bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
240 Nutritional Intervention to Improve Carbohydrate Utilization and gut Health in Pigs
Authors: Zijlstra Ruurd T , Vasanthan Thava , Gaenzle Michael G
Published: September 2022

In swine production, using feed antibiotics as antimicrobial growth promotants has been reduced; thus, feed alternatives to manage gut health are required. Dietary fiber, resistant starch, oligosaccharides, and exopolysaccharides are carbohydrate structures and are nutritional tools that may enhance gut health in pigs. Dietary carbohydrates may have a role to alleviate diarrheal diseases including in pigs post-weaning but also reduce constipation in sows. Antibiotics are hypothesized to influence gut health via modulation of intestinal microbial profiles; fermentation and intestinal inflammation are considered important mechanisms. Dietary fiber sources differ in 2 key properties: fermentability and solubility. Rapid fermentation of fiber and oligosaccharides is associated with changes in microbial profiles and increased metabolite production. Recently, microbial composition was hypothesized to be less important and combined output of metabolites should be the focus. Fiber properties may also manipulate retention time and physico-chemical properties of the undigested residue; hence, non-fermentable insoluble fiber may prevent constipation in sows. Starch is mostly digested and absorbed as glucose. However, resistant starch is not digested and acts as insoluble but fermentable fiber and has unique properties, because it specifically increases intestinal abundance of bifidobacteria, which are associated with improved gut health. Using crop breeding, feed processing, and feed additives, the structure of fiber and starch can be altered thereby changing its degradation kinetics and affecting its utilization as energy source and its prebiotic activity. Finally, exopolysaccharides from Limosilactobacillus reuteri and unique oligosaccharides may serve as receptor analogues for pathogenic bacteria, e.g., enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). These receptor analogues block lectin domains of bacterial adhesins and thus prevent adherence of pathogens to the gut wall, thereby avoiding initiation of post-weaning diarrhea. In conclusion, dietary carbohydrates are important energy sources but may also provide important solutions to maintain gut health in pigs.
247 Nutritional Interventions: Our Experiences from the Field
Authors: Bussières Dan
Published: September 2022

Dealing with E. coli in the early post-weaning period has been an ongoing theme in the swine industry since many years. Many strategies have been putted in place in order to reduce the issue. Knowledge in nutrition and use of specific feed additive have for sure led the way as solution to overcome those enteric challenge. We also saw a shift over the last 10-15 years for an increase in wean age in order to have a more robust and well-developed pig at weaning. Despite those improvements, use of pharmacological dose of zinc in the early phase post-weaning has remain a key strategy to control E. coli. On the other hand, in some case, efficacy of the historical pharmacological dose of zinc of 2000 to 25000 ppm for the first 2-3 weeks post-weaning seem to be not sufficient to control E. coli challenge. Higher dose and/or use over an extended period of time seem to be more common those days. The reason why we are talking more and more about zinc oxide is that many countries, mostly in Europe, have restricted/banded to use of high dose of zinc in any diet for pig. Limit have now been set at level around 150 ppm. Concern about environmental impact, but mostly about link with antibiotic resistance have been the main concern toward the ban of pharmacological dose of zinc. Canada feed regulations is under review and expectation is that we will also have a ban on high dose of zinc. With that in mind, our group have worked toward finding way to successfully feeding pig with low level of zinc and try to limit the impact of E. coli. We have run multiple research projects throughout the year and we are still conducting project that focus on feeding low level of zinc. Our belief and observation are that the success rely on a broader approach vs the use of single additive to replace the zinc oxide. We are talking about nutritional concept that include a complete review of how we approach the formulation of the diets for nursery pigs. Energy and protein level, use of fiber, specific feed additive, feed and water acidification are some of the strategies that need to be reviewed and evaluated in order to have a complete solution and to ensure better rate of success. The presentation will cover our experience throughout the last 10 years with the change that we implemented and that seem to allow for being successful in feeding pig in nursery with lower zinc oxide level.
278 Awardee Talk: Progesterone Regulates the Abundance of Mrnas and Proteins Involved in Polyamine Metabolism in the Sheep Endometrium
Authors: Halloran Katherine M , Hoskins Emily , Stenhouse Claire , Moses Robyn , Satterfield Michael C , Dunlap Kathrin , Seo Heewon , Johnson Gregory A , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W
Published: September 2022

Agmatine and polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine), metabolites of L-arginine, are important for development of mammalian conceptuses. The objective of this study was to determine if exogenous progesterone administered during the pre-implantation period, which accelerates conceptus development, alters the expression of mRNAs and proteins involved in the metabolism of agmatine and polyamines in the sheep uterus during pregnancy. Mature Suffolk ewes were bred to fertile rams and assigned randomly to be treated with daily i.m. injections of either 1ml corn oil (CO;n=28) or 25mg progesterone in corn oil (P4;n=20) from Day 1.5 through Day 8 after breeding (Day 0). Ewes were hysterectomized on Day 9, 12, or 125 of gestation and endometrial samples were collected. The expression of candidate mRNAs was quantified using qPCR and proteins localized using immunohistochemistry. On Day 9 of pregnancy, the expression of mRNAs for AMD1 (P < 0.01), ASL (P < 0.01), and SLC12A8 (P < 0.05) was greater in endometria of P4-treated compared to CO-treated ewes. The expression for MAT2B mRNA was greater (P < 0.001) for P4-treated compared to CO-treated ewes on both Days 9 and 12. On Day 125 of gestation, endometria from P4-treated ewes tended to have greater expression of SAT1 (P < 0.10) mRNA compared to CO-treated ewes. In contrast, the expression of AMD1(P < 0.01), MAT2B (P < 0.05), OAT (P < 0.05), SMOX (P < 0.05), and SLC12A8 (P < 0.05) mRNAs was lower in endometria from P4-treated compared to CO-treated ewes on Day 125. Exogenous P4 appeared to increase the relative abundance of SAT1 and SMOX proteins in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelia on Day 125 of pregnancy. These results suggest that early administration of progesterone may alter the biosynthesis of agmatine and polyamines in the sheep uterus during the pre-implantation period of pregnancy with potential ‘programming’ effects manifested in late pregnancy.
286 Effects of Presynchronization with Prostaglandin F2α and a Progestin, and Delayed Insemination on Pregnancy Rates with Sexed Semen in Replacement Beef Heifers
Authors: Oosthuizen Nicky , Porter Kristina , Burato Samir , Melo Lucas , Pohler Ky G , Fontes Pedro , Lamb Cliff C
Published: September 2022

To determine effects of presynchronization and delayed fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) on pregnancy rates (PR/AI) with sexed semen, 1,844 beef heifers were enrolled in a completely randomized design at 12 locations. Within location, heifers were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: 1 and 2), heifers administered prostaglandin F2α (PGF) on day -7, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and a CIDR insert on day 0, PGF at CIDR removal on day 7, and another injection of GnRH at TAI 72 hours later with conventional (CTRL72-CNV) or sexed semen (CTRL72-SEX); 3 and 4), treated the same as CTRL72 but received a CIDR insert on day -7 at PGF administration and TAI at 60 hours with conventional (CIDR60-CNV) or sexed semen (CIDR60-SEX); 5), treated the same as CIDR60 but had TAI delayed to 72 hours with sexed semen (CIDR72-SEX). Estrus expression between day 7 and TAI did not differ (P=0.92) between CIDR60 and CIDR72 heifers but was greater (P< 0.001) in CIDR60 and CIDR72 heifers compared with CTRL72 heifers. Among treatments, PR/AI differed (P< 0.001) and were greater (P≤0.003) in CTRL72-CNV and CIDR60-CNV heifers than CIDR60-SEX and CIDR72-SEX heifers. Furthermore, PR/AI were greater (P< 0.001) in CTRL72-SEX and CIDR60-SEX heifers when compared with CIDR72-SEX heifers but only tended (P=0.09) to differ between CTRL72-SEX and CIDR60-CNV heifers. No differences (P=0.33) were determined between CTRL72-CNV and CIDR60-CNV or between CTRL72-SEX and CIDR60-SEX heifers (P=0.22). In conclusion, no differences were determined between heifers presynchronized with only PGF and those presynchronized with PGF and a CIDR insert when inseminated with either conventional or sexed semen. Therefore, use of a CIDR insert for an additional 7 days was not beneficial to PR/AI when heifers were TAI at 60 hours with either conventional or sexed semen. Additionally, delaying TAI to 72 hours with sexed semen after presynchronization with both PGF and a CIDR insert has a negative impact on PR/AI.
295 Effects of Prenatal Testosterone Excess on Puberty Attainment of First-Generation ewe Lambs
Authors: Gurule Sara C , Sustaita Jessica F , Landers Renata , King Leslie , Garza Viviana , Bynum Sarah , Arrott Dylan , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Cardoso Rodolfo C
Published: September 2022

Prenatal testosterone excess causes reproductive perturbations in sheep that recapitulate those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Obesity has a significant role in the development and severity of the PCOS phenotype. Our objective was to investigate the effects of testosterone excess from gestational days (GD) 60-90 (unlike the GD 30-90 model, these animals are not virilized) and postnatal body weight (BW) gain on puberty in first-generation ewe lambs. Pregnant Suffolk ewes received testosterone propionate (T; 100 mg) or corn oil (C) i.m. twice weekly from GD 60-90 (term=147d). Ewe lambs were weaned ~3 mo of age. Control and T lambs were assigned to gain either 0.3 kg/d (C and T-maintenance) or 0.4 kg/d (T-overfed). Maintenance diet was designed to promote optimal growth without excess fat deposition. Overfed ration was designed to achieve a BW ~30% above that of maintenance. Progesterone concentrations were measured via radioimmunoassay in blood samples collected twice weekly from ewe lambs (n=15/group) during the first breeding season. Puberty was defined as when progesterone concentrations were < 0.5 ng/mL for four consecutive samples followed by three consecutive samples ≥0.5 ng/mL. Six animals (C, n=1; T-maintenance, n=3; T-overfed, n=2) did not attain puberty during the study and puberty was assigned as last day of sampling. Average daily gain was not different among treatments (C, 0.23±0.02kg; T-maintenance, 0.25±0.01kg; T-overfed, 0.27±0.02kg). Age at puberty did not differ between groups (C, 274.6±9.9d; T-maintenance, 270.0±11.3d; T-overfed, 266.0±10.2d). Similarly, BW at puberty did not differ across treatments (C, 50.44±2.2kg; T-maintenance, 52.5±2.4kg; T-overfed, 57.3±2.5kg). In conclusion, unlike GD 30-90 exposure which advanced puberty, GD 60-90 exposure did not affect age and BW at puberty in ewe lambs. Collectively, these studies suggest that GD 30-60 is a critical developmental window in which prenatal testosterone excess advances puberty in female sheep. Research support: NIH-NICHD (R01HD099096).
296 Ergot Alkaloid Consumption Alters Serotonin Receptor-Induced Vasoactivity in Ovine Umbilical Vasculature
Authors: Klotz James L , Duckett Susan K , Britt Jessi , Greene Maslyn A , Andrae John G
Published: September 2022

Consumption of ergot alkaloids during the second half of gestation have been shown to decrease umbilical artery vasoactivity resulting in lighter birth weights. The objective was to evaluate vasoactivity of serotonin (5HT) receptors 5HT2A and 5HT1B/1D in umbilical artery and vein from ewes receiving endophyte-infected (E+ 1.77 mg ergovaline/animal/day) or endophyte-free (E-; 0 mg ergovaline/animal/day) tall fescue seed at d-85 (n=4), 110 (n=4 E+; n=4 E-), 135 (n =4 E+; n=4 E-) of gestation. Suffolk ewes began receiving seed treatments on d-86 of gestation. Umbilical artery and vein were collected from ewes at slaughter. Two-mm blood vessel cross sections were mounted in multi-myographs containing Krebs-Henseleit buffer and exposed to increasing concentrations of rizatriptan benzoate (5HT1B/1D agonist) and TCB-2 (5HT2A agonist). Data were analyzed as a split-plot with mixed models of SAS. The 5HT1B/1D agonist did not stimulate a contractile response in either vessel for any gestation time point evaluated. The 5HT2A agonist caused contractile responses in umbilical artery with the greatest occurring at d-85 and decreasing in magnitude as days of gestation increased (P< 0.05). On d-110 and 133 of gestation, umbilical arteries from ewes receiving E- seed had a greater contractile response than those arteries collected from ewes receiving the E+ treatment (P< 0.05). Umbilical veins also responded to increasing concentrations of 5HT2A agonist and maximal response was not different between d-85 and 110 of gestation, but both were greater than d-133. Unlike the artery, umbilical veins from ewes receiving E+ seed had greater contractile response than E- at d-133 (P< 0.05). These results demonstrate that ovine vascular smooth muscle contractions of the umbilical artery and vein are induced by 5HT2A receptor activity and not 5HT1B/1D. Umbilical artery 5HT2A receptor activity responded to seed treatment differently than umbilical vein and could be the source of ergot alkaloid-induced intra-uterine growth restriction.
309 Achieving Heavier Market Weights, with Similar Feed Efficiency, in Gilts Administered Improves
Authors: Vonnahme Kimberly A , Amodie Debbie , Edler Roy , Mellencamp Marnie , Galina-Pantoja Lucina
Published: September 2022

Previous reports indicate that gilts administered Improvest will have an increased ADFI, ADG, and heavier market weights. Feeder type may influence growth performance and feed efficiency. Prior to the initiation of this study, pigs were placed into pens with two different feeder types at weaning (wet/dry shelf feeders and 4-hole dry feeders). Our objective was to determine grow-finish production parameters within a feeder type. Our null hypothesis was that Improvest would not impact ADFI, ADG, or feed efficiency. Pigs (63 days of age; d0 of the study) were weighed, and pens were randomized to treatment within a feeder type (20 pens/treatment; 27 gilts/pen). The first Improvest dose was administered on d7 and the second dose administered on d67. Weights were obtained at each dietary phase change, and prior to each marketing. The heaviest 8 gilts/pen were marketed 22 days post second dose (PSD), heaviest 8 gilts/pen at 37 days PSD, and all remaining gilts marketed at 50 days PSD. The phenotypes were similar between the 2 feeder types. Prior to the 2nd dose of Improvest, ADFI, ADG, and weights were similar between Improvest-treated and control gilts. After the 2nd dose, ADFI, ADG, and live weights were increased in Improvest gilts. Feed efficiency (G:F) was similar at all times between treatment groups. There was an increased (P ≤ 0.05) market weight and carcass weight for Improvest-treated gilts; however, this was driven by gilts marketed at 37- and 50-days PSD, as weights were similar for Improvest and control gilts 22 days PSD. Feed efficiency was similar with Improvest administration in gilts. To optimize the impacts of Improvest, marketing times should be considered when planning the Improvest administration schedule, as the weight advantages were not realized until after the first marketing cut.
321 Evaluation of Heifer Forage Efficiency Through RFI and Greenhouse gas Emissions
Authors: Briggs Emma A , Horton Kade , Moore Mikayla F , Lalman David
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between beef heifer feed efficiency and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions using an unprocessed hay diet. Fifty-four Angus and Angus Herford cross heifers were subject to a 71-day hay intake test using individual intake technology (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) with a stocking rate of 3.6 heifers per feeder. Heifers were blocked by BW into 2 drylot pens (HEAVY, n=21; LIGHT, n=33) at the Oklahoma State University Range Cow Research Center located near Stillwater, OK. Throughout the study, heifers were fed a long-stem, unprocessed, grass hay diet (10.8% CP, 2.0 Mcal ME, and 56% TDN) with 21-d adaptation. A subset of 39 heifers were used for the collection of gas flux data using an open-circuit, portable, gas-quantification system (GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) to measure (means±SD) oxygen consumption (3,118±330.9 g/d), carbon dioxide production (4,664±467.9 g/d), and methane production (169±23.4 g/d). Phenotypic measures (means±SD) for dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), average body weight (BW), and residual feed intake (RFI) were 6.75±1.12 kg, 0.15±0.2 kg, 312.7±30.5 kg, and 0.08±0.84 kg, respectively. Predicted DMI was calculated using a multiple regression equation (-3.11 + 0.13*BW0.75+0.76*ADG; P< 0.05; R2=0.43) in R. To further evaluate forage efficiency, heifers were segregated by 0.5 SD into three RFI categories of efficient (n=13), average (n=31), and inefficient (n=10) resulting in means of 5.8, 6.76, and 7.94 kg DMI and 0.16, 0.16, and 0.15 kg ADG, respectively. There was no significant difference (p< 0.05) between RFI categories for ADG, CO2, CH4, and O2. Phenotypic correlations of DMI with CO2, CH4, and O2 were 0.59, 0.45, and 0.61, respectively. Efficient heifers consumed 21% less forage compared with inefficient heifers, suggesting that improvement in forage utilization can be achieved when efficiency is evaluated using an unprocessed grass hay diet.
320 Effect of Breed of Sire and Calving Season on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Moore Mikayla F , Briggs Emma A , Wilson Blake K , Reuter Ryan R , Beck Paul A , Foote Andrew P , Lalman David
Published: September 2022

Four years of feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were pooled on spring-(SPRING) and fall-(FALL) born steers (n=460) into a mixed model to evaluate the effects of calving season, sire breed (Angus [AN], Charolais [CHAR] or Hereford [HER]) and their interaction on feedlot performance and carcass traits. Initial and final BW, DOF, ADG, DMI, and G:F were evaluated as performance measures and HCW, YG, FT, REA, and MS were collected at harvest. There was no season by breed interaction for entry or final BW (P >0.05). SPRING steers (400.2 kg, 686.4 kg) weighed more than FALL (350.9 kg, 668.3 kg) upon entering and leaving the feedyard (P< 0.001). CHAR weighed 14.3 kg less than AN upon feedlot entry (P=0.01) although final BW did not differ by breed (P >0.05). SPRING steers (21.8 kg/d) consumed more feed than FALL steers (18.8 kg/d; P=0.002), but there was no difference in gain:feed due to calving season nor sire breed (P≥0.575). A calving season by sire breed interaction was present for ADG and DOF (P≤0.014). FALL AN (1.70 kg/d) and FALL HER (1.80 kg/d) gained more than FALL CHAR (1.55 kg/d;P< 0.001) and FALL AN were fed over a shorter period than FALL CHAR and FALL HER (P≤0.006). However, average daily gain of SPRING calves did not differ by breed (P >0.05). There was a tendency for FALL (400.9 kg) steers to have lighter carcasses than SPRING steers (407.9 kg; P=0.068). HER carcasses were 18.0 kg heavier than AN carcasses (P< 0.001), but did not differ from CHAR (P=0.13). CHAR had larger REA (93.5 cm2) than both AN (87.7 cm2) and HER steers (88.5 cm2;P≤0.001). Fall-born steers had less YG than spring-born steers (P< 0.042). Feedlot performance was generally less for fall-born steers finished during the winter months. Under these conditions, numerous performance and carcass traits were influenced by the interaction of breed and season.
327 Parameter Updates in the Davis Growth Model for Growth, Intake, and Composition of Modern Angus-Cross Cattle
Authors: Harrison Meredith , Oltjen James W
Published: September 2022

The Davis Growth Model is a dynamic model used to estimate body composition and growth in beef cattle by simulating total body DNA and protein turnover. Since model development and parametrization in the 1980s, the model has been re-structured to account for previous rate of protein accretion and prior nutrition. Original parameter estimates for alpha (maintenance constant, where net energy for maintenance is alpha x shrunk body weight0.75; 0.08406) and K2 (protein synthesis rate constant; 0.0444) may not fit modern, heavier, more productive cattle. Angus-cross steers (n = 24; initial body weight 402 ± 12 kg) were fed using automated feed weight stations in group pens (8 steers/pen). Steers were fed a high energy ration twice daily, at 10% greater than the intake from the previous day. Steers were measured for hip height, body weight (BW), and ultrasonic measurements for ribeye area and back fat every 28 d until harvest (d 128). These measurements were used to calculate empty BW, empty body fat, and empty percent body fat for alpha and K2 estimates. Parameter estimates (± SD) were 0.12661 (0.01587) and 0.04919 (0.00220) for alpha and K2, respectively. Parameter estimates in the current study reflect a large increase in apparent maintenance. Maintenance requirements were moderately correlated with back fat thickness and feed conversion efficiency. Protein turnover had very strong correlations with ribeye area and feed conversion efficiency. Average feed conversion efficiency in the current study was 0.17. To evaluate parameter estimates, the model was re-run using the new values for alpha and K2. On average, the model underpredicted final empty body weight by 0.08 kg and empty body fat percent by 0.01%-units. Considering the relatively large variation among observed alpha values and the magnitude of increase compared with those previously reported, further research is required to determine an accurate alpha.
332 Evaluating the Effects of Lactic Acid Adaptation in Beef Cattle Prior to an Acidosis Challenge
Authors: Buessing Zachary , Gaffney Bree , McNelis Jenna , Linder Haley F , Tondini Sara M , McCann Joshua C
Published: September 2022

The objective was to determine if a 7-day lactic acid adaptation in cannulated steers affected ruminal fermentation during an acidosis challenge. Steers (n=18; 790 ± 68 kg) were assigned to one of two treatments: control (CON) 500 mL of H2O or 1 mM DL-Lactic acid solution per kg steer BW (LAC). Steers were dosed with treatments via the cannula prior to feeding for seven days during the adaptation period. The adaptation diet consisted of 25% corn silage, 30% grass hay, 15% dry distillers grains, 25% dry rolled corn, 5% molasses and 10% supplement. To induce acidosis, steers were fasted for 24 hours and subsequently fed a high concentrate diet consisting of 15% corn silage, 15% dry distillers grains, 55% high moisture corn, 5% molasses, 10% supplement. Rumen fluid was collected throughout the acidosis challenge to measure fermentation characteristics including rumen pH, redox, ammonia, volatile fatty acids, and lactic acid. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with a repeated measures analysis. Dry matter intake was not affected (P ≥ 0.65) by treatment before or after the acidosis challenge. A treatment × time interaction was not observed (P = 0.83) for ruminal pH, but pH was affected (P < 0.01) by time and remained between 5.6 and 5.0 for about 14 hours during the challenge. A treatment × hour interaction tended (P = 0.08) to be observed for lactate; LAC had a greater concentration than CON at hour 14 during the challenge. However, a treatment × hour interaction was not detected (P ≥ 0.38) for ammonia, volatile fatty acids, fecal pH and redox potential. In conclusion, these results indicate that a 7-day lactic acid adaption at 1 mM per kg BW did not affect ruminal fermentation characteristics during an acidosis challenge.
333 Development of a 4-Plex Quantitative PCR Assay for the Detection and Quantification of Species and Subspecies of Fusobacterium Necrophorum and Fusobacterium Varium in Bovine Rumen Fluid
Authors: Deters Alyssa K , Nagaraja T G , Bai Jianfa , Shi Xiaorong , Kang Qing
Published: September 2022

The Fusobacterium genus contains Gram-negative, rod-shaped anaerobic bacteria. Fusobacterium necrophorum and its two subspecies, necrophorum and funduliforme, are normal ruminal inhabitants of cattle. Subsp. necrophorum is the primary causative agent of liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. Fusobacterium varium is also a normal rumen inhabitant, but its role in ruminal fermentation and involvement in liver abscesses is unknown. Currently, no PCR assays exist to quantify F. varium and both subspecies of F. necrophorum. Therefore, our objective was to develop, validate, and determine the applicability of a quantitative PCR assay for quantification of F. varium and the two subspecies of F. necrophorum. Assay targets were the species-specific hgdA gene, encoding for (R)-2-hydroxyglutarylCoA dehydratase subunit alpha, and the subspecies-specific promoter sequence of the leukotoxin gene, lktA. Assay specificity was validated with different species and strains of Fusobacterium, and other bacterial species. Assay sensitivity was determined using pure cultures. Applicability of the assay for quantification of F. necrophorum and F. varium was determined using ruminal fluid from slaughtered cattle. Species and subspecies-level specificity was confirmed. Pure culture quantification limits (CFU/ml) were 2.1x103 for the F. necrophorum species, 5.6x102 for subsp. necrophorum, 1.5x103 for subsp. funduliforme, and 1.8x103 for F. varium. Analysis of ruminal fluid collected from cattle with healthy livers (n=83) and abscessed livers (n=68) indicated that 97% of samples contained F. funduliforme, with mean concentrations of 7.8 x103, and 8.1x103, respectively. Additionally, subsp. necrophorum and F. varium were more prevalent in ruminal fluid from cattle with abscessed livers (41% and 59%) compared with samples from cattle with healthy livers (31% and 41%). In conclusion, subsp. funduliforme appears to be the normal inhabitant of the rumen, while subsp. necrophorum and F. varium are more prevalent in the rumen of cattle with abscessed livers than those with healthy livers.
373 Growth Performance, Efficiency of Dietary net Energy Utilization, and Carcass Traits of Lambs Supplemented Encapsulated Butyric Acid and Zinc Abruptly Transitioned to a Finishing Diet
Authors: Francis Forest L , Ribeiro Thiago Maia , Gubbels Erin R , LaFleur Doug , Hergenreder Jerilyn , Smith Zachary K
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to determine if supplementing encapsulated butyric acid and zinc (BZ) in lambs abruptly transitioned to a finishing diet has effects on growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, and carcass traits following a 59.5 d finishing period. Polypay wethers (n = 32; initial shrunk BW = 39 kg ± 4.8 kg) were grouped by initial shrunk BW and assigned to dietary treatment (CON: 0 g BZ/kg diet DM; BZ: 2 g BZ/kg diet DM) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with pen (n = 16) as experimental unit. Wethers were abruptly transitioned from growing diet (based upon grass hay, dried distillers grains plus solubles, and a soybean meal based pellet; 1.65 Mcal/kg NEm, 0.95 Mcal/kg NEg) to finishing diet (based upon whole corn, soybean hulls, and a soybean meal pellet; 2.02 Mcal/kg NEm, 1.33 Mcal/kg NEg) upon study initiation. Lambs were harvested at the South Dakota State University meat lab and empty body measures and carcass traits were recorded. Growth performance was calculated on a shrunk live basis (BW × 0.96). Data were analyzed as an RCBD with fixed effect of treatment and random effect of block. No differences (P ≥ 0.15) were observed for final shrunk BW, ADG, DMI, feed conversion efficiency, observed-to-expected (O:E) DMI, O:E NEm, O:E NEg, EBW, dressed yield, or HCW. Percentage of boneless closely trimmed retail cuts (BCTRC) and red meat yield (RMY) were decreased (P = 0.03) for BZ vs. CON. Body wall thickness was increased (P = 0.02) for BZ vs. CON. Supplementing wethers BZ during an abrupt transition to a finishing diet had no effects on growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy, or empty body measures and had minor effects on body wall thickness, percentage BCTRC, and RMY.
382 Essential Skills for Future Equine Sports Rehabilitation Careers
Authors: Reed Sarah A
Published: September 2022

The field of equine sports medicine and rehabilitation is rapidly expanding with increasing career opportunities for individuals (non-veterinarians) in equine rehabilitation facilities. However, throughout the United States, there are limited educational opportunities for undergraduate students to prepare for this career. The objective of this study was to determine what practical skills and theoretical knowledge are deemed most useful for employment by professionals in this industry. To meet this objective, an Qualtrics survey was distributed through email and social media to veterinarians, veterinary professionals, rehabilitation service providers, and horse owners. In addition to demographics, the survey asked respondents to list practical skills and theoretical knowledge that are essential for professionals in the equine rehabilitation industry. The majority of the 117 respondents (84%) were located in the United States, with the remainder from Canada (5%), the United Kingdom (5%) and several other countries. Eighteen percent of respondents were veterinarians, 26% owned or managed rehabilitation facilities, 8.5% were veterinary technicians, and the remainder were horse owners, rehabilitation service providers, and others. Horse handling skills (19%) and communication skills (18%) were the most commonly listed practical skills deemed essential for rehabilitation professionals. Of the theoretical skills, evaluation of lameness (29.5%), anatomy (31%), and fundamentals of equine reconditioning programs (32%) were deemed similarly important for rehabilitation professionals. Together, these data indicate that an educational program in equine sports rehabilitation should include fundamental knowledge in lameness evaluation and rehabilitation methods as well as significant hands-on opportunities with rehabilitating horses and communicating about rehabilitation methods and progress with clients.
78 Young Scholar Award Talk: How Advances in Animal Efficiency and Management Have Affected Beef's Water Intensity Across the United States: 1991 Compared to 2019
Authors: Klopatek Sarah C , Oltjen James W
Published: September 2022

Updating the static model by Beckett and Oltjen (1993), we determined that from 1992 to 2019, U.S. beef cattle water consumption per kg of beef decreased by 38%. As with the 1993 model, water use included direct water intake by animals, water applied for irrigation of crops that were consumed by the cattle, water applied to irrigated pasture, and water used to process animals at marketing. Numbers of cattle, crop production, and irrigation data were used from USDA census and survey data. On January 1, 2019, a total of 31.7 million beef cows and 5.8 million replacement heifers were in U.S. breeding herds, and 26 million animals were fed annually. In total, the U.S. beef cattle herd (feedlot and cull cows) produced 7.7 billion kg of boneless beef, an increase of 10% since 1992. Beef cattle directly consumed 600 billion L of water per year. Feedlot cattle were fed various grain and roughage sources corresponding to the regions in which they were fed. Feeds produced in a state were preferentially used by cattle in that state with that state's efficiency; any additional feedstuffs required used water at the national efficiency. Irrigation of crop feedstuffs for feedlot cattle required 5,827 billion L of water. Irrigated pasture for beef cattle production required an additional 6,445 billion L of water. Carcass processing required 91 billion L of water. The model estimates 2,271 L of developed water per kilogram of boneless meat for beef cattle production in the United States. As with the previous model, the current model was most sensitive to changes in dressing percentage and percentage of boneless yield in carcasses of feedlot cattle (62.8 and 65, respectively). In conclusion, with more beef, fewer cows, and lower rates of irrigation, beef cattle’s water footprint has decreased at an annual rate of by 1.35% over 28 years.
PSXIII-7 Field Testing of Lora-wan Sensors for Real-Time Tracking and Biosensing of Brangus and Raramuri Criollo Cattle Grazing a Small Pasture
Authors: Nyamuryekung'e Shelemia , Duff Glenn C , Estell Richard , Utsumi Santiago , Funk Micah , Cibils Andres , Cox Andrew , Gong Qixu , Cao Huiping , Spiegal Sheri , Gouvêa Vinicius , Brandani Carolina
Published: September 2022

The study’s objective was to investigate the use of Internet of Things (IoT) biosensors using Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRa-WAN) communication to compare the foraging behavior of two desert adapted cattle breeds. Two groups of mature Brangus (BA) and Raramuri Criollo (RC) cows were introduced into a small irrigated pasture (38ha) at the New Mexico State University’s Clayton Livestock Research Center during Dec-Jan, 2021 (41-days). The real-time position and activity count data (15- and 1-minute interval, respectively) were retrieved continuously from 4 BA and 5 RC cows collared with commercially available trackers (Abeeway Industrial-trackers). Response variables derived from GPS records included daily distance traveled (Dist) and daily area explored (Area). Response variables derived from accelerometers included daily percentage motion (%Act) and cumulative activity data (CumAct). All variables were grouped into six consecutive weekly periods and analyzed by a repeated measures mixed model that included the fixed effects of BREED, WEEK, and the BREED*WEEK interaction in a completely randomized design. A significant (P< 0.01) BREED*WEEK interaction was detected on all GPS-derived variables, with RC exhibiting a trend to explore larger areas than BA (P=0.06). For the accelerometer-derived variables, the BREED*WEEK interaction was only significant (P=0.01) for CumAct. Overall, BA spent a larger percentage of the day active (%Act; BA= 76.74 vs. RC= 73.16; P=0.02), while investing a significantly greater overall activity (CumAct; BA= 8816.63 vs. RC= 6311.31; P=0.03) compared to RC cows. The insensitivity of GPS-derived variables is hypothesized to be the result of aggregating errors associated with less frequent GPS location measurements coupled with position errors (~5m) and a low success rate of data packet transmission (~40%). The spatial scale of the study is hypothesized to have influenced the foraging behavior differences that were observed between the breeds, and the better performance of the accelerometer vs. GPS-derived variables.
PSXI-14 Effects of Footpad Dermatitis on Gene Expression of Host Defense Peptides in Laying Hens
Authors: Zhang Runxiang , Chen Yanqing , Wang Rui , Bao Jun
Published: September 2022

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) has a negative impact on the welfare and health production of poultry. The present study aimed to determine the effect of FPD on the expression of host defense peptides (HPDs). A total of fifty-four 55-week-old Hy-line brown hens housed individually in furnished cages were selected for investigating the mRNA expression of HPDs in foot, spleen, liver, and small intestine tissues. FPD score 0 group with normal foot, FPD score 1 with a small lesion of the foot pad epithelium and FPD score 2 with a larger lesion were divided by visual examination. The results showed that compared with group 0, hens from FPD group 1 and 2 had increased mRNA expression of HPDs of AvBD1, AvBD3, AvBD4, AvBD5, AvBD6, AvBD7, AvBD8, AvBD9, AvBD10, AvBD11, AvBD12, AvBD13, AvBD14 and LEAP2in foot and spleen tissues (P < 0.05). The relative expression of HPDs genes AvBD2, AvBD3, AvBD4, AvBD5, AvBD7, AvBD8, AvBD11, AvBD12, AvBD13, AvBD14, and LEAP2 in liver tissue increased, while the relative mRNA expression of AvBD6, AvBD9, and AvBD10 decreased (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of AvBD1, AvBD3, AvBD5, AvBD6, AvBD7, AvBD9, AvBD10, AvBD12, and LEAP2 in small intestinal tissue increased (P < 0.05), while the expression of AvBD2, AvBD8, and AvBD14 decreased (P < 0.05). Therefore, FPD can affect the expression of AVBDs in laying hens that the foot and spleen tissue had stronger responsiveness to the FPD. It is speculated that the increase in the expression of AVBDs on account of the possible infection with pathogenic bacteria. Then the increased HPDs participated in the host's defense responses and strengthened the immune regulation after FPD occurred.
PSI-15 Effects of Melatonin on Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Weaned Beef Calves
Authors: Ogunkunle Nathaniel , Zakari Friday , Samuel Felix , Omontese Bobwealth O
Published: September 2022

Weaning is a stressful event often associated with changes in physiological characteristics, increased restlessness, reduced feed intake, and poor performance. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of melatonin on behavioral and physiological responses of weaned beef calves. Angus beef calves (n=36) at 7-mo of age were stratified by dam parity, body weight, calf sex and randomly allocated to receive either 24mg melatonin implants (MEL) or physiological saline (CON). A subset of calves were fitted with accelerometers on the hind leg to monitor activity levels for 7 days after weaning. Blood samples, rectal temperature, chute score and body weight measurements were collected on d 0, 7 and 14 after weaning. Activity of MEL calves was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than CON. The MEL calves had lower (P < 0.05) chute score on d 7 and 14 compared to CON. There was no marked effect of melatonin on rectal temperature and hematological parameters, however, platelet showed significant (P < 0.05) difference with MEL recording higher values compared to CON. Average daily gain (ADG) was 1.67 and 2.35kg/d in CON and MEL, respectively. We concluded that although no differences in ADG, hemogram, and rectal temperature were observed, melatonin treated calves had reduced behavioral stress response associated with weaning.
PSI-1 An Evaluation of Functionality of Cryopreserved Sperm Cells Treated with Heifer-Plus™
Authors: Ruemke Heather R , Runyan Cheyenne L , Waddell Jolena N , Roper David , Poe A Brant , Daigneault Brad
Published: September 2022

The commercial beef cattle industry produces calves for replacement or slaughter. Female replacements are important to advance herd genetics, therefore, a tool to influence sex ratios may enhance reproductive efficiency. A commercial semen sexing kit, Heifer-Plus™, used in conjunction with artificial insemination, may alter the sex ratio of offspring by increasing motility of the X chromosome-bearing sperm. The aim of this research was to assess the methodology of Heifer-Plus™ through evaluation of motion patterns and kinematic parameters in conventional semen straws. Four bulls representing Angus, Wagyu, and Holstein breeds were utilized. Six straws of cryopreserved semen from each bull were thawed in a water bath (37.5°C for 35 sec). Three straws from each bull were pooled and treated with Heifer-Plus™ and 3 straws were pooled as the no-treatment control. Post treatment, all samples were aliquoted in microcentrifuge tubes and Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) measurements of motility and kinematic factors were assessed. Semen samples were held at 37.5°C for incubation for three 15-min periods (15-mins, 30-mins, and 45-mins) measuring thermoresistance and longevity of spermatozoa. After incubation, 80 µL of each semen sample were observed on CASA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA method in GraphPad Prism and P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. No effect of treatment on motility parameters or rapid velocity were measured, however there was a decrease in total motility (P=0.0045), progressive motility (P=0.0115) and rapid velocity (P =0.0099) across time intervals. Heifer-Plus™ treated cells had higher incidence of static velocity compared to control (P = .0038). Semen samples were clustered into subpopulation threshold-based on sperm average path velocity (VAP) and linearity (LIN) at each time point. Spermatozoa treated with Heifer-Plus™ consistently exhibited a high velocity and variable linearity therefore were categorized consistently into two categories at each time point.
PSIII-9 Hempseed Meal as an Effective Protein Supplement for Finishing Wethers
Authors: Butts Mercer , Hallmark Harrison D , Murray Roderick Gonzalez , Lente Leeroy , de Bisneto Octavio Almeida Guimaraes , Garcia Gabriel , Thorndyke Meghan P , Dillon Jasmine A , Archibeque Shawn L
Published: September 2022

As our global agriculture landscape continues to change it has become more important than ever to find sustainable alternatives to feed livestock. Hempseed and its derivatives may provide alternative sources of nutrients for inclusion in livestock diets, however, due to the paucity of research on hemp and its byproducts, there is no authorization of the inclusion of these products in food animal diets. We hypothesized that the digestibility and use of hempseed meal would be similar to other livestock protein sources. Forty Western White-Faced wethers were used in a completely randomized block design with 5 treatments. These treatments included diets formulated to be near isonitrogenous with 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% of diet DM as hemp seed meal, primarily as a substitute for dried distillers grains with solubles. Wethers were fed the diets individually for 90 d, which was followed by a 5 d balance trial with a total collection of urine and feces. There were no differences in DM intake (P = 0.44) or average daily gain (P= .16) between treatments. There were no differences in DM digestibility (P = 0.86) or N digestibility (P = 0.29) between treatments, although there was a slight increase in P digestibility as hemp meal inclusion increased until it represented 15% of the dietary DM (P = 0.02). There were no differences in the digestibility of Ca (P=0.44), Mg (P = 0.10), K (P = 0.85), or Na (P = 0.54). There were no differences in urinary N excretion (P=0.33) or urinary urea excretion (P=0.34) between treatments. Additionally, blood chemistry constituents were also not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.10). Based on these data, it is concluded that hemp seed meal is a comparable protein supplement for sheep with no identified deleterious effects.
PSIV-A-6 Computer Vision System to Predict Famacha© Degree in Sheep from Ocular Conjunctiva Images
Authors: Freitas Luara , Ferreira Rafael , Savegnago Rodrigo , Dorea Joao R , Rosa Guilherme J J M , Paz Claudia
Published: September 2022

The Famacha© method has been created for detecting sheep unable to cope with the infection by Haemonchus contortus, through visual assessment of ocular conjunctiva coloration. The objective of this study was to develop a computer vision system (CVS) for prediction of Famacha© degree (FAM) from ocular conjunctiva images. The dataset consisted of 475 ocular conjunctiva images from animals in two farms. A Random Forest (RF) approach was used to segment the images, i.e. to select the pixels that belong to the ocular conjunctiva. After segmentation, the quantiles (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of color intensity in each channel (red, blue, and green) were determined and used in multinomial logistic regression and RF models to classify the animals according to FAM. The classification methods were fitted using the information of quantiles, and the FAM (scores 1 to 5, non-anemic to severely anemic, respectively) as the target classes to be predicted. The RF presented the best performance in predicting degrees 1 to 4, with an F1 score, that represents the balance between the precision and the recall, of 50.0% for degree 1, 72.7% for degree 2, 75.4% for degree 3, and 62.2% for degree 4, where degrees 3 and 4 refer to animals that need treatment. None of the two prediction approaches were able to satisfactorily classify degree 5 animals. The results suggest that it is feasible to adequately predict the FAM in real-time from images of the conjunctiva ocular in sheep, providing key information for management decisions on the farm. Nonetheless, further studies and larger datasets may be needed to increase the classification accuracy of degree 5 animals. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that it is possible to successfully predict degrees of Famacha 1 to 4 in sheep via CVS using images collected in farm conditions.Supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) grants #2020/03575-8, #2018/01540-2 and #2016/14522-7, Brazil
PSX-B-19 Producers’ Perception of Utilization of Reproductive Technologies in Small Cattle Herds
Authors: Williams Paige
Published: September 2022

A multitude of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are available to producers for the use of improving their herds production and optimizing efficiency. Nonetheless, current utilization of ART is less than 50% among cattle producers and even less amongst producers with less than 100 head of cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate what reproductive technologies small beef herd producers in Texas currently use and what affects their decision not to utilize available technologies. A 19-question survey was populated using Qualtrics. A population was asked to complete the survey via a link connected to a QR code. The survey comprised questions regarding producer demographics, herd demographics, use of reproductive technologies, and perception of available pregnancy detection methods. A total of 152 surveys were collected with a final of 122 being evaluated. Survey answers were recorded in Qualtrics. Means and frequencies of responses were calculated for each question. The usage of ART within herds, including currently implemented breeding technologies, pregnancy detection methods, and factors affecting the decision to use technologies was investigated. Of producers surveyed, 66.3% do not utilize any form of breeding technologies within their herd and instead rely on natural cover of the bull. For pregnancy detection methods, 44.35% utilize palpation while 34.68% use no form of detection. There was a numerically similar distribution of reasons for not utilizing available technologies with time (12.10%), money (8.87%), and the combination of the two (11.29%), standing above other reasons such as access to technology and information available. The results of this investigation will be utilized to implement a series of workshops available to producers. The goal of these workshops is to create an opportunity for producers to continue their education and establish a working relationship with Tarleton State University.