bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
69 The ability of an artificial sweetener (Sucram®) to influence microbial community structure in the rumen papillae and content through the production of microbial-based neurochemicals
Authors: Lyte Mark , Koester Lucas , Schmitz-Esser Stephan
Published: December 2019

The study of microorganisms to produce and utilize neurochemical signaling molecules that interact with the host is the emerging field known as microbial endocrinology. Production of these molecules can be regulated by several different environmental factors, including diet. The effect of artificial sweeteners on ruminant gastrointestinal tract microbiota and the ability of individual members to produce neurochemicals that may determine community composition and affect host physiology are unknown. To analyze whether an artificial sweetener (Sucram®, Pancosma, Switzerland) affects rumen content (RC) and rumen papillae (RP) microbiota, six fistulated, lactating Holstein cows were sampled before (baseline) and after exposure to Sucram®. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted to identify Sucram®-induced microbial community changes. Additionally, ex vivo microbial cultures were used to identify neurochemical production in RP bacteria. Exposure to Sucram significantly increased the abundance of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) belonging to Ruminobacter, Prevotella, Sharpea, Ruminococcus and Rikenella on the RP. These organisms have been reported to aid in digestion of feedstuffs and methane reduction, suggesting that Sucram® may induce beneficial shifts in rumen microbial communities. To gain preliminary insight into neurochemical production of RP microorganisms, we tested four different Lactobacillus isolates from RP for neurochemical production. We observed that the neurochemicals DOPAC (3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) and L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) were produced by three and four isolates, respectively. Ongoing experiments are evaluating the effects of Sucram® on neurochemical production in a larger number of rumen microbes. Overall, we observed significant differences in OTU abundance in response to the addition of Sucram®. Additionally, we confirmed that RP bacteria can produce neurochemicals. Both of these results are key to understanding how Sucram® modifies microbial communities within the rumen and possibly influences host physiology. Research into microbial endocrinology-based neurochemical signaling between rumen microbiota and their animal hosts may lead to advancement of livestock feed efficiency and welfare.
67 Immunometabolism – emerging concepts and potential applications in livestock
Authors: Bradford Barry J
Published: December 2019

Our understanding of the immune system emerged from the study of disease processes and the communication networks used by various cell types to respond to pathogens. As with many aspects of physiology, this initial view was colored by the techniques available at the time. With technical advances beginning in the 1990, research in sepsis and obesity began to identify critical interactions between the immune system and metabolism. Our current understanding of these interactions is informed by two active but largely distinct research communities. Many in the field of immunology are utilizing cellular metabolism tools to understand mitochondrial function and fuel use in response to activation of innate and adaptive immune cells, especially as these relate to cancer. From another vantage point, many metabolic physiologists are now seeking to understand the importance of tissue-resident immune cells and immune signaling molecules in metabolic homeostasis and pathologies. Beyond human health implications of recent findings, a number of immunometabolism insights have informed our understanding of livestock health. In inflammatory events, phagocytic cells are activated, and the dramatic increase in oxidative metabolism is driven primarily by glucose use. Metabolism of healthy animals is also influenced by secretions from immune cells. Studies in mice indicate that appropriate host/microbe interactions (balancing protection and tolerance) are mediated by a network of immune cell types in the gut, which is critical to both absorptive and barrier functions of the gut. Adipose tissue immune cells regulate lipolytic rate, insulin sensitivity, and perhaps whole-body inflammatory tone. Local immune cell impacts on metabolism of other organs, including the liver and pancreas, are also emerging. Immunity and metabolism are tightly interwoven, and the evolving understanding of these links may enable nutritional or pharmacological strategies to enhance resilience to disease and alter nutrient partitioning in livestock.
277 Effects of cow supplementation on beef quality and expression of lipogenic and fibrogenic genes in the muscle of progenies fed diets with or without high inclusion of rumen-protected fat
Authors: Zamudio German , Schoonmaker Jon P , Cruz Wendell , Resende Flavio D , Siqueira Gustavo R , Gionbelli Tathyane , Santos Ana Carolina , Ladeira Marcio M
Published: December 2019

The objective was to evaluate the effects of Nellore cows supplementation, during mid to late gestation, on beef quality and expression of genes involved in the deposition of fat and collagen in the muscle of progenies fed diets with or without high inclusion of rumen-protected fat. Forty Nellore steers with an initial average body weight of 340 + 9.38 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design, and arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Therefore, the following treatments were assessed: nutritional management of cows without supplementation (NSUPP); or with supplementation (SUPP: 330 g CP and 2.11 Mcal/cow/day); and progeny feedlot diets without rumen-protected fat (NRPFAT) or with rumen-protected fat (RPFAT: 6% calcium salts). Samples of longissimus thoracis muscle were used for meat quality analyses: pH, color, chemical composition and 14 days aging shear force; and for gene expression analysis using the RT-qPCR. Statistical analyses were done using the GLM procedure of SAS. The maternal supplementation and the use of RPFAT in feedlot diets did not affect muscle pH (5.7; SEM +0.029), L* (40.0; SEM +1.231), a* (11.9; SEM +0.876), fat content (2.3%; SEM +0.306), collagen (1.43 mg/g; SEM +0.08), and shear force (4.2 + 0.322 kgf). However, cows’ supplementation increased the expression of CPT2 and tended to up-regulate FASN and ACACA expression (Table 1). In addition, RPFAT increased expression of COL3A, FN1, IGFR1, and ACACA. There was no interaction effect of cow supplementation on gene expression. These results suggest that maternal supplementation may increase the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis and degradation (lipid turnover). On the other hand, the use of high amount of calcium salts increases the expression of genes involved in collagen synthesis but with no effect on collagen content and tenderness. Funded by Trow Nutrition, Fapemig, INCT-Ciência Animal and Capes.
1211 Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation to mouse dams in gestation does not affect birth weight variation or growth of offspring
Authors: Clarke Anna S , Horn Nathan , Shurson Gerald C , Faulk Christopher D , Johnston Lee J
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to determine if supplementing diets with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) calcium salt for mouse dams throughout gestation would improve pup birth weight uniformity and growth performance of offspring. Dams were assigned to one of 4 treatments as follows: control (CON; n = 6), Low Level HMB (LL; 3.5 mg/g diet; n = 7), High Level HMB (HL; 35 mg/g diet; n = 8), and Low Level Pulse fed from gestational days 6 to 10 (PUL; 3.5 mg/g diet; n = 7). Supplementation began at mating and continued until birth. Dams gave birth and lactated for 28 days. Offspring were reared until 8 weeks of age. All mice had ad libitum access to a corn-soybean meal diet, with HMB supplementation provided only to dams during gestation. Supplementation of HMB had no effects on overall gestation and lactation performance of mouse dams. Dietary treatment during gestation did not affect total number of pups born per litter, birth weight of pups, or number weaned. Within litter variation, expressed as standard deviation and coefficient of variation, was not different among treatments for birth weight or weaning weight. Range of body weights within litter at birth, weaning, and 8 weeks of age were not affected by HMB supplementation. Overall, offspring growth performance was similar among treatments. However, body weight at 5 and 8 weeks of age was lower for offspring from the HL dams compared to offspring from LL dams (P < 0.05). Body composition of offspring at 5 and 8 weeks of age was similar regardless of HMB supplementation in dam diets during gestation. In conclusion, dietary HMB supplementation of mouse dams during gestation had no effect on birth weight of offspring, variation in birth weight, or growth performance of offspring.
137 Effects of dietary supplementation with xylanase and probiotics on growth performance and gut health of newly weaned pigs
Authors: Duarte M E , Tyus J , Kim S W
Published: December 2019

This study was to evaluate the supplemental effects of xylanase and probiotics on growth performance and gut health of newly weaned pigs. One hundred and forty-four pigs at 3 weeks of age with an initial body weight (BW) at 6.47 ± 0.03 kg were allotted (4 pigs per pen) to 3 dietary treatments based on a randomized complete block design with sex (gilts and barrow) and initial BW as blocks. The treatments were CON (no supplement), XYL (xylanase at 10,000 XU/kg, Xylamax, BRI, Durham, NC), and PRO (Bacillus spp. 6 x 109 CFU/kg plus xylanase 10,000 XU/kg, EnzaPro, BRI). All diets met the NRC (2012) requirements in 3 phases (P1 for 7 d, P2 for 14 d, and P3 for 14 d). The ADG, ADFI, and G/F were measured weekly. On d 21, 1 pig representing a median BW of each pen was euthanized to collect jejunal samples to measure the immune and oxidative stress status, microbiome, and histology. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Treatment was a fixed effect and blocks were random effects. There were no fixed effects among treatments on growth performance, immune and oxidative stress status, and histology. Use of xylanase increased (P < 0.05) the Chao1 index in jejunal mucosa of pigs (24.6 to 29.5). Relative abundance of the Enterobacteriaceae in jejunal mucosa tended to decrease (P = 0.083) with the use of xylanase (16.2 to 1.6%). The PRO increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Mitsuokella compared with others treatments (0.9 vs. 4.8%). In conclusion, supplementation of xylanase or Mitsuokella can enhance the microbiome in jejunal mucosa by increasing the diversity and beneficial bacterial abundance, whereas by reducing pathogenic bacterial abundance without affecting the growth performance, histology, immune, and oxidative stress status.
136 Nutritive value of phytase- and multi-carbohydrase-supplemented carinata meal for growing pigs
Authors: Hong Jinsu , Lee Jung Wook , Pettersson Dan , Woyengo Tofuko A
Published: December 2019

Objective of the study was to determine the effect of supplementing a combination of phytase and multi-carbohydrase on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acid (AA) and net energy (NE) value of carinata meal for growing pigs. Ten ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight = 53.9 ± 4.76 kg) were fed 4 diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 2 additional columns to give 10 replicates per diet. Diets included a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet, the basal diet with 25% carinata meal, basal diet with 25% carinata meal plus phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg and multi-carbohydrase at 0.2g/kg, and a nitrogen-free diet. The multi-carbohydrase supplied 4 units of xylanase, 10 units of β-glucanase, and 1000 units of pectinase per kilogram of diet. The ratio of corn to soybean meal and soybean oil in carinata meal- containing diets was identical to that in the corn-soybean meal based basal diet to allow calculation of AA and energy digestibility of carinata meal by the difference method. On a DM basis, carinata meal contained 50.2% CP, 0.88% ether extract, 15.37% ADF, 1.82% Lys, 0.96% Met, 1.89% Thr, and 0.64% Trp, respectively. The SID of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp for carinata meal were 51.4%, 82.2%, 65.9%, and 85.9%, respectively. Supplementation of a combination of phytase and multi-carbohydrase did not affect the SID of AA for the corn-SBM-carinata meal-based diet, and for the carinata meal. However, supplementation of a combination of phytase and multi-carbohydrase improved (P = 0.015) the apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy, and DE and NE values for carinata meal by 9.4, 9.5, and 12.4% respectively. In conclusion, the enzymes used in the current study could be added in carinata meal-based diets for pigs to improve the energy value of the carinata meal.
282 Impact of dietary peroxidized lipids and antioxidant supplementation in feed on growth performance and oxidative status of newly weaned piglets
Authors: Silva-Guillen Ysenia Victoria , Martinez Gabriela , Arellano Consuelo , Boyd R Dean , Heugten Eric van
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of dietary vitamin E (VitE) and polyphenols on growth and oxidative status of weaned piglets fed peroxidized lipids. Pigs (n = 192; 21-d of age; 6.62±1.04 kg BW) were assigned within sex and weight blocks to a 2x3 factorial arrangement using 48 pens (4 pigs/pen; 8 replications/treatment). Factors consisted of lipid peroxidation (6% human-grade soybean oil or 6% peroxidized soybean oil), and antioxidant supplementation (control diet containing 25 IU/kg dl-α-tocopherol-acetate; control with 200 IU/kg additional dl-α-tocopherol-acetate; or control with 400 mg/kg polyphenols). Peroxidation was accomplished by heating control oil at 80°C with constant air flow at 50 L/min for 12 d (initial peroxide, anisidine value, hexanal, and 2,4-decadienal concentrations were 4.1 vs. 141.6 meq/kg, 1.7 vs. 106, < 5 vs. 99 mg/kg, and 8 vs. 720 mg/kg for control and peroxidized oil, respectively). Diets were fed in 2 phases (14 and 21 days). Overall, peroxidized lipids decreased (P < 0.001) BW (23.16 vs. 18.74 kg), ADG (473 vs. 346 g/day), ADFI (658 vs. 535 g/day) and G:F (719 vs. 647 g/kg). Lipid peroxidation decreased serum vitamin E (P < 0.001) and this decrease was larger on d35 (1.82 vs. 0.81 mg/kg) than d14 (1.95 vs. 1.38 mg/kg). Supplemental VitE, but not polyphenols, increased (P < 0.002) serum vitamin E by 84 and 22%, for control and peroxidized diets, respectively (interaction, P = 0.001). Serum malondialdehyde decreased (P < 0.001) with peroxidation on d14, but not d35 and protein carbonyl increased (P < 0.001) with peroxidation on d35, but not d14. Serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine was not affected (P > 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity decreased with peroxidation (P < 0.001) and increased with VitE (P = 0.065) and polyphenols (P = 0.046) in the control oil diet only. Peroxidized lipids reduced growth performance, which could not be corrected with supplemental vitamin E or polyphenols in the diet.
290 Vitamin C, iron and phosphorous deposition in eggs of pullets fed dietary supplement of vitamins C and D at the mid laying phase
Authors: Olomola Olusola O , Ogunwole Olugbenga A , Olumide Martha D , Jemiseye Folasade O , Oludoyi Ireti A
Published: December 2019

The increasing demand for functional foods has heightened request for designer egg products. Supplementing poultry diets with vitamins may increase deposition of certain nutrients in the egg thus enhancing consumer’s health. Therefore, the deposition of vitamin C (VC), iron and phosphorous in eggs of hens fed dietary supplement of VC and vitamin D (VD) at the mid laying phase was assessed in this study. Bovan brown pullets (n = 576) aged 40 weeks were allotted to 12 treatments each replicated six times. A replicate comprised eight pullets. A basal diet was formulated and supplemented with three levels of VC (0, 300 and 600mg) and four levels of VD (0, 1000, 2000 and 3000IU) in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement and a completely randomized design. At week 46 (sixth week of feeding experimental diets), two eggs were randomly sampled from each replicate and immediately assayed for phosphorus, iron and VC. There was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of supplemental VC on the deposition of phosphorus, iron and VC in eggs. Similarly, phosphorus, iron and VC deposition in eggs of pullets on supplemental vitamin D were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Effect of Interaction of supplemental VC and VD was not significant (P > 0.05) on VC and iron deposition. However, phosphorus deposition in the egg differed significantly (P < 0.05) with varying combinations of VC and VD. Pullets on combined 600mg VC + 3000iu VD, 600mg VC + 1000iu VD and 300mg VC + 0iu VD supplementation recorded similar levels (P > 0.05) of 180.50, 180.60 and 178.67mg/100g phosphorous, respectively which were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than other levels of combinations. Thus, dietary supplementation of VC and VD had no effect on deposition of VC and iron but enhanced pullets egg phosphorus deposition at the mid laying stage.
293 Effect of activated silicon dioxide - 40microns - on sows’ diets
Authors: Araujo Lucio , Decaux Caroline , Sartore Yasmin , Araujo Cristiane , Leite Brunna , Pelissari Paulo , Carvalho Rachel
Published: December 2019

This trial evaluated the effects of activated silicon dioxide on sows’ diets and its effects on piglets’ performance. Eighty PIC sows from different delivery orders (3rd, 4th, 5h, and 6h) were used. At 100 ± 1 day of gestation, females were transferred from the gestation to the maternity rooms. Before delivery, they were weighed, classified according to the order of delivery, distributed and fed with the experimental diets. Sows were distributed in a completely randomized design with 2 treatments of 40 replicates, each experimental unit being composed of 1 sow. The treatments were: T1: basal diet – corn and soybean meal based; T2: basal diet + 0.3 kg of silicon dioxide/ton. Feed intake, body weight change were evaluated. At d10 after delivery, milk from 5 sows/treatment were collected to analyze density, total solids, fat, protein, and lactose. At birth and wean, litter size and weight were determined. The data was analyzed using the TTEST procedure (Statistical Analysis System, version 9.3). When the distributional assumptions for a t-test were not met, the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney Test was applied to compare the difference in means between treatments using the NPAR1WAY procedure. Sows fed diets supplemented with activated silicon dioxide shown higher milk production (260 kg versus 247 kg; P = 0.09) and smaller body weight change than sows fed control diet (7.37% versus 9.33%; P = 0.003). At weaning, piglets from sows fed diets supplemented to activated silica were heavier than piglets from sows fed treatment control (7.00 kg versus 6.69 kg; P = 0.06). It was not found differences between treatments for milk quality (P > 0.05) but a numerical improvement on fat content for the group fed with activated silica (9,12 % vs 8,46%). It was concluded that under our trial conditions, the use of activated silicon dioxide-40 microns on maternal diets improves sows’ and piglets’ performance.
292 Differential gene expression analysis for piglets supplied dietary prebiotics and arachidonic acid for gastrointestinal disturbances
Authors: He Yuqing , Jacobi Sheila , Maltecca Christian , Odle Jack
Published: December 2019

Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances cause significant economic losses in the swine industry. Dietary-based approaches have been well applied to control the inflammation and optimize microbial colonization of the GI tract. This study aimed to screen differentially expressed (DE) RNAs in piglets supplied with arachidonic acid (ARA) or prebiotics in an acute dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis model. Suckling pigs (n = 48) from 6 litters were randomly assigned into 4 diet groups: 0.5% ARA, 0.5% ARA + PRE (4g/L galactooligosaccharide +4 g/L polydextrose), 2.5% ARA, and 2.5% ARA + PRE. On day 17–21, half of the pigs (n = 24) were treated with 0.625 g DSS/kg BW to induce colitis. RNA samples (n = 48) were isolated from the mucosal layer of GI tract on day 22 for the gene expression analysis via RNAseq. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (v.9.4) was used to fit the statistical models to gene counts, were the main effects and interactions of PRE, ARA, and DSS were fit in the model as fixed effects and litter as random. Genes with FDR < 0.05 were mapped to the KEGG pathway. A total of 133 DE genes (88 up-regulated, 45 down-regulated) were identified in pigs with colitis compared to healthy ones. PRE and ARA affected gene expression differently but with no interaction effect. PRE supplement decreased the total DE genes from 83 (59 up-regulated, 24 down-regulated) to 33 (16 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated) in pigs with colitis compared with healthy ones. A total of 37 DE genes (21 up-regulated, 16 down-regulated), and 49 DE genes (32 up-regulated, 17 down-regulated) were identified in pigs with colitis compared to healthy ones supplied with 0.5% and 2.5% ARA, respectively. DE genes identified in this study are involved in various signaling pathways with supplied prebiotics significantly changing the gene expression in pigs afflicted with colitis.
351 Evaluation of varying levels of a nutritional water supplement on growth performance of nursery pigs fed complex diets without antibiotics
Authors: Sawyer Afton , Carter Scott , Aparachita Pornpim , Harshman Jared , Bible Megan , Sandberg Fredrik
Published: December 2019

Recently we reported administering a nutritional water supplement (d 0–3) via drinking water (62.5 ml WB/L water) tended to improve final BW, ADG, and G:F of nursery pigs. Supplementation also improved average daily water disappearance (ADWD) for pigs fed simple corn-soybean meal diets. To evaluate the effects of additional amounts of this water supplement (WB; Water Boost, Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL), 260 crossbred pigs (5.16 kg BW; 18 d of age) were randomly allotted to four water treatments (7 pens/treatment, 9 to 10 pigs/pen). Water treatments were 0, 31.7, 63.4, and 95.1 ml WB/L water (stock solution) delivered through water medicators (1:128 dilution). Pigs were fed a complex nursery diet without feed-grade antibiotics in four phases (Phase 1: d 0–7, Phase 2: d 7–14, Phase 3: d 14–21, and Phase 4: d 21–42). Water treatments were provided on d 0 – 7. Pigs and feeders were weighed weekly to determine ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Water meters were recorded daily to measure ADWD. Water Boost improved (linear, P < 0.05) ADWD (L/p/d) for d 0 – 21 (2.66, 3.16, 3.21, and 3.16), d 21 – 42 (7.89, 8.58, 8.61, and 9.21), and for the overall period (5.19, 5.76, 5.77, and 6.06). However, there was no difference (P > 0.10) in ADG. Supplementation of WB decreased (quadratic, P < 0.05) ADFI (g/d) for d 21 – 42 (718, 688, 672, and 716), and tended (P < 0.10) to decrease ADFI during the overall period (481, 468, 453, and 484). Supplementation of WB improved (quadratic, P < 0.05) G:F between d 21 – 42 (0.76, 0.80, 0.81, and 0.78) and for the overall period (0.77, 0.80, 0.81, and 0.79). These data suggest supplementing WB for the first 7 d post-weaning improved water intake (16.7%) and G:F (5.2%) for the overall nursery period.
362 Effect of a modified hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate adsorbent on the growth performance, nutrients digestibility, and digestive tract morphology of chicks challenged with T-2 toxin
Authors: Wu Kun-Tan , Sun Lv-hui , Wei Jin-Tao , Zhang Ni-Ya
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the modified hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) adsorbent ability to reduce the toxicity of T-2 toxin in broilers. 96 one-day-old male broilers were randomly allocated to 4 experimental groups with 4 replicates of 6 birds each. The four groups 1–4 were received the basal diet (BD), BD plus 6.0 mg/kg T-2 toxin, BD plus 6.0 mg/kg T-2 toxin with 0.05% modified HSCAS adsorbent, BD plus 0.05% modified HSCAS adsorbent, respectively, for 2 weeks. The growth performance, nutrients digestibility, and digestive tract histopathology were analyzed. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation of T-2 toxin decreased (P < 0.05) body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion by 11.4–31.8% during d 1–7, d 8–14 and d 1–14. Dietary supplementation of T-2 toxin also decreased (P < 0.05) the apparent metabolic rate of crude protein, calcium, and total phosphorus by 14.9–16.1% during d 8–14. These alterations induced by T-2 toxin were mitigated or prevented (P < 0.05) by the supplementation of the modified HSCAS adsorbent. Meanwhile, dietary modified HSCAS adsorbent supplementation also prevented (P < 0.05) T-2 toxin-induced morphological changes and damage, such as severe degeneration and desquamation of the villous epithelial cells, congestion in intestinal lamina propria, and edema and thicken in the serosa with infiltration of numerous lymphoid cells, in the gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of broilers. Notably, dietary supplementation of the modified HSCAS adsorbent alone did not affect (P > 0.05) any of those parameters. In conclusion, these findings indicate this novel HSCAS could be used as a promising adsorbent for protecting against T-2 toxin-induced toxicity in chicks (This work was supported in part by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, Projects 2018YFD0500601 and 2016YFD0501207).
369 An investigation into the influence of the seaweed extract laminarin on post-weaning pig performance and the intestinal microbiome
Authors: Vigors Stafford , O’ Doherty John , McDonnell Mary , Rattigan Ruth , Sweeney Torres
Published: December 2019

Marine macroalgal derivatives such as laminarin have been considered as potential bioactive compounds in swine nutrition to improve post-weaning pig performance. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of these extracts on the intestinal microbiome and its subsequent influence on performance is not well characterized. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing the diet of newly weaned pigs with laminarin, on animal performance and the intestinal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. At 28 days of age, newly weaned pigs (n = 54) were assigned to one of two dietary groups: 1) basal diet and 2) basal diet + 300 ppm laminarin for a 14-day period. On day 15, nine pigs per treatment (one from each pen) were humanely euthanized and high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was performed on the Illumina MiSeq. Pigs fed the laminarin-supplemented diet had increased average daily feed intake, growth rate and body weight compared to pigs fed the control diet (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the laminarin supplemented diet had reduced abundances of Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed the control diet. Enterobacteriaceae and Helicobacteraceae had negative relationships with average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and butyric acid concentrations. In contrast, the beneficial Prevotellaceae were positively correlated with ADFI, ADG, total VFA, acetic, propionic, butyric and negatively correlated with isovaleric acid. Hence, supplementation with laminarin may accelerate the adoption of pigs to a post-weaning diet by promoting the proliferation of bacterial species that favourably enhance nutrient digestion and reduce the load of pathogenic bacteria impacting pig performance.
367 Combinational use of sodium butyrate and phytogenics on intestinal health of nursery pigs
Authors: Bloomer S , Cheng Y C , Yakout H M , Kim S W
Published: December 2019

The effects of encapsulated sodium butyrate (SB), phytogenics (PH), or a combination were studied on intestinal health of nursery pigs. Phytogenics were blends of dry herbs and essential oil components. Forty-eight weaned pigs (21-d-old; 6.9 ± 0.6 kg BW) were individually housed, blocked by initial BW and sex, allotted to 4 dietary treatments (n = 12) in a RCBD, and fed for 33-d (P1: 0–7; P2: 7–19; and P3: 19–33). Treatments were arranged by 2 factors: SB (P1: 0.2% and P2: 0.1%) and PH (P3: 0.033%). Diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) nutrient requirements and pigs were fed ad libitum. For each phase, ADG, ADFI, and G:F were measured. Fecal scores were assessed during d 3–19 and d 26–33. Blood samples were drawn in P2 and P3 to measure tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Four pigs at P2 and 8 pigs in P3 from each treatment were euthanized to collect jejunal tissue, jejunal mucosa, and ileal digesta to measure gut histology, TNF-α, IL-6, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Fixed effects were treatments and random effects were blocks. In P2 and P1-2, SB decreased (P < 0.05) ADFI whereas no effect on ADG and G:F. In P2, SB tended to decrease (P = 0.063) villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) whereas increased (P < 0.05) enterocyte proliferation in P3. In P3 and overall, PH increased (P < 0.05) G:F. No changes were found in TNF-α, IL-6, MPO, MDA, IgG, and protein carbonyl. Conclusively, SB and a combinational use of SB and PH showed minimal effects on growth performance and gut health when added to the diets of nursery pigs. However, PH supplementation increased feed efficiency of nursery pigs during 19–33 d post-weaning.
371 Effects of dietary supplementation with lauric acid and AviPlusS on growth performance and gut health of newly weaned pigs
Authors: Duarte M E , Grilli E , Kim S W
Published: December 2019

This study was to determine the supplemental effects of lauric acid and a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals (AviPlusS, Vetagro, Chicago, IL) on growth performance and gut health in newly weaned pigs. Ninety-six pigs (48 barrows and 48 gilts, 21 d-of-age, 6.5 ± 0.4 kg BW) were randomly allotted (3 pigs/ pen) to 4 treatments in RCBD arranged by 2 factors: lauric acid (0 or 0.1%) and AviPlusS (0 or 0.3%). Initial BW and sex were blocks. Diets met the NRC (2012) requirements, medicated, included ZnO, and prepared in 3 phases (phase 1 for 7 d; phase 2 for 11 d; and phase 3 for 14 d). At the end of each phase, ADG, ADFI, and G:F was measured. On d 32, 1 pig representing the median BW of each pen was euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa to analyze immune and oxidative stress status and microbiome. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Two factors were fixed effects and blocks were random effects. Overall performance was not affected by 2 factors. Combinational use of lauric acid and AviPlusS tended to increase (P = 0.053) the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae (18.11 vs. 9.59 and 10.26%). Lauric acid tended to reduce (P = 0.081) the relative abundance of Methylobacteriaceae (10.34 to 6.30%). Lauric acid tended to increase (P = 0.083) the relative abundance of Veillonellaceae (2.05 to 9.28%) which tended to be reduced (P = 0.078) when combined with AviPlusS. Combinational use of lauric acid and AviPlusS increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (23.34 vs. 13.21 and 17.56%) compared with the use of lauric acid or AviPlusS alone. Collectively, lauric acid can modulate the microbiome to enhance gut health, which can be further enhanced when combined with AviPlusS.
296 Effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin (VP) challenge duration on complete blood count and serum metabolites of growing beef cattle
Authors: Samuelson Kendall , Wright Meagan D , Richeson John T , Gifford Jennifer A Hernandez , Sanchez Nicole C
Published: December 2019

The objective was to evaluate stress challenge and duration on immunologic and metabolic variables of growing beef cattle. Thirty crossbred steers were used in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were i.v. injection of: 1) Control (3 mL saline for 4 consecutive days: n = 10), 2) Acute (0.3 µg/kg BW CRH and 1.0 µg/kg BW VP for 1 day, saline for 3 consecutive days; n = 10), or 3) Chronic (0.3 µg/kg BW CRH and 1.0 µg/kg BW VP for 4 consecutive days; n = 10) at hour 0, 24, 48, and 72. Rectal temperature and serum were collected at hour 0, 1, 2, 24, 25, 26, 48, 49, 50, 72, 73, 74, 144, and 336 for analysis of cortisol and serum metabolites. Whole blood was collected at hour 0, 24, 48, 72, 144, and 336 for analysis of complete blood count. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Rectal temperature tended to be greater for stress challenged cattle (stress vs. no; P = 0.06). Cortisol was greater for cattle receiving acute and chronic than control at hour 1 and greater for chronic than both acute and control at hour 25, 26, 49, 50, 73, and 74 (P ≤ 0.01). Similarly, serum glucose concentration was increased at hour 1 for acute and chronic and chronic had greater glucose at hour 25, 49, 50, 73, and 74 (P ≤ 0.04). Potassium was less for acute and chronic at hour 1 and 2 and chronic was less than acute and control at hour 24, 25, 26, 49, 50, 73, and 74 (P ≤ 0.02). Chronic had greater (P = 0.04) white blood cell count than control at 72 h. Monocyte concentration was least at hour 144 for chronic (P < 0.01). Results demonstrate that stress influences cortisol, glucose, electrolyte, and white blood cell concentrations.
431 Increasing IGF-1 concentrations in late pregnancy stimulates mammary development of gilts
Authors: Farmer Chantal , Langendijk Pieter
Published: December 2019

The goal of this project was to determine if increasing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in late pregnancy can stimulate mammogenesis in gilts. Yorkshire x Landrace gilts (196.2 ± 6.2 kg BW on day 89 of gestation) were separated in two groups: 1) controls (CTL, n = 17) injected with sterile water, and 2) porcine somatotropin-treated (pST, n = 20) injected daily with 5 mg of pST (Reporcin®) from days 90 to 109 of gestation. Gilts were slaughtered on day 110 to collect mammary glands and blood samples were obtained on days 89, 96, 103 and 109 of gestation. Treated gilts gained more BW (P < 0.05) and lost more backfat (P < 0.05) than CTL gilts during treatment. There was a treatment x day effect (P < 0.01) on IGF-1, glucose and urea concentrations in blood. Concentrations of IGF-1 increased fourfold (P < 0.01) in pST compared with CTL gilts on days 96, 103 and 109 of gestation. Insulin values were also greater on days 96 (P < 0.01) and 103 (P = 0.01), and tended to be greater (P < 0.10) on day 109 of gestation in pST gilts. Glucose was greater in pST than CTL gilts on days 96 (P < 0.01), 103 (P < 0.01) and 109 (P = 0.01). Injections of pST did not affect weight of mammary extraparenchyma (P > 0.10) but increased mammary parenchymal mass (1922.2 vs 1576.1 ± 123.9 g, P < 0.05). Mammary parenchyma contained more (P < 0.05) protein, DNA and RNA and less fat (P < 0.05) and dry matter (P < 0.01) in pST than CTL gilts. These findings demonstrate that increasing circulating IGF-1 in late-pregnant gilts can stimulate mammary development both in terms of total parenchymal mass and of parenchymal tissue composition.
373 Response to kisspetin as a possible reference for puberty age in heifer
Authors: Nogueira Guilherme D , Paiva Ana Flavia T , Rodrigues Tiago , Frizzarini Waneska , Scaliante João
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to compare the variation of LH concentrations in response to kisspeptin as a way to evaluate the neuroendocrine maturation of Nellore heifers. The hypothesis was that the LH response to kisspeptin increases with age as the number of kisspeptin receptors increase in the CNS. Initially 50 weaned heifers were segregated according to the weaning weight as light (174±1 kg) or heavy (232±2 kg). Both groups received a kisspeptin injection (10μg/kg; IM) monthly from weaning to 16 months, and blood samples were collected 20 minutes after each application. After 16 months of age, heifers were exposed to bulls (25:1) for 60 days and pregnancy was determined 30 days after the end of the breeding season. The LH concentration in response to kisspeptin increased over time (P = 0.001), but there was no difference between light and heavy heifers over the 8-month period (3.62±0.14, 3.34±0.16 ng/ml; P = 0.3853). Similarly, no differences were observed between heifers that became pregnant or not (3.42±0.12, 3.67±0.20 ng/ml; P = 0.3169). Due to the high LH concentrations at 8 months of age (3.06±0.19 ng/ml), another experiment was performed in younger heifers. Fifty newborn Nellore heifers (29±0.3 kg) from the same herd received monthly injections of kisspeptin until weaning. There was also an increase in LH concentrations in response to kisspeptin over time (P = 0.001), but the mean LH concentrations in this experiment (4.05±0.22ng/mL) were considerably greater than those in postweaning heifers. Our interpretation is that genetic differences likely contributed to the different responses to kisspeptin between the two experiments. In order to test this hypothesis, the LH response to kisspeptin will be evaluated in a large number of animals from different herds at weaning to determine the effect of genetic variability on kisspeptin response and possibly to use this phenotype as a marker for age at puberty.
375 The effect of supplemental protein from weaning until first breeding on heifer development and uterine environment characteristics
Authors: Brandt Kiernan J , Ault Taylor B , Schneider Liesel G , Myer Phillip R , McLean Kyle J
Published: December 2019

Replacement heifer development is one of the most critical components of productive beef operations. By identifying the ideal uterine environment in pre-breeding heifers, fertility and reproductive efficiency can be maximized. Our hypothesis was that different levels of protein supplementation would affect the rate of development and uterine environment of beef heifers. To test the effects of dietary supplementation on these outcomes, a randomized complete block design with repeated measures was implemented. Commercial Angus heifers (n = 60) were blocked by BW into 4 weight classes. Within each weight class, three pens of 5 heifers each were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups of supplemental protein [10% (control), 20% (P20), and 40% (P40)]. All heifers were allowed access to ad libitum grass hay. Bodyweight and BCS were collected every 2 weeks to monitor heifer development. Uterine fluid samples were collected monthly by flushing with sterile saline to evaluate components of the uterine environment. Relative uterine pH was calculated by subtracting saline pH from the uterine flush pH. Separate mixed model ANOVAs and mean separation via PROC GLIMMIX (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC) were used to determine if protein supplementation treatments, time and their interactions influenced BW, BCS, or uterine environment. Bodyweight of the control group was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than P20 or P40 groups from December to March. There was an interaction between treatment and time for relative uterine pH (P = 0.002). In November, the P40 group exhibited less change in pH compared to the control group (0.33±0.1 vs. 0.74±0.1; P < 0.05). Whereas in December the P40 (0.23±0.1) group showed more basic uterine environment compared to the P20 (-0.22±0.1) or control (-0.13±0.1) groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, higher protein supplementation does improve heifer growth and development, as well as altering the pH of the uterine fluid from weaning to first breeding
382 Gene polymorphism of 5, 10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase is related to boar semen quality
Authors: lai wen , Wang chao , Peng Jian
Published: December 2019

5, 10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme in folate and homocysteine metabolism, and plays an important role in regulating folate levels, DNA synthesis and methylation in cells. Defects in the MTHFR gene can lead to spermatogenesis disorders and male sterility. Polymorphic loci of MTHFR gene and semen quality of 1,490 boars were examined to explore their relationship. Results showed there were 13 polymorphic loci on MTHFR gene exon in boars with different semen quality, among which loci 1 and 2 were missense mutations. For Duroc boars, although there were synonymous mutations at loci 3–5 and 11, the mutation had no effect on semen quality (P > 0.05). In addition to loci 13, loci 1–12 of the MTHFR gene had mutations, but it had no effect on semen quality in Yorkshire boars (P > 0.05). Interestingly, for Landrace boars, double mutation of MTHFR gene at 1–2, 6–10, and 12 loci (CC → TT) led to decreased sperm motility and increased abnormal sperm rate (P < 0.05). Further analysis showed seminal plasma MDA and hydrogen peroxide levels were increased in Landrace boars with the mutation of MTHFR gene at loci 1–2, 6–10 and 12 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, double mutation of MTHFR gene at 1–2, 6–10, and 12 loci decreased semen quality and increased oxidative stress in sperm, and these mutant loci may be potential biomarkers for predicting the semen quality of Landrace boars.
380 Effects of estradiol benzoate on reproductive characteristics in beef cows
Authors: Dysart Lacey M , Lemley Caleb O , Messman Riley , Larson Jamie E
Published: December 2019

Ovulation prompted by exogenous GnRH may cause the release of sub-mature oocytes and lead to decreased pregnancy rates. Inclusion of estradiol benzoate (EB) has improved pregnancy rates. The objective was to determine if EB affects blood perfusion of follicles, CL, or uterus, concentrations of estradiol, or incidence of standing estrus. Forty-seven suckled beef cows were synchronized (GnRH+CIDR on d -9, PGF2a+CIDR removal on d -2, expected estrus=d 0). On d -1, 24 of 47 cows received an injection of EB (1mg/2mL) while the other 23 remained as a control group. Ovaries were evaluated via Doppler ultrasonography on d -1, 0, 6, 14, and 21. A laser Doppler probe was used to measure blood perfusion of the uterus on d -1, 0, and 6. Only cows that exhibited estrus (n = 29) were evaluated on d 14 and 21. Images were analyzed via ImageJ software to determine mean area of perfusion. Blood samples were collected on d -1 and 0 and analyzed for concentrations of estradiol using RIA. Using SAS, MIXED and FREQ were used to determine the influence of treatment on blood perfusion and estradiol, and incidence of standing estrus, respectively. Treatment with EB increased (P < 0.001) the number of cows exhibiting standing estrus compared to control (21/24 vs 8/23, respectively). Treatment of EB did not (P > 0.10) alter blood perfusion of the follicles or uterus on any day or perfusion of the CL on d 6. However, EB increased (P < 0.036) the size of the CL on d 14 (25.06±1.7 vs 6.06±3.7) and tended (P < 0.097) to increase the size of the CL on d 21. Treatment of EB increased (P < 0.003) concentrations of estradiol on d 0 compared to control (21.35±4.49 vs 9.44±4.61 pg/mL). In conclusion, treatment with EB may play a role in changing the CL after ovulation.
146 Net protein contribution of feedlots from 2006 to 2017
Authors: Baber Jessica , Sawyer Jason , Holland Ben , Karr Kendall , Word Alyssa , Wickersham Tryon
Published: December 2019

Feedlot efficiency has increased as technologies are adopted and new feed ingredients, generally byproducts, have become available and readily incorporated. To evaluate the effect of diet changes and feedlot production over time on net protein contribution (NPC), a deterministic NPC model was used. Lot level production data from 2006 to 2017 for 8 commercial feedlots was used. Ingredient and nutrient composition were collected for a representative starter and finisher diet fed for each year and feedlot combination. Net protein contribution was calculated by multiplying the ratio of human-edible protein (HeP) in beef produced to HeP in feed by the protein quality ratio (PQR). A NPC >1 indicates a production system is positively contributing to meeting human protein requirements, whereas a NPC < 1 indicates competition with humans for HeP. Regressing NPC on year evaluated temporal change in NPC, and feedlots were categorized as increasing (INC; slope > 0) or constant (CON; slope = 0). Four feedlots were categorized as INC and 4 were CON. A common slope was estimated for CON and INC for PQR (P ≥ 0.79). Slopes of INC and CON differed for byproduct and cereal grain inclusion (P ≤ 0.01). Feedlots categorized as INC reduced HeP consumed by 2.39% per year, but CON feedlots did not (0.28%). Cattle received and shipped by INC were lighter than CON cattle (P < 0.01). Both feedlot types tended to improve HeP gained (0.1 kg per year; P = 0.10). Differences in slope for INC and CON were observed for conversion efficiency of HeP (P < 0.01). Net protein contribution increased 0.027 units per year for INC (P < 0.01) and was 0.94 in 2017. Net protein contribution by the feedlot sector increased from 2006 to 2017 as a result of using less human-edible feeds to produce human-edible beef protein.
148 Residual feed intake and body weight gain relate to feeding behavior in Nellore bulls: Implications for performance and maintenance requirements
Authors: Menezes Ana Clara B , Filho Sebastião Valadares , Benedetti Pedro , Pacheco Marcos , Pucetti Pauliane , Silva Breno , Zanetti Diego , Silva Fabyano , Paulino Mário , Chizzotti Mário , Neville Tammi , Caton Joel
Published: December 2019

This study determined feed intake behavior, performance, feed efficiency, and maintenance requirements of bulls with high and low residual feed intake and body weight gain. Data were collected from 42 weaned Nellore bulls (initial BW 260 ± 8.1 kg; age 7 ± 1.0 mo) housed in a feedlot in a group pen that contained electronic feeders. Individual dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily and body weight (BW) was measured every 28 d over a 140-day period. Indexes of average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and residual feed intake (RFI) were calculated. Residual feed intake and gain (RFIG) was calculated according to previously published equations. Frequency of meals, duration per visit, and time spent feeding per day were recorded as feeding behavior measures. Maintenance requirements were calculated according to the BR-CORTE system. High RFIG bulls had lower DMI (P < 0.01), lower final BW (P < 0.01), and were more feed efficient (P < 0.01) than low RFIG bulls, but both groups had similar ADG (P = 0.55). No differences in feeding behavior were observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The net energy requirements for maintenance, metabolizable energy for maintenance, and efficiency of metabolizable energy utilization were 76.5, 122.68 kcal/EBW0.75 daily, and 62.4%, respectively for high RFIG bulls, and 89.2, 143.76 kcal/EBW0.75 daily, and 62.0% for low RFIG bulls. This study reveals that low RFIG bulls are less feed efficient and have greater maintenance requirements than high RFIG bulls (0.16 ± 0.006 and 0.18 ± 0.006, respectively). As low RFIG eat more, and in beef cattle, feeding behavior is associated with methane emissions, we suggest further research evaluating this relationship be conducted. In addition, selection for high RFIG cattle would improve feed efficiency, reduce production costs, and could potentially reduce methane emissions.