bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
370 Awardee Talk: Role of feed enzymes in gut health and function
Authors: Nyachoti Charles Martin
Published: November 2020

Exogenous enzymes are routinely added to diets for non-ruminant animals, mainly to help enhance energy and nutrient utilization, thus contributing to efficient and sustainable production systems. Also, feed enzymes allow for effective utilization of non-traditional feedstuffs (e.g. co-products) in non-ruminant diets, with potential to mitigate feed cost. In addition to increased nutrient utilization, however, feed enzymes, through their impact on the gastrointestinal environment and microbial composition, can have a profound effect on indices of gut health and function. These effects may explain the reported reductions in medication costs and variability in animal performance and mortality rates observed with dietary enzyme supplementation. By acting on their target substrates, feed enzymes reduce the availability of non-digested substrates and in the case of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes can produce short-chain oligosaccharides with potential prebiotic effects. These changes are known to modulate the gut microbiome in favor of bacteria associated with a healthy gut, while reducing the population of pathogenic bacteria, which explains the reduced incidences of diarrhea that have been attributed to enzyme supplementation. Also, feed enzymes may reduce oxidative stress and enhance the functional capacity (e.g. maintaining barrier function) of the gastrointestinal tract. Feed enzymes by themselves may never be a single solution to mitigate gut health challenges in livestock production systems, but clearly there is a mounting body of evidence to support the role of feed enzymes in this regard. Therefore, their benefits will be maximized when used as part of an integrated solution approach for containing enteric pathogens of economic importance and eliminating the negative effects of dietary components with potential to compromise intestinal integrity.
368 Protein and amino acid effects on pig microbial ecology, health and nutrition
Authors: Burkey Thomas
Published: November 2020

The gut microbiome is essential to animal health. Many factors, including both environmental (e.g. diet) and host-related (e.g. genetic background, sex, age), shape the intestinal microbiome. Pioneers in gut microbiology have stressed the critical importance of interactions among the diet, the gut microbiota, and the host on animal health and disease. Different protein types (e.g. plant-based vs. animal-based) have been shown to have differential effects on the gut microbiome. In addition, there is evidence of compartment-specific and amino acid-specific interactions that occur within the gastrointestinal tract. The result of these interactions must be considered to be essential as a variety of metabolites are produced and, for example, act as nutrients and modulators of physiologic processes. Our overarching goal is to discuss protein/amino acid effects on pig microbial ecology, health, and nutrition.
147 Presynchronization and delayed fixed-time artificial insemination increases pregnancy rates with sex-sorted semen in replacement beef heifers
Authors: Oosthuizen Nicky , Fontes Pedro , Filho Ramiro , Dahlen Carl R , Grieger David M , Hall John B , Lake Scott , Looney Charles , Mercadante Vitor R G , Neville Bryan W , Perry George , Powell Jeremy G , Prezotto Ligia , Seidel George , Walker Ryon , Cardoso Rodolfo C , Pohler Ky G , Lamb Graham Cliff
Published: November 2020

To determine effects of presynchronization and delayed fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) on pregnancy rates to TAI (PR/AI) with sex-sorted semen, 2,855 Bos taurus beef heifers were enrolled in a completely randomized design. Within location, heifers were randomly assigned to one of eight treatments: 1 and 2), heifers were exposed to the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR protocol wherein they received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and a CIDR insert on d 0, prostaglandin F2α (PGF) upon CIDR removal on d 7, and were TAI 54 ± 2 h later with conventional (CTRL54-CNV; n = 359) or sex-sorted semen (CTRL54-SEX; n = 356); 3 and 4), same as CTRL54 but were TAI at 72 ± 2 h with conventional (CTRL72-CNV; n = 366) or sex-sorted semen (CTRL72-SEX; n = 360); 5 and 6), same as CTRL54 but also received PGF 7 d prior to initial injection of GnRH (d -7) and were TAI with conventional (PRE54-CNV; n = 355) or sex-sorted semen (PRE54-SEX; n = 353); 7 and 8), same as PRE54 but had TAI delayed to 72 ± 2 h and were inseminated with conventional (PRE72-CNV; n = 351) or sex-sorted semen (PRE72-SEX; n = 355). All heifers received estrus detection patches on d 7, which were evaluated for activation at TAI. Ultrasonography was performed 30–45 d after TAI to determine PR/AI. Estrus expression was greater (P < 0.01) in the CTRL72 heifers compared to CTRL54, PRE54, and PRE72 heifers (73.0 vs 55.4, 43.4, and 65.7%, respectively). Moreover, estrus expression was greater (P < 0.01) in PRE72 heifers compared to CTRL54 and PRE54 heifers. Within treatment pairs, PR/AI were greater (P ≤0.04) when conventional semen was utilized compared to sex-sorted semen. Furthermore, PR/AI were greater (P = 0.02) in PRE72-SEX heifers than CTRL54-SEX heifers (45.8 vs. 37.5%). No difference (P = 0.20) was determined in PR/AI between CTRL54-CNV and PRE72-SEX heifers (50.5 vs. 45.8%). In conclusion, presynchronization in combination with delayed TAI increased estrus expression and PR/AI with sex-sorted semen in replacement beef heifers.
142 Evaluation of estrus detection patches as a tool to classify postpartum beef cows as estrous cycling or anestrous prior to the start of the breeding season
Authors: Smith Emily G , Bonacker Rachael C , Andersen Carson M , Thomas Jordan M
Published: November 2020

Estrus detection patches were evaluated as a tool to classify postpartum cows as estrous cycling or anestrous at the start of the breeding season. EstrotectTM Breeding Indicators were applied to 257 postpartum beef cows in three locations 25 days prior to the start of estrus synchronization. Coincident with the start of estrus synchronization, patches were scored using a 1 to 4 scale (1 = 0–25%; 2 = 25–50%; 3 = 50–75%; 4 = 75–100%) with scores of 3 or 4 considered activated. Blood samples were collected from each cow 10 days prior to, and at the start of the estrus synchronization. Serum progesterone concentrations were determined via radioimmunoassay; cows were considered estrous cycling if one or both samples exceeded a concentration of 0.5 ng/ml. Based on progesterone, 54.9% of cows were estrous cycling at the start of estrus synchronization. When missing patches were considered inconclusive results, use of patches to infer estrous cyclicity resulted in 85.0% sensitivity and 79.2% specificity with a positive predictive value of 87.2%. However, 75.1% of all cows presented with missing patches at the start of synchronization. If missing patches were considered activated, sensitivity was 95.7%, but specificity (16.4%) and PPV (58.2%) were poor, as 47.6% of cows presenting with missing patches were anestrous based on progesterone. Across all cows, pregnancy rate to AI was 58.0% (149/257). Cows with activated patches that were classified as false positives based on serum progesterone concentrations achieved a 71.4% (5/7) pregnancy rate to AI, raising questions as to whether sensitivity was underestimated due to inherent Type II errors in classification of cyclicity via progesterone. In summary, estrus detection aids are a sensitive tool to identify estrous cycling postpartum cows prior to the start of the breeding season; however, poor specificity and patch retention are limitations for this application.
156 Injectable trace mineral supplementation on grazing beef cows: effect on overall mineral status and fertility
Authors: Pancini Stefania , Currin John , Stewart Jamie L , Clark Sherrie , Redifer Tracey , Dias Nicholas W , Timlin Claire L , Sales Alvaro , Mercadante Vitor R G
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two doses of an injectable multi-mineral complex supplementation on beef cow fertility and overall mineral status. A total of 986 Angus crossbred multiparous cows at 8 locations in Virginia were enrolled in a 7-day CO-Synch+CIDR fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol, followed by natural service for an approximately 70 d breeding season. All cows had ad libitum access to water, mineral blocks, and diet composed of hay, grass, sudangrass, sorghum grain and commodity pellets, depending on location. Approximately 30 days before calving (d -120, day of AI is d 0) cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) Two doses (6 mL) of Multimin® 90 (Multimin USA, Ft. Collins, CO) at d -120 and d -10 (MIN; n = 494); or 2) a negative control with no trace mineral injection (CTRL; n = 492). Body condition score was recorded on d -10, 60 and 120. Estrus detection was recorded at d 0 using estrus detection patches. Pregnancy was diagnosed on d 60 and 120 by ultrasonography. Liver biopsies were collected on d -10 and 60 in a subgroup of 60 cows equally distributed between treatments and among all locations. No differences between treatments were detected in days post-partum (P = 0.66), BCS (P = 0.24) and estrus expression (P = 0.11). Mineral status of copper, manganese, selenium or zinc was similar between treatments before (P = 0.20) and after treatment (P = 0.17). No effect of treatment was detected in FTAI pregnancy rate (50.8%, P = 0.52) or overall pregnancy rate (89.6%, P = 0.64). Two doses of injectable trace mineral administrated approximately 30 days before calving and 10 days before FTAI did not improve pregnancy rate or overall mineral status in multiparous beef cows in Virginia.
154 Evaluating the effects of prophylactic antibiotics on intestinal health in pigs given a corticotropin-releasing factor antagonist during weaning and transport
Authors: McConn Betty R , Rivier Jean E , Behan Dominic P , Richert Brian T , Radcliffe John S , Lay Donald C , Johnson Jay S
Published: November 2020

Prophylactic antibiotics improve intestinal health in pigs; however, it is unknown whether their efficacy interacts with a pig’s stress response following weaning and transport. The study objective was to determine whether a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) antagonist would impact the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics on improving intestinal health in transported weaned pigs. Mixed-sex pigs (n = 56; 5.70 ± 1.05 kg BW) were weaned (20.49 ± 0.64 d), a blood sample was taken, pigs were given an i.p. injection of saline (SAL) or a CRF antagonist (CRFA; 30 µg/kg BW; Astressin B), and then were transported for 12 h. Pigs were given a second and third i.p. injection at 6 and 12 h of transport, respectively. Following transport, 4 SAL and 4 CRFA pigs were blood sampled and euthanized. The remaining 48 pigs were individually housed and assigned to an antibiotic [A; chlortetracycline (441 ppm) + tiamulin (38.6 ppm)] or no antibiotic (NA) diet treatment balanced by injection treatment (n = 12 pigs/treatment combination). Blood was collected at 12 h and on d 3, 7, and 14 and pigs were euthanized on d 7 (n = 24) and d 14 (n = 24) post-weaning and transport. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone was reduced overall (P = 0.05; 9.1%) in CRFA versus SAL pigs. On d 7, jejunal villus height was greater (P = 0.04; 33%) in A versus NA pigs. Jejunal zonula occludens-1 (58.8%) and ileal claudin-1 (100.5%) mRNA abundance tended to be increased (P = 0.09) in CRFA+NA versus SAL+NA pigs on d 7. On d 14, jejunal tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA abundance was reduced (P = 0.02; 29.9%) in A versus NA pigs and jejunal glucagon-like peptide-2 mRNA abundance was increased (P = 0.03) in CRFA+NA versus SAL+NA (48.4%) and SAL+A versus SAL+NA (55.8%) pigs. No intestinal health parameter differences were detected (P > 0.05) between CRFA+NA and SAL+A pigs. In conclusion, CRFA and A impacted weaned pig intestinal health measures at similar levels.
168 Effects of GALR2 genotype and differing implant strategies on carcass characteristics of crossbred Angus finishing steers
Authors: Hall Jerica R , Maddock-Carlin Kasey , Dahlen Carl R , Ward Alison K
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to determine how the interaction of different implant strategies with the galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) genotype would affect carcass characteristics and meat quality in crossbred Angus finishing steers. Angus crossbred steers (n = 93) were selected for this study based on their GALR2c.-199T > G genotype (GG, TT, and TG) and weaning weight with 19 GG, 38 TG, and 36 TT. Calves were blocked by initial body weight and fed a standard feedlot ration for 166 d or 202 d. Body weight data and blood samples were collected every 28 d. Steers were randomly assigned to one of two implant strategies: 1) a single Revalor-S (Merk Animal Health, NJ) on d 77 (1×), or 2) a Revalor-S on d 0 and another on d 77 (2×). Data were analyzed as a 2 × 3 factorial design of implant strategy by GALR2c.-199T > G genotype using the mixed procedure in SAS, with repeated measures used for color, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Hot carcass weight and back fat were directly affected by implant strategy where steers on the 2 implant strategy exhibited heavier hot carcass weights and increased back fat (P < 0.05). Cook loss and shear force were influenced by the interaction of genotype by implant strategy (P < 0.05). The GG steers exhibited less cook loss in comparison to all other treatments. The GG steers exhibited the highest shear force value of all treatments. The pH, water holding capacity, and color of the striploins were not affected by the genotype by implant strategy interaction or main effects of genotype and implant strategy. From this we conclude the interaction of GALR2c.-199T >G genotype implant strategy does not have a negative effect on carcass characteristics or meat quality in crossbred Angus finishing steers.
174 A comparison of machine learning algorithms in the classification of beef steers finished in feedlot
Authors: Lopes Lucas S , Baes Christine F , Tulpan Dan , Chardulo Luis Artur Loyola , Neto Otavio Machado , Baldassini Welder Angelo
Published: November 2020

The aim of this project is to compare some of the state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms on the classification of steers finished in feedlots based on performance, carcass and meat quality traits. The precise classification of animals allows for fast, real-time decision making in animal food industry, such as culling or retention of herd animals. Beef production presents high variability in its numerous carcass and beef quality traits. Machine learning algorithms and software provide an opportunity to evaluate the interactions between traits to better classify animals. Four different treatment levels of wet distiller’s grain were applied to 97 Angus-Nellore animals and used as features for the classification problem. The C4.5 decision tree, Naïve Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) Artificial Neural Network algorithms were used to predict and classify the animals based on recorded traits measurements, which include initial and final weights, sheer force and meat color. The top performing classifier was the C4.5 decision tree algorithm with a classification accuracy of 96.90%, while the RF, the MLP and NB classifiers had accuracies of 55.67%, 39.17% and 29.89% respectively. We observed that the final decision tree model constructed with C4.5 selected only the dry matter intake (DMI) feature as a differentiator. When DMI was removed, no other feature or combination of features was sufficiently strong to provide good prediction accuracies for any of the classifiers. We plan to investigate in a follow-up study on a significantly larger sample size, the reasons behind DMI being a more relevant parameter than the other measurements.
179 Open discussion of data bottlenecks in the dairy industry: The Dairy Brain Coordinated Innovation Network
Authors: Fadul Liliana , Wangen Steven , Cabrera Victor E
Published: November 2020

New dairy farm management technologies produce vast amounts of data. Although more data support better decisions, managing data also comes with critical challenges. In an effort to create awareness and develop guidelines for data management in the dairy industry, the University of Wisconsin Dairy Brain project is nurturing a Coordinated Innovation Network (CIN). The USDA definition of a CIN is a large “community that addresses bottlenecks [...] by bringing together experts from different disciplines and domains to identify innovative and synergistic solutions.” The Dairy Brain CIN currently has 81 members from 9 different countries. It is a growing community open to anyone who is interested in being part of the process of data collection, data engineering techniques and data usage in dairy farms. One of the objectives of the CIN is to write some design documents regarding data issues. During the first official meeting in September 2019, several CIN subcommittees were created with the purpose to write and publish opinion articles about some critical topics: 1) data security and ownership; 2) best practices of data collection and communication; 3) farm adoption; and 4) creating value from data. The idea behind these opinion articles was to generate industry-wide awareness and to start a meaningful discussion. These opinion articles have been published in Hoard’s Dairyman magazine as a series in the following dates: February 10, March 25, April 10, April 25 and May 10, 2020. In addition, an online forum was created to encourage larger industry participation. These opinion articles are the foundation of more in-depth technical articles. This presentation will focus on summarizing the content of the published opinion articles and their subsequent deliberations. The presentation will promote further discussion and invite stakeholders to join the Dairy Brain CIN and/or participate and contribute in the wider discussion.
384 Genetic and Genomic Analysis in Livestock with Increasing Datasets
Authors: Lourenco Daniela , Tsuruta Shogo , Masuda Yutaka , Misztal Ignacy
Published: November 2020

In animal breeding and genetics, statistical methods have been used for several decades to identify animals with the best genetic potential. One of the foundations for computing accurate estimated breeding values (EBV) is the amount of data that is used in the evaluation system — as the more data points one animal has, the more accurate its EBV is going to be. However, the animal breeding and genetics field periodically faces a big data paradox, where efficient methods have to be developed to handle the amount of data collected over time, given the computing capacity becomes the limiting factor. For instance, running genetic evaluations based on phenotypes and pedigree for a million animals was impossible in 1970. Methods and algorithms evolved to a point where using data for millions of animals was not a problem, until genomic information became available. After the development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips for livestock in 2008, genomic information started being used in addition to phenotypes and pedigree to further improve accuracy of EBV. However, each animal is genotyped for around 50,000 SNP, which makes this data dense and difficult to work with. Over 790,000 Angus and 3.4 million Holstein cattle have been genotyped in the US as of April 2020. As the amount of new data considerably increases every week, most of the genomic evaluations are done on a weekly basis. Given that data have to be processed, the computation of EBV cannot take more than four days, which can be challenging depending on the model. In this talk we will discuss the challenges and solutions for successful genomic evaluations in large livestock populations. Finally, perspectives on the use of whole-genome sequence data and high-throughput phenotypes in genomic analysis will be summarized.
379 ASAS-EAAP Talk: Precision Phenotyping using Infrared Spectroscopy to Improve the Quality of Animal Products
Authors: Cecchinato Alessio , Pegolo Sara , Bittante Giovanni
Published: November 2020

There is an ever-growing interest in research oriented towards the improvement of quality of animal products. In this context, one major operational bottleneck is the possibility to collect quality indicators over the meat and dairy chains and for selective breeding purposes. The use of near-infrared (NIR) and the Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques have been proven to be powerful precision phenotyping tools for high-throughput meat and milk quality assessment. Such technologies allow scoring large number of animals and/or derived-products for novel (predicted) phenotypes and indicator traits to set-up potential new payment systems and boost the genetic improvement. One important step in the use of NIR and FTIR tools is the definition of the “gold standard” as the infrared-based predictions could act only as indicators traits. Indeed, the definition of a robust calibration set, the assessment of repeatability and reproducibility of the reference (i.e., gold standard) as well as the detection of random and systematic errors are crucial steps. Once the reference phenotype has been defined, different statistical methodologies could be applied to infrared spectra data. For instance, the partial least squares regression (PLS) is a multivariate regression method commonly used to build up prediction models using NIR and FTIR spectra data. However, the implementation of advanced statistical approaches, such as Bayesian approaches and machine learning methods, might allow us to achieve more robust and accurate predictions. In this talk, we will describe and discuss some of the challenges and potentials of NIR and FTIR tools for large-scale precision phenotyping. Some examples include the use of NIR and Visible-NIR (Vis-NIR) for assessing meat quality parameters (also using portable instruments able to collect spectra directly from the muscle surface at the slaughterhouse) and the use of FTIR for predicting several traits related to fine milk composition and technological traits in dairy cattle.
197 Effect of a SARA challenge diet on chewing behavior and rumino-reticular short chain fatty acid concentrations in dairy cows
Authors: Rivera-Chacon Raul , Castillo-Lopez Ezequias , Ricci Sara , Petri Renee M , Reisinger Nicole , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: November 2020

Intensive dairy production systems encourage feeding of high-concentrate diets to increase milk production efficiency. However, there is limited information regarding the effect of a SARA challenge diet on chewing behavior and rumino-reticular short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. The objective of this study was to evaluate chewing activity and SCFA production in the rumen and reticulum, using nine ruminally cannulated non-lactating Holstein cows. Preceding the trial, cows were transitioned from 100% forage to 65% DM concentrate over eight days. Trial day 1 began once cows reached 65% DM concentrate and monitoring during 23 days. RumiWatch halters were used to monitor chewing activity. SCFA analysis was conducted on rumen and reticulum fluid collected 4 hours after feeding using gas chromatography. Data were analyzed with SAS, with the fixed effect of days and cow as random effect. There was an increase in DM intake during the first four hours after feeding: 1.97 and 2.25 ± 0.12 kg for day 1 and 23, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no difference in rumination time (P = 0.16) with 29 ± 8.5 minutes during the first four hours of feeding. However, chewing index (P = 0.08) tended to decrease from 36.7 to 29.4 ± 4.4 minutes of chewing/kg of DM for day 1 and 23, respectively. Moreover, on day 1, propionate increased from 19.9 ± 1.02 to 20.1 ± 1.02% and from 24.04 ± 0.93 to 25.4 ± 1.02% compared to day 23 for rumen and reticulum, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, from day 1 to day 23, the rumen and reticulum acetate/propionate ratio declined from 3.2 ± 0.15 and 3.1 ± 0.1, to 2.5 ± 0.15, respectively, and reticulum SCFA decreased from 87 to 67 µmol/g, respectively. Overall, there was no effect of the 23-day SARA challenge diet on chewing activity. However, there was a reduction of SCFA concentration in reticulum, which may be due to enhanced SCFA absorption or increased feed bolus neutralizing capacity.
195 Using phytogenics to improve energy-corrected milk
Authors: Ramirez Shelby M , Gott Paige N , Schwandt Erin F , Tacconi Antonia , Murugesan G Raj
Published: November 2020

Phytogenic feed additives are plant-derived products that have beneficial properties on inflammation, digestion, and rumen function. These benefits are of particular interest in lactating dairy cows due to the increased pressure on efficiency in milk production. Therefore, three studies over approximately 3,100 cows were conducted to determine the effect of Digestarom® Dairy (DD; BIOMIN America, Inc.) on milk production and components in lactating dairy cows at commercial dairies. Each study was comprised of two treatment groups: 1) basal diet (CON) and 2) basal diet + DD, 2 g/h/d. Treatment groups were fed for 28, 140, and 180 d for trials (T) 1, 2, and 3, respectively. For 3 lactation groups (LACT): 1, 2, and 3, daily total weight for milk and test day fat and protein were collected and energy-corrected milk (ECM) calculated to adjust milk yield to a standard 3.5% and 3.2% fat and protein, respectively. Data were analyzed as repeated measures within trial and LACT with diet as a fixed effect using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. In T3, LACT1 DD had increased (P < 0.10) milk, reduced (P < 0.05) protein, and numerically improved fat and ECM compared with CON. In T2, LACT2 DD had reduced (P < 0.05) milk, but numerically improved fat and thus ECM compared with CON. Overall, ECM was on average across trials, numerically improved in DD by 0.64, 0.30, and 2.06 kg for LACT1, LACT2, and LACT3, respectively compared with CON. The DD benefit in ECM was primarily due to the numerical improvement in fat content across LACT and trials compared to CON. Fluid milk was improved by DD most in younger LACT groups; however, fat and ECM had the greatest improvement by DD in older LACT groups. Digestarom® Dairy may be a viable option for dairy producers seeking to improve their fat content and energy-corrected milk.
220 Evaluating LactoPlan for milk replacer inclusion as a direct fed microbial for neonatal calves
Authors: Casper David P , Acharya Ishwary P
Published: November 2020

LactoPlan™ is a direct fed microbial (DFM) produced by a proprietary solid-state fermentation process using an unique strain of lactobacillus plantarum which is shelf and heat-stable. The hypothesis was feeding LP will ease transitioning from milk replacer (MR) to calf starter (CS) by improving gut health, appetite, and minimize health challenges due to pathogens and stress. The objective was to evaluate LP in a MR feeding program. Sixty 2-to-5-d-old Holstein calves were randomly assigned to one of three treatments using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: 1) Control: No LP fed; 2) LP1: LP fed at 4 g/calf/d; and 3) LP2: LP fed at 8 g/calf/d. Calves were fed at 0630 and 1800 h along with free choice water and 22% CP calf starter (CS). The MR feeding phase was 42 d of the 56 d experiment. Calves fed LP2 gained more (P < 0.05) BW (33.0, 36.9 and 37.7 for Control, LP1, and LP2, respectively) than calves fed Control, with calves fed LP1 being intermediate and similar (P > 0.05). The 0 to 42 d (MR feeding phase) ADG (562.9, 595.9, and 655.7 g/d) and 0 to 56 d ADG (588.6, 658.4, and673.0 g/d were greater (P < 0.05) for calves fed LP2 than calves fed Control, with calves fed LP1 being intermediate and similar (P > 0.05). The 56 d CS intake was similar (P > 0.05) among calves fed all treatments (66.3, 69.0, and 72.5 kg/ 56 d), which resulted in greater feed efficiency (0.50, 0.53, 0.52 kg gain/kg DMI) for calves fed LP1 compared with calves fed Control, with calves fed LP2 being intermediate and similar (P > 0.05). This study demonstrates that feeding neonatal calves LP can increase growth performance and feed efficiency when fed at the appropriate inclusion rates.
186 Hormone content of anabolic implants differentially affects plasma and liver trace mineral concentrations
Authors: Messersmith Elizabeth M , Reichhardt Caleb C , Thornton Kara J , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: November 2020

Forty-eight commercial Angus steers (327 ± 25 kg) were utilized to determine effects of varying implant hormone composition on liver and plasma trace mineral concentrations. Implant (IMP) treatments (n = 12/treatment) included: no implant (CON), estradiol (E2; Compudose; 25.7 mg estradiol; Elanco Animal Health; Greenfield, IN), trenbolone acetate (TBA; Finaplix H; 200 mg trenbolone acetate; Merck Animal Health; Madison, NJ), and a combination of estradiol and trenbolone acetate (ETBA Revalor-S; 24 mg estradiol + 120 mg trenbolone acetate; Merck Animal Health). Cattle were fed forage-based step up rations throughout the sampling period. Plasma samples were collected on d 0, 2, 10 and 30, with liver biopsies collected on d 2 and 10. Data were analyzed with ProcMixed of SAS with fixed effect of IMP. Contrast statements for each treatment vs CON were developed. Plasma trace mineral analysis utilized repeated measures (repeated effect = day). No IMP × Day effects (P ≥ 0.18) on plasma trace mineral were observed. Day 2 liver Zn and Cu and d 10 liver Mn were lesser (P ≤ 0.04) for TBA implanted steers than CON and d 2 liver Mn tended to be lesser (P = 0.06). The Mn response may reflect changes in protein metabolism due to TBA. However, E2 and ETBA tended to have greater (P ≤ 0.07) d 10 liver Fe concentrations than CON while plasma Fe was unaffected (P ≥ 0.75) by E2, TBA, or ETBA. Both d 2 liver and plasma Zn were lesser for ETBA than CON (P ≤ 0.04) likely driven by the TBA in the implant. Implant contrasts did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) other plasma or liver trace mineral concentrations. These data indicate implant strategies, and thus hormones differentially influence trace mineral metabolism in feedlot steers, which may have implications for diet formulation.
210 Effects of supplementing calcium salts of fatty acids during late gestation on beef cow performance and offspring pre-weaning performance
Authors: Shao Taoqi , Neira Lucas T , Shike Daniel W
Published: November 2020

Objectives were to investigate the effects of late-gestation supplementation of Ca salts of fatty acids to beef cows on cow performance and offspring pre-weaning growth performance. One hundred and ninety fall-calving, Angus Simmental cows were ranked by BW, BCS, and age. Cows were randomly assigned into 12 endophyte-infected, tall fescue pastures (4 pastures/treatment; 15–16 cows/pasture). Cows were fed an isocaloric supplement with soybean hulls mixed with: whole-shelled corn (CON), 155 g/cow/d of EnerGII (SFA/MUFA), or 40 g/cow/d of Strata 120 g/cow/d of Prequel (PUFA) during the last 83 4.9 d of gestation. Cow BW and BCS were measured at the initial, middle point, and end of supplementation, as well as at breeding and weaning. Milk yield was evaluated by weigh-suckle-weigh technique at 675.0 d postpartum. Steers were weaned at 174 5.0 d of age. Growth performance, milk, and blood parameters were analyzed with MIXED and reproductive data were analyzed with GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. The BW and BCS of the cows were not different (P 0.19) from trial initiation through weaning. Birth BW of the steers was not different (P = 0.62). The AI or overall pregnancy rates were not different (P 0.88). There was no difference (P 0.12) in milk yield or components. However, C15:0 and total n-3 fatty acids in milk from dams supplemented with PUFA was greater (P 0.05) than CON, while SFA/MUFA was intermediate and not different than the others. There was no difference (P = 0.83) for weaning BW of the steers. In conclusion, late-gestation supplementation of Ca salts of PUFA had no effect on cow BW, BCS, or milk yield, but increased total n-3 fatty acids in milk. Neither birth BW nor weaning BW of steers were affected by maternal fatty acid supplementation.
216 Autolysed yeast supplementation in finishing beef steers diets during feedlot
Authors: Neumann Mikael , Bonato Melina A , Borges Liliana L
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance, the ingestive behavior, the apparent digestibility of the feed, and the carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers during feedlot under different inclusions of autolyzed yeast (AY). For this, 36 ½ Angus steers (average BW 330 kg and 11 months of age), were distributed in a completely randomized way, consisting of three treatments and six replications (of two animals each): T1 - Control; T2 – AY 4g (diet with 4 g/animal/day of AY Saccharomyces cerevisiae product RumenYeast®), and T3 – AY 7g (diet with 7 g/animal/day of RumenYeast®), for 105 days, being 14 days of adaptation, two periods of 28 days and 1 of 35 days. The performance was evaluated, as well as the apparent digestibility of the diet, at the end of the 1st and 3rd periods with the total collection of feces. The carcass gain in the period was also calculated, and the thickness of fat on the Longissimus dorsi muscle was measured, as well as on the front, side, and back, using a digital caliper. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means compared to 5% of significance. The supplementation of AY 4g promoted higher daily BWG and better FCR during the adaptation feedlot period (P < 0.05), and the AY 7g did not differ from the other treatments. The animals that received AY ended up with higher fat thickness in the carcass than the control group (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of diets containing AY was higher than the control diet (P < 0.05). Based on these results, the supplementation of AY 4g yielded positive results in the initial phase of the feedlot, improved the apparent digestibility of DM, and resulted in better carcass finishing.
185 Effect of zinc source and implant strategy on performance, carcass characteristics, and tissue mineral concentrations in finishing beef steers
Authors: Messersmith Elizabeth M , Boyer Angela , Nuzback Dennis , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: November 2020

A 126-d study utilized 72 Angus-cross steers (411 ± 16 kg) in a 3 × 2 factorial to examine the effects of Zn source and implant strategy on performance, carcass characteristics, and tissue Zn concentrations. All steers received 70 mg Zn/kg dry matter (DM) from ZnSO4 + 30 mg Zn/kg DM from one of three sources: zinc hydroxychloride (ZnHC), zinc glycinate (ZnG), or zinc sulfate (ZnS). Implant (IMP) strategies included: no implant (NoIMP) or Component TE-IS and Component TE-200 (IS/200) on d 0 and 57, respectively. Steers were blocked by weight into pens of 6 and fed a dry rolled corn-based diet via GrowSafe bunks. Data were analyzed using ProcMixed of SAS, with fixed effects of Zn, IMP, and the interaction. Liver and muscle collected on d -5, 14, 71, and 120 were analyzed for Zn concentration and data were analyzed as repeated measures (repeated effect = day). Steer was the experimental unit (n = 12/treatment). Final body weight and overall average daily gain tended to be decreased for ZnHC compared to ZnS, with ZnG intermediate within IS/200 (Zn × IMP; P ≤ 0.07). No interaction was observed for overall G:F or DM intake (P ≥ 0.41), but both were greater for implanted steers (P ≤ 0.01), while overall G:F was improved for ZnS compared to ZnHC and ZnG (P = 0.02). Carcass characteristics were unaffected by Zn × IMP or Zn source (P ≥ 0.12), but IS/200 improved HCW, DP, and REA (P ≤ 0.01). Implant increased liver Zn (P = 0.02) concentrations. Within IS/200 ZnG tended to have greater muscle Zn than ZnS while ZnHC was intermediate (Zn × IMP; P = 0.09), potentially indicating differences in availability of Zn source to growing muscle. These data suggest Zn source and implant influence performance and tissue Zn concentrations.
229 The effects of direct-fed microbial with and without monensin plus tylan on performance, feed efficiency and feeding behavior patterns in feedlot steers
Authors: Hall Megan N , Carstens Gordon E , Kerley Monty , Wottlin Lauren
Published: November 2020

Objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of DFM with and without Monensin plus Tylan on feed efficiency and feeding behavior patterns in steers. Crossbred steers (n = 125; BW = 303 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design: (1) control (no feed additives), (2) DFM only (25 g/d; Natur’s Way), (3) Monensin (40 g/ton) plus Tylan only (MON) and (4) DFM and MON. In pens with GrowSafe feedbunks, steers were fed the grower diet for 14 d and transitioned to a finisher diet on 16 d. During the grower/transition phase, MON-fed steers had 9.5% higher (P < 0.05) ADG and improved F:G (7.8 vs 8.94; P = 0.06) and RFI (-0.28 vs 0.27 kg/d; P < 0.01) vs CON-fed steers. DFM-fed steers had lower (P < 0.01) ADG, but similar F:G and RFI than CON-fed steers. Daily variances of bunk-visit event frequencies were reduced (P < 0.01) in MON- vs CON-fed steers. During the finisher period, MON x DFM interactions (P < 0.10) were observed for ADG and F:G. MON-fed steers had numerically improved F:G (5%) when DFM was excluded, but not when DFM was included. MON-fed steers had lower RFI (P < 0.01; -0.23 vs 0.23 kg/d), whereas DFM-fed steers had higher RFI (P < 0.01) compared to respective controls. MON-fed steers ate less (P < 0.01) DMI, spent 9% more (P < 0.05) time consuming meals and had 14% slower (P < 0.01) meal eating rate then CON-fed steers. The DFM did not positively affect feed efficiency. Although the magnitude of improvement in feed efficiency due to MON was small, results demonstrated that MON may minimize digestive upsets by reducing daily variation in feeding behavior during diet transition and slow meal-eating rate on high-grain diets.
232 Effects of bismuth subsalicylate and encapsulated calcium-ammonium nitrate on beef cattle performance and liver mineral concentration
Authors: Mejia-Turcios Sebastian E , Doblado Andrea M Osorio , Urso Phil , Crossland Whitney L , de Araujo Rafael Canonenco , Henry Francine , Sarturi Jhones Onorino , DiLorenzo Nicolas , Henry Darren D
Published: November 2020

The effects of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) and encapsulated calcium-ammonium nitrate (eCAN) on feedlot beef cattle performance and liver mineral concentration were evaluated. Two hundred Angus steers (BW = 385 ± 27 kg) were used in a randomize complete block design (block = BW) and allocated to 50 pens (4 steers/pen) where treatments were randomly assigned as follows: CTL (urea at 0.70%, 0.28% ruminally available sulfur [RAS]), NIT (eCAN at 2.0%, 0.28% RAS), UBS (urea at 0.70%, BSS at 0.33%, 0.28% RAS), NITBS (eCAN at 2.0%, BSS at 0.33%, 0.28% RAS), and LOW-S (urea at 0.70%, 0.14% RAS). Steers were fed for 171 d and weighed every 35 d. Dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded weekly. Liver biopsies were taken on d -5 and 124 from the same randomly selected animal per pen. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used with the fixed effect of BSS, eCAN, S, BSS × CAN, and the random effect of block. Cattle consuming urea as non-protein nitrogen source (NPNS) had greater final body weight (FBW; P = 0.045) than cattle consuming eCAN. There was a NPNS effect where eCAN reduced DMI (P < 0.001) and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.041), but did not affect feed efficiency (G:F; P = 0.876). There was a tendency for BSS to reduce DMI (P = 0.095), but not affect ADG (P = 0.436) or G:F (P = 0.876). The effect of S was also observed (P = 0.042) where LOW-S cattle consumed less feed than CTL. A reduction of final liver Cu concentration was observed (P = 0.042) where BSS reduced the concentration of Cu by 58%. Bismuth subsalicylate did not affect cattle performance; however, it might be detrimental to cattle consuming low Cu diets.
391 Linking Nutrition, Production, and Environmental Aspects of Ruminant Livestock Production
Authors: Archibeque Shawn L , Dillon Jasmine A , Johnson Kristen A
Published: November 2020

The relationship between nutrition, production and environmental aspects of ruminant livestock production systems is a complex and highly nuanced subject that has long suffered from oversimplification and assumptions associated within these practices. However, with the advent of new and evolving models and a growing understanding of these complexities and their interactions with each other, there has been a large and welcome growth in recent literature regarding new and emerging technologies, and insights that will allow for appropriate and impactful changes in livestock management that will affect overall change for the benefit of society as a whole. The primary means through which environmental impacts may be modified are separated into four distinct, but interconnected mechanisms, which include 1) improvements in use of dietary nutrients, 2) use of dietary additives that impact certain functions in the digestive tracts of the animal, 3) improvements in genetics, and 4) improvements in productive efficiency. While it is obvious that there are significant overlaps between these practices, it is imperative to consider all these aspects to prevent “leakage” of impacts to other industries and processes. In this presentation, we will review recent developments in all of these areas with a specific emphasis on the use of energy in ruminant production systems.
242 Development of image analysis pipeline to predict body weight in pigs
Authors: Yu Haipeng , Lee Kiho , Morota Gota
Published: November 2020

Average daily gain can reflect the growth rates, diet efficiency, and current health status of livestock species such as pigs. However, labor-based measurement of body weights (BW) is intensive and may induce stress to pigs. Therefore, we developed an automatic 3D image-based computer vision system to predict BW. We employed the Intel RealSense depth camera D435 to capture the RGB and depth images of eight pigs from nursery to finishing phases across two months. During the experiment, each pig was video recorded for around 3 mins per day, with six frames per second, and manually weighed using an electronic scale. The recording resulted in around 1,080 images for each pig per day. We developed an image processing pipeline using OpenCV-Python. Specifically, each pig within the image was segmented by a thresholding algorithm, and a contour box of the pig was identified to extract width and length. The depth of the pig was captured by an active infrared stereo sensor using the Intel RealSense software development kit 2.0. The volume of the pig was derived by multiplying length, width, and depth. We processed frame by frame, and the third quantile of these morphological image descriptors was used as the image-derived measures for each pig. The Pearson correlation coefficients between scale-based BW records and morphological image descriptors were 0.314 (length), 0.512 (width), 0.881 (depth), and 0.579 (volume). A goodness of fit obtained by fitting multiple linear regression by regressing the BW records from the electronic scale on the morphological image descriptors was 0.8 in R2. Overall, depth, width, and volume seem to be more correlated with BW records. We conclude that our proposed 3D computer vision system could potentially provide an effective way to predict the BW of pigs.
250 Key drivers of a new multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex value for growing-finishing pigs: energy or amino acids?
Authors: Jlali Maamer , Gracia Marta Isabel , Perez Héctor , Casabuena Óscar , Cozannet Pierre , Preynat Aurélie
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effects of reductions in energy and amino acids on the efficacy of supplementing corn-wheat-soybean meal diets with a multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex (MCPC) on growth performance and ATTD of energy and nutrients. A total of 700 pigs (BW = 29.5; SD = 4.2 kg) were housed in 70 pens and fed 5 diets (14 pens/diet). Diets were positive control (PC); and negative control 1 (NC1) or negative control 2 (NC2) without or with MCPC. The PC diet was adequate in nutrients according to NRC (2012). Relative to this PC diet, both NC diets were similarly reduced in digestible P (-0.134% unit) and calcium (-0.12% unit) and were differently reduced in NE and dig. AA (NC1 = -173 kcal/kg and -5% dig. AA and NC2 = -124 kcal/kg and -7% dig. AA). Fecal samples were collected from each pen at around 50 kg of BW. Final BW, ADG and feed conversion ratio were impaired (P < 0.05) with the lower nutrient specifications (NC1 and NC2) in comparison with the PC diet. ADFI did not differ among treatments. MCPC supplementation improved the final BW (+2.2%, P = 0.05), ADG (+2.8%, P = 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (-3.3%, P = 0.001). Compared with PC diet, ATTD of DM, OM, CP, EE, energy, Ca and P were reduced in pigs fed NC diets (P < 0.05). The addition of MCPC improved the ATTD of DM (P = 0.001), OM (P = 0.02), CP (P < 0.0001), energy (P = 0.01), Ca (P < 0.0001), and P (P < 0.0001). The present study indicates that the MCPC supplementation was efficient to compensate the dietary protein and amino acid reductions (up to 7%). However, the reduction in dietary energy should be limited below 5% to guarantee feed efficiency and optimal performance.
396 Gaps and tips in the development of probiotics for swine production
Authors: Gong Joshua , Yang Chengbo
Published: November 2020

Probiotics have long been used in food animal production to improve animal health and nutrition. This practice has received an extensive interest after European Union countries restricted the use of antibiotics as animal growth promoters (AGP). Although probiotics have good potential to replace AGPs by offering various benefits to animal hosts in general, their efficacy and consistency remain to be a challenge in application. Developing scientific evidence-based probiotics is thus critical to resolve the issue. The current presentation points out the major gaps in the development and application of probiotics and is focused on the tips that can be used to select novel probiotic isolates with efficacy and specificity. These have been illustrated by the authors’ research. For instance, the efficiency of probiotic selection is largely limited by the use of farm animals and how a lab animal model can be used to speed up the selection and reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying probiotic effects. The potential of advanced genomic approaches in identifying such probiotics and determining their molecular mechanisms is also discussed using an unique example in the field, which is relevant to the control of diarrhea in piglets.