bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSX-A-10 Late-Breaking: Effects of paternal high energy diets on blastocyst development during in vitro embryo production in the bovine
Authors: Davis Dylan B , Seekford Zachary , Dickson Mackenzie , Gonçalves Lucas , Burato Samir , Holton Matthew P , Gordon Julie , Pohler Ky G , Bromfield John , Lamb G Cliff C , Pringle Dean , Stewart R Lawton , Ferrer Maria , Fontes Pedro L
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of paternal high energy diets on blastocyst development during in vitro embryo production (IVP). Eight sires were stratified by body weight (initial BW = 946 ± 85 kg) and randomly assigned to the same diet (NEm = 2.10, NEg = 1.44, CP = 14.1%, NDF = 16.6%, DM basis) fed at two different inclusion rates while having ad libitum access to bermudagrass hay (NEm = 1.02, NEg = 0.45, CP = 10.2%, NDF = 71.6). After a 10-d adaptation period, sires were individually fed to receive 0.5% (MAINT) or 1.25% [High gain (HG)] of their BW daily for 67 days. At the end of the feeding period, semen was collected through electroejaculation and frozen. Antral follicles were aspirated from ovaries obtained from a slaughterhouse and utilized for IVP in 4 independent replicates (n = 2,227 total oocytes). Cleavage rates were evaluated 48 h after fertilization and blastocyst development rates were evaluated after 7 days of embryo culture. The proposed treatments successfully induced differences in BW gain (P < 0.01; 2.28 vs -0.04 kg/d) and carcass composition (Rump fat: 1.63 vs. 0.41 cm, P = 0.08; Rib fat: 1.06 vs. 0.41 cm, P = 0.02; intramuscular fat: 3.5 vs. 3.0%, P = 0.36; for HG vs. MAINT sires, respectively). There was a significant decrease in cleavage rates (69.9 ± 2.5 vs. 65.0 ± 2.7; P < 0.04), blastocyst rate as a percentage of oocytes (16.7 ± 2.9 vs. 11.5 ± 2.1; P < 0.01), and blastocyst rates as a percentage of cleaved structures (24.1 ± 3.8 vs. 11.5 ± 2.1; P < 0.01) for HG compared with MAINT sires. In conclusion, sires fed diets that induce highly anabolic conditions had impaired blastocyst development compared to sires fed a maintenance diet.
PSX-A-5 Late-Breaking: Branched chain amino acid and threonine requirements for puppy (>14 wk-9mo) Labrador Retrievers using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique
Authors: Varney Jessica L , Adams Heather , Cox Sarah , Cline Kevin , Bailey Rhianna , Weil Jordan T , Coon Craig N
Published: October 2021

Branched chain amino acids are heavily involved in protein synthesis and turnover, emphasizing the need to establish requirement for growing animals. On the other hand, threonine is vital for supporting proteins necessary for gut health. Thus, it is very important to supply branched chain amino acids and threonine in appropriate amounts to growing animals. In this experiment, the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique was utilized to determine valine, isoleucine, leucine, and threonine requirements in six puppy Labrador Retrievers (>14wk-9mo). Puppies were subjected to diets ranging from deficient to excess, with each of the indispensable amino acids formulated at 1.6x NRC values. The control diet was fed for two days of adaptation, followed by one experimental day in which the test diet was fed. On the test day, a breath sample was collected using a using a respiration mask (Oxymax, Columbus Instruments). A priming dose of L-[1-^13C]phenylalanine (Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.) based on body weight was supplied to each puppy, followed by [1-^13C]Phe doses every 30 minutes, for a four hour period. ^13CO[2] was collected after each dose and enrichment was determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Results from IRMS were converted to atom percent excess (APE) and analyzed using a segmented line model (JMP^® Pro 16). Each of the Four Rivers mean and population requirements were as follows: 1.72 ± 0.11 g/1000 kcal ME for valine; 1.43 ± 0.24 g/1000 kcal ME for isoleucine; 2.25 ± 0.15 g/1000 kcal ME for leucine; 1.74 ± 0.16 g/1000 kcal ME for threonine (mean ± 2SD). The knowledge gained from this study is highly useful as the lean mass deposited as a puppy influences the animal throughout their lifetime.
PSX-A-1 Late-Breaking: A fully automated system for 3D image acquisition, classification and processing for real-time monitoring growth of finishing cattle in feedlots
Authors: Padilha Joseane , Fernandes Arthur , Dorea Joao R , Acedo Tiago S , Rosa Guilherme J
Published: October 2021

Computer vision has been proposed as an alternative to monitor livestock growth, for example using 3D cameras to estimate body weight and condition. However, implementing this technology outdoors and with unrestrained animals poses a great challenge, because of harsh conditions for the equipment, as well as varying lighting and animal movement. Here we propose an automated system to acquire 3D images of individual animals, integrate the animal ID in the image file, and process images. This comprises a fundamental step for implementing a real-time assessment tool of growth of animals grouped in pens, to aid optimal feed management and marketing decision. The study comprised 50 beef cattle of Nellore breed during a finishing phase at DSM Innovation and Applied Center, in Brazil. Animals were tagged with RFID eartags, and 5 Intel RealSense D435 cameras were installed on the top of the water sources in each pen. For each animal approaching the water tank, an RFID antenna read the animal ID and triggered the camera to acquire a top-down view image. Images were then sent to a central computer using Wi-Fi, and later to the cloud. A decision tree algorithm was trained to sort images as usable or unusable, where the retained images had one single animal on the frame, with full body and relatively straight position. Selected frames were then processed using a threshold Otsu’s method to segment the animal body and obtain the necessary biological features, including body length, multiple width and height values, body area and volume. A total of 16,000+ images were collected, from which 3,100 were deemed usable. The algorithm successfully extracted the animal body from each image and obtained the biological features (cross-correlation values above 0.90). The proposed system was demonstrated to be extremely promising and the next stage of the study will be devoted to individual body weight prediction.
PSX-A-13 Late-Breaking: Establishing an in vitro model for studies of myogenesis in broiler chicks
Authors: Jung Usuk , Kim Minjeong , Voy Brynn H
Published: October 2021

The objective of this work was to establish protocols for isolating, maintaining, and differentiating SCs from broiler embryos and young chicks so that this model can be used to identify factors that affect myogenic development. Efficient production of lean and healthy muscle is the ultimate goal of the livestock industry. Skeletal muscle develops from a population of multipotent stem cells, also known as satellite cells (SCs), that have the potential to differentiate into both muscle cells and adipocytes. During embryonic and early postnatal development, nutritional and hormonal cues interact to influence the cell fate of this cell population, which ultimately affects body composition and muscle quality. In broilers, the factors that influence the early development of SCs are particularly important due to the high incidence of breast muscle myopathies in commercial flocks. Methods to isolate SCs from multiple species, including chicken, have been described in the literature. However, SCs in very young animals have different growth and differentiation properties, and the fiber properties of the muscle, which influence the digestion strategy, differ from those of mature birds. Protocols were developed using p. major muscle of 7 day-old-broiler chicks. Satellite cells were isolated from intact muscle by two-step enzymatic digestion and purified from other cell types based on differential adherence to tissue culture plastic. Enrichment for SCs in each procedure was evaluated based on the ability to undergo myogenic differentiation and form myotubes in vitro. Immunofluorescent staining for Pax7, a marker of SCs, and flow cytometry for CD56, a surface marker for SCs, were used to confirm a high purity population of SCs. In conclusion, we have established a model that will be valuable for assessing the impact of nutrients, metabolites, and other physiological cues on early life muscle growth and development in broilers.
PSX-A-23 Late-Breaking: Supplementation of Nerve Growth Factor (β-NGF) in the maturation medium and efficiency of in vitro embryo production in cattle
Authors: Gonçalves Lucas , Martins Muller C , Arle Natalia , Torres Rafaela T , Migilo Luisa , Beletti Marcelo
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of Nerve Growth Factor (β-NGF) in the maturation medium in in vitro embryo production routines. Antral follicles were aspirated from ovaries of cows obtained from slaughterhouses and then oocytes were selected for quality (grades I and II) for in vitro maturation and subjected to 4 successive in vitro embryo production routines (IVEP). Supplementation of 100 ng of β-NGF was performed in the oocyte maturation medium 22 hours before in vitro fertilization. 48 hours after fertilization of the oocytes, an analysis was made of their cleavage rate by counting blastomeres with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope (cleavage rate = number of embryos / number of initial oocytes). Seven days after fertilization, the blastocyst rate was determined through the relation to the number of oocytes that started cleavage and reached this stage of development (blastocyst rate = number of blastocyst / number of oocytes that started cleavage). To verify the existence of a difference between the supplemented and the non-supplemented groups, the paired T test was applied, using the Excel / Action software (Microsoft). In vitro embryo production routines supplemented with β-NGF in the maturation medium had, on average, a higher cleavage rate (P = 0.0072) and a higher blastocyst rate (P = 0.0033) compared to non-supplemented routines with β-NGF. In this study was demonstrated that Nerve Growth Factor supplementation in the maturation medium improves the efficiency of in vitro embryo production in cattle, and this protein has a probable action in the oocyte maturation process.
PSX-A-15 Late-Breaking: Use of a rumen-protected fatty acid supplement on growth performance in feedlot heifers
Authors: Russi Juan P , Relling Alejandro E
Published: October 2021

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the of use different doses of a rumen protected fatty acid supplement in feedlot heifers. Seventy-two (cross bread) heifers were blocked by body weight and animals within each block were randomly allotted to a pen. Each pen had 4 heifers, and there were 6 pens per treatment. All animals were fed a basal diet of 14% corn silage, 73% dry rolled corn, 10% cracked soybeans, 1% urea, and 2% mineral vitamin mix for 83 days. Each treatment received different dose of a rumen-protected fatty acid supplement (RPFA), which contained 40% flaxseed oil, 55% treated soy lecithin, and 5% dextrose; processed using the procedure described in the patent (pending: US 2020/0197346 A1). Treatments were T1: 125 g RPFA; T2: 250 g of RPFA, and T3: 375 g of RPFA. Treatments were daily top dressed. Heifers were weighted on days 0, 50, and 83. Longissimus dorsi muscle (LMA) and back fat (BF) at the 13 rib were measured using ultrasound day 0 and 83, before the animals were sent to slaughter. Dry matter offered per day and refusal collected twice a week were used to estimate dry matter intake (DMI). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design, with treatment as a fixed variable and block as a random variable. Means were separated using a polynomial contrast. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.16; Table 1) on final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), DMI, gain to DMI ratio, or dressing percentage. There where quadratic tendencies (P ≤ 0.1; Table 1) for hot carcass weight (HCW), LMA, and BF. Based in the results from the current experiment, feeding 100 g of flaxseed oil (250 g of RPFA) improves HCW and LMA but also BF, without affecting growth and DMI.
PSX-A-26 Late-Breaking: The perch competition index of small cage laying hens
Authors: Wang Yanan , Liu Yilin , Zhang Runxiang , Li Xiang , Li Jianhong , Bao Jun
Published: October 2021

A total 72 Lohmann white laying hens at 7 weeks old were used to evaluate the relationship between social order and perch utilization. All laying hens were randomly divided into 12 cages, 6 birds in each cage. The aim of the study is to verify the hypothesis that high-ranked chickens will use perch more when there are only the perch in cage. The study researches the use of perch (including the behavior of the perch) of all hens by setting up the increasing the length of the perch. Using Clutton-Brock index by observing four behaviors (aggression, threat, replace and chase) to determine the social order of the laying hens. The data are analyzed by the generalized linear model (GLMM) in SPSS 23 software. The results showed that the higher rank laying hens used perch more times and time than other subordinate hens (P < 0.001), and the lying, preening and comforting behaviors on the perch increased accordingly (P < 0.001). Except for the highest rank of laying hens, the use of the perch was not significantly different among other subordinate ones (P > 0.05). The conclusion of this study is providing the perch for the caged laying hens can reduce their density on the floor of the cage and make the group stable more quickly. Secondly, higher-ranked hens will use more the perch, and the subordinate hens will reduce the positive conflict with the high-ranked ones. Therefore, providing perch for furnished caged laying hens is beneficial to the welfare of the laying hens in the cage.
PSX-A-9 Late-Breaking: Effects of farm noise on ileum intestinal barrier function of pullets
Authors: Li Chun , Zhang Runxiang , Yu Hanlin , Feng Yanru , Li Jianhong , Bao Jun
Published: October 2021

Noise is a potential but not negligible environmental factor in animal husbandry. To investigate the effects of farm noise on intestinal barrier function of pullets, 336 Hailanhe pullets aged 1 day were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (CON), low noise group (LN), high noise group (HN). LN group and HN group were exposed to noise respectively at 65–75 dB and 85–95 dB, the average and the range of the highest loudness of noise in laying hens’ farms for 6h every day (7:00-19:00, hourly intervals for one hour) and lasted 4 weeks. Non additional noise addition in CON group, noise loudness of which was less than 40dB. 6 birds were randomly chosen form each group after every week of noise stimulation for ileum tissue samples. Hematoxylin-eosin stain (HE stain), immunofluorescence, and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to determine changes in ileum structure, expression of intestinal barrier related proteins and mRNAs and HSPs. Results shown that 1 week and 2 weeks after noise exposed inflammatory cell infiltration reduced, the expression of intestinal barrier related proteins (Occludin, Mucin2 and ZO-1) and mRNAs (Claudin-1, Claudin-4, E-cadherin, Occludin, Mucin2, ZO-1 and ZO-2) were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the mRNA expression of HSPs decreased (P < 0.05) or have no significate changes (P > 0.05). After 4 weeks of noise treatment, the expression of mRNAs of intestinal tight junction protein and mucin, HSPs were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the LN and HN groups on those indicators (P > 0.05). The study indicates that noise at 65-75dB and 85-95dB does not cause stress to ileum of pullets while promote the development of intestinal barrier of chicks within 2 weeks maybe by mild stimulation and birds restored to balance due to habitualization after 4 weeks of noise treatment.
PSX-A-28 Late-Breaking: Transcriptomics Analysis of the Sham-chewing Behavior of Confined Sows
Authors: Pan Lei , Wei Haidong , Wang Jianxing , Zhang Runxiang , Liu Honggui , Bao Jun
Published: October 2021

In order to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the high incidence of sham-chewing behavior in pregnant sows, 50 sows (Large White × Landrace) were used to observe sham-chewing behavior in early, middle and late gestation. And then according to the number of sham-chewing observed, sows were divided into high incidence of sham-chewing (group H) and low incidence of sham-chewing (group L). After weaning, 4 sows were randomly selected from group H and group L, samples of brain were collected after slaughter, and hypothalamus was sequenced with transcriptome. After bioinformatics analysis, the DEGs were analyzed and enriched in GO and KEGG, afterwards the candidate genes were screened. qRT-PCR was used to verify the accuracy of the sequencing data. Hypothalamic transcriptome results showed that compared with group L, 1286 genes were significantly differentially expressed in group H, among which 934 genes were up-regulated and 352 genes were down-regulated. The results of GO enrichment analysis showed that in biological process, cell component and molecular function, the most significant terms of enrichment are trans-synaptic signaling, neuron part and gated channel activity. These terms are strongly related to synaptic plasticity, synaptic transmission, neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric diseases, FGF12, SNAP25, CAMK1D, SYNDIG1, GABRD, RBFOX1, CRH, HCN1, HCN4, GLRA3, GRIN2A, ANXA2, MBP and NTF4 genes with high fold change and more in-depth functional research were selected for sham-chewing and depressive emotion-related genes. KEGG enrichment analysis results indicated that differential expressed genes were significantly enriched in 29 pathways, such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cAMP and Ras-MAPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, the results of hypothalamic transcriptome indicate that there is a molecular genetic basis for depression-like symptoms in group H, the 14 DEGs screened above might be candidate genes involved in high incidence of sham-chewing and depression-like emotion.
PSX-A-2 Late-Breaking: Acute Endotoxinemia May Increase Intercostal Temporary Mechanical Nociception in Wethers
Authors: Whitlock Brian K , Renwick Allison , Pi Amelia , Daniel Jay A
Published: October 2021

Systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS; endotoxin) is associated with generalized hyperalgesia in humans and some animal models. However, the effects of endotoxin-induced inflammation on pain threshold in livestock, such as sheep, is unknown. Eight wethers [~1 year of age; 61.3 ± 0.5 kg BW] were administered saline (2 mL; n = 4) or endotoxin (2 mL; 400 ng of LPS / kg BW; n = 4) intravenously. A handheld algometric unit was used to administer temporary mechanical nociception (TMN) before (Day -2) and after (Day 1) treatment administration by the same person three times at two locations on the right thorax (intercostal spaces 6 and 9). Two-way ANOVA was completed in SAS v9.4 (Cary, NC). There were effects of day (P < 0.001) and location (P < 0.0001) on TMN, such that the force needed to induce TMN on Day -2 (2.04 +/- 0.15 kgF) was less than on Day 1 (2.93 +/- 0.15 kgF) and the force needed to induce TMN at intercostal space 6 (1.81 +/- 0.15 kgF) was less than at intercostal space 9 (3.15 +/- 0.15 kgF). While there was no effect of treatment (P = 0.96), or interaction of treatment and location (P = 0.19), day and location (P = 0.25), or treatment and day and location (P = 0.49), there was a tendency for an interaction of treatment and day (P = 0.06), such that TMN was not different on Day 1 (2.73 +/- 0.30 kgF) and Day -2 (2.24 +/- 0.30 kgF) for animals receiving saline but was greater on Day 1 (3.12 +/- 0.30 kgF) than Day -2 (1.83 +/- 0.30 kgF) for animals receiving LPS. While systemic inflammation is associated with reduced pain threshold in some models, acute LPS-induced inflammation may increase intercostal TMN in castrated sheep.
PSX-A-8 Late-Breaking: Development of multiplex assays for equine cytokines IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNFα
Authors: White-Springer Sarah H
Published: October 2021

Equine-specific assays to quantify cytokine concentrations are limited and often have a restricted range such that physiological concentrations of many cytokines are below detectable limits of the assay. We aimed to develop custom multiplex assays for equine interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α using the Meso Scale Discovery U-PLEX platform. Equine-specific ELISA kits containing unlabeled and biotinylated polyclonal antibodies and the specific recombinant equine cytokine were purchased for each cytokine. Each biotinylated antibody was coupled to a linker specific for a unique spot within each well of the U-PLEX plates. The unlabeled antibodies were conjugated with electrochemiluminescent labels to serve as detection antibodies. Each cytokine assay was optimized individually prior to optimization in multiplex. Two preliminary experiments were performed: 1) multiplexed conjugation of equine IL-10 and TNFα to the U-PLEX plates; and 2) multiplexed conjugation of equine IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 to the U-PLEX plates. Standard curves were run at concentrations ranging from 0 to 5,000 pg/mL for TNFα and IL-8, to 12,500 pg/mL for IL-10, to 25,000 pg/mL for IL-1β and IL-6, and to 50,000 pg/mL for IL-4. The minimum average concentrations measured by the standard curves were 0.065, 0.006, 0.017, 0.00013, 0.196, and 0.050 pg/mL for IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNFα, respectively. Test samples of equine serum (n = 5) and bronchoalveolar fluid (n = 3) before and after exercise and of ConA-stimulated equine peripheral mononuclear cell supernatants (positive control) were analyzed for each multiplexed assay. With the exception of serum from one horse, all samples ran within detectable limits of each assay. This preliminary work indicates the U-PLEX platform is a viable option to simultaneously quantify concentrations of multiple equine cytokines, allowing for expansion of research efforts focused on understanding immune responses in the horse.
PSX-A-21 Late-Breaking: Predicting live weight using linear body measurements in growing dairy calves
Authors: Rotondo Vanessa , Osborne Vern R , Paibomesai Marlene , Wood Katharine M , Jantzi Sophia
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to explore how linear body measurements are related to body weight and can be used to predict calf body weight using linear and machine learning models. To meet these objectives, a total of 69 Holstein calves from a commercial dairy farm were enrolled in the study from wk 2 – 8 of age. Calves were weighed and linear measurements were collected weekly. Nineteen linear measurements were obtained each week, including: poll to nose, width across the eyes, width across the right ear, neck length (NL), wither height (WH), heart girth (HG), midpiece height (MH), midpiece circumference (MC), midpiece width (MW), midpiece depth (MD), midpiece width across the 13th rib (MW13), hook height, hook width, pin height, top of pin bones width (PW), nose to tail body length, the length between the withers and pins (WPL), forearm to hoof, cannon bone to hoof. These measurements were taken using a commercial soft tape measure and calipers. Using a machine learning approach, models were generated to predict BW from calf linear measurements using Weka software 3.8.5 (University of Waikato, New Zealand) using a 10-fold cross-validation method. Both linear regression (LR) and random forest (RF) models were evaluated. Across all weeks the LR model derived 12 of the 19 traits to fit the BW model (r2 = 0.93). These included: PN, NL, WH, HG, MC, MW, MD, HW, PW, MW13, WPL. The RF model slightly reduced BW predictions (r2= 0.92). The results of this study suggest that linear models built on linear measurements can accurately estimate body weight in dairy calves. These data and models generated are important to further the development of visualized weighing systems for young dairy calves and may be used to accurately predict BW without a scale.
PSX-A-27 Late-Breaking: The sulfatase mediated regeneration of androstenone from androstenone sulfate in boar fat
Authors: Bone Christine , Squires E James
Published: October 2021

Boar taint is an off-odour or off-flavour that develops in heated pork products from entire male pigs, which is caused by the accumulation of androstenone, a sex pheromone, in the fat. However, we have previously demonstrated that a significant amount of androstenone undergoes sulfoconjugation upon synthesis in the Leydig cells and circulates in the plasma primarily as a polar steroid sulfate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if androstenone sulfate can be deconjugated within the adipose tissue by the sulfatase enzyme to return free androstenone and indirectly contribute to the development of boar taint. Backfat was obtained from 6-month-old terminal cross [Duroc x (Landrace x Yorkshire)] boars that had high (n=4) or low (n=4) sulfatase expression as determined by RT-PCR. Sulfatase activity in the fat was measured by quantifying the conversion of androstenone sulfate to free androstenone. Backfat was homogenized and the supernatant was incubated with [3H]-androstenone sulfate for 24-hours. Androstenone was extracted from the incubation using ether and steroid conversion was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, fat androstenone concentrations were quantified using an established HPLC procedure. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Student’s t-test. There was a significant difference (p=0.04) in the expression of sulfatase between the high (2.99 ± 0.67) and low (1.21 ± 0.19) sulfatase boars and the percentage of androstenone sulfate that was converted to free androstenone was proportional to the expression of sulfatase. Interestingly, the expression of sulfatase was positively related to the concentration of androstenone in the fat in boars with high sulfatase expression; however, this relation was not as strong in animals with low sulfatase expression. These preliminary results suggest that the development of boar taint may occur indirectly through the deconjugation of androstenone sulfate in boars with high expression of sulfatase in the fat.
PSX-A-16 Late-Breaking: Maternal nutrient restriction and re-alimentation influences liver protein expression in fetal sheep
Authors: Smith Brandon I , Vasquez-Hidalgo Manuel A , Swanson Kendall C , Vonnahme Kimberly A , Grazul-Bilska Anna T , Li Xiaomeng , Moore Timothy , Balsbaugh Jeremy , Reed Sarah A , Govoni Kristen E
Published: October 2021

To determine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction and re-alimentation on the fetal liver proteome, 48 pregnant ewes with singletons were fed a control diet [100% National Research Council (NRC) requirements (CON)] starting at the beginning of gestation. On day 50 of gestation, a subset of ewes were fed either CON or 60% NRC requirements (RES). A subset of ewes were euthanized at day 90 of gestation (n = 7/treatment), and fetal liver samples collected. Remaining ewes were maintained on the current diet (CON-CON, n=6; RES-RES, n = 7) or switched to alternative diet (CON-RES, RES-CON; n=7/treatment). On day 130 of gestation, remaining ewes were euthanized, and fetal samples collected. Fetal liver proteins were extracted, digested by trypsin and subjected to multiplexed, label-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis integrating Tandem Mass Tags. Proteins were identified and quantified using Proteome Discoverer (v2.5, Thermo Scientific) and differential abundance analysis was performed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s HSD test. Hierarchal clustering analysis showed clustering of treatments by day of gestation. However, differences were also observed between treatments. At day 90 of gestation, 23 proteins were differentially expressed in RES compared with CON among which glycyl tRNA synthetase and pyruvate carboxylase were increased 12% and 10%, respectively (P < 0.03). At day 130 of gestation, 24, 5, and 71 proteins were differentially expressed in CON-RES, RES-CON, and RES-RES, respectively, compared with CON-CON. Carnosine dipeptidase 2 was decreased 7% in CON-RES and rho associated protein kinase and glycogen synthase 2 were increased 20% and 26% in RES-CON and RES-RES, respectively, compared with CON-CON (P < 0.04). These results indicate that nutrient restriction during mid- and late-gestation impacts expression of proteins involved in gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis, and the formation of carnosine, an integral molecule in beta-oxidation, and that re-alimentation alters proteins involved in cell migration pathways. Supported by USDA-AFRI grants 2016-67016-24884 and 2017-67016-26568.
PSX-A-29 Late-Breaking: Use of machine learning algorithms to predict residual feed intake value and classification groups in commercial beef cattle
Authors: Manafiazar Ghader , Riazi Mohammad , Basarab John A , Li Changxi , Stothard Paul , Plastow Graham
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to explore the potential of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to predict residual feed intake (RFI) classification group (high or low RFI) and individual RFI using performance records and genomic information. A total of 4145 animals from research and commercial herds with RFI performance records were included in the study from which 3899 cattle had genomic information (genotyped using Illumina Bovine 50k SNP BeadChip). Different libraries based on R and Python including Lazy Predict, Scikit-learn, PyCaret, and H2O Flow were used to test various ML models. Genomic information was subjected to quality control by removing SNPs with an allele frequency less than 0.05 or with a call rate lower than 0.95. A total of 42,689 SNPs remained for further analysis and accounted for 34% of phenotypic variation (heritability of 0.34±0.07) in RFI. Different numbers of SNPs were selected based on their contribution to phenotypic variation (500 SNPs, 1K, 5K, 10K, and 15K) then were included in the ML models. The GLM Stacked Ensemble model with 15k SNPs performed better than the other models to predict RFI classification group (R2 = 0.54). Regardless of the number of SNPs included in the model, GLM Stacked Ensemble performed better than other models to predict individual RFI. This model’s performance improved with increasing SNPs (MAE=0.39 for 500 SNPs; 0.31 for 15k SNPs). In the test data set, an increasing number of SNPs did not change the performance of the model and had a MAE of 0.39). The results demonstrate the potential for ML to improve predictions for feed efficiency compare to genomic analysis in beef cattle without measuring feed intake.
PSXIII-30 Late-Breaking: The change of immune function markers and spectrotype of cytokine causing subclinical and clinical mastitis in the dairy cows
Authors: Leshchukov Konstantin , Klimov Nikolay , Lobodin Konstantin , Pavlenko Olga , Sleptsov Evgeniy , Plemyashov Kirill
Published: October 2021

The study aimed to determine the immune function markers of clinically healthy cows and cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis caused by the coagulase-negative staphylococci. The materials were milk and blood of cows (n = 20; first group) had the clinical mastitis caused by S. aureus and S. haemolyticus, another 20 (second group) had the subclinical mastitis caused by S. aureus and S. haemolyticus, another 20 (third group) were clinically health cows. The milk was examinated by a Californian mastitis test. The immune markers of blood were researched by ELISA using Bovine Elisa Kit (Cloud-CloneCorp. HoustonTX, USA) and relevance methods (The guidelines for the assessment and correction of animal immune status, Voronezh, Russia, 2005). It has been found that the blood of cows of the 2d group had a high level of Interleukin- 2 (15.9±0.4 pg/mL), TNF-α (639.2±19.1 pg/mL), CIC (0.128±0.01 g/L), Serum Bactericidal Activity (78.5±1.4 %) compared with 3d group. It was the reducing of Ig level by 19.6% (20.6±0.3g/L) and Lysozyme activity by 28.4% (2.097±0.02 µg/mL) (P < 0,05-0,001). The comparative analysis of immune function markers in the blood of 1st and 3d groups showed the reduction of TNF-α by 23,3%, Ig level by 19,6 %, Lysozyme activity by 32,8%, T- lymphocytes by 27,2%, and the increasing of CIC by 52,3%, Serum Bactericidal Activity by 6,8%, B- lymphocytes by 10,1% (P < 0,05-0,001), Phagocytic activity of leucocytes by 6,4%. Mastitis events caused by the coagulase-negative staphylococci were associated with reducing of cellular and humoral immunity by twice increasing of Interleukin-2 level.
PSXIII-29 Late-Breaking: Relationships between feed efficiency traits, gas emissions, and calculated heat production and respiratory quotients in mature beef cows
Authors: Finlay Lauren , Wood Katharine M
Published: October 2021

This research evaluated relationships between feed efficiency measurements including residual feed intake (RFI), gain to feed ratio (G:F) and enteric gas production of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen, (O2) along with calculated respiratory quotient (RQ) and heat production (HP) of mature beef cows. Sixty pregnant multiparous Angus beef cows were measured for individual intake for 10 weeks leading up to parturition. Cows were individually fed using the Insentec feeding system to measure individual feed intake. Pens of cows were rotated weekly to the C-Lock Greenfeed trailer (C-Lock Inc.) to measure gas production for a minimum 2 periods per group. Cows were weighed, body condition scored, and ultrasound performed for rib and rump fat depth every 28 days and calf birth weight was recorded. Pearson correlations were conducted to determine relationships between gas exchange measurements and feed efficiency measures. The model for RFI included ADG, pregnancy corrected BW, and ultrasound measures of rib and rump fat (R2= 0.32). Methane emissions were 263±40.3 g CH4/d in dry lot, and daily enteric CH4 emissions per kg of pregnancy corrected body weight ranging from 0.26 to 0.53 g CH4/kg pcBW. Pearson correlations found positive correlations between DMI and CH4 and CO2 (P ≤ 0.001). Pregnancy corrected BW was also positively correlated with total O2 consumption and calculated HP (P ≤ 0.001) and negatively correlated with RQ (P = 0.04). However, RFI and feed conversion ratio were not significantly correlated with gas measurements, or calculated HP or RQ (P ≥ 0.1), although DMI/kg of BW tended (P = 0.098) to be negatively correlated with O2 consumption. In conclusion, accurately identifying feed efficiency in mature beef cows continues to be a challenge. However, the inclusion of gas exchange measures and calorimetry measurements may be able to better assess metabolic efficiency in mature beef cattle.
PSXV-30 Late-Breaking: Oxidative stress biomarkers in blood plasma and pre-rigor tissues of beef cattle induced by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Dahlgren Chelsie B , Sajeev Dishnu , Dinh Thu , Rivera Daniel , Goodson Hunter
Published: October 2021

This study examined the oxidative stress biomarkers in blood plasma and pre-rigor tissues of beef heifers induced by hydrogen peroxide. Cattle (365 ± 38 kg; n = 18) were supplemented with ground corn and soybean hulls while grazing cool and warm-season pastures, then shipped and finished at a commercial feedlot in Iowa. Animals were blocked into three groups based on initial clusters of oxidative stress markers. Two treatments of either 20 mg hydrogen peroxide/kg BW (OX, n = 9) or 10 mL of saline (CON, n = 9) were equally and randomly assigned to animals within each group. On the day before slaughter, the OX and CON treatments were administered intravenously through the jugular vein. Blood samples were collected immediately before (T0) and 90 min after (T90) treatment and centrifuged into plasma and pre-rigor muscles were collected at the neck (splenius) during slaughter; both were frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80ºC. Blood plasma and muscle tissues were analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx). Muscle tissues were also analyzed for glutathione (GSH). The data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with repeated measures with treatment, time, and their interaction as fixed effects. Oxidative stress treatment did not affect TAC and TBARS values (P ≥ 0.137). However, T0 plasma had 0.47 mM less (P = 0.009) and 5.84 μM more (P < 0.001) of TAC and TBARS, respectively, than T90 plasma. Although CON had 27.73 nmol/min/mL more GPx at T0 (P = 0.039), such activity did not differ in both groups at T90 (P = 0.542). Treatment did not affect oxidative stress markers in pre-rigor tissues (P ≥ 0.184). Inducing oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide had minimal effects on biomarkers in blood and muscle tissues.
PSXV-27 Late-Breaking: Evaluation of antioxidant capacity in receiving beef calves challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Authors: Barker Samantha N , Jackson Treylr , Richeson John , Carroll Jeff A , Burdick-Sanchez Nicole C , Broadway Paul R , Legako Jerrad F
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate antioxidant capacity in plasma of beef calves challenged with LPS. Following an initial feeding period of 40 d, steers (n = 32; 379 kg ± 30.7) were transported to the Livestock Issues Research Unit’s Bovine Immunology Research and Development Complex and challenged intravenously with LPS (0.25 µg/kg BW) on d 41. Blood samples were collected via jugular catheter at -2, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 h relative to the LPS challenge at 0 h. Blood samples were processed to isolate plasma for indicators of oxidative stress with a colorimetric assay to determine ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values via concentration of ferrous iron (µM). Data were analyzed as repeated measures using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Antioxidant values did vary with time (P < 0.001) being greater (P < 0.05) at -2, 0, 2, 36, and 48 h. Antioxidant capacity was reduced at 6 and 8 h (P < 0.05), with the least FRAP value observed at 8 h post-challenge. Antioxidant capacity increased (P < 0.05) again at 10 h, showing similar (P > 0.05) concentrations to those observed at 4 h. By 24 h post-challenge, plasma FRAP values increased (P < 0.05) similar to initial values at -2, 0, and 2 h. It can be inferred that oxidative stress contributes to reduced antioxidant capacity, ultimately interfering with animal growth and productivity. While these values reflect the oxidative stress response to an acute endotoxin challenge, and a subsequent recovery returning to homeostasis within 24 to 48 h, they may also correlate with other physiological and immunological indicators associated with an acute endotoxin challenge.
PSV-B-28 Late-Breaking: Development and validation of a Total Inflammation Index™ for identifying inflammation in Labrador Retrievers using a pressure walkway
Authors: Varney Jessica L , Coon Craig N
Published: October 2021

The objective of this trial was to develop an index system to identify inflammation in Labrador Retrievers using a pressure walkway system. Gait analysis data can be difficult to interpret between treatment groups or for identifying low grade inflammation. To calculate the Total Inflammation Index™, the distance away from the ideal score was calculated for four parameters for each dog, including gait lameness score, total pressure index, step/stride ratio, and hind reach. These values were equally weighted and added together to produce the Total Inflammation Index™. For validation, the Total Inflammation Index™ values were compared to biomarker data for inflammation including cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, interleukin-6, creatine kinase, and c-reactive protein. Forty Labrador Retrievers (20 male/20 female) were used in this trial. All dogs were passed over the pressure walkway (Gait4Dogs; CIR Systems, Inc) to obtain gait analysis at baseline, 24h prior to the first 5km run, 24h after the first 5km run, 24h prior to the final 16km run, and 24h after the final 16km run. All biomarkers and the Total Inflammation Index™ were both significantly lower at the pre-exercise timepoints and elevated after post-exercise timepoints (P < 0.01). The Total Inflammation Index™ had significant correlation between timepoints and all biomarkers, including cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (P < 0.01), interleukin-6 (P < 0.05), creatine kinase (P < 0.01), and c-reactive protein (P < 0.05). The Total Inflammation Index™ appears to be a valid assay to evaluate generalized inflammation in Labrador Retrievers, and is in agreement with inflammatory biomarker values.
PSVI-24 Effects of early-life exposure to topsoil on the muscle fiber characteristics and gene expression of weaned piglets
Authors: Wang Yongjie , Tsai Tsung-Cheng Cheng , Zhang Shilei , Zhao Jiangchao , Huang Yan
Published: October 2021

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the influence of early exposure to topsoil on the muscle fiber characteristics and transcription-related myogenesis, intramuscular fat metabolism, muscle fiber types, and mTOR signaling pathway of weaned pigs. A Total of 180 piglets were separately assigned to the No soil, Antibacterial soil, and Normal soil group (each group, n = 60), and were fed ad libitum with common antibiotic-free corn-soybean meal diets until day-31. Ten pigs from each group with similar body weight were selected to be slaughtered, and the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples were collected for histological analysis and measurements of genes and protein expression levels. In the present study, the muscle fiber diameter and the area of the Normal soil and Antibacterial soil group were significantly higher than the No soil group (P < 0.05). The Normal soil significantly upregulated the gene expression of MyoG compared to No soil and Antibacterial soil groups (P < 0.05). The gene expression of CD36 and CPT-1 of the Normal soil group was significantly lower than the No soil group (P < 0.05), while HSL expression of the Normal soil group was significantly higher than the Antibacterial and No soil groups (P < 0.05). The MyHC I of the Normal soil group was significantly higher than the No soil group (P < 0.05), but the expression MyHC IIa was lower than the No soil group (P < 0.05). The protein expression expressed a similar result with gene expression. In addition, the Normal soil significantly increased the AMPK and mTOR phosphorylation compared to No soil and Antibacterial soil groups (P < 0.05). These data suggest that early exposure to topsoil regulates muscle fiber growth, modulates the expression pattern related to myogenesis, muscle fiber type, intramuscular fat metabolism, and increases the phosphorylation of mTOR and AMPK pathways.
PSVI-26 Optimized small tissue specific protein isolation trough complexed diafiltration technique
Authors: Elena Kotenkova , Chernukha Irina M , Kovalyov Leonid I
Published: October 2021

Physiologically active and pure small tissue specific proteins are in demand in various fundamental and applied areas due to its bioactive properties. It is known that proteins can aggregate, as well as form a highly concentrated layer at the border of the filtration membrane or adhere to it, which significantly interferes with filtration. To eliminate these effects, protein-peptide extracts are recommended to be diluted, as well as using special agents, among them amino acids are more suitable for food industry. The purpose of the study is to develop the isolation and purification of proteins with molecular weight lower 50kDa from porcine hearts and aortas, using different amino acids and its combination. It was previously revealed, that family of fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) is one of the most stable and physiologically active protein in such raw materials. The final technology includes extraction, centrifugation, dilution of extract, diafiltration, lyophilization, dissolving in a small volume of distilled water, dialization and final drying. Concentration of 1.0% glycine and 0.1M proline in both diluted extract and exchange solution was revealed to be most effective to prevent protein aggregation. Dialysates were dried lyophilically and O’Farrell 2DE-electrophoresis with MALDI-TOF MS and MS/MS mass spectrometry identification were used. No proteins of 50kDa and bigger were detected. Proteins of lipid metabolism, peroxiredoxin 2, transgelins etc. with molecular weight lower 50kDa were found. The developed technology allows increasing cardiac and adipocytic isoforms of FABP family content. Cardiac isoform was previously identified in raw material, while adipocytic was newly detected. Adipocytic isoform content is lower than cardiac one; therefore, it was not detected in raw material, but application of complexed diafiltration technique led to increasing its content in dialysate. The developed technology can be used for separation and purification of animal proteins in native and stable forms.
PSIV-B-23 Dietary Forsythia suspensa extract supplementation improves antioxidant capacity and meat quality in 85 to 110 kg finishing pigs
Authors: Long Shenfei , Shang Qinghui , Ma Jiayu , Wang Jian , Liu Sujie , Piao Xiangshu
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE) on antioxidant capacity and meat quality in 85 to 110 kg finishing pigs [Founded by Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation (6202019) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (31772612)]. A total of 64 pigs [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), initial BW of 88.68 kg] were randomly allotted into two treatments with 8 replicate pens per treatment (4 pens were barrows, while 4 pens were sows), 4 pigs per pen. Two treatments were: corn-soybean meal basal diet with or without 100 mg/kg FSE. The trial last for 30 days and ended when the average BW of pigs reached to about 110 kg. One pig in each pen was selected for the collection of serum samples, and barrows in each group were selected to slaughter for sampling to measure the meat quality. Compared with CON, FSE treatment had increased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase contents, as well as reduced (P < 0.05) lightness and n-6 / n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio in longissimus dorsi muscle of finishing pigs. Moreover, pigs fed FSE also had increased (P < 0.05) serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase contents, as well as decreased (P < 0.05) serum tumor nuclear factor-α contents compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FSE could improve meat quality probably via regulating the antioxidant capacity and fat metabolism in 85 to 110 kg finishing pigs.