bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSIV-20 Impact of High Protein Dried Distiller Grains and Soybean Meal Inclusion Level on Grow-finish Pig Performance and Carcass Traits
Authors: Clizer David A , De Jong Jon A , Cline Paul M , Jolly-Breithaupt Melissa L , Samuel Ryan S
Published: May 2021

High protein dried distiller grains are a novel protein source for commercial swine diets. Questions related to how concentrations of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in corn protein sources affect pig performance remain. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) grow-finish experiment was conducted at the South Dakota State University Commercial Research Facility using NexPro® protein ingredient (HPDDG) to determine the performance response of grow-finish pigs fed corrected levels of BCAA through soybean meal (SBM) or synthetic amino acids (SAA). Pigs (n = 1,170; 59.5 ± 0.48 kg) were used in a 79-d study (9 replicates per treatment). Pens of pigs were allotted to one of five dietary treatments which consisted of 1) corn-SBM diet, 2) HPDDG not corrected for BCAA levels or HPDDG corrected for BCAA levels through additions of 3) SBM, 4) 50% SBM and 50% SAA blend or 5) SAA only. The HPDDG were included in diets at 15% in phase 1 and 10% in phases 2 and 3. Additions of SAA were included to maintain a SID Ile:Lys of 65% and SID Val:Lys of 75% for BCAA corrected diets. Data was analyzed as a RCBD, pair-wise comparisons and single degree of freedom orthogonal polynomials (BCAA corrected only) were used to evaluate treatment responses, and pen served as the experimental unit for all analyses. Reducing SBM in BCAA corrected diets decreased cumulative ADG and G:F (linear; P < 0.05). Decreasing SBM in BCAA corrected diets tended to decrease (linear; P = 0.09) standardized fat-free lean but increase (linear; P = 0.07) dressing percent and back fat depth (quadratic; P = 0.08) while not impacting hot carcass weight (P > 0.14). This data indicates HPDDG is a suitable feedstuff for grow-finish swine diets at low inclusion levels due to minimal impact on performance and carcass characteristics. Correction of BCAA levels through SBM inclusion provided an improved performance response compared to SAA only.
Comparison of Corn Ethanol Co-products from Brazil and USA Apparent and Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Pigs
Authors: Paula Vinicius R C , Milani Natália C , Azevedo Cândida P F , Souza Leury J , Sedano Anderson A , Mike Brian , Shurson Gerald C , Ruiz Urbano S
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility (AID and SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) of a corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from USA (UDG), a corn bran with solubles from Brazil (CBS) and high protein corn distillers dried grains from USA and Brazil (UHP and BHP), in growing pigs. Fifty crossbred barrows (46.2±5.3kg) were fed a semi-purified N-free diet, used to determine endogenous N losses, or four diets composed of 40% of each ingredient, as the only source of N, substituting for cornstarch in N-free diet. Animals were fed at 2.8 x maintenance (110 kcal of DE per kg of BW0.75) for 9 d and on the 10th d were euthanized for ileal digesta collection. TiO2 was used as an indigestible marker (0.3%) for digestibility calculations. A randomized block design was used, with 10 replicates, using the pig as the experimental unit, and results submitted to orthogonal contrast test. The CBS, UDG, BHP and UHP contained (as-fed basis) 13.9, 25.8, 42.9 and 34.9% CP; 9.0, 6.4, 10.3 and 7.3% EE; 40.8, 40.2, 32.7 and 47.5% NDF; 4.51, 4.53, 5.30 and 4.90 Mcal/kg GE; and 0.40, 0.73, 1.37 and 1.00% Lys, respectively. The AID of CP, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Thr and Val; and the SID of His, Leu, Lys, and Val of BHP were 8 to 36% greater (P < 0.05) than those from UHP. The AID of CP, Arg, Ileu, Leu, Phe, Thr, and Trp; and SID of CP, Arg, Phe, and Thr of UDG were 9 to 45% greater (P < 0.05) than those of CBS. In conclusion, BHP had a greater digestibility of most AA than UHP, while the CBS evaluated had lower nutritional value than the UDG source.
PSVI-14 Blend of Additives in Nursery Pig Diets as an Antibiotics Substitute Increases the Growth Performance and Intestinal Health
Authors: Junior Sudario Roberto Silva , Chaves Rhuan F , Resende Maíra , De Paula Ygor Henrique , Cabral Kenio De Gouvêa , Marques Athos Silveira , Barbosa Jéssica Aparecida , Murata Pedro Massahiro de Matos , Cantarelli Vinicius de Souza
Published: May 2021

Antibiotics growth promoting (AGP) in animal feed has been restricted. With this, several additives have been tested in order to replace AGP and ensure intestinal health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a blend of additives on growth performance, diarrhea incidence and cecal content microbiota of nursery pigs. A total of 576 weaned pigs (6.21 ± 1.16 kg) were assigned into 4 treatments (12 replicates) in randomized block design: basal diet without additives (NC); basal diet with 120 ppm of halquinol (PC); NC + 0,05% blend of lactic acid (3,5%), benzoic acid (2,5%), flavonoids (3,5%) (B5); NC+ 0,1% of same blend (B10). The pigs were weighed 0 and 42 days into the experiment. On day 10, one animal per pen (10 replicates) was euthanized for microbiota analyses. The diarrhea incidence was calculated by the percentage of visual pens with diarrhea, by day, in the period. The growth performance was analyzed by GLIMMIX procedure and the means were compared with Tukey test (P < 0.050) (SAS, 2009). Diarrhea incidence was analyzed by GENMOD procedure (SAS, 2009). The Kruskal Wallis test was used to compare microbial biodiversity (P < 0.050) by statistical program STAMP. The final weight (P = 0.010) and average daily gain (P = 0.001) of B10 and PC were higher than NC. Regarding diarrhea, it was observed that the B5 and B10 had lower incidence when compared to other groups in the total period. In the microbiome analyses, it was observed that the B5, B10, and PC groups had lower (P = 0.021) biodiversity when compared to the NC piglets. However, the B5 and B10 group had higher biodiversity when compared to the PC group. In conclusion, the supplementation with 0,1% blend of additives can be a substitute for AGP.
PSVI-11 The Effects of Medium Chain Fatty Acid Supplementation on Sow and Piglet Performance
Authors: Swanson Analicia J , Perez-Palencia Jorge Y , Levesque Crystal L , Hesse Amanda
Published: May 2021

A total of 38 mixed parity sows were used from 28-d of gestation until weaning to determine the effects of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) in sow and nursery pig diets on litter characteristics and growth performance. On 28-d of gestation, sows were blocked by parity and body weight (BW), and allotted to either a control diet (UNSUP) or a control diet plus 0.3% inclusion of DaaFit Plus (MCFA) fed during gestation and lactation. At weaning, piglets (n=432) were allocated in a 2x2 factorial based on maternal diet (UNSUP or MCFA) and post-weaning diet (UNSUPnurs or MCFAnurs) in a 3-phase nursery pig feeding program lasting 42 days. Individual piglets were weighed at birth, 7-d, at weaning and every 2 weeks post-weaning. A flu outbreak occurred during the latter part of gestation leading to high overall stillborn rate (11%). There was no impact of MCFA supplementation on sow performance (P>0.14). During the suckling period, MCFA fed to sows had no impact on piglet weights or ADG (P>0.82). In the nursey period, overall gain (0.112±0.02 kg) was low in the first two weeks possibly due to health challenges. Supplementation of MCFA to sows or nursery pigs had no impact on body weights during the nursery period (P>0.32); however, absolute differences between groups increased with week [wean, 0.10kg; wk 2, 0.14kg; wk 4, 0.71kg; wk 6, 0.83kg) to the advantage of MCFA fed pigs. Pigs from MCFA fed sows had greater feed intake (P< 0.02) from 14 to 28-d and decreased gain:feed (P < 0.04) from 28 to 42-d compared to pigs from UNSUP sows. Overall, sow and nurser-y pigs fed MCFA had numerically greater 42-d BW, ADG, and ADFI. In conclusion, despite health challenges, supplementation with MCFA in gestation, lactation or in the nursery period improved piglet performance.
PSVI-21 Digestible Phosphorus Requirements of Growing Pigs Determined in Experiments Are Greater Than Those Estimated Using Modeling Approach
Authors: Kim Hansol , Hong Bokyung , Kim Beob Gyun G
Published: May 2021

Sufficient supply of dietary phosphorus (P) is critical for maximizing muscle and bone growth of pigs. The objective was to compare standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P requirements of growing pigs determined in the experiments and those estimated using modeling approach. Fifty-two experiments in the literature that empirically determined P requirements of pigs were employed. The basis for the determination of P requirements were growth performance (average daily gain or gain to feed ratio; n = 34) and bone development (n = 23). Based on the STTD P in the feed ingredients provided in NRC (2012) and ingredient composition used in the experiments, P requirements presented as total P, available P, and true total tract digestible P were converted to STTD P requirements. To obtain STTD P requirements (g/d) suggested by NRC (2012) for grow-finishing pigs (body weight > 20 kg), mean body weight and sex indicated in the experiments were input into the NRC model. The statistical model for comparing the empirical data with the NRC requirements included the basis for determining P requirements in the experiments as a fixed variable and body weight as a random variable. To quantify the deviations between NRC STTD P requirement estimates and empirically determined STTD P requirements, mean percentage difference was calculated. The STTD P requirements empirically determined based on growth performance were greater than the NRC STTD P requirement estimates (5.89 vs. 4.61 g/d, SEM = 0.27; P < 0.001). Moreover, the bone development-based STTD P requirements were greater than the NRC STTD P requirement estimates (6.63 vs. 4.46 g/d, SEM = 0.42; P < 0.001). In conclusion, the standardized total tract digestible P requirements suggested by the NRC are less than the experimentally determined requirements.
PSV-7 Colostrum Intake Level Is Related to Level of Total Circulating Proteins and Essential Amino Acids
Authors: Suarez-Trujillo Aridany , Senn L Kirsten , Teeple Kelsey , Shirley Larissa K , McCabe Conor , Mills Kayla M , Klopp Rebecca , Stewart Kara R , Casey Theresa
Published: May 2021

Colostrum intake potentiates piglet survival by transfer of immune factors. Additionally, colostrum also contains nutritional and bioactive molecules which could promote piglet’s growth and development. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of colostrum intake amount during the first 24h on plasma insulin, glucose, protein, and amino acid (AA) concentrations. Two female piglets were selected from 8 litters (n = 16) at birth and fed 10% (COL10) or 20% (COL20) colostrum based on birth weight over 12 bottle feedings occurring every 2h. Colostrum was collected from multiple sows and mixed to create a homogeneous pool. At birth and 24h, blood sample were collected, plasma separated and used to measure insulin, glucose, total protein, and AA concentrations. Analysis of the variance (PROC MIXED, SAS v.9.4) was used to evaluate significant (P≤0.05) differences between colostrum dose and time (birth vs. 24h). Colostrum intake did not influence plasma insulin at 24h (P=0.54). Glucose was higher at 24h (P< 0.001), but did not differ between COL10 and COL20 piglets (P=0.74). Total protein was greater at 24h (P< 0.001) as well as in COL20 compared to COL10 (P=0.006). Non-essential AAs (Ala, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gly and Glu) were reduced at 24h compared to birth (P< 0.03), while essential AAs (His, Ile, Met, Phe, Trp and Val) were increased after 24h of colostrum feeding (P< 0.05). At 24h, COL20 piglets had greater Ile and Met (P< 0.03) and tended (P=0.08) to have greater Leu and Phe. In conclusion, colostrum intake increases glycemia as well as total circulating proteins, and the dose of colostrum is related with greater circulation of total protein and essential AAs.
PSV-6 Effect of Farrowing Induction on the Farrowing Process and Piglet Survivability
Authors: Shirley Larissa K , Brown Katie , Shull Caleb M , Minton Amanda
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of farrowing induction on the farrowing process and piglet livability on a commercial sow farm. Sows (n=594) were blocked by parity (P0, P1, or P2+) and randomly allotted to one of three treatment groups; no induction (CON), or 1cc prostaglandin the morning of d115 followed by either 1cc prostaglandin 6 hours later (LUT) or 0.25cc oxytocin 6 hours later (LO). Sows that farrowed within 6 hours of their initial prostaglandin remained on the study as a separate treatment group (LUT1). Sows that did not farrow by d117 were induced and removed from study. A total of 279 farrowings, resulting in 3,996 piglets born, were attended and details of the farrowing process recorded. During farrowing a 5ml colostrum sample was collected for evaluation of total protein and fat. Sows were followed after weaning and subsequent reproductive performance was recorded. As expected, LUT1 farrowing date was earlier than the other three treatments (P< 0.0001). Farrowing duration was not different among treatments (P=0.2986, average 3.5–3.9 hours). Farrowing induction did not affect NBA (P=0.124), total born (P=0.187), percent mummies (P=0.925), or percent stillborns (P=0.687). Individual piglet birth weights were lower in LUT1 when compared to CON, LUT and LO (3.00 vs 3.07, 3.09 and 3.12 lbs, P=0.011). The number of piglets requiring assistance during farrowing was greater for LUT and LUT1 (21% and 21.3%) compared to CON and LO (15.1% and 17.5%, P=0.003). The number of piglets born with broken umbilical cords was higher in LUT (39.6%) compared to all other treatments (CON=33.3%, LO=33.5%, LUT1=32.8%, P=0.002). Pre-weaning survivability was not different among treatments (CON=82.3%, LUT=80.7%, LO=81.4%, LUT1=81.6%, P=0.738). Colostrum from CON tended to have higher fat compared to LUT, LO and LUT1 (9.2 vs 8.3, 8.1 and 8.6%, P=0.0168). No differences in wean-to-first service, total born, percent stillborns, or percent mummies were found in subsequent farrowings.
PSIV-7 Effect of Biochar Supplementation in Beef Cattle Growing Diets on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Sperber Jessica L , Troyer Braden , Norman Mitch , McPhillips Levi J , Watson Andrea K , Erickson Galen E
Published: May 2021

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of feeding biochar in a growing diet on cattle performance, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Biochar was sourced from ponderosa pine wood waste (High Plains Biochar, Laramie, WY) and was 83% C with 426 m2/g surface area. Crossbred steers (n = 160; initial BW = 357 kg ± 44 kg) were utilized in a randomized block design (blocked by BW), steers assigned randomly to pen (n = 16), and pens assigned randomly to treatment. Two treatments were evaluated, a control (CON) without biochar (40% wheat straw, 40% corn silage, 15% modified distillers grains, 5% supplement) and the same diet with biochar included at 0.8% of diet dry matter replacing corn in the supplement (CHAR). Four pen replications per treatment were paired within BW block and rotated randomly through an emissions barn with two chambers (each treatment evaluated simultaneously) to capture average weekly CH4 and CO2 production. Pen was experimental unit and chamber was included as a fixed effect for emissions data. There were no statistical differences in performance outcomes between CHAR and CON steers (P ≥ 0.23). Numerically, average daily gain (ADG) was greater (P = 0.46) and dry matter intake (DMI) was lower (P = 0.23) for CHAR steers, resulting in a 2.8% improvement in feed efficiency for CHAR steers (P = 0.25). Emissions of CO2 and CH4 did not statistically differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.22). Numerically, CO2 and CH4 emissions were lower for CON compared to CHAR steers when reported as g per day (3.6% lower) or g per kg of DMI (2.4% lower). Based on the results from this study, there was no indication that feeding biochar, supplemented at 0.8% of diet, reduces GHG emissions in growing steers when compared to negative control.
PSIV-2 Evaluation of Relationship Between Feed Efficiency Traits and Energy Metabolism Using Comparative Slaughter Studies in Growing and Finishing Cattle
Authors: Lancaster Phillip A
Published: May 2021

There is uncertainty whether feed efficiency traits are related to energetic efficiency. The objective of this study was to utilize comparative slaughter data to evaluate the relationships of feed efficiency traits with maintenance energy requirements (MEm) and efficiency of metabolizable energy (ME) use for maintenance (km) and gain (kg). Published data were compiled (31 studies, 214 treatment means) on metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and composition of empty body gain in growing cattle. Data analyses were performed using R statistical software considering each treatment mean as an independent experimental unit. Assuming fasting heat production (FHP) varies only due to empty body protein (EBP) composition, it was computed as 295 kcal/kg EBP.75. MEm, km, and kg were computed from the nonlinear relationship between heat production and MEI. Residual intake (lower is more efficient) was computed as the residual from linear regression of MEI on EBW and EBW gain (RMEI) or MEI on EBP, retained energy as protein and retained energy as fat (RMEIc). Residual gain (higher is more efficient) was computed as the residual from linear regression of EBW gain on EBW and MEI (REBG) or retained energy on EBP and MEI (RRE). MEI was positively correlated with RMEI (0.46) and RMEIc (0.44), and EBW gain was correlated with REBG (0.58) and RRE (0.39). FHP was correlated with RMEIc (-0.25). MEm was weakly correlated with RMEI (0.19), RMEIc (0.22), and REBG (-0.26), but strongly correlated with RRE (-0.51). km was moderately correlated with RMEI (-0.35), but strongly correlated with REBG (0.49), RMEIc (-0.59), and RRE (0.79). kg was strongly correlated with RMEI (-0.69), REBG (0.47), RMEIc (-0.89), and RRE (0.70). Correlations among feed efficiency traits were strong (>±0.48). In conclusion, feed efficiency traits using retained energy as the dependent variable had stronger correlations with maintenance energy requirements than those using feed intake as the dependent variable.
PSVI-4 Efficacy of Medium Chain Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid-based Feed Additives as a Mitigation Strategy Against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Harrison O L , Nichols G E , Gebhardt J T , Jones Cassandra K , Woodworth Jason C , Dritz S S K , Bai J , Anderson J W , Porter E G , Sandberg F B , Singrey A C , Paulk Chad B
Published: May 2021

Recent research has demonstrated that swine viruses can be transmitted via feed. Chemical feed additives have been suggested for the mitigation of these viruses in complete feed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available formaldehyde-based feed additive, medium chain fatty acid blend (MCFA), and commercially available fatty acid-based products for mitigation of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in a feed matrix. Treatments consisted of: 1) non-treated positive control, 2) 0.33% commercial formaldehyde-based product (Sal Curb; Kemin Industries, Inc.; Des Moines, IA), 3) 0.5% MCFA blend (1:1:1 ratio of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0, Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), 4) 0.25%, 5) 0.5%, or 6) 1% of commercial dry mono and diglyceride-based product (Furst Strike; Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL), 7) 0.25%, 8) 0.5%, or 9) 1% of commercial dry mono and diglyceride-based product (Furst Protect; Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL), 10) 0.25%, 11) 0.5%, or 12) 1% dry mono and diglyceride-based experimental product (Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL) with 3 replications/treatment. Treatments were applied to complete swine feed before inoculation with 106 TCID50/g of feed with PEDV or PRRSV. Post inoculation feed was held at ambient temperature for 24 h before being analyzed via qRT-PCR. The analyzed values represent the cycle threshold. Formaldehyde and MCFA decreased (P < 0.05) the detectable RNA of PEDV and PRRSV compared to all other treatments. Furst Strike, Furst Protect, and the experimental product did not significantly impact detectability of PEDV or PRRSV RNA. In conclusion, MCFA and formaldehyde treatments are effective at reducing detection of RNA from PEDV and PRRSV in feed.
PSVI-6 Thresholds of Outdoor Temperatures on Fertility Measures of Different Parity Sows in Spanish Herds
Authors: Iida Ryosuke , Piñeiro Carlos , Koketsu Yuzo
Published: May 2021

High temperature is one of the environmental factors which impair sow fertility such as weaning-to-first-mating interval (WMI) and farrowing rate especially in parity 1 sows. The objective of this study was to explore thresholds of temperature damaging fertility in different parity sows. Data of sows serviced from 2011 to 2016 in 142 herds were coordinated with daily maximum temperature (Tmax) from 31 weather stations close to the herds. A two-stage approach was used to determine the best fit model. In the first stage, means and their variance-covariance matrix in each degree Celsius were estimated by a mixed model. Then, piecewise models with a different breakpoint were fitted to the estimates by generalized least squares. Medians of WMI in parity 1 and 2 or higher sows were 5 and 4 days, respectively. Farrowing rates in different parity sows were 85.0–88.7%. The thresholds of mean Tmax during lactation leading to a prolonged WMI were 16 and 23–25°C for parity 1 and 2 higher sows, respectively. The 10°C increase in Tmax from the thresholds delayed WMI in parity 1 and 2 or higher sows by 0.62 and 0.46–0.49 days, respectively (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the thresholds of mean Tmax from 21 to 14 days before service leading to reductions in farrowing rate were 21, 19 and 21–22°C for parity 0, 1 and 2 or higher sows, respectively. As the Tmax increased by 10°C from the thresholds, farrowing rate in parity 0–1 and 2 or higher sows decreased by 2.9 and 2.2–2.6%, respectively (P < 0.01). Lactating sows in parity 1 suffered from heat stress at a relatively low outdoor temperature. This implies that the temperature is warmer in lactating barns than in outdoor. We recommend changing thermostat set at barns in spring from those in winter in order to increase ventilation rates earlier.
PSI-2 Spices in Free-choice Mineral Offer Gain Advantages to Cattle on Tallgrass Native Range and Promise as Fly Control
Authors: Reeb Macie E , Farney Jaymelynn K
Published: May 2021

This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of two operational management systems for steer gains and fly control. The first strategy evaluated was pasture burn date of March (MAR) or April (APR). The second management strategy was fly control through feeding free-choice mineral with spices (SPICE) or without spices (CON). Eight pastures (n = 281 steers; initial weight 277.7 ± 25.2 kg) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial treatment structure. Steers were weighed individually, randomly assigned to treatment, and grazed for 85 days. Weekly 33% of steers per pasture were photographed and fly numbers counted. ADG was impacted by both burn date and mineral type (P = 0.01). Cattle on the APR-SPICE treatment had a greater ADG than MAR-SPICE and APR-CON with MAR-CON intermediate. Cattle on SPICE gained 4.5 kg (P = 0.12) more than cattle consuming CON mineral. Flies per steer were impacted by burn x mineral x week (P < 0.001). In general, APR-SPICE steers had a greater number of flies weeks 8, 10, and 11 (P < 0.05), corresponding to a time when mineral intake averaged 72% of the formulated intake. The MAR-SPICE steers consumed on average the formulated amount of mineral and through the entire grazing period had lower number of flies than APR-SPICE steers (P < 0.05). The second largest ADG observed with the MAR-CON treatment may be attributed to lower fly numbers as this treatment had one extra week below economic threshold for horn flies. These results are somewhat inconclusive on pasture burn date, but show that the addition of spices to a free-choice complete mineral shows promise as a cost-effective method to increase gains in stocker steers on tallgrass native range. As a fly control method, the spices utilized in this study may be effective if intake is at formulated level.
Effect of Hair Coat Shedding Ability on Uterine Artery Hemodynamics in Angus Cattle
Authors: Burnett Randy H , Contreras-Correa Zully E , Messman Riley D , Midkiff Kirsten A , Lemley Caleb O , Smith Trent
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate winter hair coat shedding ability and its association with uterine artery hemodynamics. Fall calving, artificially inseminated purebred Angus females (n = 29) were observed once monthly by two trained technicians for winter hair coat shedding and given a visual hair shedding score of 1 to 5 with 1 indicating 100% shed, 2 = 75%, 3 = 50%, 4 = 25%, and 5 indicating 0% shedding of winter hair coat. Month of first shedding (MFS) was determined once a female reached an average hair shedding score of ≤ 3.5 from March until July of 2019 and 2020. Uterine artery blood flow (ABF) was determined using color Doppler ultrasonography at d 150, 180, 210, and 240 of gestation. Total uterine artery (summation of ipsilateral and contralateral arteries) and ipsilateral uterine ABF, diameter, resistance and pulsatility index (PI) were analyzed using repeated measures of the MIXED procedure of SAS with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Fixed effects included MFS, day, year, and the respected interactions with covariates of dam body weight, ambient temperature and order of cows ultrasonography examination considered as a random effect. No significant MFS by day of gestation interaction (P > 0.32) was observed for total or ipsilateral ABF (P > 0.23). A MFS by day of gestation (P < 0.04) interaction was observed for both ipsilateral artery diameter and PI, in which females that shed by May had smaller artery diameter (0.74 vs. 0.85 cm) at day 180 of gestation and greater PI (P < 0.02; 1.48 vs. 1.03) at day 150 of gestation compared to June. Shedding ability had an effect on ipsilateral uterine artery development and pulsatility during gestation, possibly affecting the amount of nutrients distributed to the prenatal fetus and subsequent birth weight of the calf from females that shed by May.
Body Condition Score for Monitoring the Performance and Health of Small Ruminants in Field Conditions
Authors: Karki Uma , Tiwari Anand , Norwood Kendra , Johnson Ja’Nia , Karki Lila B
Published: May 2021

Frequent inspection and provision for necessary care are of prime importance for sustainable production and improving the wellbeing of small ruminants. Most small-ruminant farmers are small-scale, with limited resources, and do not have facilities needed for routine evaluation and intensive care of animals. The identification of a predictive variable of animal health and wellbeing would be useful for small ruminant management in field conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the relation of body condition score to other health parameters in meat goats and hair sheep. Performance data (live weight, body condition score (BCS – 1–5: 1- very thin, 5 - obese), and FAMACHA (a 5-color chart used to monitor anemic condition in small ruminants caused by barber pole worm; score - 1–5: 1–2- not anemic, 5 - extremely anemic) of meat goats (Kiko) and hair sheep (Katahdin and Katahdin-St. Croix cross) were collected from different grazing studies conducted from 2015 to 2020 (15) and similar data plus hoof condition (1–3: 1-good, no trimming required; 2 – trimming required; 3 – trimming and additional care required) collected from farmers’ field (6; animals in a herd/flock ranged from 15 to 65) in 2020 were used in this study. Data from each study and for each animal species were analyzed separately for correlation among the performance variables in SAS 9.4, with alpha value set at 0.05. Except for few data sets, correlations between BCS and FAMACHA were negative and significant (P < 0.05) with correlation coefficient (r) ranging from -0.18 to -0.64. BCS was positively correlated with live weight (P < 0.05, r = 0.15–0.76) in most of the studies. In one study, which also included fecal egg count for the quantification of gastrointestinal parasites along with other animal performance variables, BCS was negatively correlated with the total fecal egg count (P < 0.0001, r=-0.38). BCS showed negative correlation with hoof score in goats (P < 0.001, r=-0.33). Results show that BCS can be used as a predictor for small-ruminant health, especially in field conditions where other evaluation methods are not available.
Needs and Challenges Cattle Producers Face in Adapting Preconditioning Programs
Authors: Beck Paul , Robe Jeff , Lalman David , Zook Dana , New Marty , Ward Earl , Freking Brian
Published: May 2021

Identifying the producer’s needs and challenges is the first step to understanding what types of programs will benefit producers the greatest. In the cattle industry, participation in calf preconditioning programs have slowly increased over the last two decades as more sellers and buyers recognize the economic benefits. However, for a seller to receive maximum benefit when marketing their cattle requires planning and an understanding of the components that go into a preconditioning program. Surveys are a practical way to gain useful information to develop programming to educate on developing preconditioning protocols that best fits their operation. Following the 2019 Oklahoma Quality Beef Network (OQBN) VAC45 fall certified sales, a survey was distributed electronically and by postal mail to participating cattle producers. The survey examined a number of aspects associated with preconditioning calves, management practices, operation size, demographics, and obstacles producers face when preconditioning calves. Participation rate was approximately 56% out of the 126 OQBN producers surveyed. Of the respondents, 52% did so electronically. Program ear tags moved to online sales in 2019 and 98% of respondents found ordering online convenient. These results would indicate that the use of technology is an increasing component in the cattle industry by producers and leading the way to the development of more tech related tools. Smaller operations marketing 50 or fewer head (72%) are utilizing preconditioning programs the greatest. Still, the biggest challenge reported by producers preconditioning calves was the expense (59%) associated followed by availability of labor (22%) and facilities (13.5%). Thirty-two percent of respondents indicated 5% or less morbidity rate, and 13% of respondents experienced 10% or less mortality rate. Thirty-three percent of producers estimated 1lb. or less ADG. Developing resources concerning the costliest components of preconditioning may be most crucial and beneficial to the producer to achieve a successful program.
Integration of Virtual Programming into Beef Cattle Producer and Extension Agent Education
Authors: Edwards Ashley K , Faulk A Lee , Deshotel Vincent , Holmes Jason
Published: May 2021

Field days and workshops are fundamental to fostering communication and demonstrating management techniques. However, when faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, Extension agents turned to alternative platforms for providing educational opportunities. In April 2020, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) agents hosted a live webinar entitled “Sustainability during Turbulent Markets” to bring beef cattle producers information on management strategies during a time of instability. This initial webinar included 41 live participants and an additional 40 views within one week of posting the recording. Event responses prompted creation of the Beef Brunch Educational Series, an online series designed to maintain engagement and allow agents to present timely management recommendations and industry news to producers. Live webinars occur at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Webinars are also recorded for online distribution through the LSU AgCenter website, LSU AgCenter-Livestock YouTube channel, and podcast platforms. Bi-weekly news updates are released on the same platforms. News updates feature weather and pasture conditions, market outlooks, management tips, events, and current industry topics. Webinar engagement on all platforms averages 233 viewers with a growth range of 81 to 859 since April. News updates average 87 views with a growth range of 29 to 270 participants. When asked, 85% of viewers strongly agreed or agreed that information learned in webinars would be applied to their operations. Extension agents utilize this program for professional development, with 75% strongly agreeing or agreeing that webinars increased confidence to apply presented knowledge and 70% stating they have or plan to incorporate news update content in their programming. Thus, increased views, positive feedback, and requests for more information illustrate relevance in continuing the Beef Brunch Educational Series beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and optimistically developing it into a leading informational source for beef cattle producers in Louisiana.
Extension Contribution to Anaplasmosis Surveillance in Arkansas: A Story of Collaboration
Authors: Ward Heidi M , Apple Gabriel L , Thomas Lauren R , Reif Kathryn E
Published: May 2021

The emergence of resistant bacteria forced the medical and animal agriculture communities to rethink how antibiotics are used. In Arkansas, medicated feed is mostly used to treat or control Anaplasmosis in beef cattle herds. Bovine Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsial bacteria, Anaplasma marginale. This disease causes over $300 million in losses annually for the U.S. cattle industry. With beef cattle being the fifth largest agricultural commodity in Arkansas, it is important to know the prevalence of Anaplasmosis infection in the state. The project described is a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville campus, the University of Arkansas Extension, and the Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. Extension agents from 33 Arkansas counties were trained to recruit producers for the study and to coordinate sample collection. On the day of blood collection, Extension agents discussed the purpose of the project and appropriate disclosures with the producers. A total of 578 mature beef cattle were randomly selected from six geographical regions for sampling between the months of November 2019 and February 2020. Both whole blood and serum samples were collected from each animal. PCR testing was completed at the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine andcELISA testing was completed at the University of Arkansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Blood samples from 335 cattle (58.7%) were positive for Anaplasmosis on at least one test with the majority of animals testing positive (229; 68.4%) on both the cELISA and PCR tests. Rates of regional prevalence ranged from 36.7% to 93.8%. The overall results were discussed with Extension agents via Zoom prior to discussing results with individual producers. Data from this study were added to previous surveillance data collected by Kansas State University and will direct Extension education efforts pertaining to Anaplasmosis management in regional beef cattle herds.
Estimates of Genetic Variation for Angus Gestation Length
Authors: Gilleland Carson , Retallick Kelli J , Poole Daniel H , Peppmeier Zack , Knauer Mark
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to estimate variance components for gestation length within the American Angus breed. Data (n = 148,649) from the American Angus Association, containing cattle born between 2000 to 2020, were used for the analysis. Based on a cow’s reproductive biology, gestation length records were determined acceptable if between 266 and 290 days (n = 114,857). Gestation length mean and standard deviation were 278.6 and 4.6 days, respectively. Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood (AIREML) was used to estimate variance components for the gestation length. A single trait animal model included random effects of direct and maternal additive genetic variance and fixed effects of dam age rounded to the nearest year, calf gender and contemporary group. Contemporary group was determined as herd, year of birth and season of birth combinations. Contemporary groups containing less than five animals were excluded from analysis. Phenotypic variance for gestation length was estimated at 18.9. Direct and maternal heritability estimates for gestation length were 0.59±0.01 and 0.10±0.01, respectively. Further analysis evaluated the fixed effects of year and dam age on gestation length. From 2000 to 2020, an increase in one year decreased (P < 0.01) gestation length by 0.09 days. Gestation length differed (P < 0.01) by age of dam. Gestation length LSMEANS for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 year old cows were 277.7, 278.6, 279.0, 279.2, 279.3, 279.5 and 279.6, respectively. Heritability estimates within Angus breed suggest gestation length has a high capacity for genetic change. Results suggest gestation length has decreased over the past two decades and is shorter in younger cows.
Use of Byproduct Feeds in Southeastern Beef Production Systems
Authors: Poore Matthew H
Published: May 2021

Byproducts are an important component of many beef production systems in the southeast. A variety of byproducts are used as supplemental nutrition for pastured cattle, and a byproduct-based total mixed ration is commonly used in backgrounding enterprises. Byproducts of corn (wet and dry milling), soybean, cotton, peanuts, rice, citrus, brewing and vegetable processing are widely available. Regional availability will determine what optimal byproducts will be for a given area. The value of an alternative feed for beef cattle is commonly determined based on the TDN and CP levels relative to corn and soybean meal (the Peterson Method). This simple approach allows the user to calculate a $ per ton value at a given corn and soybean meal price, but may result in misleading information. Research comparing alternative feeds to the standard often find that a “realized value” is different than the calculated value. Intake may be stimulated or depressed by a given ingredient. Hidden costs including handling and shrinkage are often a problem for wet materials. Sometimes dramatic side effects occur despite a high calculated value for the feed. For example, fermented sweet potato cannery waste has a very high nutritive value that is realized when fed at low levels in a total mixed ration. However, when fed free-choice, it may cause severe dental erosion resulting in reduced gains in yearlings and early tooth loss in cows. Culled cured sweet potatoes coming from cold storage have a high calculated value yet can cause death in cows because of a lung toxin. There is actually a limited amount of research published with byproducts in southern beef production systems. Due to diversity of forage-base and wide variety of ingredients with potential associative effects, more research is needed to fully understand how byproducts are best utilized.
Concentrate Supplementation Frequency Effects on Early-weaned Beef Calves Grazing Annual Ryegrass
Authors: Oliveira Hugo , Vendramini Joao , Moriel Philipe , Gomes Vinicius , da Silva Hiran , Palmer Elizabeth A
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrate supplementation frequency effects on forage characteristics and performance of early-weaned beef calves grazing annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). The experiments were conducted in Ona, FL from February to April (Exp. 1) and June (Exp. 2) 2019 and 2020. In Exp. 1, thirty-two early-weaned calves (82±12 d of age) were allocated to 8 annual ryegrass pastures (4 calves/pasture) and supplemented with 1% BW. Treatments were 2 concentrate supplementation frequencies, daily (DAILY) or three times per week (3X; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) distributed in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Calves receiving the 3X treatment had the daily supplement level multiplied by 7 d and divided by 3 feeding days. Pastures (experimental units; 0.4 ha/pasture) were grazed with a continuous and fixed stocking rate. There was no difference in herbage mass (P = 0.85; mean = 3050 kg/ha), herbage allowance (P = 0.91; mean = 3.0 kg DM/kg BW), CP (P = 0.88; mean = 17.5%), and in vitro digestible organic matter (P = 0.82; mean = 74%). In addition, there was no difference in ADG (P = 0.60, mean = 0.65 kg/d), plasma urea nitrogen (P = 0.88; mean = 10 mg/dL), and glucose (P = 0.45; mean = 72 mg/dL). In Exp. 2, twenty early-weaned calves from Exp. 1 were maintained in the same treatment and placed in a drylot with individual stall for forage DM intake, total DM intake, and in vivo digestibility measurements. Treatments were the same described in Exp. 1 distributed in a randomized complete block design with 10 replicates. Calves receiving the DAILY treatment had greater forage DM intake (P = 0.02; 1.8 vs. 1.6% BW), total DM intake (P < 0.01; 2.7 vs. 2.5% BW), and in vivo digestibility (P < 0.01; 87 vs. 85%) than 3X. Feeding three times per week may be a feasible management practice to decrease the cost of labor related to feeding early-weaned beef calves.
Evaluating Soybean Cultivars for Forage Yield and Nutritive Values
Authors: Thompson Serena , Koebernick Jenny , Carrell Russell C , Cole Madison , Dillard S Leanne L
Published: May 2021

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) are frequently utilized by equine producers in the Southeast. However, challenges related to their production have producers searching for alternative legume options. In 2019 and 2020, five soybean cultivars, “Tower of Leaves,” “Stonewall,” “Laredo,” “AG79X9,” and “AG64X8,” were evaluated for yield and nutritive value. Soybeans were grown at two row spacings (36 and 71 cm), two locations (Central and South Alabama), and harvested at three heights (10, 15, and 20 cm; HH). Forages were harvested using a plot harvester, dried at 55°C, and ground to 1 mm. Forage quality was determined using a NIRS, with verification by wet chemistry analyses. The study was a randomized, complete block design (n = 4) and statistical analysis was carried out using PROC Glimmix of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., - Cary, NC). Forage yields were greatest in “Stonewall” and “Tower of Leaves,” and lowest in “Laredo” (2,074, 1,978, and 1,348 kg/ha, respectively). Across years, HH and forage cultivar had a significant effect on yield (P < 0.0001). As expected, yield increased as HH decreased (P < 0.0001). In 2019, crude protein (CP) was affected by HH (P < 0.0001), with 10 cm having lower CP than 15 and 20 cm (14 vs 16%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were affected (P < 0.01) by HH and variety. “Stonewall” had the lowest NDF (30.84%) and ADF (29.27%; P < 0.01). “Stonewall” and “AG79X9” had the greatest TDN (74 and 73%, respectively; P < 0.01). The cultivar “Stonewall” shows promise as a forage, with greater yields and moderate forage nutritive value compared with the other cultivars tested. Further research is needed to evaluate “Stonewall” in mixtures with other warm-season annual forages.
Effects of Exogenous Glucocorticoid Administration on Feed Intake in Beef Cattle
Authors: McCarty Keelee J , Long Nathan
Published: May 2021

Calves (n = 63) from Angus crossbred cows were weighed and randomly assigned to treatments within 4 h of parturition (d 0). Each calf was intravenously infused with either a low cortisol [LC; n = 22, 3.5 µg hydrocortisol sodium succinate/kg body weight (BW)], high cortisol (HC; n = 20, 7.0 µg/kg BW), or a sham infusion control (CON; n = 21, similar volume of saline). Each calf was administered a second infusion of its respective treatment 24 h postpartum. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture before infusion and daily from d 0–17 of age and analyzed for leptin concentrations using a validated radioimmunoassay. Animal BW was collected every 14 d from d 0 until the end of the study. Heifers (n = 31; 367±4 d of age) and steers (n = 32; 385±4 d of age) entered a Growsafe system to measure feed intake (FI) and were allowed a 2-wk adjustment period to a commercial ration (1.27 Mcal NEm/kg and 15.8% CP and 0.45 Mcal NEg/kg and 13.8% CP, respectively; DM basis). Heifer body condition score (BCS) was collected at the beginning and end of the trial. Heifers were fed for 70 d and steers until they obtained a 12th rib back fat (BF) thickness of 1.15 cm. Data were analyzed via ANOVA or repeated measures using appropriate models of SAS. Serum leptin concentrations observed a treatment by day interaction (P = 0.0028), in which HC and LC were decreased compared to CON from d 2–17 of age. Calf birth BW and adjusted 205-d BW did not differ (P > 0.056) between treatments. Heifer BW gain, BCS change, and number of feed events were increased (P = 0.001) in LC compared to HC and CON. Steers did not differ between treatments (P > 0.080) in BW, BW gain, or BF thickness. However, LC steers observed greater daily FI (P = 0.047) and tended to have greater final BW (P = 0.080). In summary, exogenous cortisol administered to calves at parturition reduced leptin concentrations and improved FI of beef steers during a feeding trial.
Evaluation of Prenatal Transportation Stress on the Number of Pituitary Corticotrophs in Mature Brahman Cows
Authors: Kamilar Victoria , West Sarah , Littlejohn Brittni P , Long Charles R , Riley David G , Riggs Penny K , Randel Ron D , Welsh Thomas H , Cardoso Rodolfo C
Published: May 2021

Prenatal transportation stress (PNS) results in calves that are more temperamental and have greater circulating concentrations of cortisol compared to control calves. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate whether PNS alters the number of pituitary corticotrophs in mature Brahman cows. We hypothesized that the increased circulating cortisol concentrations previously characterized in this bovine model is associated with developmental changes in the anterior pituitary leading to an increased number of corticotrophs. Pregnant Brahman cows (n = 48) were transported in trailers for 2-hour periods at 60±5, 80±5, 100±5, 120±5, and 140±5 days of gestation. Non-transported pregnant cows (n = 48) were designated as the Control group. Control and PNS offspring heifers were managed together under the same environmental conditions. At approximately 5 yr of age, randomly selected non-pregnant cows (Control, n = 8; PNS, n = 6) were humanely harvested and the whole pituitaries were collected. Pituitaries were weighed, fixed in paraformaldehyde, serially dehydrated with graded ethanol, embedded in paraffin blocks, and cut into 5-μm sections. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect cells expressing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as a marker for corticotrophs. Three comparable sections from the midsagittal plane from each animal were processed using an ovine ACTH-specific antibody (Dr. A.F. Parlow, NIDDK). Five fields of view were analyzed per section (15 fields per animal). Anterior pituitary gland weight did not differ (P > 0.10) between groups (Control = 2.11 ± 0.12 g; PNS = 2.10 ± 0.15 g). The mean number of ACTH-positive cells between control (531±56 cells/section) and PNS cows (477±49 cells/section) also did not differ (P > 0.10). In conclusion, the number of pituitary corticotrophs in mature Brahman cows was not affected by prenatal transportation stress and is likely not a mechanism mediating the increased circulating cortisol concentrations seen in this bovine model of fetal programming.