bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Varying Levels of Trace Mineral Supplementation on Feedlot Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Lippy Brittany A , Wilson Blake K , Robison Colton A
Published: May 2021

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of 4 levels of trace mineral supplementation on feedlot cattle. Two hundred and forty Angus crossbred steers (n = 48, BW = 291 ± 27 kg) were stratified by arrival BW and source and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental treatments in a randomized complete block design (12 pens/ treatment; 5 steers/pen). Cattle went through a 35 d depletion period prior to the administration of treatments where cattle received a supplement that included zero trace minerals and was formulated to meet or exceed other nutrient requirements not met by the ration. Cattle were administered treatments after transition to the finishing ration. The treatments included a negative control (CON) which contained no added trace minerals, a requirement treatment (1X) in which cattle received added trace minerals at requirement levels indicated by NASEM (Co 0.15 mg/kg, Cu 10 mg/kg, Fe 50 mg/kg, I 0.5 mg/kg, Mn 20 mg/kg, Se 0.1 mg/kg, Zn 30 mg/kg; NASEM 2016), a 2 times requirement levels (2X) treatment, and a treatment at four times requirement (4X) levels recommended by the NASEM. Iron was kept constant at 50 mg/kg for 1X, 2X, and 4X treatments. Due to feeding laws, Selenium was included at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg for 1X, 2X, and 4X respectively. Treatment levels were chosen based on the 2015 Feedlot Consulting Nutritionist Survey. There was no difference in BW, ADG, overall DMI and G:F over the course of the experiment (Linear P ≥ 0.12; Quadratic P ≥ 0.17; CON vs Supplements P ≥ 0.47) There was no difference in marbling score, yield grade, back fat, REA, HCW, or dressing percentage between treatments (Linear P ≥ 0.23; Quadratic P ≥ 0.36; CON vs Supplements P ≥ 0.30). In conclusion, the lack of or addition of supplemented trace minerals at or above indicated requirement levels has no effect on cattle performance or carcass characteristics.
Ruminal Degradation Kinetics of Beef Steers Fed Annual or Perennial Grass-hay with or Without Supplementation
Authors: Nardi Kaue T , Sarturi Jhones O , Sugg Joel D , Henry Darren D , Ciriaco Francine M , West Charles P
Published: May 2021

The effects of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) supplementation on ruminal degradation kinetics of steers fed annual [‘Tiffany’Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter; TEFF] or perennial [‘WW-B Dahl’ Old World bluestem, Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz).T. Blake; OWB] grass hay were evaluated. Ruminally cannulated crossbred-Angus steers (n = 6; BW = 304 ± 11 kg) were assigned to a 4 × 6 unbalanced Latin square design with 4 treatments. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial, with factors being hay type (OWB or TEFF) and DDGS supplementation [0 or 0.5% BW (DM basis)]. Steers had ad libitum access to hay and received 110 g of a mineral/vitamin packet daily. Periods consisted of a 14-d adaptation followed by 7 d of collection. Hay types were reverse-incubated at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h post-feeding. Residues from the in situ incubations were fitted to a first-order kinetics model using the non-linear procedure of SAS. The GLIMMIX procedures of SAS were used for the statistical analysis. A hay type × DDGS interaction was observed (P ≤ 0.05) for the estimation of substrate effective degradable fraction of OM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose; however, after adjusting with Tukey’s, there were no treatment mean differences (P ≥ 0.08). The rate of digestion, soluble fraction, and the potentially degradable fraction of OM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose increased (P ≤ 0.05), while the undegradable fraction decreased (P ≤ 0.01) when steers were fed TEFF, regardless of DDGS supplementation. Ruminal degradation lag-time increased (P ≤ 0.02) by 1.5, 1.45, and 2.6 h for DM, OM, and ADF, respectively in steers fed OWB, regardless of DDGS supplementation. Ruminal degradation kinetics were not (P ≥ 0.17) independently affected by DDGS supplementation. Future investigations should elucidate the interaction between supplementation and forage quality.
Timing of Protein/energy Supplementation in Late Gestating Bos Indicus-influenced Beef Cows Influences Postnatal Growth, Immunity and Carcass Characteristics of Their Offspring
Authors: Palmer Elizabeth A , Vedovatto Marcelo , Oliveira Rhaiza A , Ranches Juliana , Vendramini Joao , Poore Matt H , Moriel Philipe
Published: May 2021

This 2-yr study investigated the timing of dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation of Bos indicus-influenced cows during late gestation and its impacts on offspring performance. On d 0, 84 Brangus cows/yr were stratified by BW (482 ± 75 kg) and BCS (5.3 ± 0.8) and randomly assigned to bahiagrass pastures (14 cows/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (2 pastures/treatment/yr) and consisted of no prepartum supplementation (CON), 2 kg/d of DDG from d 0 to 42 (LATE42), or 1 kg/d of DDG from d 0 to 84 (LATE84). At weaning (d 347), 38 steers/yr were vaccinated against bovine respiratory disease, transported for 720 mi to the feedlot, penned according to prepartum pasture distribution, and fed the same corn silage-based diet until harvest. Data were analyzed using SAS GLIMMIX procedure. Cow BCS at calving was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for LATE84 and LATE42 vs. CON cows and did not differ (P = 0.16) between LATE84 and LATE 42 cows. Cows offered LATE42 supplementation had greater (P ≤ 0.05) calving percentage from wk 2 to 6 of the subsequent calving season than CON and LATE84 cows. Calf BW at weaning was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for LATE 84 vs. LATE42 calves, and the latter greater than CON calves (269, 261, and 255 ± 2.6 kg, respectively). Seroconversion against parainfluenza-3 virus at weaning was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for LATE42 vs. CON steers, with LATE84 being intermediate. Feedlot BW and carcass weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.36) among treatments, but marbling scores and carcasses grading choice tended (P ≤ 0.10) to be greater for LATE42 vs. CON steers, with LATE84 being intermediate. Therefore, timing of DDG supplementation during late gestation in Bos indicus-influenced cows enhanced calf weaning weight, humoral immunity, and carcass characteristics at different magnitudes than cohorts born from non-supplemented cows.
Relationship Between Gas Emissions and Dry Matter Intake in Mature Angus Cows
Authors: Holder Amanda , Gross Megan A , Moehlenpah Alexi , Beck Paul
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of diet quality on greenhouse gas emissions and dry matter intake (DMI). We used 42 mature, gestating Angus cows (600±69 kg; and BSC 5.3±1.1) with a wide range in DMI EPD (-1.36 to 2.29). Cows were randomly assigned to 2 diet sequences forage-concentrate (FC) or concentrate-forage(CF) determined by the diet they consumed in each period (forage or concentrate). The cows were adapted to the diet and the SmartFeed individual intake units for 14 d followed by 45 d of intake data collection for each period. Body weight was recorded on consecutive weigh days at the beginning and end of each period and then once every two wk for the duration of a period. Cows were exposed to the GreenFeed Emission Monitoring (GEM) system for no less than 9 d during each period. The GEM system was used to measure emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Only cows with a minimum of 20 total >3-m visits to the GEM were included in the data set. Data were analyzed in a crossover design using GLIMMIX in SASv.9.4. Within the CF sequence there was a significant, positive correlation between TMR DMI and CH4 (r=0.81) and TMR DMI and CO2 (r=0.69), however, gas emissions during the second period on the hay diet were not correlated with hay intake. There was a significant, positive correlation between hay DMI and CO2 (r=0.76) and hay DMI and CH4 (r=0.74) when cows first consumed forage (FC). In comparison to the CF sequence, cows on the FC sequence showed a positive correlation between CO2 and TMR DMI during the second period. There was also a significant positive correlation between hay and TMR DMI when assessed across (r=0.43) or within sequence (FC r=0.41, CF r=0.47).
Determination of Nutrient Digestibility in Calves Supplemented with Various Levels of Corn Gluten Feed When Consuming Forage-based Rations
Authors: Zumbaugh Charles A , Nolen Emily N , Wilson Thomas B
Published: May 2021

The experimental objective was to determine the effect of supplementing various levels of corn or corn gluten feed (CGF) on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility in cattle consuming a forage-based ration. Twelve purebred Angus and Simmental heifers were stratified across treatments by BW and breed in a 2x2 factorial arrangement across 2 periods (n = 6/treatment). Treatments included either corn or CGF supplemented at 0.25% BW or 0.75% BW with ad libitum access to alfalfa hay. Each period lasted 21 d, with animals housed as a group and moved to individual stalls to consume supplement each morning during the first 10 d and individually thereafter. Fresh alfalfa and supplement were provided daily throughout the experiment, and feed offered and refused were recorded daily while animals were housed individually. During the final 3 d of each period, fecal samples were obtained directly from the rectum of each animal every 6-h. Samples were analyzed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP). Data were analyzed using lm in R with significance defined at P ≤ 0.05. The statistical model included the fixed effects of supplement type, level, and their interaction, breed, and period. No differences (P ≥ 0.28) in ADG or G:F were noted among treatments. Total tract NDF, ADF, and OM digestibility did not differ among treatments, but OM and ADF digestibility tended to be greater (P = 0.10 and P = 0.06, respectively) for animals supplemented with corn. Crude protein digestibility was not influenced by supplement type (P = 0.46), but tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for animals supplemented at 0.25% BW. These results indicate that at supplement levels below 0.75% BW, supplementing cattle with CGF does not result in an improvement in apparent total tract digestibility relative to corn under the conditions of this experiment.
Use of Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata) as a Nutraceutical Forage for Livestock
Authors: Terrill Thomas H , Whitley Niki C , Burke Joan M , Miller James E
Published: May 2021

Sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) is a widely-adapted warm season perennial legume that can be used for grazing, hay, or as a conservation plant. Planted extensively for erosion control in the Southeast in the 1930s and 1940s, SL was considered an inexpensive, but relatively low-quality feed for livestock due to high fiber (thick stems) and tannin content. Over the last 60 yr, an SL breeding program at Auburn University resulted in release of improved cultivars with lower fiber (1960s), less tannin (1970s), and improved grazing tolerance (1990s), although interest in SL as a forage crop remained relatively low. This has changed recently as research over the last 10–15 yr has demonstrated the excellent bioactivity of this plant against infection with gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus contortus) and protozoan parasites (Eimeria spp.) in livestock. This bioactivity, which has been attributed to a unique type of condensed tannins, has been confirmed in fresh (grazed), dried (hay, meal, pellets), and preserved (ensiled) forms of SL in a number of studies with sheep, goats, and cattle. The tannins in SL have also been reported to prevent bloat, reduce ruminal methane production, and kill housefly larvae in manure, further contributing to the renewed interest in SL as a nutraceutical (nutritional + pharmaceutical) forage for livestock. Animal performance of SL for cattle was described as similar to bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) in a number of studies in the 1970s and 1980s, but more recent cattle performance data with SL are not available. A recent study with goats showed higher animal performance with no reduction in anti-parasitic bioactivity with well-fertilized SL compared with SL produced under normal (low-input) conditions. Future work on SL will focus on optimizing nutritional and bioactivity (nutraceutical) properties of this forage for different species of livestock.
BioWorma as an Aid for Controlling Ruminant Nematode Parasites
Authors: Miller James E , Burke Joan M , Terrill Thomas H
Published: May 2021

Nematode-trapping fungi are biological control agents used against the larval stages of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock feces. These fungi are normal soil inhabitants where they feed on a variety of non-parasitic soil nematodes. Of the various fungi tested, Duddingtonia flagrans spores (BioWorma, International Animal Health Products, Australia) have been shown to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants. After defecation, the spores germinate and grow in the feces to form sticky, sophisticated traps/loops which are able to trap the developing larval stages in the fecal environment. This form of control has been successfully applied under field conditions and is an environmentally safe biological approach for forage-based feeding systems. BioWorma has recently been approved for use in the United States. The primary delivery system is mixing BioWorma into supplement feedstuffs daily where each animal has the opportunity to consume an adequate amount of the mixture. To achieve optimum control of larvae during the transmission season (May–October), BioWorma needs to be fed for a period of no shorter than 60 days, starting at the beginning of the grazing season (especially young after weaning). Feeding BioWorma to dams during late pregnancy and lactation will also help to reduce pasture contamination, especially for growing young that will graze the same pasture. Another delivery system is mixing BioWorma into loose mineral supplement where animals will consume it free choice. The mineral needs to be kept covered and dry. The spores cannot be incorporated into pellets as the heat of the pelleting process will kill the spores. One drawback in using BioWorma is the relatively high cost. Research is being conducted to evaluate other delivery schemes that could be more cost effective. This product is the only control method that targets nematodes on pasture, where a majority of the total population reside.
Multi-species Grazing for Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes – a Review
Authors: Burke Joan M , Miller James E
Published: May 2021

Multi-species grazing, alternate grazing of cattle with sheep or goats, offers benefits to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) control as GIN species differ between hosts. In the Southeastern United States, common GIN species of cattle include Cooperia spp., Ostertagia ostertagi, Haemonchus spp., whereas species of sheep and goats are Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia curticei, and Oesophagostomum spp. Anthelmintic resistance is widely prevalent in small ruminants, and is an increasing problem in cattle, but remains less prevalent. Thus, it is recommended to farmers to use a multi-faceted approach of GIN control, including multi-species grazing. Because management differs between cattle and small ruminants in regard to copper tolerance in minerals, predator control and fencing, alternate grazing of species has most commonly been used. Other considerations include age or susceptibility to GIN, as young calves may be vulnerable to GIN, but mature cows often have negligible GIN infection. Similarly, weanling lambs and kids are susceptible, and depending on breed, adults range from highly resistant to susceptible. Research indicates that GIN burden of more resistant animals is less influenced by multi-species grazing, and highly susceptible animals will likely need additional measures of control. The more resistant species used in the multi-species grazing may lend more control to the more susceptible. Some research showed reductions in O. ostertagi, but not C. oncophora in cattle during extended grazing of cattle and sheep, and reductions of H. contortus and T. colubriformis in sheep. However, other research reported similar worm burdens. Weight gains were improved in lambs grazed alternately with cattle in some studies, and most studies showed little benefit to cattle. Little has been published on alternate grazing with cattle and goats. The complex interactions, larger plot sizes needed, and time required to complete experiments limits published studies of this important management scheme.
Best Management Practices for Parasite Control in Beef Herds in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Navarre Christine B
Published: May 2021

The objective of this presentation is to outline best management practices for parasite control in beef herds in the Southeastern United States. The emergence of anthelmintic resistance in common gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of beef cattle necessitates a new approach. Short term economic gains from anthelmintic use must be balances with programs that foster long term sustainability of parasite control. An understanding of GIN biology combined with diagnostic testing is the foundation for developing control programs tailored to an individual farm. Incorporating refugia-based programs along with appropriate anthelmintic use will promote sustainable parasite control.
Effect of Gum Arabica (GA) Drench on Indicators of Anemia in Goats
Authors: Ahmed Yaser M , Ismail Hamid , Rehrah Djaafar M , Worku Mulumebet
Published: May 2021

Gum arabica (GA) is a well-known traditional herbal medication from Acacia Senegal. Previous studies have shown that GA has physiological and therapeutic effects on animals. Anemia is a reduction below normal in the number of red blood cells. Infection by parasites, such as Haemonchus contortus, can result in anemia when there is a reduction below normal in the number of red blood cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of GA on anemia in goats. The packed cell volume (PCV) and FAMACHA© score were used as indicators of anemia. Clinically healthy Boer and Spanish goats (n = 20) from the NCA&T University Farm Small Ruminant Unit were used in the study. Following initial screening for infection, twenty goats (n = 20) were assigned randomly to two groups of ten (n = 20). Goats in the treatment group were drenched daily with 10 mL of GA extract for 6 weeks. A control group of ten age-matched goats received sterile water. The FAMACHA© score was evaluated and recorded weekly. Blood samples collected at the time of evaluation were assessed for packed cell volume weekly. Data were analyzed by using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4(PM < 0.05). Treatment with GA increased PCV and decreased FAMACHA© scores when compared to the control group. Thus, water extracts of GA may aid in alleviating anemia, caused by parasites or resulting from other causes, to enhance goat health and production. The effect on parasites and overall health is being evaluated.
Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Sericea Lespedeza Hay on Behavior, Heat Energy, and Ruminal Methane Emission by Growing Alpine Doelings and Katahdin Ewe Lambs
Authors: Wang Wei L , Ribeiro Luana L , Portugal Italo L , Gipson Terry A , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: May 2021

Twenty-four Alpine doelings (initial body weight (BW) and age of 25.3±0.55 kg and 10.4±0.11 mo, respectively) and 24 Katahdin ewe lambs (28.3±1.02 kg and 9.6±0.04 mo, respectively) were used to determine effects of dietary level of Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata; 10% condensed tannins) on heat energy and ruminal emission of the greenhouse gas methane determined with an open-circuit calorimetry system. Pens with Calan feeding gates were used in the study with four 6–7-wk periods. Diets (i.e., treatments) consumed ad libitum were 75% ground hay, alfalfa, a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and lespedeza (AL), and lespedeza. Data were analyzed with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, repeated measure of period, and a mixed effects model. Feeders were open 195 and 205 min/d for Alpine and Katahdin (SEM=9.8) and longer (P < 0.05) for diets with lespedeza (159, 209, and 231 min/d for alfalfa, AL, and lespedeza, respectively). Rate of dry matter intake (DMI) was greater (P < 0.05) for Katahdin vs. Alpine (10.2 and 6.1 g/min) and for alfalfa than for AL and lespedeza (11.1, 8.1, and 6.7 g/min, respectively). Heat energy was greater (P < 0.05) in MJ/d for Katahdin than for Alpine (10.19 vs. 7.90) and similar among diets (9.20, 9.40, and 8.53; SEM=0.266), but values in kJ/kg BW0.75 were similar between animal types (560 and 579; SEM=8.4) and greatest (P < 0.05) among diets for AL (563, 592, and 553 for alfalfa, AL, and lespedeza, respectively). Ruminal methane emission differed (P < 0.05) between animal types in MJ/d (1.17 and 1.44), kJ/g DMI (1.39 and 1.23), and kJ/g average daily gain (ADG; 18.1 and 9.8 for Alpine and Katahdin, respectively). Regardless of period, diet did not impact methane emission in MJ/d or relative to DMI, BW, or ADG. In conclusion, it is unclear why dietary inclusion of lespedeza did not reduce ruminal methane emission as in previous studies. Species differences in methane relative to DMI and ADG (i.e., lower for sheep than for goats) deserve further attention.
Growth Performance of Short Scrotum and Castrated Hair Sheep Lambs on Pasture During Different Seasons
Authors: Wildeus Stephan , O’Brien Dahlia , Pent Gabriel J , Payne Kathryn M
Published: May 2021

Castrated lambs tend to grow slower compared to intact males. Rendering lambs short scrotum offers an opportunity to achieve comparable growth to an intact lamb while allowing them to be co-grazed with ewe lambs. Here we evaluated lamb growth in a mixed flock of castrated (CA), short-scrotum (SS) and female (FE) Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix hair sheep lambs. Lambs were born in December (n = 30) and April (n = 45) from the same ewe flock mated to different sires each season. Ram lambs were either rendered short scrotum or completely castrated using elastrator bands at weaning, and all lambs transitioned in dry lot for 2 mo before return to pasture. Lambs co-grazed in a rotational pasture system and were moved based on visual assessment of forage availability and were provided bermudagrass hay when forage availability was limited. Lambs were supplemented with soy hull at 3% BW to ensure diet continuity between forage environments. Ewe lambs were grown to target weights of 35 kg and males to 40 kg. Data were analyzed for sex class, breed, and season as main effects. Pasture ADG was higher (P < 0.001) in SS (132 g/d) than in CA (102 g/d) and FE (96 g/d) lambs. Age at target weight tended to be earlier (P < 0.1) in SS (261 d) than CA (291 d). December-born lambs had higher pen ADG (236 vs. 135 g/d; P< 0.001) than April-born lambs, but had similar pasture ADG (102 vs. 108 g/d). In contrast, St. Croix lambs had similar pre-pasture growth to Blackbelly lambs, but higher pasture ADG (118 vs. 94 g/d; P < 0.001) and reached target weight 40 d earlier (P < 0.001). Data indicate that the forage environment allowed differences in growth potential derived from sex type and breed to be expressed, but that soy hull supplementation likely masked seasonal differences associated with forage quality.
Changes in Cytochrome P450 in Katahdin Ewes Fed Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue Seed Diets in Spring and Fall
Authors: Acharya Mohan , Burke Joan M , Wood Erin , Huang Yan , Morse Palika Dias , Coffey Ken , Lannett Edwards J L , Rosenkrans Charles F
Published: May 2021

Objective was to examine the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP), a liver enzyme that metabolizes ergot alkaloids which is hindered by this fescue toxin, as an indicator of fescue toxicosis in sheep. In spring and fall, ewes were blocked by age and BW, and randomly assigned to 1 kg/ewe/d of endophyte-infected (E+; 61% of diet in fall, 13% of diet in spring; 0.8 µg/g of ergovaline; and soy hulls, alfalfa pellets, cottonseed hulls, molasses) or non-infected (E-; same proportion of E+/season and same feeds) tall fescue seed supplement (n = 10/diet in each season) for 28 d, plus hay, mineral and water. Ewes were exposed to teaser, d -21 to 0, and intact rams, d 0 (first day of diet) to 30. Rectal temperature (RT), serum concentration of prolactin (using RIA), and CYP were determined every 7–14 d between d 0–28, and pregnancy status on d 56. PromegaTM P450-Glo assay was used to determine CYP from serum. Data were analyzed by using PROC MIXED with repeated measures (SAS). Rectal temperature of E+ compared with E- ewes was elevated on at least one day in fall and spring (diet × season × d, P < 0.001). Serum prolactin was lower in E+ compared with E- ewes (diet × d, P < 0.001) and lower in fall (P < 0.001). CYP was higher in E- ewes on d 28 in fall (diet × season × d, P = 0.008), but otherwise similar between diets, and higher in fall than spring (P < 0.001). There was an unexpected negative correlation between CYP and prolactin (R = -0.24; P < 0.009), but there appears to be a subpopulation of ewes with low prolactin and lower CYP. CYP activity in sera may not be a marker for fescue toxicosis in ewes.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Gum Arabica in Goat Blood
Authors: Ahmed Yaser M , Ismail Hamid , Rehrah Djaafar M , Worku Mulumebet
Published: May 2021

Gastrointestinal nematodes and other pathogens pose a major problem for goat production by reducing animal performance and welfare. Plants such as Acacia Senegal are useful as dietary sources for natural prophylaxis. Gum Arabica (GA) from A. Sengal has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties that need to be explored in goats. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible immunomodulatory effect of a water extract of GA in goat blood. Clinically healthy Boer and Spanish goats from the NCA&T Small ruminant unit were used. Goats were assigned randomly to two groups of ten (n = 20). Goats of one group were drenched daily with 10 mL of GA (treatment I) extract for 6 weeks. The second (control) group of goats received sterile water (treatment II). Blood was collected from the jugular vein in tubes containing acid-citrate-dextrose anticoagulant. Plasma was separated and the concentration of total protein was determined using Pierce BCA kit (Thermo Scientific Pierce, Rockford, IL). The white blood cell differential count was assessed on Wrights smeared stains. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4 (P < 0.05). Treatment with GA modulated total plasma protein concentration and the differential white blood cell counts. Treatment increased total plasma protein concentration and % lymphocytes, it decreased % neutrophils. Immunomodulation by GA may be advantageous in promoting health and wellness in goats. Further studies on the mechanism of action are warranted.
Effect of Copper Oxide Wire Particles with and Without Anthelmintic Treatment or Anthelmintic Treatment Alone on Gastrointestinal Nematode (GIN) Fecal Egg Counts in Goats
Authors: Whitley Niki C , Dykes Greg , Vazquez Jennifer , Burke Joan M , Terrill Thomas H
Published: May 2021

In two experiments (Exp), naturally parasite-infected 5–8 mo-old intact male Spanish goats were used to determine fecal egg count (FEC) reduction effects of copper oxide wire particles (COWP; 1 g bolus Copasure®) and levamisole (12 mg/kg; LEV; Prohibit®) alone or in combination with COWP; for Exp 2, albendazole (20 mg/kg; ALB, Valbazen ®, Exp 2 only) alone or in combination with COWP and an untreated control group (CON; n = 11) was also included. Animals were individually housed in 1.5 x 1.5-m pens (Exp. 1) or as a group on pasture (Exp. 2). For the studies, goats were selectively dewormed based on a FAMACHA© eyelid color score of 3, 4 or 5, with n = 12 and 13 for COWP in Exp 1 and 2, respectively, n = 14/Exp for LEV, n = 12/Exp for COWP and levamisole (LC), and (Exp, 2), n = 10 for COWP and albendazole (AC) and n = 12 for ALB. Fecal samples were collected using a gloved finger technique on D 0 and 14 in Exp 1 and Day 0 and 10 for Exp 2 for determination of FEC using a modified McMaster’s technique with a 50 egg per gram sensitivity and calculation of FEC reduction (RED; ((Day 0 FEC-Day 14 FEC)/Day 0 FEC)*100). Data were analyzed with a general liner model procedure using SAS. Larval culture (Exp 1) indicated 99.8% Haemonchus contortus on Day 0. Mean RED was greater for LC than LEV and COWP (P < 0.04) for Exp 1 (Day 14). For Exp 2, mean RED was greater (P < 0.04) for AC than ALB and CON, but not COWP, and was greater (P < 0.03) for LC compared CON and COWP, but not LEV. In these two studies, COWP resulted in > 93% reduction in FEC and the addition of a deworming drug did not improve effectiveness consistently (only in Exp. 1).
Influencing Perceptions in Non-animal Science Majors: Impact of a High Enrollment, Asynchronous Core Curriculum Science General Animal Science Course
Authors: Paudyal Sushil , Frenzel Leslie , Dunlap Kathrin
Published: May 2021

Perceptions of animal production industry and background knowledge of animal science vary greatly amongst students, particularly non-animal science majors. The objective was to assess the influence of a large asynchronous core curriculum science course, General Animal Science, on non-major student perceptions and knowledge of animal science. Student surveys (n = 634) were conducted (preceding and subsequent to course completion. The majority (57.66%) indicated no agriculture background. Among those reporting an agriculture background, 47.82% indicated having animal industry experience, and a mean score of 4.22 [SD 2.96; Likert scale (0–10)] evaluating perceived strength of their agriculture background. Of respondents, 34.77% indicated experience with companion animal, 13.6% beef cattle, 12.5% equine, 10.4% sheep and goats, 8.01% swine, 9.7% poultry, and 3.5% dairy cattle. Post-course responses were received from 71% of the enrolled students (n=541), and comprised of freshman (0–29 credit hours; n = 81), sophomore (30–59, n = 142), junior (60–89; n = 141), senior (90+; n = 48). Respondents indicated a mean score of 7.51 [SD 2.47; Likert scale (0–10)] that this course increased their interest in animal science and indicated a mean score of 6.71 (SD 2.97) on motivation to further their animal science knowledge. Students reported they felt more informed in beef cattle (40.10%), dairy cattle (15.05%), equine (14.56%), poultry (10.92%), swine (4.61%), and small animal (6.55%) production industries. Respondents (98.06%) indicated increased confidence as an educated consumer of animal products and a majority (92.2%) agreed this course helped eliminate misconceptions related to the animal production industry. In addition, 34.22% responded extremely likely, and 50.73% somewhat likely to utilize course knowledge in their everyday life. We concluded that enrollment in the asynchronous core curriculum science course, General Animal Science, reduced misconceptions related to animal production and increased knowledge of and appreciation of the animal production industry in non-animal science majors.
Effect of Increased Ruminal Propionate on the Expression of Gluconeogenic Genes in the Liver of Cattle on a Finishing Diet
Authors: Salisbury Carlee M , Rathert Abbey R , Foote Andrew P
Published: May 2021

The objective of this experiment was to determine whether increasing ruminal propionate in various amounts will lead to an increased expression of genes in the liver related to glucose metabolism. Holstein (n = 15) steers were individually fed a finishing diet ad libitum, twice a day, with free access to water. Treatments consisted of no added calcium propionate (CON), 100 g/d (LOW), or 300 g/d (HIGH). Treatments were split in half and mixed in the diet twice daily. Liver biopsies were taken on day 33 of propionate treatment and immediately frozen on dry ice. Samples were extracted for RNA, reverse transcribed to produce cDNA, and then analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Five genes involved in gluconeogenesis were selected as target genes, including solute carrier family 16 member 1 (SLC16A1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (PCK2), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC), and solute carrier family 2 member 2 (SLC2A2). There was a treatment effect (P = 0.04) for SLC16A1 expression, which encodes the protein MCT1, with steers on the HIGH treatment displaying the greatest expression, CON the least, and LOW was intermediate. There was also a tendency for a treatment effect on SLC2A2 (P = 0.07), which encodes the protein GLUT1, with the HIGH treatment displaying the greatest expression and CON the lowest. There was no significant treatment effect on expression of PCK1 (P = 0.27), PCK2 (P = 0.93), or G6PC (P = 0.29). These data indicate that increasing ruminal propionate may increase the expression of MCT1, which is likely due to increased propionate supply to the liver and could lead to greater glucose output from the liver.
Impact of Retail Case Type and Lighting Intensity on Instrumental Color Traits of Ground Beef Patties
Authors: Kutz Mesa B , Vierck Kelly R , Yancey Janeal W S
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of retail case type and lighting intensity on color stability of ground beef patties. Ground 80:20 beef was procured from a local retail establishment between 7 and 10 d from the box date and ground through a 9.5 mm grinder plate, then formed into 150.25 g patties. Patties were then individually packaged in PVC-overwrap packages and randomly assigned into one of four treatments: open, multideck cases with 3000 K lighting (OPEN3000), open, 3500 K lighting (OPEN3500), enclosed, multideck cases with doors with 3000 K lighting (DOOR3000), and enclosed multideck at 3500 K lighting (DOOR3500). Patties were displayed for 7 d and instrumental color values (CIE L*, a*, and b*) were taken every 24 h. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with repeated measures, with case type, lighting intensity, and their interaction serving as fixed effects. Patties in DOOR cases possessed greater L* values (P < 0.05) than OPEN cases on d 3 of display. A similar trend existed for a*, where DOOR patties were redder (P < 0.05) than OPEN patties from d 2 to the end of display, and b* values were higher (P < 0.05) in DOOR cases from d 1 to d 4 of display. Patties from the DOOR cases also possessed increased chroma values (P < 0.05) from d 1 to 6 of display, and decreased (indicating more red) hue angle values from d 3 to the end of display. No differences were observed between lighting intensity for any trait evaluated (P ≥ 0.293). These results indicate patties placed in enclosed retail cases with doors are lighter, redder, and more intense in color during display compared to traditional open-front cases, which indicates greater color stability.
Technical Note: In vivo estimation of lipogenesis using a bolus injection of [U-13C]glucose in pigs
Authors: Salgado Hector H , Remus Aline , Pomar Candido , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre , Lapierre Hélène
Published: May 2021

The use of radioactive isotopes to measure de novo lipogenesis in pigs has been well established. Different from radioactive isotopes, stable isotopes present little or no risk to human and animal subjects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to adapt the method of bolus injection of radioactive glucose (14C) to use 13C-labeled glucose to estimate de novo lipogenesis in finishing pigs. Five vein-catheterized gilts received 3.0 kg/d of a commercial diet for 2 wk. On the last day, the pigs received a bolus injection of [U-13C]glucose (12 mg/kg body weight). A serial of blood samples was taken for 4 h to determine the glucose rate of disappearance (Rd) from plasma glucose isotopic enrichment (IE). The 13C IE of lipids was determined from adipose tissue biopsies collected at 1, 2, and 3 h after the bolus injection and from adipose tissue collected after pig euthanasia 4 h after the bolus. Lipogenesis was estimated from the incorporation of 13C from glucose into adipose tissue lipids. Glucose Rd, estimated using a double-exponential function, averaged 5.4 ± 1.4 mmol/min. The IE of lipids increased linearly during the 4 h following the bolus injection (P < 0.05). The rate of incorporation of glucose into lipids, estimating lipogenesis, averaged 9.0 µg glucose/(min × g of lipids) 4 h after the bolus injection. In conclusion, the in vivo method using a bolus injection of [U-13C]glucose allows a successful estimation of de novo lipogenesis in finishing pigs.
Deabsorption prestack time migration from rugged topography
Authors: Han Changshan , Liu Linong , Liu Zelin , Li Zhengwei
Published: May 2021

We developed a modified topography prestack time migration (PSTM) scheme that can improve the imaging resolution by applying effective Q to topography migration. The computation of the traveltime at each imaging location in the migration is based on the floating datum smoothed by rugged topography. Unlike the common quality factor Q, the effective Q only determines the frequency-dependent amplitude and the traveltime at a single imaging location, which enables us to establish a Q model in an inhomogeneous medium. Hence, we can acquire the effective Q using a scanning technology according to the width of the frequency band and signal-to-noise ratio of the imaging gathers. The proposed migration method can be integrated into the conventional topography migration workflow. Synthetic and three-dimensional (3D) field datasets indicate that the proposed deabsorption PSTM from rugged topography is effective.
Least-squares reverse-time migration with sparsity constraints
Authors: Wu Di , Wang Yanghua , Cao Jingjie , da Silva Nuno V , Yao Gang
Published: May 2021

Least-squares reverse-time migration (RTM) works with an inverse operation, rather than an adjoint operation in a conventional RTM, and thus produces an image with a higher resolution and more balanced amplitude than the conventional RTM image. However, least-squares RTM introduces two side effects: sidelobes around reflectors and high-wavenumber migration artifacts. These side effects are caused mainly by the limited bandwidth of seismic data, the limited coverage of receiver arrays and the inaccuracy of the modeling kernel. To mitigate these side effects and to further boost resolution, we employed two sparsity constraints in the least-squares inversion operation, namely the Cauchy and L1-norm constraints. For solving the Cauchy-constrained least-squares RTM, we used a preconditioned nonlinear conjugate-gradient method. For solving the L1-norm constrained least-squares RTM, we modified the iterative soft thresholding method. While adopting these two solution methods, the Cauchy-constrained least-squares RTM converged faster than the L1-norm constrained least-squares RTM. Application examples with synthetic data and laboratory modeling data demonstrated that the constrained least-squares RTM methods can mitigate the side effects and promote image resolution.
Case Report: Scarring Alopecia After Scalp Avulsion
Authors: Lorei Nathan C , Sullivan John F , Lennon Robert P , Milder Edmund A , Roman John W
Published: May 2021

Scalp avulsion is a rare trauma in the developed world but is a common injury in countries with poorly established infrastructure and safety regulations. This case reports the long-term sequelae of this injury, observed while conducting a humanitarian mission, and discusses immediate actions for management in an acute setting. We aim to increase awareness about this injury, its risk factors, and treatment options to better prepare clinicians in the developed world to provide care for this condition in the austere environment, which may include not only chronic pain, functional, and aesthetic concerns, but also a psychological impact that persists years after the initial injury.
Promoting Compliance to COVID-19 Vaccination in Military Units
Authors: Segal David , Arzi Yonatan Ilibman , Bez Maxim , Cohen Matan , Rotschield Jacob , Fink Noam , Karp Erez
Published: May 2021

Background

On December 27th, 2020, the Israeli Defense Forces initiated a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign aiming to vaccinate its personnel. This population upheld specific characteristics in terms of age and sex, lack of significant comorbidities, and a general scarcity of risk factors for sustaining a severe COVID-19 illness. We present the measures taken to increase vaccination compliance, and the vaccination rate that followed these actions. Our secondary goal was to compare between vaccination rates in frontline battalions and highly essential military units (group A) and rear administration and support military units (group B).

Methods

This was a retrospective review that included 70 military units that were composed of 18,719 individuals of both sexes, mostly free of significant comorbidities. We divided the challenges of maximizing vaccination rates into two main categories: vaccine compliance (including communication and information) and logistical challenges. We compared the vaccination rates in groups A and B using a multivariable linear regression model. A P-value of .05 was considered significant.

Results

The mean age in 70 military units was 22.77 ± 1.35 (range 18-50) years, 71.13% males. A total of 726 (3.88%) individuals have been found positive for SARS-CoV-2 between March 1st, 2020 and February 18th, 2021. On February 18th, 2021, 54 days after the vaccination campaign was launched, 15,871 (84.79%) of the study population have been vaccinated by the first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, expressing an 88.21% compliance rate (excluding recovered COVID-19 cases who were not prioritized to be vaccinated at this stage). Vaccination compliance in military units from group A was found to be higher when compared to group B (P < .001), leading to a 90.02% of group A population being either previously SARS-CoV-2 positive or COVID-19 vaccinated.

Conclusions

A designated army campaign led by a multidisciplinary team could rapidly achieve a high COVID-19 vaccination rate. The information presented can serve organizations worldwide with similar characteristics that plan a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
Resolving the ultraluminous X-ray sources in the Ly α emitting galaxy Haro 11
Authors: Gross Arran C , Prestwich Andrea , Kaaret Philip
Published: May 2021

Lyman continuum and line emission are thought to be important agents in the reionization of the early Universe. Haro 11 is a rare example of a local galaxy in which Ly α and continuum emission have escaped without being absorbed or scattered by ambient gas and dust, potentially as a consequence of feedback from its X-ray sources. We build on our previous Chandra analysis of Haro 11 by analysing three new observations. Our subpixel spatial analysis reveals that the two previously known X-ray sources are each better modelled as ensembles of at least two unresolved point sources. The spatial variability of these components reveals X1 as a dynamical system where one luminous X-ray source (LX ∼ 1041 erg s−1) fades as a secondary source begins to flare. These might be intermediate-mass black holes or low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs) near the centre of the galaxy in the process of merging. Optical emission line diagnostics drawn from the literature suggest that while the galaxy as a whole is consistent with starburst signatures of ionization, the individual regions wherein the X-ray sources reside are more consistent with AGN/composite classification. The sources in X2 exhibit some degree of flux variability. X2a dominates the flux of this region during most observations (LX ∼ 6 × 1040 erg s−1), and gives the only evidence in the galaxy of a soft ultraluminous X-ray source capable of high-energy winds, which we suggest are responsible for allowing the coincident Ly α emission to escape.
Can cosmological simulations capture the diverse satellite populations of observed Milky Way analogues?
Authors: Font Andreea S , McCarthy Ian G , Belokurov Vasily
Published: May 2021

The recent advent of deep observational surveys of local Milky Way ‘analogues’ and their satellite populations allows us to place the Milky Way in a broader cosmological context and to test models of galaxy formation on small scales. In this study, we use the Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM)-based ARTEMIS suite of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations containing 45 Milky Way analogue host haloes to make comparisons to the observed satellite luminosity functions, radial distribution functions, and abundance scaling relations from the recent Local Volume and SAGA observational surveys, in addition to the Milky Way and M31. We find that, contrary to some previous claims, ΛCDM-based simulations can successfully and simultaneously capture the mean trends and the diversity in both the observed luminosity and radial distribution functions of Milky Way analogues once important observational selection criteria are factored in. Furthermore, we show that, at fixed halo mass, the concentration of the simulated satellite radial distribution is partly set by that of the underlying smooth dark matter halo, although stochasticity due to the finite number of satellites is the dominant driver of scatter in the radial distribution of satellites at fixed halo mass.
Modeling the Evolutionary Architectures of Transcribed Human Enhancer Sequences Reveals Distinct Origins, Functions, and Associations with Human Trait Variation
Authors: Fong Sarah L , Capra John A
Published: May 2021

Despite the importance of gene regulatory enhancers in human biology and evolution, we lack a comprehensive model of enhancer evolution and function. This substantially limits our understanding of the genetic basis of species divergence and our ability to interpret the effects of noncoding variants on human traits.

To explore enhancer sequence evolution and its relationship to regulatory function, we traced the evolutionary origins of transcribed human enhancer sequences with activity across diverse tissues and cellular contexts from the FANTOM5 consortium. The transcribed enhancers are enriched for sequences of a single evolutionary age (“simple” evolutionary architectures) compared with enhancers that are composites of sequences of multiple evolutionary ages (“complex” evolutionary architectures), likely indicating constraint against genomic rearrangements. Complex enhancers are older, more pleiotropic, and more active across species than simple enhancers. Genetic variants within complex enhancers are also less likely to associate with human traits and biochemical activity. Transposable-element-derived sequences (TEDS) have made diverse contributions to enhancers of both architectures; the majority of TEDS are found in enhancers with simple architectures, while a minority have remodeled older sequences to create complex architectures. Finally, we compare the evolutionary architectures of transcribed enhancers with histone-mark-defined enhancers.

Our results reveal that most human transcribed enhancers are ancient sequences of a single age, and thus the evolution of most human enhancers was not driven by increases in evolutionary complexity over time. Our analyses further suggest that considering enhancer evolutionary histories provides context that can aid interpretation of the effects of variants on enhancer function. Based on these results, we propose a framework for analyzing enhancer evolutionary architecture.
Bartonella Seroreactivity Among Persons Experiencing Homelessness During an Outbreak of Bartonella quintana in Denver, Colorado, 2020
Authors: McCormick David W , Rowan Sarah E , Pappert Ryan , Yockey Brook , Dietrich Elizabeth A , Petersen Jeannine M , Hinckley Alison F , Marx Grace E
Published: May 2021

During a recent outbreak of Bartonella quintana disease in Denver, 15% of 241 persons experiencing homelessness who presented for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing were seroreactive for Bartonella. Improved recognition of B quintana disease and prevention of louse infestation are critical for this vulnerable population.