bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
316 Comparison of two cannulation methods on post-operative recovery in sheep
Authors: Gleason Claire B , White Robin R , Schramm Hollie
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to compare post-operative recovery of sheep undergoing one of two methods of cannulation. Twelve commercial wethers were assigned to a surgical treatments (1-step cannulation or 2-step cannulation) and monitored post-operatively. In the 1-step treatment a cannula was fitted during surgery; in the 2-step procedure, the rumen wall is externalized and clamped off for 7 days, after which the cannula is fitted. Surgeries were performed on 2 consecutive days by the same surgeon with treatments balanced across surgery day. Dry matter intake (DMI), body temperature (T), heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR) were monitored for 24 days post-surgery. Blood samples were collected daily for 14 days post-surgery and serum fibrinogen levels (F) were measured as an indication of inflammatory response. Initial and final body weights (BW) were taken to assess weight loss during the post-operative period. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with fixed effects of initial value, procedure, and day post-surgery. Day of surgery was used as a random effect and the interaction between procedure and day post-surgery was also evaluated. Cannulation method did not affect BW (P = 0.23), T (P = 0.11), HR (P = 0.96), RR (P = 0.16), or F (P = 0.80). After surgery, F (P = 0.0003) and T (P < 0.0001) increased to plateaus reached at d 5 and 11, respectively, post-surgery, irrespective of treatment. Sheep HR (P = 0.0019) increased steadily post-surgery. Although no treatment effects were observed for these recovery metrics, DMI for Treatment 2 was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than for Treatment 1. Results indicate the cannulation methods elicit similar post-operative recovery responses but that animals may not come back onto feed as well after undergoing two-step cannulation.
312 Effects of castration stress on behaviors and leukocyte cytokine gene expression in Korean cattle bull calves
Authors: Yoo Seon Pil , Baik Myunggi , Kang Hyeok Joong , Park Seung Ju , Jung Da Jin Sol , Seok-Hyeon Beak , Jeong Inhyuk
Published: December 2019

This study investigated behavioral, physiological, and inflammatory responses, as well as leukocyte cytokine gene expression, of Korean cattle calves following surgical castration. Nineteen Korean cattle bull calves (average body weight, 254.5 kg; average age, 8.2 months) were assigned to one of two treatment groups: control (n = 9) and surgical castration (n = 10). Castration was performed surgically using Newberry knives and a Henderson castrating tool. Blood was collected immediately before castration and at 0.5 h, 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d after castration, and analyzed cortisol and substance P concentrations and leukocyte cytokine gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR. Behaviors were observed for 3 h, from 0.5 to 3.5 h after castration. Feed intake was recorded daily, and body weight was measured 1 d prior to the experiment and 14 d after castration. Castration decreased average daily gain (P = 0.005) and gain-to-feed ratio (P = 0.003). Castration reduced the time spent eating (P < 0.001) and the frequency of eating (P = 0.003) and increased (P < 0.001) the frequency of lying during the 3 h after castration. Castration temporarily increased circulating plasma cortisol (P < 0.001) and salivary cortisol concentrations (P = 0.03) at 0.5 h after castration. Castration temporarily increased (P < 0.05) plasma substance P concentration at 1 d after castration. Castration increased plasma haptoglobin concentration at 1 d and 3 d after castration. With regard to leukocytes, castration increased (P < 0.05) mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1-beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) genes at 6 h after castration, and increased (P < 0.05) IL1RA, interleukin-1-alpha, and interleukin-6 mRNA levels at 1 d after castration. In conclusion, castration of Korean cattle bull calves temporarily induced stress, retarded growth, and affected behaviors and inflammatory cytokine gene expression.
314 How physically effective fiber affects ruminal pH in beef cattle fed high-concentrate diets
Authors: Fernández Lourdes Llonch , Velázquez Lorena Castillejos , Quesada Alfred Ferret
Published: December 2019

To assess the effect of physically effective fiber (peNDF) on ruminal pH, 8 Simmental heifers with 258±5.7kg BW were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a replicated 4x4 Latin square design. Diets were formulated with an 83 to 17 concentrate to straw ratio, and offered ad libitum as total mixed ration. Barley straw was chopped with a feeder wagon, and then processed either by: a) sifting with the 3-screen Penn State Particle Separator to obtain straw particle size greater than 4 mm, or b) grinding in a hammer mill through a 2-mm screen to obtain straw particle size lesser than 4 mm. Treatments after mixing the processed straws to obtain different peNDF proportions were: 5%, 7%, 9%, and 11%. Concentrate was ground through a 3-mm screen and manually mixed with the straw. The study was performed in 4 3-wk periods: 2-wk diet adaptation and 1-wk sampling. A ruminal bolus (smaXtec, Graz, Austria) was orally inserted in each heifer to measure ruminal pH every 10 min. Dry matter intake was individually measured. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS. No significant effects were found in average and minimum pH (6.66 and 5.87 on average, respectively). Time under pH lesser than 5.8 was significantly longer (P < 0.01) in 5% (134 min/d) than 7%, 9% and 11% (63 min/d on average). Time under pH lesser than 5.6 tended to be longer (P = 0.074) in 5% (65 min/d), and shorter in 9% and 11% (25 min/d on average). Time under pH lesser than 5.5 was unaffected by treatment (23 min/d on average). Intake of DM was greater (P < 0.001) in 5% and 7% than 9% and 11%. These results suggest that the risk of subclinical acidosis decreases from 7 to 11% of peNDF, but DMI also decreases in 9% and 11%.
309 Effects of dietary supplying icariin on the bone metabolism and the laying performance in caged laying hens
Authors: Huang Jie , Zhang Lei , Zhou Zhongxin
Published: December 2019

Icariin, a flavonol glycoside, is one of major active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine Herba epimedii. Icariin has been reported to successfully treat the osteoporosis of the rat. However, effects of icariin on the osteoporosis in caged laying hens are still unkown. This study present the effects of dietary icariin supplementation on the laying performance, the egg quality and the bone metabolism in caged laying hens. A total of 216 Lohmann pink-shell laying hens of 54-week-old from a commercial farm in the Hubei province of China were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups with 6 replications per group and 12 birds per replication. The control group was fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet, and the experimental groups were fed basal diets supplemented with 500 and 2000 mg/kg icariin for 90 d. Layer performance responses, egg quality parameters, the bone mineral density and serum biochemical indicators were measured at the end of the experiment. Results showed that feed/egg ratio decreased as the supplied icariin level increased. The laying rate and the average egg weight were increased compared to the control group. However, no significant effect was observed on the egg quality. The bone mineral density of the tibia was measured by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, indicating that icariin can increase the bone mineral density. Serum biochemical analysis showed that icariin decreased the level of alkaline phosphatase, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, osteocalcin and calcitonin. Our observations provided evidences that dietary supplementation of icariin increased the bone mineral density and improved the laying performance, and icariin can be used for the prevention of the osteoporosis in caged laying hens.
186 To tweet or not to tweet: what does science communication look like in 2019?
Authors: Place Sara E
Published: December 2019

We live in an era of increasing data availability, from technology that allows for precise and repeated measures of animal behavior and physiology outcomes to the constant posts on Facebook from that uncle we see once per year at Thanksgiving. While it may seem disingenuous to compare data collected in a controlled experiment to social media posts, which has a larger impact on society? If research results that are relevant to public square debates about food and agriculture, such as animal welfare and environmental sustainability, are only published in academic journals and read and understood by peers, how will they inform the public debate? If animal scientists are not actively engaged in sustained communication (two-way dialogue, not one-way lecturing) than an uncle’s Facebook post on factory farming may have a larger effect on the public debate than a carefully planned and executed experiment. In addition to data overload, we also seemingly have ever less time to process this data into meaningful and actionable information. As scientists, we are trained to interpret data into meaningful information. That skill is evermore needed and valuable to the public now. While engagement will look different depending upon each scientist’s discipline, skills, and willingness to engage, we should not expect it is someone else’s job to communicate the importance of animal science.
15 Dietary supplementation with lactic acid and glutamine improve intestinal digestive and regulate intestinal microflora in weaning piglets
Authors: Zheng Ping , Jiang Junjie , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Mao Xiangbing , Luo Yuheng , Chen Daiwen
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of lactic acid and glutamine on growth performance and intestinal health in weaning pigs. Ninety six 24-d-old piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with BW of 7.24± 0.09 kg were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: 1) basal diet (CON), 2) CON supplemented with 2% lactic acid (LS), 3) CON supplemented with 1% glutamine (GS), and 4) CON supplemented with 2% lactic acid and 1% glutamine (LGS). After 28-d trial, 6 piglets from each treatment were randomly selected to collect serum and intestinal samples. The results showed that piglets fed the LGS had a greater (P < 0.05) ADG than piglets fed the CON diet. Compared with CON, apparent total tract digestibility of CP in LS, GS and LGS was greater (P < 0.05), index of diarrhea in LS and LGS was lower (P < 0.05), serum IGF-1 in LS, GS and LGS and serum growth hormone in LS and GS were improved (P < 0.05). Furthermore, jejunal villus height in LS and LGS were increased (P < 0.05), the activities of amylase and lipase of the jejunal mucosa in LS and LGS were increased (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with CON, pigs fed the LS, GS and LGS up-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of glucose transport type 2, IGF-1, occludin. Moreover, LGS had higher (P < 0.05) abundances of total bacteria, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in cecal and colonic digesta, and higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid in cecal digesta. Collectively, the current results indicate that dietary addition of lactic acid and glutamine combination could improve growth performance through the promotion of the small intestinal development, increasing digestive, and regulating balances of microflora in piglets.
20 Antibody response, lesions, and performance do not differ between injection site (ischiorectal fossa or neck) after multivalent modified-live virus vaccination in Jersey steers
Authors: Seiver Hannah A , Lawrence Ty , Meyer Nathan F , Tomczak Dexter J , Smock Taylor M , Griffin Dicky D , Richeson John T
Published: December 2019

The study objective was to explore the feasibility of an alternative injection site, ischiorectal fossa (IRF), for modified-live virus (MLV) vaccination in Jersey steers. We hypothesized administration of MLV in the IRF would not cause injection site lesions and result in similar antibody response against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) compared to the neck. Jersey steers (n = 28; BW=517 ± 116 kg) were stratified by a previously assigned growth implant treatment and day-35 BVDV antibody titer and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments with injection treatment equivalently represented in each of 2 pens. Treatments consisted of: 1) 2 mL MLV vaccine administered s.c. in the neck (NECK); or 2) 2 mL MLV vaccine administered s.c. in the IRF. Blood was collected on days -35, 0, 35, 70, and 105 to determine BVDV-specific antibody titers using the virus neutralization assay and BW was recorded on the same days to determine gain performance. Steers were harvested on day 106 and examined for lesions respective to injection site. Antibody titers and performance variables were statistically analyzed via a mixed model with animal as the experimental unit. Concentration of BVDV antibody increased (P = 0.05) with time, but there was no treatment difference (P = 0.94) or treatment × day interaction (P = 0.70). There was no treatment difference for BW on any day (P ≥ 0.78). There was also no treatment difference in ADG (P ≥ 0.45). However, there was a period effect, where ADG was reduced markedly (P < 0.0001) for the day 0 to 35 interim period immediately following MLV vaccination compared to day -35 to 0 (0.79 vs. 0.18 kg/d). No injection site lesions were observed during harvest and results from BVDV antibody titers and performance indicate IRF as a potential alternative route of administration for MLV vaccines.
22 Biological quality of drinking water for dairy cows - A risk oriented evaluation of influencing factors
Authors: Hayer Jason J , Dieckhoff Benedikt G Schulze , Heinemann Celine , Steinhoff-Wagner Julia
Published: December 2019

Despite its importance, legal regulations and official guidelines regarding the quality of livestock drinking water are rather unspecific. The study aimed to investigate biological livestock drinking water quality considering influences of risk factors and relations to biofilm development and hygiene status of dairy troughs. On 24 dairy operations in Western Germany, 105 troughs were sampled. Water and biofilm were analyzed for aerobic total viable count (TVC), coliform count (CC), Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases building bacteria (ESBL). 33 possible influences on biological water quality for each trough were either recorded or inquired. The troughs surface was examined with protein- and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-rapid tests for hygiene. A mixed model and Spearman rank correlations (SAS 9.4) were used for estimating the probability of quality impairment in relation to recorded influences. Average TVC in water samples was 4.4 log10 cfu/ml. Coliforms were detectable in 94.3% of all troughs and E. coli in 48.6%. CC seems to be a more sensitive and suitable indicator to check fecal contamination because 16 water samples were positive for CC (>2.0 log10 cfu/ml) but negative for E. coli. MRSA were found in livestock drinking water of a single, and ESBL on three farms, suggesting that troughs might contribute to an exchange of antibiotic resistant bacteria in some dairy farms. Risk factors (P < 0.05) for at least one quality criteria (TVC, CC or E. coli) were water origin, trough type, degree of trough soiling, visible biofilm, ambient temperature and distance to the milking parlor. Water CC (r = 0.46; P < 0.001) and E. coli (r = 0.31; P < 0.01) correlated with their equivalent in biofilm and with hygiene tests on trough surfaces (0.31 >r >0.19; P < 0.05). Biological livestock drinking water quality can be improved by addressing the risk factors and be monitored with hygiene tests.
26 Do we need a Plan B for Plan S?
Authors: Davis Teresa A
Published: December 2019

A group of European funding agencies launched an initiative called “Plan S” in September 2018 that would require scientific publications resulting from funded research to be published only in Plan S-compliant open access journals by 2020. A delegation from the European Commission visited the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and other federal agencies in December 2018 to gain support for Plan S. Plan S would force authors to publish solely in open access journals and bar researchers from publishing in hybrid journals, such as the Journal of Animal Science, that allow authors to choose between Gold and Green Open Access publishing. Gold Open Access allows immediate open access with articles made freely available at time of publication and requires payment of article processing charges that are usually higher than page charges of subscription-based journals. Green Open Access publishing is subscription-based and defers open access for the publisher embargo period (usually 12 months). Because 85% of journals are hybrid or subscription based, Plan S would limit researcher’s academic freedom to decide where to publish and prevent authors from publishing in most research society journals that are hybrid or subscription-based. Research society-based journals provide rigorous peer review and comprehensive editorial processes and thus, have earned the trust of researchers, professionals, and the public. Funneling research output to non-research society based open access journals may distort the dissemination of scientific research and reduce the quality of scientific communication. Nonprofit research societies use revenues from their publishing operations to finance educational, journalistic, outreach, and other activities and thus, Plan S threatens the financial stability of these research societies. Authors should be allowed to choose the best venue to publish their work. Plan S must be rejected.
38 Welfare and behavior considerations for cattle in tropical and subtropical environments
Authors: Daigle Courtney L
Published: December 2019

Bos indicus and B. taurus are two different subspecies that differ in reproductive physiology, nutritional requirements, social behavior, digestive system, and body composition. A fundamental step in meeting the increasing global demand for protein on a planet experiencing climate change while addressing environmental stewardship is to identify management practices optimized for B. indicus-influenced cattle reared in the growing subtropical/tropical regions of the planet. Bos indicus-influenced cattle, are typically managed in subtropical/tropical regions utilizing practices developed and validated for B. taurus breeds in temperate environments. Little is known about the behavioral profile of B. indicus. Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), lameness, and bulling are three welfare and productivity issues that require behavioral evaluation to identify and treat. Little is known regarding lameness in feedlot cattle, irrespective of breed, but cattle are prey animals designed to mask illness and pain. Therefore, characterizing species-specific behavioral indicators of discomfort are paramount to early detection and treatment of these afflictions. B. indicus cattle are more gregarious than B. taurus and have more excitable temperaments; thus, they are more susceptible to stress, may have greater difficulty coping, and may be more adept at masking health issues. These cattle display different social behaviors compared to B. taurus counterparts, which may contribute to differences in production efficiency and outcomes. Gaining an understanding of the behavioral and social aspects of these animals, and understanding their biological thresholds regarding thermoregulation, disease resistance, transportation resiliency, and the human-animal interaction will provide foundational data for developing appropriate stewardship practices. Beef cattle, irrespective of what sector they are managed (e.g., feedlot, cow-calf, pasture housed), are directly affected by weather. Therefore, as the climate changes, we must begin to increase our use of animals that are better suited to these environmental conditions, and within that framework increase our understanding of their species-specific welfare needs.
35 Warm-season perennial grass management in tropical and subtropical regions
Authors: Vendramini Joao
Published: December 2019

Warm-season perennial grass, also called C4, are the predominant forages for ruminant production in tropical and subtropical regions. In general, C4 grasses have greater herbage production in warm-climate regions due to a more efficient carbon fixation pathway than cool-season forages (C3) and anatomical characteristics results in C4 plants with less concentration of CP and soluble carbohydrates, and greater concentrations of cell wall components such as cellulose and hemicelluloses than C3 grasses. Several factors may contribute to the differences in nutritive value in C4 grasses, including species, cultivars within species, maturity, fertilization, and conservation practices. Routine forage testing programs only using NDF and ADF may often provide unacceptable values of DM intake and digestible DM for C4 grasses. Forage quality is a function of nutritive value and intake; however, it is challenging to estimate intake on grazing animals and DM intake is not well correlated to NDF concentration in C4 grasses. The vertical heterogeneity in sward canopy composition and the amount and accessibility of leaf are major canopy characteristics associated with intake. Green herbage mass or green leaf proportion in grazed horizon usually shows positive relationship with bite weight and intake is a function of bite weight and bite rate. Leaf density, plant-part composition and nutritive value of the upper canopy are also important to explain the variations in intake. Besides the plant-intrinsic characteristics, animal genetics and environmental factors may affect intake as well. Grazing is the most used method of C4 grasses utilization in tropical and sub-tropical regions; however, a small proportion of the forage produced is conserved as hay or silage. Greater forage production during the growing season may coincide with greater rainfall and inadequate climactic conditions for harvesting and baling forage in tropical and subtropical regions.
207 Structural conformation among spatially distributed West African dwarf goats as measures of adaptation to different environments
Authors: Jesuyon Oluwatosin M , Olawumi Simeon O
Published: December 2019

Goat production and breeding in West Africa is largely under traditional rearing system with little or no efforts geared towards improving their productivity. To understand underlining body conformation among spatially distributed West African dwarf (WAD) goats, a survey was conducted between May 2015 and June 2017 in two states of Nigeria. Data were recorded on two hundred and twenty-seven freely-scavenging West African dwarf goats, on Body weight (BWT), Heart girth (HGH), Diagonal trunk length (DTL), Height at the withers (HWT), Height at the rump (HRP), Body Breadth Index (BBI), Body Depth Index (BDI), Body length Index (BLI), Trunk length index (TLI), Weight-Height Index (WHI), Overbuilding Index (OBI) and Withers-Girth Index (WGI). These were subjected to randomized complete block design, GLM, multiple linear regression analysis procedures by Statistical Analytical Systems. Significant values (P < 0.05) were obtained between locations for BWT, DTL, TLI, OBI, BLI and WHI, between sexes for all traits and on the interaction of LOC by SEX for DTL, TLI, OBI, BDI, BBI, WGI and BLI. Bucks differ on trunk and girth between states. Body conformation for does and bucks – girth-breadth-depth and trunk-weight-height also differ greatly respectively. Results were significant for studying environmental adaptation and selection for development of meat type animals based on structural conformation.
211 Changes in genetic parameters of fitness and growth traits under genomic selection in pigs
Authors: Hidalgo Jorge , Tsuruta Shogo , Lourenco Daniela , Huang Yijian , Gray Kent , Misztal Ignacy
Published: December 2019

Genomic selection increases intensity of selection and decreases generation interval. However, intensive selection reduces genetic variation and can strengthen undesirable genetic correlations. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in genetic parameters of litter size (LS), number born alive (NBA), number born dead (NBD) and average daily gain (ADG) and weight at off-test (WT) in pigs over time. The data set contained 20,086 (LS), 21,230 (NBA), 21,230 (NBD), 144,717 (ADG) and 144,718 (WT) phenotypic records. Pedigree file included 369,776 animals born between 2001 and 2018, of which 39,038 were genotyped. Two trait models were evaluated (LS-ADG, LS-WT, NBA-ADG, NBA-WT, NBD-ADG and NBD-WT) using 3-year sliding subsets starting from 2010. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using GIBBS2F90 program. Computations were performed with (BLUP) or without (ssGBLUP) genotypes. For BLUP (ssGBLUP), the changes in heritability from 2010–2012 to 2015–2018 were 0.08 to 0.09 (0.08 to 0.06) for LS, 0.33 to 0.24 (0.37 to 0.16) for ADG, 0.11 to 0.07 (0.10 to 0.07) for NBD, and 0.32 to 0.24 (0.38 to 0.17) for WT. Differences were also observed for genetic correlations as they were -0.23 to -0.73 (-0.31 to -0.58) for LS-ADG, -0.24 to -0.74 (-0.31 to -0.50) for LS-WT, -0.33 to -0.65 (-0.41 to -0.53) for NBA-ADG, -0.35 to -0.66 (-0.42 to -0.45) for NBA-WT, 0.12 to 0.04 (0.12 to 0.16) for NBD-ADG, and 0.11 to 0.05 (0.11 to 0.22) for NBD-WT. Genomic selection in pigs reduced heritabilities and emphasized the antagonistic relationship that are under strong selection. Heritabilities estimated from ssGBLUP declined more than those by BLUP while changes in the genetic correlations were smaller and more gradual by ssGBLUP. Differences between ssGBLUP and BLUP could be caused by genomic pre-selection unaccounted for by BLUP.
218 Quantifying resilience in growing pigs under a heavy disease challenge using daily individual feed intake records
Authors: Putz Austin M , Harding John , Dyck Micheal , Canada PigGen , Fortin Frederic , Plastow Graham , Dekkers Jack C
Published: December 2019

Resilience is defined as the ability to maintain productivity through any number of stressors such as disease or heat stress. A total of 2273 animals, in groups of ~60–75 piglets, were sent through a natural disease challenge barn every three weeks that consisted of three phases: i) a healthy quarantine nursery to collect immune parameters, ii) a challenge nursery, and iii) a challenged finishing unit which was attached to the challenge nursery. Individual feed intake (FI) was collected in the finishing unit with IVOG® feeders and aggregated into daily totals. Three resilience phenotypes were extracted from the individual trends in feed intake over time, including the root mean square error (RMSE), the quantile regression (QR), and run of depression (ROD) phenotypes. The RMSE phenotype was calculated by fitting a simple linear regression of FI on age within animal and taking the square root of the average squared residual from the model. To calculate the QR phenotype, a 5% quantile regression was fitted across all daily feed intake records to set a lower bound for off-feed days. The QR phenotype was quantified as the proportion of days within animal that fell below the overall quantile regression line. The ROD phenotype was calculated by fitting a within animal linear regression line, flagging extended consecutive stretches of days below that regression line (i.e. a ROD), and calculating the percentage of days that fall within a ROD for each animal. Heritability estimates for the FI resilience phenotypes ranged from 0.10±0.04 to 0.17±0.04. Genetic correlations of the FI resilience phenotypes with mortality and treatment rate ranged from 0.66±20 to 0.94±0.20. This research demonstrates that resilience phenotypes can effectively quantify resilience and can add value to a breeding program to improve resilience to many stressors. Funded by Genome Canada, Genome Alberta, and PigGen Canada.
332 Indirect predictions based on SNP effects from GBLUP with increasing number of genotyped animals
Authors: Garcia Andre , Masuda Yutaka , Miller Stephen P , Misztal Ignacy , Lourenco Daniela
Published: December 2019

With the increasing number of genotyped animals, the algorithm for proven and young (APY) can be used to compute the inverse of the genomic relationship matrix (G-1apy) in genomic BLUP (GBLUP) and single-step GBLUP (ssGBLUP). This algorithm also allows the use of all genotyped animals to calculate SNP effects from genomic EBV (GEBV), which can then be used to obtain indirect predictions (IP) for interim evaluations, or as genomic prediction for animals not included in official evaluations. The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of IP from GBLUP with increasing number of genotyped animals. Birth weight, weaning weight and post-wearing gain phenotypes and genotypes were provided by the American Angus Association. Phenotypes and genotypes were divided in 3 scenarios based on birth year: genotyped animals born up to 2013 (114,937), 2014 (183,847) and 2015 (280,506). A 3-trait model was fit and GBLUP with APY was used to calculate GEBV and SNP effects. To calculate G-1apy, 19,021 core animals were randomly sampled from animals born up to 2013. Core animals remained the same, whereas the number of non-core animals increased as more genotyped animals were added. Additional analyses had updated core animals for each scenario. SNP effects were also calculated based on G-1apy and G-1 only for core animals (G-1core). IP were computed for all animals in each scenario by multiplying the centered genotypes by the SNP effects. To access the quality of IP, correlation between IP and GEBV was calculated. The Correlations were greater than 0.99 for all traits in all scenarios. Despite the increase of non-core animals in APY, GEBV were successfully retrieved from SNP effects using IP. When SNP effects were calculated based on G-1core, updating the core animals as the number of genotyped animals increase seems to be the best choice.
330 A hybrid model for genomic selection using prioritized SNPs based on FST scores in the presence of non-genotyped animals
Authors: Toghiani Sajjad , Chang Ling-Yun , Hay El H , Roberts Andrew J , Aggrey Samuel E , Rekaya Romdhane
Published: December 2019

The dramatic advancement in genotyping technology has greatly reduced the complexity and cost of genotyping. The continuous increase in the density of marker panels is resulting in little to no improvement in the accuracy of genomic selection. Direct inversion of the genomic relationship matrix is infeasible for some livestock populations due to the excessive computational cost. In addition, most animals in genetic evaluation programs are non-genotyped. Including these animals in a genomic evaluation requires the imputation of the missing genotypes when using regression methods. To overcome these challenges, a hybrid approach is proposed. This approach fits a subset of SNP markers selected based on FST scores and a classical polygenic effect. The method was first tested using only genotyped animals and then extended to accommodate non-genotyped animals. The proposed approach was evaluated using simulated data for a trait with heritability of 0.1 and 0.4 and weaning weight in a crossbred beef cattle population. When all animals were genotyped, the hybrid approach using only 2.5% of prioritized SNPs exceeded the prediction accuracies of BayesB, BayesC, and GBLUP by more than 7%. When non-genotyped animals were incorporated, the proposed approach significantly outperformed ss-GBLUP method in terms of prediction accuracy under both simulated heritability scenarios. Although the results seem to depend on the genetic complexity of the trait, the proposed approach resulted in higher prediction accuracies than current methods. Furthermore, its computational costs in terms of CPU time and peak memory are substantially lower than the current methods.
329 Mendelian sampling, QTL similarity, and accuracy of genomic selection
Authors: Ling Ashley , Aggrey Samuel E , Rekaya Romdhane
Published: December 2019

Superiority of genomic selection (GS) is argued to be due to better modeling of the Mendelian sampling (MS) and tracking of QTL similarities between individuals. It is not clear that a better genome-wide modeling of MS contributes to the increased accuracy. In fact, it might be that modeling of MS outside areas of the genome under selection pressure is detrimental to the accuracy of GS. If true, this hypothesis will provide a better framework to understand the complex relationships between MS, QTL similarity and accuracy. Increases in marker density and the need for marker prioritization makes this hypothesis even more practically important. Answering this question could have a significant impact on accuracy and the computational costs of GS implementation. A 30-chromosome genome with 50K SNPs was simulated. 200 QTL were simulated on two chromosomes for a trait with heritability of 0.4. Genomic relationships were calculated based on all 50K SNPs (G30), 3,333 SNPs on the two chromosomes carrying QTL (G2), and 46,667 SNPs on chromosomes without QTL (G28). Table 1 shows accuracies after 3 and 10 generations of (G)EBV-based selection (M1) and random selection (M2). BLUP accuracies are consistently higher (11.5 to 43.8%) than G28, showing that expected relationships better model QTL similarities than a dense panel of markers that lie outside QTL regions. Inclusion of markers that lie outside QTL regions with markers inside QTL regions reduces accuracies, as shown by the inferior (20.2 to 22.8%) performance of G30 compared to G2. Coefficients of variation were higher for low than high additive relationships suggesting that errors made in estimating QTL similarities for lowly related animals may have the most detrimental impact. Furthermore, while G28 markers capture more variation than pedigree, the superiority of BLUP indicates that variation captured by G28 is not consistent with true variation in QTL inheritance.
50 Genomic selection in the dairy industry: excitement, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Lawlor Tom
Published: December 2019

Dairy cattle, and Holsteins in particular, were the first major agricultural industry to fully embrace genomic selection (GS). Few of us had predicted that, by May 2019, the number of genotyped animals would exceed 3 million. Farmers are changing the frequency of individual alleles and making use of genomic information to select better bulls; identify elite embryo donors; determine if a cow should be bred with conventional, sexed or beef semen; become an embryo recipient or be culled. Our industry has traditionally been an open system, where top genetics are sourced from the general population and phenotypes are provided on a voluntary basis. Contractual agreements have allowed this system to continue and have been extended to access of data, differential pricing, international collaboration and more. Phenotypes no longer come from well designed, highly organized progeny testing programs but rather from paid contributors who provide data that are quality certified and representative of the population. Over time, we’ve improved our genome map, SNP chips, reference populations, statistical models, computing ability, data pipeline, and most importantly our knowledge of genetics. Combining different types of data from multiple sources continues to be a challenge. Interdisciplinary approach and collaboration with other scientists are now the norm. GS has caused a paradigm shift within the dairy industry. But, after 10 years, we are in a better position to more quickly integrate new scientific knowledge. Making our industry and the production of dairy products more efficient and sustainable.
239 Stray and abandoned dog overpopulation management- Israel’s unique system
Authors: Morgan Liat , Yakobson Boris , Raz Tal
Published: December 2019

Dog overpopulation is a major problem worldwide, which impacts animal welfare and health, as well as public health. In Israel, a unique governmental database is managed in order to enforce mandatory dog registration and rabies yearly vaccination policy. In addition, since 2012, a unique online searchable database has been gathering most homeless pets offered for adoption from non-profit organizations and municipal shelters (http://Yad4.co.il). Our objectives were (1) to investigate the registered dog population in Israel and to assess its association to the abandoned dog population; and (2) to reveal the risk factors for a dog to be adopted or to stay at the shelter. Data analyses included 758,288 registered dogs and 22,545 adoptable dogs. Analyses revealed that only 214,101 out of the 343,872 dogs that are registered as “active” are known to have owners. Approximately 40,000 dogs “disappear” from the database every year, which means that some of them may be abandoned. Multi-Variate Linear regression strengthened it by revealing that the number of abandoned dogs increased by the numbers of active registered dogs and dogs which had “disappeared” from the database in the previous year (P < 0.05). Among the registered dogs, 8% were younger than one year, but only 1.7% of the abandoned dogs were that young. Among these dogs, the risk factors to stay at the shelter were when the dogs were described as: “mix-breed”, “male”, “suitable for senior” or “for athletes” (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a governmental national database is an important dog population management tool, with the potential to predict the number of abandoned dogs. Since most abandoned dogs are older than one year, promoting responsible ownership would be vital. Moreover, a national online database, such as Yad4 website, may successfully improve dog adoption rate, while dogs’ description online significantly impacts the adoption chances.
80 Effects of macronutrient composition of milk replacer on body composition and intestinal development in neonatal dairy calves
Authors: Welboren Anna C , Hatew Bayissa , Leal Leonel , Martin-Tereso Javier , Steele Michael A
Published: December 2019

Most milk replacers (MR) contain a higher lactose:fat ratio compared to whole milk, potentially affecting nutrient absorption and use by the calf. This study evaluated how body composition and intestinal development were affected when lactose was replaced with fat in MR. Thirty-four calves (43.3 ± 0.8 kg) were blocked (BW and dam parity), and randomly assigned to a high-lactose (43.8% lactose and 17.1% crude fat) or high-fat (37.9% lactose and 23.4% crude fat) MR. Calves were fed pooled colostrum within 2 h (18% of metabolic body weight (MBW)) and 12 h (9 %MBW) postnatal, followed by MR feeding (18 %MBW) twice daily. Calves were weighed pre-prandially at birth and on d 7. Calves were euthanized on d 7 to sample intestinal tissue and analyze body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Samples of intestinal segments were processed to evaluate histomorphology using bright-field microscopy. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS software. Total gain (3.90 vs. 2.29 ± 0.38 kg, P = 0.01) and gain:ME intake (44.64 vs. 28.61 ± 4.32 kg, P = 0.02) were greater for high-fat compared to high-lactose calves, whereas body composition was unaffected (P = 0.13). Proportionally, the large intestine was 0.11 ± 0.02 %BW heavier (P = 0.03) in high-fat calves compared to high-lactose calves, while their small intestine tended to be 0.16 ± 0.06 %BW heavier (P = 0.09). Small and large intestine length did not differ (P = 0.96). High-fat calves had wider villi (125.41 vs. 96.58 µm, P = 0.05) in the jejunum but shorter villi (414.17 vs. 470.96 µm, P = 0.02) in the ileum compared to high-lactose calves. Macronutrient composition affected intestinal histomorphology and improved efficiency of ME use for BW gain. Understanding how fat (including its source) influences nutrient efficiency in dairy calves may improve nutritional strategies on farm.
74 Effects of particle size and levels of inclusion of selected engineered biocarbon on methane emission and rumen fermentation of barley-silage based diet in batch culture
Authors: Tamayao Paul , McAllister Tim A , Ominski Kim , Ribeiro Gabriel , Okine Erasmus , McGeough Emma
Published: December 2019

This in vitro study assessed the effects of three pine-based engineered biocarbons (CP002, CP016, CP023) that differed in particle size (< 0.5, 0.5–2.0, < 2.0 mm) at two inclusion levels (0.25 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml) on total gas and CH4 production as well as rumen fermentation parameters when added to a barley silage-based total mixed ration diet. Biocarbon products differed in bulk density, surface area, pore volume, and pH but had similar chemical compositions. The control consisted of the barley-silage diet only. In each jar, 0.5g DM of the total mixed ration was supplemented with the above biocarbon treatments. These jars were incubated for 48 hr at 39 °C. Gas samples were collected at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hr. Data were analysed by using PROC MIXED in SAS in a randomized complete block design with treatment, rate, and particle size as fixed effects and run and replicate as random effects. Methane production was not affected by treatment (P = 0.37), inclusion rate (P = 0.57) or particle size (P = 0.39). Gas production linearly increased (P < 0.01) with biocarbon. Digested DM was not affected (P = 0.23) by biocarbon addition. Additionally, treatment, rate and particle size had no effect (P > 0.05) on pH, VFA and ammonia N concentrations. In conclusion, the amount of biocarbon differing particle sizes at different rates did not affect CH4 emissions but did increase gas production.
76 Does supplemental protein and rumen-protected methionine improve performance and digestibility during late-gestation in beef cows?
Authors: Collins Madeline M , Lievre Michaela K S , Lawson Kaitlyn V J , Mandell Ira B , Shoveller Anna-Kate , Wood Katie M
Published: December 2019

Methionine (MET) is likely the first limiting amino acid in low-protein forages fed to beef cattle during late-gestation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if supplemental protein and rumen-protected MET improve cow performance and apparent tract digestibility (TTD) during late-gestation. This study used 147 late-gestation Angus crossbred cows and heifers in a 3x2 factorial arrangement for dietary treatments. The cattle were randomly assigned to one of six diets formulated to 90, 100 or 110% of metabolizable protein (MP) requirements (NRC, 2016), with (without) 9 g/d of rumen-protected MET (MetaSmart, Adisseo Inc.). These diets were fed for approximately 8 wks before calving. All data was analyzed as a randomized block design using SAS 9.4 PROC GLIMMIX procedure. Cows fed at 90% MP requirements lost body weight (BW), while cows fed at 100% and 110% MP requirements maintained and (or) gained BW over the trial (P = 0.02). Similarly, cows fed at 90% MP requirements lost more pregnancy corrected BW than cows fed at 100% and 110% MP requirements (P = 0.01). However, supplemental MET did not affect body weight gains (P > 0.07). Cows and heifers fed at 90% MP requirements had reduced TTD for crude protein compared to cattle fed to 110% MP requirements (P < 0.001), MET supplementation did not impact TTD (P > 0.20). Additionally, cattle fed at 90% MP requirements had increased serum cholesterol and reduced urea concentrations compared to cows fed to 100% and 110% MP requirements (P < 0.0001). MET supplementation increased serum concentrations for glucose, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, serine, threonine and valine (P < 0.02). Calf birth weights were not significantly impacted by dietary treatment (P > 0.31). Feeding cows above their MP requirements may improve late-gestation performance and CP digestibility. Supplemental MET may increase amino acid utilization but did not improve beef cow performance or digestibility parameters measured in late-gestation.
78 Effects of Isomaltooligosaccharide and Bacillus supplementation on sow performance, serum metabolite and oxidative status in serum and placenta
Authors: Gu Xueling , Li Hao , Song Zehe , Ding Yanan , He Xi , Fan Zhiyong
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the effects of Isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and Bacillus supplementation on sow performance, serum metabolite and oxidative status in serum and placenta. One hundred and thirty multiparous gestating sows with similar body condition were randomly allocated to five groups (n = 26), receiving basal diet (CON group) or basal diet supplemented with 0.5% IMO (IMO group), 0.5% IMO and 0.02% Bacillus subtilis (IMO+S group), 0.5% IMO and 0.02% Bacillus licheniformis (IMO+L group), and 0.5% IMO, 0.02% Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis (IMO+S+L group), respectively. The reproductive performance of sows was recorded. During farrowing, serum of sow from the ear vein and umbilical vein were collected for determining the metabolite and antioxidatant capacity. The placenta also was collected to determine antioxidant capacity. Statistical analysis was performed with covariance analysis and one-way analysis of variance followed by a Duncan multiple range test with SPSS 21.0. The results showed that no difference was observed in litter size among all groups (P > 0.05), while the average piglet birth weight was improved in all treatments and the placental efficiency was increased in IMO+S group and IMO+S+L group compared with CON group (P < 0.05). IMO+S+L increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and reduced total cholesterol (TC) concentration in umbilical venous serum (P < 0.05). In addition, sows in all treatment groups had greater malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in umbilical venous serum compared with CON group (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of placenta was increased in IMO+L group and IMO+S+L group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the concentration of growth hormone (GH) in umbilical venous serum was improved (P < 0.05) in all treatments group. In conclusion, IMO and Bacillus supplementations during late gestation changed the lipid and protein metabolism of sows, improved the placental antioxidant capacity, increased GH levels in umbilical venous serum, ultimately improved the piglet birth weight and placental efficiency.
97 The effects of excess iron on growth performance, intestinal and liver morphology and antioxidant capacity in weaned piglets
Authors: Yu Xiaonan , Han Jianan , Feng Jie
Published: December 2019

Iron is one of the essential trace elements for animals and involved in many important physiological processes, thus exogenous iron is often supplemented as feed additive. However, the addition of excess iron may have adverse effects on animals and the environment. To investigate the effects of excess iron on growth performance, intestinal and liver morphology and antioxidant capacity in weaned piglets, in this study, forty 23-day-old weaned piglets were allotted to 4 treatments，respectively received the basal diet containing 100, 400, 3000 or 10000 mg Fe/kg as FeSO4. The experiment lasted for 28 days and then the piglets were euthanized and sampled. Lower average daily gain and higher diarrhea rate were detected in the piglets received the diet with 3000 or 10000 mg Fe/kg. Iron excretion in piglets’ feces was dependent on the iron concentration in the diet. In addition, iron overload induced mitochondrial swelling and cell death in the duodenum and liver of piglets. Excessive iron also increased piglets’ serum malondialdehyde content and reduced glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, significant increase of malondialdehydecontent and protein carbonyl content in the intestine and decrease of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase activity and superoxide dismutase activity in the liver were observed in the piglets received diet containing high concentrations of iron. In conclusion, the results indicated that excess iron would reduce the growth performance of weaned piglets and increase the iron excretion in feces which adversely affect the environment. It may also negatively affect intestine and liver morphology and reduce the antioxidant capacity of piglets.