bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing imbalance of sample datasets in dissolved gas analysis by data augmentation: Generative adversarial networks
Authors: Li Yuan , Xu Yaoyu , Li Xinghui , Li Rui , Lin Jinshan , Zhang Guanjun
Published: September 2022

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is an efficient technique to diagnose transformer faults; however, the imbalance of the sample datasets is frequently observed in DGA, which has become one of the main challenges for accurate fault diagnosis. A generative adversarial network (GAN) model is proposed to realize the data augmentation for addressing these problems. The GAN model is nested by two backpropagation neural networks (BPNN) containing a generator and a discriminator. The generator produces real‐like data and continuously shapes the real‐like data approximate to real data. The discriminator works to distinguish between the real‐like data and the real data until the real‐like data cannot be discriminated. Under this adversarial learning, the generator output obtains the real‐like DGA samples to supplement the minority samples. To verify the diagnosis accuracy after the DGA data augmentation, three typically intelligent models, that is, BPNN, support vector machine (SVM) and deep belief network (DBN) are introduced to establish the diagnostic models. The results show that the recognition accuracy of the minority samples acquires average 30%, 25% and 50% increases for the three models respectively. It is shown that the GAN model well balances the sample datasets and strengthens the performance of the fault diagnostic models.
A multi‐criteria methodology for wind energy resource assessment and development at an intercontinental level: Facing low‐carbon energy transition
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Xiao Jinyu , Hou Jinming , Sun Wei , Li Peng , Lyu Xunyan
Published: September 2022

Quantitative assessment and effective utilization of wind energy resources in global range are substantively meaningful in contemporary low‐carbon energy scenarios. In order to enrich the assessment with large‐scale applicability, multi‐factor consideration and quantitative economic analysis, a multi‐criteria assessment method for global wind energy with consideration of both environmental and economic factors (existing power grids, transportation, etc.) is proposed. Based on 18 items of basic digital data, a model is established from three dimensions of theoretical, technical and economic criteria, respectively. Global wind resources assessment is then accomplished with a spatial resolution of 500 m. The results indicate that global technical potential is 206 TW, of which 73% is from onshore wind, and around 132 TW is suitable for centralized development. Specifically, the global average development cost is 4.28 ¢/kWh, including 4.13 ¢/kWh onshore and 4.57 ¢/kWh offshore. The global distribution maps are drawn. Furthermore, combining geospatial calculation and statistical analysis, the cumulative probability distribution curves are obtained with two key indexes of capacity factor and development cost. A case study supporting a low‐carbon energy transition scenario indicates the overall cost of the future wind power demand of 6.76 TW can reduce to 2.48 ¢/kWh ideally in 2035. Finally, a rationality verification method is proposed. By the case study of global built wind farms, the geographical location coincidence of the assessment results is 83%.
On the existence of critical exponents for self-avoiding walks
Authors: Guttmann Anthony J , Jensen Iwan
Published: September 2022

We describe some ideas of John Hammersley for proving the existence of critical exponents for two-dimensional self-avoiding walks and provide numerical evidence for their correctness.
Preprint Highlight: Dynamic interplay of protrusive microtubule and contractile actomyosin forces drive tissue extension
Authors: Priya Rashmi
Published: September 2022

Cytoskeletal mechanical forces shape tissues during development. Although the role of the actomyosin machinery is extensively studied, how microtubules actively generate forces to shape tissues remains unknown. Combining in vivo experiments and simulations, this study elucidates that initial cell elongation during fly wing development is not driven by myosin contractility or external forces. Instead, protrusive forces generated by planar polarized noncentrosomal microtubules actively drive cell elongation, while myosin contractility is needed for final cell shape refinement. Thus ordered coordination between microtubules and actomyosin shapes the fly wing. This study will appeal to the broad cell and developmental biology community as it strengthens the growing notion that microtubules are active morphogenetic effectors. Beyond their core functions in cell division and intracellular transport, microtubule-mediated forces can directly dictate cell and tissue shape during development.
Preprint Highlight: A motor-based approach to induce chromosome-specific mis-segregations in human cells
Authors: Landino Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Aneuploidy, a key hallmark of cancer cells, is caused by chromosome missegregation. Correct chromosome alignment in the mitotic spindle depends on the action of microtubule plus-end directed motors. However tools to induce missegregation of specific chromosomes of interest in human cells are limited. The authors demonstrate targeting of a microtubule minus-end directed motor to specific chromosomes to move them away from the metaphase plate. This inducible chromosome misalignment leads to lagging chromosomes during telophase and missegregation of chromosomes into daughter cells, resulting in copy number alterations after a single cell division. This new method will enable researchers to link specific aneuploidies to subsequent changes in cellular physiology and study how these chromosomal instabilities contribute to the development of diseases like cancer.
Preprint Highlight: Vimentin intermediate filaments organize organellar ER architecture in response to stress
Authors: Mantegazza Adriana
Published: September 2022

Organelle trafficking responds to nutritional and homeostatic cues and is facilitated by cytoskeletal and motor proteins. However, the mechanisms that control organelle retention at a given position are poorly understood. The authors identify the intermediate filament protein vimentin as the key player in the perinuclear retention of ER membranes and endolysosomes upon stress. Using quantitative microscopy, proximity biotinylation, and other biochemistry techniques, they show that vimentin interacts with the ER ubiquitin ligase RNF26 at the perinuclear region, anchoring the ER and its interacting endolysosome network at this location. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated function of vimentin and intermediate cytoskeletal filaments in organelle positioning and highlight the importance of organelle dynamics and cross-talk in the stress response.
Uniform convergence rates for Lipschitz learning on graphs
Authors: Bungert Leon , Calder Jeff , Roith Tim
Published: September 2022

Lipschitz learning is a graph-based semisupervised learning method where one extends labels from a labeled to an unlabeled data set by solving the infinity Laplace equation on a weighted graph. In this work we prove uniform convergence rates for solutions of the graph infinity Laplace equation as the number of vertices grows to infinity. Their continuum limits are absolutely minimizing Lipschitz extensions (AMLEs) with respect to the geodesic metric of the domain where the graph vertices are sampled from. We work under very general assumptions on the graph weights, the set of labeled vertices and the continuum domain. Our main contribution is that we obtain quantitative convergence rates even for very sparsely connected graphs, as they typically appear in applications like semisupervised learning. In particular, our framework allows for graph bandwidths down to the connectivity radius. For proving this we first show a quantitative convergence statement for graph distance functions to geodesic distance functions in the continuum. Using the ‘comparison with distance functions’ principle, we can pass these convergence statements to infinity harmonic functions and AMLEs.
6 Validation and Application of a Survey of on-Farm Worker Attitudes Towards Euthanasia
Authors: Leon Nancy F Acevedo , Garcia Arlene , Schroeder Katy , Boren Amy , Lamino Pablo
Published: September 2022

On-farm euthanasia of pigs considers aspects of welfare and economics, but few comprehensive guidelines are available for swine producers and further, do not consider cultural barriers. The Hispanic workforce largely represents the bulk of agricultural workers. Euthanasia requires the ability to identify compromised pigs, technical skills, and willingness to euthanize pigs. In addition, timely euthanasia is part of the Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA) and thus, can lead to failed audits. The U.S. swine industry employs a large percentage of Latin American workers through NAFTA visas. These workers vary in their degree of education and pig experience. Proper training of this workforce and identification of the barriers to performing timely euthanasia is critical. The objectives of this study were to: 1) develop and validate surveys (including demographic information, swine management, moral injury events scale, impact of event scale and the professional quality of life scale) in Spanish to determine Hispanic caretaker attitudes towards timely euthanasia and 2) to assess Hispanic caretakers using the validated surveys to determine the barriers associated to timely euthanasia. A total of 163 workers were surveyed and data were analyzed using Chi-Square. The results indicated that employees with less time working in the company presented less CSIA knowledge and a reduced capacity to identify pigs that needed to be euthanizing (P< 0.001). Spearman's rank-order correlations indicated that stress was the most frequently correlated scale, related with burnout, transgressions, betrayals, and worker satisfaction (P=0.022). A Mann-Whitney U test determined that there was a gender difference, presenting a high level of stress and a low level of satisfaction in females and the opposite results in males (P=0.026). It is important to identify the factors that decrease or negatively affect the ability of employees to perform euthanasia in order to provide efficient training that improves good practices in the swine industry.
9 Is a Climate Neutral Animal Agriculture Possible?
Authors: Kebreab Ermias , Pressman Eleanor
Published: September 2022

Animal agriculture contributed 4% to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from the US in 2019. Most of the climate impact from animal production are due to emissions of methane, which contributed about 70% of all livestock GHG emissions. Methane lasts in the atmosphere for around a decade. However, its warming potential over a 20-year period is up to 84 times compared to CO2. The impact on warming from methane is not gradual build-up over time but from relatively recent years. Therefore, reducing methane emissions is one the most effective ways to slow down the rate of climate warming. By some estimates, reducing methane by just 0.3% per year will result in no more warming from methane. Scaling it up further, may even reverse global warming. There are several mitigation options that can help achieve methane reduction in the short term. These can be broadly categorized into dietary and rumen manipulation. Dietary manipulation methods include increasing feed digestibility, such as concentrate to forage ratio, or increasing fats and oils, which are associated with lower methane emissions. These methods can potentially reduce methane emissions by up to 30%. Rumen manipulation through feed additives can be through either modifying the rumen environment, which indirectly affect emissions or directly inhibiting methanogenesis. The rumen environment modifiers include plant bioactive compounds such as essential oils and tannins, and nitrate rich feeds. Their effectiveness ranges between 10 to 30%. The inhibitor category include 3-nitroxypropanol (3-NOP) and seaweeds containing halogenated compounds. 3-NOP reduces enteric methane emissions by over 30% and has been approved for use in certain countries. Seaweed, in particular Asparagopsis spp., reduce emissions by over 90% in beef cattle. The combination of dietary and rumen manipulation options, including feed additives, is expected to reduce enteric methane emissions by over 30% in the next decade and help move the livestock industry closer to climate neutrality.
31 Genotype Concordance between SNP Chip and Imputed Low-Pass Whole-Genome Sequence in Beef Cattle
Authors: Sanglard Leticia P , Kuehn Larry A , Snelling Warren M , Spangler Matthew L
Published: September 2022

Genotypes generated from common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) chips have been the sole source of genomic information for current beef cattle genetic evaluations. More recently, the development of low-pass whole-genome sequencing (LPS) followed by imputation to full sequence and variant calls has provided an alternative option to generate genotypes for inclusion into genetic evaluations. The objective of this study was to estimate the genotype concordance between SNP chip and LPS genotypes. Ear samples, via tissue sampling units, were obtained from 226 individuals. A subset of 109 individuals also had blood samples collected. Samples were sent to GeneSeek (Neogen company, Lincoln, NE) for genotyping (100K or 50K) and LPS and imputation was performed by Gencove. A total of 33,451 and 78,032 SNP overlapping between SNP panel and LPS for ear and blood samples, respectively, were used for further analyses. Genotype concordance was performed by counting the number of matching genotypes per SNP between (1) SNP chip vs. LPS in ear and blood samples, and (2) LPS in blood vs. LPS in ear samples. The average concordances between SNP chip vs. LPS in ear and blood samples were 0.97±0.04 and 0.98±0.06, respectively. The average concordance between LPS in blood vs. ear samples was 0.97±0.03. In conclusion, the concordance was high regardless of the tissue type, and, at least in these data, differences in resulting genetic predictions would not be expected between the use of genotypes derived from SNP chips or LPS. Additional work is warranted to determine sensitivity to relationships between target animals and the reference set used for imputation. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
37 Associations Among Individual Gilt Birth Weight with Subsequent Weights, Selection Rates, and Age to Reach 135 kg
Authors: Silva Gefferson , Vier Carine M , Siqueira Amanda P , Gonsalves Ray , Almeida Fernanda , Zappani Vanderlei , Beraldin Evandro , Alberton Geraldo , Donin Daiane , Lu Ning , Dritz Steve , Orlando Uislei A
Published: September 2022

Our objective was to investigate the associations among individual gilt birth weight (BiWt) of modern genotype gilts with their subsequent weights, age at puberty, and selection rates for the breeding herd. A total of 3,452 PIC gilts (Landrace x Large White) were included in the analysis. Gilts were individually weighed within 12h of birth, and associations with weights at weaning, the end of nursery, and at selection were determined through regression models. Gilts BiWt was also classified into four categories: Below1.04kg, 1.04-1.38kg, 1.38-1.72kg, Above1.72kg. Stimulus for puberty onset started when gilts were 146d old. Gilt age at the first detected heat was recorded. Selection rate was determined as: Selection Rate, % = number of gilts selected at 146d/number of gilts born alive; and Age to 135kg, d = Age at selection+Days to 135kg, where Days to 135kg = (135–Selection Weight,kg)/Average Daily Gain from Birth to Selection. Data were analyzed using generalized linear models with the lm and glm functions of R. Results suggested that weaning and end of nursery weights increased (linear, P≤0.05) as the gilt BiWt increased. For each additional 100g in gilt BiWt, weaning and end of nursery weights were increased by 131g and 379g, respectively. The weight at selection increased (quadratic, P≤0.05) as gilt BiWt increased. There was no evidence of gilt BiWt impact on age at first detected heat (P>0.10; 170.2, 167.7, 168.2, and 167.4d). Heavier gilts at birth reached 135kg at a reduced age (P≤0.05; 211.8, 201.4, 194.5, and 188.0d) and had greater selection rate (P≤0.05; 44.0, 58.1, 62.2, and 64.9%). In summary, this data indicated that gilts with phenotypically greater birth weight had better chances to be selected for the breeding herd and achieved the minimum weight target (135kg) for the first breeding at a younger age.
39 Genetic Associations between Feeding Behavior and Economic Interest Traits in Group-Housed Broilers
Authors: Carvalho Alves Anderson A , Fernandes Arthur F A , Lopes Fernando B , Breen Vivian , Hawken Rachel , Rosa Guilherme J J M
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to assess the genetic relationship among feeding behavior (FB), feed efficiency (FE), and production traits in broilers. A total of 44,234,350 feeders visit logs from 55,400 birds allocated into 88 trials were recorded by radio-frequency identification system. The daily data were averaged per animal for FB traits, considering the entire trial period. FB traits included the number of meals (NMEAL, count/day), time spent at feeders (TSF, hours/day), average portion size (PS, g), feeding rate (FR, g/hour), feeding activity range (FAR, hours/day), number of visited stations (NVS, count/day), and number of visited feeders (NVF, count/day). The total feed intake (FI), residual feed intake (RFI), and feed conversion rate (FCR) were also considered. Further, the body weight was measured at the start (SBW) and ending (FBW) of the trial. Multi-trait animal models were fitted for estimating the (co)variance components, considering the effects of sex and contemporary group as fixed. FB traits presented moderate to high heritability (h2) values, ranging from 0.26±0.02 (FAR) to 0.58±0.02 (TSF), whereas for FE and growth traits the h2 ranged from 0.16±0.01 (FBW) to 0.27±0.02 (RFI). The traits NMEAL, NVS, NVF, and FAR presented negative genetic correlations with FI, SBW, and FBW (-0.36 to -0.13) while PS and FR were positively correlated with all FE and production traits (0.12 to 0.43). RFI only presented non-null genetic correlations with PS (0.26±0.04), FR (0.23±0.03), and NVS (-0.11±0.04). Similarly, NMEAL and NVS also presented a weak negative correlation with FCR (-0.12±0.05 and -0.17±0.05, respectively). FB traits have a sizable genetic component and, therefore, may present a fast response to selection. The results also suggest that future selection for welfare-related feeding behavior (e.g., NMEAL, NVS, and NVF) would not affect negatively FE traits, although it might result in lighter animal lines in the long term.
41 Awardee Talk: Synergistic Power of Genomic Selection, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, and Gene Editing to Drive Genetic Improvement of Cattle
Authors: Mueller Maci L , Van Eenennaam Alison L
Published: September 2022

Genetic improvement of cattle around the globe has and will continue to be, an important driver of animal agriculture sustainability because the advances are permanent and cumulative. There are several reproductive and molecular biotechnologies that can be used in genetic improvement programs, and their outcomes are maximized when combined synergistically in a structured breeding program with a clear breeding objective. One of the most recently developed and increasingly popular tools, gene editing, allows animal breeders to precisely add, delete, or replace letters in the genetic code so as to influence a specific trait of interest (e.g., thermotolerance or disease resistance), in as little as one generation. Specifically, the ability to use gene editing to inactivate targeted gene function (i.e., knockout genes), knock-in genes, or achieve allele introgression in the absence of undesired linkage drag, offers promising opportunities to introduce useful genetic variation into cattle breeding programs. However, for gene editing to play an important role in genetic improvement, it must integrate smoothly into conventional cattle breeding programs to maintain or accelerate the rate of genetic gain. This presentation will first outline the current state of genomic selection and key reproductive biotechnologies (e.g., artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and ovum-pick up with in vitro embryo production) available for the accelerated genetic improvement of cattle, and then discuss potential strategies for effectively incorporating gene editing into cattle genetic improvement programs and methods for disseminating the improved traits in cattle populations. The approaches will vary depending on the region of the world and the cattle industry sector (i.e., dairy or beef), due to their differing population and management structures, in which these strategies are being deployed.
26 Complementary Roles for Genetic Selection and Population Dynamics in Enhancing Livestock Sustainability
Authors: White Robin R
Published: September 2022

Over the past several years, there has been considerable international dialog surrounding the importance of enhancing the sustainability of global food production systems to meet the demands of the growing global population. Internationally, sustainable food production systems are defined as those which contribute to food and nutrition security while safeguarding the economic, social, cultural, and environmental bases of food production for future generations. Although animal agriculture often has strong cultural roots around the world, there are challenges related to the environmental impacts of animal products, the social acceptability of production practices, and the affordability of animal-source foods which present opportunities for improvement. Historical advancements in the affordability and environmental footprints of animal-source foods highlight the tremendous impacts of genetic selection for enhanced productivity on animal-source food sustainability metrics. Continued emphasis on genetic selection as a tool to address sustainability objectives may be an essential strategy to continue enhancing the role of animal source foods in contributing to a sustainable and secure global food system. However, systems dynamics modeling demonstrates trade-offs between the rate of genetic progress and aspects of sustainability like environmental impact and social acceptance. These trade-offs are largely driven by the generation interval and assumptions surrounding the fate of animals culled either early in life or during mid-career due to undesirable genetics. Exploring alternative production systems which make better use of cull animal populations presents a strategy to address some of these trade-offs. To better explore these factors in tandem, the objectives of this work are to review the historical improvements in animal genetic merit and the impact on sustainability of animal-source foods; to explore future selection strategies and how they may support continued sustainability enhancement; and to highlight the complementary roles of population dynamics and genetic selection in enhancing livestock sustainability.
30 Origins, Timing and Introgression of Domestic Geese Revealed by Whole Genome Data
Authors: Qu Lujiang , Wen Junhui
Published: September 2022

Geese are one of the most important poultry around the world. For the origin of geese, the current generally accepted hypothesis is that the European domestic geese were originated from the greylag goose (Anser anser), and the Chinese domestic geese have two origins, most breeds of which originated from the swan goose (Anser cygnoides), and the Yili goose originated from the greylag geese. In order to explain the origin and demographic history of geese, we selected 14 goose breeds from Europe and China and wild populations of swan goose and greylag goose, whole genome resequencing data were obtained for 74 samples. Population structure analysis and phylogenetic trees showed that the wild ancestor of the Chinese domestic geese except for Yili was the swan goose, and the wild ancestor of the Chinese Yili geese and European domestic geese was the greylag goose. Analysis of the demographic history suggests that the domestication of the Chinese geese occurred about 3499 years ago and that of the European geese happened about 7552 years ago. Furthermore, there is gene flow found between the domestic geese and their wild ancestors. Analysis of introgression showed that Yili geese had been introgressed by the Chinese domestic geese, and the body size of Yili geese could be influenced by the introgression events of some growth-related genes including IGF-1. Our study provides evidence for the origin of geese at the genome-wide level, and advances the understanding of the history of goose domestication and the traits affected by introgression events.
44 Evaluation of Prenatal Transportation Stress on Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity After Modified-Live Viral BVDV Vaccination in Brahman Calves
Authors: Earnhardt Audrey L , Wellman Catherine L , Falkenberg Shollie M , Long Charles R , Randel Ron D , Welsh Thomas H
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether prenatal transportation stress (PNS) affects the immune response of Brahman calves after vaccination against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV). Mature Brahman cows inseminated to a single Brahman sire in 2018 were assigned to either Control (n=35; not transported) or PNS (n=37; 2h of transportation at 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140±5 d of gestation). Of the calves born in 2019, 11 Control and 12 PNS calves were studied for vaccine treatment (VAX). Temperament score, body weight, and blood samples were obtained from calves prior to weaning (D-28), prior to first BoviShield vaccine (D+35), and after second BoviShield vaccine (D+98). Serum cortisol was determined by RIA. Humoral immune response was evaluated by virus neutralization (VN) assays using serum collected at respective timepoints post-vaccination. Cell-mediated immune (CMI) response was evaluated using a novel PrimeFlow RNA assay that incorporates cell surface marker staining with intracellular RNA expression of cytokines on blood samples obtained at D+35 and D+98. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS. Only total WBC and absolute lymphocytes were increased with PNS (P< 0.05), while lymphocytes were also decreased with VAX (P< 0.05). There was no PNS effect on the VN or CMI results, serum cortisol concentration, or temperament score. VAX tended (P=0.06) to reduce serum cortisol, as well as resulted in an increase in VN titers (P< 0.01) and frequency of interferon-γ mRNA expression in the CD4+ population (P< 0.01), but not in CD25+ population (P=0.26). Interaction between sampling day and VAX resulted in more drastic increase (P< 0.05) from D+35 to D+98 in VN titers, CD4+ population frequency of interferon-γ mRNA expression, and CD25+ population mean fluorescent intensity. Vaccine treatment positively affected humoral and cell-mediated immune responses; however prenatal transportation stress did not negatively impact response of Brahman calves to immunization against BVDV.
64 Effects of L-Carnitine Dietary Supplementation on the Quality of Buck Semen Collected During non-Breeding Season
Authors: Brown Jalani , Holmes Bryanna , Hunter Lazar , Woodard Joshua , Johnson Allana , Xiaoling Ma , Schauston Miller , Kouakou Brou , Moawad Adel R
Published: September 2022

Artificial insemination (AI) has potential impact on goat breeding. Reduced fertility in goats following AI is mostly associated with semen quality, which is influenced by breed, collection methods, freezing procedures, and the male diet. L-carnitine (LC) plays an integral role in sperm metabolism by supplying energy through β-oxidation to enhance sperm motility. L-carnitine is also important for fatty acid metabolism and acts as an antioxidant. Positive impact of dietary supplementation with LC on sperm quality and fertility has been reported in many species; however, no studies have been conducted on goats. The objective was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of LC on the quality of goat semen collected by electroejaculation during non-breeding season. Six mature Alpine bucks were randomly assigned into two groups, namely control (three bucks were fed a regular diet without LC supplementation), and treatment (three bucks were fed the normal diet plus 0.0022 g/kg of BW, LC). Each feeding trial last for 60 days from January to March (the non-breeding season). Semen was collected from the bucks once/week by electroejaculation and evaluated for its physical characters. Sperm motility, concentrations, viability, membrane integrity, and abnormalities were also examined. Results showed that colors of the samples collected from the two groups were white to yellow and the consistency ranged from watery to creamy. Percentage of live spermatozoa (69.7%) was greater (P≤ 0.05) in LC group than control (50.1%). However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, abnormalities, and membrane integrity between the two groups. In conclusion, supplementing bucks LC during non-breeding season enhanced sperm viability. Further experiments are in progress to evaluate the effects of LC on reproductive variables and the levels of reproductive hormones such as testosterone, FSH, and LH in the blood of male goats.
57 Evaluation of Virginiamycin Inclusion in the Diets of Feedlot Steers: Interplay between Rumen pH and Liver Health
Authors: Rivera Madeline E , Batista Luiz Fernando Dias , Tedeschi Luis O
Published: September 2022

In the beef cattle system, liver abscesses are the most common liver abnormality and are the leading cause for condemnations at slaughter. Virginiamycin (VM) has been used to prevent sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and subsequently control liver abscess incidence. This study observed the interrelationship between VM inclusion (240 mg/hd/d), ruminal pH dynamics, and hepatic blood metabolites over a 150-d feeding trial. Housed in a Calan gate system, 120 Angus crossbred steers (291 ± 28 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments: no VM (T000); VM for the last 50 d (T001); VM for the last 100 d (T011); VM for the first 50 d (T100); VM for the first 100 d (T110); and VM for 150 d (T111). Steers were orally administered 2 indwelling smaXtec rumen pH and temperature recording boluses on d -4 and d 84. On d -7, 28, 56, 84, 112 and 140, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture and all plasma samples were analyzed for concentrations of albumin, alkaline phosphatase, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and total protein using an automated blood analyzer (Carysta High Volume Chemistry Analyzer; Zoetis). Haptoglobin (HPT) was measured following a colorimetric method based on peroxidase activity. Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and animals within treatment as the subject. Results indicated that VM did not convalesce hepatic function (P > 0.05), but HPT had increased concentrations on d 84 for VM excluded treatments (42.75 vs. 93.25 mg/L). Comparatively, T111 tended to have less time under pH 5.8 (2.50 h/d) when compared with T001, T100, and T000 (5.27; 4.94; and 4.23 h/d, respectively; P = 0.107). Therefore, VM should be fed from the growing phase to slaughter to capture the full potential of the product on animal health status.
401 Cooperative Extension in Indigenous Communities: Perspectives of 1862 and 1994 Extension Educators
Authors: Hartmann Katie
Published: September 2022

The mission of Land Grant Institutions (LGIs) and Cooperative Extension has always included the concept of educational access. Indeed, there is an Extension office in or near all of the 3,000 counties in the US and serving nearly 100% of US counties. However, Extension has not served all communities equitably, in both their access to agricultural resources and in the kinds of programs that they provide. An important example of these inequities can be seen in Indigenous communities, where Extension is underfunded and unable to provide equitable support. Despite these challenges, there are Extension educators from 1862 and 1994 LGIs that collaborate with Indigenous communities. These educators have valuable experience and insight that is critical to capture if Extension is going to encourage and support others in this work. These insights will help current and future collaborations to be successful and inform Extension of the systemic changes that need to be made to equitably serve Indigenous and other marginalized communities.
67 Importance of Animal-Sourced Foods and Barriers to Their Adoption Globally
Authors: Adesogan Adegbola T
Published: September 2022

Globally, over 200 million children experience physical and mental underdevelopment due to a variety of reasons, particularly inadequate nutrition. In low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), hidden hunger, a condition in which diets are deficient in micronutrients essential for physical and mental development, is a common problem. Compared to plant-source foods, animal-source foods (ASF) contain higher quality and more bioavailable forms of several essential micronutrients as well as essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and higher quality protein. Due to the critical role these macro and micronutrients play in children's cognitive and physical development, ASF should be a vital component of their diets. Studies have demonstrated compelling evidence on the potential of ASF consumption by infants, children, pregnant, and lactating women to aid cognitive development of children. However, the evidence, is not conclusive, as some studies, especially those with confounding factors, showed no positive relationship between ASF consumption and cognitive development. Due to logistical, methodological and ethical difficulties, most studies that examined the effect of ASF on cognitive development are retrospective observational studies that do not enable effective separation of confounding factors. Producing conclusive evidence that can influence nutrition policy and guidelines will require large-scale, controlled interventional studies, preferably across countries or cultures. Unfortunately, per capita consumption of ASF, especially by infants, children, and mothers, in LMIC is very low compared to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. This is due to multiple and complex factors. First, there is the issue of unaffordability, which is due to a large extent to the low livestock productivity among smallholders who are the main livestock producers in LMIC. Even when ASF is affordable, there are many socio-economic, cultural, and religious barriers that limit ASF consumption by children and women. To prevent cognitive impairment among children in LMIC, concerted multisectoral approaches are needed. These should aim to improve livestock productivity in LMIC, generate robust policy-influencing evidence about their dietary importance and raise awareness about the value of ASF in the diet.
69 Animal Sourced Foods Role in Sustainable Nutrition
Authors: Thoma Greg , Kim Daesoo
Published: September 2022

Amid growing concern regarding the food system are calls to reduce or eliminate animal sourced foods (ASF) from human diets. Despite the green revolution and consequent increase in crop yields, nutrient deficiencies are still problematic, particularly in developing regions. In the US, ASF provide 24% of energy, 48% of protein, approximately 50% of the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids as well as the micronutrients (White and Hall, 2017). This presentation introduces a framework for evaluation and discusses remaining knowledge gaps regarding the role of ASF in sustainable food systems that provide nutritious diets. Lifecycle assessment (LCA) was used to provide an accounting of environmental and sustainability characteristics of food production systems. LCA has an explicit goal the identification of tradeoffs between stages in the supply chain and tradeoffs across environmental dimensions. In a published study (Kim et al., 2020) using a hybrid lifecycle assessment technique, it was shown that while vegetarian diets resulted in lower environmental impacts across several environmental categories, that the US non-vegetarian recommended dietary guidelines led to increases for many categories. This is driven by the increased consumption of less calorically dense foods and changes in the patterns of food loss and waste. Ongoing studies of US beef production systems are providing insight into factors behind the variability in sustainability driven by practice and location. One management practice receiving attention is Adaptively Managed Paddocks (AMP). Sequestration estimates were combined with process model simulations of cow calf finishing operations. One system used conventional grain finishing and the other used grass finishing. The potential mitigation of GHG emissions from the potential sequestration is significant. Complete assessment of the role of ASF in healthy diets from sustainable food systems requires a full understanding of the benefits and costs of alternatives and informed decisions based on understanding of tradeoffs.
85 Automated Walk-Over Weighing System: Methods to Track Daily Body Mass and Growth in Grazing Steers
Authors: Parsons Ira L , Karisch Brandi B , Webb Stephen L , Proctor Mike , Stone Amanda E E , Street Garrett M
Published: September 2022

Body weight (BW) is a critical component for monitoring animal weight gain, body condition, nutritional status. Remote animal weighing systems facilitate frequent collection of animal BW, however, datasets often contain spurious data. The objective of this study was to describe the utility of using a remote Walk-over-Weigh system and subsequent methods for data cleaning. Beef steers (n = 10) were tagged with Electronic RFID tags (EID) in an improved pasture (~12.1 hectares) containing Bermuda and Tall Fescue and inter-seeded with Annual Ryegrass and grazed from Feb. – Dec. 2020. Static chute weights (n = 80) were collected monthly, and a WOW system placed by the water to remotely collect BW (n = 5,466). Data were first loaded into Program R and scanned for spurious data using each of 2 primary approaches, 1) the whole herd and individual means ± 1 standard deviation (SD) calculated daily or over the entire trial and 2) each of 3 data smoothing algorithms, which included a quadratic growth model, cubic splines, and polynomial regression. Then, data with spurious observations removed were paired with static chute weights and fitted to a linear model to measure accuracy (mean bias) and precision (R2) of WOW data. Whole herd mean ± 1SD and individual daily mean ± 1SD identified 1,204 and 1,516 spurious data, with mean bias of -12.46 and -15.37 KG and R2 of 0.90 and 0.68, respectively. Smoothing functions identified 1,707, 4,684, and 4,776 spurious points, with a mean bias of 13.61, -19.78, and 12.58 KG, and R2 of 0.94, 0.70, and 0.87 for quadratic growth models, cubic splines, and polynomial regression, respectively. These results indicate the utility of using a simple WOW system to collect data for measuring growth curves and using weight data in a real-time fashion to make management and marketing decisions.
83 Impacts of Heifer Post-Weaning Intake Classification on Performance Measurements of Lactating and non-Lactating two-, Five- and Eight-Year-old Angus Beef Females
Authors: Wellnitz-Eiseman Krista , Parsons Cory , Dafoe Julia , Wyffels Samuel , Boss Darrin L , DelCurto Tim , Van Emon Megan L
Published: September 2022

Data used in these studies were part of another project described by Parsons et al. (2021). These studies evaluated heifer post-weaning intake classification on performance measurements of two-, five- and eight-year-old lactating or non-lactating Angus females. We analyzed intake and production data of 57 pregnant, non-lactating (Study 1) and 54 lactating, non-pregnant (Study 2) females. Heifer post-weaning intake was calculated over 80 test days following weaning using GrowSafe units. Heifers were categorized based on intake as low (< -0.05 SD from the mean), average (± 0.05 SD from the mean), or high ( > 0.50 SD from the mean) within year. Non-lactating females showed an age effect (P ≤ 0.05) for cow body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI) rate (grams/minute), and time spent at the feeder (minutes/day). Intake rate was greater in five- and eight-year-old cows compared with two-year-old cows, and eight-year-old cows spent more time at the feeder than two- and five-year-old cows. Cow BW for non-lactating cows was significant for age (P < 0.001), intake classification (P = 0.03) and showed a tendency for age*intake interaction (P = 0.10), with older cows weighing more than younger cows. Milk production expressed as kilograms and grams per kilogram of BW of the cow had an age*intake (P < 0.001) effect. Two-year-olds with low and average intake classifications had greater milk production (P < 0.001) and milk produced as grams per kilogram of BW (P < 0.001) than two-year-old cows with high intake classifications. Additionally, five-year-old cows with average and high intake classifications had greater milk production (P < 0.001) and grams of milk produced per kilogram of BW (P < 0.001) compared with five-year-old cows classified as low intake. In summary, heifer post-weaning intake classification had minor impacts on performance measurements in three age classes of beef females at two different production levels.
81 Effects of Hurricane-Related Stress During Gestation on Replacement Heifer (Bos Taurus) Development in a Limited-Resource Beef cow-Calf System
Authors: Fernandez Rachel , Elder Kasey A , Odhiambo John F , Green Kiana , Dunn Rachel , Coble Derrick
Published: September 2022

In a limited resource cow-calf operation, obtaining puberty in heifers is one of the main concerns for long-term productivity. Although nutritional factors have a large role in heifer development, environmental factors are sometimes overlooked until a catastrophic event such as a hurricane occurs. For this project, two heifer groups, born in the same herd at different intervals, were compared: Group 1(experienced catastrophic hurricane event in 3rd trimester of their fetal development) and Group 2 (no adverse event during gestation). The groups were weighed four similar time points during development: at 12 months of age (Period 1, pre-pubertal), 13-14 months (Period 2, puberty), pre-breeding (Period 3), and at the end of breeding (Period 4). The blood cortisol, glucose, and progesterone concentrations were compared between the groups during their pre-pubertal period. Group comparisons were performed using mixed procedures of SAS. Data are presented as means ±SEM. Group mean differences were declared significant at P < 0.05. We observed a significant (P < 0.01) Group by Period effect on heifer body weight (655.2± 14.2 vs. 747.3 ±15.4, for Groups 1 and 2, respectively). Overall, Group 1 was lighter than Group 2 in periods 1 and 2, but there was no difference thereafter. There were significant group differences in glucose (60.5± 8.8 vs 95.3±11.5, mg/dL for groups 1 and 2 respectively, P< 0.01) and progesterone (62.2±12.6 vs 124.0± 13.8, pg./mL for groups 1 and 2, respectively, P< 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in cortisol concentrations (P< 0.48). Therefore, catastrophic weather events such as hurricanes that are common throughout the world might have a negative impact on heifer development, as observed in this project. This observation warrants further investigation. Funding agency: USDA- NIFA CBG #2021-38821-34599
92 Management, Technology, and Growth Composition: Have They Affected Carcass end Goals?
Authors: Smith Zachary K , Rusche Warren C
Published: September 2022

For years, researchers have quantified and appraised feed additives, steroidal implants, and various management strategies, such as grain processing, limit feeding, or slick-bunk management, on the sole basis of responses in rate and efficiency of gain. Until recently, cattle were mainly sold on live basis; however, many cattle fed today are marketed on a carcass value basis. Cattle uniformity at slaughter is important economically for cattle producers, particularly for those trying to meet grid standards and minimize carcass discounts. Management factors to control rate of growth from 50 to 65% of final shrunk body weight, program feeding a high-concentrate diet to achieve targeted rates of gain, or by offering ad libitum access to forage-based diets can be used to delay fattening. Delaying fattening allows cattle to achieve heavier weights at similar final fat content. Management factors to control intake early in the feeding period to reduce weight gain variation, or using terminal sorting, allows for increased uniformity of cattle loads at harvest. Sensor-based sorting technologies can allow for cattle to be placed in similar contemporary groups to minimize discounts at the lot level when pens of cattle are marketed. Pharmaceutical technologies such as steroidal implants delay fattening and allow for increased harvest weight of cattle. Beta-adrenergic agonist application during the final weeks prior to harvest enhances muscle growth at the expense of fat deposition, allowing for improved feed efficiency during the late feeding period and increased days on feed. Complementary breeding systems that capitalize on terminal sires mated to maternal lines adapted to specific environments would generate cattle optimized for growth potential and carcass weight. This presentation will review factors impacting carcass end goals and future research needs to improve understanding of how management and technology influence growth composition, attainment of carcass end goals, and economic returns.
89 Meat Science Perspective, Carcass Composition, and Grid Marketing: Have we Made any Advances?
Authors: Lawrence Ty E
Published: September 2022

Throughout recorded history of beef cattle improvement, the pendulum of cattle type has swung from large, old and extremely fat to extremely short in stature and overfinished to extremely tall in stature and lean to moderate in size and overfinished. During all of these transitions, the underlying growth principles of muscle, fat, and bone have remained constant. As animals age, muscle growth, as well as independent accumulation of water and protein increases at a decreasing rate whereas fat growth increases at an increasing rate. Beef carcass grading records reported by USDA indicate that percentage of Prime and Choice grade carcasses increased consistently from 62.9% in 1956 to a peak of 97.7% in 1987. Beginning in 1988, a notable decline in percentage of Prime and Choice began that plateaued from 1997 to 2007; USDA records indicate that Prime and Choice percentage was the lowest in history in 2006 at 59.0%. Since 2007, percentage of carcasses grading Prime and Choice has again steadily increased to 80.7% in 2021. Concomitantly, percentage of carcasses with yield grades of 4 or 5 has increased from a recent low of 1.3% in 1997 to 16.2% in 2021 – the highest percentage of overfinished cattle since records began. The recent improvement in quality is primarily the result of an industry paradigm shift from marketing of live animals and selling beef as a commodity to the marketing of carcasses and selling beef as premium branded products. Cattle feeders have been incentivized to market cattle as carcasses rather than live animals primarily due to the economics associated with carcass transfer. Carcass transfer is the proportion of live animal gain that is retained as carcass gain – this value increases at a decreasing rate during the finishing period and typically ranges from 75 to 85% of live animal gain. Our current yield assessment metric was developed in the late 1950s and is representative of cattle of that period, not modern cattle. The yield grade estimates 40% of the variation in cutability of beef-type cattle carcasses and 0% of the variation in cutability of dairy-type cattle. Opportunity exists to improve beef carcass yield estimation. The goal of our beef production system is to provide domestic and foreign customers with premium quality products that meet their expectations for palatability. Objective shear force values indicate that steaks from the rib and loin have continued to become more tender during the last 3 decades.