bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
110 Improving Southern Bermudagrass Pastures with Alfalfa: An Evaluation of the Impacts of Alfalfa Establishment Timing and Crabgrass Competition
Authors: Whatley Kendall S , Oakes Renata N , Baxter Lisa L , Tucker Jennifer J
Published: May 2023

Inclusion of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures improves nutritive value, increases grazing days, and reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is a very palatable warm-season annual grass with high nutritive value, prolific reseeding ability, and proclivity to volunteer in many southeastern pastures. Crabgrass is a common pest that requires pre-emergent herbicide technologies to control in alfalfa hayfields used to produce stored forage. However, in a grazing system, crabgrass could serve as a key component to a mixture aimed at increasing nutritive value and filling gaps in the grazing season. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of alfalfa establishment timing (fall vs. spring) in bermudagrass pastures in the Coastal Plains, and the resultant impact of crabgrass inclusion rather than removal in alfalfa bermudagrass mixed pastures on nutritive value, botanical composition, forage accumulation, alfalfa stand density and persistence. This on-going two-year study is being conducted in Tifton, GA using a randomized complete block design with 4 replications of the following 6 treatments: Fall Alfalfa + Summer Crabgrass, Fall Alfalfa, Spring Alfalfa + Summer Crabgrass, Spring Alfalfa, Bermudagrass + Synthetic Nitrogen, and Untreated Bermudagrass Control. Data were collected from plots on a 28 to 35-day interval to determine botanical composition, forage availability, and nutritive value. The projected impact of this research is three-fold; first, to identify how differing management strategies for restoring bermudagrass pastures are improved with inclusion of alfalfa. Second, it aims to quantify and support a recommended timing for planting alfalfa in the coastal plains, and third to estimate the impact of crabgrass inclusion in alfalfa bermudagrass systems. Data evaluation and statistical analysis is ongoing for this research and will be finalized in winter 2022.
66 Randel Lecture: Ensuring a Leading Role for USA Animal Protein in Our World’s Food Future
Authors: Britt Jack H
Published: May 2023

Global population is expected to increase by 2.5 billion people by 2072 according to UN projections made recently. Africa will lead growth by adding.8 billion people to its continent (147% increase), and 45 of 50 global countries with greatest percentage growth will be in Africa. Europe’s population will decline by an estimated 100 million people (13% decline), Asia’s population will increase by 12%, and North and South America will increase about 20%. North and South America have 3- to 4-fold more cropland per capita than Africa, but East and South Asia have about one half as much as Africa. Coincidental with this growth in population, changes in climate will reduce yields of food crops in equatorial regions and in regions with shortages of water. Simultaneously, climate change will create an estimated 1.5 billion hectares of usable cropland that currently does not have a growing season sufficiently long to produce a crop, virtually all of this will be in northern Canada and Russia. Diets that include animal products feed more people than vegan-only diets, because essential amino acids and limiting nutrients are provided more efficiently through animal products. Among various diets, dairy and vegetable, egg and vegetable, and omnivore and vegetable diets can feed more people than vegan diets. Animal products must be produced efficiently and have limited detrimental impacts on environments and ecosystems. Currently, GHGs per unit of animal food are 7-fold greater in Africa than in North America and Europe, because yields per animal and output per hectare are up to 50-fold greater in Europe and North America. Two primary goals for the next 50 years are to improve outputs per animal and per hectare in poorly productive regions, and to produce affordable and acceptable animal products that can be exported to these regions from regions that have more land and produce products with low environmental impacts. A major challenge in improving productivity in African countries will be to alter cultural practices that are linked to inefficient production of animal products. Overeating is an issue in many countries, and it will be important for people in these regions to alter diets to reduce obesity and over-consumption of calories and protein. Historically, diets change over time, and during the last century there has been a significant increase in intake of plant-based products in the USA and other countries. Unfortunately, the primary plant-based products that make up more of our diet today are oils and sweeteners, both of which contribute to increased obesity. Thus, simply eating more plant-based products does not guarantee a healthier diet.
73 Comparison of GnRH Administration day in the 7 & 7 Synch Versus 8 & 6 Synch Protocol for Fixed-Timed Artificial Insemination in Beef Heifers
Authors: Schowe Clayton E , Weber Wyatt E , Kutz B R , Shoulders Benjamin P , Reynolds Jana L , Powell Jeremy G , Looney Charles R
Published: May 2023

The study was conducted to identify effects of a decreased interval of progesterone on the ovulatory follicle before fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI) by altering the day of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH;00µg gonadorelin; Cystorelin) administration. Evaluation of the 7 & 7 Synch and altered estrous synchronization protocols was done using estrus expression (EE) and FTAI pregnancy rates (PR). Using frozen conventional Angus semen (Select Sires, Inc. Plain City, OH), Angus-cross heifers (n = 68) from the University of Arkansas beef cattle research unit near Fayetteville were stratified into two treatment groups by cyclicity status (CYC) and age. Cyclicity status was determined by using a reproductive tract score (RTS) taken one week prior to beginning synchronization. Scores ranged from 1-5, where RTS 1-3 were considered pre- or peripubertal while scores 4 and 5 were considered cycling. Heifers with a RTS of and 2 were culled prior to synchronization. Each treatment used a controlled internal drug releasing device (CIDR; Eazi-breed; 1.38g progesterone) inserted intravaginally on –14 d simultaneous to the administration of a prostaglandin F2α analogue (PGF; 500 µg cloprostenol sodium; Synchsure). In the first treatment (7 & 7), GnRH was administered on –7 d. In the second treatment (8 & 6), GnRH was administered on –6 d. Both treatments were then administered PGF simultaneous to CIDR removal on 0d, 72 ±h prior to FTAI and the administration of GnRH. Estrus expression was recorded at the time of FTAI using an Estrotect patch (Rockway Inc., Spring Valley, WI). Estrus expression was determined as a patch with 50% or more of the color rubbed off. On the contrary, a patch with less than 50% of the color rubbed off, was not. Pregnancy rates was determined via ultrasound on 58 d. Estrus expression and PR were analyzed by treatment using the GLIMMIX procedure on SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with CYC as a fixed effect for EE; CYC and EE as fixed effects for PR. Statistical differences were determined with α ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were observed between 0.06-0.1. There was an effect of CYC on EE (P = 0.001) and a tendency to affect PR (P = 0.088). There was no treatment effect on EE (P = 0.892) or PR (P = 0.708). In conclusion, the altered time of GnRH administration in the 7 & 7 synch at 72 ± hours did not affect EE or PR; however, research will continue to investigate adjusting length of time from PGF injection to FTAI to evaluate the effects.
93 Impact of Different Stressors on Physiological and Immunological Variables in Dairy Calves
Authors: Kohl Kesley B , Burdick Sanchez Nicole C , Broadway Rand P , Carroll Jeff A , Legako Jerrad A , Barker Samantha N , Dobbins Thomas , Bratcher Christy L , Loomas Kaitlyn
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different stressors on physiological and innate immune variables in weaned dairy calves. Dairy steers [n = 40;10 ±1.8 kg body weight (BW)] were transported to the Calf Building at the USDA-ARS Livestock Issues Research Unit where they were housed in individual pens in an environmentally controlled room. Calves had ad libitum access to water and a starter ration. At arrival, calves were randomly allotted to four treatment groups (n = 10/treatment): 1) Control, 2) Transport (transported in a livestock trailer for 4 h), 3) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; administered i.v. 0.10 µg /kg BW), 4) Vaccine (administered a Mannheimia Haemolyticatoxoid vaccine; OneShot, Zoetis). One day before application of stressors, indwelling jugular vein catheters and rectal temperature (RT) recording devices were placed in all calves. Whole blood was collected at -1, -0.5, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h relative to application of stressors for serum, plasma, and hematology. There was a treatment × time interaction (P ≤ 0.01) for all hematology parameters except for hemoglobin and platelets. Monocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, basophil, and white blood cell concentrations and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were reduced (P < 0.02) in calves administered LPS compared with all other treatments. For calves administered the Vaccine treatment, white blood cell and neutrophil concentrations and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio increased (P < 0.04) 4 h post-challenge compared with other treatments. There was a treatment × time interaction (P < 0.01) for the change in RT relative to baseline values. The change in RT increased following administration of LPS and peaked at approximately 3 h post-challenge before decreasing to near baseline values. In contrast, RT began to increase 3 h post-challenge in calves administered the Vaccine treatment, where the greatest RT values were observed at 6 h post-challenge. There was a treatment x time interaction (P < 0.01) for cortisol concentrations, where calves administered LPS produced the greatest increase in cortisol compared with all other treatments. There was a treatment x time interaction (P < 0.01) for tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1b (MIP-1b). Concentrations of TNF-a remained greater in LPS and Vaccine calves compared with Control and Transport calves while MIP-1b concentrations remained omcreased for calves administered LPS compared with the other treatments. Results from this study suggest that common challenges experienced by dairy calves differentially influence physiological and immunological variables in weaned dairy calves.
84 Puerto Rican Slick-Haired Holstein Cattle Exhibit Enhanced Mammary Gland Hemodynamics Compared with Their Wild-Type Haired Counterparts
Authors: Contreras-Correa Zully E , Sánchez-Rodríguez Héctor L , Muñiz-Colón Gladycia , Lemley Caleb O
Published: May 2023

A mutation of the prolactin receptor gene (PRLR) results in cattle with short and sleek hair coat and superior thermoregulatory capacity when exposed to heat stress conditions. This mutation, which is present in Puerto Rican Holstein cattle (SLICK) results in decreased vaginal temperatures and increased milk yield (MY) compared with wild-type haired Holstein cattle (WT) under tropical conditions. The superior performance of SLICK Holstein cows has been considered multifactorial in nature and physiological differences between genotypes still need to be elucidated. Thereby, the objective was to compare the mammary gland hemodynamics and udder skin temperature between SLICK (n = 7) and WT (n = 7) Holstein cows during the summer as possible contributors to such physiological differences. Animals were selected for differences in MY (23.77±1.24 vs.19.74±1.24 kg, SLICK vs. WT, respectively; P = 0.041) and stratified by body weight (BW), lactation number, and days in milk (DIM). At 160±3 DIM, left and right pudendoepigastric arteries were assessed transrectally via Doppler ultrasonography and the udder skin temperature was determined using a thermal camera. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS with resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), diameter, total mammary blood flow (MBF), MBF relative to BW, and udder skin temperature as dependent variables and hair coat as the independent variable. The CORR procedure of SAS was used to determine the correlation between MY and MBF. Statistical significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were established at 0.05 ≤ P ≤ 0.10. The RI was less (P = 0.045) in SLICK Holsteins (0.56 ± 0.02) than WT (0.64 ± 0.02). The PI tended (P = 0.0589) to be less in SLICK Holsteins (0.94±0.07) compared with WT (1.15 ± 0.07). The average diameter of the left and right pudendoepigastric arteries was greater in the SLICK animals compared with WT (1.31 ± 0.07 vs..08±0.07 cm, respectively; P = 0.038). Total MBF was increased in SLICK cattle compared with WT (9.03 ± 1.11 vs. 5.14 ± 1.11 L/min; P = 0.0291). There was a tendency (P = 0.0577) for the MBF relative to BW to be greater in the SLICK Holsteins compared with the WT (16.75 ± 2.14 vs.0.38 ± 2.14 mL/min*kg). No differences were observed in udder skin temperature between SLICK and WT Holsteins (P ≥ 0.05). Lastly, a tendency for a positive correlation between MY and MBF was observed (r = 0.51, P = 0.066). In the current study, SLICK Holsteins had enhanced blood supply to the mammary gland which is indicative of greater amount of oxygen and nutrients available for milk synthesis. Therefore, the gene introgression of the PRLR mutation to a dairy herd may result in animals with superior physiological performance during heat stress conditions preventing economical losses in the dairy industry.
165 Randel Lecture: Androgen Excess Domestic Livestock Models—What can they Tell us About the Mechanisms Underlying Anovulation?
Authors: Cupp Andrea S , Abedal-Majed Mohamed , Summers Adam F , Bell Brooke , McFee Renee M , Kurz Scott , Hart Mariah , Davis John , Wood Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Ovulatory disorders are a major factor in female infertility. Our laboratory has identified several populations of cows and a population of sheep that have excess androgen (High A4) in dominant follicles and ovarian cortex cultures in the US and in the Middle East with increased steroidogenic enzyme production in somatic cells. Within our research herd, the High A4 females have irregular estrous cycles where behavioral estrus and ovulation are not coupled and are often anovulatory. Follicular waves of growth, during the estrous cycle, are disrupted in High A4 cows with development of persistent follicles, and an absence of normal follicular-wave estrogen patterns in blood plasma compared with Controls. Increased ovarian cortex fibrosis, oxidative stress markers and plasma pro- inflammatory lipids were present in High A4 cows indicating increased inflammation. High A4 granulosa cells have altered gene transcripts indicating cell cycle arrest and expression of genes enriched in other somatic cell types resulting in altered cell identity. Furthermore, High A4 ovarian cortex cultures secrete increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and have reduced follicle progression to later stages supporting follicular arrest. Treatment of High A4 ovarian cortex cultures with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 165 suppressed excess steroids, fibrosis, pro-inflammatory cytokines and relieved follicular arrest. Concentrations of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) were greater in High A4 vs Controls in both follicular fluid and ovarian cortex culture media supporting that AMH could be a factor contributing to follicular arrest. Many of the characteristics of High A4 cows and sheep identified are similar to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. Thus, High A4 cow and sheep are excellent models to unravel androgen excess molecular mechanisms involved in follicular arrest and female infertility contributing to anovulation.
171 Effects of a Dietary Immuno-Modulator on Growth Performance in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Bonelli Kayla A , Niblett Richard T , Williams Kimberly A , Estienne Mark J
Published: May 2023

Feed-grade antibiotics in pig production were used to not only treat and prevent disease, but to promote growth as well, with improvements in ADG of up to 16% and F:G of up to 6% in nursery pigs common. However, these uses may contribute to antibiotic-resistant microbes that negatively affect human and animal health, and the swine industry seeks alternatives. OmniGen-AF (Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ; OG), a blend of vitamins, minerals, and microbial ingredients is a dietary immuno-modulator used to support immune function and reduce the negative effects of stressors in dairy cattle. Weaning is inherently stressful to pigs. There are limited data, however, on the effects of OG on growth and well-being in swine. The objective was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with OG on growth performance in 21-day-old weaned pigs. Barrows (n = 36) and gilts (n = 36) were blocked by weight, and placed in sex-specific pens of three pigs each. Within blocks, pens were assigned to ad libitum access to OG (4 g/45.4 kg∙BW-1ּּּ ∙day-1) or control diets in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The factors consisted of sex and presence or absence of OG in the diets of a three-phase feeding regimen. There were 6 replicate pens per sex and dietary treatment combination. Compared with gilts, barrows were heavier (effect of sex, P < 0.01), and across diets pigs showed an increase in BW during the 42-d trial (effect of day, P < 0.01). There were no effects (P > 0.10) of diet, or diet by sex on growth performance (ADG, 0.86 vs. 0.84 kg, SE = 0.05; ADFI, 1.42 vs. 1.41 kg, SE = 0.07; and, F:G, 1.66 vs. 1.69, SE = 0.03, for OG and CON, respectively). Fecal consistency scores (1 to 5; 1 = exceptionally firm, 5 = very loose and watery) were affected by day (P < 0.01), increasing (P = 0.02) from day 0 (3.00 ± 0.07) to a peak on day 4 (3.29 ± 0.07), before decreasing to values on d 35 (3.00 ± 0.07) and 42 (3.00 ± 0.07) that were not different from values on day 0. There were no effects (P > 0.32) of diet or sex on scores. No pig deaths occurred during the experiment. In this study, dietary supplementation with OG did not affect growth performance in pigs. The experiment, however, was conducted in a clean, highly managed University facility, and overall pig health appeared excellent as indicated by daily observations, fecal consistency scores, and no mortality occurring during the study. In this situation, it would be difficult to show a positive effect of a feed additive because the pigs were perhaps already performing at or near their genetic potential.
136 Relationship of Mature Beef Cows on an Unprocessed Hay Diet to Residual Intake and Greenhouse Gas Exchange During Gestation and Lactation
Authors: Moore Mikayla F , Briggs Emma A , Horton Kade , Lalman David
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to compare residual feed intake (RFI) and greenhouse gas exchange in mature beef cows during gestation and lactation when consuming an unprocessed, grass hay diet. Twenty-six mature Angus and Angus x Hereford cows (4.5 ± 0.0 yr) were used in two voluntary intake studies. Cows were evaluated during mid-gestation (GEST) and late lactation (LACT). Unprocessed grass hay (GEST = 8.73% CP and 59.25% TDN; LACT = 8.31% CP and 54.50% TDN) and a mineral mix were provided for ad libitum consumption. Individual animal feed intake data was collected for 52 d and 71 d for GEST and LACT respectively using SmartFeed intake units (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) and a stocking rate of 3 cows per feeder. An open-circuit, gas-quantification system (GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) was used to collect CH4 production for 9 days per pen for a minimum of 20 visits per cow. Hay intake averaged 13.8 ± 2.3 kg and 16.6 ± 2.0 kg during GEST and LACT, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient for hay intake among the two stages of production was 0.65 (P < 0.01). Metabolic body weight, average daily gain, and ultrasound ribeye area explained 46% of the variation in GEST DMI (P < 0.01), and milk yield, metabolic body weight, and average daily gain explained 64% of the variation in LACT DMI (P < 0.01). Each one kg additional milk production resulted in 0.7 kg greater hay intake during LACT (P < 0.01). There was a moderate correlation between GEST and LACT CH4 (r = 0.64) and a moderate correlation between CH4 production within each stage of production and DMI for that same stage of production (r = 0.58 and 0.63 for GEST and LACT, respectively). Hay intake was moderately correlated between stages of production although highly sensitive to milk yield.
133 Feeding Behavior of High-Risk Steers Newly Received for Backgrounding
Authors: Rahmel Logan W , D’Souza Genevieve M , Llarena Juan C , Durst Libby S , Karisch Brandi B , Daigle Courtney L , Russel Jason R , Harvey Kelsey M
Published: May 2023

There is a need to understand the feeding behavior ontogeny of newly received high-risk steers. Understanding how calves learn to eat out of a bunk will facilitate the implementation of management practices that expedite this process and allow animal managers to exploit this information to monitor individual animal health. To address this knowledge gap, the feeding behavior of high-risk steers that were received for backgrounding was quantified and characterized using electronic feedbunks in this context. To create this paradigm, crossbred steers (n = 20) were purchased in two groups (Group: n = 64 steers; Group 2: n = 56 steers) from a local auction market, transported 800 km to the Prairie Research Unit in Prairie, MS, and immediately weighed (shrunk body weight, BW). Steers were purchased according to research unit space availability. Therefore, purchases occurred 133 days apart. The subsequent day, steers were ranked by shrunk BW (227 ±.3 kg) and allocated to 1 of 8 drylot pens (n = 8 steers/pen) with two GrowSafe automated feeding systems per pen. Steers were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum for a 28-day period and steer BW was recorded on d 0, 2, 6, 10, 13, 21 and 28. Daily feeding behavior [e.g., meal duration (sec), intake (g/d), meal frequency (count/d), bunk visit frequency (count/d), head down duration (sec), maximum non-feeding interval (NFI,s), ratio of head down duration to bunk visit duration)] were calculated using Meal Criterion Calculation Software. The impact of time on feeding behavior and performance was analyzed using a mixed linear model (PROC MIXED). To determine when steers had established consistent dry matter intake (DMI), consistency was defined as when the DMI of a steer remained within one standard deviation of the 7-day average DMI of the steer. Latency to first bunk attendance (d), first feed consumption, attainment of NEm requirement, and latency (d) to establish consistent feed intake levels were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model (PROC GLIMMIX) for binomial data. Steer BW increased across days (P < 0.01), whereas average daily gain was.48 ± 0.4 kg/d. All feeding behaviors changed across days (P < 0.01). Meal and bunk visit (duration and frequency), meal intake (mean and sum), head down duration, and maximum NFI increased over time. All steers visited the bunk and consumed their first meal by day 4 (P < 0.01). All steers achieved NEm requirements by day11 (P < 0.01). These results quantify the acclimation period of steers to a new environment and characterizes the learning and development of novel modes of eating. These results inform the development of behavioral expectations for newly received high-risk calves that can be used to monitor cattle health, understand cattle perception, and promote cattle welfare.
147 Effect of Elasticity Analysis on Beef Cattle Production Costs
Authors: Reis Beatriz Q , Bernardes Elaine , Gameiro Augusto , Silva Kaliu G , Sarturi Jhones
Published: May 2023

The influence of major cost items on the total production cost of beef cattle during the growing phase was evaluated. A mathematical model assessing production inputs considering the cost of the items according to the Economic Theory was used. Costs were allocated into: A) variable costs, B) fixed costs, and C) factor income. A survey was carried-out in 2018 and 2019 with a rancher located in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) aiming to define the major technical indicators of production. The spot prices used in the current analysis refered to December 2019. The base-animal used during the growing phase represented the Nelore breed (Bos indicus), intact males and females (n = 34), separated into three lots according to the ranch of origin and sex. The initial averaging 195 ± 15 kg of live shrunk BW (body weight), and the average selling weight was 360 ± 15 kg shrunk BW. Two types of supplementations were offered during the year, the mineral was provided for 150 d, and protein supplementation was offered for 210 d. In the base scenario, the production cost was US$ 1.13/kg of animal. The fixed cost of the activity represents 23% of the total cost, in which capital depreciation, equipment maintenance, and labor represented 7.1%, 6.7%, and 5.9%, respectively. The variable cost of the activity represented 66.3% of total costs, in which cattle purchase price and feed costs represented 58.8% and 7.1%, respectively. These two factors, cattle purchase price, and feed costs, can be directly related to the success or failure of the system, thus also becoming good variables to be closely managed, justifying the importance of current elasticity analyses in such items. The price elasticity of items involving production cost variability in case a total expenditure cost of such items increased by 1% was hypothesized. The input costs that most represented the total cost were in order: 1) cattle purchase price, 2) feed, 3) capital depreciation, 4) labor, and 5) equipment maintenance. The cattle purchase price represented in the elasticity analysis as the most impactful factor, followed by equipment maintenance, feed, depreciation, and labor, at +0.54%, +0.11%, +0.07%, +0.07%, +0.05%, respectively. The cattle purchase price was the most related to the total cost. The increases of 1% in this variable caused variations of +0.54% of the total cost. It means the cost of production of 1 kg of beef cattle goes from US$ 1.13/kg to US$ 1.74/kg. In conclusion, the power of negotiation when buying and selling animals was the factor that can influence the most total costs of the cattle enterprise assessed.
149 Case Study: The Impact of a Fogging System on Dairy Cow Comfort in Cows Housed in a Barn with Tunnel Ventilation and an Automatic Milking System
Authors: Ceja Guadalupe , Paudyal Sushil , Spencer Jennifer , Piñeiro Juan M , Daigle Courtney L
Published: May 2023

Fogging systems control microclimatic parameters of barns to provide immediate cooling to dairy cows during heat stress conditions. However, the benefits of implementing a fogging system to cow comfort behaviors have not been thoroughly investigated in lactating cows. Therefore, the objective of this case study was to evaluate cow comfort behaviors and milk productivity in cows managed in a tunnel-ventilated barn in a commercial dairy farm that uses an automatic milk system. Sixty Holstein lactating dairy cows (45-90 days in milk; DIM) were monitored and housed in group pens (6 pens; n = 10 cows/pen). Four weeks before the fogging system installation, cows had pedometers (IceQube, IceRobotics, Inc., United Kingdom) and SCR rumination collars (SCR by Allflex; Israel) placed for continuous daily activity and rumination levels monitoring, respectively. Productivity information was acquired using automatic robotic milking technology (Lely Astronaut A5; Iowa, United States), and all variables were measured until four weeks after fogger system installation. Activity behavior (lying duration, daily step count, and number of transitions) and productivity (daily milk yield and milk speed) were evaluated before (PRE; 20-day pre-installation period), during (DURING; 2-day period), and after fogger installation (POST; 35-day post-installation period). Data were analyzed using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4 with cow as the experimental unit and temperature-humidity index (THI) included in the model as a covariate. Overall, cows spent more time lying (P < 0.01) in the POST period versus PRE and DURING. Cows performed fewer daily transitions between lying and standing (P < 0.01) in the POST versus PRE period, but no differences were detected (P = 0.67) among the step counts observed PRE, DURING, and POST fogger installation. Average milk speed and average milk yield were decreased (P < 0.01) in the POST period compared with the PRE and DURING periods. Temperature-humidity index significantly influenced (P < 0.01) lying time but did not have an effect on any other variables measured. In summary, installation of a fogger system in a commercial tunnel-ventilated barn improved cow comfort behaviors in lactating cows managed with an automated robotic milking system but did not offer immediate production performance benefits.
122 Response of Ruminant Neutrophils on Fresh Filtered Garlic Preparation
Authors: Uzzaman Md Rasel , Pande Priyanka , Inupala Sree Navya , Jagana Sowmya , Worku Mulumebet
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fresh filtered garlic preparation on ruminant neutrophils in-vitro. Blood was collected from the jugular vein of clinically healthy female St Croix sheep (n = 3) and Boer x Spanish goats (n = 3) at NC A&T State University Farm. Neutrophils were isolated from 10 mL whole blood sample of each animal. Fresh filtered garlic were prepared to stimulate the neutrophils. Before treating the neutrophils, the total cell count was measured, and 1 million cells were taken for treatment. Total protein concentration at different dilution levels of fresh filtered garlic were analyzed using BCA assay for the volumetric determination of garlic to be used at 10 ug/mL concentration. Before and after treatment the total protein concentration in the neutrophil supernatant were also measured. RNA was extracted from treated and untreated neutrophils pellet using TRIZOL RNA Isolation Protocol. The pooled RNA of goat and sheep samples were used for cDNA synthesis followed by qPCR analysis of galectin (Galectin-1, -3, -9) gene modulation in relation to indicators of animal health and production. Due to treatment, the total protein concentrations were increased. The magnitude of galectin gene expression was also observed in both sheep and goat neutrophils treated with fresh filtered garlic preparation. Galectin-3 and -9 expression increased manifolds in both sheep and goat neutrophils as compared with the control (untreated neutrophils) whereas galectin-1 increased in goat but decreased in sheep neutrophils. These results indicate that garlic had no adverse effect and differentially modulated galectin secretion in vitro. Galectins regulate biologic functions, immunity and disease pathogenesis and can serve as biomarkers. Further studies are warranted to determine the health and production benefits of the observed galectin modulation using garlic in small & large ruminants.
123 Evaluating the Effect of Garlic on the Gut Health of Meat Goats
Authors: Jagana Sowmya , Inupala Sree Navya , Pande Priyanka , Uzzaman Md Rasel , Worku Mulumebet
Published: May 2023

Animal production requires that disease-causing pathogens be effectively controlled. Gastrointestinal parasites are a severe threat to goat production. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of garlic extracts on fecal egg counts and gut microbiota in Twelve (n = 12) adult female clinically healthy BoerXSpanish goats were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group (n = 6) was drenched with a 10 mL garlic barrier and the control group (n = 6) was given sterile water for 30 days. Body weight, Body Condition Score, FAMACHA scores and fecal samples were collected on a weekly basis. Fecal samples were used for microbial DNA isolation and Egg per gram was evaluated using the Modified McMaster method. Microbial DNA was tested for Haemochus,6s, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species. All variables were assessed using SAS software at P ≤ 0.05. A significant decrease (P < 0.037) was observed in the egg per gram in the goats treated with garlic. Treatment did not destroy Haemonchus, bifidobacteria and lactobacillus but reduced the total concentration and EPG. The reduction in the concentration of microbial DNA might be due to methanogens and coccidia. Garlic can be used as an alternative to antiparasitic drugs. It can be an economic and eco-friendly approach to modulating the gut microbiome in goats.
155 Rams Enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program have Improved Performance and Value in Ram Test Program
Authors: Weaver Andrew R , Wright Donald L , Greiner Scott P
Published: May 2023

Genetic evaluation programs can provide valuable selection tools for sheep breeders. However, industry acceptance and utilization of these tools is still limited. The objective here was to evaluate the performance and value of rams enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) compared with those not enrolled during a ram test program. Rams (Katahdin = 16, Texel = 3) were delivered to the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center Ram Test on May 31. Rams were dewormed and rested for two weeks. On June 21, rams were given Haemonchus contortus L3 larvae adjusted for body weight (average = 5000 L3). FAMACHA scores and fecal egg counts (FEC) were monitored every two weeks until August 30. Rams were dewormed based on FAMACHA ≥ 3. The top 50% of rams, excluding any dewormed rams, based on the sale index [Sale Index = 0.50*(0.33*average daily gain ratio + 0.67*weight per day of age ratio) + 0.50*logFEC ratio] were sold at auction as breeding stock. Rams were classified as NSIP if enrolled. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Of the19 rams on test, 52% were NSIP. Thirteen rams required deworming during the test (38% of these were NSIP rams). Average sale index of NSIP rams tended to be greater than that of non-NSIP rams (101.4 vs. 98.3, P = 0.06). Of rams with sale index ≥ 100 (top 50%), a greater percentage of these rams were NSIP vs. non-NSIP (61% vs. 39%, respectively; P < 0.05). When NSIP status was evaluated for the top 20% of rams (sale index ≥07), a greater percentage of these rams were also NSIP vs. non-NSIP (78% vs. 22%, respectively; P < 0.01). Rams (n = 57) were sold on September 23 with an average sale price of $1,482. Rams enrolled in NSIP commanded greater prices than those not enrolled ($1,659 vs. $1,222, P < 0.05). When sale price was regressed on sale index for NSIP and non-NSIP rams, R2 for NSIP rams was 0.19 compared with the R2 for non-NSIP rams of 0.76. Given the weaker relationship between price and sale index for NSIP rams, estimated breeding values (EBVs) were evaluated. NSIP rams with EBVs reported for post-weaning weight, post-weaning FEC, and Maternal Hair Index sold for greater prices than those rams missing one or all of these EBVs ($1,837 vs. $971, respectively; P < 0.05). In summary, NSIP rams had greater performance (as indicated by sale index) and value compared with non-NSIP rams. For rams enrolled in NSIP, sale index was a poor predictor of value indicating buyers may be considering other factors besides sale index, such as EBVs, when purchasing NSIP rams.
161 Evaluation of Feeding Behavior of Katahdin Lambs DuringHaemonchus Contortous Infection
Authors: Maierle Camren , Weaver Andrew R , Greiner Scott P , Felton Eugene , Bowdridge Scott L
Published: May 2023

Internal parasites, specifically Haemonchus contortus (Hc), are detrimental to flock profitability. Loss of production efficiency and death in severe cases, contribute to the economic burden documented worldwide. Understanding the extensive impact gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) have on nutritional loss and feeding behavior may prove valuable. The aim of this study was to evaluate infected Katahdin lambs for feeding behavior in a Growsafe system. Katahdin ewes from the Virginia Tech Southwest Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Glade Spring, Virginia were mated to rams (n = 8) of varying PWEC EBV genotype. A subset of lambs was selected for evaluation in a feedlot environment and transported to West Virginia University’s Animal Science Farm. Lambs were fed a complete pellet (16% CP) ad libitum while individual intake was measured with a GrowSafe system. One half of the lambs from each sire PWEC EBV group were infected with 5,000 Hc L3 larvae and observed for 5 weeks in year (Y1) and 6 weeks in year 2 (Y2) alongside uninfected contemporaries. Artificial Hc infection resulted in lambs becoming moderately infected with FEC ranging from (0 –208 eggs/g). Daily feeding behavior was collected on all lambs, directly related to feed consumption/removal. Number of visits, duration of visits and duration spent feeding/day were analyzed to evaluate feeding behavior. Visit duration, daily duration, and visit intake was not statistically different for infected vs uninfected lambs. However, significance was detected in both years for feeding behavior between sex. Ram lambs exhibited greater duration per visit than ewe lambs in Y1 and Y2 (89.7 vs. 78.6 seconds/visit, 122.8 vs. 82.4 seconds/visit respectively; P < 0.05). Increased feeding durations for ram lambs resulted in rams exhibiting reduced frequency of feeding events compared with ewe lambs in Y1 and Y2 (36.3 vs. 43.9 visits, 25.8 vs. 40.8 visits/day respectively; P < 0.01). Increased duration of feeding/visit in ram lambs also resulted in greater feed intake/visit compared with ewe lambs in Y1 (58.7 vs. 42.7 g/visit; P < 0.0001). Feed intake and total daily feeding duration was not significantly different between sex. Further analysis is needed with greater levels of parasite infection to detect parasite interaction on feeding behavior. However, feeding behavior differences between sex of lambs is a significant factor nutritional consumption of feedlot environments.
82 Impact of Applying Quality Matters Essential Standards in an Animal Science Physiology Course
Authors: Trivedi Shweta , Deuser Kylie , Zheng Yaxin
Published: May 2023

Quality Matters (QM) program consists of a stringent course quality peer-review process designed to give faculty feedback on the structure of online/hybrid courses which results in the national certification by the QM organization (Lynch and Gaston, 2020). The objective of this pedagogical study was to quantify student perceptions of online learning experience by utilizing 8 specific standards of course quality in a QM-certified, 3 credit hour, Physiology of Domestic Animals course. A total of 46 students out of 114 enrolled, completed an anonymous Qualtrics survey at the end of the course in Spring 2022 (IRB 24779). The survey consisted of 21 questions broken into the 8 general standards of Course Overview and Introduction (2 questions) Learning Objectives (5 questions), Assessment and Measurement (3 questions), Instructional Materials (2 questions), Learner Interaction and Engagement (3 questions), Course Technology (2 questions), Learner Support (2 Questions), Accessibility and Usability (2 Questions). Each question used a Likert Scale from 0 to 4 for responses; 0 (Strongly Disagree), 1 (Disagree), 2 (Neutral), 3 (Agree), and 4 (Strongly Agree). A multivariate data analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to summarize perception of the studnets on QM standards that had the most impact on their online learning experience. About 81.16% of the data variance was explained by the first five PCs together where we retained Eigen values greater than 1. Students strongly agreed that Course Overview & Introduction, Learning Objectives, Instructional materials, Learner Support and Course Technology were a critical part of their online learning in the course. Over 8.7% students disagreed and strongly disagreed to Assessments and Measurement being a key part of their hybrid learning experience. The results clearly indicate that applying QM standards to a content heavy, required core course for animal science students significantly improved the student learning experience at NC State University.
79 Cross-Training Future Workforce on Data Handling and Interpretation for Precision Agriculture Systems
Authors: Paudyal Sushil , Bhandari Mahendra , Huang Lucy
Published: May 2023

The objective of this paper is to report observations from a 10-week summer training program on Data Management in Animal and Plant Sciences. A total of six undergraduate students from three universities in the Texas A&M University System [Texas A&M University (TAMU)-College Station, TAMU-Kingsville, and TAMU-Corpus Christi] representing disciplines of Animal Science, Plant Science, and Computer Science learned handling and interpretation of sensor-based data derived from both animal sensors and UAV images of plant fields. Students attended weekly training sessions on data collection, management, processing, and visualization software including ArcGIS, MySQL and power BI. In addition, students also worked as a team and developed a database project and gave an oral presentation on their team project. On the pretraining survey, two students indicated that they had a background in animal science, two students indicated a background in plant science, one student in computer science, and one student with experience in spatial data. To begin with, the students had a mean score of 4.3 (range 0–8; on a scale of 0-10) for knowledge of data management in agriculture. One third of the students indicated that they did not have data handling experience, and one half of the students had some data analysis experience whereas one student indicated partial experience of working with data. In general, students indicated that they were very satisfied with the internship experience. On a scale of 0-10, the mean satisfaction score was 8.75 (range 7.5-10). Students indicated that they were more confident to work with and talk about data from animal systems (mean 8.5; range 7-10) and plant systems (mean = 8.4; range = 7-10). All students agreed that they learned at least one new concept related to animal and plant data ecosystems. Students indicated that the program was a good start for understanding the overall data architecture, indicated progress on data handling and thought helpful to understand opportunities in agriculture. All students agreed that their understanding of data management in agriculture changed significantly because of the course. Consequently, four students indicated that they were interested in career opportunities related to data in agriculture whereas two students indicated their interest in application of the developed tools for the on-farm use. When evaluating effect of the cross disciplinary training, students agreed that the training was helpful in learning concepts outside of their own discipline with the mean score 9.4(range 8-10) on a scale of 0-10. All students indicated that they learned team management skills and skills working with people that are different from their own. Students suggested improvement on the communications, prerecorded videos, in-person meetings, weekly reporting reviews in the future iterations for students to benefit more from the program.
5 Effect of Soy co-Products in Supplements for Grazing Cattle on Growth, Complete Blood Cell Counts, and Inflammatory Response Following a Lipopolysaccharide Challenge
Authors: Lansdell Bralee S , Midkiff Kirsten A , Scott Rachel M , Cheek Robin A , Littlejohn Brittni P , Powell Jeremy G , Galloway Doug L , Reynolds Jana L , Shoulders Benjamin P , Kegley Elizabeth B
Published: May 2023

The objective was to determine the effect of soy co-products (soybean meal and soy oil) in the diet on the growth and hemocytology of cattle during a 56-day growing phase and the physiological/behavioral response to an endotoxin challenge. Angus crossbred steers (n = 36; 289 ± 31 kg, initial body weight ± SD) were stratified by body weight and sire; and assigned randomly to pastures (n = 9; 0.45 ha/mixed-grass pasture). Pastures were assigned randomly to of 3 dietary treatments: 1) a control supplement containing no soy co-products, 2) a supplement containing soybean meal, or 3) a supplement containing soy oil. All supplements were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Cattle were fed supplements (2.45 kg DM/day) for a period of 56 days during which weight and blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) were taken every 14 days. At the conclusion of the growing phase, cattle were assigned randomly to of 2 challenge groups (conducted 6 days apart) for a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (i.v. infusion of 0.5 µg LPS/kg of body weight). A minimum of 18 hours before sampling, cattle were fitted with jugular vein catheters and placed into stanchions. Sickness behavior scores and rectal temperatures were collected every 30 minutes for a duration of 8 hours following LPS infusion. Body weights were analyzed using pen means and the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, day, and the treatment × day interaction as fixed effects and replicate as a random effect. CBC were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, day, and the treatment × day interaction as fixed effects, replicate as a random effect, and pen specified as the subject. Rectal temperatures and behavior scores were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, time, and the treatment × time interaction as fixed effects and challenge group as a random effect with calf as the subject. Dietary inclusion of soy co-products did not affect the body weights of steers for the 56-day growing phase (treatment and treatment × day, P ≥ 0.20), nor were any hemocytology measurements affected (treatment and treatment × day, P ≥ 0.12) during the growing phase. Following the endotoxin challenge there was no effect of treatment or treatment × time (P ≥ 0.57) for rectal temperatures or sickness behavior scores. Therefore, preliminary results indicate that inclusion of soy co-products in cattle diets did not affect growth or complete blood counts during a 56-day growing phase, neither did diet affect body temperature or sickness behavior in response to an endotoxin challenge.
The Amsterdam dealer Hans Le Thoor at the court of Emperor Rudolf II
Authors: Dobalová Sylva
Published: May 2023

Hans Le Thoor of Amsterdam is known as a versatile art dealer, who conducted business in the Netherlands. In 1620 he made an ill-fated attempt to sell Dutch paintings to the King of Denmark, Christian IV (1577–1648), with the help of the ‘painter and spy’ Pieter Isaacsz (1569–1625). This study draws attention to the fact that, before this interesting episode, Le Thoor had been active in Central Europe in dealings with Emperor Rudolf II (1552–1612). The inventories of the Rudolfine collections list exotic objects, naturalia and Chinese paintings delivered by Le Thoor to the court in Prague in 1609. His experience in Prague had a bearing on the later attempted sale to the Danish king, to whom Le Thoor also tried to sell Rudolfine paintings that he had acquired in Brussels between 1618 and 1620 at the partial sell-off of the collection of Rudolf’s brother Archduke Albrecht (1559–1621). New information on Le Thoor’s life and business strategies has come to light through study of archival sources relating to his activities with the Habsburgs. As presented here, these findings advance our knowledge of the mode of operation and scale of international dealer networks in Le Thoor’s time.