bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
156 Winter Hardy Cereal Cover Crops for Spring Grazing in Nebraska
Authors: Sartin Abigail , Calus Kallie , Drewnoski Mary E , Redfearn Daren , Mitchell Rob
Published: October 2023

Soybean harvest leaves little residue, potentially subjecting the soil to negative environmental impacts. Additionally, integrated livestock producers with crops and cattle identified a need to fill early spring forage deficiencies. Planting winter-hardy cereal cover crops after soybean harvest provides ground cover until the next cash crop is planted and has potential for early spring grazing before perennial pastures are ready. A 3-year study was conducted near Mead, Nebraska to evaluate the grazing potential of winter wheat, winter triticale, and cereal rye when planted after soybean harvest. A 7.3-ha field was split into nine 0.81-h paddocks and paddocks were then randomly assigned to a small cereal species (n = 3 paddocks per treatment), then divided further into 2, 0.4 ha paddocks to allow for rotational grazing within the assigned paddock. Growing steers were stratified by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to paddock with 6 steers per paddock in years 1 and 2, and 5 steers per paddock in year 3. Steers were limit-fed at 2% of BW to equalize gut fill and weighed before and at the conclusion of grazing. Grazing was initiated when a paddock reached 13 cm. The initial BW did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05) with steers weighing 303, 335, and 372 kg in years 1 through 3, respectively. The final BW did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). There was a treatment by year interaction (P ≤ 0.01) for average daily gain (ADG). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in ADG among treatments in year 1 (1.9 kg/d) or year 3 (1.3 kg/d). However, in year 2, steers grazing rye gained more (P < 0.01) at 1.4 kg than wheat (0.83 kg) and triticale (0.67 kg), which did not differ (P > 0.05). There were no differences (P > 0.05) among treatments for animal unit months (AUM) per hectare. Year 1 provided the most (P < 0.01) grazing at 5.1 AUM/ha, year 2 provided the least (P < 0.01) at 2.4 AUM/ha, and year 3 was intermediate at 3.1 AUM/ha. For gain per hectare (GPH), there were no differences (P > 0.05) among treatments. Steers in year 1 had greater (P < 0.01) GPH (390 kg/ha) than subsequent years, with year 2 (93 kg/ha) being less (P < 0.01) than year 3 (151 kg/ha). For all 3 years, there were no differences among treatments in pre-graze (P > 0.05) or post-graze biomass (P > 0.05). These data suggest that during early spring there are no major differences in the grazing potential and growing cattle performance for wheat, rye, or triticale in eastern Nebraska.
158 Effect of Weaning Strategy and Backgrounding Length on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Mrna Expression in the Longissimus Muscle of Beef Steers
Authors: Pittaluga Alejandro , Kieffer Justin , Relling Alejandro E
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the weaning strategy (WS; early, at 130 ± 21 d vs normal, at 187 ± 20 d) and backgrounding length (BGL; short vs long) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and relative mRNA expression in the longissimus muscle (LM) of beef steers. Angus × SimAngus-crossbred steers [n = 120; body weight (BW) = 130 ± 11.2 kg] were used in randomized complete block design. Steer calves were blocked by age and BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (2×2 factorial arrangement). Treatments consisted of early or normal weaned steers with either a short or a long BGL. Early weaned steers were ad libitum-fed a grain-based diet for 49 d until nursing calves were normally weaned. Subsequently, steers were ad libitum-fed a hay-based diet for 214 d or a concentrates-based diet for 95 d, for the long or the short BGL, respectively. Steers were finished on a high grain diet until harvested at a common 12th rib fat thickness. Longissimus muscle biopsies were performed on days 1, 57, 112, 168, 255. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS. Early weaned steers were heavier (P < 0.01; Table 1) at the beginning of the backgrounding and finishing period. When the finishing phase began, steers with a long BGL were heavier (P < 0.01; Table 1) than steers with a short BGL. There was a WS × BGL interaction (P = 0.01; Table 1) for final BW, where normal weaned steers with a long BGL were the heaviest among treatments. In the finishing phase, steers with a long BGL had greater DMI and ADG, but lower G:F (P < 0.01; Table 1) than steers with a short BGL. There was WS × BGL interaction (P = 0.03; Table 1) for days on feed (DOF) in the finishing phase, where early weaned steers with a short BGL required less days on DOF to reach harvesting target than the remaining treatments. No interactions or treatment effects (P ≥ 0.11; Table 2) were detected for marbling score (MS). For the mRNA expression of ZFP423, a WS × d interaction was detected (P < 0.01; Figure 1). Day×WS interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for ZFP423 mRNA expression, early weaned steers showed a greater expression at d 112 and a decreased expression at d 255. For DLK1, a BGL×d interaction occurred (P < 0.01; Figure 2). In d 57 steers with a short BGL presented a greater DLK1 mRNA expression than steers with long BGL, whereas in d 255, this was inverted. Overall, data from this experiment does not support the implementation of different WS and BGL as a method to improve the MS of beef carcasses.
260 Effect of Biochar Inclusion in Finishing Beef Cattle Diets on Enteric Methane Production and Performance
Authors: Cronk Hanna K , Heil Holly A , Sjostrand Rebecca L , Norman Mitch M , Erickson Galen E , Watson Andrea K
Published: October 2023

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impacts of biochar on methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and interim performance of finishing beef cattle. This experiment used crossbred beef steers (n = 128; initial BW= 347 kg ± 9 kg) fed a biochar sourced from pistachio shells (VGrid Energy Systems). The diet contained 61% dried rolled corn, 30% Sweet Bran (Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, NE), 5% wheat straw, and 4% supplement with Tylan (Elanco Animal Health) targeted at 9.7 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) and Rumensin (Elanco Animal Health) at 33.1 mg/kg of DM in a fine ground corn carrier. Two treatments consisted of a control (CON) group fed a diet containing no biochar and a biochar (BIO) group fed a diet with 0.5% biochar replacing 0.5% dried rolled corn in the diet. Cattle were implanted on d 0 with Revalor XS (Merck Animal Health). Pen was the experimental unit with 8 steers per pen and 8 replications. Interim data were collected on d 90 of the experiment. Four pen replications were rotated twice through a two-chambered barn equipped with open-circuit indirect calorimeters using a negative air pressure system. Within replicate, each pen of cattle was monitored in both chambers. LI-COR (Biosciences, Lincoln, NE) sensors were used to capture emissions (7700 Open-Path CH4 analyzer and 7500DS Open-Path CO2/H2O analyzer). Each replicate was monitored for 5 d in the pen chamber followed by 1 d manure contribution and 1 d used for baseline corrections. Cattle performance data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment as the fixed effect and emissions data were analyzed as a repeated measure. Feeding biochar tended to increase emissions of CH4 in g/d (194 g/d BIO and 176 g/d CON, P = 0.09) but had no other effects on CH4 in g/kg of dry matter intake (DMI) with 16.3 g/kg DMI BIO and 14.2 g/kg DMI CON (P = 0.27). Likewise, feeding BIO had no effect on CO2 as g/day (10854 g/d BIO and 10691 g/d CON, P = 0.78) or as g/kg of DMI (904 g/kg DMI BIO and 860 g/kg DMI CON, P = 0.34). Interim cattle performance showed no differences between treatments in interim body weight (529 kg BIO and 534 kg CON, P = 0.49) and average daily gain (2.02 kg/d BIO and 2.07 kg/d CON, P = 0.50). Dry matter intake (12.3 kg/d BIO and 12.1 kg/d CON, P = 0.45) was not different between groups, which resulted in no differences in feed efficiency (0.165 BIO and 0.169 CON, P = 0.23). Supplementing biochar at 0.5% of the diet DM did not decrease eructed CH4 (slight increase) or impact respired CO2. Interim animal performance was not impacted by feeding biochar.
265 Manger Space Restriction Does not Negatively Impact Growth Efficiency of Feedlot Heifers Program fed a Concentrate-Based Diet to Gain 1.36 kg Daily
Authors: Gubbels Erin R , Francis Forest L , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: October 2023

The objective of this research was to determine the influence manger space restriction had on program fed feedlot heifers during the growing phase. Charolais × Angus heifers [initial body weight (BW) = 329 ± 22.1 kg] were used in a 109-d backgrounding phase study. Heifers were received from a ranch in western South Dakota approximately 60 days before study initiation. Initial processing (53 days before study initiation) included individual BW measurement, application of a unique identification tag, vaccination against viral respiratory pathogens (Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) and clostridial species (Ultrabac/Somubac 7, Zoetis), and administration of doramectin pour-on (Dectomax, Zoetis) for control of internal and external parasites. All heifers were administered 36 mg of zeranol (Ralgro, Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ) at study initiation. Upon study initiation, heifers were assigned to 1 of 10 pens (n = 5 pens/treatment with 10 heifers/pen) in a randomized complete block design (blocked by location). Each pen was randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 20.3 cm (8IN) or 40.6 cm (16IN) of linear bunk space/heifer. Heifers were individually weighed on days 1, 14, 35, 63, 84 and 109. Heifers were programmed to gain 1.36 kg daily based on predictive equations for a medium frame steer calf set forth by the California Net Energy System. To calculate predictive values, a final BW of 575 kg was assumed to be the mature BW of the heifers and tabular net energy values of 2.05 NEm and 1.36 NEg from d 1 to 22, 2.00 NEm and 1.35 NEg from d 23 to 82, and 1.97 NEm and 1.32 NEg from d 83 to 109 were used, because of ingredient inventory changes. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4 with manger space allocation as the fixed effect and block as the random effect. No differences (P > 0.35) were observed between 8IN or 16IN heifers for initial BW, final BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed efficiency, variation in daily BW gain (within pen standard deviation) or applied energetic measures. No differences (P > 0.50) were observed between treatments for morbidity. Although not statistically analyzed, 8IN heifers appeared to have looser stools during the first two weeks compared with the 16IN heifers. These data suggest restricting manger space allocation from 40.6 cm to 20.3 cm did not negatively influence gain efficiency or the efficiency of dietary net energy utilization in heifers programmed fed a concentrate-based diet to gain 1.36 kg daily. The use of tabular net energy values and required net energy of maintenance and retained energy equations are an effective means to program cattle to a desired daily rate of gain during the growing phase.
12 Amino Acid Nutrition in Dairy Cattle: Beyond Milk Protein
Authors: Cardoso Felipe
Published: October 2023

The transition from gestation to lactation, also known as the transition period, is a critical time for dairy cows. This phase is typically defined as 3 weeks before parturition through 3 weeks after parturition. Peak disease incidence (shortly after parturition) corresponds with the time of greatest negative energy balance (NEB) and negative protein balance (NPB), the peak in blood concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, and the greatest acceleration of milk yield. Decreased fertility in the face of increasing milk production may be attributable to greater severity of postpartum NEB and NPB resulting from inadequate transition management or increased disease rates. The depth and duration of NEB and NPB are highly related to dry matter intake. Formulating and delivering appropriate diets that limit total energy intake to requirements but also provide proper intakes of all other nutrients [including the indispensable amino acids (IAA) Met and Lys] before calving can help lessen the extent of NEB and NPB after calving. Supplementation of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) during the transition period improved uterine immune function through improved glandular morphology, increased neutrophil infiltration after calving, and discovery of neutrophil extracellular trap formation in bovine endometrial tissue. Its supplementation has been reported to reduce the incidence of health complications, better lactation performance, and more favorable biomarker and plasma AA profiles, common in cows with increased liver functionality index. Cows supplemented with rumen-protected lysine (RPL) had decreased liver oxidative stress (SOD1, superoxide dismutase 1) and acute phase response (SAA3, serum amyloid A3) and reduced gene expression of NFKB1 (nuclear factor kappa B1) leading to increased proinflammatory IL1B postpartum, likely indicating improved immune activation when cows consumed RPL, a necessary component of early postpartum health. Our group has reported that a prepartum supply of RPL altered uteroplacental metabolism and glucose transport. This was demonstrated through increased expression of uterine transcripts involved in energy metabolism (GLUT3, glucose transporter 3; PCK1, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1) and placental metabolism (FGF2, fibroblast growth factor 2; FGF2R, fibroblast growth factor 2 receptor; and PGF, placental growth factor). We also have demonstrated that RPL prepartum increased the placental protein abundance of FGF2 and LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1), indicating possible enhanced placental metabolic activity, probably linked to trophoblast proliferation and migration processes. Finally, calves from dams fed RPL prepartum had improved overall growth and intake than calves from dams not receiving RPL. In conclusion, providing RPM and RPL during the transition period impacts dairy cows' health, uterine environment, and offspring.
90 Microbiome-Derived Bioactive Molecules to Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions
Authors: Mantovani Hilario
Published: October 2023

Microorganisms are pivotal for the development, health, and productivity of livestock. In adult ruminants, the microbiota colonizing the rumen is essential for efficient depolymerization of indigestible carbohydrates from plant biomass and their conversion into microbial protein and fermentation end-products that are used by the host for growth. In the last decades, next-generation sequencing and omics technologies provided unparalleled insights into the composition, structure, and function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiome of ruminants and helped improve our understanding of relationships between the rumen microbiota with cattle performance (efficiency) traits, as well as health and disease and greenhouse gas emissions. The ecological interactions between microbes within the rumen ecosystem are complex and involve, among others, cross-feeding, predation, parasitism, antagonism, and competition for novel (empty) niches and available resources. These diverse associations of ecological traits across distinct microbial populations that coexist in the same ecosystem represent a goldmine for the discovery of novel bioactive molecules, including compounds with potential to modulate rumen fermentation and inhibit methane emissions from enteric fermentation. These effects often result from metabolic shifts in the rumen fermentation that lead to increased production of propionate, but can also be caused by direct inhibition of methanogenic archaea or through a reduction in the production of substrates for methanogenesis. Culture-independent approaches based on genome mining and functional metagenomics demonstrated that the rumen is an underexplored resource for bioactive molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides, non-ribosomal peptides, polyketides, and secondary metabolites involved in intercellular (microbe-microbe) communication. Rumen metatranscriptomic data indicate that the expression of genes potentially encoding some of these molecules is increased during the colonization of plant biomass that enters the rumen. Nonetheless, some representatives of key taxa from the core rumen microbiome cannot be found in culture collections, which is critical to validate phenotypic predictions from genomic and metagenomic data and obtain ecological insights about the interplay between individual microbial populations in the microbiome. Culturomic technologies and high-throughput identification and characterization of microbial species that colonize the rumen could contribute to building a unique biotechnological resource that can be explored for sourcing novel bioactive compounds with anti-methanogenic activity and developing fermentation products that could reduce rumen methanogenesis while improving the health status and productivity of cattle.
199 Effects of an Additional Injection of Iron Administered to Piglets on Hemoglobin Concentration, Growth Performance, and Carcass Characteristics Through Market Weight
Authors: Chevalier Tyler B , Lyons James W , Paczosa Duncan B , Rentfrow Gregg K , Lindemann Merlin D
Published: October 2023

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of an additional injection of iron dextran (Uniferon, Pharmacosmos Inc.) administered at d 6 to 8 of age. Crossbred pigs [n = 144; equal barrows and gilts; initial body weight (BW) = 2.86 ± 0.01 kg] from 21 litters were assigned to either the control (CON) or an added-injection treatment (+Fe). Pigs were paired by sex and BW within a litter and randomly assigned to the iron treatment within each pair. All pigs had received a 200 mg Fe intramuscular (IM) injection < 24 h after birth. All pigs were weaned at 22 to 24 days, housed 6 pigs/pen for a total of 12 pens/treatment, and received a common corn-soybean meal diet formulated to meet or exceed the NRC (2012) requirement estimates relative to BW until slaughter. Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded at least biweekly to determine average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (ADFI). Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were measured at birth, initiation of experiment (d 6 to 8), weaning, and at the end of the nursery and finisher periods. At the time of slaughter, 1 pig/pen (n = 12 pigs/treatment) was selected and slaughtered for carcass characteristic measures. Data were subjected to ANOVA by the GLM procedure of SAS; the individual pig served as the experimental unit for BW, Hb, ADG, and carcass characteristics whereas pen served as the experimental unit for ADFI, and gain/feed ratio data. The statistical model included sex, treatment, sex × treatment, and allotment pair for Hb and ADG. There were expected sex effects for ADG but no sex × treatment interactions for any response measures. The +Fe pigs had a greater Hb at weaning (13.1 vs. 10.7 g/dL, P < 0.0001) and end of the nursery (12.1 vs. 11.7 g/dL, P = 0.01) compared with CON pigs (Table 1). During the finisher period, +Fe pigs had a greater ADG (P = 0.05) compared with CON pigs. Overall, pigs receiving the added iron injection had an ~ 4% increase in ADG (P = 0.04) from weaning to slaughter. The cumulative improvement in ADG from weaning to slaughter observed for +Fe group resulted in +Fe pigs having a heavier BW at the end of the experiment (115.77 vs. 112.79 kg; P = 0.04). Following slaughter, +Fe pigs had ~ 2.5% heavier cold carcass weight (82.99 vs. 80.93 kg; P = 0.34) and trimmed loin (10.67 vs. 9.95 kg; P = 0.04) compared with the CON pigs. In conclusion, administering an additional iron injection resulted in greater Hb at weaning and the end of the nursery as well as improved growth performance from weaning to slaughter weight and increased carcass measures at slaughter.
198 Differential Gene Expression and Metabolic Pathway Comparisons of Liver and Duodenum from Suckling Piglets Given One or Two Iron Dextran Injections
Authors: Pierce James L , Lyons James W , Chevalier Tyler B , Paczosa Duncan B , Lindemann Merlin D
Published: October 2023

Six female littermate pairs were used in an experiment to evaluate the mRNA expression in tissues from piglets given one or two 1 mL injections of iron dextran (200 mg Fe/mL, Uniferon, Pharmacosmos Inc. Watchung, NJ). All pigs in the litter were administered the first 1 mL injection < 24 hours after birth and on d 7, pigs were paired by body weight (BW; 1.72 ± 0.13 kg) and one pig from each pair was randomly selected as control (CON) and the other received a second injection (+Fe). At weaning on d 22, each piglet was anesthetized, and samples of liver and duodenum were taken from the anesthetized piglets and placed in DNA/RNA Shield (Zymo, Irvine, CA) for preservation until mRNA extraction. RNA-Seq libraries were sequenced to a depth of at least 30 million read pairs (150 bp paired-end sequencing) per sample. Differential Gene Expression data were analyzed with GeneSpring (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA) with a fold-change (FC) of |1.2| P < 0.05 (Table 1). Pathway analysis was conducted with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA QIAGEN, Redwood City, CA) software with Z-score cutoff of P < 0.05. In the duodenum 435 genes were significantly changed with a FC ≥|1.2| P < 0.05. Most notably, Claudin 1 and Claudin 2 were inversely affected by the second dose of iron. Claudin 1 (CLDN1, FC = 4.48, P = 0.0423) is responsible for cell-to-cell adhesion in the epithelial cell sheets and serves as a barrier to prevent water and solutes from passing through the paracellular space. Claudin 2 (CLDN2, FC = -1.41, P = 0.0097) was down regulated because it is expressed in cation leaky epithelia. In the liver 362 genes were expressed with a FC ≥|1.2| P < 0.05. The gene most affected by a second dose of 200 mg Fe was HAMP (Hepcidin Antimicrobial Peptide) with an FC of 40.8. HAMP is a liver-produced hormone that is the main circulating regulator of Fe absorption and distribution across tissues. It also controls the major flows of Fe into plasma by promoting endocytosis and degradation of ferroportin (SLC4A1). This leads to the retention of Fe in Fe-exporting cells and decreased flow of Fe into plasma. Metabolic pathway changes in the duodenum and liver provide evidence for the improved feed conversion and growth rates in pigs given two iron injections pre-weaning. In the duodenum, there is a down regulation of gluconeogenesis (P < 0.05). Concurrently, there is a decrease in the production of urea in the liver (P < 0.05). These observations show that there is less need for gluconeogenesis, thus less urea production from deaminated amino acids. The genomic and pathway analyses provided empirical evidence linking gene expression with phenotypic observations of piglet health and growth improvements.
6 Sow Farm Costs and Hurdles to Execution
Authors: Wade Dave
Published: October 2023

How do we control costs that may be in our control? In sow farms, probably the single most important item to controlling cost is throughput. Maximizing the number of quality weaned pigs per mated female through management, genetics, health and nutrition. Feed cost per weaned pig is the single highest cost. Disciplined use of the sow caliper can put science behind the Body Condition Scores (BCS) and bring a control to the number of overweight sows. The next cost item is Labor. A necessary element to production that recently has come down to supply and demand. Local labor is nearly extinct. We are relying on the TN Visa program for our labor force. This program comes to us with a “huge” cost i.e. recruiting, legal fees, visa costs, travel, temporary living accommodations, etc. The third largest expense is sow replacements (gilts) and their cost to the system. Reduced death loss and increasing sow retention is key to minimizing replacement cost. The industry is now spending more time and energy understanding sow retention. Facility/rental costs can vary greatly. Some producers lump maintenance, depreciation, utilities, waste management, and carcass removal, under facility costs. However, it may be best to carve out M&R, carcass removal and utilities to a separate line item(s) for more focus. There are other cost items that still need attention, like Vet Related, Feed Medication, Farm Supplies, Management support, G&A, Transport, etc. The hurdle to execution is information and competition. Having financial and production report(s) that are easy to read/interpret and accountable to the farm staff, is essential to driving out cost. However, given the last couple of years during the pandemic, there is a cost that is almost impossible to manage/predict and that’s “inflation”.
37 Effects of Creep Feeding Duration on Rumen Fermentation Characteristics Using an Ex Vivo Model
Authors: Silver Jack T , Pugh Lindsey M , Meteer William T , McCann Joshua C , Shike Daniel W
Published: October 2023

The objective was to determine the effects of creep feeding duration on ruminal fermentation using an ex vivo model. Simmental × Angus, spring-born calves (n = 72) were stratified by age (83 ± 14 d) and body weight (BW) into 12 pens with 6 calves per pen. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: calves fed creep for 105 d (105dCF) or final 21 d (21dCF) before weaning. Cow-calf pairs were housed on concrete drylots with open-front buildings. Cows were limit-fed at maintenance a total mixed ration (TMR) that consisted of corn, grain coproducts, and corn stalks. Calves (n = 16) were utilized for ex vivo experiments. Experiment 1 was conducted on d 76, before the 21dCF calves having access to creep feed. Rumen fluid was collected from 8 calves per treatment via esophageal tubing and mixed with McDougall’s buffer (1:2 ratio). Each rumen fluid inoculum was combined with 2 substrates (cow TMR or creep feed) in a split-plot design and incubated for 24 h at 39°C. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. In Exp. 1, there was no creep feeding duration by substrate interaction (P ≥ 0.16) for 24-h pH, butyrate, acetate, or IVDMD. Molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were greater (P ≤ 0.001) for the 105dCF calves than for the 21dCF calves. There was a treatment by substrate interaction (P = 0.02) for total VFA. The 105dCF calves had greater total VFA than 21dCF calves with a greater magnitude of difference observed with TMR substrate. Calves on 105dCF had greater (P < 0.01) IVDMD than 21dCF calves regardless of substrate (64% and 59%, respectively). Experiment 2 was conducted on day 105 after all calves were abruptly weaned and transported 263 km to the feedlot. Procedures were similar to Exp. 1, except substrates included creep feed and feedlot receiving diet. In Exp. 2, no treatment by substrate interaction (P ≥ 0.13) was observed for 24-h pH, acetate, propionate, total VFA, or IVDMD. Although acetate was greater (P < 0.01) for the 105dCF calves, propionate was greater (P < 0.01) for the 21dCF calves. There was no treatment effect (P = 0.57) for total VFA; however, it was greater (P < 0.01) for the creep feed substrate than for the receiving diet substrate. In Exp. 2, IVDMD tended to be greater (P = 0.06) for 21dCF calves than 105dCF calves. In conclusion, results indicated creep feeding improved ruminal fermentation ex vivo, but even a short-term creep feeding duration of 21 d appears to be adequate in preparing rumen microbial community to degrade the receiving diet as there were fewer differences in rumen fermentation characteristics at feedlot arrival.
26 Effect of Steroidal Implants and Zinc Supplementation on Circulating Metabolites and Insulin Sensitivity in Feedlot Steers
Authors: Baumhover Allison M , Smerchek Dathan T , Rients Emma L , McLaughlin Amy M , Thornton-Kurth Kara J , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: October 2023

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the interaction of Zn and steroidal implants on circulating metabolites and insulin sensitivity in feedlot steers. Steers (n = 6 steers/pen) were stratified by BW in a 3 × 2 factorial design. Dietary treatments were fed for 60 days pre-implant, during this time cattle were transitioned from a roughage-based to a high concentrate diet. Dietary treatments (8 pens per treatment; Zn as ZnSO4) included: 1) no supplemental Zn (analyzed 54 mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM (Zn100). Within Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment on d 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200 mg TBA, 20 mg E2; TE200). Blood was collected from all steers on d 0, 20, 40, and 84 for analysis of serum glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and urea-N (SUN) in a subset of steers (n = 12 steers/treatment). Glucose, NEFA, and insulin concentrations were used to determine revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI) which was calculated as: RQUICKI = 1/[log(Glucose) + log(Insulin) + log(NEFA)]. Data were analyzed as repeated measures in Proc Mixed of SAS. A tendency for a Zn x day effect on serum insulin (Zn × day; P = 0.07) showed no difference between Zn treatments on d 0, 20, or 40 but on d 84 Zn100 was greater than Zn30 while Zn0 was intermediate. An implant × day effect (P = 0.02) for serum insulin was driven by a 45% increase from d 0 to 20 in NO while TE200 cattle did not change in that time. Serum insulin increased with days on feed (P = 0.01). Day 0 serum glucose concentration was greatest in Zn0 and Zn 100; however, on days 40 and 84, Zn100 had greater serum glucose concentration compared with Zn0 while Zn30 was intermediate (Zn × day; P = 0.07). Overall, serum glucose was unchanged over time until a decrease from day 40 to 84 (P = 0.01). A three-way interaction was noted for serum NEFA (Zn × implant × day; P = 0.04) driven by variation in serum NFEA concentration at d 0. Serum urea-N differed by day (P = 0.01) but was otherwise unaffected (P ≥ 0.16). RQUICK1 was greater for TE200 (P = 0.03) cattle on d 40 compared with NO cattle, indicating implanted cattle were more insulin sensitive. RQUICKI index value decreased with days on feed (P = 0.01) indicating lesser insulin sensitivity over time. These data indicate implants influence insulin sensitivity of late-stage finishing cattle and Zn and implants influence circulating metabolites indicative of energetic state.
PSIII-3 Correlations Between Body Surface and Rectal Temperature of Newly Weaned Sows
Authors: Willard Naomi C , Moest Nicole K , Vande Pol Katherine D , Shull Caleb M , Pimpinella Rich , Grein Christoph , Ellis Mike
Published: October 2023

There is interest in using body temperature changes in sows as an indicator of the onset of estrus. However, the optimum location to measure body temperature has not been established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between sow body surface temperature (SBST) measured at various locations and rectal temperature. The study involved 98 multiparous sows weaned in 6 groups between September and November. Sows were housed in individual stalls and were checked daily for standing reflex from day 3 to 7 post-weaning. Temperature measurements were taken daily for 10 days post-weaning [at 06:15 (feeding time), 07:00, 07:30 (heat checking time), 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, and 23:00]. Surface temperature was measured using a handheld thermal camera at 4 locations: outer ear, back of the head, vulva, and ham. Rectal temperature was measured using a clinical thermometer. The ambient temperature in the room was measured at the same times as the animal measurements were taken. The PROC CORR procedure of SAS was used to determine correlations between SBST, rectal temperature, and average room temperature at the time of each measurement (RMT). All correlations between SBST at the different measurement locations were strong and positive (P < 0.0001; Table 1) with r values ranging from 0.64 (between vulva and the outer ear) to 0.89 (between vulva and ham). However, correlations between SBST and rectal temperature were relatively weak (range r = 0.14 to 0.18; P < 0.0001). Rectal temperature was not correlated with RMT (r = 0.02; P = 0.12); correlations between RMT and SBST measurements were positive, with the strongest correlations being with the outer ear and the back of the head (r = 0.45 and 0.50, respectively; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, this study suggests strong relationships between body surface temperatures at different locations but relatively weak relationships between these measurements and rectal temperature. In addition, these results suggest room temperature has a greater influence on body surface temperature than on rectal temperature.
PSIII-1 Preference Testing of Three Materials on Sows Prior to Farrowing
Authors: Underwood Lauren L , Patel Anjali , Garcia Arlene , Anderson Nichole C
Published: October 2023

Enrichment increases the ability of a sow to express innate behavior in a barren environment and can reduce aggressive behaviors, stress, and promote animal welfare. The objective of this study was to determine sow interaction with different types of enrichment materials provided before farrowing. A total of 11 sows were randomly assigned an enrichment combination of cardboard, paper, and banana leaves. Sows received two enrichment types, then enrichment was switched for the following day, until all combinations were completed. The enrichment material hung from 2x4 wood using ropes that hung the enrichment and chains placed in the ceiling of the farrowing room that held the 2x4 above the pen of each sow. Therefore, enrichment was placed within the nose reach of each sow. Enrichment material (113 g) was placed in the pens at 0700 h and left for 24 h each day before changing with another enrichment combination. Any enrichment material remaining was weighed. Final weight varied by treatment (P = 0.01), with sows consuming the least of cardboard (24.9 ± 10.0 g) and having an equal preference for banana leaves and paper (74.1 ± 10.0 g and 50.1 ± 11.3 g, respectively). Scan sampling was utilized to measure the frequency of interaction with the enrichments. The scans were designed with the first hour recording every minute a sow interacted with enrichment and the following 3 hours recording every 10 minutes. Continuous observation for the first hour of placement was performed for count data. Each time the sow made contact with the enrichment with her nose, the observation was recorded. The results of the behavior observation suggested that time in contact with enrichment did not differ (P > 0.05), nor did the number of times the pig-initiated contact with enrichment (P > 0.05). In conclusion, sow preference showed that bananas and papers were preferred over cardboard. However, sows will engage with any enrichment material provided before farrowing. Future research should be done to see if any environmental factors play a role in sow’s preference.
PSII-4 Effects of Rye or Triticale with or without Crimson Clover on Forage Yield and Quality, and Gestating Beef Female Performance
Authors: Ewing Kylie P , Shike Daniel W
Published: October 2023

The objective was to evaluate the effects of rye or triticale with or without crimson clover on forage yield and quality, and gestating beef female performance. In experiment 1, four cover crop treatments (trt) were randomly assigned to plot (0.49 ha/plot; 6 plots/trt) in a 2×2 factorial design. Treatments included cereal rye or triticale with or without crimson clover. Plots were seeded mid-September (rye or triticale: 101 kg/ha; crimson clover inclusion: 84 kg/ha cereal and 9 kg/ha legume). Treatments were mechanically harvested for haylage at the end of May. Plot yield was determined by total forage mass collection. Prior to ensiling, samples (12/plot) were composited within plot to evaluate forage quality. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Forage yield was greater (P < 0.01) with inclusion of crimson clover than without (3,208 vs. 2,654 kg/ha, respectively). Forage yield was not different (P = 0.17) between cereal type. Crimson clover inclusion reduced dry matter (P < 0.01). Between cereal types, rye had greater (P < 0.01) DM than triticale. Crimson clover inclusion increased CP (P < 0.01; 9.6% vs 8.6%, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were greater (P < 0.01) in rye compared with triticale. In experiment 2, spring-calving cows and heifers (n = 105; BW = 633 ± 100 kg; gestation = 198 ± 17 days) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment diets in a 42-day feeding trial to determine feed value of cover crops. Four diets were based on cover crops (60% inclusion) from experiment one with an additional control diet (CON; 85% alfalfa hay and 15% modified wet distillers grains). All treatments were limit fed (11.3 BW∙animal-1∙d-1/). Body weights (BW) and body condition scores (BCS) were assessed at trial initiation and conclusion. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Female final BW and BW change were greater (P < 0.01) in cover crop treatments compared with CON. Body weight change did not differ (P ≥ 0.21) between cereal type or with inclusion of crimson clover. Initial BCS was not different (P ≥ 0.47); however, final BCS was greater (P < 0.01) in cover crop treatments compared with CON. Crimson clover inclusion increased (P = 0.02) BCS change. In summary, inclusion of crimson clover increased forage yield, CP, and female BCS. Although rye cover crops had decreased quality prior to ensiling, there were no differences in cow performance compared with triticale. Substituting cover crops for alfalfa hay resulted in increased cow BW and BCS, suggesting the cover crops evaluated have greater feed value than alfalfa hay.
PSII-11 Supplementation of Non-Protein Nitrogen to a Nitrogen-Deficient Diet Increases Lysine Requirement for Nitrogen-Retention
Authors: Buchinski Miranda , Camire Carley M , Panisson Josiane C , Shoveller Anna K , Columbus Daniel A
Published: October 2023

Low protein (LP) diets have improved nutrient utilization while maintaining animal performance. Regardless, these diets may be limiting in nitrogen (N) content to meet non-essential amino acid (NEAA) requirements, potentially altering essential amino acid (EAA) utilization and requirements. Inclusion of a non-protein nitrogen (NPN) may be beneficial for improving utilization of EAA in LP diets. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of NPN in an N-deficient diet, as indicated by EAA-N:total N ratio (EAA-N:TN) on the Lys requirement for nitrogen retention (NR). A total of 90 growing barrows (initial BW of 20.4 ± 0.46 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 10 dietary treatments (n = 9 pigs/treatment) in 9 blocks in a 2 × 5 factorial design. Diets contained no ammonium phosphate (NAP; EAA-N:TN of 0.56) or were supplemented with 1.7% ammonium phosphate (AP; EAA-N:TN of 0.50) with graded levels of dietary lysine [Lys; 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1% and 1.2% standardized ileal digestible (SID)]. Diets were corn and soybean meal-based and formulated to meet or exceed nutrient requirements according to NRC (2012). Diets were fed at 2.8 × maintenance metabolizable energy requirements in two equal meals per day. A 4-d nitrogen balance collection period was conducted following a 7-d dietary adaptation period. Urine was collected quantitatively, and fresh fecal samples were obtained daily. Nitrogen retention was determined as the difference between N intake and output (fecal and urinary). Linear breakpoint modeling with PROC NLIN was used to estimate Lys requirement. Nitrogen retention was optimized at 1.00% SID Lys (15.6 g/d NR; R2 = 0.68) in pigs fed NAP diets and 1.09% SID Lys (16.4 g/d NR; R2 = 0.61) in pigs fed AP diets. Overall, deficient dietary N reduced NR and Lys requirement, which were increased with NPN supplementation.
PSIII-17 Evaluation of Cheese co-Products in Comparison with Specialty Proteins on Growth Performance of Weaned Pigs
Authors: Hung Yuan-Tai , Fruge Emily , Reznik Gary , Droegmiller Jon , Lutz Trevor
Published: October 2023

Plant protein, animal protein, and milk protein are common protein sources in nursery diets. To ensure growth performance of pigs and profitability of feeding programs, specialty protein ingredients are strategically selected by nutritionists primarily based on energy value, digestible amino acid (AA) content, nutrient variability, and cost. Indeed, standardized ileal digestibility of AA and metabolizable energy are greater in cheese co-products than fishmeal or enzymatic-treated soybean meal (ESBM). Therefore, two experiments were conducted to determine if replacing specialty protein sources with a novel cheese co-product in nursery diets could improve growth variables and profitability. In experiment 1, a total of 540 pigs (PIC 800 x Camborough; 7.1 kg) were blocked by body weight and allotted to 3 treatments, 10 replicates per treatment, and 18 pigs per pen. The three dietary treatments were a control diet containing ESBM and microbial biomass (MB) or 5% of cheese co-product from manufacturer A or B added to the basal diet with replacement of ESBM and MB. In experiment 2, a total of 1,080 pigs (PIC 800 x Fast 276; 6.7 kg) were blocked by body weight and allotted to 4 treatments, 15 replicates per treatment, and 18 pigs per pen. The four treatments were a control diet with ESBM and MB, control with 5% of cheese co-product by replacing ESBM; control with 0.5% of functional protein; control with 4% of bovine plasma. All experimental diets were formulated on an equal SID Lys basis and a common diet was provided after approximately 3 weeks post-weaning. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with treatment as a fixed effect and block as a random effect. Results from experiment 1 showed that pigs fed cheese co-products regardless of the source had greater ADG (P < 0.05) by 4.4% than those fed control. Results from experiment 2 showed that pigs fed cheese co-product had greater (P < 0.05) intake in week 2 and week 3, which resulted in an overall increase in feed intake by 7.5% compared with those fed functional protein. However, there were no difference in overall gain, ADG, and feed efficiency during the entire 40-day study. Economic assessment showed that pigs fed cheese co-products had better income over feed cost than control in experiment 1 and had an equivalent income over feed cost compared with control in experiment 2. These results suggest that the novel cheese co-products can effectively substitute for ESBM and other specialty proteins in nursery diets and provide some flexibility to substitute expensive protein sources without jeopardizing growth and profitability.
PSIII-9 Effects of a Specialty Energy Source on Growth Performance and Fecal Microbiota in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Wang Tingting , Tsai Tsungcheng Cheng , Maxwell Charles V , Frank Jason
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a specialty energy source, which comprises of 28% fat and 55% corn-syrup solids (Solu-E; International Ingredient Corporation, Fenton, MO) on growth performance and fecal microbiota population of nursery pigs. Two hundred and eighty-eight (initial body weight = 5.91 kg) mixed gender pigs were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with body weight as a blocking factor. There were 12 replicate pens per treatment with 6 pigs per pen. Experimental diets were fed in the first 2 phases (d 0 to 21) in pellet form followed by a common phase 3 (d 21 to 42) diet in mash form. Four levels of Solu-E (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%) were used to formulate 4 dietary treatments for phase 1 (d 0 to 7) and phase 2 (d 7 to 21) at the expense of poultry fat and corn to be isocaloric. There was no difference in average daily feed intake among four treatments during this experiment (Table 1). Average daily gain (ADG) in phase 1 linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion level of Solu-E in experimental diets (from 0.092 to 0.113 kg/d). Pigs fed diets with 8% Solu-E had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and feed efficiency compared with 4% and 12% Solu-E in phase 2, but no difference from 0% Solu-E. Pigs fed diets with 8% Solu-E had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and feed efficiency compared with 0%, 4%, and 12% Solu-E from d 0 to 21, which is consistent with the heavier (P < 0.05) body weight after 21 days of feeding 8% Solu-E diets than other diets. Real-time PCR assay for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella spp., and Lawsonia intracellularis were performed on pooled fecal samples from each treatment collected on d 7. The effect of Solu-E on fecal microbiota was not observed in this study as the PCR assay results were negative for all four treatments. In summary, 8% Solu-E can be used as an excellent energy source to enhance growth performance in the first three weeks of nursery.
PSV-20 Evaluation of Dietary Fiber Inclusion on Semen Production and Semen Characteristics in Mature AI Boars
Authors: Scaff Taw , Richert Brian T , Stewart Kara R , Denton Alicia N , Hedrick Hailey M
Published: October 2023

This experiment was conducted at Purdue University swine research and education center. The objective of this study was to determine if the inclusion of fiber (8.48% vs 14.85% NDF) in the diet of boars influenced semen characteristics, concentration, motility, and morphology. Twenty-seven boars from two age groups (7 months and 18 months) and two genetic lines (maternal and terminal) were utilized in this study over a 12-week period with one week before the study data serving as a baseline for statistical analysis. Boars were blocked by age and breed and randomly allotted to receive 2.72 kg/d of corn-soybean meal diet (CON, n=13) formulated to meet NRC (2012) requirements or an isocaloric (estimated ME = 3,285 Kcal/kg) corn-soybean meal diet with 14.3% soyhulls and supplemental choice white grease (4.65%) inclusions (FIBER, n = 14). Semen was collected once per week per boar using the gloved hand method. While at the farm 3 mL of semen was mixed with 27 mL of extender (Androhep Plus, Minitube) to make a 1:10 dilution. The semen was then driven approximately 19 km to Purdue University where concentration (Nucleocounter SP-100), motility (Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis, CASA, CEROS II), and sperm cell morphology were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC), with the main effects of diet, age, and breed with week as a repeated measure. Significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a trend was observed at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Fiber in the diet did not affect any semen characteristics throughout the study. However, the percent morphologically normal sperm was greater in young boars compared with the older boars (80.6% vs 74.1%, P = 0.0143) resulting from fewer head/tail abnormalities (1.8% vs 2.4%, P = 0.0249) and distal droplets (7.2% vs 9.6%, P = 0.0508). Maternal boars had fewer proximal droplets (6.9% vs 9.9%, P = 0.0325) and tended to have fewer head/tail abnormalities (1.8% vs 2.3%, P = 0.0800). Terminal boars tended to have fewer distal midpiece reflex abnormalities than maternal boars (3.3% vs 4.8%, P = 0.0948). Overall feeding boars a high fiber diet had no effect on semen characteristics; however there were effects of age and breed of boar on semen characteristics. Future research is needed with varying levels and types of fiber inclusion in the diet along with differing ages and breeds of boars to better understand how fiber may impact semen characteristics.