicated an effect in CP, Ca, P, K, Mg, S, Na, Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, and Mo concentrations between grass and shrub species (P < 0.05). Specifically, Mg and Mo concentrations were higher in grasses while the other mineral element concentrations were higher in shrubs. No effect was observed for Fe and Co concentrations between grass and shrub species (P = 0.37 and P = 0.29). Survey results revealed that 80% of ranches had more than 1000 sheep, and 47% of respondents utilized winter range for 131 to 170 day periods throughout production year. While on winter range the majority of producers (47%) supplement with a protein source. Additionally, 58% do not supplement white salt, while 47% supplement a complete trace mineral mix.
PSV-2 A simple study of the social rank and perch competition of laying hens housed in small furnished cages
Authors: Wang Yanan , Li Xiang , Zhang Runxiang , Li Jianhong , Bao Jun
Published: November 2020

Social animals form social hierarchies to maintain the relative stability of the population. Individuals with high social rank can, to some extent, limit the priority of individuals with lower social status to obtain resources, such as food, habitat and spouse. The perch behavior is the instinctive behavior of laying hens. Hens have the motivation to choose perch habitat. Therefore, perch is an effective competitive resource for laying hens. The objective of this study was to examine the social order of small groups of the laying hens housed in furnished cages and to determine the dominant and subordinate hens how to use the limited perch resources. A total of 108 Hy-line Brown rearing hens at 8 weeks of age were randomly divided into three treatment groups, namely, 1) perch increasing group by adding 15cm each time from 0 to 90 cm length (PI group), 2) perch decreasing group by cutting 15cm each time from 90 to 0 cm length (PD group) and 3) perch constant with 90 cm (PC group). There were 6 replicates in each treatment group, 6 birds in each replicate, and the stocking density was 833/cm2. The utilization of limited resources in laying hens was judged by three parameters, i.e. the number of individual occupancies, total use time and single use time. Data were analyzed by using repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the number of occupancies and the total use time of perch by the dominant hens were significantly higher than the subordinate ones (P < 0.01) in PI, PD and PC groups. The number of individual perch occupancy was positively correlated with the social rank of the hens. This study confirmed that the dominant hens occupied the perch for longer time than the subordinate individuals.
PSV-8 Enriched environment improves the resistance to transport stress in laying hens via modulating the heat shock protective response and inflammation
Authors: Zhang Runxiang , Li Chun , Wei Haidong , Li Jianhong , Bao Jun
Published: November 2020

Enriched environment can promote the adaptability of animals to cope with the complex environments. To evaluate how enriched environment experience can help laying hens resist to transport stress, a total of 432 18-week-old laying hens were randomly divided into two treated groups of which one group was housed in conventional battery cages (CC, 24 replicate cages, 3 birds/cage) and the other was in furnished cages (FC, 24 repeated cages, 15 birds/cage). At their 64 weeks of age, one hen per replicate was selected for 4h transportation. The spleen of hens was collected before transportation, after the transportation and 48h for recovery. The expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), heat shock factors (HSFs) and inflammatory factors were measured. The serum from those birds was collected to detect inflammatory cytokines levels. Variance analysis showed that the expression of most of the detected HSPs and HSFs indicators were decreased after transportation and then elevated later. The mRNA expression of HSP10, 40, 60, 70, 90 and 110, HSF2 and HSF3 and the protein expression of HSP 60, 70 and 90 were higher in FC group than CC after the transportation and recovery (P < 0.05). Moreover, the hens housed in FC group had the lower mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors of nuclear transcription factor (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E synthase (PTGEs) before and after the transportation compared to CC group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines of interleukin-2 (IL-2), -6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and serum concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α in FC hens were lower than CC after the transportation (P < 0.05), respectively. Therefore, by regulating the heat shock protective response and inflammatory cytokines expression, the enriched environment can reduce the stress damage of laying hens and improve the resistance to transport stress.
PSIII-42 Genome-wide expression profile of trophoblastic cells during late pregnancy in ewes
Authors: da Silva Diniz Wellison Jarles , Dorsam Sheri T , Vasquez-Hidalgo Manuel A , Mansour Hanaa H , Vonnahme Kimberly A , Grazul-Bilska Anna T , Ward Alison K
Published: November 2020

During pregnancy, the placenta plays a pivotal role in fetal-maternal communication. Despite the known involvement of trophoblast mononuclear (MNC) and binuclear (BNC) cells in placentation and fetal development, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the gene expression in these cells and their role in pregnancy have not been fully elucidated. Thus, a genome-wide expression profile analysis of MNC and BNC from ovine placentomes on day 90 and 130 of pregnancy was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) and regulatory pathways. After tissue separation, enzymatic digestion, and elutriation, MNC and BNC were obtained, and the total RNA was isolated and sequenced (n = 2 ewes/day). Differential expression analysis was carried out with DESeq2 after library quality control and read mapping using FastQC and STAR, respectively. Among six pairwise contrasts possible, herein, we focused on the one between MNC and BNC on day 130. Accordingly, we identified 514 genes upregulated and 161 downregulated in BNC (adj.Pval < 0.05). Interestingly, we found nine DE long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNA). Although the function of lincRNAs remains under investigation, its transcription has been associated with gene expression regulation in utero. The DEGs functional over-representation analysis included Rap1 and PI3k-Akt signaling pathways as up-regulated in BNC (adj.Pval. < 0.05). These pathways are activated by extracellular signals and are involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, morphogenesis, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we identified PLA2G10 gene that codes a phospholipase protein involved in the production of prostaglandins, which have been associated with placental blood flow. These findings suggest an intricate and complex network underlying gene expression between cells and time points that are essential for the fetal-maternal placenta relationship. This project was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant n. 2016-67016-24884 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
PSVIII-11 Eimeria management for recently transported Holstein heifers using essential oils, anti IL-10 or monensin
Authors: Nolden Cherrie , Akins Matt , Grisham Abbey , Schaefer Dan , Cook Mark
Published: November 2020

Eimeria prevention in dairy heifers is challenging. Possible tools beyond the common practice of feeding an ionophore include polyphenolic compounds in essential oils (cinnamaldehyde, thymol, oregano oil) and binding interleukin-10 (IL-10) to reduce Eimeria’s host immunotolerance strategy. Holstein heifers (160 total; 12–14 wk old) were randomly assigned to one of 5 treatments: 160 mg/head/d of sodium monensin (MON), 1100 mg/head/d of antibody to IL-10 during wk 3–4 (aIL-10), 10 g/head/d of a blend of essential oils (EO), egg control without antibodies to IL-10 (EC), or negative control (NC). Calves were grouped 8 per pen with 4 blocks of 5 pens and FEC averaged by pen before analysis. We evaluated treatment effects on the fecal egg counts (FEC) of E. bovis, E. zurnii and E. auburnesis. Fecal counts were conducted biweekly using FLOTAC technique for 10 wk. Effects were analyzed with a mixed model ANOVA in SAS with repeated measures and ranked for normality. Total FEC prevalence was absent at wk 0, with greater prevalence at wk 4 and 6 for all treatments except MON (P < 0.05), and there were no differences among treatments in positive prevalence by wk 8 and 10 (P > 0.10). There was no difference between NC and MON treatments for wk 6, 8 and 10 in E. bovis, wk 2 and 4 for E. zurnii, and wk 2 and 4 for E. auburnesis (P > 0.05), which is evidence of reduced monensin efficacy or excessive environmental Eimeria load. EO and aIL-10 FEC were also not different than MON counts at multiple timepoints (P > 0.05). Overall, this shows potential monensin resistance after extended exposure (6–8 wk) to high environmental loads of Eimeria and similar FEC between monensin treated calves and those treated with EO or aIL-10.
PSVIII-17 Modeling of glyphosate speciation in rumen fluid of cattle
Authors: Vicini John L , Harris Wesley
Published: November 2020

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® agricultural herbicides, is used on crops that are commonly grown for animal feed. Even though there has not been empirical data to suggest that animal productivity and health are affected when glyphosate-based products are used as labeled, accusations based on hazard identification alone have circulated widely. One of these accusations originates regarding a patent that was never held by Monsanto (now part of the Bayer Group) that did not include glyphosate. This claim hypothesizes that glyphosate could chelate minerals in the gut and prevent absorption. Formation constants measure the strength of complexation between metal ions and ligands and can be used to model the speciation in mixtures of minerals, amino acids, VFAs, and glyphosate as they exist in the rumen. The amines and carboxylic acids of all amino acids and functional side chains such as the imidazole group of histidine are potential donors for binding minerals. Likewise, carboxylic acid groups from VFAs are prevalent sources for binding of minerals. Literature references of concentrations of minerals and amino acids were used along with a measurement of glyphosate, and speciation calculations were performed at three pH’s commonly encountered in the rumen (5.8, 6.3 and 6.8). This calculation identified all species present at ≥0.01%. Using pH=6.3 as an example, 55.1% of cobalt is present as free Co2+, 28.6% is bound to a VFA (acetate, propionate or butyrate), and 13.1% is bound to histidine. The remaining 1.6% is distributed among Ala, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gly, Lys, Met, Ser, Thr, NH3 and OH. Similar results by ligand will be presented for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ca, His, Cys, and Glu. Data from these models confirm that glyphosate is a relatively weak chelator that should not have deleterious effects in the rumen.
PSVIII-19 PRRSV infection during gestation eliciting changes in piglet sickness behaviors following an immune challenge
Authors: Rymut Haley E , Bolt Courtni R , Houser Alexandra K , Southy Bruce R , Rund Laurie A , Johnson Rodney W , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L
Published: November 2020

The pork industry faces financial losses associated with outbreaks in porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV). One type of loss stems from the effect of PRRSV-elicited maternal immune activation during gestation on the response of pigs to a second immune challenge later in life. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of PRRSV infection during gestation, a second immune challenge, and sex on pig behavior. Camborough gilts were inoculated with PRRSV or saline (Controls) during the last third of gestation. The piglets from these gilts were weaned at day 21, and were injected with Poly(I:C) to elicit a second immune challenge, similarly to a viral infection, or with Saline on day 60. Post injection, behaviors were recorded in 5-minute intervals for one hour by a trained experimenter. Recorded behaviors included laying, standing, and panting, and totaled 624 observations per behavior on 51 pigs from 10 gilts. The logistic generalized mixed effect model used to describe behavior included the effects of gilt and pig treatments, sex, and interactions, and accounted for the random effect of gilt, and repeated measurements within pig. Panting showed a significant gilt challenge-by-sex-by-pig treatment interaction effect (P < 0.031). The Poly(I:C) challenge had a significant and positive effect on panting among male pigs from Control gilts (P < 0.001), while this effect was not observed in pigs from PRRSV-treated gilts. Among female pigs challenged with Poly(I:C), PRRSV treatment has a significant effect on lateral laying (P < 0.015) and standing (P < 0.042). Pigs from PRRSV-treated gilts were less active than from Control gilts. Our results highlight that the effect on behaviors of immune challenge later in life depend on the exposure of pigs to PRRSV during gestation. This study is supported by USDA NIFA AFRI, grant number 2018-67015-27413.
PSI-23 The effect of days on feed and trenbolone acetate + estradiol-17β implantation on biometric measurements of Charolais × Angus steers across serial harvest endpoints
Authors: Kirkpatrick Tylo J , Garrison Max D , Wesley Kaitlyn R , Pillmore Sierra L , Cooper Kimberly B , Francis Forest L , Tennant Travis , Nichols Wade , Hutcheson John , Lawrence Ty
Published: November 2020

A serial harvest study evaluated days on feed (DOF) and trenbolone acetate + estradiol-17β administration on biometric measurements across various harvest endpoints. Charolais x Angus steers [n = 80; start of trial body weight (BW) (271 ± 99 kg)] were randomly allocated to implant treatment and harvest date in a 2 x 10 factorial design. Steers were paired to minimize variation in genetic group, initial BW, frame score (FS), and adjusted final BW. Within each pair, a steer was randomly allocated to one of two treatments; implanted with Revalor-XS (REV) on d 0 and d 190 or non-implanted control (CON). Eight steers comprised of 4 pairs were randomly assigned to 1 of 10 harvest dates at d 0, 42, 84, 126, 168, 210, 252, 294, 336, and 378 DOF. At each harvest date, all steers were measured for hip height, rump length, hip width, shoulder height, 2/3 body length (BL), body depth, body width, and FS. Variables were analyzed as repeated measures via the MIXED procedure of SAS to test the fixed effects of DOF and treatment (TRT). No TRT x DOF interaction was exhibited (P ≥ 0.30) for any variable. Body width was 1.17 cm greater (P < 0.01) in REV steers and BL tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in CON steers. Hip height, rump length, hip width, shoulder height, two-thirds BL, body depth, and body width increased (P < 0.01) 1.9, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 4.1, 2.6, and 1.3 cm for each 42 d period, respectively. These data indicate biometric measurements were impacted by both growth enhancement technology and duration of finishing.
PSI-13 Evaluation of acid insoluble ash as a digestibility marker in feedlot diets containing corn-milling byproducts
Authors: Spowart Paige R , Galyean Michael , Easom Jordan A , Fritzler Larry D , Lust David G , Samuelson Kendall L
Published: November 2020

We evaluated the accuracy of acid insoluble ash (AIA) as a digestibility marker in feedlot cattle diets containing corn-milling byproducts and examined the effect of fecal sampling frequency on digestibility estimates. Steers (n = 6) were used in a crossover split-plot design where 3 steers per period were assigned to 1 of 2 diets [receiving (REC) containing 19% roughage and 38% Sweet Bran™ or finishing (FIN) containing 8% roughage and 20% Sweet Bran] typical of those used in the beef feedlot industry. Steers were limit fed at 2.0% of initial body weight. After a 21-d adaptation period, steers were housed in metabolism crates for 7 d of total collection (TC) of feed and feces and simultaneous collection of fresh manure grab samples twice daily to calculate nutrient digestibility from AIA. Grab samples were then averaged to represent 7 (7dAIA), 5 (5dAIA), 3 (3dAIA) and 1 (1dAIA) days of the collection period. No interactions (P ≥ 0.13) were observed for DM, OM or NDF digestibility between diet and method of estimating digestibility. Digestibility of DM and OM were greater (P < 0.01) for FIN than for REC, and NDF digestibility was less (P < 0.01) for FIN than REC. Both DM and OM digestibility were greater (P < 0.01) for AIA estimates than for TC; however, estimates with 7dAIA were less than 3dAIA and 1dAIA, but not different from 5dAIA. Similarly, NDF digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) for all AIA estimates than for TC, but 7dAIA and 5dAIA were less than 1dAIA and not different from 3dAIA. A treatment × method interaction (P = 0.02) occurred for ADF digestibility. These data suggest that AIA over-estimated digestibility of beef feedlot diets containing corn-milling byproducts, but accuracy improved with greater grab sampling frequency.
PSIV-7 Effect of dietary tryptophan supplementation on growth, energy balance and blood metabolites in milk-fed low birth weight pigs
Authors: Goodarzi Parniyan , Habibi Mohammad , Sutton Julia , Shili Cedrick N , Roberts Kennedy , Markey Jazmin , Burch-Konda Jacob , Pezeshki Adel
Published: November 2020

Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with reduced postnatal growth efficiency, glucose intolerance and type II diabetes mellitus in adulthood. Using a piglet model of LBW, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental Trp on growth, energy balance and blood metabolites in LBW pigs. LBW (< 1.0 Kg) and normal birth weight (NBW; > 1.0 Kg) pigs were selected from twelve sows (parity=2–4, litter size=14–18; three LBW and one NBW piglets/sow) and randomly assigned to 4 milk-replacer based treatments (n=7–8; 7 days old) including: 1) NBW with 0% L-Trp (NBW-T0), 2) LBW with 0% L-Trp (LBW-T0), 3) LBW with 0.4% L-Trp (LBW-T0.4), and 4) LBW with 0.8% L-Trp (LBW-T0.8) for 3 weeks. Diets were provided 4–5 times/day and the voluntary intake was measured for each feeding throughout the study. Growth parameters, heat production and body weight were recorded biweekly. After an overnight fast at week 3, pigs were allowed to consume their respective diets for 1 hour and blood samples were collected at baseline (0), 60 and 120 min after the meal test. The data were analyzed using univariate GLM with Dunnett’s post-hoc test (SPSS®). No significant differences were observed on growth parameters (i.e. body weight, heart girth, wither height and body length), growth performance (i.e. average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain:feed, gain:protein) and heat production when LBW-T0 was compared with LBW-T0.4 and LBW-T0.8. The plasma triglycerides for pigs fed LBW T0.4 and T0.8 was lower compared to that offered LBW-T0, but total cholesterol did not differ across groups. Pigs in LBW-T0.8 group had lower blood glucose than those fed LBW-T0 at 60 min after the meal challenge. In conclusion, Trp supplementation did not affect the growth and energy balance, but reduced the blood glucose and triglycerides concentration in LBW pigs.
PSIV-18 Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the uterine environment throughout beef heifer development with supplemental protein
Authors: Seay Taylor B , Brandt Kiernan J , Payton Rebecca R , Schneider Liesel G , Myer Phillip R , Rhinehart Justin , Rispoli Louisa , McLean Kyle J
Published: November 2020

Nutrition is a major component in successful heifer development, influencing age at puberty and the uterine environment, therefore, impacting reproductive efficiency. Different diets can influence systemic inflammation, however, the effect on uterine cytokines has not been determined. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of varied levels of dietary protein on inflammatory cytokines in the uterine environment of developing heifers. Commercial Angus heifers (n = 60) were blocked by body weight, then allocated to receive one of three dietary protein supplementation treatments (n = 20 per group, n = 5 per pen): 10% crude protein (CP; 100% corn), 20% CP [75% dried distillers’ grains (DDG) 25% corn], or 40% CP (75% soybean meal 25% DDG). Supplements were provided four times weekly for six months with ad libitum native grass hay, mineral supplement, and water. Body weight, BCS, and blood was taken every 14d. Uterine fluid was collected every 28d to determine presence of cytokines IL1α, IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ, IL10, IL4, and IL6. The GLIMMIX procedure (SAS 9.4) was used with fixed effects of supplementation, month, and their interaction; random effects of block, interaction of block and supplementation, and heifer within the interaction; and repeated measure of month. Concentrations of IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ, and IL10 shifted throughout development (P < 0.0002). Cytokine IFNγ was also affected by month of development (P = 0.002) and tended (P = 0.06) to decrease as CP increased. Presence of each cytokine was then recorded as binary and analyzed by the frequency procedure (SAS 9.4) to determine a uterine cytokine profile. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1α, IL1β, and TNFα occurred together more frequently following the beginning of supplementation. In conclusion, inflammatory cytokines shift throughout heifer development, potentially leading to differences in future reproductive success. Further research is needed to determine the dietary influence for optimal uterine environment development.
PSIV-8 Effects of Late Gestation Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids Supplementation to Beef Cows on Offspring Finishing Phase Performance and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Shao Taoqi , McCann Joshua C , Shike Daniel W
Published: November 2020

The objective was to investigate the effects of late-gestation supplementation of Ca salts of fatty acids to beef cows on the finishing phase growth performance and carcass characteristics of the steer progeny. Ninety-six multiparous, fall-calving, Angus × Simmental cows (BW = 601 ± 76 kg) were stratified by BW, BCS, and age and randomly allotted into 8 endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures with 12 cows/pasture. Cows were supplemented with soybean hulls mixed with either 155 g/cow/d of EnerGII (SFA/MUFA; enriched with palmitic and oleic acids) or 80 g/cow/d of Prequel + 80 g/cow/d of Strata (PUFA; enriched with linoleic acid, EPA, and DHA) for the last 77 ± 6 d of gestation. Steer progeny (n = 70) were weaned at 186 ± 6 d of age and transported to feedlot. Steers were fed receiving diets for 3 weeks and transitioned to finishing diets and adapted to GrowSafe feed bunks for individual daily feed intake measurement. Steers were weighed every 28 d during the finishing phase. Steers were slaughtered at commercial abattoir at 432 ± 6 d of age, and carcass data were obtained from USDA camera grading system. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, and repeated measure was used for BW. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.13) for BW, ADG, DMI, or feed conversion during the finishing phase. There was no differences (P ≥ 0.22) observed in hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, 12th rib fat thickness, yield grade, ribeye area, marbling score, or KPH fat. In conclusion, maternal supplementation of Ca salts of fatty acids during late gestation did not affect steer progeny growth performance during the finishing phase or carcass characteristics.
PSIV-29 The effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on the performance of creep fed Boer cross kids in regards to average daily gain and weaning weights on alfalfa and grain supplementation
Authors: Boyd Jamie A , Yantis Makayla
Published: November 2020

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on creep fed kids and to determine their average daily gain (ADG) to improve the final weaning weights. Boer-cross kids and nannies were used for the study. This study was conducted over a period of five weeks from April to May 2019 at Sul Ross State University feedlot. Animals were divided into two groups based on birth weights and twinning with 4 nannies and 6 kids per group. Both groups were fed a base diet of Bermuda/alfalfa hay and a 14% CP goat pellet at rate 0.11kg/h/d and 12% sweet feed for the kids was offered with top-dress and ad libitum alfalfa hay in creep feeders. The fermentation product Saccharomyces cerevisiae was offered in a top-dress with 0.11 kg of ground corn to the treatment kids at 4g per head per day. The body weight (BW) were measured 1x a week to calculate ADG on kids and feed samples were collected 2x a week and dried in a 55C oven and ground through a 1mm Wiley mill screen for later analysis for DM, NDF, ADF, ash, and CP. We observed a significant effect in overall group feed intake (P < 0.001) with the treatment group consuming more than the control, but there was not a significant difference in ADG of kids between the groups (P > 0.23). The small sample size may have hindered the experiment, and it would be beneficial to repeat the experiment with a larger number of animals. Overall, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product did not significantly improve ADG or weaning weights in creep-fed Boer-cross kids.
PSIV-26 Effects of extended-release eprinomectin on heifer growth and reproductive performance while grazed on endophyte-infected tall fescue or housed in drylot
Authors: Graham Sarah M , Navarrete Julissa , Neira Lucas T , McCann Joshua C , Shike Daniel W
Published: November 2020

The objective was to assess the effects of an extended-release eprinomectin (LongRange) on beef heifer reproductive performance when grazed on endophyte-infected tall fescue or housed on drylot. In a split-plot design, fall-born, Angus × Simmental heifers (n = 153) were stratified by BW and divided into 6 groups. Groups were randomly assigned environmental treatments: grazed endophyte-infected tall fescue (pasture) or maintained in drylot and fed alfalfa hay. Within a group, heifers were randomly assigned to LongRange (LR) or saline (control). Heifers were dewormed with oral fenbendazole (SafeGuard) to minimize parasite load before trial initiation. On d 140 and final pregnancy check, body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were collected; BW was also collected at time of artificial insemination (AI). Hair coat score (HCS), fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), and respiration rates (RR) were collected on d 140. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Environment × treatment effects for BW were detected (P ≤ 0.01) at d 140 and at overall pregnancy confirmation; LR increased BW to a greater magnitude in pasture than in drylot heifers. At breeding, LR increased (P = 0.01) heifer BW compared to control. On d 140, LR increased (P = 0.01) heifer BCS compared to control. On d 140, pasture heifers tended (P = 0.08) to have greater RR than drylot heifers. Heifer AI pregnancy rates were not affected (P ≥ 0.21) by treatments. Environment × treatment effects for overall pregnancy were detected (P = 0.03); LR increased overall pregnancy rate in pasture compared to drylot heifers and LR tended to increase overall pregnancy rate compared with control in pasture heifers. In conclusion, LongRange increased BW to a greater extent in pasture than in drylot and tended to increase heifer final pregnancy rate compared to control on pasture.
PSVII-19 Serial ultrasound measures of implanted and non-implanted feedlot steers to determine carcass endpoints
Authors: Perkins Tommy L , Riberio Flavio , Kirkpatrick Tylo J , Wesley Kaitlyn R , Pillmore Sierra L , Cooper Kimberly B , Francis Forest L , Garrison Max D , Tennant Travis , Nichols Wade , Hutcheson John , Lawrence Ty
Published: November 2020

An Aloka SSD-500V real-time ultrasound unit, equipped with a 17.2cm carcass probe, was used to serially scan feedlot steers (n = 80; initial BW 271 ± 99) at 42-d intervals during a 378-d feeding period by a certified Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) technician. This included 10 separate ultrasound scanning sessions following the initial weight and ultrasound data taken on day minus 7 (one week prior to initial start date). Steers were randomly assigned to implant treatment (REV) or not (CON) at day -7 with the implanted group being re-implanted on day 190. Cattle were weighed and scanned for 12th-rib fat thickness (FTU), 12th-rib longissimus muscle area (LMAU), percentage intramuscular fat (%FATU), and rump fat thickness (RFU) to determine the ability of ultrasound to predict carcass grading outcomes at harvest in implanted vs non-implanted steers. Eight steers were harvested each 42 days and evaluated 48h after harvest to determine final body weight (FBW), 12th-rib fat thickness (FTC), 12th-rib longissimus muscle area (LMAC), and marbling score (MARB). Data were analyzed to determine treatment (TRT) and days on feed (DOF) interactions using the GLIMMIX procedure. Least square (LS) means illustrated differences (P < 0.05) between TRT for FBW, FTU, REAU, and %FATU. No differences (P = 0.088) between TRT for RFU were observed. Differences (P < 0.05) between DOF were observed for FBW through all 10 weigh days. A difference (P < 0.05) across DOF for days 42, 84, 126, 168, 210, 252, and 294 was noted for FTU. These data suggest growth promoting implants cause differences (increases) in weight and traditional ultrasound measures of carcass endpoints.
PSVII-11 Fecal parameters as indicators of starch digestibility and feedlot performance of water buffaloes
Authors: Paula Tania V , Francisco Caroline L , Castilhos André M , Meirelles Paulo R L , Jacaúna Amanna G , Correa Hugo L , Oliveira Camila S , de Barros Felipe , Jacob Vanessa R M , Jorge Andre M
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated fecal parameters indicative of starch digestibility of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of three genetic groups (GG: Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah). Seventy-eight non-castrated males [n = 26 of each GG; 200 kg of initial body weight (BW); 210 days of age] were used. Animals were finished in feedlot, receiving a diet rich in starch [38.76% in dry matter (DM) basis]. Samples of feces, diet offered, and orts were collected for digestibility test during 3 consecutive days. Diet samples were incubated in situ in the rumen of cannulated buffaloes. The remaining material was submitted to analysis to quantify the indigestible neutral detergent fiber levels. Fecal starch (FS) determination was performed by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Final BW (BW, kg), metabolic BW (BW0.75, kg0.75), average daily gain (ADG, kg/day), DM intake (DMI, in kg/day, and %BW) were recorded. Data were analyzed using MIXED and CORR procedure in SAS, with significance considered if P ≤ 0.05. Starch digestibility and FS concentration are not influenced by GG (P ≥ 0.23), unlike fecal DM and fecal pH (P ≤ 0.04; Table 1). Although weak, negative correlations were detected between FS and BW (r = -0.247; P = 0.05) and BW0.75 (r = -0.261; P =0.03), as well as between fecal DM and BW (r = -0.245; P = 0.05), ADG (r = -0.341; P < 0.01), DMI, kg/day (r = -0.374; P < 0.01), and DMI, %BW (r = -0.335; P < 0.01) variables. The results demonstrate that there are differences among GG of water buffaloes regarding fecal parameters. Furthermore, the high FS content and the low fecal pH may indicate the low capacity of water buffaloes to digest starch. Thus, the research results provide evidence that water buffaloes are not able to use high-grain diets, and fecal parameters proved to be potential tools to evaluate the feedlot performance of these animals.
PSXI-28 Commercial grain-free diet improved taurine status, but increased bile acid excretion when fed to Labrador Retrievers
Authors: Donadelli Renan Antunes , Pezzali Julia G , Oba Patrícia M , Swanson Kelly S , Coon Craig N , Varney Jessica L , Pendlebury Christine , Shoveller Anna-Kate
Published: November 2020

In 2018 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement that grain-free diets may be related to the increased incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. This statement was made despite all implicated diets meeting nutrient requirements published by the Association of American Feed Controls Official (AAFCO) and enforced by State Officials. Many of these dogs presented with low plasma or whole blood taurine concentrations, and as such, we hypothesized that feeding these diets would result in reduced taurine status over a 26 wk feeding period. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding a grain-free diet to large breed dogs on taurine status and overall health. Eight Labrador Retrievers (4 males, 4 females; Four Rivers Kennel, MO) were individually housed and fed a commercial complete and balanced grain-free diet (Acana Pork and Squash formula; APS; moisture 8.40%, crude protein 37.81%, crude fat 18.78%, ash 8.06%, and total dietary fiber 11.40%) for 26 weeks. Fasted blood samples were collected at week 0 and 26 for analyses of plasma and whole blood taurine. Urine was collected by free catch and analyzed for taurine and creatinine. Fresh fecal samples were collected and analyzed for bile acids. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure with repeated measures in SAS (v. 9.4). Dogs were healthy throughout the duration of the trial. Urinary taurine to creatinine ratio did not change throughout the feeding period (wk 0 = 0.25 vs. wk 26 = 0.28). Fecal bile acid excretion increased after 26 weeks of feeding APS to dogs. Despite the higher fecal excretion of bile acids, plasma and whole blood taurine increased over the 26 wk feeding period. In conclusion, feeding APS for 26 wk results in increased taurine status in large breed dogs, despite higher excretion of fecal bile acids.
PSIX-37 Considerations for using game cameras for on-farm behavior of beef cattle
Authors: Crites Benjamin , Roy Nicholas , Stamm Clay , Sears Brandon , Campbell Matthew , Musen Steven , Barnes Jessica , Williams Victor , Coffey David , Lehmkuhler Jeffrey
Published: November 2020

On-farm studies provide an opportunity to build relationships with clientele while answering applied science questions. Further, game trail cameras are a low-cost technology that may be an alternative to visually observing livestock for behavior data. An on-farm study involving eight county Extension agents and producers investigated game cameras to capture cattle visitation to mineral feeders. Three different models of Browning game trail cameras (Prometheus Group LLC, Birmingham, AL) each with timelapse feature were utilized. A three-page document provided background and methodology for the study. Details for placement of the trail camera were provided to provide consistency across farms. Cameras were pre-programmed to settings for image capture. A video for camera setup was also provided in the event that cameras reset to default settings due to battery failure. Timelapse feature was utilized providing image capture from sunrise to sunset at 2 min intervals. Several observations were noted to improve data capture in the future. Differences existed in battery utilization between camera models with one model only capturing images for approximately 2 of the 7 d periods while others had more than 80% battery life remaining after 7 d. Cameras were to be oriented facing south to avoid sun glare. Sun glare occurred at sunrise on most cameras and was particularly bad when dew was present on the camera lens. Mineral feeders need to be secured in place as livestock may move feeders out of the frame of the images captured. Still photos are insufficient in assessing behavior and short video clips are expected to improve interpretation especially when multiple animals visit the feeder at the same time. Utilization of human observation was not useful unless observation was performed at sunrise. Game trail cameras have the potential to be a cost-effective tool in capturing on-farm data of cattle behavior.
PSIX-26 Effect of enhanced nutrition during early life on the transcriptional profile of the arcuate nucleus region of the hypothalamus in Holstein Friesian bull calves
Authors: Keogh Kate , Coen Stephen P , Lonergan Pat , Fair Sean , Kenny David A
Published: November 2020

Improved nutrition and metabolic status during early life are known to advance sexual development in the bull calf. This is mediated through complex neuroendocrine signaling at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis resulting in precocious testicular development and spermatogenesis. The arcuate nucleus region (ARC) of the hypothalamus is centrally involved in the integration of peripheral metabolic cues with GnRH neuronal function and gonadotropin pulsatility which in turn stimulate testicular development. However, the precise molecular mechanisms regulating the influence of prevailing nutritional status on hypothalamic function are yet to be fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to evaluate differentially expressed genes (DEG) within the ARC of bull calves offered contrasting planes of nutrition during the first 12 weeks of life, to coincide with the characteristic transient gonadotropin rise. Holstein-Friesian bull calves with a mean (+SD) bodyweight and age of 48.8(5.3) kg and 17.5(2.8) days, respectively, were assigned to either a high energy (H; n = 15) or moderate energy (M; n = 15) plane of nutrition designed for growth rates of 1.0 and 0.5 kg/day, respectively. At 12 weeks of age all calves were euthanized and the ARC harvested. RNA was isolated from all ARC samples and RNAseq analysis conducted. As expected, H calves were heavier at euthanasia (H=112 kg; M=88 kg, P < 0.001). RNAseq analysis resulted in the identification of 83 DEG (P.adj< 0.1; fold change >1.5), all of which were down-regulated in H compared to M calves. DEG were enriched for biological pathways associated with immune function including complement system and acute phase response signaling (P.adj< 0.01). However, no DEG identified were directly involved in reproductive developmental processes. Results from this study suggest that the typically positive effect of enhanced nutrition on reproductive development may not be apparent within the ARC at 12 weeks of age.
PSIX-31 The effect of days on feed and trenbolone acetate + estradiol-17β implants on the dimensional measurements of serially harvested steer carcasses
Authors: Mayer Lauren M , Kirkpatrick Tylo J , Pillmore Sierra L , Wesley Kaitlyn R , Cooper Kimberly B , Francis Forest L , Tennant Travis , Nichols Wade , Hutcheson John , Lawrence Ty
Published: November 2020

Charolais x Angus steers (n = 80) were serially harvested to evaluate the effect of days on feed and exogenous growth promotion on dimensional measurements of chilled carcasses. Steers were randomly distributed to treatment and harvest day in a 2 x 10 factorial design. Steers were paired by genetic similarity and randomly assigned one of two treatments; implanted with Revalor-XS (REV) on d 0 and d 190 or non-implanted control (CON). Four pairs were randomly assigned to market endpoints of 0, 42, 84, 126, 168, 210, 252, 294, 336, or 378 DOF. Forty-eight h after harvest, a digital image was obtained of the lateral aspect of the right side of each carcass in front of a grid containing 390 contrasting black and green squares (100 cm2 each). Images were individually calibrated to a common standard and digitally measured for 2-dimensional surface area and maximal carcass length and width. Maximal length was measured from the caudal tip of the hindshank to cranial edge of the foreshank and maximal width was measured from the dorsal edge of the crest to the ventral edge of the foreshank. Carcass dimensional measurements were analyzed using mixed models; fixed effects were implant treatment and DOF with d 0 BW as a covariate. No TRT x DOF interaction was observed (P ≥ 0.13) for any dependent variable. Steers administered REV yielded 516 cm2 greater (P < 0.01) surface area than CON; moreover, surface area increased 21.0 cm2 /day. No TRT effect (P = 0.57) was observed for maximal length, however maximal width was 3.9 cm greater (P < 0.01) for REV steers. Steer carcasses increased 0.16 cm/day in length and 0.07 cm/day in width. These data illustrate growth in carcass size following exogenous growth promotant administration and finishing steers for various lengths of time.