bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
330 Identification and genomic characterization of two novel strains of Prevotella albensis as starch utilizers in the rumen of beef cows
Authors: Bandarupalli Venkata , St- Pierre Benoit
Published: July 2019

In cattle fed concentrate diets, rumen amylolytic bacteria digest starch into glucose, which is metabolized for growth. Since metagenomics studies have revealed that uncharacterized ruminal amylolytic bacteria far outnumber known starch utilizers, we have been pursing the identification of novel ruminal amylolytic bacteria. The same Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) was enriched independently from the rumen fluid of two beef cows after culturing with starch. Since this identification was performed using the V1–V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene, a metagenomic analysis was conducted to determine whether this OTU represented the same strain or different strains of the same species. A total of 9.25 and 9.16 million sequence reads were respectively generated from a select enriched starch culture from each cow, which had a relative abundance for this OTU of 67.9% and 74.0%, respectively. Contigs were assembled using the publicly available software ABySS, with contigs of at least 2kb in length used for further analysis. Of the enzymes identified by gene annotation of these contigs (using a combination of the online tools RAST and BLASTp), the presence of genes encoding α-amylase and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes further supported this OTU as corresponding to a starch utilizer. The alpha-amylase isoforms from the two rumens differed in amino acid length (538 vs 625) and sequence, with their respective closest affiliation being to an uncultured species of Lachnospiraceae (51% amino acid identity) and to Prevotella albensis (95% amino acid identity), respectively. The lactate dehydrogenase isoforms were also found to be different in length (348 aa vs 335 aa) and sequence (100% amino acid identity to Lactobacillus mucosae and 99% to an uncultured species of the genus Olsonella, respectively). These and other gene comparisons together suggest that two strains of the same starch-utilizing OTU have been identified in the rumen of beef cows.
333 Effects of ruminally-protected lysine and Megasphaera elsdenii on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing cattle
Authors: Veloso Vanessa de Aguiar , Horton Lucas , Baker Adrian , Aperce Celine , Drouillard James
Published: July 2019

Crossbred steers (n = 448; 352 ± 25 kginitial body weight) were used to evaluate impact of Megasphaera elsdenii (ME; Lactipro advance, MS Biotec, Wamego, KS), alone or in combination with ruminally-protected lysine (RPL; USA Lysine, Kemin Industries, Inc., USA), on performance and carcass traits of finishing steers in a randomized complete block design. Steers were blocked by initial body weight and randomly assigned within block to one of 64 pens (7 steers/pen) in a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Factors consisted of RPL (0 or 40 g/steer daily) and two step-up regimens (21-d without ME or 10-d with ME). Four step-up diets were used to transition cattle to finishing diets containing (dry basis) 60% steam flaked corn, 7% wheat straw, 30% sweet bran, and supplement. Diets were fed once daily ad libitum. Freeze-dried ME was re-hydrated and dosed orally (1x1010 CFU/steer) on d 1, and top-dressed (1x107 CFU/steer daily) onto diets daily thereafter. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with ME, RPL and the interaction as fixed effects, and block as the random effect. There were no interactions between ME and RPL (P > 0.05). Steers given ME consumed 16% less roughage compared to their counterparts without (P < 0.05), but gain, dry matter intake, and gain:feed were similar (P > 0.10). Administering ME tended to increase percentage of USDA Prime carcasses (0.5 vs 2.7%; P < 0.06). Feeding RPL did not affect feedlot performance, carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, marbling score, 12th-rib fat thickness, or liver abscess incidence (P > 0.10), but tended to increase yield grade (P < 0.07). In conclusion, use of Megasphaera elsdenii with an accelerated step-up program yielded feedlot performance and carcass traits comparable to those of cattle adapted with a conventional, 21-d step-up program, but supplemental lysine was without effect.
337 Effect of adding urea to finishing diets containing two different inclusions of distillers grains on steer performance and carcass characteristics
Authors: Boyd Bradley M , MacDonald James C , Luebbe Matthew , Erickson Galen E
Published: July 2019

Crossbred beef steers (n = 384) were utilized to evaluate the effects of adding urea to a dry rolled corn based finishing diet containing low inclusions of wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Treatments were set up as a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with factors consisting of WDGS inclusion at either 12 or 20% of diet dry matter (DM) and urea inclusion at either 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2% of diet DM. Cattle were blocked and stratified by initial body weight (BW) and assigned randomly to treatment. The heavy block of cattle were harvested after 160 d on feed (DOF) and the middle and light blocks of cattle were harvested after 179 DOF. The model include the fixed effects of weight block, WDGS inclusion, urea inclusion, and their interactions. There were no significant interactions (P > 0.12) observed between WDGS inclusion and urea inclusion in the diet; therefore, only main effects are discussed. Increasing inclusion of WDGS improved (P < 0.04) carcass adjusted ADG and G:F. Dry matter intake was reduced (P = 0.04) with increasing WDGS inclusions. Fat thickness was increased (P = 0.04) with increased WDGS inclusion; however, no other carcass characteristics were significantly affected by WDGS inclusion. Cubic effects of urea inclusion were observed (P < 0.05) for HCW, final BW, ADG, and DMI on a carcass adjusted and live BW basis; however, cubic effects with increasing urea inclusion are of minimal biological relevance. There were no linear or quadratic responses (P > 0.11) for increasing urea inclusion in the diet for performance measurements or carcass characteristics. Increasing WDGS inclusion in the diet improved performance. Added urea in the diet had minimal impact on performance, regardless of wet distillers grains plus solubles inclusion.
348 Effects of supplemental copper, zinc, and manganese source on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers
Authors: Heldt Jeff S , Davis Shane
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to determine if different sources and levels of supplemental copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) affect growth performance, health and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers. A large pen, commercial feedlot in OK utilized 1,707 crossbred steers (297 ± 5 kg) randomized across 8 pens/treatment. Supplemental trace mineral treatments consisted of: Control (CON) = CuSO4 plus Availa® Cu (10.6 ppm), ZnSO4 plus Availa Zn (37.8 ppm), and MnSO4 plus Availa Mn (25.5 ppm); Combination (COMBO) = basic Cu chloride (IntelliBond® C; 10 ppm), ZnSO4 plus Zn methionine (ZINPRO® 120; 90 ppm), and MnSO4 plus Mn hydroxychloride (IntelliBond M; 20 ppm); or Hydroxy (HYD) = basic Cu chloride (IntelliBond C; 10 ppm), Zn hydroxychloride (IntelliBond Z; 90 ppm), and MnSO4 plus Mn hydroxychloride (IntelliBond M; 20 ppm). Statistical analysis was performed using SAS with pen as the experimental unit and pre-planned orthogonal contrasts to separate means. Contrasts were: CON vs. COMBO and HYD (level) and COMBO vs. HYD (source). Supplemental trace mineral source or level did not affect final BW (P ≥ 0.34), ADG (P ≥ 0.36), DMI (P ≥ 0.36), feed efficiency (P ≥ 0.30), morbidity (P ≥ 0.28), total treatment days (P ≥ 0.43), or mortality (P ≥ 0.33) (Table 1). Additionally, trace mineral source or level did not affect HCW (P ≥ 0.78), DP (P ≥ 0.85), or backfat thickness (P ≥ 0.32) (Table 2). Increased level of trace mineral tended (P = 0.13) to increase marbling score. There was tendency for COMBO to have a larger loin muscle area (P = 0.14) and lower yield grade (P = 0.10) than HYD. Feeding a lower level of sulfates and amino acid complexes resulted in similar performance to higher trace mineral levels. Providing 100% Zn from Zn hydroxychloride resulted in an economic benefit while maintaining similar performance and carcass characteristics as feeding a combination of ZnSO4 and Zn methionine.
350 Effects of swab type on detection of PEDV from feed manufacturing surfaces
Authors: Stewart Savannah C , Niederwerder Megan C , Woodworth Jason C , Dritz Steve S , Jones Cassandra K
Published: July 2019

As pathogens become more prevalent within the swine industry, the demand for methods to monitor and detect them has increased. Using environmental swabbing to detect pathogens in the feed supply chain may allow for a greater likelihood of detection than product sampling. The objective of this experiment was to identify the swab that detects porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) from feed manufacturing surfaces at the dose most similar to that included in an ingredient. The experiment was arranged as a 2×2×4 factorial with two doses of PEDV (low: 10^3 or high: 10^5 TCID50), two surface types (stainless steel or polyethylene tote), and four swab types (1: sponge-tip swab packaged with neutralizing buffer; 2: Dacron-tip swab packaged in Dey-Engley neutralizing broth; 3: dry dust-mop; or 4: cotton gauze soaked in phosphate-buffered saline). Soybean meal (SBM) was inoculated with levels of PEDV and placed onto stainless steel for 15 min, then the polyethylene tote. The SBM was removed, surfaces were swabbed with one of four types. Samples of inoculum, SBM, and swabs were analyzed for PEDV via qRT-PCR with three replicates per treatment. Data were analyzed via the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. There was a dose×surface type×swab type interaction (P < 0.0001; SEM=0.967; Table 1). In stock virus and SBM, increased dose resulted in lower (P < 0.05) detectable PEDV. However, no virus was detected in sponge-tip swabs used on stainless steel surfaces. Dacron-tip and cotton gauze swabs yielded the most detectable PEDV from surfaces, but was still 1.2 to 5.1 Cycle threshold (Ct) higher than SBM. Detectable PEDV in SBM was approximately 11 Ct higher than in stock virus. In summary, environmental swabbing can easily detect PEDV, but at higher Ct than product samples. Of the swabs tested, Dacron-tip and cotton gauze are superior for PEDV environmental analysis than dry mops. Sponge-tip swabs should not be used for environmental monitoring of PEDV.
354 The effect of OvuGel® administered to weaned sows at proestrus or estrus on reproductive performance
Authors: Minton Amanda M , Shull Caleb M , Schwab Clint R , Buysse Steven G , Johnston Mike E , Webel Stephen K , Arend Lidia S , Knox Robert V
Published: July 2019

The use of single-fixed time insemination enhances leverage of genetically superior boars. It is prudent to elucidate the appropriate strategy for using OvuGel® by season and parity given the potential economic return. It was hypothesized that OvuGel® could be used to mitigate seasonal anestrus, in particular for parity 1 sows. The objective was to evaluate reproductive performance of weaned sows administered OvuGel® (OG; n = 1342) that expressed proestrus or estrus on d 4 post-weaning, followed by a single post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI) 24 h later. This protocol was evaluated as an alternative to treating all weaned sows regardless of estrous behavior. The Control (CO; n = 1530) sows were inseminated via PCAI after they were identified in estrus and again 24 h later if still expressing estrus. Sows were inseminated from May through November 2017. Prior to weaning, within each replicate, sows were equally assigned to OG or CO treatment by parity, genetic line, litter size, nurse sow status and health treatment status. Farrowing rate for OG was not different than CO (86.2 ± 1.2 vs. 86.6 ± 1.2%; P > 0.10, respectively). There was no effect on total born between OG and CO (13.2 ± 0.1 vs. 13.3 ± 0.1; P > 0.10, respectively). However, there was a parity × treatment interaction. Parity 1 OG (86.6 ± 3.0%) sows had greater farrowing rates than CO (74.5 ± 3.0%) sows (P < 0.01), whereas there were no differences (P > 0.05) between treatments for the other parities. These data indicate that producers can administer OvuGel® to sows in proestrus or estrus on d 4 post-weaning, followed by a single insemination 24 h later, and achieve similar performance as sows inseminated multiple times upon detection of estrus.
353 Optimal dietary lysine for growth development of gilts until first parity
Authors: Supakorn China , Lents Clay A , Martinez Xochitl , Vallet Jeff , Dean Boyd R , DeDecker Ashley , Stalder Kenneth J
Published: July 2019

Unacceptable sow longevity in modern production systems has placed nutritional programs for developing gilts into question. Nutritional programs are well defined for terminal pigs, but not for developing gilts. To achieve breeding targets and allow gilts to meet their maternal genetic potential for lifetime productivity, the optimum lysine requirement for developing gilts should be well understood. The National Pork Board Animal Science Committee commissioned trials to determine the optimum lysine levels for developing gilts in U.S. pig production systems. An experiment was conducted to challenge proposed dietary lysine concentration for optimum growth rate during gilt development. A total of 2,960 growing crossbred gilts were fed three grower-finisher diets, formulated to provide low lysine (0.68 and 0.52% SID lysine), medium lysine (0.79 and 0.60% SID lysine), and high lysine (0.90 and 0.68% SID lysine) levels and fed to developing gilts starting from 142 to 200 d of age. Gilts fed the high lysine dietary treatment had significantly increased body weight (BW), flank-to-flank length, backfat thickness (BF), loin depth (LD), average daily gain, and fat-to-lean ratio (P < 0.05). Moreover, gilts fed the high lysine treatment during development phase had greater BW (202.4 ± 1.2 kg), BF (14.8 ± 0.2 mm), and LD (5.4 ± 0.5 cm) at first farrowing and BF (15.1 ± 0.2 mm) at weaning when compared with gilts fed the medium and low lysine treatments (P < 0.05). Litter birth weight (17.4 ± 0.3 kg), number weaned (9.0 ± 0.2), and litter weaning weight (46.6 ± 0.9 kg) from the gilts fed the high lysine sow treatment were greater when compared with performance from gilts fed the medium and low treatments (P < 0.05). Gilt development diets containing 2.79 g and 2.08 g SID lysine per MCal ME (high lysine grower and finisher diets, respectively) allowed gilts to achieve good growth and first parity reproductive performance.
358 Comparison of analytical methods for determination of nutrient concentration in beef cow colostrum and milk
Authors: Rathert Abigail R , Stephenson Emma L , Kenny Ann L , Meyer Allison M
Published: July 2019

Our primary objective was to determine the validity of Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) nutrient composition analysis for beef cow colostrum and milk by comparing DHIA with wet chemistry assays for protein, lactose, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). A secondary objective was to analyze the change in milk nutrient composition over time in beef cattle. Colostrum and milk were collected from multiparous, fall-calving, Sim-Angus cows [n = 43; BW: 649 ± 80 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.3 ± 0.5; age: 4.3 ± 1.2 yr]. Colostrum was collected from a single rear-quarter pre-suckling, and milk was collected during 4-h milk yields at 35 and 60 d post-calving. Sub-samples were sent for DHIA analysis and frozen for colorimetric assays utilizing commercial kits run on a UV-visible light microplate reader. Analytical methods were compared using a general linear model, and nutrient composition across day was analyzed using a mixed model with day as a repeated effect. When comparing wet chemistry and DHIA colostrum analysis, r2 were 0.142 (P = 0.06), 0.348 (P = 0.002), and 0.0004 (P = 0.91) for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectively. Colostrum protein analyses had a negative relationship, whereas lactose was positive. For 35 d milk, r2 were 0.217 (P = 0.002), 0.128 (P = 0.02), and 0.248 (P = 0.001) for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectively. Comparing 60 d milk, r2 (P < 0.001) were 0.706, 0.314, and 0.381 for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectfully. All milk relationships were positive. There was an effect of day on nutrient concentrations, where colostrum contained greater (P < 0.001) protein than 35 and 60 d milk, whereas lactose and MUN were greatest (P < 0.001) in 35 d milk, and lowest (P < 0.001) in colostrum. These data indicate that beef cow colostrum and milk require wet chemistry analysis for improved accuracy.
360 Effect of housing beef cows on dry lots vs pasture on cow performance and reproduction
Authors: Cooney Ashley E , Neira Lucas T , Chapple Wesley P , Meteer William T , McCann Joshua C , Shike Daniel W
Published: July 2019

The objectives were to compare the effects of housing cows in dry lots or pasture on cow performance and reproduction. Simmental × Angus (n = 108; 87 ± 11.5 d postpartum), lactating, spring-calving cows were stratified by age, BW, BCS, calving date, and sex of the calves and allotted to six groups. Groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: dry lot (DL) or pasture (PAST). The cows in dry lot were limit-fed a ration consisting of corn silage, dried distillers grains, corn stalks, corn, and soybean hulls to meet their protein and energy requirements. Cows on pasture were rotationally grazed and with free-choice mineral. On d 0, cows were synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI). On d 0, 33, 51, and 87, BW and BCS were measured. Cow AI and overall pregnancy were determined on d 35 and 88, respectively. On d 52, milk production was determined using the weigh-suckle-weigh technique. Body weight, BCS, and milk yield were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Reproductive data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. On d 0 and 33, BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.38) between cows on in DL or on PAST. On d 51, DL cows tended (P = 0.07) to have greater BW than PAST cows. On d 87, DL cows had greater BW (P = 0.05) than PAST cows. The BCS, milk yield, and reproductive rates did not differ (P ≥ 0.12) between treatments. Housing cows in dry lots compared to pasture increased BW, but did not affect BCS, milk production, and reproduction.
362 Effects of organic versus conventional diets on dam and kid weight in Nubian caprine
Authors: Panetta Isabella V , Armentrout-Shoaf Bailey , Soyland Matthew J , Rocco Christina , Williams Toree
Published: July 2019

Recently, agriculture has trended towards the utilization of organic products, due to the belief of superior outcomes, reporting healthier animals with better weight gains, and higher quality products among consumers. However, previous research regarding organic feedstuffs has reported conflicting results, supporting the need for continuing research. Reproductive success throughout and post gestation of caprine dams is closely related to the nutritional intake of the animal, which could be impacted by consumption of organic products. The objective of the current study was to observe caprine kid birth weight, kid ADG, and dam weight throughout pregnancy comparing organic and conventional feedstuffs. Eight pregnant Nubian dams (n = 4) between 1 and 5 yr of age with initial BW between 45.4 and 68.5 kg were separated into groups based on initial BW and BCS. The organic group received a certified organic concentrate, certified organic mineral supplement, and a certified organic molasses while the conventional group received a conventional concentrate, conventional mineral supplement, and conventional molasses. Both groups had ad-libitum access to hay and water. Dams were fed 0.907kg/d/45.4kg of BW of concentrate and mineral supplement at 0.012kg/d/45.4kg of BW in individual feeding stocks at 0630 and 1730 for the last six wk of gestation and three wk post-parturition. Dams were individually weighted and observed weekly for BCS using the American Daily Goat Association’s BCS 1 to 5 scale. After parturition, kid birth weight was measured using a hanging sling scale and daily kid weight gain was recorded for three wk post parturition. Differences in kid birth weight, kid ADG, and dam weight were analyzed by two-tailed T-Test at P > 0.05. No differences between kid ADG (P = 0.759), kid birth weight (P = 0.405), or for dam weekly weight (P = 0.457) were observed. Thus, the increase in cost to raise certified organic livestock, such as caprine, is not financially justifiable.
372 Effect of rumen fluid collection methodology on extent and variance of in vitro dry matter disappearance and interaction with substrate and incubation time
Authors: Rients Emma L , Tondini Sara M , Shike Daniel W , McCann Joshua C
Published: July 2019

The objective was to evaluate the interaction of rumen fluid collection methodology, substrate, and incubation time on the extent and variance of in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD). A 4×2×2 factorial design was used to test the interaction between rumen fluid collection methodology, substrates (hay and silage), and incubation time-points (24 and 48 h). Four methods of rumen fluid collection were evaluated: stomach tube (TUBE), suction strainer through rumen cannula (STRN), ruminal contents collected through cannula and squeezed through cheesecloth (SQZ), and ruminal contents blended for 1 minute and squeezed through cheesecloth (BSQZ). Four replications of each treatment were used and repeated in three periods. A methodology by substrate interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for pH; hay had a greater pH than silage and the magnitude of this difference was greatest for STRN. A tendency for a methodology by substrate interaction (P = 0.06) was observed for ammonia. For TUBE ammonia was greater (P < 0.01) with hay while substrate did not affect ammonia for BSQZ, SQZ and STRN. A methodology by time interaction was observed (P < 0.01) for ammonia; TUBE was least at 24 h, but TUBE and BSQZ were lesser (P ≤ 0.01) than STRN and SQZ at 48 h. A tendency for a methodology by substrate interaction (P = 0.08) was observed in IVDMD; silage had greater IVDMD than hay and the magnitude of this difference was greatest for TUBE. Collection methodology affected (P < 0.01) IVDMD. The greatest IVDMD was observed for STRN (64.7%), with BSQZ (59.1%) and SQZ (57.7%) being intermediate and TUBE (54.3%) being the least. A tendency for a methodology by substrate interaction (P = 0.11) was observed for variation in IVDMD; silage had greater variation than hay for TUBE. Rumen fluid collection methodology affects IVDMD and may depend on substrate.
PSI-3 Heat stress mitigation strategies used by Midwestern cattle feeders
Authors: Rusche Warren C , Blom Ethan J , Gentry Wesley W , Pritchard Robbi H , VanDerWal Allison , DiCostanzo Alfredo , Winders Thomas M , Howard Larry , Erickson Galen E , Cassady Joseph P
Published: July 2019

Heat stress (HS) can be a significant source of risk for Midwestern cattle feeders. Feedlot managers (n = 46) from South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska were surveyed regarding facilities, HS mitigation strategies, perceived success or failure, and strategies they would like to employ. Open yards (OY) were the most common system (62.5%), followed by total confinement (TC; 23.4%) and partial confinement (PC; 14.1%) with 15 respondents (32.6%) reporting multiple systems. Adjusting feed deliveries and introducing feed additives to mitigate HS were utilized by 32.6% and 34.8% of respondents, respectively. Environmental modifications were made to all OY (90% water application, 55% shades, and 25% bedding). Among respondents managing TC or PC facilities, in addition to the shade provided by buildings themselves 12.5% applied water during emergencies and 8.3% utilized fans. Cattle handling during heat events was scheduled to minimize HS by 100% of surveyed feedlots. During HS events, 67.4% adjusted shipping schedules and 32.6% provided additional water supply. Initiation of mitigation strategies were triggered by observed weather conditions (56.5%), indicators of cattle stress (39.1%), HS alerts (26.1%), and the calendar (6.5%). Shade-providing structures (TC, PC, or OY shades) were perceived as the most successful environmental modification (60.9%) followed by water application (50%), extra water supply (32.6%), and bedding (23.9%). Strategies perceived as less successful included water application (23.9%), feed additives (21.7%), and bedding (17.4%). Increased mud was specifically cited by 63.6% of respondents dissatisfied with water application. Respondents indicated providing more shade structures (63%) and confinement buildings (17.4%) for HS mitigation would be beneficial, but primary barriers were cost, time, and not a yet critical need (71.7, 21.7, and 10.9%, respectively). Midwest cattle feeders use many strategies specific to their needs to mitigate HS with those reducing solar load perceived as the most successful.
PSI-1 Management and Risk of Nitrate Toxicity in Annual Forages: Results of a Beef Cattle Producer Survey
Authors: Lenz Mary E , Farney Jaymelynn K , Drewnoski Mary E
Published: July 2019

When utilizing annual forages, one challenge beef cattle producers may face is nitrate toxicity. To understand how often producers cope with and test for high nitrates in annual forages, an online survey was distributed through the “UNL Beefwatch” newsletter and participants of extension meetings in Kansas and Nebraska were encouraged to fill out the survey. Most respondents were from the Midwest (n = 107/115; 93%) and indicated that the issue of nitrate toxicity when feeding annual forages is important to them (70%). The majority of the respondents (85%) indicated that they utilize annual forages in three or more years out of five. Producers were more (P = 0.02) likely to test annual forages fed as hay (53%) than grazed (38%). However, there was a tendency (P = 0.09) for more producers to respond that they have had toxicity issues with annual forage pasture (34%) than with hay (24%). Producers were not more likely to test annual forage pasture (P = 0.28) or hay (P = 0.94) if they previously experienced a nitrate toxicity issue. A producer’s past experience with toxicity also did not impact the likelihood that they would graze (P = 0.31) or feed hay (P = 0.28) that tested high in nitrate in the future. The majority of producers responded that they “rarely” or “almost never” used the forage if a pasture (14%) or hay (36%) tested high. Though producers indicate concern about nitrate toxicity in annual forages, most have not experienced issues (62%) and those that have do not appear to make different management decisions based on that experience.
PSIII-11 Semen quality effect on conception rate among three purebred swine lines
Authors: Kruse Giselle , Bruns Cailtyn
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between semen quality and conception rate. There were 30985 Duroc, 15888 Landrace, and 18198 Yorkshire single sire, purebred mating observations with 880 Duroc, 508 Landrace, and 492 Yorkshire boars represented from March 2011 to July 2018. Data from each breed was analyzed using a logistic regression model with fixed effects of sow parity at time of mating, the number of breeding attempts for the sow, days rest of the boar, and days from collection to insemination, covariates of age at collection, motility, percent abnormal tails, and random effects of contemporary group, boar, and evaluator. For Duroc, increased percent abnormal tails decreased conception rate (odds ratio=0.99, P < 0.05), and more than 9 days rest resulted in lower conception rates compared to less than 5 days rest (odds ratio=0.85, P < 0.05). For all three breeds, inseminations occurring 2 days post-collection tended to result in lower conception rate compared to 1 day post-collection (Duroc, odds ratio=0.94, P < 0.1, Yorkshire, odds ratio=0.87, P < 0.1, Landrace, odds ratio=0.91,P < 0.05); however, for Landrace, inseminations occurring 4 days post collection resulted in higher conception rates compared to 1 day post-collection (odds ratio=1.16, P < 0.05). For Yorkshire, increased motility was associated with higher conception rates (odds ratio=1.02, P < 0.001). The effect of age at collection on conception rate was small, but significant for both Landrace and Duroc resulting in ~1% increase per year of age (P < 0.05). Boar and semen quality effects on conception rate were inconsistent across breeds, suggesting that optimizing conception rates across breeds could be difficult.
PSIII-10 Effect of WUR genotype on resilience to a polymicrobial natural disease challenge in pigs
Authors: Jeon Ryan L , Putz Austin M , Dyck Michael , Harding John C S , Fortin Frederic , Plastow Graham S , Kemp Bob , Dekkers Jack C M
Published: July 2019

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is caused by a virus that poses a threat to the global swine industry, costing the U.S. industry over 664 million dollars annually. Vaccination has limited effectiveness due to the virus’ antigenic and genetic shifts. Leveraging genetics to develop more resilient swine can, however, mitigate the effects of PRRS. Previous studies identified a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) near the GBP5 gene (WUR) that was associated with resistance and resilience to PRRS, with the G allele being favorable over A. The objective of this study was to determine whether the WUR SNP is also associated with resilience to a polymicrobial natural disease challenge. Using a continuous flow system, a new batch of 60-75 naïve Yorkshire x Landrace nursery piglets was introduced every three weeks into a natural challenge facility that was initially seeded with multiple diseases, including PRRS. Traits recorded were growth rate, feed intake, backfat, loin depth, veterinary treatments, and mortality. Pigs were genotyped using a 600K SNP chip. Data from 2133 pigs were analyzed using a univariate linear mixed model that included, pen, litter, and animal genetics as random effects and WUR genotype as a fixed effect. Frequencies were 0.85, 0.14, and 0.01 for AA, AG, and GG. The G allele was favorable for most traits, with the contrast of AA vs AG significant for average daily gain in the nursery (0.339 vs 0.365 kg/d, p = 0.013) and number of treatments (2.48 vs 2.16 over 180 days, p = 0.072). Mortality rate was 26.0% for AA and 23.8% for AG (not significantly different). In conclusion, the G allele at the WUR SNP is potentially also associated with resilience to multi-factorial disease. Funded by Genome Canada, Genome Alberta, Genome Prairie, PigGen Canada, and USDA-NIFA.
PSIII-15 Genetic diversity and population structure in nine beef cattle sub-populations using whole genome SNP markers
Authors: Bhowmik Nayan , Ringwall Kris A , Dahlen Carl R , Swanson Kendall C , Hulsman Hanna Lauren L
Published: July 2019

Commercial beef cattle populations are rarely purebred. Understanding genetic diversity and population structure of crossbreds is important for future genetic improvement programs. Currently, an admixed beef cattle population comprised of British, Continental and Australian origin is being used for long-term research goals in understanding longevity, efficiency (reproductive and nutritional), and their interaction. This experiment aimed to assess the levels of genetic diversity and population structure among purebred (n = 6) and admixed (n = 3) sub-populations. A total of 727 animals were genotyped using the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler 150K. After quality checking, expected heterozygosity (HE) and polymorphism were calculated using 108,249 markers by sub-population. After LD-pruning, the remaining 19,316 SNP were used for pairwise fixation index (FST), analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and principle component analysis. The call rate for each sub-population ranged from 0.9866 ± 0.0351 to 0.9994 ± 0.0006. The lowest proportion (0.8527) of polymorphism was in the American Aberdeen (AA) and the highest proportion (1) was in the admixed populations. By sub-population, HE ranged from 0.3490 ± 0.1482 in AA to 0.3935 ± 0.1315 in Angus. The average nucleotide diversity over loci varied from 0.2976 ± 0.1444 in AA to 0.3872 ± 0.1879 in unknown parentage sub-population. The highest genetic differentiation was observed between AA and Continental breeds (Gelbvieh and Simmental) as FST estimates ranged from 0.1757 to 0.1789, respectively. Differences within individuals explained 98.15% of the total variance, whereas only -2.33% was due to differences among individuals within sub-populations. The first and second principal components (PC) explained 37.77% and 24.29% of the total variance, respectively. These PC show that admixed individuals clustered with animals of their primary breed. Therefore, this study suggests that clustering individuals according to their primary breed will assist in future genetic studies with this population and potentially future commercial genetic improvement programs.
PSII-24 Performance, carcass and meat quality of castrated and intact Dorper lambs slaughtered at different body condition scores
Authors: Ribeiro Edson Luis de A , Fernandes Jr Francisco , Constantino Camila , Grandis Fernando Augusto , Koritiaki Natália Albieri , Castro Filipe Alexandre B , Giotto Francine Mezzomo
Published: July 2019

This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of castrated and intact Dorper male lambs slaughtered at three different body condition scores. Thirty-five lambs, approximately 3 months old, 21.6 ± 4.0 kg of body weight and 3.1 ± 0.5 of body condition score (BCS), were used. The BCS scale used varied from 1.0 (very thin) to 5.0 (very fat). Four weeks prior to the experiment, 17 lambs were castrated. Lambs were further divided into three groups, according to the criteria for slaughter: BCS of 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5. All animals received the same diet. BCS were achieved after 27, 84 and 130 days in feedlot, respectively. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between sexual conditions and slaughter criteria. Average daily gain of weight (ADG) was different (P < 0.05) for the three BCS (average of 0.263). However, final body weight (28.6 ± 1.7; 42.7 ± 1.8 and 56.8 ± 1.7 kg) and back fat thickness (0.5 ± 0.5; 4.2 ± 0.5 and 7.3 ± 0.5 mm) were different (P < 0.05) among BCS criteria, panelists found that meats from lambs slaughtered with greater fat content were less (P < 0.05) desirable. We can conclude by the performance and meat results that it is better to slaughter Dorper lambs with BCS with no more than 4.0, or 4.2 mm of back fat cover, and for the best acceptability of the meat the lambs should be castrated.
PSIII-2 Optimal ratio of standardized ileal digestible total sulfur amino acid to lysine for 5 to 22 kg pigs under antibiotic-free regime
Authors: Ren Ping , Orlando Uislei , Goncalves Marcio , Lawrence Bradley , Ma Yulin , Vazquez-Anon Mercedes
Published: July 2019

The present study aimed to determine the optimal ratio of standardized ileal digestible (SID) total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) to Lys for growth performance in 5 to 22 kg pigs under antibiotic-free regime. Experimental diets were formulated to ensure that lysine was the second limiting AA throughout the experiments. A total of 990 weaning piglets (PIC 337 × 1050, Hendersonville, TN; 5.08 ± 0.86 kg), blocked by initial BW and gender, were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments, with 9 pens per treatment and 22 piglets per pen. Dietary treatments consisted of SID TSAA to Lys ratios of 51%, 58%, 65%, 72% and 79%, with 1.31%, 1.28% and 1.20% SID Lys in phases 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The source of TSAA used in this study was the dry calcium salt of D, L-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (84% Met, MHA®, Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO). Data was analyzed using general linear mixed models accounting for heterogeneous residual variances. Competing heteroskedastic models included broken-line linear (BLL), broken-line quadratic (BLQ), and quadratic polynomial (QP). For each response, the best-fitting model was selected using Bayesian information criterion. Results showed that increasing ratios of SID TSAA to Lys linearly (P = 0.01) increased ADG during the entire nursery period. Increasing SID TSAA to Lys ratios tended to increase (P = 0.09) overall ADFI in a quadratic manner. The best-fitting model for overall ADG is BLL in which the maximum ADG was estimated at 60% SID TSAA to Lys ratio, with 95% confidence interval (CI) between 55% and 65%. In conclusion, the optimal ratio of SID TSAA to Lys was 60% for maximum ADG. These results indicate that the NRC (2012) recommendation may underestimate the SID TSAA to Lys requirement for nursery pigs raised under antibiotic-free regime.
PSIII-19 Supplementation of mint oil and yeast cell in lactation diets on performance of offspring during the early-post weaning period
Authors: Hernandez Lily P , Dunn James L , Wenninghoff Joel , Levesque Crystal L
Published: July 2019

Social and dietary stress at weaning can increase oxidative stress in piglets and impact performance during the early post-wean period. A study was conducted to assess yeast cell and mint oil supplementation during suckling and post-wean periods on offspring growth performance. A total of 481 piglets (6.25 ± 3.35 kg BW) from 45 sows were randomly allotted to pens balanced by weight and litter (6-8 pigs/pen) within maternal diet. Pens of pigs received the same dietary treatment as the sow during the suckling phase: control diet (CON), control + yeast cell at 0.2% (YC), control + mint oil at 10 ppm (MO), and control + yeast cell and mint oil (YCMO) for 35 d post-wean in a 4-phase feeding regimen (phase 1, d0-6; phase 2, d7-13; phase 3, d14-19; phase 4, d20-35). Performance was analyzed as randomized complete block with pen as experimental unit and Tukey’s adjustment as means separation test. Piglets from YC sows were heavier (P < 0.05) than CON with MO and YCMO intermediate at weaning (6.9, 6.5, 6.7 and 6.6 ± 0.2 kg, respectively) and day 6 post-wean (7.12, 6.68, 7.01, and 6.75 ± 0.09 kg, respectively) and no difference among groups at day 13 (9.1 ± 0.16 kg), 19 (11.3 ± 0.19 kg) and 35 (19.7 ± 0.35 kg). Overall, daily gain was greater (P < 0.05) CON-fed pigs than YCMO pigs (0.40, 0.39, 0.38, 0.37 ± 0.01 g/d in CON, YC, MO, and YCMO, respectively). Overall feed intake was greater (P < 0.05) for YCMO than MO resulting in lower (P < 0.05) gain:feed in YCMO-fed pigs vs CON and MO with YC-fed pigs intermediate (0.538 vs 0.617, 0.621, and 0.585, respectively). Exposure to yeast cell or mint oil during the suckling and early post-wean periods provided some benefit to offspring performance.
PSIV-10 Effect of a yeast product supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and cytokines mRNA expression in weanling piglets reared under low sanitary environment
Authors: de Laguna Ortega Fernando Bravo , Bertaud Bruno , Kim In Ho , Kim Yong Min
Published: July 2019

The objective of the trial was to evaluate the effect of a novel multi-strains yeast fractions product (MsYF) on performance, digestibility, and gene expression of several cytokines in weanling piglets reared under low sanitary environment (uncleaned). In total, 160 piglets weaned at 24 days (7.21 ± 1.05kg) were distributed in 2 treatments according to body weight and sex: control (CON), and MsYF (CON+2kg/ton of yeast product in the first 14 days post weaning; CON+400g/ton of product between days 14 and 42). Individual body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were measured on days 1, 14 and 42. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was estimated at the end of the experiment using chromium oxide as indigestible marker. On days 7, 14 and 42, 6 piglets per treatment were slaughtered and sampled from the mid-jejunum to measure cytokines mRNA gene expression: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1-R1), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (INF- γ), and (GATA3). Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the T-test procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, US) with treatment as main effect. Piglets fed MsYF had greater (P < 0.05) final BW and greater (P < 0.01) ADG compared to piglets fed CON. Piglets fed MsYF tended to have greater (P < 0.1) ATTD of DM than piglets fed CON. Supplementation of MsYF down-regulated the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and TLR2 on days 7 and 14 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.1 for TNF-α, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 for IL-6, and P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001 for TLR2) while a reduced (P < 0.01) INF-γ expression occurred in piglets fed MsYF at day 14. In conclusion, supplementation with yeast improved performance, DM digestibility, and may modulate intestinal mucosa inflammation of weanling piglets under low sanitary environment.
PSIV-6 Effect of dietary fiber source on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs
Authors: Dunmire Kara M , Thomas Lori L , Braun Michaela B , Truelock Courtney N , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Woodworth Jason C , Dritz Steve S , Paulk Chad B
Published: July 2019

A total of 288 pigs (DNA 600 × 241; initially 50.7 kg) were used in an 86-d experiment to determine the effect of dietary fiber source on finishing pig performance. Thirty-six pens of 4 barrows and 4 gilts/pen (total 8 pigs/pen) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments. Treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal control (8.7% neutral detergent fiber, NDF), 20% dried distillers grains (DDGS; 13.6% NDF) or 14.5% sugar beet pulp (SBP; 13.6% NDF). Experimental diets were fed from d 0 to 86 in 3 phases. Diets were balanced to constant NE and SID lysine within phase. Net energy values for ingredients were 2,672 kcal/kg, 2,343 kcal/kg, and 1,734 kcal/kg for corn, DDGS, and SBP, respectively. Overall, there was no evidence for treatment difference in ADG or ADFI. Pigs fed DDGS had a tendency for poorer G:F compared to pigs fed the control or 14.5% SBP diets (P < 0.10). Caloric efficiency of net energy (NE) was poorer (P < 0.10) in pigs fed DDGS compared to those fed control and SBP. There was a tendency for decreased (P < 0.07) hot carcass weight and decreased (P < 0.05) carcass yield in pigs fed DDGS and SBP compared to those fed the control diet. Loin depth tended to decrease (P < 0.10) in pigs fed SBP compared to the control with pigs fed DDGS being intermediate. Therefore, pigs fed DDGS tended to have poorer feed efficiency compared to those fed the control diet or SBP. This can be explained by the overestimation of NE demonstrated by an increase in caloric efficiency. Increasing dietary NDF reduced carcass yield.

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PSIV-7 Diet nutrient digestibility and growth performance in weaned pigs fed steam-exploded canola meal
Authors: Sanchez-Zannatta Joaquin J , Thanh Bich Van Le , Wang Lifang , Beltranena Eduardo , Newkirk Rex N , Zijlstra Ruurd T
Published: July 2019

Canola meal (CM) is widely included in swine diets, but its fiber matrix compromises its nutritional value. Whether steam-explosion with high pressure can increase nutrient digestibility of CM and hence growth performance in pigs is unknown. To explore, Brassica napus CM was processed with steam pressure at 700 or 1,100 kPa for 5 min followed by a sudden release of pressure to produce steam-exploded CM7 and CM11, respectively. Four diets containing 20% CM, CM7, CM11, or soybean meal (SBM) were formulated to provide 2.3 Mcal net energy (NE)/kg and 5.1 g standardized ileal digestible lysine/Mcal NE. From 2 weeks post-weaning, 256 pigs (BW, 10 kg) were fed the 4 diets for 4 weeks in a randomized complete block design with 16 blocks and 4 pigs per pen. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and gross energy (GE) was 4.8, 4.3 and 3.7%-units lower (P < 0.05), respectively, for the 3 CM diets than the SBM diet, whereas diet digestible energy (DE) value was not different. Steam-explosion of CM did not affect diet ATTD of DM and GE, but reduced (P < 0.05) diet ATTD of CP. For the entire trial (day 1–28), steam-explosion at either 700 or 1,100 kPa increased (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI) of CM, but the CM diet had lower (P < 0.05) ADFI than the SBM diet. Average daily gain (ADG) did not differ among the 4 diets. Consequently, feed efficiency (G:F) was greater (P < 0.05) for the 3 CM diets than the SBM diet. In conclusion, steam-explosion of CM did not increase diet nutrient digestibility or growth performance of weaned pigs.
PSIV-15 Development of a modelling framework to account for P kinetics in growing and finishing pigs
Authors: Misiura Maciej M , Filipe Joao A N , Walk Carrie L , Kyriazakis Ilias
Published: July 2019

Key underlying assumptions of current pig growth models, developed in the context of nutritionally balanced feeds, may be invalid for pigs given inadequate dietary phosphorous (P). To account for pig performance on feeds of different P content, a dynamic, mechanistic growth model was developed where ingested P is allocated to either soft tissue or skeletal tissue. The following issues needed to be addressed: 1) potential impact of different dietary P concentrations on feed intake; 2) estimation of the whole-body protein (Pr):P relationship; 3) allocation of ingested P into different body tissues. Statistical analyses of the published literature data, utilising meta-regression indicated the following answers: 1) there was no compensatory feed consumption in pigs fed P-deficient diets (p > 0.05); 2) the whole-body Pr:P relationship was feed-dependent, i.e., body P was directly proportional to body Pr in pigs fed P-adequate diets but lower in pigs fed P-deficient diets; 3) P retention in the soft tissue was prioritised over P deposition in bone when the dietary P was low (p < 0.001). A growth model incorporating mechanisms based on the above data analyses suggests that pigs given P-limiting feeds attempt to maintain the same level of lean tissue retention attained with a P-balanced diet, but at the expense of reduced skeletal deposition. Specifically, bone P growth was reduced in relation to a balanced-diet for moderately-P-deficient diets, and static for severely-P-deficient diets. The overall average daily gain remained largely unaffected for moderately-P-deficient pigs. The present in-silico framework of P kinetics could be utilised to study the consequences of different P feeding strategies on animal growth and body composition, and to verify whether further reduction in dietary P requirements could be achieved with no loss in animal performance.