bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXIII-4 Evaluation of an in-pasture weighing system to measure body weight change of growing cattle grazing wheat pasture
Authors: Moffet Corey A , Gunter Stacey A , Beck Paul A , Vining Paul P
Published: September 2024

In winter 2023-2024, 65 stocker cattle grazed wheat pasture at the Southern Plains Experimental Range near Fort Supply, Oklahoma. Cattle had access to two in-pasture weighing system (IpWS, SmartScale, C-Lock) units placed at the water trough. Except for occasional standing water following precipitation, the only accessible water source was through the IpWS. Initial squeeze chute body weights (SCBW) were collected following ~16 h fast without feed or water. Full SCBW were collected without overnight fast every 28 d thereafter. Animals place their front feet onto the IpWS platform to drink water (ad libitum) and the front of the animal is weighed with an adjustment factor to convert the value to whole body weight (BW). The objective was to compare the two cattle weighing methods for growing cattle grazing wheat (Triticum aestivum) pasture. There were two cattle types and initial SCBW was 6 beef steers (BS, BW = 249.6 ± 14.4 kg), 6 beef heifers (BH, BW = 252.7 ± 7.3 kg), 26 beef-dairy cross steers (BDS, BW = 129.4.2 ± 18.7 kg), and 27 beef-dairy cross heifers (BDH, BW = 131.0 ± 10.3 kg). We fit a linear model to IpWS weight data as a function of day-of-study, sex, and type with a random animal effect. We estimated BW on the SCW d from the model and compared the IpWS and SCBW values. We used limits-of-agreement analysis to compare methods by date. A positive bias indicates IpWS BW are greater than SCBW and negative bias means IpWS BW < SCBW. In general, IpWS BW overestimated SCBW with biases of 5.2 ± 1.0 kg, 13.4 ± 0.8 kg, 17.2 ± 1.0 kg, and 10.2 ± 1.1 kg on d 0, 28, 56, and 84, respectively. The biases were occasionally affected by cattle type or sex. On d 0, bias was greater for larger beef cattle than for smaller beef-dairy cross cattle (13.7 vs. 3.3 kg, respectively, P = 0.004). On d 56, bias depended on sex with a 22.3 kg bias for steers vs. a 16.2 kg bias for heifers (P = 0.049). On d 28 and 84, biases did not depend on sex or type. Over the 84-d period, BW gain was biased (5.03 ± 1.27 kg). Similarly, average daily BW gain was biased (0.06 ± 0.12 kg/d). The cattle type affected bias for BW gain (beef type = -2.13 kg and beef-dairy cross type = 6.69 kg) and average daily BW gain (beef type = 0.03 and beef-dairy cross type = 0.08 kg/d, P = 0.005). These results indicate that adjustments are likely needed to convert front BW from an IpWS to whole BW and to remove BW bias.
PSVII-12 The Investigation of depot-specific adipogenesis and lipogenesis in bottle-fed ram lambs
Authors: Udoka Aliute Nkoyo S , Owens Lydia , Duckett Susan K
Published: September 2024

The deposition of fat in ruminants is a dynamic process that significantly impacts meat quality and production efficiency. The objective of this study was to investigate the dynamics of fat deposition over time across various depots in bottle-fed ram lambs, focusing on pre-adipocyte cell number and gene expression as a key determinants of fat accumulation. Suffolk ram lambs (n = 13) were serially harvested on d 15 (n = 4), d 45 (n = 4), and d 105 of age (n = 5). Lambs were supplemented with milk replacer 20% of body weight (BW)] from d 5 to d 30 of age, milk replacer (10% BW) with creep feed (2.5% of BW) supplementation from d 30 to 45, and creep feed (5% of BW) from d 45 to d 105 of age. At each harvest timepoint, fat depots, including subcutaneous, intramuscular (longissimus muscle), and visceral fat, were snap-frozen for RNA extraction, downstream gene expression analysis, and fatty acid extraction. Pre-adipocyte cells were also preserved, enzymatically digested and subsequently isolated from each depot. Pre-adipocyte cell number was assessed using the CellDrop (Denovix). Preliminary results revealed that pre-adipocyte cell numbers were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in subcutaneous and visceral depots 17-d old lambs in comparison to all other depots in other timepoints. The number of pre-adipocytes in intramuscular adipose depots did not differ over time (P > 0.05). Visceral and subcutaneous adipose depots had a significantly greater (P < 0.05) amount of preadipocytes present in comparison with the intramuscular depot. Total fatty acid content differed (P < 0.05) among depots and timepoints. Omental fat from d 105 lambs exhibited the greatest (P < 0.05) total fatty acid content in comparison with all other depots. Total fatty acid amount did not statistically differ (P > 0.05) between d 17 and d 45 omental fat depots. Total fatty acid content did not differ (P > 0.05) over time in intramuscular fat samples (LM). The gene expression of several proposed pre-adipogenic markers were evaluated across timepoints and tissues. Moreover, the relationship between pre-adipocyte cell number and fat deposition in both subcutaneous and visceral depots indicates their crucial role in overall fat accumulation in ram lambs. These findings offer novel insights into the dynamics of fat deposition in ruminants, emphasizing the importance of intramuscular fat depots as key sites for fat accumulation. Understanding the relationship between pre-adipocyte cell number and fat deposition across depots can inform management strategies aimed at enhancing meat quality and production efficiency in sheep farming systems. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying fat deposition in different depots and its impact on meat quality traits.
PSII-12 The effect of the diffusion of geranium and clary sage essential oils on relaxation responses in horses
Authors: Kays Emma , Moore Jennifer , Vasco Carol
Published: September 2024

Aromatherapy has been used in holistic medicine to improve relaxation in humans; however, there are limited studies on its use in horses. This study investigated the potential of aromatherapy on relaxation responses in horses using two common essential oils geranium (Pelargonium asperum) and clary sage (Salvia sclarea). We hypothesized that aromatherapy using essential oils would improve relaxation responses in horses. Geranium aromatherapy (GA) and clary-sage aromatherapy (CA) were tested against a control (CO; deionized water only) in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square with three treatments, three horses (584 ± 9 kg of body weight and 11 ± 1 yr old), and three experimental periods. The experiment was replicated using the same horses, and the two experimental replicates were considered the square blocking factor. Aromatherapy session involved a 5-min acclimation period followed by 15 min of aromatherapy using a diffusor. Heart rate and respiration rate at min 0, 7 and 15, and average counts for body position and facial expressions from min 0 to 7 and from 7 to 15 (early and late session, respectively) were used as measure of relaxation. Aromatherapy improved eye expression over time (P = 0.01), with GA and CA horses showing significantly increased durations of relaxed eyes from early to late session (2.8 min vs. 5.3 min for GA and 3.7 min vs. 4.8 min for CA), while horses on CO showed reduced duration from early to late session (2.7 min vs. 1.2 min), indicating increased level of alertness and tension. Aromatherapy tended (P = 0.07) to improve ear expression. Horses receiving CA tended to show longer durations of relaxed ears compared with CO (4.33 min vs. 1.25 min), while GA (3.25 min) did not differ from CA and CO. Aromatherapy did not affect (P > 0.05) measures of body posture and heart and respiratory rates. Although not all relaxation responses were improved by aromatherapy, the results indicate that aromatherapy has potential for improving relaxation in horses as indicated by facial expressions.
PSII-14 Climate and conception: Investigating the resilience of equine embryo survival to ambient temperatures in southeast Texas
Authors: Flores Karla V , Stutts Kyle , Shyam Nair , Blythe Madison K , Martinez Rafael E , Nelson Tatum B
Published: September 2024

Amidst the unique challenges posed by the humid and hot climate of southeast Texas, this study aimed to assess the establishment of pregnancy from transferred equine embryos, hypothesizing that an increase in ambient temperature would lead to a decrease in pregnancy establishment. To achieve this, we utilized 17 embryo donors and 46 recipient mares (3 to 9 yr of age), all anatomically and clinically normal with no history of reproductive problems. Breeding records for 49 transferred d 8, grade-1 embryos from a single private horse farm in southeast Texas, along with the reported high and low ambient temperatures on the day of transfer, were analyzed using logistic regression via PROC GLIMMIX in SAS v9.4 with fixed effects for the reported high and low ambient temperatures on the day of transfer, with a random statement for donor and sire. The pregnancy rate for all embryo transfers was 79%. Surprisingly, our results revealed that neither the reported high ambient temperatures (P = 0.16) nor reported low ambient temperatures (P = 0.19) significantly influenced the likelihood of pregnancy establishment observed at d 14 post-ovulation of transferred equine embryos. Furthermore, no statistically significant influence (P > 0.05) on pregnancy establishment was observed when embryo transfers were conducted outside of the thermal neutral zone (5°C to 20°C). Within the context of our study, these results suggest that environmental temperatures in southeast Texas do not significantly impact equine pregnancy outcomes.
PSLBI-21 Interactive effects of dietary betaine supplementation and soybean hulls inclusion on growth performance and carcass composition of young growing pigs
Authors: Lima Valesca , Rodrigues Milena , Cardoso Kallita , Lacerda Mariana , Nuñez Amoracyr C , Sousa Saimon , Leite Carla , Brito Luiz F , Schinckel Allan P , Cesar Aline Silve Mello , Stringhini José , Almeida Vivian V
Published: September 2024

Growing barrow pigs [n = 24; Large White x Landrace x Duroc; 29.51 ± 3.24 kg initial body weight (BW)] were assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design to evaluate the synergistic effects of dietary levels of betaine (BET; 0 and 0.1%) and soybean hulls (SBH; 0 and 15%) on growth performance and carcass composition. Pigs were blocked by initial BW and housed in individual pens with ad libitum access to feed and water for a 28-d feeding period. Pigs were weighed and feed intake was recorded at 14-d intervals. Real-time ultrasonic (RTU) measurements of the 10th-rib longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA) and off-midline backfat thickness (BF) were obtained initially and on d 28 for all pigs. Prediction equations were used to estimate total fat tissue (TOFAT) and fat-free total lean (FFTOLN) from the measurements. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS software. Growth performance data were analyzed as repeated measures on time and carcass data were analyzed as single measures with the respective baseline values used as covariate in the statistical model. There were no SBH x BET interactions for growth response variables. Pig growth was not affected by dietary BET supplementation. During the first 14 d of the study, pigs fed 15% SBH had decreased average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.02), and feed efficiency [gain:fee; (G:F;P = 0.04)] when compared with pigs fed diets without SBH. From d 15 to 28, dietary addition of 15% SBH reduced ADFI (P = 0.01), whereas no significant effects on the other growth performance variables were observed. Overall, when compared with pigs fed diets without SBH, pigs fed diets with 15% SBH had reduced feed intake (P = 0.01) and ADG (P = 0.04), which resulted in lighter pigs (P = 0.03) at the completion of the feeding trial. A SBH x BET interaction (P = 0.04) was observed for LMA, with decreased values (P < 0.05) detected for BET-supplemented pigs only when SBH was not included in the diet. No additional carcass composition traits were altered by BET supplementation. Including 15% SBH to the diet decreased BF (P = 0.05) and TOFAT (P = 0.04) in growing pigs. Neither BET supplementation nor SBH inclusion affected FFTOLN. In conclusion, adding supplemental BET to diets with SBH did not synergistically alter nutrient partitioning of young growing pigs. Although no beneficial effects of BET supplementation on growth and carcass composition traits were observed, feeding pigs diets containing 15% SBH resulted in slower growth rates with less fat deposition.
PSLBII-15 The impacts of phyto-chemo-immuno therapeutic agents on cure of bovine brucellosis
Authors: Kaleem Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Bovine brucellosis is a very important zoonotic disease of economic interest throughout the world. The current study was designed to evaluate the effects of phyto-chemo-immune therapeutic agents (antibiotics vs. herbal product) against bovine brucellosis in cattle. For this purpose, crossbred cows (n = 20) were divided into 4 groups (i.e., A, B, C and D; n = 5 in each group). The animals in group A, B and C included brucella positive cows, while group D had control negative (healthy) animals. Cows of group A were treated with antibiotics (oxytetracyclin and streptomycin), fluxin meglumin, vitamin E and selenium, and immunized with brucella RB-51 (Bivishot) and FMD oil-based vaccine; group B cows were treated with a herbal product Safi, instead of antiobiotics; group C cows were only treated with flunixin meglumin and vitamin E and selenium, and immunized with RB-51 and FMD vaccines, while cows in group D were only immunized with RB-51 and FMD vaccines. All cows were evaluated for brucella antibodies through ELISA on d 0, 30, 90 and 180 post-treatments, and for antigens through real time PCR on d 180 post-treatment. Moreover, the treated cows were also observed for retention of fetal membranes and birth weight of calves. According to the results, titers of antibodies (OD values) against brucella abortus on d 180 post-treatment were found to be less (P < 0.05) in groups A (0.83 ± 0.2) and D (0.60 ± 0.1) cows compared with group B (1.09 ± 0.2) and C (1.15 ± 0.2) cows. Moreover, no difference (P > 0.05) was found between OD values of group A and D cows. The Ct values, determined through Real time PCR, were greater in group A (37.2 ± 0.9) and D (> 40) cows compared with B (35.0 ± 2.5) and C (32.5 ± 1.2) cows. Furthermore, birth weight of calves was greater in A and D cows compared with B and C cows. Placenta dropping time was shorter in A and D animals compared with group B and C cows. In conclusion, combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents and immune boosters (Group-A) may be used as a therapeutic approach to overcome bovine Brucellosis.
PSLBII-13 Bioinformatics of rumen fluid from steers fed alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures in the Deep South
Authors: Blinson Mason , Zessin Peyton , Dillard S Leanne L , Mullenix Kimberly
Published: September 2024

When harvesting high-quality, high-water content forages like legumes, there is often a greater percentage of nutritive loss due to the drying process. Alternative feeding strategies like baleage provide a way to mitigate these losses. However, there is not much adoption of baleage in the Deep South. Therefore, our objective was to assess the influence of conserved forage type on rumen metabolomes of beef cattle systems in the Deep South. Three treatments including bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) baleage, and alfalfa-bermudagrass baleage were supplied to four fistulated steers with a calculated daily forage allowance based on intake, body weight, and feed refusals. Each diet was allocated to one of three periods in which all four animals received the same diet due to potential feed spoilage. Each period had a 21-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d collection period to analyze rumen fluid, total fecal weight, feed intake, feed refusal, and total urine. This study integrated 16S RNA sequencing and LC-MS-based metabolomics to evaluate rumen bacterial diversity and metabolome of beef steers. Sequencing data from the rumen fluid samples were then analyzed using QIIME2. Bermudagrass hay had a reduced alpha diversity compared with alfalfa baleage (Shannon: H = 5.19, P = 0.02). Additionally, we saw a change in beta diversity (P < 0.001), measured using the unweighted UniFrac distance, between conserved forage types and distinct clustering in the PCoA analysis. The most abundant taxa in all microbial communities were from the orders Lachnospirales, Bacteroidales, and Oscillospirales. Previous analysis in this study evidenced that baleage had an increased dry matter digestibility (DMD; P = 0.02). The increase in DMD was associated with the increase in diversity of the metabolome which could influence animal health and performance. Thus, baleage can serve as a beneficial conserved forage type that mitigates the losses of high-quality forages and diversifies the gut microbiome of ruminant animals.
PSXI-30 Economic impact of pre-training on dairy cattle automatic milking system acclimation
Authors: Whitehead Landon W , Martinez Charles , Eckelkamp Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Pre-training in automatic milking systems (AMS) has the potential to increase milk production and milk quality. In a recent study, cows that experienced pre-training (TRT; i.e. intentional training access with an AMS prior to first AMS milking) had greater milk yield and fat percentages compared with no pre-training (38.4 vs. 37.6 ± 0.2 kg/d; 4.75 vs. 4.38 ± 0.06%; P < 0.01, and < 0.01 respectively). Similarly, cows without pre-training had greater somatic cell count (SCC; 298,860 vs. 188,220 ± 10,700 cells/mL; P < 0.001). The time required for pre-training could be a limiting factor (40 ± 10 h/wk), and the economic implications of labor versus long-term benefits must be examined. To that end, a stochastic simulation tool was developed to consider the increased costs of labor and the potential benefits of improved milk yield, milk fat percentage, and decreased somatic cell count. The GRKS distribution with minimum, mean, and maximum values was used to model increases in milk yield (0, 1.4, 1.8 kg), fat percentage (0, 3.5%, 4.5%), and labor cost ($0.0011, $0.0016, $0.0020 per h) and decreases in SCC (0, 120, 130 x 103 cells/mL) per hundredweight of milk produced. Baseline values for milk production ranged from 14.7 to 59.2 kg/cow/d in 4.4 kg increments with fat percentage of 3.5% and SCC of 312,000 cells/mL. The model assumed a minimum increase across milk yield, fat, and SCC of 0 (no change). The Simetar add-on in Microsoft Excel simulated 500 iterations across three herd size scenarios (60, 120, and 480 cows) and calculated the marginal return on investment across a 90-d period for all milk production ranges. Regardless of starting milk production level, pre-training had a positive economic impact across all levels (30 to 50 h) and herd sizes (Table 1). Financial impact per cow per d with input of 30, 40, and 50 h ranged from $0.58 to $0.73, $0.56 to $0.71, and $0.54 to $0.70. The majority of simulations returned a positive marginal impact for pre-training. If pre-training resulted in a loss, it ranged from $242 to $1,937, $323 to $2,585, $405 to $3,246, across 30, 40, and 50 hours, respectively. Based on these results, the investment in pre-training time was consistently beneficial for simulated herds.
PSVII-22 Age-related transcriptome changes associated with beef quality in longissimus thoracis muscle of Hanwoo steer
Authors: Kim Sang Yeob , Lee Jaesung , Baik Myunggi
Published: September 2024

Understanding age-associated transcriptome changes in longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle is important for determining beef quality and yield characteristics. We investigated age-related transcriptome changes in LT of Hanwoo (Korean cattle) steers. Hanwoo steers [n = 11; initial body weight (BW) = 354 ± 5.53 kg; age, 12 ± 0.28 mo] were used. The LT samples were biopsied between the 11th and 12th ribs at 12, 18, and 24 mo of age. Steers were slaughtered at 31 mo of age (789 ± 17.7 kg) and LT samples were collected. For transcriptome analysis, six LT samples from steers at each of the four ages were selected based on initial BW, carcass weight, rib eye area, carcass quantity, and beef quality grades. Transcriptomic profiles at various ages were measured by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). A total of 13,753 transcriptomes were identified, and a total of 2,522 differentially expressed genes (DEGs: 743 up-regulated and 1088 down-regulated genes) between 12 mo and 31 mo of age were identified (false discovery rate < 0.05 and |fold change| ≥ 2). Gene ontology annotation analysis of these DEGs showed several significant (P < 0.05) terms including blood vessel morphogenesis, external encapsulating structure, and cell adhesion molecule binding. Pathway analysis of these DEGs revealed several significant (P < 0.05) Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways including pathways in cancer, MAPK signaling pathway, and cell adhesion molecules. Transcriptomic expression patterns of the up-regulated and the down-regulated genes of the significant functional annotation terms between 12 mo and 31 mo were validated using all animals by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Protein expression patterns of nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1, coagulation factor II thrombin receptor, and growth arrest and DNA damage inducible alpha genes were validated by Western analyses. In conclusion, age-related gene expression changes suggest that pathways involved in the regulation of vascular morphogenesis and cell adhesion molecules provide novel insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for beef quality and carcass weight in beef cattle.
PSI-28 Effect of supplementing a Bacillus spp.-based probiotic on intestinal tight junction proteins expression and abundance of selected microorganisms in heat stressed pigs
Authors: González Fernanda , Morales Adriana , Morales Angélica , Valle Alan , Mendoza S María S , Htoo John K , Cervantes Miguel
Published: September 2024

The maintenance of small intestine epithelial barrier function, depending in part on tight junction proteins (TJP), prevents the system from invasion of undesired materials but may become altered in heat stressed pigs. Heat stress (HS) also appears to modify the composition of intestinal microbiota that, combined with a weak barrier, may cause health deterioration of pigs. Probiotics, in contrast, can help animals to maintain a healthy intestinal environment. A study, conducted with pigs [n = 80; body weight (BW) = 21.6 ± 3.4 kg], analyzed the effect of HS and the supplementation of a Bacillus spp-based probiotic on gene expression of the TJP occludin, claudins, and TJP1 in jejunum and ileum. Abundance of Lactobacillus sp., Bifidobacterium sp., Bacillus subtilis and E. coli in ileal content was also analyzed. Treatments were thermal neutral (TN) pigs fed a control diet without probiotic (TN-C) or with 0.05% probiotic (TN-P), and HS pigs fed a control without probiotic (HS-C) or with 0.05% probiotic (HS-P). The control diet was based on wheat and soybean meal, added with free Lys, Thr, Met, and Val. Feed and water were freely available during the 21-d study. At termination, six pigs per treatment were sacrificed and samples from jejunum and ileum tissue were collected to analyze TJP gene expression; ileal content was collected to analyze abundance of intestinal microorganisms. Ambient temperature inside TN and HS rooms ranged from 19 to 25°C and 30 to 38.5°C, respectively. In jejunum, claudin2 expression was greater in TN-P than in TN-C (P = 0.05) but there was no effect of HS. In ileum, HS increased claudin3 but decreased occludin gene expression (P < 0.05). HS did not affect TJP1gene expression (P > 0.10). Probiotic supplementation did not affect gene expression of TJP (P > 0.10). Relative to TN-C pigs, abundance of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. tended to decrease in HS-C pigs (P < 0.10), and that of Bifidobacterium sp. decreased in HS-P pigs (P < 0.05). Abundance of E. coli tended to be greater (P < 0.10) in both HS-C and HS-P pigs, than in the TN-C pigs. Abundance of Bacillus sp. was greater (P < 0.01) in HS pigs fed the diet supplemented with the probiotic, compared with the TN-C (P < 0.01) and HS-C (P < 0.05) pigs. In conclusion, these data indicate that HS affects TJP gene expression and composition of intestinal microbiota, but supplementing 0.05% of a probiotic based on Bacillus spp. did not affect the abundance of measured microbiota except for Bacillus sp. under HS conditions.
PSII-25 Cysteine utilization for liver taurine and intestinal glutathione production is affected by weaning in pigs
Authors: Rudar Marko , Gachman Alexandra M , Outlaw Alex , Newell Brooke , Bartosh Julia
Published: September 2024

Cysteine is a sulfur amino acid with key roles in pig production but how cysteine metabolism and requirements are affected by acute nutritional stress at weaning is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine weaning-induced changes in the abundance and activity of enzymes involved in cysteine utilization in the liver and small intestine. Pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 7.23 ± 0.68 kg] were either weaned at 21 d age and euthanized at 23 d age (W; n = 9) or remained with the sow and euthanized at 23 d age (NW; n = 9). Weaned pigs were fasted to replicate an acute nutritional stress but had free access to water. At euthanasia, liver, jejunum, and ileum tissues were collected. Liver abundance of cysteine dioxygenase 1 (CDO1) and cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD), enzymes needed for cysteine oxidation to taurine, were determined by immunoblot. Reaction products of GCL and GSS, enzymes needed for glutathione (GSH) production, and CDO1 (liver only) were determined by HPLC. Tissue taurine and GSH concentrations were determined by HPLC. Liver CDO1 activity (0.31 versus 0.52 ± 0.10 nmol cysteine sulfinic acid/mgּ proteinּ min-1); P = 0.14), CDO1 abundance (3.98 versus 7.47 ± 1.96 AU; P = 0.22), and CSAD abundance (1.50 versus 1.54 ± 0.16 AU; P = 0.88) were not different between W and NW pigs. Liver GCL activity (2.49 versus 4.15 ± 0.25 nmol γ-glutamylcysteine/(mgּ proteinּ min-1); P < 0.001) and GSS activity (1.54 versus 1.92 nmol GSH/(mgּ proteinּ min-1); P < 0.001) were less in W compared with NW pigs. Liver taurine concentration increased in W compared with NW pigs (2,250 versus 4,726 ± 471 nmol/g; P < 0.01), whereas liver GSH concentration was not different between W and NW pigs (2,825 versus 2,921 ± 245 nmol/g; P > 0.10). Jejunum GCL activity was not different between W and NW pigs (0.56 versus 0.39 ± 0.07 nmol γ-glutamylcysteine/(mg proteinּ min-1); P = 0.10), whereas GSS activity tended to be lower in W compared with NW pigs (1.11 versus 1.38 ± 0.10 nmol GSH/(mg proteinּ min-1); P = 0.07). Ileum GCL (0.36 versus 0.32 ± 0.07 nmol γ-glutamylcysteine/(mg proteinּ min-1) and GSS activities (1.04 versus 1.02 ± 0.07 nmol GSH/(mg proteinּ min-1) were not different between W and NW pigs (P > 0.10). However, both jejunum (1,379 versus 1,720 ± 70 nmol/g) and ileum (1,497 versus 1,740 ± 74 nmol/g) GSH concentrations were less in W compared with NW pigs (P < 0.05). Despite limited feed intake, liver oxidation of cysteine to taurine was maintained in pigs after weaning. These findings imply that excess endogenous cysteine is oxidized to taurine rather than utilized for gut GSH production.
PSVI-25 The benefits of probiotics (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) supplement in growth, nutrient absorption, gas emission, and gut microbiome diversity in weaning pigs
Authors: Lim Chai Bin , Cho Sungbo , Jeong Youn Jae , Kim In Ho
Published: September 2024

Antibiotics are widely used as growth promoters (AGPs) in livestock production to improve animal performance and health. However, pig producers today face the prohibition of in-feed antimicrobials and have to find safe and effective alternatives. Lactobacillus species are active microorganisms that convey multiple beneficial effects to the host and are one of the most promising AGPs replacements. Herein, we aimed to comprehensively assess the effects of Lactobacillus spp. (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) supplementation on growth, nutrient absorption, gas emission, and gut microbiota diversity in weaning pigs. Weaning pigs (n = 160) were randomly allocated into four groups and allowed to be fed four different diets. The test treatments were basal diet (TRT1), basal + 0.25% antibiotic (TRT2), basal + 0.1% probiotics (TRT3), and basal + 0.2% probiotics (TRT4). Our results demonstrated that the inclusion of 0.2% Lactobacillus spp. supplementation significantly improved (P < 0.05) the growth performance and blood lymphocytes and reduced (P < 0.05) fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emission. In microbiome analysis, Shannon index, Simpson index, and Bray-Curtis showed that probiotics enhanced (P < 0.05) microbial richness and diversity, indicating a unique microbial profile induced by probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, our findings provide concrete evidence of the growth-promoting effects of Lactobacillus spp. supplementation in piglets and a better understanding of the potential of Lactobacillus-based probiotics as AGPs alternatives in pig production.
PSXIII-18 Prenatal transportation differentially affects the adrenal cortical and adrenomedullary transcriptomes of Brahman bull calves
Authors: Welsh Thomas H , Cardoso Rodolfo C , Hairgrove Thomas B , Long Charles R , Perry George A , Riley David R , Randel Ronald D
Published: September 2024

Prenatal stress (PNS) and early life adversity have been linked to epigenetic changes in the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems in various species. Previously, we reported that PNS calves had greater serum concentrations of ACTH and cortisol, were more temperamental, and had differential methylation of leukocyte DNA. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prenatal transportation stress differentially affected gene expression in the adrenal gland of calves. Mature Brahman cows inseminated to a single Brahman sire were assigned to either Control (n = 35; not transported) or PNS (n = 37; 2 h of transportation at 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 ± 5 d of gestation) group. From some of these cows, 8 Control and 8 PNS bull calves were humanely euthanized at 25 ± 2 d of age. Adrenal glands were obtained, separated into the cortical (AC) and medullary (AM) components, placed into cryovials, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80°C. Frozen samples (200 mg) were submitted to Novogene Corporation for RNA sequencing analysis on an Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform to generate 150 bp paired-end reads. The reference genome was Bos taurus ARS-UCD1.2. The DESeq2 R package was used for differential gene expression analysis (DEG) and DEGs (P ≤ 0.05, log2FC ≥ 1) were evaluated for gene ontology (GO) subclass terms and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathways. For the AC DEG comparison, a total of 899 genes were identified, with 641 upregulated and 258 downregulated in PNS calves. The AC DEGs were in the cellular component, molecular function and biological process GO subclasses related to circadian rhythm, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine regulation, muscle development, and lipid metabolism. The KEGG enrichment analysis identified nitrogen metabolism, cytokine signaling, and circadian rhythm pathways associated with DEG of the AC. For the AM DEG comparison, a total of 1,245 genes were identified, with 745 upregulated and 500 downregulated in the PNS calves. The AM DEGs were in GO subclasses related to skeletal muscle development, antigen processing, and neural crest development. The KEGG enrichment analysis identified cell adhesion, viral infection, cytokine signaling, and amphetamine pathways associated with DEG of the AM. These early results suggest that prenatal stress differentially affects expression of genes of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla, which may affect health and growth of calves.Support: USDA NIFA Award No. 2019-67015-29573
PSXIII-16 Kinematics and viability of spermatozoa from Criollo and Angus bulls in a low-input system
Authors: Ramírez-Sosa René A , Martinez-Quintana Jose A A , Álvarez-Gallardo Horacio , Urbán-Duarte David , Rodríguez-Almeida Felipe A , Antillón-Ruiz Javier
Published: September 2024

The Chihuahuan Criollo cattle is a genetic resource with special adaptive characteristics to rough, arid and semi-arid ecosystems. There is a great interest in incorporating such adaptations into beef production systems as one of the strategies for sustainable production to face the climate change challenge. Reproductive success is determinant to achieve sustainability in animal production systems. Most research efforts to improve reproductive efficiency have focused on the study of females. However, it has been shown that much of the economic losses caused by embryonic deaths are due to the bull. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of thawed semen from Angus and Criollo bulls kept in a low-input system. Thirteen healthy bulls (n = 7 Angus and 6 = Chihuahuan Criollo), with an average age of 4.3 ± 0.48 yr, grazing in the same rangeland and subjected to natural pasture conditions, were studied. Semen obtained by electroejaculation, were frozen and subsequently thawed for analyses. Characteristics of motility, vitality (V), morphology (M) and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were evaluated in fresh and thawed semen, whereas movement kinetics (MK) and acrosome reaction (AR) were evaluated in thawed semen. Statistical analysis was performed using the PROC GLM of SAS Studio 2022 including the fixed effects of breed, semen condition and their interaction for variables of progressive motility (PM), V, M, PMI and the effect of breed for variables of MK and AR. As expected, PM and V were less (P < 0.05) in thawed (57.93 ± 4.1 and 53.69 ± 2.7) compared with fresh (72.64 ± 3.9 and 74.98 ± 2.6) semen, whereas no differences (P > 0.05) were found in M. However, the interaction between semen condition and breed for PMI tended to the significance (P = 0.08) with a PMI of 68.95 ± 4.6 and 58.98 ± 4.3 for Criollo and Angus, respectively, in fresh semen, whereas in thawed semen this difference was inverted (52.08 ± 4.6 and 58.40 ± 4.6). It is important to note that the semen retained quality traits with values above the minimum accepted for use in artificial insemination, despite the scarcity of resources of the system in which the animals were kept. There were no differences by breed in the main MK variables; however, AR reported as live unreacted sperm was less (P < 0.05) in Criollo (40.49 ± 4.49) compared with Angus bulls (58.48 ± 4.49). In conclusion, it is important to incorporate the assessment of membrane integrity and acrosome reaction in thawed semen evaluation to obtain a more accurate prediction of the potential fertility of samples, even if motility parameters appear to be optimal.
PSXIII-13 Evaluation of physiological functions and performance in laying hens in different housing systems
Authors: Shoji Gaku , Tochinai Ryota , Sekizawa Shin-ichi , Kuwahara Masayoshi
Published: September 2024

Egg production faces many challenges of economics, disease control and animal welfare concerns. Therefore, investigation of physiological characteristics in laying hens should be required for further discussion on such issues from a scientific point of view. In this study, we evaluated physiological functions and production parameters of hens raised in three different housing systems, conventional battery cage (CC), enriched cage (EC) and aviary system (AV). Lohmann Selected Leghorn Lite laying hens (n = 251) were used. At first, all the pullets were housed in CC. Then, a telemetric transmitter was implanted to randomly selected 18 hens on d 171 after birth to record electrocardiograms (ECGs), heart rate (HR), body temperature (BT) and locomotor activity (LA). Heart rate variability (HRV), which was analyzed using ECG, has been established as a suitable method for investigating autonomic nervous functions, and to assess stress and well-being of housing systems. On d 200 after birth, some of the hens were randomly selected and transferred to EC or AV (CC; n = 88, EC; n = 72, AV; n = 91), including hens implanted a transmitter (6 hens in each group). All parameters at 10 d before and 1 wk after the group division were compared. Egg laying rate (ELR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and shell deformation were evaluated for egg production parameters. Hens were basically housed under the same management condition, and a constant light-dark cycle (light-on from 0300 to 1930 h). Feeding was conducted during light-phase, and water was supplied ad libitum. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Comparing the physiological parameter, HR during dark-phase and LA during light-phase after transferred to EC or AV were greater than those in CC. However, there was no significant difference in HR during light-phase or LA during dark-phase between CC and the other two groups. The high frequency (HF) power of HRV, which reflects parasympathetic nervous function, was high during the dark-phase (7.59 ± 1.56) and low during the light-phase (6.04 ± 0.78) in CC. This diurnal variation disappeared in EC or AV because the HF power during the dark-phase decreased. As for production, ELR, FCR and shell deformation were decreased after moved to AV, which were not found in other two groups after the group division. This study was conducted to clarify the effects of housing systems on the physiological functions and productivity of laying hens, and these results suggest that CC might provide hens with parasympathetic dominance with greater quality of rest in dark-phase, and AV causes the reduction of egg production. However, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that these results are influenced by movement to a different housing system. Therefore, further analysis should be performed to assess the relations between physiological functions, management and egg production.
PSXIII-15 Functional and molecular responses of cultured bovine granulosa cells to increased concentrations of ammonia in vitro
Authors: Henrie Micah , Miller Bailey , Isom Clay
Published: September 2024

Animals in agricultural production settings are often fed high levels of protein to maximize their performance (e.g., growth, lactation). However, animals that consume diets that are excessively high in protein often suffer from reduced reproductive efficiency. The causes behind this decreased reproductive performance are not fully understood. It is well established that increased dietary protein leads to increased concentrations of both ammonia and urea in the blood and other fluids of the body. These increased metabolite concentrations may be a possible link to the decline in reproductive success. The goal of this study is to characterize the molecular response of cultured bovine granulosa cells to various levels of ammonia. Our hypothesis is that increasing concentrations of ammonia in the culture medium will be associated with greater concentrations of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in gene expression, and reduced steroidogenesis, particularly 17-β estradiol production. The cells used for these experiments were harvested from abattoir-derived bovine ovaries. After the cells were established in culture for 48 h, they were exposed to media containing 1 mM, 2 mM, 3 mM, 4 mM, 5 mM, 6 mM, or 7 mM ammonia for 24 h. The cells were then evaluated for viability, proliferation rates, gene expression, oxidative stress, and 17-β estradiol production. There were significant changes in proliferation between the control and the 6 mM and 7 mM ammonia groups (2.71 vs. 1.96 vs 1.92 population doublings per 72 h culture period, respectively; P < 0.05). Cell viability was also statistically different between control (97.8% ± 0.3%) and 7 mM ammonia-treated (93.3% ± 1.2%) cells (P < 0.05). Ten out of 25 genes involved in steroidogenesis, redox reactions, or solute transport from our analysis showed significant changes (P < 0.05) and at least ± 50% difference in relative transcript abundance in at least one of the pairwise comparisons between treatment groups, but no obvious, consistent trends regarding dose-dependent effects of ammonia on granulosa cell gene expression were noted. There were no significant changes in 17-β estradiol production (P > 0.05) or ROS (P > 0.05) in response to ammonia treatment. The concentrations of ammonia that induced the changes noted are above normal physiological concentrations but are achievable in vivo depending on the amounts of protein in the diet of an animal. This study shows that granulosa cells are in some ways impacted by varying concentrations of ammonia. Future studies will reveal if and how these and other changes to granulosa cells under similar conditions might impact the ovarian follicular microenvironment, subsequent oocyte maturation and embryo development, and reproductive performance in general.
PSXI-1 Evaluation of weaning methods on performance and immune response to vaccination in beef calves
Authors: Stutts Kyle , Browning Paige , Martinez Rafael E , Kelley Stanley F
Published: September 2024

The weaning process is a stressful experience for any species. Various weaning methods have been used in beef cattle to mitigate this stress and its associated consequences, such as decreased growth rate and suppression of the immune system. The objective of this study was to evaluate different weaning methods and their effect on post-weaning growth and immune function in beef calves. To accomplish this, a sample of Angus and Angus cross beef calves (n = 147) were stratified by age, sex, and sire and divided into three treatment groups: abrupt weaning (AW), fence line weaning (FL), and nose flap weaning (NF). All calves were vaccinated at weaning (d 0) and weaned according to their treatment group. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected via coccygeal venipuncture on d 0 and 14 to evaluate immune response to vaccination and quantify cortisol concentration as an indicator of stress. Individual body weights (BW) were recorded biweekly for 42 d after weaning. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS v9.4 with main effects of treatment and sex and their interaction using ANOVA. Weaning weight, post-weaning weights, and post-weaning BW gain data were analyzed with age of calf included as a covariate. Body weights were not different among treatment groups at weaning, or at 14, 28, or 42 d post-weaning; however, the FL group had a greater (P < 0.05) total post-weaning BW gain than the AW group with the NF group being intermediate to the others. There was no effect of weaning method on cortisol concentration at weaning or 14 d post-weaning, but a difference in immune response was observed. Calves in the NF weaning group had a greater (P < 0.05) immune response to vaccination as determined by antibody titers than calves in the AW or FL weaning groups. Based on the results of this study, alternative methods of weaning may have a positive impact on calf BW gain throughout the post-weaning period and immune response to vaccination in recently weaned beef calves.
PSXI-2 Impact of flexible prepartum supplementation strategies on cow-calf and subsequent progeny feedlot performance
Authors: Musgrave Jacki A , McCarthy Kacie L , Mulliniks Travis
Published: September 2024

Implementation of minimal supplemental protein strategies during late gestation may have the potential to minimize any negative postweaning progeny performance while decreasing feed costs. A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mid- to late-gestation supplementation strategies on reproduction, cow body weight (BW), and calf performance in May-calving mature cows grazing upland native range. Cows received one of 3 supplementation strategies: 1) 0.227 kg/d of a 30% CP distillers-based supplement (HalfSupp), 2) 0.454 kg/d of a 30% CP distillers-based supplement (Supp), or 3) brief and intermittent supplementation of Supp at 0.454 kg/cow based on periods of acute environmental stress, such as snow cover, wet winter events, and is best described as flexible supplementation (Flex). Supplementation was initiated in December each year and terminated approximately 30-d prior to the start of the calving season in April. Across all 3 yr, average supplement feeding rate was 25.5, 50.9, and 5.4 kg/cow during the 112-d supplemental period, which resulted in average yearly prepartum supplemental costs of $27.30, 54.60, and 1.99 for HalfSupp, Supp, and Flex; respectively. After weaning, steers grazed sub-irrigated meadow with a dried distiller grain supplement until May. In May, all steers grazed sub-irrigated meadow without additional supplement until August/September when steers were shipped to West Central Research and Extension Center (WCREC). Steers were placed in a GrowSafe feeding system for the rest of the finishing feeding period. Each year, steers were slaughtered at a commercial facility (Tyson Fresh Meats, Lexington, NE) when estimated visually to have 1.3 cm fat thickness over the 12th rib as a group. Cow BW was not different (P = 0.86) at the initiation of supplementation in Jan. However, cows fed Half had a lighter (P < 0.01) BW at pre-calving and tended (P = 0.08) to have a lighter BW at pre-breeding than their counterparts. After a 45-d breeding season, pregnancy rates were not influenced (P = 0.91) by prepartum supplementation strategies. Prepartum supplementation strategies did not influence (P > 0.56) preweaning calf BW at birth, pre-breeding, and weaning. In addition, steer backgrounding BW was also not influenced (P > 0.63) by prepartum supplementation strategy of their dam. Upon entry into the feedlot, steer BW was not impacted (P > 0.84) by prepartum supplementation strategy of their dam. Feedlot performance (BW, average daily gain, and feed efficiency) was not influenced (P > 0.59) by prepartum supplementation strategy of their dam. After harvest, all carcass characteristics were not impacted (P > 0.11) by the prepartum supplementation strategy of the dam. Considering the cost for prepartum supplementation, feeding a protein supplement just during environmentally stressful periods during gestation appears to be a viable alternative to more conventional methods and reduces winter feed costs.