bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5 Nutritive value and fermentation characteristics of cool-season annual baleage
Authors: Shoup Sarah L , Dillard Sandra L , Mullenix Mary K , Muntifering Russ B
Published: July 2019

Baleage production is gaining popularity in the Southeast due to the ability for more timely harvests and more consistent forage quality compared with hay. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of cool-season mixtures for baleage production. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) with T-Raptor (Brassica rapa × napus; WT) or crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum; WC) were planted at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter, AL, as a 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 3). Forage was treated or un-treated with silage inoculant to determine its efficacy in promoting proper fermentation. Samples were taken at 7 different time intervals to determine fermentation characteristics and quality. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.15) in ADF concentration among treatments, but day 120 after ensiling was greater (P ≤ 0.002) than all other sampling dates. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.11) in NDF between forages, silage inoculants, or among days and averaged 50.75 %. The CP of the WC treatment was greater (P ≤ 0.0001) than WT by 3.6 units. Inoculated forage was greater (P ≤ 0.0001) than non-inoculated by 1.06 units. Crude protein was greater (P = 0.005) on day 120 than day 0. Inoculated WT had greater (P < 0.0001) total acid content than non-inoculated (8.35 vs. 6.19 %, respectively). Wheat+clover had 1.5 units more total acid than WT. Inoculated forage had greater (P ≤ 0.0006) total acid present than non-inoculated forage. Butyric acid concentration increased (P ≤ 0.0001) with increasing days after ensiling. Butyric acid tended to be greater (P = 0.05) in WC than WT, likely due to increased pH in clover treatments as a result of legume buffering capacity. The results indicate that silage inoculants offer minimal benefits to baleage fermentation when using cool-season annual mixtures
2 Vegetation characteristics and diurnal periods influenced the landscape-use pattern of goats and sheep in woodlands
Authors: Bhattrai Shailes , Karki Uma , Poudel Sanjok
Published: July 2019

Woodlands dominates the landcover in the Southeast and offer great opportunities for expanding small-ruminant grazing. However, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimizes the utilization of such vegetation. Managing the understory shrubs and non-target trees to lower heights may increase animals’ access to woodland vegetation and alter the landscape-use patterns of animals. The study objective was to determine the effect of vegetation height on the behavior and distribution of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams in woodlands. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4-ha each) containing southern pine and hardwood trees and numerous understory vegetation. The non-pine species were either cut to one of the heights from the ground level (0 m, 0.91 m, 1.52 m) or left uncut (control). Once the cut vegetation grew back and attained the full canopy, Kiko wethers (8, 48–50 months old, 72.8 ± 2.29 kg live weight) and Katahdin rams (5, 29–32 months old, 95.5 ± 4.31 kg live weight) were rotationally stocked in separate plots (3 plots each species), and their diurnal (dawn-dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns monitored when they were in each plot during the summer of 2018. Data were analyzed in Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test in R. Both wethers and rams visited the control treatment the least, rams grazed mostly in areas with short vegetation (0 m), and wethers visited more to areas with higher vegetation (1.52 m) than rams for feeding (P < 0.001), which was predominant during the post-midday period (3:00-dusk) (P < 0.0001). Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was the dominant diurnal behavior of both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), and predominant during the midday period (11 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) (P < 0.05). Vegetation heights and diurnal period highly influenced animals’ behavior.
20 Polyclonal antibody preparations from avian origin improves growth performance of beef cattle during the first fourteen days of the backgrounding phase
Authors: da Silva Gleise Medeiros , Podversich Federico , Schulmeister Tessa , Luna Ana C G , Barreneche Gonzalo , DiLorenzo Nicolas
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding avian-derived polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP; CAMAS, Inc.) against Streptococcus bovis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and lipopolysaccharides (40, 35, and 25% of the preparation, respectively) on growth performance of beef cattle during the backgrounding phase. From d 0 to 56, Angus crossbreed heifers (n = 80; 360 ± 60 kg of BW; 470 ± 26 d of age) and steers (n = 20; 386 ± 65 kg of BW; 465 ± 30 d of age) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 16 concrete-floored pens (108 m2), equipped with 2 GrowSafe (GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Airdrie, Alberta, Canada) feed bunks each. Animals received a common ad libitum diet (76% TDN, 15.9% CP, DM basis) with the addition of 1 (PAP1), 3 (PAP3), or 0 g (CON) of PAP per d. Feed intake was recorded daily and BW were obtained on d -1, 0, 14, 28, 42, 55, and 56, to assess changes in BW, ADG, DMI, and G:F. Based upon orthogonal contrasts (CON vs. PAP1, and PAP1 vs. PAP3), BW and ADG on d 14, and DMI from 0 to 28, and 0 to 42 were greater for PAP1 vs. CON (P ≤ 0.03), whereas PAP3 animals were intermediate (P ≥ 0.20). No differences in final BW, DMI, and ADG from d 0 to 56 were detected among treatments (P ≥ 0.22). In conclusion, feeding 1g of polyclonal antibody preparations against Streptococcus bovis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and lipopolysaccharides in a backgrounding diet, improved growth performance in the first 14 d of feeding suggesting that feeding these PAP for longer than 14 d may not be necessary. The effects on subsequent feedlot performance when using PAP should be evaluated in future studies
30 Genotypic effects of a Dopamine receptor type-2 SNP on growth and semen quality in beef bulls exposed to a dopamine agonist
Authors: DeCarlo Andrea N , Jennings Kaysie , Pratt Scott , Burnett Callie , Long Nathan , Bridges William , Kojima Cheryl
Published: July 2019

Ergot alkaloids (EA) share similar structural properties to neurotransmitters and are able to elicit physiological responses in cattle that consume them by binding receptors such as the Dopamine type-2 receptor (DRD2). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in DRD2, previously found to be correlated to prolactin (PRL) serum concentrations was evaluated for impact on growth traits and semen quality parameters. Yearling beef bulls were allowed to graze a diet containing (E+) (n = 41) or lacking EA (E-) (n = 43) over a four-year study. Blood samples and semen were collected every 21 or 28 d. Semen motility, morphology, body condition score (BCS) and scrotal circumference (SC) were recorded. Prolactin (PRL) serum concentrations were assessed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Bulls were sacrificed from the first year at the end of a 126-day period or 60 days after removal of treatment. Testicles and epididymis were collected and immunohistochemistry was performed on testis, epididymis, and sperm cells. Tissues and cells were incubated in the presence or absence of primary antibody against DRD2 with a DAPI counterstain. Isolation of DNA was performed on sperm pellets from semen collected using DNAzol (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Amplification of the DRD2 SNP region was performed by PCR and resulting products were assessed for genotype through restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. These data show the presence of DRD2 in the testis, epididymis, and sperm cells; however, semen quality and growth traits did not differ across DRD2 genotype or treatment. Body condition (P = 0.0009), SC (P = 0.0053), and semen velocity (P = 0.0398) differed across period. As expected, consumption of EA resulted in decreased prolactin serum concentrations (P = 0.0240)
83 Tenderness and cooking loss of beef loins
Authors: Coombs Robin G , Richardon C R
Published: July 2019

The focus of this study involved measuring two variables of meat quality: tenderness and cooking loss. Experiments were conducted on a premium cut of meat – the loin. The loin contains the Longissimus muscle, with pieces of the Iliocostalis and Spinalis dorsi muscles. The Longissimus muscle was cored for tenderness. Two sources of loins were evaluated: Akaushi breed, and from a commercial grocery store. Meat used consisted of Akaushi loins from 6 different animals (prime grade) and one select grade loin (control). The protocol involved dividing each loin into 6 (907-1134g) roasts, cooking at 104.40 C (to internal temperature of 73.90 C), measuring by weight the cooking loss of the roasts after a 30-minute resting period, and determining tenderness by Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) (after overnight storage in a cooler). Cores were taken at 6 different locations of the roast, over the same regional area for WBSF determinations. The WBSF coring instrument used was provided. Tenderness of each loin was measured in 36 cores (n = 36). In overall tenderness, the control loin ranked third out of the seven loins and had the least amount of cooking loss. No differences were found in tenderness (P > 0.05). However, a difference was found in average cooking loss 181.44g ± 0.03 (control); 254.01g ± 0.03 (Akaushi) (P < 0.05). When observing tenderness consistency, the control loin had a somewhat larger standard deviation (1.38 vs 0.756) than the Akaushi loins.Loins used in this study showed variation in cooking loss, tenderness, and consistency between a commercial grocery store source and the Akaushi beef source. These data indicates that quality attributes of beef loins used in this study may be different in ways not related to grade.
82 Electrical conductivity and cooking loss of beef loins and ground beef
Authors: Richardon C R , Martinez Sarah
Published: July 2019

Electrical conductivity and cooking loss of beef loins and ground beef. S. P. Martinez, C. R. Richardson, T. Jin, and C. S. Mesquita, Texas State University, San Marcos. Appraisal of beef tenderness and overall quality assessment by consumers may be variable. In this study, two sources of beef loins and ground beef were used to determine if electrical conductivity measurements (ECM) are correlated with tenderness and cooking loss. Source 1 (S-1) was Choice grade loins and 80:20 ground beef, and Source 2 (S-2) was Prime grade loins and 80:20 ground beef. Steaks were cooked at 93°C in a smoker without humidity or smoke to an internal temperature of 71°C. Warner-Bratzler shear force values (WBSF) were determined on steaks. Samples of both raw and cooked loins (n = 48), and ground beef (n = 80) were emulsified for ECM. Procedures used for ECM were developed in our lab and consisted of using emulsified samples enclosed in a silicon vessel and concealed in a plastic bowl with a lid and a hole in two sides, for connecting embedded copper electrodes to a digital multimeter. ECM was measured in microsiemens (µS) over 60 s periods with a sampling rate of two per s. Cooking loss was measured after cooking to 71°C in George Foreman grills. The surface area of ground beef patties was determined using the equation SAcylinder=2πr2 + 2πr2h. Data analyses used were Pearson correlations, regression, and paired t-tests. Results show raw loin steaks from S-2 had higher ECM than S-1, 8.45, and 3.12 µS, respectfully (PPP > 0.05). Raw and cooked ECM values were significantly correlated.
93 Comparison of physiological responses to exercise in horses on a conditioning regimen versus inactive horses receiving a yucca and fenugreek dietary supplement
Authors: Miller Rachel , Bedore Jessica Suagee , Thompson Kelsey , McFarland Lynsey , Thomson Timber , Stutts Kyle , Anderson Mark , Wagner Ashley , Girard Ivan
Published: July 2019

Yucca and fenugreek are purported to reduce inflammation and improve metabolic response to exercise. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of a dietary supplement (DigestaWell NRG) in unconditioned horses completing an exercise challenge test. In this study, 10 unfit horses were assigned to receive exercise (EXC; n = 5) or the dietary supplement (SUP; n = 5). Horses assigned to EXC were ridden daily at a walk, trot, and canter. Horses assigned to SUP were ridden once per week at a walk and slow trot, but received no other exercise. Horses underwent a 14-min standardized exercise test (5 min walk, 5 min trot, 4 min canter) prior to (Period1) and after a 4-wk treatment period (Period2). Heart rate, respiration rate, blood lactate concentrations, and thermal images of six muscle groups were obtained prior to, immediately after, and 2 hr post-test. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. During Period1, similar (P > 0.05) post-exercise increases in heart rate, respiration rate, blood lactate, and thermal images were observed regardless of treatment group. During Period2, SUP horses had lower (P < 0.001) lactate concentrations than EXC horses at 2 hr post exercise, and it is possible that these lower concentrations are responsible for lower peripheral temperatures. Infrequently exercised horses may benefit from yucca and fenugreek supplementation due to the observed effect of these herbs to reduce post-exercise lactate concentrations and peripheral temperatures.
100 Effects of bismuth subsalicylate and calcium- ammonium nitrate on in vitro fermentation of a high-concentrate substrate
Authors: Mejia-Turcios Sebastian E , Stotz Miranda K , Osorio Andrea M , Urso Philip M , Jennings Thomas G , Espinoza Nadira , Kondratovich Lucas , Carvalho Luis F , Sandes Michael D , Sarturi Jhones O , DiLorenzo Nicolas , Crossland Whitney , Henry Darren D
Published: July 2019

An experiment was performed to determine the effects of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) and calcium-ammonium nitrate (CAN) on in vitro fermentation of a high-concentrate (87% concentrate, DM basis) substrate. Serum bottles containing 20 mL of a 2:1 buffer:ruminal fluid inoculum and 0.2 g of substrate were incubated for 24 h. Four ruminally cannulated steers (BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were used as ruminal fluid donors and each donor was considered a block. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with the following factors: BSS (0 or 0.33%, DM basis) and CAN (0 or 2.22%, DM basis). Treatments were made isonitrogenous with urea. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was determined in separate 100-mL centrifuge tubes. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effect of BSS, CAN, BSS × CAN, and the random effect of donor. An interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for total gas production (TGP). When CAN was included, without BSS, TGP was increased (P < 0.01); however, the combination of CAN with BSS did not affect (P = 0.85) TGP when compared to the combination of urea and BSS. Ammonia-N tended (P = 0.10) to increase when CAN was used as N source rather than urea. In vitro OM digestibility (P > 0.23) and final pH (P > 0.66) of in vitro ruminal fermentation were not affected by treatments. A tendency (P = 0.06) for an interaction regarding the production of H2S was observed; however, there were no treatment mean differences (P > 0.28). The combination of CAN and BSS did not negatively affect in vitro fermentation parameters such as OM digestion and gas production; however, a reduction in H2S with the combination of BSS and CAN may indicate potential benefits of such feeding strategies for feedlot cattle.
101 Effects of two sward heights on forage nutritive value, rumen digestion, and grazing behavior of steers grazing non-endophyte infected tall fescue pastures
Authors: Diaz Jose M , Philipp Dirk , Coffey Ken , Beck Paul A , Hansen Christopher , Niyigena Valens , Rhein Robert
Published: July 2019

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of two different sward heights on diet composition, rumen fermentation, and behavior of steers grazing E- tall fescue pastures. Steers (n = 4; BW = 400kg) were randomly assigned for 5 d to long (LSR) or short (SSR) sward paddocks in a cross-over design with two periods. Sward heights were 12.7±1.45cm for LSR, 11.1±0.75cm for SSR period 1 and 11.6±0.60cm for LSR and 10.2±0.70cm for SSR period 2. Forage grab samples were obtained immediately prior to the start of grazing to estimate nutritive value. Animal diet selection was determined via rumen sampling following complete rumen evacuation on d 4 after animals grazed for 20 to 30 min. Rumen fluid was collected on d 3 every 2 h from 0700 to 1900h to estimate Ammonia, VFA, and pH. During d 1 and d 2 of each period, visual observations of grazing behavior were made every hour for 10 min for each animal to record grazing, idling, lying, and ruminating time. Forage nutritive value did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). No treatment differences were observed for diet selection (P > 0.05); masticate samples following evacuation resulted in 56% NDF, 23% ADF, and 26% CP. There was no treatment×time interaction (P > 0.05) and no treatment differences (P > 0.05) for ammonia (29.9 mM/L), VFA (49.8 mM/L), or pH (6.7) based on rumen fluid sampling on d 3. No differences (P > 0.05) in grazing behavior between treatments were observed. Average time spent grazing were 8.35 min/10 min of observation between 0700 and 0900h. Bite rates did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments (40 bites/min) during same time periods. Results suggested that variability of grazing behavior is high among animals and further research is needed to detect differences based on forage sward heights
146 Evaluation of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on stockpiled bermudagrass
Authors: Griffin Megan E , Mullenix Mary K , Held D W , Muntifering Russ B , Dillard Sandra L
Published: July 2019

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are non-pathogenic, soil-inhabiting, beneficial bacteria that colonize the roots of plants. Some PGPR strains are reported to increase nutrient uptake and fix atmospheric N, which suggests that biofertilization with PGPR may provide an alternative to N fertilization for forage production. In mid-August 2017, a study was initiated to evaluate PGPR as an alternative form of N fertilization for fall-stockpiled bermudagrass. Eighteen 1-m2plots were mowed to a 2.5-cm stubble height prior to stockpiling. Two strains of PGPR (Blend 20 and DH44) were selected for evaluation based on performance in greenhouse trials. Treatments included: control, fertilizer, DH44, DH44+fertilizer, Blend 20, and Blend 20+fertilizer (n = 3).Two applications of PGPR were applied at the beginning of the stockpiling season and 30 d later. Ammonium sulfate was applied at 56 kg/ha during the first PGPR application. Plots were clipped to a height of 2.5 cm in mid-November, December, and January to determine yield and nutritive value. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) as a completely randomized design.Yield was greater (P ≤ 0.007) for Blend 20+fertilizer, DH44, and Blend 20 (695, 673, and 664 kg DM/ha, respectively) than the control (598 kg DM/ha). Forage DM yield differed among harvest dates, with Blend 20+Fertilizer having the highest yield in January (835 kg DM/ha). Blend 20+fertilizer, control, and fertilizer treatments had the greatest effect on CP concentration (9.1, 9.5, and 10.1%, respectively). Concentrations of NDF and ADF were greatest (P ≤ 0.01) for Blend 20, Blend 20+fertilizer, DH44, and fertilizer. Percentage IVTD decreased with the later harvests (46.1, 33.8, and 39.0% in November, December, and January, respectively); however, CP was unchanged across all harvests (P3 0.12). Overall, PGPR increased DM yield of stockpiled bermudagrass while maintaining forage nutritive value similar to commercial fertilizer.
148 The influence of kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) age on in situ rumen degradation
Authors: Gulizia Joseph , Downs Kevin , Cui Song
Published: July 2019

Early and late season kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) leaves were collected to analyze dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in situ rumen disappearance to assess kudzu quality. Four studies were conducted during different growing seasons [2 repeated early season (ES); 2 repeated late season (LS) to determine age variability effects. Kudzu collected from 7 middle Tennessee counties were incubated in the rumen for designated lengths of time (0.25, 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h) to determine total rumen degradation (%) and rate of disappearance (% / h). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with repeated measures. Regression analysis was used to determine degradation rate. Overall season effects (across incubation times) for dry matter disappearance (DMD) were significantly different (P < 0.0001). Significant season by incubation time interactions were exhibited for total DMD at 12 (P < 0.0001), 24 (P = 0.0004), 36 (P = 0.0055), 48 (P = 0.0209), and 72 h (P = 0.0384) incubation, with an average rumen degradability of ES kudzu being 9.75% higher than LS between 12 and 72 h. Slope regression between 1 and 24 h determined a rumen degradation rate of 2.41% / h across both seasons, with no significant seasonal difference (P = 0.3396). These results are indicative that ES kudzu is more highly rumen degradable than LS, as evidenced by the significant season by incubation time interactions between 12 and 72 h of incubation. Although there are significant seasonal effects on kudzu DMD during certain incubation times, DMD overall for ES and LS is still indicative of high rumen degradability with an average of 81.45% at 72 h across both seasons. Season effects were minimal for NDF, ADF, and CP rumen disappearance.
149 Interaction of dietary protein and endophyte- infected Tall Fescue seed in stocker steers on finishing phase performance and carcass traits
Authors: Davis Matthew E , Poole Rebecca K , Poore Matthew H , Poole Daniel H , Pickworth Carrie L
Published: July 2019

Fescue toxicosis is a multifaceted disease that negatively impacts cattle. It was hypothesized that exposure to endophyte-infected fescue during the stocker phase affects finishing phase growth and carcass characteristics. Eight-month-old steers were sorted by weight and randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments for 56 days in confinement: endophyte-free seed (0 ug/ kg ergovaline) with either 18% (EF-18; n = 9) or 14% dietary protein (EF-14; n = 9) and endophyte-infected seed (500 ug/kg ergovaline) with 18% (EI-18; n = 9) or 14% dietary protein (EI-14; n = 9). Following fescue exposure calves were backgrounded on novel endophyte fescue pastures for 8 mo. At 18 mo, all steers were vaccinated, implanted, and reentered the feedlot for a 112 d growing phase and 52 d finishing phase. Body weight was recorded every 28 d and carcass data was collected at slaughter. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS for effects of BW, ADG, dressing percentage (DP), HCW, backfat, ribeye area (REA), KPH, USDA Yield grade (YG), and USDA Quality grade (QG). Statistical significance was determined at P > 0.05) HCW, BW, backfat, REA, DP, or QG. TheEI-14 had a greater ADG (1.69 kg/d) during the feedlot growing phase compared to the other treatment groups (1.53, 1.47, 1.55 for EI-18, EF-14, EF-18, respectively; P > 0.05). Steers stockered on 18% dietary protein had greater BW compared to steers previously fed at 14% (501.3±3.8 vs. 489.7±3.8; P = 0.0339). In addition, 18% protein in stocker diet resulted in greater KPH (2.3±0.2 vs. 1.78±0.2; P = 0.0129) and YG (3.4±0.1 vs. 3.0±0.1; P = 0.0168) compared with steers fed 14% dietary protein. Finishing growth and carcass characteristics were not affected by exposure to ergot alkaloids at weaning as much as dietary protein when cattle had a background period prior to feedlot entry
106 Randel Lecture: The history of the discovery of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR) Protein
Authors: Stocco Douglas M
Published: July 2019

This two-part presentation regarding acute regulation of steroid biosynthesis documents discovery of the StAR protein and resolves controversy regarding mitochondrial cholesterol transport. The acute regulation of steroid biosynthesis was known to require de novo synthesis of a regulator protein to mediate the transfer of cholesterol, the substrate for steroids, from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane where it was converted to pregnenolone by the cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme. We discovered a novel protein that was tightly correlated with steroid biosynthesis and had the requisite characteristics for the putative acute regulator of cholesterol transfer for steroid synthesis. Further studies confirmed that StAR protein is an indispensable component in the process of mitochondrial uptake of the cholesterol substrate for steroidogenesis. The translocator protein (TSPO) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein suggested to import cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane. However, it was demonstrated in vivo in Leydig cell specific TSPO conditional knockout mice that TSPO was not required for testosterone production or fertility. Similarly, global TSPO knockout (TSPO/-) mice were viable and fertile with fecundity equivalent to TSPO floxed (TSPOfl/fl) controls. Adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis did not differ between TSPOfl/ fl and TSPO-/- mice. In vitro use of different steroidogenic cell line models (MA-10, MLTC, Y-1, H295R and R2C) demonstrated that siRNA-knockdown of TSPO did not affect steroidogenesis. Also, CRISPR/ Cas9-mediated TSPO deletion did not affect MA-10 cell steroidogenesis. These results directly 1) refute the suggestion that TSPO is indispensable for viability and steroid hormone biosynthesis; and, 2) substantiate the primal role of the StAR protein as the rate limiting factor in steroid hormone biosynthesis.
155 Evaluation of cytokine response as an indicator of genetic resistance to fescue toxicosis in purebred Angus cattle
Authors: Mayberry Kyle , Poole Rebecca K , Newsome McKayla A , Khanal Piush , Poore Matthew H , Serao Nick V L , Poole Daniel H
Published: July 2019

Fescue toxicosis is a multifaceted syndrome common in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue. However, varying responses among cattle potentially implies genetic tolerance to the syndrome. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the cytokine response of cows deemed either tolerant or susceptible to endophyte-infected fescue. Angus cows, 2–4 yrs old, grazed endophyte-infected tall fescue at two locations for 13 weeks starting mid-April 2016. A post-hoc analysis of animal performance was utilized to designate cattle into either tolerant (n = 20) or susceptible (n = 20) groups, based on physiological responses (changes in ADG) to chronic exposure to endophyte-infected fescue. Blood samples collected on weeks 1, 7, and 13 were used to evaluate serum prolactin (PRL) concentration. Cytokine concentrations were evaluated via Quantibody Bovine Cytokine Arrays. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. There were no differences by location or week. Tolerant cows tended to have decreased overall PRL concentrations compared to susceptible cows (98.3 and 138.4 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.08). G protein-coupled receptor associated sorting protein (GASP)-1, a down-regulator of G protein-coupled receptors including D2-dopamine receptor a regulator of PRL secretion, was greater in tolerant cows when compared to susceptible cows (4.7 and 4.2 ng/mL; P = 0.03). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A was greater in tolerant cows when compared to susceptible cows (0.5 and 0.2 ng/mL; P = 0.02). Finally, interleukin (IL)-4, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, tended to be greater in tolerant cows when compared to susceptible cows (2.2 and 0.8 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.07). Based on these data, greater concentrations of GASP-1, VEGF-A, and IL-4 in tolerant compared to susceptible cattle may mitigate the detrimental effects of fescue toxicosis, including suppressed PRL and vasoconstriction, leading to improved animal performance in a fescue environment. Additionally, these cytokines may serve as potential biomarkers for determining an animal’s tolerance or susceptibility to negative effects associated with endophyte-infected tall fescue
116 Polyclonal antibody preparations from avian origin improves growth performance of beef cattle during the first fourteen days of the backgrounding phase
Authors: da Silva Gleise Medeiros , Podversich Federico , Schulmeister Tessa , Luna Ana C G , Barreneche Gonzalo , DiLorenzo Nicolas
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding avian-derived polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP; CAMAS, Inc.) against Streptococcus bovis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and lipopolysaccharides (40, 35, and 25% of the preparation, respectively) on growth performance of beef cattle during the backgrounding phase. From d 0 to 56, Angus crossbreed heifers (n = 80; 360 ± 60 kg of BW; 470 ± 26 d of age) and steers (n = 20; 386 ± 65 kg of BW; 465 ± 30 d of age) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 16 concrete-floored pens (108 m2), equipped with 2 GrowSafe (GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Airdrie, Alberta, Canada) feed bunks each. Animals received a common ad libitum diet (76% TDN, 15.9% CP, DM basis) with the addition of 1 (PAP1), 3 (PAP3), or 0 g (CON) of PAP per d. Feed intake was recorded daily and BW were obtained on d -1, 0, 14, 28, 42, 55, and 56, to assess changes in BW, ADG, DMI, and G:F. Based upon orthogonal contrasts (CON vs. PAP1, and PAP1 vs. PAP3), BW and ADG on d 14, and DMI from 0 to 28, and 0 to 42 were greater for PAP1 vs. CON (P ≤ 0.03), whereas PAP3 animals were intermediate (P ≥ 0.20). No differences in final BW, DMI, and ADG from d 0 to 56 were detected among treatments (P ≥ 0.22). In conclusion, feeding 1g of polyclonal antibody preparations against Streptococcus bovis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and lipopolysaccharides in a backgrounding diet, improved growth performance in the first 14 d of feeding suggesting that feeding these PAP for longer than 14 d may not be necessary. The effects on subsequent feedlot performance when using PAP should be evaluated in future studies
175 Reduce Reuse ReRumen: Variability in nutritive value of paunch manure
Authors: Garcia Taylor J , Brady Jeffrey A , Guay Kimberly A , Muir James P , Smith William B
Published: July 2019

Ruminant animals develop a diverse and complex microbial ecosystem for digesting fibrous feedstuffs, but this material represents a cost to the industry when bound for rendering at harvest. Our objective was to determine the feed value of paunch manure recovered from an abattoir. Twelve paunch samples were collected from slaughtered cattle at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried under forced air at 55°C to a constant weight and ground to pass through 2-mm screen. A subsample was ground to 1-mm and assayed for DM, CP, and sequential NDF and ADF. Physically effective fiber (peNDF) was calculated with 2 L of unground, dried at 55 ˚C, paunch material using the manually-operated Penn State Particle Separator. Paunch peNDF was determined by multiplying the physical effectiveness factor by the total NDF content of the sample. Samples (2-mm) were subject to batch culture in vitro digestibility assays for determination of digestibility coefficients. Data were analysed as a random effects model using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS. Neutral detergent fiber, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF values were 68.1, 39.9, 10.9, 15.0, and 38.7%, respectively. Contribution to variance of the individual animal for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF was 97.2, 97.9, 95.4, 19.1, and 97.5%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) was recorded as 46.2% and 21.6%, respectively. Contribution to variance of the animal for IVTD and IVNDFD was 99.05 and 98.49%, respectively. Data collected suggest paunch manure could provide valuable nutrients for livestock production, specifically fiber and protein. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for development of a consistent product.
165 Grazing evaluation of pearlillet with and without soybean hull supplementation in a forage-finished beef production system
Authors: McKee Robert W , Harmon Deidre , Hancock Dennis W , Stewart Lawton , Rigdon Macc , Thomas Chevise L , Stelzleni Alexander M
Published: July 2019

Pearl millet may be a viable forage option in forage-finished beef production systems due to favorable agronomic traits and nutritive value. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate two varieties of pearl millet with and without soybean hull supplementation in a forage-finished beef production system. In a two-year grazing trial, sixteen 0.81-ha paddocks were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2x2 factorial design: ‘Tifleaf 3’ pearl millet (PM) and ‘Exceed’ pearl millet (BMR) without and with soybean hull supplementation (0.75% of body weight (BW); PM+S and BMR+S, respectively). Each year, Angus crossbred steers (n = 32; BW = 444±59 kg) were paired to minimize variability among pairs. Pairs were randomly assigned to treatment paddocks. Grazing was initiated in June when forage was approximately 60-cm in height and terminated after approximately 90 d of rotational grazing. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated from weights taken at grazing initiation and termination following an 18-h fast. Steers were harvested in September and carcass data were collected 24-h postmortem. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX (SAS v.9.4). Supplemented steers exhibited greater (P < 0.01) ADG than non-supplemented steers. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed for ADG between forage varieties. Pre-harvest shrunk weight, hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percent (DP), and ribeye area were similar (P > 0.05) within supplemented and non-supplemented steers across forage varieties. Shrunk weight, HCW, and DP were similar (P > 0.05) for BMR+S and BMR. Rib-eye area was similar (P > 0.05) for BMR+S, PM+S, and PM. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed for fat thickness, adjusted fat thickness, yield grade, marbling score, or overall maturity. Results indicate pearl millet is a viable warm-season forage option for forage-finished beef systems in the Southeast and soybean hull supplementation can improve animal performance over forage alone.
183 Effect of fermentation temperature on in vitro digestibility of a finishing diet
Authors: Stotz Miranda K , Mejia-Turcios Sebastian E , Osorio Andrea M , Espinoza Nadira , Urso Philip M , Kondratovich Lucas , Carvalho Luis , Douglas Michael , Sarturi Jhones O , Henry Darren D , Crossland Whitney
Published: July 2019

Heat stress (HS) has been indicated to increase ruminal temperature, increase digestibility, and reduce ruminal pH of steers fed high concentrate diets. However, it is unclear if this effect is the result of greater fermentation rate, slower passage rate, or a combination. The effect of ruminal incubation temperature on substrate digestibility and rate of fermentation were evaluated. Four cannulated British-crossbreed steers (BW = 520 kg ± 30 kg) consuming an 87% (DM) concentrate diet were utilized as rumen fluid donors in a randomized complete block design with two incubation treatments (CON=39°C and HS=42°C). Within block, duplicate 125 mL serum bottles containing 200 mg of dietary substrate were inoculated with a 2:1 buffer:ruminal fluid mixture and incubated for 24 h to measure total gas production, fermentation rate, fermentation lag, pH, and ammonia-N concentration. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was measured separately in 100 mL centrifuge tubes. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS using the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of rumen fluid donor (block). There was no treatment effect on total gas production (P = 0.92) or fermentation rate (P = 0.11); however, HS began fermenting substrate sooner than CON (P < 0.005). There was a significant effect of treatment on IVOMD where HS was greater compared to CON (79.3 vs. 70.4%; P = 0.05). Final pH and relative pH change were not different (P ≥ 0.25) likely due to buffering capacity of the in vitro technique Ammonia-N concentration was greater for HS than CON (7.92 vs. 5.33 mM; P < 0.05) and may indicate a temperature effect on ruminal nitrogen availability.In conclusion, it does not appear that incubating at a greater temperature affected the fermentation rate but likely induced a change in fermentation kinetics, which may have contributed to the greater overall IVOMD
36 Preweaning causes of morbidity and mortality
Authors: Smith David R
Published: July 2019

Prior to weaning, beef calves are susceptible to a variety of traumatic, infectious, parasitic, nutritional, and metabolic diseases. Calves less than three weeks of age are particularly vulnerable to weather-related factors that may induce hypo- or hyperthermia, predation and other forms of physical injury, and metabolic diseases often related to starvation. The most common infectious cause of death in calves less than three weeks of age is diarrhea due to a variety of viral, bacterial, and protozoal infections. The leading cause of death in calves from 3 weeks of age to weaning is pneumonia, although parasitism and nutritional deficiencies are common causes of impaired productivity at that age. Both neonatal calf diarrhea and calf pneumonia can be explained in part by age-related susceptibility due to loss, or failure to acquire, maternal immunity from colostrum. The waning of passively-acquired maternal immunity, in the gut in the case of neonatal calf diarrhea, or systemically in the case of pneumonia, prior to the onset of a strong acquired immunity creates an age-related window of susceptibility for these two important infectious diseases of calves prior to weaning. Most pathogens associated with diarrhea or pneumonia are endemic to most cattle herds. The adult cow herd serves as the reservoir of these agents from one year to the next. Between birth and weaning, pathogens are primarily transmitted between calves by direct contact or through contaminated environmental surfaces. The incidence of both neonatal calf diarrhea and calf pneumonia are affected by population dynamics that create opportunities for effective contacts. The system of management either creates or averts the relative opportunities for all forms of calf-hood diseases, and the design of beef cattle production systems that favor disease prevention remains an important scientific endeavor.
35 Economic Considerations of Pre-Weaning Calf Health Management
Authors: Riley John M , Hurt Courtney , Peel Derrell , Raper Kellie
Published: July 2019

The impacts of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDv) and persistently infected (PI) are felt across the cattle industry. This project utilized data and parameters from a meta-analysis of reported results along with partial budgeting procedures to determine economic costs and benefits of herd and calf health management. A base herd of 100 head, consisting of 50 breeding females, 43 calves, and 7 replacement heifers and bulls was implemented. Ninety- six percent of cow-calf operations are uninfected from BVDv. Introduction of an enhanced health program as an uninfected herd resulted in a net loss of $7.64 per bred cow in the first year of the program and a net loss of $6.46 in year two. First-year costs were higher due to initial testing, while second-year costs did not include testing under the assumption that carriers were culled. Infected herds incurred net losses of health program implementation of $96.21 per bred cow for the first year but a gain of the program of $27.96 in year two. First-year losses were larger due to increased testing and eradication costs. Gains in the second year stemmed from increased productivity across the herd. Furthermore, gains were discovered beyond cow-calf operations. Evaluation of down-stream demand for calves (i.e., stocker operations) resulted in gains of $4.39 per stocker for a producer that retains ownership of their calves and $48.89 for producers purchasing calves from cow-calf operators (commercial). Commercial stocker operators benefited from fewer health issues without added cow-calf level costs. These results indicate cow-calf producers would carry the burden of the costs of managing, and attempting to eradicate, BVDv/PI across the industry. These results provide industry stakeholder groups and policymakers benchmarks for incentives to induce health programs, targeted largely at the cow-calf level
127 Effects of Reed Sedge Peat on stress and digestibility of lambs at weaning
Authors: Price Rhianwedd O , Rude Brian J , Boyer Angela R , Zimmerman Nicole G
Published: July 2019

Fourteen lambs (age = 71.5 ± 4.15 d; BW = 24.1 ± 3.82 kg) were used to test the effects of feeding Reed Sedge Peat (RSP) during weaning. Lambs (10 females, 4 males) were randomly assigned by sex to one of two groups, they were either fed 56.8 g/d of RSP, or were not fed RSP. Both groups were fed 0.5% BW 18% show lamb grower complete feed (Ware Milling, Houston, MS) and had ad lib access to pasture [80% bermudagrass (Cynadon dactylon) and 20% dallisgrass (Paspallum dilatatum) during the day during the weaning portion of the study (14 d prior to weaning through 14 d after weaning). On d 15 after weaning, 10 of the lambs (6 females, 2 males) were randomly selected by treatment and moved to small individual pens where they underwent a digestibility trial for 8 days (3 d adjustment and 5 d collection) during which they were fed 1% BW hay/d and 4% BW/d 18% show lamb grower complete feed used during the weaning trail. At d 2 an initial blood sample was taken via jugular venipuncture, then ACTH was injected into the vein. Blood samples were taken at 15 min intervals for 1 h following synthetic ACTH injection, and analysed by conducting a cbc with differential. Reed-Sedge Peat had no effect (P > 0.05) on digestibility of DM, OM, ash, protein, NDF, ADF, HC, or fat. Reed-Sedge Peat, also had no effect on intake DM (P = 0.3184), DMI per BW (P = 0.1062), hay intake (P = 0.9581), hay intake per BW (P = 0.9330), or concentrate intake (P = 0.8744). There was a tendency (P = 0.0552) for increased intake for RSP with regard to the concentrate. No difference for blood parameters between groups (P > 0.05).
198 Replacing cottonseed meal and sorghum grain with corn dried distillers grains with solubles in lamb feedlot diets: Growth performance and ruminal fluid parameters
Authors: Hodges Kade , Whitney Travis R , Ramsey Shawn
Published: July 2019

Effects of replacing cottonseed meal (CSM) and sorghum grain with dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in Dorper ram lamb (n = 46) feedlot diets on growth performance and rumen fluid parameter were evaluated. In a randomized design study, lambs were individually fed ad libitum 70.9% concentrate diets for 56 d in individual pens. The positive control diet (CNTL) contained CSM, sorghum grain, and other concentrates, but no DDGS. Four treatment diets were similar to CNTL, but had no CSM which was replaced 0% (0DDGS), 33% (33DDGS), 66% (66DDGS) or 100% (100DDGS) of the sorghum grain. Lambs fed CNTL were compared to 0DDGS and linear and quadratic effects were evaluated within the four DDGS diets. A treatment × day interaction was observed (P < 0.001) for lamb BW, but not for ADG, DMI, or G:F (P > 0.10). Lambs fed CNTL had greater (P ≤ 0.02) BW on d 42 and 56 and greater (P < 0.01) overall ADG and G:F than lambs fed 0DDGS. On d 42 and 56, lamb BW quadratically increased (P ≤ 0.04) as DDGS increased in the diet. Averaged across all days, ADG quadratically increased (P < 0.001) and DMI and GF tended to quadratically increase (P ≤ 0.08) as DDGS increased in the diet. On d 56, ruminal pH quadratically decreased (P < 0.001), acetate linearly increased (P < 0.001) and acetate:propionate tended to linearly increase (P = 0.08) as DDGS increased in the diet. Results indicated that lamb growth performance is enhanced when CSM is used to increase dietary CP (CNTL vs. 0DDGS) and that all of the CSM and up to 66% of the sorghum grain can be replaced by DDGS (66DDGS) without negatively affecting growth performance.
51 Effects of two different hatcher basket wash systems on microbial counts
Authors: Sanders Abigail , Hoefler William C , Rainey Malcolm
Published: July 2019

The recently hatched chicks’ umbilicus provides a pathway for the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Consequently, sanitation of hatcher basket is crucial to the future success of the chick. The design of this study was to examine the effects of two hatcher basket wash systems on microbial loads and subsequent 7 d chick mortality. Treatment 1 consisted of a single stage wash system and treatment 2 was a Multi-stage wash system. On sampling days, 10 hatcher baskets randomly selected off the chick processing line were individually swabbed pre-washing. A 5.08 cm2 templet placed in the lower left hand corner of each hatcher basket ensured accurate sampling. Following pre-wash sampling each basket was labeled, placed into the wash system, and recovered immediately post washing. A second templet placed in the same location as the first and a post wash swab collected. Samples were collected for 10 non-consecutive days. Following each collection day, each swab was plated on a 3M-Petrifilm Count Plate and allowed to incubate for 48 h at 39.44oC. Following incubation, plates were read to determine total plate count (TPC per cm2). There were no significant (P .05) at either the prewash (993 vs 595) or post wash (38 vs 58). There were no significant differences (P > .05) in 7 day mortality between treatment 1 vs 2 (0.95% vs 1.12%). In conclusion, both wash systems were effective in reducing microbial loads.
47 Interaction of dietary protein and endophyte- infected Tall Fescue seed in stocker steers on finishing phase performance and carcass traits
Authors: Davis Matthew E , Poole Rebecca K , Poore Matthew H , Poole Daniel H , Pickworth Carrie L
Published: July 2019

Fescue toxicosis is a multifaceted disease that negatively impacts cattle. It was hypothesized that exposure to endophyte-infected fescue during the stocker phase affects finishing phase growth and carcass characteristics. Eight-month-old steers were sorted by weight and randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments for 56 days in confinement: endophyte-free seed (0 ug/kg ergovaline) with either 18% (EF-18; n = 9) or 14% dietary protein (EF-14; n = 9) and endophyte-infected seed (500 ug/kg ergovaline) with 18% (EI-18; n = 9) or 14% dietary protein (EI-14; n = 9). Following fescue exposure calves were backgrounded on novel endophyte fescue pastures for 8 mo. At 18 mo, all steers were vaccinated, implanted, and reentered the feedlot for a 112 d growing phase and 52 d finishing phase. Body weight was recorded every 28 d and carcass data was collected at slaughter. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS for effects of BW, ADG, dressing percentage (DP), HCW, backfat, ribeye area (REA), KPH, USDA Yield grade (YG), and USDA Quality grade (QG). Statistical significance was determined at P > 0.05) HCW, BW, backfat, REA, DP, or QG. TheEI-14 had a greater ADG (1.69 kg/d) during the feedlot growing phase compared to the other treatment groups (1.53, 1.47, 1.55 for EI-18, EF-14, EF-18, respectively; P > 0.05). Steers stockered on 18% dietary protein had greater BW compared to steers previously fed at 14% (501.3±3.8 vs. 489.7±3.8; P = 0.0339). In addition, 18% protein in stocker diet resulted in greater KPH (2.3±0.2 vs. 1.78±0.2; P = 0.0129) and YG (3.4±0.1 vs. 3.0±0.1; P = 0.0168) compared with steers fed 14% dietary protein. Finishing growth and carcass characteristics were not affected by exposure to ergot alkaloids at weaning as much as dietary protein when cattle had a background period prior to feedlot entry