bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontitis is associated with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Muñoz Aguilera Eva , Suvan Jean , Buti Jacopo , Czesnikiewicz-Guzik Marta , Barbosa Ribeiro Aline , Orlandi Marco , Guzik Tomasz J , Hingorani Aroon D , Nart Jose , D’Aiuto Francesco
Published: July 2019

Recent evidence suggests a link between periodontitis (PD) and hypertension, but the nature of this association remains unclear. The overall aim of this review was to critically appraise the evidence linking these two common disorders. Systematic search was conducted for studies published up to December 2018. Prevalence of hypertension in patients with PD (moderate/severe groups) vs. those without PD (non-PD) was the primary outcome. Additional outcomes included adjusted mean difference in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (BP) levels in PD vs. non-PD, assessment of biomarkers in PD and hypertension, and BP changes after periodontal therapy. From 81 studies selected, 40 were included in quantitative meta-analyses. Diagnoses of moderate-severe PD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.35] and severe PD (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.09–2.05) were associated with hypertension. Prospective studies confirmed PD diagnosis increased likelihood of hypertension occurrence (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 0.85–3.35). Patients with PD exhibited higher mean SBP [weighted mean difference (WMD) of 4.49 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.88–6.11] and DBP (2.03 mmHg; 95% CI: 1.25–2.81) when compared with non-PD. Lastly, only 5 out of 12 interventional studies confirmed a reduction in BP following periodontal therapy, ranging from 3 to 12.5 mmHg of SBP and from 0 to 10 mmHg of DBP. PD is associated with increased odds of hypertension (SORT C) and higher SBP/DBP levels. The evidence suggesting that PD therapy could reduce BP is inconclusive. Although additional research is warranted on this association, these results suggest that oral health assessment and management of PD could not only improve oral/overall health and quality of life but also be of relevance in the management of patients with hypertension.
The conundrum of endovascular common femoral artery treatment: a case report of lithoplasty as a viable solution
Authors: Trani Carlo , Russo Giulio , Aurigemma Cristina , Burzotta Francesco
Published: July 2019

Background

Highly calcific stenosis located in common femoral artery (CFA) represents a difficult target for endovascular treatment due to the possible need for stent implantation in that area.

Case summary

A 63-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease and previous multiple percutaneous transluminal angioplasties for peripheral artery disease (PAD) was admitted for recent onset left lower limb pain at rest with severe activity restriction (Leriche-Fontaine Class III and Rutherford Class III–IV). The angio-computed tomography scan showed a highly calcific stenosis of left CFA. The patient underwent lithoplasty balloon angioplasty followed by drug-eluting balloon inflation with excellent angiographic result and complete blood flow restoration. No procedural complications occurred.

Discussion

Highly calcified stenosis in PAD represents a huge challenge for endovascular treatment as not all lower extremity arteries are suitable for stenting because of compressive and torsional forces associated with stent fracture and restenosis. Lithoplasty is a new technology allowing effective blood flow restoration while minimizing vessel injury.
Growth and survival dynamics of partially cut northern hardwood stands as affected by precut competition and spatial distribution of residual trees
Authors: Moreau Guillaume , Achim Alexis , Pothier David
Published: July 2019

Modelling growth and survival dynamics after partial harvesting must take account of the heterogeneous spatial pattern of residual trees that results from the presence of machinery trails. We used data from 23 permanent sample plots in northern hardwood stands to reconstruct the growing environment of individual trees before and after partial harvesting. We modelled harvest probability, growth response and survival probability using a complementary set of explanatory variables that was assembled to reflect the spatial distribution of trees and skid trails prior to and after harvest. Results showed that the distribution of harvested trees was concentrated in skid trails and in their close vicinity. However, this spatial pattern had no significant effect on either the post-cut basal area increment (BAI) or the survival of residual trees. BAI and survival of individual trees were both mostly related to the competitive environment prior to harvest, while post-cut changes in competitive environment had only a marginal effect on growth and survival dynamics. We conclude that selection cuts did not substantially increase the growth and survival of residual trees, likely because tree removal was mostly concentrated near skid trails, where the negative effects of machinery access were highest.
Early Modern Oels and the Singularities of Local History*
Authors: Piasecka Maria
Published: July 2019

The article explores the local history of the Silesian city of Oels as presented in selected early modern books and pamphlets published primarily in the local print shop, but also in other cities. A prominent example of such a historical event is the 1535 tempest, descriptions of which were published in its immediate aftermath. The much-later Beschreibung of 1657 is presented as an example of creating local identity through emphasizing two cultural aspects linked to the event: the alleged nefarious role of the Jewish community and the special relationship of the local citizens with the dukes of, at first, the Podebrad, and later the Württemberg families. Although natural disasters are repetitive occurrences, the 1535 tempest was understood by the people of Oels in a singular manner, which was characteristic for the local context. The thesis about the singularity of the local history is further corroborated through a number of examples from Oels. Different aspects of singularity dominate in different publications depicting local events: the singularity of situations, people and places.
Evidence of a Link Between Fall-Related Anxiety and High-Risk Patterns of Visual Search in Older Adults During Adaptive Locomotion
Authors: Ellmers Toby J , Cocks Adam J , Young William R
Published: July 2019

Background

Older adults deemed to be at a high risk of falling will often display visual search behaviors likely to impair movement planning when negotiating environmental hazards. It has been proposed that these behaviors may be underpinned by fall-related anxiety. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of fall-related anxiety on visual search and stepping behaviors during adaptive gait.

Methods

Forty-four community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 74.61; standard deviation = 6.83) walked along a path and stepped into two raised targets. All participants completed walks at ground level, whereas participants deemed to be at a low risk of falling (n = 24) also completed walks under conditions designed to induce fall-related anxiety (walkway elevated 0.6 m). Participants’ movement kinematics and gaze behavior were measured.

Results

During ground trials, “high-risk” participants visually prioritized the immediate walkway areas 1–2 steps ahead, at the expense of previewing future stepping constraints. This reduced planning appeared to negatively affect safety, with greater stepping errors observed for future constraints. When completing walks on the elevated walkway, “low-risk” participants similarly prioritized immediate walkway areas, at the expense of planning future stepping actions. These behaviors were associated with greater attention directed toward consciously processing walking movements.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence of a link between heightened fall-related anxiety and “high-risk” visual search behaviors associated with greater stepping errors. This information enhances our understanding of why high-risk older adults are less able to safely navigate environmental constraints.
PathwayMatcher: proteoform-centric network construction enables fine-granularity multiomics pathway mapping
Authors: Sánchez Luis Francisco Hernández , Burger Bram , Horro Carlos , Fabregat Antonio , Johansson Stefan , Njølstad Pål Rasmus , Barsnes Harald , Hermjakob Henning , Vaudel Marc
Published: July 2019

Background

Mapping biomedical data to functional knowledge is an essential task in bioinformatics and can be achieved by querying identifiers (e.g., gene sets) in pathway knowledge bases. However, the isoform and posttranslational modification states of proteins are lost when converting input and pathways into gene-centric lists.

Findings

Based on the Reactome knowledge base, we built a network of protein-protein interactions accounting for the documented isoform and modification statuses of proteins. We then implemented a command line application called PathwayMatcher (github.com/PathwayAnalysisPlatform/PathwayMatcher) to query this network. PathwayMatcher supports multiple types of omics data as input and outputs the possibly affected biochemical reactions, subnetworks, and pathways.

Conclusions

PathwayMatcher enables refining the network representation of pathways by including proteoforms defined as protein isoforms with posttranslational modifications. The specificity of pathway analyses is hence adapted to different levels of granularity, and it becomes possible to distinguish interactions between different forms of the same protein.
To assemble or not to resemble—A validated Comparative Metatranscriptomics Workflow (CoMW)
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Zohaib , Lanzen Anders , Bang-Andreasen Toke , Jacobsen Carsten Suhr
Published: July 2019

Background

Metatranscriptomics has been used widely for investigation and quantification of microbial communities' activity in response to external stimuli. By assessing the genes expressed, metatranscriptomics provides an understanding of the interactions between different major functional guilds and the environment. Here, we present a de novo assembly-based Comparative Metatranscriptomics Workflow (CoMW) implemented in a modular, reproducible structure. Metatranscriptomics typically uses short sequence reads, which can either be directly aligned to external reference databases (“assembly-free approach”) or first assembled into contigs before alignment (“assembly-based approach”). We also compare CoMW (assembly-based implementation) with an assembly-free alternative workflow, using simulated and real-world metatranscriptomes from Arctic and temperate terrestrial environments. We evaluate their accuracy in precision and recall using generic and specialized hierarchical protein databases.

Results

CoMW provided significantly fewer false-positive results, resulting in more precise identification and quantification of functional genes in metatranscriptomes. Using the comprehensive database M5nr, the assembly-based approach identified genes with only 0.6% false-positive results at thresholds ranging from inclusive to stringent compared with the assembly-free approach, which yielded up to 15% false-positive results. Using specialized databases (carbohydrate-active enzyme and nitrogen cycle), the assembly-based approach identified and quantified genes with 3–5 times fewer false-positive results. We also evaluated the impact of both approaches on real-world datasets.

Conclusions

We present an open source de novo assembly-based CoMW. Our benchmarking findings support assembling short reads into contigs before alignment to a reference database because this provides higher precision and minimizes false-positive results.
Role-Play Simulations and Changing Perceptions of the Other: Model UN, Model Arab League, and Student Views of the Muslim World
Authors: Shannon Vaughn Parnell
Published: July 2019

Role-play simulation can both enhance knowledge and favorably affect perceptions of others in global politics. This article tests these hypotheses in two quasi-experimental pretest/post-test surveys of student perceptions of Muslims, Arabs, and the countries of the Middle East. Students engaging in Model UN and Model Arab League simulations representing Arab and Muslim countries demonstrated improved knowledge of the countries they represented and, more importantly, positive changes in perceptions of Muslims and the Muslim countries they represented. A control group demonstrated no such change in images of the Muslims, Arabs, and countries of the Middle East. This preliminary study shows the potential importance of role-play simulations in fostering cross-national and cross-cultural understanding in the fraught relationship between the Middle East and the West.
58 A retrospective analysis of bull:cow ratio effects on pregnancy rates of beef cows previously enrolled in fixed-time artificial insemination protocols
Authors: Timlin Claire L , Hungerford Laura , Redifer Tracey , Currin John F , Mercadante Vitor R G
Published: July 2019

This retrospective study analyzed the effect of bull:cow ratio on pregnancy rates of cows returning to estrus after enrollment in fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI). Data were compiled over the course of 6 breeding seasons between 2014 and 2017 from the Virginia Department of Corrections herd containing 15 farms and 141 groups of cows (average 44 cows/group). Multiparous cows aged 2 years and older (n = 6002) were exposed to estrus synchronization. Non-pregnant cows after TAI (n = 3079, average 21 cows/group) were exposed to natural service with bulls diagnosed as fertile by a breeding soundness exam. Percent data were given an arcsine transformation. A one-way ANOVA evaluated TAI rates by season and a linear regression was performed to compare conception rates to the bull:cow ratio. Pregnancy rate to TAI among groups averaged 53% and ranged from 11% to 83%. First bull pregnancy rate of cows returning to estrus was 47% overall, with fall seasons having greater conception rates than spring (51.1% vs. 44.5%, P = 0.03). The ratio of bulls to total number of cows ranged from 1:8 to 1:68 with an average ratio of 1:28. The ratio of bulls to the number of open cows ranged from 1:2 to 1:39 with an average ratio of 1:14. There was no correlation between the bull:cow ratio and return to estrus pregnancy rate (r = -0.12), and there was no correlation between the number of open cows per bull and return to estrus conception rates (r = -0.17). Thus, higher bull:cow ratios (between 1:8 and 1:68) did not effect return to estrus pregnancy rate; producers may consider a lower number of bulls needed for natural service breeding post TAI, decreasing bull related costs and increasing the economic feasibility of adopting TAI protocols
68 Arkansas Beef Industry Assessment: Educator results
Authors: Kimbrough Chelsey A , Gadberry Shane , Robinson Julie C , Looper Michael , Russell Mark R , Jennings John , Beck Paul A , Ward Heidi M
Published: July 2019

A two-phase study was conducted with educators to better understand the current state of the Arkansas beef industry. Educators are defined as individuals who directly work to educate both adults and youth. Ten educators participated in Phase 1 of the study. Nominal group research methods were utilized to identify current strengths, limitations, future opportunities, and future threats to the Arkansas beef industry. The items identified were then compiled for Phase 2 of the study. An online survey was emailed to 100 educators who were randomly selected from a larger list. Survey respondents were asked to rank the importance of items on a Likert-type scale where 1=not important and 5=highly important. Sixty-two surveys were completed of which 40% were adult educators, 34% were K-12 youth educators, 16% were youth educators, and 10% were post-secondary educators. When asked about the current strengths of educational support, participants indicated Educators stay current with knowledge (M = 4.58, SD = 0.64) as the top strength and State funding (M = 3.76, SD = 1.08) as the bottom strength. State, federal, and private investment funding for education, infrastructure, and technology (M = 4.44, SD = 0.73) was ranked with high importance when asked about current limitations whereas Education curriculum in classroom is outdated (M = 3.58, SD = 1.01) was ranked as somewhat important. The top future opportunity was Educating legislators about beef industry (M = 4.72, SD = 0.54) but Get beef cattle producers to increase check-off contribution by one cent (M = 3.26, SD = 1.10) was at the bottom. Lastly, educators ranked Entry costs to the industry (M = 4.51, SD = 0.71) as the most important future threat while Failure to lead or chase issues (M = 3.90, SD = 0.87) as the least important future threat.
140 Virginia Tech Graduate Extension Scholars program: Report of a scholar
Authors: Dias Nicholas , Scherer Hannah , Mercadante Vitor R G
Published: July 2019

The Graduate Extension Scholar program has the purpose of providing graduate students a unique professional development opportunity to develop high quality outreach programs, where the students actively participate in youth and adult education. The graduate scholar is assigned to an extension agent and a high school teacher. The program director and the graduate assistants hold weekly seminars, where program development and engagement strategies are presented to prepare the scholar for the task. The program has existed since 2014, with 14 scholars participating. The present report is related to a single program during the fall of 2017. A beef cattle reproduction symposium of a total of 5 lectures were taught for juniors and seniors in the Holston High School’s (Damascus, VA) agricultural class. The lectures were planned to provide the students both theoretical and hands-on activities on the topic of beef cattle reproduction. The theoretical portion of the class consisted of PowerPoint presentations on anatomy and physiology, as well as applied topics, such as factors influencing fertility and discussion case studies. The hands-on portion of the class consisted of activities related to reproduction, such as bovine female reproductive tracts anatomy and artificial insemination, simulation of rectal palpation with a mannequin (Breed’n Betsy) and demonstration of materials and technologies used in the field (nitrogen tank for semen storing and ultrasound). In addition, student assessment of knowledge was conducted and scores were used for the agricultural class final grade. Final grade mean for the class was 95. Finally, a field trip was organized to a local farm where students were able to perform rectal palpation and ultrasound in cattle. At the completion of the program, a survey was performed and all students considered the program positive and claimed to have gained knowledge of the subject.
141 The Alliance for Grassland Renewal presents workshops to enhance the understanding and adoption of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue
Authors: Poore Matthew H , Stratton Tony , Roberts Craig A , Smith S Ray , Andrae John G , Pent Gabe J , Shaeffer April D
Published: July 2019

The Alliance for Grassland Renewal (the Alliance) is a collaborative multi-state effort to enhance the understanding of fescue toxicosis and the adoption of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue (NETF). The Alliance includes academic institutions, companies marketing NETF, allied companies, governmental agencies, and non-profits. The Alliance initially focused on the state of Missouri. After 2014, it expanded efforts with one-day workshops in MO, KY, OK, KS and UKY joined the board in 2017. In 2018, Clemson and NCSU joined the board, and workshops were expanded to the east coast, with five workshops in MO, KY, SC, NC and VA. In 2019, workshops will repeated in those states in addition GA. Key presentations included managing fescue toxicosis, establishment and first year management, second year management, and economics of conversion. Additionally the agenda included microscope viewing of the endophyte, quality control and endophyte testing, industry update, drill calibration, producer panel, and a tour of NETF plots. There were 214 paid attendees in 2018 (locations ranged 26 to 59; 75% farmers), and 146 evaluations were submitted. Attendees owned 9592 beef or dairy cows, 1997 stocker cattle, 121 horses, 545 sheep and goats, and 151 alpacas. Thirty percent of the audience had planted NETF in the past, while 55% intended to plant NETF in the future. Reasons given for not planting included: unclear cost/benefit (9%), limited financial resources (4%), lack of knowledge (5%), rented or unsuitable land (15%) and forage reserves lacking (5%). Registration fee was $60, and 45% of the audience said they would have paid $95, suggesting the registration fee was appropriate. The Alliance is a growing and successful partnership between academic institutions and industry. This approach is a model that could be applied to adoption of other new technologies.
143 Economics of cool-season annuals or reduced labor supplementation systems for wintering cowcalf pairs
Authors: Kelley William K , Runge Max , Mason Katie , Mullenix Kimberly , Elmore Joshua , Kelton Jessica
Published: July 2019

Cattle producers typically feed hay and supplement for a 90 to 120 day window to maintain cows during the winter in Alabama. A 75-day trial evaluated the use of three systems (n = 3 replications per system): 1) rotationally grazed-winter annuals (GWA) on a 14-day rotation, 2) free-choice whole cottonseed (WCS) and bermudagrass hay, or 3) 50% soybean hulls and 50% corn gluten feed (SH:CGF) fed on alternate days at up to 1% BW daily and free-choice bermudagrass hay. GWA had the greatest Total Cost Per Pair Per Day (TCPD) for the 75 day grazing system at $6.58, followed by WCS at $4.73 and SH:CGF at $4.86. Initial and final cow BCS was not different among treatments (P = 0.1558). Cow ADG was greater (P = 0.0370) on GWA than SH:CGF and WCS (0.9, 0.2, and 0.2 kg, respectively), and calf ADG followed a similar pattern (1.5, 1.2, and 1.1 kg/day for GWA, WCS, and SH:CGF, respectively). WCS and SH:CGF were static across trial when only days of trial are considered, but TCPPD decreased linearly (R=.9723) as days on grazing increase. GWA becomes the low cost feed option (with WCS and SH:CGF inputs remaining constant) if trial days were extended to 119 days. This project demonstrates that GWA produces greater animal performance than other project diets, but requires additional grazing days (>119) to be the least cost feeding option.
12 Animal acceptability trail of olive pomace on Gallus gallus domesticus
Authors: Snokhous Payton W , Kelley Stanley , Beverly Marcy , Anderson Mark
Published: July 2019

In any livestock production system, feed is the most costly production input. The goal of any producer is to find a feed source or combination of sources that provide a balance of nutrients that meet the requirements for maintenance, growth, and performance while efficiently contributing to favorable carcass attributes at a low cost. Olive pomace is a by-product of the olive oil industry which can serve as a source of fat (14%), protein (3.6%), and fiber (44.5%). This by-product has potential as a supplemental source of energy and other essential nutrients to be blended into livestock rations. The objective of this study was to conduct an animal acceptability trial using a mixture of olive pomace and commercial poultry feed to determine which blend of feed and pomace would be most acceptable or most desired to broilers. Two pens, consisting of 20 broilers 34 days of age when put on trial, the broilers were provided three mixtures of feed in separate feeders. Feeders were filled with either a 1:3, 1:1, or 3:1 olive pomace to commercial broiler feed mixture (O:C). Daily consumption rates were used to determine ration preference. The troughs were rotated, twice daily, within each pen to eliminate location preference. The broilers found the 1:3 ratio to be the most preferred, (P < .001) while the 3:1, and 1:1 ratio of O:C. did not differentiate (P < .39) continuation of this study will be to feed a control group a commercial broiler feed, along with a 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 O:C to determine the effect on performance and carcass attributes of each group.
11 Impact of weaning strategy on calf performance, behavior, and activity
Authors: Ott Grace C , Freeman Sharon R , Poore Matthew H , Pickworth Carrie L
Published: July 2019

Weaning is known to be the most stressful time in a beef calf’s post-natal life. Weaning stress may have long-term impacts on cattle performance. This study was conducted to determine differences in calf stress under three weaning strategies. Two hundred twenty-nine Angus or Angus-Simmental cross pairs at two locations were assigned to one of three weaning treatments: abrupt removal of the calf on d 0 (Abrupt, n = 77), fenceline contact for 7 d prior to removal of the calf on d 7 (Fence, n = 79), and abrupt removal of the calf on d 84 (Late, n = 73). Behavioral observations were conducted pre- and post-weaning and total activity was measured prior to and after weaning using accelerometers placed on collars on five calves per treatment. Calf weights, hip heights, and body condition scores (BCS) were collected to evaluate calf performance post-weaning. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05
 0.10) by timing or strategy of weaning. Total activity was greater (P < 0.05) in Abrupt than Fence on d 1 and d 2 post-wean (Abrupt 26772 and 22346 and Fence 22235 and 16691 relative activity units/hour, respectively). Calf activity was elevated (P < 0.05) on day of weaning until d 2 post-wean then returned to pre-wean level by d 3 for all treatments. Short-term differences in calf performance warrant further exploration of the possible long-term effects on heifer development and steer feedlot performance.
8 Environment enrichment reduces aggression and stereotypic behaviors in feedlot steers
Authors: Park Rachel M , Bova Rachel , Jennings Jenny S , Daigle Courtney L
Published: July 2019

Feedlots provide limited environmental complexity to cattle – a highly curious and social species. In the absence of adequate stimulation, cattle may engage in aggressive or abnormal behaviors. Implementation of biologically appropriate and species specific environmental enrichment (EE) has the potential to enhance welfare of feedlot steers. The objective of this study was to identify behavioral differences between cattle exposed to EE compared to those without. Composite steers (n = 54) were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) No enrichment (CON; n = 3 at 9 head/pen) and 2) BRUSH (cattle brush; n = 3 at 9 head/pen). Video recordings were decoded utilizing continuous observation for the frequency and duration of headbutting, mounting, kicking, bar licking, tongue rolling, allogrooming, and brush usage from 0800 to 1730 on d -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 relative to brush implementation. Impact of day, treatment and their interaction on cattle behavior was evaluated using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (PROC MIXED) in SAS. (BRUSH) steers spent less time bar licking (P = 0.023) and engaged in bar licking less frequency (P = 0.005) than CON throughout the duration of the study. Compared to CON, BRUSH steers performed fewer headbutts across the duration of the study (P = 0.004). Brush usage frequency (P = 0.0002) and duration (P = 0.008) were greatest on d 0 compared to all other research days. The frequency (P = 0.0006) and duration (P = 0.0002) of tongue rolling increased with research day. Similarly, the frequency (P = 0.0001) and duration (P = 0.002) of allogrooming increased over time; however, there was a decrease in allogrooming on d 64. Mounting frequency was impacted by research day and peaked at d 8 (P = 0.002). BRUSH cattle performed less stereotypic and aggressive behaviors suggesting that EE is beneficial for feedlot cattle welfare
18 Weaning weight trends in the U.S. beef cattle industry
Authors: Lalman David , Andresen Claire , Goad Carla , Kriese-Anderson Lisa , Odde Kenneth , King Mike E
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to characterize the trend over time for weaning BW in commercial cow/ calf operations in the U.S. beef cattle industry. The first data set contained weaning BW data from four enterprise analysis programs from 1991 to 2015. The second data set included mean forecasted delivery BW of sale lots of beef calves sold through Superior Livestock Auction (SLA) from 1995 to 2016. The SLA data were evaluated for two regions, North Central/Rocky Mountain region (NC) and South Central region (SC) and were restricted to sale dates and projected delivery dates approximating those associated with spring-calving operations. The third data set included mean actual and adjusted weaning BW of commercial cow/calf operations participating in the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (BCIA) from 1983 to 2017. Adjusted annual weaning BW reported from the American Angus Association and American International Charolais Association were used to evaluate trend over time for bull calves from 1995 to 2016. There was a significant linear increase (0.5 kg per yr; P = 0.01) for weaning BW reported by the Kansas Farm Management Association. Projected delivery BW for NC implanted and non-implanted calves increased (P < 0.01) and plateaued in 2006 and 2007, respectively. In contrast, projected delivery BW for non-weaned SC implanted and non-implanted calves increased (P < 0.01) linearly over time. Adjusted and unadjusted weaning BW reported to the Alabama BCIA increased until 1998 and 1995, respectively. The phenotypic trend for Angus and Charolais bulls was a polynomial regression equation (P < 0.01) with declining rate of change in weaning BW. Substantial variation in the trend over time for weaning BW in commercial cow/ calf operations exists within region and record program. Furthermore, weaning BW is substantially more variable in Southern states. Environmental limitations to continued progress in this trait are evident
19 Safety in numbers: Social isolation increases behavioral responses of cattle during startle tests
Authors: Mathias Amanda , Daigle Courtney L
Published: July 2019

Social isolation confounds cattle fear tests. Fear tests often require individuals to be isolated from the herd, possibly eliciting other emotions (i.e. panic and grief) outside of fear. To test this, steer (n = 32) behavior during an individual startle test (IST) and a group startle test (GST) were video recorded. During IST, one steer was placed in a solid sided pen and, after 60 seconds, two umbrellas opened simultaneously. Behavior was video recorded for an additional four minutes. For GST, the same procedures were followed, except 4 familiar steers were in the pen simultaneously. Within each test, steers were evaluated in a random order. IST retesting (IST_2) occurred five weeks after the first IST (IST_1). The GST took place one week after IST_2 testing completed. Video recordings of IST_1, IST_2, and GST were decoded for frequency and duration of behavior (steps, standing bouts, time spent standing, eliminations). Relationships among behavior, test, and minute of test were analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Model (PROC MIXED). Minute and test affected number of steps (P < 0.0001) and time spent standing (P < 0.0001). During GST, steers performed fewer steps than in the IST_1 (P < 0.0001) and IST_2 (P = 0.0003). There were no differences in step count between IST_1 and IST_2. Steers spent more time standing during GST than IST_1 (P < 0.0001) and IST_2 (P = 0.004). No differences in time-spent standing were seen between IST_1 and IST_2. Number of standing bouts were impacted by test (P = 0.0008). Steers stood more during GST than in IST_1 (P = 0.0007) and IST_2 (PP = 0.03) with no differences observed between IST_1 and IST_2. The IST is repeatable, yet the strength of the behavioral response is reduced during GST. This is the first quantifiable representation of the impact of social isolation on the fear response in beef cattle.
21 Performance of growing beef cattle consuming bahiagrass hay treated with calcium oxide and molasses and supplemented with cottonseed meal
Authors: Ciriaco Francine M , Henry Darren D , Canal Luara B , Sanford Carla D , Barreneche Gonzalo , Luna Ana C G , Dubeux Jose C B , DiLorenzo Nicolas
Published: July 2019

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) hay treated with calcium oxide (CaO) and molasses, offered ad libitum, on performance of growing beef cattle supplemented with cottonseed meal. Sixty-four growing Bos taurus and Bos indicus influenced heifers (249 ± 26 kg of BW) and steers (249 ± 20 kg of BW) were used in a randomized complete block design. The experiment consisted of a 56 d period in which animals were weighed every 14 d. On d 0, animals were weighed after 16-h water and feed withdrawal, stratified by sex, breed, and BW, and blocked by initial BW. Cattle were then allotted to 16 dormant bahiagrass pastures (1.34 ha each; 4 animals/pasture), which were located in 2 different areas within 0.52 km of each other. Pastures were stratified by location and randomly assigned (n = 8 pastures/treatment) to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) hay treated with 10% molasses (DM basis) + water (to 35% DM; MOL) or 2) hay treated with 5% CaO (DM basis) + 10% molasses (DM basis) + water (to 35% DM; CAO). Cottonseed meal was provided at a rate of 0.3% of cattle BW/d (as fed basis). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and pasture was the experimental unit. The model included the fixed effects of treatment and sex. Location and block were included as random effects. Initial and final BW were not affected by treatment (P = 0.573, P = 0.453; initial and final BW, respectively) or sex (P = 0.512, P = 0.670; initial and final BW, respectively). Additionally, no effects of treatment (P = 0.767) or sex (P = 0.285) were observed on ADG (average of 0.537 kg). In conclusion, bahiagrass hay treated with molasses alone or in combination with CaO failed to improve performance of growing beef cattle
24 Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue pastures for profitability, animal performance, and soil health
Authors: Ingram Sam , Poore Matthew H , Poole Daniel H
Published: July 2019

Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue (TF) pastures to non-toxic infected tall fescue (NE) for profitability, animal and agronomic performance without compromising soil health is needed to transition to NE in the southeast U.S. Three renovation strategies were evaluated for impact on soil health, profitability, and animal and agronomic performance in a replicated field trial located in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Soil samples were taken prior to renovation to establish baseline soil health measurements for each strategy. Data were analyzed using proc GLM of SAS v9.4. Thirty-two Angus and Angus cross steers (initial BW 425 ± 27) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to one of four treatments during the first season of renovation. Average daily gain for cattle grazing the first season of cover crops was greatest (P < 0.001) with 3-CM (0.8 kg/d), 3-SM (0.8 kg/d), in comparison to C and 1-SM (-0.1 kg/d). Gain per hectare differed among treatments (P < 0.001) with 3-SM and 3-CM being greater than C and 1-SM (179, 154, -24, -43 kg/ha, respectively). Within the two-month grazing period, yield different during the month of August (P < 0.001), with 3-SM being the highest (4511 kg/ha) in comparison to 3-CM (3275 kg/ha), 1-SM (2922 kg/ha), and C (2644 kg/ha), while yield was highest (P <0.001) for 3-CM in September (2931 kg/ha) in comparison to all other treatments. Data suggest agronomic and animal performance for 3-CM and 3-SM were improved compared to C and could partially alleviate initial renovation costs.
74 Stocker management and impacts on health and subsequent feedlot performance
Authors: Beck Paul A , Horn Gerald , Kegley Elizabeth B , Powell Jeremy G , Rivera Daniel
Published: July 2019

The stocker segment of the beef industry provides significant enterprise services. The stocker industry provides a shock absorber to absorb the bulk of the cattle not ready for finishing in the numbers glut in the fall and helps provide a year around supply of feeder cattle. Other benefits include adding size to small and medium frame cattle to allow them to finish at acceptable weights, grouping cattle from small herds into semiload lots, and improved health and resilience to the stressors of changing diets, management, and environment. Health during receiving to the finishing phase has been shown to impact finishing performance and carcass quality, so the effects of stocker management can have serious implications on long-term economics of the feedlot enterprise and consumer acceptance of beef products. Ratliff et al. (2014) compiled data from Arkansas receiving and stocker grazing experiments and found that calves coming into the receiving unit as bulls were more likely to experience 2nd and 3rd pulls for bovine respiratory disease and had lower gains during grazing than calves coming in as steers. Records from research trials conducted in Mississippi and Arkansas found a 6 to 14% reduction in ADG for calves that had been treated for BRD once vs two times or more, respectively. There is much less data that considers the health outcomes of calves received as light weight stocker cattle and how this impacts subsequent performance during finishing. Timing of application of growth promoting technologies during the stocker phase has been shown to affect response to implants during finishing and carcass quality, but little data is available regarding stocker cattle health and finishing performance. More research is needed to ascertain what determines the quality of the health intervention outcomes for individual animals and the subsequent implications of health in the stocker phase
73 Managing health during the receiving period
Authors: Richeson John T
Published: July 2019

Cattle originating from the southeastern United States and received in stocker and feedlot facilities in the southern Great Plains are at increased risk for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and other health disorders because the marketing and relocation process may result in stress-induced immunosuppression, increased respiratory virus transmission, and poor nutritional status. Cattle health directly affects growth performance because stress and the inflammatory response to infection results in tissue catabolism and anorexia. Preconditioning practices at the ranch origin, such as vaccination, castration, weaning, and feed bunk and water tank exposure, can significantly improve health outcome during the receiving period; however, this practice is underutilized, resulting in high-risk, commingled calves entering subsequent production sectors. Antimicrobial metaphylaxis is one of the most effective management strategies to control an anticipated outbreak of BRD in newly received calves, yet antimicrobial use in food animals is under intense scrutiny. Antimicrobial alternatives such as direct-fed microbial products may provide health benefits but uncertainty regarding the route and timing of application, effective dose, and product selection will require further research to improve application. Nutritional stress resulting from reduced feed and water intake before, during, and after relocation and potential trace mineral deficiency upon arrival must be considered in a comprehensive health management program. Finally, detection of BRD or other diseases in large groups of cattle is challenging because of the prey instinct to disguise clinical signs of illness. Technology that continuously monitor individual cattle behavior may provide early disease detection with greater sensitivity and specificity than traditional methods but several barriers to adoption exist. This symposium presentation will outline the multitude of factors to consider in managing cattle health during the receiving period and provide research-based evidence that challenge paradigm regarding health management of newly received cattle.
77 Improving lean muscle color of atypical dark- cutting beef by antioxidant-enhancement and modified atmospheric packaging
Authors: Cassens Andrew M , Mafi Gretchen , VanOverbeke Deb , Ramanathan Ranjith
Published: July 2019

Any deviation from the bright-red color of beef leads to discounted price or consumer rejection. Atypical dark-cutting beef represents darker color of lean around a pH 5.6 – 5.8. However, limited studies have determined the postharvest practices to improve the lean color of atypical dark-cutting beef. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effects of rosemary-enhancement and modified atmospheric packaging on atypical dark-cutting beef. Atypical dark-cutting beef strip loins (n = 13, pH=5.70 ± 0.09; ADC) and USDA Choice beef strip loins (n = 6, pH=5.57 ± 0.1; CH) were selected within 72 h of harvest. Atypical dark-cutting strip loins were divided into 2 sections, and randomly assigned to one of the following enhancement treatments: control non-enhanced (ADC), or a 1.1% rosemary-enhanced treatment (ADCE). After enhancement, 2.54 cm steaks were cut from CH, ADC, and ADCE strip loins and assigned to 1 of 3 packaging treatments: polyvinyl chloride overwrap (PVC), carbon monoxide modified atmosphere packaging (CO-MAP; 0.4% CO, 69.6% N, and 30% CO2), and high-oxygen modified atmospheric packaging (HiOx-MAP; 80% O2 and 20% CO2). A HunterLab MiniScan was used to determine color during the 6 d simulated retail display. Visual color measurement for muscle darkening (MD), muscle color (MC), and surface discoloration (SD) were recorded on d 2, 4, and 6 of retail display. There was a significant enhancement x packaging interaction for instrumental and visual color measurements. For all packaging types, ADCE steaks possessed greater L* values than DC steaks. In addition, ADCE steaks packaged in HiOx-MAP or CO-MAP had brighter-red color than ADC steaks. Furthermore, ADCE and C steaks had less muscle darkening compared with ADC steaks for MD and MC attributes. The results suggest that enhancement and modified atmospheric packaging have the potential to improve the surface color of atypical dark-cutting beef.
92 Digestawell® fiber improves in-vitro digestibility of alfalfa and coastal bermudagrass hay fed to horses
Authors: Perron Brittany S , Wagner-Wells Ashley , Boyd Jamie , Girard Ivan , Guiterrez Noheli , Burt Justin C , Splan Rebecca
Published: July 2019

Enhanced microbial activity in the equine hindgut increases nutrient availability, reduces fecal waste, and adds value to low quality forages. The dietary supplement DigestaWell® Fiber (DF; fibrolytic cofactors: methionine and B vitamins), designed to increase microbial efficiency, has been shown to improve in-vitro digestibility of alfalfa and tall fescue forages after 48h incubation. The objective of this study was to determine if DF would improve in-vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD) and ADF digestibility (ADFD) of alfalfa and coastal bermudagrass hays incubated for 48h or 72h. Utilizing a crossover design, four mature Quarter Horse mares were fed 2% BW daily of alfalfa (AF; 32.8% NDF, 27.1% ADF) or coastal bermudagrass (CB; 63.2% NDF, 35.4% ADF) hay for 19d periods. DMD and ADFD were determined after 48h or 72h incubation with or without treatment (320mg/L DF) at 37.5°C in an ANKOM Daisy II incubator inoculated with 200g fresh feces. Forage samples were run in triplicate. Data were transformed to approximate normality, then analyzed using a repeated measures mixed model in SAS with main effects of forage, treatment, incubation time, and feeding period, and statistically significant interactions. Across incubation times, DMD was higher for AF than CB (P < 0.01; 49.4% vs 42.1%). Across forages, DMD was higher at 72h than at 48h incubation (P < 0.01; 47.5% vs 43.9%). DF improved DMD across forages at 48h (P = 0.03), but not at 72h (P = 0.47). Across incubation times, DF improved DMD of CB (P < 0.01), but not AF (P = 0.79). Additionally, across both forages and both incubation times, DF improved ADFD (P < 0.01). In conclusion, DF may improve microbial fermentation in the equine hindgut. Future research should investigate in-vivo effects of oral supplementation of DF on forage digestibility measures.
90 Evaluation of transport duration on immune response and blood parameters in sedentary horses
Authors: Thompson Amy R , Jones Trinette , Guay Kimberly A , Leatherwood Jessica L
Published: July 2019

Transport has cogent effects on the physiological and immunological welfare of horses, resulting in inevitable stressors regardless of adaptation or conditioning. We hypothesized transporting sedentary horses would yield allied results to studies using transport-conditioned horses. Mature stock-type horses (n = 4) were subjected to three transport durations (0.25, 3 and 6 hours) with 7–8 days between transport. All subjects were transported simultaneously for all durations of transport. Blood samples were collected before, post-transport and 24 hours post-transport and analyzed for complete blood count (CBC). Body weight (BW), rectal temperature (RT), blood glucose (GLU) and blood lactate (BLA) were recorded before and post-transport. All data (p<0.05) were analyzed using PROC MIXED (SAS © 9.4). Transport duration did not influence CBC, BLA or other physical measurements. Resulting GLU increased after 3 (158.5±8.5 mg/ dL) and 6 (147.50±8.5 mg/dL) hours of transport compared to 0.25 hour of transport (117.8±7.2 mg/dL). Weights decreased after transport; however, this was likely due to eliminative behavior during transport. Total WBC tended (P = 0.06) to increase before transport (7.71±0.6 K/µL) than post (5.64±0.59 K/µL) and 24 hours post-transport (6.14±0.06 K/µL). Percent neutrophils (N) increased post-transport (66.8±2.5%) compared to before transport (55.7±2.6%) and 24 hours post-transport (57.2±2.5%). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N:L) tended (p= 0.07) to increase post-transport (66.7±2.7%) than before (55.7±2.7%) and 24 hours post-transport (57.3±2.6%) regardless of duration. Increases in N are consistent with previous research indicating a short-term stress response. Previous research measuring adrenocortical response reported elevated N:L ratios indicating stress; our results suggests transport, even minimal, may stimulate a stress response in rarely-transported horses. Elevated GLU after transport may further support an adrenocortical response as cortisol can influence blood glucose concentrations. Findings indicate even short-term transport elicits an immunological stress response and may be intensified in rarely transported horses compared to seasoned travelers.