bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
323 Rumen Fluid Amine/Phenol-Metabolome of Beef Steers with Divergent Residual Feed Intake Phenotype
Authors: Sidney Taylor S , Taiwo Godstime A , Idowu Modoluwamu , Pech-Cervantes Andres A , Ogunade Ibukun M , Morenikeji Lanre
Published: November 2023

The amine/phenol-metabolome of rumen fluid was analyzed to identify amino acid metabolism-related biomarkers associated with divergent residual feed intake (RFI) phenotype in beef cattle. Fourteen beef steers [most feed-efficient (HFE; RFI = −1.89 kg/d, n = 7) and least feed-efficient (LFE; RFI = +2.05 kg/d, n = 7)] were selected from a total of 56 crossbred growing beef steers (average BW = 261 ± 18.5 kg) after a 49-d feeding period in a dry lot equipped with two GrowSafe intake nodes. Rumen fluid samples were collected 4 h after feeding on d 56, 63, and 70 from the HFE and LFE beef steers. Metabolome analysis of the rumen fluid was performed using chemical isotope labeling/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify all metabolites containing amine/phenol chemical groups, which are mostly amino acid metabolites. A total of 493 metabolites were detected and identified in the rumen fluid. The partial least squares discriminant scores plot showed a slight separation between the two groups of steers, and a total of eight metabolites were found to be differentially abundant (FDR ≤ 0.05). Out of the eight differentially abundant metabolites, four metabolites (isomer 1 of cadaverine, baeocystin, 6-methyladenine, and N(6)-methyllysine) qualified as candidate biomarkers of divergent RFI phenotype based on area under the curve ≥ 0.70. The results of this study revealed that divergent RFI phenotype is associated with alteration in rumen amine/phenol-metabolome of beef steers.
360 Effect of Dietary Protein Levels and Growth Promotants in Dairy-Beef Cross Steers on Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency
Authors: Salisbury Carlee M , Beck Matthew R , Beck Paul A , Foote Andrew P
Published: November 2023

Reducing nitrogen excretion of finishing beef cattle is needed to protect the environment but methods used to decrease nitrogen excretion need to have economic benefits as well. The objective of this experiment was to determine the potential of implant strategy and phase-feeding crude protein (CP) to reduce urinary nitrogen (UN) and fecal nitrogen excretion. Holstein × Angus steers (n = 72) were blocked by body weight (BW) and treatments were randomly assigned to pens (n = 4 per treatment). This experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial design, where cattle were fed a constant CP (control), or the CP content of the diet was reduced every 49 days (phase-fed) and cattle received either an aggressive or moderate implant strategy. All cattle were implanted on d-0 and d-98. Body weight was measured, and blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 49, 98, 147, and at shipping. Phase-feeding CP and implant strategy had no effect (P ≥ 0.47) on dry matter intake or average daily gain. There was a tendency (P = 0.10) for a diet × implant-strategy interaction for feed efficiency, indicating that phase-fed cattle were more efficient with the moderate implant strategy than the aggressive implant strategy. UN excretions decreased (P < 0.01), on day-147 among both implant treatments, indicating that re-implanting on d-98 may have reduced nitrogen excretion. There was a sampling-day × implant interaction (P ≤ 0.03) and a sampling-day × diet interaction (P < 0.01) for blood urea nitrogen concentrations (BUN) and total UN excretion, where BUN and total UN excretion were decreased among the moderate implant and the phase-fed groups on day-147 compared with the aggressive implant and control-fed groups, respectively. Overall, fecal nitrogen concentrations were less for the phase-fed treatment group compared with the control (P ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that phase-feeding CP can be an effective strategy to reduce nitrogen excretion from cattle in the feedlot without negatively affecting performance.
371 Effect of Calcium Magnesium Carbonate And/Or Tylosin Phosphate Supplementation on Behavior, Rumination Activity, Feedlot Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Yearling Beef Steers
Authors: Grimes Becca , Francis Forest L , Gubbels Erin R , Norman Thomas , Ribeiro Thiago Maia , Hanson Santana , Ross Cassidy , Compart Devan Paulus , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of calcium magnesium carbonate (CMC) and/or tylosin phosphate (TYL) supplementation on behavior, rumination activity, growth performance and carcass characteristics of yearling beef steers. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial including CMC and TYL. Beef steers (n = 156; 469 ± 18 kg) were randomly assigned to treatment pens (7 to 8 steers/pen) with pen (n = 20 pens total, 10 pens/main effect mean, and 5 pens/simple effect mean) as experimental unit. Cattle were transitioned from a 30% roughage diet to a 7% roughage finishing diet based on dry-rolled corn, dried distillers grains plus solubles, liquid supplement, and oat silage over the initial 20 d period. The CMC was included at 1.5% of the diet (DM basis) in replacement of dry-rolled corn and TYL was provided at 90 mg·animal·d-1. Behavior and rumination activity were monitored during a 24 h period on d 42. Data was collected on a pen-basis, every 10 min from 0800 h to 0750 h the next day and included minutes spent drinking (DR), eating (EA), active (AC), ruminating (RU), and resting (RE). Cattle were shipped for harvest on d 105 to a commercial beef abattoir. Growth performance was calculated on a carcass-adjusted basis (HCW/0.625). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with fixed effects of CMC, TYL, or their interaction; block was a random effect. An interaction was observed between CMC and TYL for time spent DR (P = 0.03) and RU (P = 0.01). Control steers ruminated 28% longer compared with CMC/-TYL steers (P = 0.05) and 20% longer than -CMC/TYL steers (P = 0.05). The main effect of CMC tended to increase time spent EA by 19.3% (P = 0.06). Dry matter intake was decreased (P ≤ 0.02) by 4.57% when CMC was fed and increased by 1.96% when TYL was fed. However, no difference (P ≥ 0.26) was observed for G:F or gain efficiency in either treatment. No differences (P ≥ 0.28) were observed in any dietary net energy utilization outcomes in either main effect treatment. Carcass weight tended (P = 0.07) to be lighter with CMC supplementation compared with CON (432 vs 439 kg). Supplementation of TYL resulted in a 11.7% reduction (P = 0.04) in percentage of abscessed livers. No differences (P ≥ 0.12) were observed in DP, marbling, YG, or EBF in either main effect treatments. These results indicate that supplementation of CMC did not result in any appreciable improvements in growth, carcass or dietary net energy utilization performance, but TYL supplementation resulted in a positive effect on liver abscess prevalence.
369 Effects of Supplementing Sources of Zinc on Digestibility Parameters of Beef Steers
Authors: James Arminda S , Rude Brian , Smith Trent , Boyer Angela R
Published: November 2023

Zinc (Zn) has numerous functions and many life-sustaining processes depend on the presence of Zn within the body. The objective of this study was to determine if apparent digestibility differed by Zn source. In this study, Angus steers (n = 12, 226 kg ± 16.17) underwent three isozinc treatments: Organic Zn glycinate, Inorganic Zn sulfate (ZnSO4), and Zn hydroxychloride (Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ). On day 1, steers were weighed, rumen fluid collected, liver biopsy performed, and blood collected. Steers were then placed in metabolism crates for a 4-day adaptation period. Each steer was assigned a source of Zn in a completely randomized design (4 steers/treatment). Steers had ad libitum access to hay and treatments were fed once daily. Treatments contained the assigned source of Zn 0.063 g/d, soybean pellets 0.063 g/d, ground corn 0.063 g/d, and molasses 0.2 g/d. Orts were quantified daily, and total fecal samples were collected and sampled daily at time of feeding (0600h) for 5 consecutive days (d 5 to d 10). On d 10, steers were removed from metabolism crates, weighed, rumen fluid collected, liver biopsy performed, and blood collected. Feed and fecal samples were composited for the entirety of the collection period. Each sample was dried, ground, and analyzed to determine DM, NDF, ADF, fat, protein, and mineral content. Data were analyzed using the proc mixed procedure of SAS. Digestibility results for Organic Zn, Inorganic ZnSO4, and Zn hydroxychloride were DM (70.74, 70.64, 72.46, respectively), NDF (75.98,76.03, 77.79, respectively), ADF (83.00, 82.47, 84.00, respectively), Fat (67.28, 66.00, 70.04, respectively), and protein (69.14, 68.56, 70.12, respectively). Hemicellulose and organic matter (OM) were calculated and determined, with digestibility of Organic Zn, Inorganic ZnSO4, and Zn hydroxychloride to be OM (74.13,73.50, 75.67, respectively), and hemicellulose (57.66, 59.27, 61.65, respectively). The results of proximate analysis reported digestibility of DM, NDF, ADF, fat, protein, OM, and hemicellulose, were not affected (P < 0.05) by treatment. Mineral analysis was performed by Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. Treatment did not affect Zinc liver concentrations. However, numerical differences indicate additional research is needed on rumen dynamics to fully understand the impact of mineral source within the animal, and ultimately its final environmental impact.
376 Effects of Mineral Supplementation During Range Grazing on Ovine Performance
Authors: Spurling Ryan A , Petty Dillon , Gasser Chad , Violett Randall , Christensen Morgan , Heaton Andrew , Thacker Eric , Sweat Alexis , Rood Kerry , Thornton Kara J , Page Chad
Published: November 2023

Western US sheep production systems are dependent on rangeland forages to meet nutritional needs for animal production. While many native rangeland soils and forages are deficient in minerals like Cu, Se, and Zn, it is unknown whether ewes will alter forage selection if they receive a mineral supplemented diet and if alternative forages will affect performance on range. The objectives of this study are to quantify the effects of mineral supplementation on ewe forage selectivity on rangeland, range utilization, and animal performance. We hypothesized ewes who receive a trace mineral supplement will have a more diverse diet, greater rangeland utilization, and improved performance characteristics than their non-supplemented contemporaries. In this study, (n = 59) ewes were grazed across four summer pastures on Cedar Mountain near Cedar City, Utah. Ewes between the ages of 1 and 6 with an average weight of 87 Kg ± 13 Kg were stratified by initial weight and breed into one of two different treatment groups: 1) trace mineral supplement ad libitum (TRT; n = 30), or 2) no mineral supplement (CON; n = 29). Ewe breed types consisted of black face type breeds (BLF; Suffolk) and white face type breeds (WF; Targhee, Rambouillet, and their crosses). All ewes received a similar diet of alfalfa hay and triticale without access to ad libitum mineral supplementation 30 days before the start of the trial. A solar powered C-lock inc. pro was used to track individual animal mineral intake. Back fat (BF) and loin eye depth (LED) were measured at day 0 and day 116 of the trial via ultrasound. Additionally, fecal samples were collected and used for fecal metabarcoding (fDNA) at approximately 30% pasture utilization, which measures the proportion of plant DNA in the feces to determine forage species consumed. Plant species were sorted into functional groups (forbs, grass likes, grasses, shrubs, and trees). The GLM procedure of SAS was used to analyze BF, LED, and fDNA. The mixed procedure of SAS with day as a repeated measure was used to analyze percentage change in body weight. Control ewes had greater BF by 0.08 cm (P = 0.02). No difference in BF was observed by breed (P = 0.8). Loin eye depth was greater by 0.2 cm (P = 0.01) in BLF ewes than WF ewes. Supplemented ewes maintained 1% more of their initial body weight than CON ewes (P = 0.01). No forage selection differences were observed by treatment or breed (P> 0.2). The current study results indicate that mineral supplementation on range may not affect forage selectivity but can benefit animals by maintaining body weight over the grazing season.
382 The Effect of Natural Products on the Metabolism of Boar Taint Compounds in Porcine Hepatocytes
Authors: Bone Christine , Squires E James
Published: November 2023

Boar taint is a meat quality issue that develops in entire male pigs resulting from the accumulation of androstenone and skatole in the fat, which is dependent on the balance between their rate of synthesis and hepatic metabolism. Prior research from our lab showed that transactivation of the nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) can alter gene expression in porcine hepatocytes to increase the metabolism androstenone and skatole. Many plant species and herbal medicines contain active compounds that function as ligands for these nuclear receptors and could be developed into dietary treatments for boar taint unlike the classic agonists used in our previous work, which have known cytotoxic effects in vivo. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different natural product (NP) treatments on the hepatic metabolism of androstenone and skatole. Hepatocytes were isolated from 5-month-old crossbred [(Yorkshire x Landrace) x Duroc] boars (n = 7) and pretreated for 24 hours with one of three NP treatments, which included the PXR agonist hyperforin (HYP) from Hypericum perforatum or St. John’s Wort, diallyl sulfide (DAS), an active ingredient found in garlic and an agonist of CAR, and oleanolic acid (OA), a selective modulator of FXR present in various plant species. Control incubations were pretreated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Next, all pretreated hepatocytes were treated with androstenone or skatole for 3 hours. The metabolism of androstenone and skatole was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography and boars were classified as rapid (RM, n = 4) or slow (SM, n = 3) metabolizers according to natural threshold values established from the percentage of androstenone (< 5% RM; >5% SM) or skatole (< 50% RM; >50% SM) remaining in control incubations with DMSO. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way ANOVA in SAS with Dunnett’s post hoc test. NP treatments differentially regulated androstenone metabolism in SM and RM boars but had no effect (P > 0.05) on skatole metabolism. In SM boars, androstenone metabolism was increased 1.43, 1.75, and 1.67-fold by HYP, DAS, and OA, respectively, but was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by all NPs in RM boars relative to control incubations with DMSO. These results indicate that SM boars respond more favorably to NP treatments than RM boars suggesting that these NPs may be a viable dietary treatment for boar taint if provided exclusively to SM boars. This targeted treatment approach will require additional research to identify predictive biomarkers associated with the SM profile.
75 Do Real Work
Authors: Lambrakis Leah
Published: November 2023

Preparing for a career in the food, agriculture and manufacturing industries involves a combination of academic and practical training, industry partnerships, and professional development opportunities. Building strategic collaborations with industry partners is critical to this equation, as experiential learning programs offer several benefits to both the students and the organizations. Programs such as internships, onsite industry-based research and career development opportunities are valuable to providing practical hands-on experience through observing the application of the theory learned in the classroom to the real world. Students obtain insights through real-world projects, create meaningful relationships in their field of interest and develop skills that are highly valued by potential employers. At Simmons Foods, our journey of building a culture of learning and development has become the cornerstone of our first corporate value of Put People First. Based on the approach called "Do Real Work," the internship program at Simmons is built to not only work on current problems to be solved, but also provide the opportunity for students to focus on their professional development and learn skills that allow them to grow their confidence and sense of accomplishment. Further, as we seek to develop leaders in our manufacturing facilities, Simmons’ Career Leadership Program is a strategic six-month training course investing in the growth and development of future leaders, rotating them through all areas across the business units and manufacturing plants. Both of these programs are equally valuable to the company, as the students often provide a curious and fresh perspective through brainstorming and problem-solving sessions. They are the source of practical training for supervisory employees and they leave with an edge-up on future recruitment opportunities. All in the spirit of developing the next generation of skilled experts and effective leaders!
PSV-21 Evaluation of the Effect of Daily Probiotic Administration on the Prevalence of Shiga Toxigenic E.Coli and Select Serum and Immune Parameters During Pre and Peri-Weaning Period in Goat Kids
Authors: Ndegwa Eunice , Richey Caitlyn , Ali Doaa
Published: November 2023

Probiotics are microorganisms generally regarded as safe (GRAS) that have a beneficial effect when ingested by a host. While research on the benefits of probiotics in farm animals has mainly concentrated on major livestock species, little is documented on potential benefits in small ruminants. Probiotics in goats and sheep could offer a dual benefit of reducing pathogenic bacteria loads and resulting in improved immunity and overall health. In this study, we evaluated the effect of one-month daily commercial probiotic administration followed by weekly administration until weaning and daily administration for one week after weaning on select serum parameters, and also the prevalence of pathogenic E.coli in healthy pre-weaned goat kids beginning at two days of age. Overall, the general health of the animals in both groups remained the same throughout the study period. No significant difference in total lactic acid bacteria was detected between probiotic supplemented and control group. Probiotic administration generally improved the total serum protein and immune markers. The difference was significant after twenty-eight days of administration and two days after weaning for total serum protein and immune markers, respectively. Shiga toxin E.coli (STEC) was detected in both control and probiotic-treated goats in early life, but no significant differences were detected between treatment groups on prevalence. These results suggest that daily probiotic administration may have some health benefits in pre-weaned goats.
PSI-5 Potential Involvement of Ferroptosis in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Inflammation in Broilers
Authors: Chen Yi-Ting , Lin Yuan-Yu
Published: November 2023

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death that is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Several studies have indicated that ferroptosis might be involved in various intestinal disease, including intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In poultry, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) resulting from pathogen invasion, nutritional deficiencies or environmental factors, might significantly reduce productivity and feed conversion rates of broilers, leading to economic losses for the industry. However, it is unclear whether ferroptosis contributes to the development of IBDs in broilers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential involvement of ferroptosis in the development of intestinal inflammation in broilers. A total of 192 one-day-old Ross308 broilers were randomly divided into four treatments, with 4 pens per treatment and 12 birds per pen. The treatments consisted of intraperitoneal injections of 0.9% sterile saline as control (CON) and 0.5, 1.0, 5.0mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively (LL, ML, HL). The results showed that the administration of LPS decreased body weight of broilers compared with CON group at 21d of age (P < 0.05). Additionally, at 1 to 21 d of age, the average daily gain of broilers was significantly decreased relative to CON group (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed that treatment with LPS decreased the villi lengths while increased the crypt depths of ileum in HL group compared with CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative mRNA expression of lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation-associated genes were significantly increased in jejunum and ileum in HL group (P < 0.05). Importantly, the untargeted metabolomics analysis of serum samples showed that cysteine and methionine metabolism was the most significant pathway differences between HL and CON groups, indicating that the key antioxidant in ferroptosis mechanism, glutathione, might be affected after the administration of LPS. The results suggested that ferroptosis might be involved in LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in broilers. Further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of how ferroptosis contributes to inflammatory bowel disease in broilers.
PSIII-15 Use of Ultrasound Technology to Estimate Final Carcass Composition in Harvested Beefmaster Steers
Authors: Price Ainslea E
Published: November 2023

The objective of this research study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound scanning to predict post-harvest carcass data. Beefmaster steers (n = 47) representing two different sires were ultrasounded 62 d before harvest using an Aloka 500 ultrasound unit, equipped with a 17.2cm probe to collect 12th rib fat thickness (FTU), 12th rib longissimus muscle area (LMAU), intramuscular fat (%FatU) and rumpfat (RFU). Beef Image Analysis (BIA) software was used to determine FTU, REAU, %FatU and RFU using chuteside captured ultrasound images on all steers. Carcass data collection included 12th rib fat thickness (FTC), 12th rib longissimus muscle area (REAC) and marbling score (MS). Additionally, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and ether extraction (EE) estimates were determined on 12 to 13th longissimus muscle samples. All carcass data were collected by the Beef Carcass Research Center at West Texas A&M University. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Simple descriptive statistics were 1.03 ± 0.25 cm, 90.1 ± 8.64 cm2, 457.3 ± 74.7, 1.35 ± 0.38, 5.75 ± 1.83, 3.86 ± .64 kg for FTU, REAU, %FatU, RFU, EE and WBSF, respectively. Simple descriptive statistics were 18 ± 0.35 cm, 89.72 ± 7.74 cm2, and 504.7 ± 67.2 for FTC, REAC and MS, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.72 (P < 0.0001) between FTU and FTC, 0.52 (P < 0.0002) between REAU and REAC, and 0.45 (P < 0.0017) between %FatU and MS. Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.45 (P < 0.0017) between EE and %FatU and 0.72 (P < 0.0001) between EE and MS. These results suggest that ultrasound measures of final body composition should be taken closer to the final harvest date to better estimate endpoints of fat thickness, longissimus muscle area and intramuscular fat in harvest ready beef cattle.
PSIII-18 Effect of Industrial Hemp Supplementation on the Salivary Melatonin Concentrations of Angus Cattle at Different Phase of Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Samuel Felix U , Ogunkunle Nathaniel , Simpson Monya D , Jones Kendra , Hering Josh , Abdelrahim Gamal-Eden , Verghese Martha , Cerbet Ernst , Kuang Xianyan
Published: November 2023

Melatonin is an indoleamine, a neurotransmitter and neurohormone mainly produced in pineal gland but also in the ovary. It has an important role in reproduction, antioxidant, immune system and circadian behavior. Industrial hemp is increasingly being included in animal feeds and it is therefore important to evaluate the effect of industrial hemp supplementation on the profiles of melatonin following different phases of reproductive cycle. Twenty apparently healthy Angus heifers, aged 19 months with average body weight of 363 kg and body condition score of 6.5 were randomly divided into two groups of ten heifers each in a completely randomized design. Group 1 (n = 10) were supplemented with grounded industrial hemp at 20/200mg of the concentrate, and group 2 (n = 10) no industrial hemp supplementation. Hay and water were provided ad libitum. The animals were acclimatized for 1 week after which they were synchronized using the 7-day CO-Synch protocols. Salivary samples were collected at preestrus, during estrus and at post estrus. Melatonin in the saliva was assayed with a competitive ELISA kit. The salivary melatonin concentrations were greater (P > 0.05 in the treated groups at estrus (25.29 ± 1.48 pg/mL), pro-estrus (23.98 ± 2.3 pg/mL) and post-estrus (20.31 ± 3.0 pg/mL) compared with the untreated groups at pre-estrus (18.9 ± 1.5 pg/mL), estrus (20.4 ± 2.22 pg/mL) and post estrus (17.22 ± 2.6 pg/mL).The profiles of the salivary melatonin were greater (P > 0.05) at estrus phase in the hemp treated groups compared with the pre-estrus and post estrus phase of the treated groups; however, numerical but non-significant increases were observed in the untreated group at estrus phase compared with the pre-estrus and post estrus phases. It was concluded that industrial hemp supplementation could improve melatonin concentrations and hence improve reproductive, antioxidant and immune function of the cattle.
PSIII-14 The Effects of Co-Twin Sex on Fitness Traits in Young Meat Goat Does
Authors: Landskroener Christian , Hayes Emily G , Browning Richard
Published: November 2023

This study examined if co-twin status influenced reproductive and health traits in meat goat does. Herd records of does identified as twin-born between 2003-2022 in the Tennessee State University Research herd were evaluated for fitness traits as two and three-year-olds. Twin category (TC) was classified as female co-twin (n = 188; FT) or male co-twin (n = 194; MT). Study does were the crossbred or purebred daughters of Kiko, Myotonic, Spanish, and South African (Boer and Savanna) sire breeds. Traits analyzed were birth weight (BWT), weaning weight ratio (WWR), doe breeding body weight (DWT), fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), kidding rate (KR), weaning rate (WR), and survival rate (SR) using MIXED and GLIMMIX models of SAS. Birth weight revealed doe sire breed (P < 0.0001) and twin category (P = 0.002) were significant. Study does born with a FT were heavier (2.68 ± 0.06 vs. 2.53 ± 0.06 kg) than does born with MT. South African breeds were heavier (P < 0.0001) than all three breeds, while the Myotonic was lighter (P < 0.0001) than all three breeds. Weaning weight ratio revealed the interaction of TC with doe sire breed (P = 0.05) was significant. The interaction showed that FT Spanish does had a greater (P = 0.01) WWR than MT Spanish does (103.90 ± 2.86 vs. 91.69 ± 2.94). Sire breed (P < 0.0001) and doe age (P < 0.0001) were significant for doe breeding weights but not twin category (P = 0.47). Twin category was significant (P = 0.01) for breeding FEC; does with FT had decreased counts (2.53 ± 0.12 vs 2.34 ± 0.12 eggs/g) than does with a MT. Doe age and TC were not significant for breeding PCV while sire breed (P = 0.01) was significant. Doe age, litter size born, and TC were not significant for kidding FEC and PCV. Doe sire breed was significant (P = 0.003) for kidding FEC. The interaction of TC and litter size weaned was significant for weaning FEC (P = 0.01) and weaning PCV (P = 0.04). The nature of the interaction was within TC class for litter size differences. Doe age (P = 0.008) and sire breed (P < 0.0001) were significant for weaning FEC whereas TC was not significant (P = 0.47). Sire breed (P = 0.86) and TC (P = 0.71) were not significant for SR. Sire breed (P < 0.0001) was significant for KR and WR but not TC (P = 0.29 and P = 0.13). Based on the findings of this study, sex of co-twin had limited influence for the traits tested. Sire breed and doe age had more impact on the traits tested.
PSVI-2 Dietary Supplementation of Phyllanthus Urinaria Ameliorates Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Hens
Authors: Chang Pei-En , Ding Shih-Torng
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Phyllanthus urinaria supplement on fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in hens. Forty 7-week-old ISA hens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10), including control diet group (CON), high cholesterol and low choline diet group (CLC), and CLC with 1% P. urinaria powder group (PU). CLC diet and the supplementation of P. urinaria for six weeks exhibited no impact on feed intake and body weight (P > 0.05). The triglyceride (TG) and the total cholesterol (TC) in plasma was increased at week 6 (TG: CON = 18.86 ± 0.97 mg/dL and CLC = 66.45 ± 7.17 mg/dL; TC: CON = 130.41 ± 5.87 mg/dL and CLC = 308.11 ± 27.97 mg/dL); nevertheless, P. urinaria decreased the triglyceride in plasma (PU = 41.19 ± 4.88 mg/dl, P < 0.05), but not total cholesterol (PU = 259.11 ± 20.88 mg/dL, P > 0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in plasma was decreased with 1% P. urinaria powder group (CLC = 64.81 ± 3.71 mg/dL and PU = 49.13 ± 4.20 mg/dL, P < 0.05). Under liver macroscopic analysis, PU demonstrated the least percentage of severe in hepatic appearance (CLC = 22% and PU = 0%). Similarly, the liver microscopic examination (H&E) suggested the PU supplementation reduced steatosis score (CLC = 2.89 ± 0.11 and PU = 2.11 ± 0.16) and blooning (CLC = 1.63 ± 0.22 and PU = 0.88 ± 0.31) in the hepatocyte. To sum up, this study revealed the hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus urinaria and provided a potential strategy for preventing FLHS to improve the welfare in hens.
PSVI-11 Genome-Wide Association Study for 4 Behavior Traits in a Population of Labrador Retrievers Bred as Guide Dogs
Authors: Riser Molly M , Leighton Eldin , Russenberger Jane , Moser Caroline , Fragomeni Breno O
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the genetic architecture and investigate genomic regions associated with Body Handling, Harness sensitivity, Self-modulation, and Noise sensitivity in Labrador Retrievers used as guide dogs. A single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS) was used for this purpose. Phenotypic data were collected in 4,841 Labrador Retrievers with ages ranging from 3 months to 2.5 years, for all four traits. Phenotypes were selected from the Behavior Checklist, which is a scoring tool used by a skilled scorer to describe aspects of behavior observed during a variety of assessments including formal tests and while training or observing another handler working with the dog. The pedigree file contained 23,593 animals with birth years ranging from 1991 to 2019 from two populations with related ancestors. Genomic data were available for 457 individuals and were obtained by selecting 250K SNPs from whole genome sequences. Associations were calculated as the percentage of variance explained by windows of 80 adjacent SNPs. SNP variances were calculated based on SNP effects that were obtained by back-solving genomic estimated breeding values obtained with the single-step GBLUP method in a genomic selection program with the same population. Additionally, the genomic relationship matrix was modified under a weighted ssGBLUP (wssGBLUP) approach that allowed SNPs to have different distributions. Manhattan plots were generated with the variance explained by SNP windows for 3 iterations of wssGBLUP. After visual inspection of the Manhattan plots, the R package GALLO was used to annotate the genes located within the peaks that explained 0.6% or more of the genetic variance. The maximum amount of variance explained by a window of 80 SNPs was 1.1% for Body Handling. This trait presented three other regions explaining more than 0.6% of the genetic variance. Harness sensitivity presented four peaks above the threshold, with the major one explaining 0.75% of the genetic variance. Self-modulation and Noise sensitivity both had their major peak explaining 0.95% of the genetic variance and presented four and three regions above the threshold, respectively. The genes annotated in the candidate regions were not specifically related to behavior, nor were they involved in any pathway with biological relevance to the phenotypes. Moreover, some of the regions were not annotated, and no associated genes were found. The traits studied in this project were shown to be polygenic and complex, and that explains the lack of major genes. It is expected that the quality of associations will improve as the sample size increases. The next steps of this project are to increase the number of genotyped animals, increase the number of markers, and adopt alternative annotation and enrichment tools for the post-GWAS analysis.
PSVI-10 Effects of Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation on Offspring Basal Immune Status
Authors: Reiter Amanda S , Kawaida Mia Y , Tillquist Nicole M , Smith Brandon , Govoni Kristen E , Zinn Steven A , Reed Sarah A
Published: November 2023

Poor maternal nutrition during gestation affects offspring pre- and post-natal growth, decreasing muscularity and increasing adiposity. Chronic inflammation may be a potential mechanism for the alterations reported. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of poor maternal nutrition during gestation on offspring inflammatory status. We hypothesized that offspring of restricted- and over-fed ewes would have an altered inflammatory status which would be dependent on offspring sex. To test this hypothesis, multiparous Dorset ewes (n = 45) pregnant with twins were fed 100% (CON), 60% (RES), or 140% (OVER) of National Research Council requirements from d 30 of gestation until parturition. At parturition, all ewes were fed a control diet, such that the nutritional insult only occurred during gestation. At d 120, whole blood was collected from offspring and RNA was isolated to evaluate 86 genes related to the innate and adaptive immune responses. Data were analyzed in SAS 9.4 using PROC MIXED with fixed effects of offspring sex, maternal diet, and the interaction. Maternal diet affected 7 genes. Bovine major histocompatibility complex, a gene in the innate immune response, was downregulated by 27% and 37% in OVER compared with CON and RES, respectively (P = 0.001). Cluster of differentiation 86, a marker of T cell activation, was upregulated by 17% in OVER compared with CON (P = 0.04). Lymphocyte antigen 96, critical in the response to pathogens, expression was 48% greater in RES compared with CON (P = 0.04). A transcription factor in cytokine signaling, Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 was upregulated in OVER and RES offspring by 19 and 21%, respectively, compared with CON (P = 0.02). Pattern recognition receptors Toll-like receptor-1 (TLR1), TLR4, and TLR8 were upregulated in RES and OVER compared with CON (P ≤ 0.04). The interaction of offspring sex and maternal diet significantly altered gene expression in 2 genes. A regulator of T cell differentiation, GATA Binding Protein 3 was downregulated in OVER females by 21 to 43% compared with all other offspring and was upregulated in OVER males by 26 to 76% compared with all female offspring (P = 0.04). A gene related to cytokine signaling, Janus Kinase 2 was upregulated in RES and OVER males by 29 to 64% compared with all other offspring (P = 0.05). Sex altered gene expression of 54 genes (P ≤ 0.05). Overall, maternal diet altered gene expression of the innate and adaptive immune responses in a sex-specific manner. Alterations in inflammatory status may contribute to altered body composition and may predispose offspring to impaired response to immune challenges. Future work should focus on the impacts of poor maternal nutrition during gestation on the response to an immune challenge.
PSVI-13 Dietary Milk Fat Globule Membrane Improves Neonatal Piglet Intestinal Architecture and Enhances Mucosal Diamine Oxidase Activity Following Lipopolysaccharide Challenge
Authors: Zheng Rui , Brown Rebecca , Jimenez-Flores Rafael , Jacobi Sheila K
Published: November 2023

Early life stressors alter the trajectory of gut development and impair nutrient utilization, barrier function, and animal performance throughout life. Gastrointestinal (GI) maladies increase morbidity and mortality in neonates, and dietary nutrients are essential in supporting GI function. Although maternal milk is the gold-standard for yielding developmental benefits to offspring, genetic selection in the modern sow has resulted in large litter size and milk yield potentially insufficient to achieve the high biological growth potential in sow-reared piglets. Research into milk quality has led to the identification of many bioactive nutrients important in neonatal development. Components of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) contribute immensely to neonatal nutrition and gut health. However, mechanisms of actions are still being defined. The objective is to define the effect of MFGM supplementation on neonatal piglet intestinal health. We hypothesize dietary MFGM will enhance piglet intestinal architecture and tight junction (TJ) protein abundance, attenuating systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier disruption. One-day-old piglets (n = 32) were assigned to soy (CON) or MFGM phospholipid supplemented diet (0.75% wt/wt) ± LPS (100 µg/kg body weight) challenge in a 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 8/diet/challenge). Piglets were fed for 21 d and 8 animals/diet received saline or LPS injections 4 h before euthanasia. Piglet weights and feed intake were recorded daily to calculate performance. Intestinal tissues were collected to assess villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Two biomarkers of intestinal integrity, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and diamine oxidase (DAO), were measured in serum or tissue. Protein abundance of claudin-1 and occludin in ileal and colonic mucosa were detected by Western blot. Data were analyzed by 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of traetments using the PROC MIXED. Dietary MFGM had no adverse impact on growth performance or TJ proteins (P > 0.05). Dietary MFGM increased VH (CON: 348.8 and MFGM: 427.0 ± 26.79 µm) and decreased CD (CON: 166.3 and MFGM: 147.4 ± 8.42 µm) in ileum, thereby increasing the VH: CD ratio (CON: 2.2; MFGM: 3.1 ± 0.13; P < 0.05). Further, LPS treatment increased serum I-FABP by 4.4-fold and decreased jejunal mucosal DAO by 0.5-fold compared with saline treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a 93.1 % increase in colon DAO activity with MFGM diet compared with soy-fed pigs, regardless of LPS challenge (P < 0.05). Dietary MFGM improved neonatal piglet ileum architecture and increased colon DAO activity, potentially attenuating the intestinal barrier disruption following LPS challenge.
PSIX-23 Fecal Starch in Feedlot Cattle as Affected By Sampling Time and Storage Method
Authors: Gonçalves Jonathan , Igarasi Mauricio , Da Silva Thiago , Cardoso Milton , Bernardes Thiago
Published: November 2023

Fecal starch analysis is a useful tool for monitoring starch digestibility in beef feeding operations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of time of day and feces storage method on fecal starch concentration. A commercial feedlot was asked to participate in this study. For both experiments, fecal samples were collected from 5 pens (replicates) of cattle, which were consuming the finishing diet for about 40 d. Dry-ground corn was the primary energy source, with an inclusion of 32.6% DM in the diet. Corn silage was another source of starch (15.5% DM in the diet). Cattle were fed 4 times a day (0800, 1000, 1330, and 1600 h). Pens had on average 51 animals and the estimated average body weight was 495 kg. Fecal samples (~20 g) were collected from 10 undisturbed piles and composited. In Exp. 1, sampling was performed at 6 different times within day: 0800, 0930, 1100, 1330, 1500, and 1630 h. After sampling, all composite samples were frozen for further analyses. In Exp. 2, fecal samples were collected at 1000 h and subjected to 5 storage methods, as follows 1) oven dried, 2) dried by an Air Fryer device, 3) frozen, 4) cooled for 24 h in a cooler box at 4oC and subsequently frozen, and 5) addition of 50 g of 70% alcohol in 100 g of feces. Fecal samples were analyzed for DM and total starch. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS, followed by a Tukey test at P ≤ 0.05. Fecal starch was unaffected by sampling time (P = 0.60). Average starch concentration was 4.25% of DM. Regarding storage methods, samples from Air Fryer and those mixed with alcohol had greater starch concentration (5.75 and 5.81% of DM, respectively) than other treatments (4.76, 4.83, and 4.96% of DM for those frozen, oven-dried, and cooled for 24 h, respectively). Overall, time of day did not influence determination of fecal starch concentration. In contrast, storage method influenced fecal starch concentration, but the differences were minimal.
PSIX-22 Performance, Digestibility, and Blood Parameters in Pregnant Beef Cows Fed Total Mixed Ration Silages
Authors: Ferreira Robson , Vaz Vinicius , Domingues Edmilson , Gionbelli Mateus P , Casagrande Daniel R , Bernardes Thiago
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two total mixed ration (TMR) silages (low and high rumen undegradable protein; RUP) on digestibility, blood parameters, and performance in pregnant beef cows. Thirty-three mid-gestation (~130 d of gestation) Tabapua beef cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) a TMR silage containing Brachiaria grass, soybean hulls, urea, and mineral mix (low RUP; n = 16) or 2) a TMR silage containing Brachiaria grass, DDG, and mineral mix (high RUP; n = 17). The concentration of A1 fraction was, on average, 12.9% and 34.0% of N in low and high RUP silages, respectively. A preservative with a blend of organic acids, surfactants, and activated propionates was applied in both silages. Pressed bag silos were used to conserve silages for 7 wk. Cows were housed in individual pens for 100 d. During a 4-d digestion period (at 50 d of housing), fecal samples were collected for measurement of nutrient digestibility using undigested neutral detergent fiber as a marker. Blood parameters were collected at the last day of housing. Statistical analysis of experimental data was performed using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. Diet, calf sex (male or female), and interactions between these factors were considered fixed effects. No differences were obtained for initial BW. High RUP diet showed greater final BW (P = 0.0004) and ADG (P = 0.0003). Cows fed high RUP gained 50 g/d, while cows fed low RUP diet lost 445 g/d. Dry matter intake was greater by 23% (P < 0.0001) in cows consuming high RUP silage. Dry matter, CP, and NDF digestibility did not differ between treatments. Regarding blood parameters, no differences were observed for glucose at 0 h and 4 h post-feeding. Plasma urea at 0 h post-feeding was greater in cows fed low RUP silage (P = 0.0003). However, no differences were observed for plasma urea at 4 h post-feeding. The plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (P = 0.017) and beta-hydroxy-butyric acid (P = 0.002) were greater in cows consuming low RUP diet. Overall, feeding pregnant cows during mid-gestation with TMR silage containing high RUP promotes greater performance.
PSIX-21 Evaluation of Methane Emissions Predictions from Observed Methane Emissions Data in Beef Steers, Heifers and Bulls
Authors: Place Sara E , Swenson Maya , Raynor Edward J , Stackhouse-Lawson Kim R , Speidel Scott E , Enns R Mark , Carvalho Pedro H V
Published: November 2023

Enteric methane emissions from cattle are the largest source of agricultural methane emissions; however, measuring enteric methane emissions is costly and infeasible in many environments. Consequently, prediction of enteric methane emissions for greenhouse gas emissions inventories for reporting and carbon market purposes is an important alternative to measurement. The objective of the current experiment was to evaluate the relationship between feed intake and methane emissions, and to compare observed methane emissions with commonly used enteric methane emissions prediction equations. Cattle (n = 194; steers n = 99, heifers n = 58, bulls n = 37) were housed at the Colorado State University Climate Smart Research pens equipped with Smartfeed feed intake measurement and Greenfeed emissions monitoring systems (C-Lock, Rapid City, SD). Body weight, body weight gain, dry matter intake, and methane emissions were collected for 37 days for each individual animal. All summary statistics and univariate fit analyses were conducted in JMP Pro 15.0 (SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC). Observed methane emissions were compared with three extant methane prediction equations: IPCC tier 2 (IPCC), Moraes et al. (2014) animal-level (MAL), and Mills et al. (2003) non-linear equation 2 (MNL). Mean observed methane emissions were 185.3 g· animal-1· day-1 [standard deviation (SD) = 31.1], 135.6 g· animal-1· day-1 (SD = 29.3), and 177.8 g· animal-1· day-1 (SD = 20.1), for steers, heifers, and bulls, respectively. Across all 194 animals mean feed intake was 6.33 kg/d (SD = 1.65) and mean methane emissions were 169 g· animal-1· day-1 (SD = 36.2; Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.65). When comparing observed vs. predicted methane emissions, MNL over predicted methane emissions (mean = 182.7 g· animal-1· day-1), whereas MAL (mean 119.3 g· animal-1· day-1) and IPCC (mean = 136.6 g· animal-1· day-1) underpredicted methane emissions (P < 0.01). Of the 3 prediction equations, MAL had the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) of 20.9 (R square = 0.50), followed by IPCC (RMSE = 27.2, R square = 0.42), and MNL (RMSE = 32.8, R square = 0.42). The current preliminary data suggests further refinement of enteric methane emissions prediction equations could improve inventories and estimates of enteric methane emissions on commercial cattle operations.
PSXII-17 The Influence of Sire on Gestation Length and Calf Performance
Authors: Carter Mason A , Perkins Tommy L
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine sire effects on calf gestation length (GL), birthweight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and intermediate feedlot weight (IFW) in beef cattle. In this study, five sires (four Braunvieh and one Simmental) were used to artificially inseminate (AI) commercial cows in Northwest Arkansas resulting in crossbred calves (n = 76) being born in the Fall 2021. Dates for AI were recorded at time of service in December 2020. At parturition, the calf date of birth (DOB) and a hoof-tape BW were recorded. Calf performance data collection included WW and IFW. Calves were categorized into sire groups (n = 5) and GL groups (n = 3). Sire groups included Braunvieh sire A through D and Simmental sire E. Gestation length groups included Short GL of 26 to 278 d (SGL), Average GL of 279 to -290 d (AGL) and Long GL of 291 to 305 d (LGL). Preliminary data were analyzed using Excel. Through ANOVA, GL groups were determined to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) with means of 276.3 ± 1.8 d for SGL (n = 24), 283.2 ± 2.5 d for AGL (n = 24), and 300.5 ± 10.3 d for LGL (n = 16). When comparing sire groups, no significant differences were found for GL (P = 0.39), BW (P = 0.71), WW (P = 0.64) or IFW (P = 0.84) between sires. Descriptive statistics for GL, BW, WW and IFW were 282.0 ± 7.2 d, 36.6 ± 6.4 kg, 262.3 ± 17.4 kg and 544.2 ± 43.0 kg for Sire A, 281.7 ± 9.3 d, 36.7 ± 15.8 kg, 247.8 ± 25.8 kg and 532.0 ± 26.4 kg for Sire B, 285.6±9.8d, 35.2±14.1kg, 259.8±26.1kg and 528.4±34.4kg for Sire C, 284.5±2.1 d, 40.4 ± 0.0 kg, 249.5 ± 32.1 kg and 532.1 ± 0.0kg for Sire D and 288.5 ± 14.4d, 35.4 ± 10.3 kg, 261.7 ± 34.2 kg and 542.9 ± 36.8 kg for Sire E. Gestation length was found to have no significant differences between bull and heifer calves (P = 0.37), with bull calves averaging a greater numerical value of 2.6 d when compared with heifer calves. A significant difference was found between bull and heifer BW (P < 0.05). Means BW for bull calves were 5.43 kg heavier than heifer calves. These data suggest that GL and BW trends follow previous publications when using GL as a breeding selection tool for commercial beef production.