bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSVII-21 Impact of low voltage electrical stimulation applied to longissimus thoracis et lumborum and semitendinosus on meat quality and palatability
Authors: Lopez-Campos Oscar , Leighton Patricia L A , Chabot Brady , Scott Haley R , Zawadski Sophie , Prieto Nuria
Published: September 2024

Low voltage electrical stimulation (LVES, 20-120V) is safer and more cost-effective than high voltage electrical stimulation (HVES). Despite some studies showing positive effects of LVES on meat quality, no studies have evaluated the effects of LVES on meat flavor profile. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of LVES applied directly to the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles on meat quality and flavor profile. Steers [n = 32; 689.2 ± 29.66 kg body weight (BW)] were used. After carcass splitting and randomizing by carcass side, the LTL and ST of one carcass side were stimulated individually with 45 VRMS at 49.83 ± 2.32 min post-mortem using a commercial stimulator. The other carcass side remained unstimulated. The LTL and ST pH were measured at 45 min, 3 h, 3 d and 6 d. At 3 d post-mortem, LT objective color (Minolta L*, a*, b*, hue, chroma) was measured and one steak from LT and ST were collected for cooking losses and shear force analyses. The remaining muscle was weighed, vacuum-packaged, aged until 6 d post-mortem and, subsequently, unpackaged and re-weighed to calculate purge losses. One steak from each muscle was placed in a retail display and objective color at 0 and 4 d (6 and 10 d post-mortem) and drip losses were assessed. Cooking losses and shear force of 6- and 12-d aged steaks from each muscle were measured. Trained panelists evaluated sensory attributes of frozen-thawed 6-d aged longissimus lumborum (LL) and ST steaks. There were stimulation × ageing time interactions for pH in both muscles, as LVES reduced the pH at 3 h but did not affect pH at 3 and 6 d post-mortem (P < 0.001 Figure 1). The LVES did not significantly affect the LT color values at 3 d post-mortem (P > 0.05) or in retail display (P > 0.1, Table 1). In the ST, however, there were stimulation × ageing time interactions for a*, b* and chroma measured in retail display, with stimulation increasing all these values at 0 d, whereas there was no effect on a* and chroma and a lesser increase in b* after 4 d (P < 0.001, Table 1). Regardless of ageing time, LVES increased ST L* (P < 0.05) and hue (P < 0.001) in retail display (Table 1). The LVES did not affect LT and ST drip losses (P > 0.1, Table 1), shear force, descriptive sensory attributes and LT purge losses (P > 0.1), but increased ST purge losses (P < 0.05). The LVES increased burnt aroma (P < 0.05) and umami (P < 0.01) and salty (P = 0.075) tastes and decreased bitter taste (P < 0.01) and green-hay flavor (P < 0.05) in the LL, but did not affect ST flavor (P > 0.1; Table 2). Overall, LVES had muscle-specific effects with improvements in ST retail color and LL flavor profile.
PSVII-19 Effects of silage particle size on beef quality and muscle lipogenesis of finishing Nellore heifers
Authors: Ladeira Marcio M , Hancco Ruth , Bernardes Thiago , Figueredo Lorena , Souza Marcela , Teixeira Priscilla , Junior Jose Maria Oliveira , Costa Gabrielli
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of corn silage particle size on beef quality and expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes in feedlot-finished Nellore heifers. Nellore heifers (n = 94), with an initial body weight (BW) of 249.71 ± 34.62, were allotted into 32 pens (three animals per pen) in a completely randomized design, with 2 treatments and 16 repetitions. The treatments were corn silage with a particle size of 13 mm (short) or 24 mm (long). The feeding period lasted 101 d, with the first 15 d for diet adaptation. After slaughter, samples of the longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) from the left side of the half carcass and liver were taken for beef quality and gene expression analyses. The chemical composition of the beef was analyzed using near infrared according to the AOAC method 2007-04, using the FoodScanTM equipment (AOAC method: 2007-04; FOSS, Hillerod, Denmark). RT-qPCR analyses of each gene investigated were carried out using cDNA from 16 biological replicates per treatment (1 heifer chosen randomly in each pen), with each biological replicate subjected to 2 technical replicates. Relative gene expression analyses were calculated using the delta delta ct method and the reference genes used were ACTB and GAPDH. The normality of all experimental data was checked using the Shapiro-Wilk test in SAS software. When the data did not present a normal distribution, transformation was performed using PROC RANK. The model included particle size as a fixed effect and pen as a random effect. There was no treatment effect on collagen, moisture, and mineral content (P > 0.10), but muscles from heifers fed short particle sizes tended to have greater protein content (23.3 versus 22.9; P = 0.098), while muscles from heifers fed with long particles had greater intramuscular fat content (2.62 versus 3.28; P = 0.05). For liver gene expression, heifers fed short particle sizes tended to have greater expression of the PC gene (1.00 versus 0.82; P = 0.06), while PEPCK2 had higher expression in heifers fed long particles (1.00 versus 1.18; P = 0.04). In addition, the long particle size of corn silage affected the expression of PPARA (P = 0.001), and there was no effect of diets (P > 0.05) on PPARG and SREBF1 expressions (Table 1). Expression of LPL, FABP4, SCD1, CPT2 (P < 0.001), and ACACA (P = 0.017) genes increased in the muscle of heifers fed long particle size. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of corn silage with long particle size in feedlot diets has the potential to increase the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and then increase intramuscular fat in Nellore heifers.
PSI-27 Dietary supplementation of betaine and an antioxidant blend improved feed efficiency in commercially housed fattening pigs under heat stress conditions
Authors: Agyekum Atta Kofi , Torrey Stephanie , Simard Francis , Abedin Mohsen
Published: September 2024

Heat stress decreases pig productivity and welfare by reducing feed intake and growth, increasing oxidative stress, and compromising gut health. Feed additives with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could help pigs cope with the negative impact of heat stress. The study evaluated the efficacy of feeding diets containing betaine and a plant-based antioxidant blend (AOB) on the growth performance and carcass quality parameters of commercially housed fattening pigs under heat-stress conditions. The study design was a randomized completed block with 2 dietary treatments using 836 pigs [starting body weight (BW) = 22.7 ± 3.8 kg) and 22 replicate pens/treatment (19 mixed-sex pigs/pen). The treatments were a standard four-phase commercial grow-finish corn-soy based diet (Control) and Control plus 1 kg/MT each of betaine and AOB (BetAOB). Pigs were subjected to a heat stress challenge by increasing the ambient temperature from 18 to 29 oC for 8 pigs/d (1000 to 1800 h) from d 10 to 42 and d 85 to 106 of the study. Body weight and feed disappearance of each pen were recorded before and after the heat stress challenge and every third week to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Morbidity and mortality were recorded daily. Data were analyzed using PROC GLMMIX of SAS with appropriate models for the different data distributions. Pen was the experimental unit. The overall herd mortality was 1.3% and 0.7% of pigs received medical treatment for leg problems. Treatment did not affect the percentage of pigs culled (P = 0.48; Control = 6.7% vs. BetAOB = 5.7%). Pigs fed BetAOB tended to have a decreased FCR (-0.06 kg/kg; P = 0.10) during the first heat stress challenge (d 22 to 42). Further, BetAOB-fed pigs had decreased FCR (-0.07 kg/kg; P = 0.02) and tended to have a greater ADG (+28 g/d; P = 0.07) from d 43 to 61. Pigs fed BetAOB tended to have decreased ADFI (-89 g/d; P = 0.06) from d 62 to 84. Consequently, pigs fed BetAOB had less (P = 0.04) overall FCR compared with the Control (2.53 vs. 2.48 kg/kg). Treatment did not affect carcass weight (P = 0.76), carcass yield (P = 0.76), or any of the carcass quality parameters measured (all P > 0.11). In summary, under heat-stress conditions, pigs receiving a diet containing 1 kg/MT each of betaine and AOB had better feed efficiency than those receiving the Control diet. Therefore, feeding finishing pigs diets supplemented with betaine and the antioxidant blend can help minimize the negative effect of heat stress by improving feed efficiency.
PSI-25 Improvements in the jejunal villus morphometry and increases in the number of goblet cells with the addition of humic substances from vermicompost in weaned pigs
Authors: Agredo-Palechor Alexander , Gomez-Rosales Sergio , de Angeles Maria Lourdes , Perez-Alvarado Alejandra , Mariscal-Landin Gerardo
Published: September 2024

An experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of the addition of humic substances (HS) from vermicompost in the feed on the histology measurements and number of goblet cells in the jejunal villus in piglets at weaning. Piglets (n = 200) were housed in groups of five in elevated pens and were assigned to one of four treatments: 1 = Positive control diet (PC) with antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), 2 = Negative control diet (NC) without AGP, 3 and 4 = Diets without AGP added with 2500 and 5000 ppm HS, respectively. HS were extracted from a vermicompost made of sheep and pig manure using an alkaline solution and added in dry form to the feed. A basal sample of 5 cm of jejunum was taken from 10 piglets at weaning; the same was done on d 3 and 7 post-weaning, selecting 5 piglets per treatment. The samples were processed to apply different stains: () eosin and hematoxylin for morphometric analysis: villus height, villus thickness, villus area, crypt depth and the villus eight to crypt depth ratio; 2) Pass Schiff to quantify neutral goblet cells; 3) Alcian Blue pH 1.0 for heavily sulfated goblet cells; and 4) Alcian Blue pH 2.5 for non-sulfated acid goblet cells. Ten villi per animal were evaluated. Images were analyzed with Leica interactive measurement software. The results were subjected to ANOVA in a randomized complete block design. Regarding the histology of villus in the jejunum, on d 3 post-weaning the pigs added with HS had a greater villus height (3 = 317.75, 4 = 310.46 vs 2 = 278.08 and 1 = 307.12 µm; P < 0.05; SEM = 10.86), villus width (3 = 94.64, 4 = 95.04 vs 2 = 85.39, and 1 = 93.51 µm; P < 0.01; SEM = 2.32); and villus area (3 = 95841, 4 = 93678 Vs 2 = 76646 and 1 = 93471 µm2; P < 0.01; SEM = 4343), compared with the NC. The crypt depth was greater in piglets added with HS (3 = 236.78, 4 = 241.85 vs 1 = 194.65 and 2 = 203.01 µm; P < 0.01; SEM = 6.57) compared with the PC and NC. On d 7 postweaning, the piglets added with HS showed greater villus height (3 = 293.24, 4 = 282.45 vs 1 = 258.95 and 2 = 253.03 µm; P < 0.01; SEM = 7.89); villus area (3 = 101354, 4 = 94,575 vs 1 = 85,633 and 2 = 82,125 µm2; P < 0.01; SEM = 3818) and crypt depth (3 = 326.82, 4 = 337.28 vs 2 = 283.88 and 1 = 321.53 µm; P < 0.01; SEM = 8.285) compared with the PC and NC. The number of neutral, heavily sulfated and non-sulfated goblet cells at 3 and 7 d post-weaning were significantly reduced in all treatments compared with weaning; but with the addition of HS a greater number (P < 0.05) of goblet cells per villus were shown. The results suggest that HS from vermicompost improves the intestinal morphometry and increases the number of goblet cells that produce protective intestinal mucus at 3 and 7 d post-weaning in pigs.
PSI-26 Effects of particle size and enzyme supplementation on the energy value of field peas fed to growing pigs
Authors: Olivo Alicia , Patel Shiven , Patterson Rob , Nyachoti C Martin
Published: September 2024

An experiment was conducted to determine if particle size and enzyme supplementation affects the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) contents in field peas fed to growing pigs. Male weaned pigs [n = 30; TN70 × TN Tempo; body weight (BW) = 16.5 ± 0.4 kg] were assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 4 consisting of 50% peas and a corn-soybean meal basal diet. The experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design with treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design, based on two particle sizes (500μm, 700μm) and two levels of carbohydrase supplementation (0 g/mt, 1,000 g/mt) to give 6 replicates per treatment. Diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) requirements. The study was carried out in 3 consecutive periods, each consisting of 15 d; the first 10 d were for adaptation, followed by 5 d of total fecal and urine collection (marker to marker procedure) to calculate DE and ME of diets. The energy content of peas was determined using the difference method. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the particle size, enzyme supplementation, and their interaction as a fixed effect. The period was included as a random effect. Least squares means for each treatment were adjusted using Tukey post-hoc test. Dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, gross energy, starch, ash, crude protein, and ether extract contents were analyzed to allow for the prediction of NE content of peas. There were no interactions between particle size and enzyme supplementation on dietary energy values. Also, no main effects of particle size and enzyme supplementation were observed. The average DE, ME, and predicted NE contents for peas were determined to be 3,848, 3,735, and 2,691 kcal/kg DM, respectively. In conclusion, enzyme supplementation and particle size did not influence the DE, ME, and NE contents of the peas.
PSII-18 Prematurity alters nutrient signaling and protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal piglets
Authors: Jang Ki Beom , Suryawan Agus , Fiorotto Marta L , Davis Teresa A
Published: September 2024

Extrauterine growth restriction is common in infants born preterm, and negatively affects lean mass accretion and health. Prematurity has been shown to inhibit the feeding-induced stimulation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that nutrient signaling, activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), and protein synthesis in the muscle are limited in preterm infants which negatively impacts muscle growth. The objective of this study was to examine how prematurity influences the mechanisms involved in insulin- and amino acid-induced signaling and protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of piglets delivered either 9 d preterm (104 d, n = 25) or at term (112 d, n = 26) by cesarean section. After resuscitation, they were surgically implanted with jugular vein and carotid artery catheters and placed in individual incubators. They were randomly allotted to one of three treatments within each preterm and term birth groups: euaminoacidemic-euglycemic (FAST), hyperinsulinemic-euaminoacidemic-euglycemic (INS), or euinsulinemic-hyperaminoacidemic-euglycemic (AA) clamps on 4 d after birth. After the clamp procedure, the piglets were euthanized to collect longissimus dorsi muscle for estimating in vivo fractional protein synthesis rates and the abundance and activation of components related to insulin and amino acid signaling. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The leucine sensor, Sestrin1 bound to GATOR2 (P < 0.05) was reduced in response to AA whereas the abundance of the mTOR-RagA and mTOR-RagC complexes increased (P < 0.05). The phosphorylation of Akt was increased (P < 0.05) in response to INS and the phosphorylation of mTORC1 and protein synthesis increased (P < 0.05) in response to both AA and INS. Prematurity did not affect the protein abundances of the AA transporters for glutamine (SLC38A2), leucine (SLC7A5), and arginine (SLC38A9). However, prematurity reduced (P < 0.05) the abundances of the leucine sensors SAR1B, the Sestrin1-GATOR complex, the AA sensor, RAB1A, and the threonine sensor, TARS2 (P < 0.05). The abundances of the glutamine sensor, ARF1, the arginine sensor, CASTOR, and the methionine-SAMTOR GATOR complex were similar. Prematurity reduced (P < 0.05) the abundance of the mTOR-RagA and mTOR-RagC complexes, the phosphorylation of mTORC1 and muscle protein synthesis (P < 0.05). In conclusion, prematurity negatively affects protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal preterm piglets by blunting anabolic pathways responsible for nutrient-sensing and mTORC1 activation. The reduced anabolic response likely contributes to reduced lean growth and extrauterine growth restriction following preterm birth.
PSII-26 Effects of diquat injection on growth performance and blood and liver redox status in growing pigs
Authors: Liao Shengfa , Oladejo Emmanuel O , Htoo John K
Published: September 2024

Oxidative stress, caused by excessive reactive oxygen species generation, impairs health and production performance of pigs. A number of nutrients and feed additives have antioxidative property. Our current research project is to study the antioxidative roles of methionine (a sulfur-containing amino acid) in pigs, and this abstract is to report our setup of an oxidative-stressed model by injection of diquat (dibromide monohydrate), a bipyridyl herbicide, to the pig. Barrows [n = 20, body weight (BW) = 21.5 ± 2.50 kg] were randomly allotted to two treatment groups fed a corn-and-soybean-meal-based diet that met or slightly exceeded the NRC (2012) recommended requirements of nutrients and energy. After 3 wk of feeding (Phase 1), while Group-1 pigs were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mL saline, Group-2 pigs were injected with 10 mg/kg BW diquat in 10 mL saline. After the injection, pigs were continually fed for 7 d more (Phase 2). At the end of Phases 1 and 2, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed (G:F) ratios were respectively determined. Blood samples were collected on d 1, 22, and 29 of the experiment, and liver samples were collected on d 29. Commercial assay kits were used to determine the blood and liver redox status, for which the malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. The data was statistically analyzed using Student’s t-test. During Phase 1, there were no differences (P > 0.10) in initial BW, final BW, ADFI, ADG, and G:F ratio. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in the serum MDA contents, the serum GPX, SOD, and CAT activities, and the serum TAC and GSH contents between the two dietary treatment groups. By the end of Phase 2, however, the AFDI and ADG in Group 2 were less (P < 0.001) than that in Group 1. The serum MDA content in Group 2 was greater (P < 0.05) than in Group 1, the serum GPX activity and liver SOD activity in Group 2 was less (P < 0.05) than in Group 1, and the liver GPX activity in Group 2 tended to be greater (P = 0.10) than in Group 1, although there were no differences (P > 0.10) in serum SOD activity, serum TAC, and serum and liver CAT activities between the two treatment groups. In conclusion, the results of this study confirmed that young growing pigs intraperitoneally injected with diquat can lead to oxidative stress and serve as a model for studying antioxidant nutrients or feed additives in pigs.
PSII-21 Metabolites of Kazachstania slooffiae reduce tight junction integrity in piglet intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Harlow KaLynn , Summers Katie , Rivera Israel , Postnikova Olga , Ramsay Timothy , Davies Cary P
Published: September 2024

The weaning transition is an inherently stressful event and can cause considerable growth reductions. Kazachstania slooffiae, a fungus identified as a prominent commensal microbe in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets during weaning, has beneficial interactions with other microbial community members associated with piglet health. To test if K. slooffiae may also contribute to host health through direct means, the supernatant fraction or cellular debris fraction of heat-killed K. slooffiae grown in vitro using yeast-peptone dextrose (YPD) was administered to swine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2 cells from the Leibniz Institute DSMZ). Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured before treatment, and then at 4 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-treatment using transwell plates to assess the integrity of tight junctions. After 24 h, FITC-dextran was also used to assess permeability. Lactate dehydrogenase was assayed to measure cell viability, and media and cells were collected for cytokine release and gene expression, respectively. Cells were subjected to one of six treatments: control media (CM), a 1:1 mixture of YPD and CM (MIX), a high dose of YPD culture media from K. slooffiae mixed 1:1 with CM (high media – HM), a 1:100 dilution of HM mixed with CM (low media – LM), a high concentration (1x106 CFU/mL) of heat-killed cellular debris in CM (high cells – HC), or a 1:100 dilution of HC in CM (low cells – LC). When subjected to either MIX or HM, TEER decreased and did not recover relative to cells grown in CM, LM, HC, or LC (P < 0.05). However, permeability of FITC-dextran was greatest in HM relative to all other treatments (P < 0.05). Cell viability was comparable between groups after 24 H (P > 0.05), indicating cell death did not contribute to increases in permeability. Results are pending for cytokine release and gene expression. Together with past data, results shown here with this model suggest that metabolites generated from K. slooffiae growth may positively impact microbial community members rather than support intestinal epithelial cells in the piglet during the weaning transition. Moreover, without a protective mucosal barrier, heat-stable metabolites from K. slooffiae may lead to reductions in tight-junction integrity in the piglet.
PSII-27 Dietary fiber fractions supplementation modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, hindgut ammonia-nitrogen concentration, and diarrhea severity of nursery pigs
Authors: Erinle Taiwo J , Babatunde Olufemi O , Htoo John K , Mendoza Maria , Columbus Daniel A
Published: September 2024

Dietary fiber may functionally modulate the intestinal health of pigs depending on the content of dietary fiber fraction (DFF). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DFF based on soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) ratio on growth performance, blood parameters, hindgut ammonia-nitrogen concentrations, and diarrhea severity (fecal consistency score, FCS) of nursery pigs. Mixed-sex pigs (n = 200) with an average body weight (BW) of 7.56 ± 0.86 kg were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with 5 pigs per pen and 8 pens per treatment. Pigs were fed a basal diet (BD, containing 8.80% IDF and 0.70% SDF), or the BD diet supplemented with dietary fiber to provide an additional 2% DFF to provide SDF and IDF, from inulin and lignocellulose, respectively, in ratios of 1:1 (DFF1), 1:3 (DFF2), 1:5 (DFF3), and 1:7 (DFF4) for 28 d. Overall, there were no dietary effects on ADFI, ADG, and F:G (P > 0.05). Compared with the BD diet, there was no overall effect of DFF on blood parameters, except for reduced plasma interleukin (IL) -6 and IL-1β concentrations (P < 0.05). Plasma IL-6 was reduced in DFF1 by 20.1%, while plasma IL-1β was reduced in DFF2, DFF3, and DFF4 by average 20% (P < 0.05). Decreasing SDF:IDF ratio increased plasma urea nitrogen (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease plasma myeloperoxidase (P < 0.10) in a quadratic manner. Amongst all treatments, pigs fed DFF1 or DFF2 diet had the least plasma content of superoxide dismutase while pigs fed DFF3 had the greatest (P < 0.05). Pigs fed DFF, regardless of SDF:IDF ratio, had reduced cecal and colonic ammonia-nitrogen compared with BD (P < 0.01). Overall, FCS was reduced by DFF compared with BD (P < 0.001). Decreasing SDF:IDF ratio reduced FCS in a quadratic manner (P < 0.05). The results indicate that 2% DFF supplementation with inulin and lignocellulose, regardless of the SDF:IDF, modulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, hindgut ammonia-nitrogen concentration, and diarrhea severity in nursery pigs.
PSII-20 Effect of increasing glycine equivalent in low crude protein diets on growth performance in broiler chickens raised under multiple stress conditions
Authors: Lee Ji Hye , Kim Hyun Woo , Kim Deok Yun , Kil Dong Yong
Published: September 2024

The objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effects of increasing glycine (Gly) equivalent in low crude protein (LCP) diets on growth performance in broiler chickens raised under multiple stress (MS) conditions. Ross 308 broiler chickens (n = 450; 22 d of age) were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 treatments with 6 replicates in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. The first factor included two different environmental conditions (normal condition vs. MS condition) and the second factor included three dietary treatments (CON, control diets; LCP, low crude protein diets; LCP+Gly, LCP diets with Gly supplementation). Birds in normal conditions were raised under recommended environmental conditions (22 ± 0.9°C and 53.6 ± 5.99 %) with low stock density (SD; 16.9 birds/m2). Birds in MS conditions were exposed to a cyclic heat stress condition (32 ± 0.1°C for 8 h/d and 26°C ± 0.3°C for the remaining time) with high SD (25.3 birds/m2). The average relative humidity was 37.9 ± 4.94%. In addition, 15 birds per cage were assigned in MS conditions to increase SD, whereas 10 birds per cage were assigned in normal conditions. The treatment diets included CON diets with adequate energy, crude protein (19.50% CP and 1.15% Gly equivalents), and other nutrients recommended for growing broiler chickens and LCP diets with low CP content (16.50% CP and 1.15% Gly equivalents) but adequate other nutrients. The LCP+Gly diets had increasing concentrations of Gly equivalents (17.19% CP and 1.73% Gly equivalents) by Gly supplementation to LCP diets. The diets and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experiment. Experiment lasted for 16 d from 22 d to 37 d of age. At the conclusion of the study, growth performance including body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was determined. All data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA in a completely randomized design using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Results indicated that no interactions between environmental conditions and dietary treatments were observed for all growth performance measurements (Table 1). For the main effects, as expected, MS conditions decreased (P < 0.001) growth performance of broiler chickens, regardless of dietary treatments. The LCP diets increased (P < 0.05) FI and FCR as compared with CON diets, regardless of environmental conditions. However, LCP+Gly diets decreased FI (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease FCR (P = 0.076) as compared with LCP diets. In conclusion, either MS conditions or LCP diets impair growth performance in broiler chickens with no significant interaction. However, increasing Gly equivalents by Gly supplementation to LCP diets are likely to improve feed efficiency in broiler chickens regardless of stress environments.
PSVI-26 The benefits of probiotics (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) supplement in growth performance, egg production, gas emission and gut microbiome diversity in Hy-Line brown laying hens
Authors: Lim Chai Bin , Cho Sungbo , Jeong Youn Jae , Kim In Ho
Published: September 2024

During the past few decades, antibiotics have been widely used at subtherapeutic doses to improve growth rates and performance in the poultry industry. However, antibiotics can result in side effects including bacterial resistance; these side effects often have detrimental consequences for human health. Thus, the poultry sector was urged to seek alternative strategies to promote animal performance. One environmentally friendly approach to growth promotion involves the use of probiotics, which have been used in the poultry industry for decades. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus spp. (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) on growth performance, egg production, gas emission and gut microbiota diversity in laying hens. A total of 192 Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to one of four dietary treatments for 12 wk. The test treatments were basal diet (TRT1), basal + 0.25% antibiotic (TRT2), and basal + 0.1% probiotics (TRT3), and basal + 0.2% probiotics (TRT4). Laying hens fed a diet supplemented with 0.2% probiotics showed increased (P < 0.05) egg production in wk 9, 10, and 12. Moreover, fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions were reduced (P < 0.05) in the probiotic groups. Microbiome analysis showed increased (P < 0.05) species richness in the probiotic groups, as indicated by Chao1 and Shannon indices, but a decrease (P < 0.05) in species diversity according to the Simpson index, suggesting a specific microbial community development due to probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, this study provides us with an insight into the potential use Lactobacillus spp. probiotic as a food supplement in the laying hen industry also provides us with a better understanding of the interplay between Lactobacillus spp. and the gut microbiome diversity in laying hens.
PSVI-30 Comparative analysis on partial replacement of soybean meal with various plant sources on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in finishing pigs
Authors: Zhao Weihan , Lee Kye Jin , Kim In Ho
Published: September 2024

Soybean meal (SBM) is a high-protein plant product commonly used as a primary protein source in pig diets. However, its price has been steadily increasing. Concurrently researchers were prompted to search for cost-effective, high-yield protein sources. In the earlier studies palm kernel meal (PKM), distillers dried grains solubles (DDGS), and rapeseed meal (RSM) were potentially used as substitutes for SBM. Still, no study exists on conducting a comparative analysis of replacing soybean meal with various plant extracts. Therefore, we aimed to analyze whether replacing SBM with various plant extracts could reveal comparable effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in finishing pigs. For 10 wk, n = 200 [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] finishing pigs [body weight (BW) = 57.07 ± 3.18 kg] were assigned to one of five dietary treatments. The test treatments were control (CON) corn-SBM-based diet, and the CON diet replaced with 10% of PKM, lupin Kernel (LK), RSM, and DDGS, respectively. Each treatment has 10 replicates with 4 (2 barrows and 2 gilts) pigs/pen. The dietary treatments were as follows control (CON), a corn-SBM-based diet; and the SBM diet replaced with 10% of each PKM, Lupin Kernel (LK), RSM, and DDGS. The partial replacement of SBM with various plants reveals neither significant nor adverse effects on the overall performance in finishing pigs. In summary, we concluded that partially replacing SBM with various plant sources would serve as a better option for small farm owners to save their feed costs.
PSVI-29 Effect of pig weight and exogenous enzyme supplementation on ileal endogenous amino acid losses and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of soybean meal produced from Kentucky-grown soybeans
Authors: Adedokun Sunday , Lindemann Merlin D , Pescatore Anthony , Harmon David L , Paczosa Duncan B
Published: September 2024

There is increasing interest in using locally sourced soybeans and soybean meal. Ileal amino acid digestibility (IAAD) of soybean meal from Kentucky-grown soybeans was evaluated in 25- and 50-kg cannulated pigs. The experiment used sixteen pigs in a randomized complete block design consisting of four treatments with 4 pigs per treatment. This was repeated in time resulting in eight replicates per treatment for both body weight (BW)groups. After cannulation at about 20 kg BW, all pigs were allowed to recover from the surgery and were fed a corn-SBM-based diet that met all nutrient and energy requirements. The experimental diets consisted of two nitrogen-free diets [NFD] with or without exogenous enzyme supplementation (phytase and a combination of phytase and carbohydrase enzymes) and two semi-purified diets containing soybean meal from Kentucky-grown soybeans as the only source of protein with or without exogenous enzyme supplementation. Each diet was fed for 7 consecutive d with 10-h ileal digesta collection on d 6 and 7. The same diets were fed to the same set of pigs at about 50 kg BW. Data were analyzed as a factorial arrangement of treatments (BW x diet) for ileal endogenous amino acid losses (IEAAL), apparent IAAD and standardized IAAD (SIAAD). Data from the NFD were used to determine the SIAAD from the AIAAD values. Exogenous enzyme supplementation increased (P < 0.05) IEAAL except for Gly and Pro while samples collected during phase 2 had greater (P < 0.05) IEAAL (10 amino acids). Pig BW did not influence IEAAL. Enzyme supplementation did not increase AIAAD except for Arg, Ala, Gly, N, and total AA while apparent ileal N, Met, Thr, and Val digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) in 50 kg pigs. Interactions between BW and diets showed that 50 kg pigs fed the SBM diet containing enzyme supplementation had greater (P < 0.05) N, Arg, and total AA digestibility compared with 50 kg pigs without enzyme supplementation. Digestibility of Val and Asp was greater (P < 0.05) in samples collected during phase 2. After correction for basal IEAAL, 50 kg pigs had greater (P < 0.05) SIAAD values for 12 of the AA analyzed while exogenous enzyme supplementation resulted in greater (P < 0.05) SIAAD for 9 of the AA analyzed. The SIAAD values for four AA (His, Phe, Val, and Asp) were greater (P < 0.05) for samples collected in phase 2. Results from this study showed that exogenous enzyme supplementation increased IEAAL and that IAAD of SBM produced from Kentucky-cultivated soybeans was high and that exogenous enzyme supplementation improved the SIAAD values of several amino acids. The IAAD values of SBM produced from soybeans cultivated in KY was high and are similar to values reported in the literature.
PSXIII-17 Comparative Study on epididymal spermatozoa parameters of Large White × Landrace and Windsnyer boars
Authors: Netshirovha Thivhilaheli Richard , Lubisi Mfanuzile Welcome , Raphalalani Zwivhuya Constance
Published: September 2024

Windsnyer pigs are an early maturity breeds that grows slower than Large White x Landrace pigs. There is a concern that the genetic variation in the Windsnyer pig breed is becoming extinct. The aim of the study was to compare semen quality of epididymal spermatozoa derived from slaughtered Large White x Landrace (n = 15) and Windsnyer (n = 15) boars aged between 10 to 12 wk with an average body weight (BW) of 20.0 ± 2.60 kg were used. Boars were fed ad libitum, and water was made available through nipple drinker for a period of 3 mo, were humanely slaughtered following the routine abattoir protocols. Semen was collected from the head of epididymis of Windsnyer and Large White x Landrace testicles. Spermatozoa samples were extracted from the head of epididymus by making incision with a razor. Semen samples were then evaluated for semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, morphology. Sperm motility was evaluated using Computer-Aided Sperm Analyser. Analysis of variance was used to test the difference between the breeds. The average percentage of Windsnyer and Large White x Landrace sperm total motility was 92.4 ± 4.0 and 94.0 ± 4.1 %, respectively (P > 0.05). The sperm velocity on the curve line for Windsnyer was less (147.2 ± 39.2) compared with the Large White x Landrace (178.3 ± 30.1µm/s; P > 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the two breeds for rapid sperm and total sperm motility. No significant differences were observed in Windsnyer and Large x Landrace boar epididymal boar semen volume (8.2 and 9.0 mL, respectively) or semen pH (7.0). The average sperm concentration for Windsnyer and Large White x Landrace boar was [2.5 ± 1.2 and 1.1 ± 1.0 (x109 mL-1], respectively (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between Windsnyer and Large White x Landrace boar in abnormal sperm morphology. However, sperm with distal, head, and midpiece abnormalities were significantly different in Windsnyer (14.0 ± 3.6; 3.6 ± 6.0 and 3.4 ± 3.7% and Large White x Landrace boar (5.4 ± 4.7; 4.7 ± 1.0 and 0.4 ± 1.0%), respectively. In conclusion, Windsnyer had more distal, head and midpiece epididymal sperm abonormalities than Large White x Landrace boars.
PSXIII-14 Effect of melatonin supplementation during in vitro embryo culture on cleavage rates following in vitro maturation and fertilization of bovine oocytes
Authors: Singh Mahipal , Irving Alexis , Abolude Abosede , Moawad Adel , Ma Xiaoling , Kouakou Brou
Published: September 2024

In vitro embryo production (IVEP) is an important advanced reproductive technology and has great potential in enhancing livestock production. However, in vitro culture (IVC) of embryos exposes them to stress resulting in compromising quality and efficiency of embryo production. Melatonin has been reported in several studies to reduce oxidative stress and improve the efficiency of IVEP. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of melatonin supplementation in IVC media on cleavage rates of bovine embryos. Bovine ovaries (n = 22) were obtained from local abattoir with ovarian weight of 7.29 ± 3.31 g, and size of 3.65 ± 0.69 cm. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from 2 to 8 mm size follicles by aspiration using an 18-gauge needle attached with a 10 mL syringe. COCs were matured, fertilized, and cultured in vitro using IVF Bioscience bovine media and their protocols. Oocytes were in vitro matured for 23 h at 38.8°C, 5.5% CO2 in a humidified atmosphere and assessed for maturation by assessing COC expansion. Fully expanded and partially expanded COCs were fertilized for 20 h in a 4-well dish with frozen/thawed bull semen. Following IVF, the cumulus cells were removed by vertexing, and the presumptive zygotes were cultured in vitro with and without 1 µM melatonin in 4-well dishes in triplicates under the oil for embryo development at 38.8°C and 5.5% CO2. Cleavage rates were determined on d 3 of culture. The percentage of cleaved embryos was calculated as (number of zygotes cleaved/total number of fertilized oocytes) x100. Data were analyzed by student’s unpaired t- test with Welch’s correction using GraphPad Prism software. The cleavage rate was greater in melatonin supplemented group (54.17 ± 11.24%) than the control (49.83 ± 7.36%) but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, melatonin supplementation during embryo culture, following IVM/IVF of the bovine oocytes, did not significantly improve cleavage rates.
PSXI-4 Effect of annual forage diversity on soil nitrous oxide emissions in semiarid Canadian Prairies
Authors: Machado Pedro Ferrari , Alemu Aklilu W , Akhter Fardausi , Iwaasa Alan D , Lemke Reynald , Luce Mervin St , Nimegeers Jason , Tedla Haben Asgedom , May William
Published: September 2024

Nitrogen transformation, either from organic amendments or synthetic fertilizers, contributes to nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, a potent greenhouse gas from agricultural soils. In grazing systems, N2O emissions can occur in both stages of production, during the forage growth phase mainly related to fertilizer use and residue transformations as well as the animal phase from animal excreta deposition and transformation. Different management practices with potential to reduce N2O emissions, including the adoption of diverse forage mixtures (poly cropping) has gained attention. Poly cropping can promote high resource use efficiency and influence edaphic-climatic conditions, major controllers for soil N2O emissions. However, information on the effect of poly cropping on soil N2O emissions in the Canadian Prairies under semiarid climate and Brown Chernozem soils is limited. The overall objective of this study was to explore the potential of using poly crop mixtures as an alternative feed source for Canadian beef cattle and its impact on soil N2O emissions. Three treatments were considered: i) control, forage oat monoculture, ii) simple mix, containing four different annual forage species (forage oat, forage pea, forage brassica, and hairy vetch), and iii) complex mix containing eight annual forage species (forage oat, forage pea, barley, forage brassica, hairy vetch, red proso millet, teff grass, and, chicory). Treatments were established in a completely randomized block design scheme with three replicates. The study was conducted at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre, the driest climatological condition in the Canadian Prairies. Following pre-seeding field preparation, treatments were established by the end of May and Urea Phosphate (34-17-0) fertilizer was split-applied at 112 kg/ha. Nitrous oxide emission was measured over the crop phase in 2023 growing season, the first year of a 3-yr trial, using the manual chamber method. Furthermore, ancillary measurements were performed. During the 2023 crop growth phase, N2O emissions ranged from 446 to 610 g Nּ ha-1, and were not affected by treatments. Soil inorganic N was greater in parts of the season for the complex mix, but that did not translate into greater cumulative N2O emissions. Overall, the treatments did not affect soil volumetric water content in the topsoil, a key factor dictating N2O emissions. This project will continue until 2026 and capture emissions from different seasons including major spring-thaw. In those years, measurements will also be extended to an on-farm sites involving farmers situated in contrasting edaphic-climatic conditions of the Canadian Prairies.
PSXII-14 Fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy for indirect prediction of methane emissions from grazing cattle
Authors: Rodrigues Barbara , Fox William , Dudak Jessica , Winkler Taylor , McCoy Christopher , Tolleson Douglas R
Published: September 2024

Methane (CH4) production from enteric fermentation of ruminants accounts for over a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector in the U.S. Accurate and precise quantification of CH4 is essential to identify strategies for mitigating CH4 emissions. Numerous techniques and methodologies exist for measuring enteric CH4 emissions from ruminants, however, many were designed for specific research purposes, potentially limiting their applicability on commercial farms. Our objective was to evaluate the application of fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (FNIRS) to provide inputs for indirect CH4 prediction calibrations. The Grazingland Animal Nutrition Laboratory (GAN Lab) has produced FNIRS predictions of grazing livestock diet quality since 1995 in conjunction with animal performance (weight/body condition change) generated by the Nutritional Balance Analyzer (Nutbal) Software package. FNIRS is a non-invasive approach that provides a significant opportunity to inform models for grazing cattle CH4 emissions. From a comprehensive U.S. dataset of approximately 30,000 samples, we selected a subset representing beef cattle grazing the gulf coast region of Texas from 2016 to 2019 (n = 85). Inputs of diet crude protein (CP), diet digestible organic matter (DOM), live weight (LW), and estimated live weight change (LWC) were used to predict feed intake (FI) employing a published equation and, from outputs generated by Nutbal, i.e. FI_Eq and FI_Nut, respectively. The FI (kg DM/animal.day) generated by both methods were applied to established prediction equations to generate preliminary estimates of CH4 emissions (CH4 FI_Eq and CH4 FI_Nut, respectively). Differences among estimations were assessed through ANOVA, with significance determined at P < 0.05. The estimated FI was different (P < 0.01) for both methodologies, resulting in different (P < 0.01) predictions of CH4 emissions. The CH4 prediction for CH4 FI_Eq was 0.24 ± 0.03 kg/animal.day, compared to 0.38± 0.06 kg/animal.day for CH4_Nut. A difference was observed between years for the CH4 predictions estimated with CH4 FI_Eq (P < 0.01). The FNIRS/Nutbal technique provided useful inputs to the established CH4 calibrations but will need to be validated against CH4 reference methods. The Gan Lab FNIRS/Nutbal dataset offers an opportunity to not only estimate U.S. grazing ruminant CH4 emissions over the past 30 years, but also predictions of current and future emissions at individual operation to national scales. This technique will enable producers with the knowledge to optimize forage resources management, mitigate CH4 emissions, and enhance the sustainability of grazing animal agriculture.
PSXII-10 Post-weaning energy balance in dual-purpose replacement heifers (Giroland-Brown Swiss cross) confined-raised and grazing-raised before and after rainy season in tropical systems livestock
Authors: Marquez Hector Javier Perez , Aviles-Ruiz Ricardo , Bravo Oscar Barron , Ruiz-Albarran Miguel , Flores-Najera Manuel
Published: September 2024

Common management of dual-purpose (Giroland-Brown Swiss cross) cattle in the Mexican Tropical region is to rear heifer replacement post-weaning in group pens. It is assumed that placing post-weaning heifers in group pens has more access to higher energy reserves due to the reduced foraging behavior. This study compared β-hydroxy-butyrate (BHB), body condition score (BCS), and average daily gain (ADG) in the post-weaning barn-raised and grazing-raised calves. Giroland-Brown Swiss cross (n = 8) were divided into 2 groups: confined-group (CG; n = 4) and grazing-group (GG; n = 4) for 4 mo (June to September). Both groups had ad libitum access to the same pasture (star grass; Cynodon plectostachyus) containing 6.5 % and 12.4 % crude protein (CP) during 2 regional seasons (drought and rainy season). Commercial concentrate was offered daily (0.5 kg; 17.5 % CP and 1 881 Mcal/kg net energy) at 1000 h. CG bunk feeders were refilled with pasture when empty during the day and mineral salts and water were provided at libitum to both groups. BHB was estimated monthly using a test strip (Freestyle Optium Neo, Witney UK). Additionally, BCS and ADG were estimated twice per month. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with a factorial design was implemented to assess BHB, BCS, and ADG as dependent variables and group treatment (GG and CG), month (4 levels), and season (drought and rainy) as independent variables. BHB values were not significant in the 2 treatment groups (GG: 300 ± 40 and CG: 230 ± 20 µmol/L; P > 0.05). The ADG (LS Means ± SEM) did not differ between treatment groups during drought season (GG: 419 ± 115 g compared with CG 310 ± 15 g; P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the ADG was significantly different between treatment groups during the rainy season (GG 790 ± 131 g compared with CG - 110 ± 63 g; P < 0.05). In addition, BCS was significantly different at the end of the experiment among treatment groups (GG: 3.13 ± 0.22 compared with CG: 2.6 ± 0.19). Our conclusion is that both management (grazing and confined) were equal to rear calves after weaning during the drought season. However, grazing the calves performed better (> ADG, and BCS) than confined management during the rainy season.