bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXII-22 Analysis of the Upper Respiratory Tract Microbiome in Newly Received Feedlot Heifers According to Subsequent Incidence of Bovine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Pickett Autumn , Cooke Reinaldo F , Bicalho Rodrigo , Gouvea Vinicius N
Published: November 2023

This study compared the relative abundance of bacteria in the upper respiratory tract (RT) of newly received feedlot heifers according to incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Angus-influenced heifers (n = 76) were transported for 1,100 km (11 h) to the feedlot (d -1). At feedlot arrival (d 0), heifers were weighed [initial shrunk body weight (BW) = 234 ± 15 kg] and a nasal swab collected for analysis of the upper RT microbiome. Heifers were ranked by arrival BW and allocated into 6 pens on d 1 where they remained until d 55. Heifers were evaluated daily for BRD signs (d 0 to 55), and a final shrunk BW was recorded on d 56 (16-h feed and water deprivation). Heifers were classified according to number of antimicrobial treatments for BRD received (0, 1, or ≥ 2), or according to time of first incidence of BRD signs [no incidence (NOBRD), early incidence (EARLY; 4.1 ± 0.1 d), or late incidence (LATE; 18.5 ± 9.6 d). All data were analyzed using heifer as the experimental unit, the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS and Satterthwaite approximation to determine the denominator degrees of freedom for tests of fixed effects. The first model statement included the number of BRD treatments received, the second model statement included the time of first incidence of BRD signs. Average daily gain decreased linearly (P = 0.04) according to number of BRD treatments and was less (P = 0.04) in LATE and tended (P = 0.08) to be less in EARLY compared with NOBRD heifers. The abundance of the phyla Tenericutes increased linearly (P < 0.01), while the abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Spirochaetes, Euryarchaeota, Chlorobi, and Chloroflexi decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) according to number of BRD treatments. Heifers classified as EARLY had greater (P = 0.01) abundance of Tenericutes and less (P = 0.03) abundance of Firmicutes compared with NOBRD, as well as less (P ≤ 0.03) abundance of Euryarchaeota and Chloroflexi compared with both NOBRD and LATE heifers. The abundance of the genera Mycoplasma increased linearly (P < 0.01) while the abundance of Corynebacterium, Blautia, Jeotgalicoccus, Clostridium, and Dietzia decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.03) according to number of BRD treatments. Heifers classified as NOBRD had less (P = 0.01) abundance of Mycoplasma compared with EARLY, and greater (P ≤ 0.05) abundance of Corynebacterium, Jeotgalicoccus, Dietzia, and Planomicrobium compared with EARLY and LATE heifers. Collectively, heifers that developed BRD had altered upper RT microbiome at the time of feedlot arrival compared with heifers that remained healthy, particularly increased prevalence of Tenericutes phylum and Mycoplasma genera. Such differences in upper RT microbiome were heightened in heifers that developed BRD shortly after arrival, or that required multiple antimicrobial treatments.
PSIX-15 The Effects of Torula Yeast as a Protein Source on Digestibility, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiome in Labrador Retrievers with Chronically Poor Stool Quality
Authors: Timlin Claire , Fowler Jason , Dickerson Sarah M , Mccracken Fiona , Skaggs Patrick , Ekmay Ricardo , Coon Craig N
Published: November 2023

Four Rivers Kennel examined the effects of varying protein sources on digestibility, inflammation, and gut microbiota in Labrador Retrievers with historically poor stool quality. Thirty dogs (n = 15 males and n= 15 females; ages 3 to 10 years) with stool quality scores ≤ 2.5 on a 5 point scale were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets meeting AAFCO requirements with differing protein sources and similar nutrient profiles: 1) chicken meal (PC); 2) 10% brewer’s yeast (BY); and 3) 10% torula yeast (TY; SylPro, Arbiom, Durham, NC). Another 10 dogs (n = 5 males and n = 5 females) with normal stool quality (score ≥ 3) received diet 1 and served as negative control (NC). After 7 days acclimation to diet 1, dogs began treatments. Daily stool scores and weekly body weights were recorded. On days 7, 21, and 36, blood serum was analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP), and feces for S100A12, alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (a1PI), calprotectin, and microbiota dysbiosis index (MDI). Apparent total tract digestibility was assessed using the indicator method with 2 g titanium dioxide administered orally via gel capsules. Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measures model in SAS for stool scores, body weight, biomarkers, and microbiota or by one-way ANOVA in JMP for digestibility coefficients. Stool scores were greater in NC (P < 0.01), changed daily in all groups (P < 0.01) without noticeable overall trends, and were not affected by treatment*day interaction (P = 0.64). Body weight was greater (P = 0.01) and CRP less (P < 0.01) in NC dogs than poor stool dogs. Dry matter and carbohydrate digestibility did not differ between groups (P ≥ 0.14). NC dogs had greater fat digestibility compared with BY dogs (94.64 ± 1.33 % vs 91.65 ± 1.25%; P = 0.02). Protein digestibility was reduced in PC (58.91 ± 4.68%) and BY (58.26 ± 4.42%) compared with NC (75.52 ± 5.01 %), but TY diet improved protein digestibility to levels similar to NC (72.18 ± 5.01%, P = 0.03). There were no treatment effects on S100A12 or a1PI (P ≥ 0.44). Calprotectin decreased at a greater rate overtime in TY dogs (P < 0.01). There was a treatment*day interaction for MDI; BY and TY fluctuated less overtime (P = 0.01). Blautia (P = 0.03) and Clostridium hiranonis (P = 0.05) abundances were reduced in BY and TY. Dogs never exhibited significant dysbiosis (MDI < 2), and bacterial abundances remained within normal ranges. Dogs with chronically poor stool quality experience reduced body weights, increased serum CRP, and altered nutrient digestibility, but TY helped improve protein and fat digestibility, sustain microbiome, and reduce fecal calprotectin. Feeding torula yeast long-term may help improve plane of nutrition to better maintain weight and reduce inflammation in dogs with chronically poor stool quality.
PSV-29 Plasma Citrulline Is Strongly Correlated with Jejunum and Ileum Citrulline Concentrations in Pigs at Weaning
Authors: Rudar Marko , Gachman Alexandra M , Outlaw Alex , Bartosh Julia , Kim Haejin
Published: November 2023

Pigs at weaning are abruptly exposed to numerous stressors that negatively affect gut health. While the term gut health lacks a clear definition, it is best measured by its key functions, including nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism, mucosal immunity, and barrier function. The gut is the main endogenous source of citrulline, a potential biomarker of gut function. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma and intestinal concentrations of citrulline and citrulline precursors in pigs. Pigs (initial BW = 7,233 ± 683 g) were either weaned at 21 d age and euthanized at 23 d age (W; n = 9) or were not weaned, remained with the sow, and euthanized at 23 d age (NW; n = 9). At euthanasia, blood, jejunum, and ileum tissue was collected and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen; segments of mid jejunum and distal ileum were collected for morphological analysis. Plasma and tissue glutamine (Gln), glutamate (Glu), proline (Pro), ornithine (Orn), and citrulline (Cit) concentrations were determined by reverse-phase HPLC following pre-column derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate. Data were analyzed with the generalized linear mixed model and correlation procedures of SAS (version 9.4). Pearson correlation coefficients between 0.50 and 0.69 were considered as moderate, between 0.70 and 0.89 as strong, and between 0.90 to 1 as very strong. Jejunum villus height was reduced in W compared with NW pigs (370 versus 246 ± 18 µm; P < 0.001), whereas ileum villus height was not different between NW and W pigs (257 versus 215 ± 27 µm; P = 0.27). Among precursors for gut Cit synthesis, plasma Pro was strongly correlated with jejunum Pro (r = 0.83; P < 0.001) and very strongly correlated with ileum Pro (r = 0.91; P < 0.001). Plasma Glu was moderately correlated with ileum Glu (r = 0.58; P = 0.014), but not with jejunum Glu (r = 0.18, P = 0.48), whereas plasma Gln was moderately correlated with ileum Gln (r = 0.57; P = 0.016) and strongly correlated with jejunum Gln (r = 0.80; P < 0.001). Plasma Orn was strongly correlated with both jejunum Orn (r = 0.73; P < 0.001) and ileum Orn (r = 0.78; P < 0.001). Plasma Cit was strongly correlated with jejunum Cit (r = 0.77; P < 0.001) and very strongly correlated with ileum Cit (r = 0.95; P < 0.001). Plasma Cit can be used to estimate gut Cit content and may be predictive of gut function in nursery pigs undergoing weaning stress.
PSIX-28 Impact of Educational Workshops on the Adoption of Genomic Selection Tools Within the Dairy Industry
Authors: Herrick Allison L , Neibergs J Shannon , Dalton Joseph , Progar Amber Adams , Neibergs Holly L
Published: November 2023

Genomic selection is a tool available to the dairy industry, capable of increasing economic returns through improved efficiencies and selection of superior animals. However, these tools are underutilized within the commercial sector, mostly due to a lack of information on how to effectively use them. The objective of this work was to provide producers and veterinarians with educational workshops that included information about genomic selection and evaluate the impact of these workshops on participant receptivity towards using genomic selection tools. Three workshops were held in both Washington and Idaho for industry personnel and veterinarians. Thirty-six individuals attended the workshops and completed a pre-workshop survey to capture their understanding of genomic selection and its uses, as well as information regarding their current usage or interest in the technology. After attending a discussion on the basics of genomic selection, various uses and benefits, and then applying the information to an example herd, participants were asked to complete the same survey. In addition to the initial questions, participants were polled to determine if their opinions surrounding genomic selection had changed and if the workshop was beneficial. A third survey on skills gained and applicability of information was also completed. Before the workshop, 59% reported that they have used genomic selection, 54% stated they would use genomics to select replacement heifers, and 73% would use genomics to make breeding decisions. When comparing pre- and post-workshop survey responses using a t-test, the mean score increased (P = 0.0027) from 83% to 94%. When gauging the success of the workshop, 87% stated they found the workshop helpful and 80% said they would like more information. All individuals stated they will either be using genomic selection in the future (57%) or would consider the technology (43%). Producers in attendance manage over 20,600 cows and 6,600 replacement heifers. Attending veterinarians provided consultations for > 56,000 cows and 30,800 heifers. Moreover, attendees estimated they would discuss the workshop with approximately 240 other individuals. These workshops provide a basis for establishing hands-on learning for industry members to gain information on technologies that can be used to improve their respective businesses. The use of genomic selection could grow exponentially if producers and supporting individuals are given access to educational events and materials to allow for better understanding of how to use the technology to its maximum ability. Funding for this project (# SW21-925) was provided by the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.
PSVIII-25 Investigating the Effects of Poor Maternal Nutrition on F2 Offspring Growth, Residual Feed Intake, and Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Tillquist Nicole M , Kawaida Mia Y , Reiter Amanda S , Reed Sarah A , Zinn Steven A , Govoni Kristen E
Published: November 2023

Poor maternal nutrition impairs F1 offspring growth independent of changes in feed efficiency and glucose tolerance. To determine if poor maternal nutrition in F0 ewes contributes to F2 offspring growth, feed efficiency, and glucose tolerance, multiparous Dorset ewes (F0; n = 46) pregnant with twins were fed 100% (control), 60% (restricted) or 140% (over) of NRC requirements from d 30 of gestation until parturition. At 16 to 19 mo of age, female F1 (n = 37) offspring were bred to one of two related Dorset rams to generate F2 offspring, identified as CON-F2 (n = 12 ewes; 6 rams), RES-F2 (n = 7 ewes; 13 rams), or OVER-F2 (n = 13 ewes; 9 rams), corresponding to diets of the granddam. F2 offspring body weight (BW) was measured weekly from birth (d 0) to d 28 and every 14 d until d 252. From d 0 to 70, granddam diet did not influence F2 BW (P ≥ 0.18). However, from d 84 to d 154, RES-F2 tended to be 9.42% lighter than CON-F2 with OVER-F2 intermediate (P ≤ 0.08), and from d 224 to d 252 RES-F2 tended to be 6.47% and 6.29% lighter than CON-F2 and OVER-F2, respectively (P ≤ 0.07). Overall, F2 rams were 8.36 kg heavier than F2 ewes (P < 0.0001). At d 133 ± 0.28 an intravenous glucose tolerance test (0.25 g/kg BW of a 50% dextrose solution) was performed. Glucose and insulin concentrations were determined using commercial kits. Granddam diet did not influence glucose or insulin average or baseline concentrations, area under the curve, first-phase response, or ratio (P ≥ 0.52). However, granddam diet influenced glucose peak response in rams, where CON-F2 rams (297 ± 16.5 mg/dL) had greater glucose peak compared with RES-F2 rams (239 ± 11.2 mg/dL; P = 0.05). At d 167 ± 0.33, daily intake of a complete pelleted feed was recorded using Super SmartFeeders over a 77-day feeding period. A treatment by sex interaction was detected for F2 offspring residual feed intake (RFI; P = 0.08) where CON-F2 ewes (0.31 ± 0.12 kg/d) tended to be less feed efficient than CON-F2 rams (-0.45 ± 0.20 kg/d) and RES-F2 rams (-0.20 ± 0.13 kg/d). Alternately, OVER-F2 ewes (0.16 ± 0.13 kg/d), OVER-F2 rams (0.02 ± 0.15 kg/d), RES-F2 ewes (-0.06 ± 0.18 kg/d), and RES-F2 rams were all of similar (P ≥ 0.34) feed efficiency. Rams were euthanized at d 285 ± 0.93 and body morphometrics, and organ weights were collected. No effect of granddam diet (P ≥ 0.25) on F2 ram morphometric measurements, organ weights, or muscle weights (P ≥ 0.15) were detected at time of necropsy. These data indicate that nutrient restriction during gestation decreases F2 offspring BW independent of RFI and glucose tolerance.
PSVII-13 The Evaluation of Natural Vs Synthetic Vitamin E Supplementation for the Management of Alpha-Tocopherol Serum Concentrations in Morgan Horses
Authors: Ballard Catherine , Jensen-Vargas Emily , Lassell Karen , Dobbins Samantha
Published: November 2023

Vitamin E is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant that is tied to normal neuromuscular function in adult horses. Deficiency in serum vitamin E concentrations have been associated with several equine diseases such as Equine Motor Neuron Disease and Equine degenerative myeloencepalopathy. Horses with restricted access to pasture and genetic predispositions, like the Morgan Horse, can be especially susceptible to being marginally low or deficient. Two types of supplemental forms of Vitamin E are available: natural form, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, and a synthetic form, dl-alpha-tocopherol, with the natural form being more expensive for horse owners. The objective of this study was to compare the serum vitamin E concentrations of horses on a low dose of natural (d-alpha) versus synthetic (dl-alpha) vitamin E. Eight horses with marginal/deficient serum alpha-tocopherol (0.94 – 2.3 µg/mL) were enrolled in a randomized block design study. Blocks were balanced for age, body weight and pre-study vitamin E level and were assigned to one of two treatments. 1) NATURAL – 2,000 IU powder (d-alpha-tocopherol acetate) for 16 wk. 2) SYNTHETIC – 2,000 IU dl-alpha tocopherol acetate for 16 wk. Horses were housed in box stalls with daily turnout without access to grass. Horses were fed hay at 2% of BW and 0.45 kg of concentrate daily with vitamin E feed activity of 45.5 and 1,378 IU/kg, respectively. Natural and synthetic treatments were fed once daily with the AM feeding. To ensure horses consumed the powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate and capsules of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate, cookies made from alfalfa powder, gelatin and d-alpha-tocopherol acetate powder were created. Serum alpha-tocopherol was assessed pre-feeding every four weeks from 0 to 16 weeks. Overall, horses supplemented with synthetic treatment had higher serum alpha-tocopherol than those supplemented with the natural treatment (2.61 vs 2.34, respectively; SE = 0.08, P = 0.05). Both treatments increased serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations to normal ranges (2.0-4.0 µg/mL) for all horses by 4 weeks and maintained the normal concentrations with the exception of week 12 for horses receiving the natural supplement compared with the synthetic (1.81 vs 2.62 µg/mL). Because of this diversion, there tended to be a week x treatment interaction (P = 0.06). The results of this study indicate the use of a synthetic, more affordable Vitamin E supplement will increase serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations similarly to natural supplements. However, further research is needed to determine how these supplements are utilized within the body.
PSX-17 Can Associations Between Qualitative Descriptors and Quantitative Behavioral Measures in Nursery Age Pigs Improve Interpretation of Behavioral studies?
Authors: Luttman Andrea M , Siegford Janice M , Ernst Catherine W
Published: November 2023

Qualitative Behavior Assessments (QBA) are a useful way to assess animal welfare by capturing behavioral signals of emotionality not captured by quantitative measures. The objective of this study was to determine if QBA descriptors assigned to nursery age gilts during a social dyad test in a novel arena were associated with differences in quantitative behavioral measures recorded from the test such as latency to make social contact and amount of time spent in proximity. To investigate this, 30 weight-matched purebred Yorkshire gilt pairs underwent a social dyad test at 6 wk-of-age. Dyads were unfamiliar with each other, and one was assigned as the focal gilt. The test began as soon as both gilts were in the novel arena and lasted for 5 minutes. Four independent, untrained observers were asked to perform a QBA by circling all terms that they felt described the focal gilt throughout the test duration from a set list of 20 terms. Overhead video was recorded and used to collect quantitative measures including number of quadrant crosses, percentage of crosses entering an already occupied quadrant, percentage of crosses exiting an already occupied quadrant, latency of the focal pig to touch the other pig, and time spent in an occupied quadrant. For each focal gilt, only terms that were used by at least two observers were kept. To be included in the analysis a given term had to be assigned to at least 6 of the 30 focal gilts such that each group had sufficient sample size to make comparisons. This filtering resulted in 10 terms being kept for analysis including Active (22), Agitated (7), Aimless (10), Calm (15), Indifferent (8), Lively (13), Playful (9), Positively Occupied (16), Sociable (14), and Tense (8). Quantitative measures were analyzed using a t-test to determine if pigs described by each term differed from those that were not. Pigs described as Aimless, Calm, Positively Occupied, Sociable, or Tense did not significantly differ in any of the quantitative measures of behavior. Pigs described as Active, Indifferent, or Lively had significantly more quadrant crosses (P = 0.0003, 0.003, 0.022 respectively). Pigs described as Agitated had a greater proportion of crosses that were entering an occupied quadrant (P = 0.022), while those described as Playful had a significantly lower proportion of crosses that were exiting an occupied quadrant (P = 0.031). Understanding how qualitative descriptors associate with quantitative measures of behavior may assist in better interpretation of QBA results as well as confirming that a chosen metric is capturing the intended behavior.
PSX-2 Data Analytics of a Global Nirs Database of Soybean Meal Nutrient Content
Authors: Oviedo-Rondón Edgar O , Toscan Adriana , Fagundes Naiara S , Vidal Juliano K , Barbi Jose , Thiery Pascal
Published: November 2023

The nutrient and energy content of soybean meal (SBM) is variable due to genetics, country of origin, agronomic conditions, and to a lesser extent, the solvent-extraction process. The analytical variability among and within-labs can increase the difficulty of detecting differences among sources and establish nutrient interrelationships to estimate some nutrients based on others that are less variable. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) can reduce laboratory analytical inconsistencies and increase the sample size for feedstuff evaluation enhancing feed formulation accuracy. The PNE system (Adisseo) has unique NIRS curves based on direct calibrations generated with in vivo data of standard chicken metabolizable energy (AME and AMEn) and amino acid (AA) digestibility methods. This study evaluated the relationship between AA concentrations and crude protein (CP) and among proximate parameters (CP, crude fiber, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and ash), AA concentrations, and digestibilities with AME AMEn. The PNE database used contained 77,573 samples of SBM from Argentina (9,684), Brazil (62,322), and the U.S. (5,567) scanned in diverse countries worldwide between 2018 and 2021. Correlation and regression analyses between AA and CP were conducted. The pairwise correlations (P < 0.001) between AA and CP ranged between 0.34 and 0.82. Concentrations of all AAs in SBM can be predicted (P < 0.001) from the positive linear relationships with CP content. However, all coefficients of determination (R2) were low (0.11 to 0.68). The SBM country of origin was a significant factor and interacted with CP (P < 0.001), but R2 improved only slightly when included in these linear models. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and neural networks (NN) analyses were conducted to estimate AME and AMEn based on proximate values, AA concentrations and digestibility, and country of origin. All factors were significant (P < 0.001) in the MLR models for AME (R2 = 0.78, AICc = 643,940.6) and AMEn (R2 = 0.77, AICc = 642,785). Additionally, to have R2 below 0.80, the MLR models had collinearity for digestibility data and branched-chain AAs concentrations. The NN models had a better fit for training and validation datasets for AME (R2 = 0.88, RASE = 39.96) and AMEn (R2 = 0.87, RASE = 37.21). The NN models allowed us to visualize the greater importance of AA digestibility coefficients (His, Val, Trp, Cys, Arg, Leu, Thr) than the concentration of AAs or proximate values to estimate SBM energy values. In conclusion, AA concentrations of SBM cannot be accurately predicted from its CP content. The AA content of SBM varies by country of origin and may vary independently of CP content. The energy value of SBM may depend more on AA digestibility than proximate parameters. Data analytics of NIRS databases with direct calibration of in vivo parameters of energy utilization and AA digestibility elucidates relevant nutritional factors.
PSXIV-12 Evaluation of an Ensiled, Self-Fed Diet for Backgrounding Beef Cattle
Authors: Viano Sergio , Méndez Daniel G , González Lucas , Ceconi Irene
Published: November 2023

Self-feeding of ensiled forages consists in allowing the animals to feed from the silo face through a physical barrier. Energy, protein, and mineral supplements are offered separately in free-choice portable feeders. Compared with offering a total mixed ration, the self-feeding system could result in differences in ensiled forage and supplement intake and may increase animal performance variability. Ensiling a complete diet may contribute to overcome these drawbacks. This study compared the performance of calves that consumed an ensiled backgrounding diet from a silo-bag face (self-feeding, SF) with that of calves fed a diet mixed and delivered daily in a feed bunk (TMR). A single forage sweet sorghum crop was harvested and bagged to be used in the TMR treatment, or harvested and added a dry supplement (45% finely-ground corn grain, 50% extruded soybean meal, and 5% vitamin-mineral premix without ionophore) during bagging, using an adjustable-discharge hopper mounted above the bagger’s packing rotor, to be used in the SF treatment. Regardless of treatment, the diet consisted of 61% forage sorghum and 39% dry supplement (DM basis; 9.9 and 11.6% CP, 42.3 and 43.8% NDF, and 9.8 and 9.5% starch for TMR and SF diets, respectively). Bagged feeds were allowed to ensile for 50 d before experiment began. Two hundred fifty-two, non-implanted Angus calves (224 ± 4.6 kg) were blocked by body weight (BW) and coat color resulting in 6 blocks and 1 pen/block per treatment with 12 or 30 animals per TMR or SF pen, respectively; more animals were required in the SF pens to maintain feed fresh and reduce spoilage, though BW was measured on 12 calves. Pens assigned to SF treatment were each equipped with a silo bag blocked off with an iron fence. The TMR animals were fed ad libitum once a day. In SF pens, feed was carved from the silo-bag face manually twice daily using a pitchfork onto a pile on the fence’s bag side. Cattle were fed for 70 d and held off feed and water for 16 h to record initial (day 1) and final BW (day 70). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design. Rate of BW gain, DMI, and DMI relative to BW were greater (P < 0.01; Table 1) for SF calves compared with TMR, resulting in greater (P = 0.03) final BW but similar (P = 0.36) ADG:DMI. Coefficient of variation (CV) of final BW and ADG and the increase in CV of BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.93) between treatments. Similar feed efficiency and animal performance variability were achieved by feeding an ensiled ration offered in a self-feeding system or a traditional TMR. The former might represent a simple and feasible feeding alternative for small-size beef cattle operations.
PSXIV-7 Comparison of Detection of Fasciola in Naturally Infected Slaughter (dairy) Cattle By Postmortem Examination, Sedimentation, Antibody Elisa and Real-Time Pcr
Authors: Jaja Ishmael F , Mpisana Zuko , Byaruhanga Charles , Marufu Christopher
Published: November 2023

Fasciolosis is a global food-borne disease affecting livestock. Management of the parasitic disease greatly depends on control and proper monitoring through early detection. Highly improved diagnostic methods to detect fasciolosis have been introduced. Limited research has paid attention to comparing four detection methods. The current study aimed to compare the detection of Fasciola in naturally infected slaughtered dairy cattle using four methods. Blood and fecal samples were collected from slaughtered cattle in three high throughput abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, from 2020 through 2021. Postmortem liver examination was conducted to identify Fasciola spp. Then blood from condemned carcasses were analyzed using antibody ELISA to detect Fasciola antibodies, sedimentation technique to detect Fasciola eggs; and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to detect Fasciola DNA. A binomial Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Cohen’s Kappa test were used to compare the detection rate and level of agreement across the four diagnostic methods. Significant differences (P = 0.0001) across the four diagnostic methods existed. Postmortem liver examination (94.5%) and qPCR (90.4%) compared ELISA (22.6%) and sedimentation (3.53%), respectively. There was a poor agreement between sedimentation and Ab-ELISA (kappa= -0.105, P = 0.128), sedimentation and postmortem liver examination (kappa= -0.054, P = 0.163); and qPCR and liver examination (kappa= -0.076, P = 0.341) In conclusion, results from the current study revealed significant differences among the four detection methods. The postmortem liver examination and qPCR were more reliable, sensitive, and accurate than ELISA and sedimentation.
PSXI-23 Effects of Dietary Threonine, Tryptophan, and Glycine Supplementation on Growth Performance and Intestinal Barrier Function in Broiler Chickens Raised Under Multiple Stress Conditions
Authors: Kim Hyun Woo , Lee Seung Yun , Kim Jong Hyuk
Published: November 2023

The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of dietary threonine, tryptophan, and glycine supplementation on growth performance and intestinal barrier function in broiler chickens raised under multiple stress conditions. All birds were allotted to 1 of 5 treatments with 8 replicates in a completely randomized design. Positive control (PC) treatment was normal condition and other treatments are multiple stress conditions with heat stress and high stocking density. Multiple stress conditions were exposed to a cyclic heat stress condition (30 ± 0.3°C for 10 h/d and 23 ± 0.2°C for 14 h/d). In addition, 10 birds per cage (16.9 birds/m2) were allotted in multiple stress conditions, but 15 birds per cage (25.3 birds/m2) were allotted in normal conditions. Basal diet was fed to broiler chickens in PC (normal condition) and negative control (NC; multiple stress conditions) treatments. Three additional diets were prepared by adding 0.68% threonine (99%), 0.19% tryptophan (99%), or 1.60% glycine (99%) to the basal diet. Four treatment diets such as NC, threonine, tryptophan, and glycine treatments were provided to birds in multiple stress conditions. All experimental diets and water were provided ad libitum for 14 d. The body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were recorded at the end of the experiment. The feed efficiency (FE, g/kg) was calculated by dividing BWG with FI after mortality correction for FI. The intestinal barrier function was analyzed by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value in a two-channel Ussing chamber system. Statistical analysis was conducted as a completely randomized design by using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The replicate was considered an experimental unit. Outlier data were confirmed by the UNIVARIATE procedure of SAS. The LSMEANS procedure was conducted to calculate treatment means. In addition, if the difference was significant, the PDIFF option of SAS was conducted to separate the means. The significance for statistical tests was considered at P < 0.05. Results indicated that all treatments under multiple stress condition (i.e., NC, Thr, Trp, and Gly treatments) caused a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in BW, BWG, FI, and FE as compared with PC treatment (Table 1). Dietary Thr supplementation under multiple stress conditions was similar FE compared with PC treatment (Table 2). Dietary threonine, tryptophan, and glycine supplementation under multiple stress condition induced intermediated values for TEER with dietary threonine supplementation having similar values to PC treatment. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of threonine seems the most effective functional amino acid. In addition, it can be a novel dietary treatment to improve growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens raised under multiple stress condition.
PSXIII-9 Effects of Dietary Mixed Selenium Supplementation on Growth Performance, Frequency of Diarrhea, and Blood Profiles and Biochemical Constituents of Weaned Pigs
Authors: Nam Jinwook , Park Kyeong Il , Kyoung Hyunjin , Kim Yonghee , Ahn Jinmu , Lee Jae In , Ha Sewon , Kim Kimoon , Kang Yonggu , Park Youngmin , Shin Ikcheol , Song Minho
Published: November 2023

Selenium (Se) is known as a micro essential mineral that acts as a component of the powerful antioxidant enzymes as known glutathione peroxidase. However, both excess and deficiency of Se can lead to health problems in swine, thus the proper amount is needed. In the swine industry, organic and inorganic forms of Se are commonly added to the feed, mixing these Se is important to maximize the efficiency of Se utilization. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary mixed Se supplementation on growth performance, frequency of diarrhea, and blood profiles and biochemical constituents of weaned pigs. A total of 156 weaned pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 7.85 ± 0.10 kg of initial body weight (BW); 28 days of age] were assigned to 3 dietary treatments (4 pigs/pen; 13 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (block = initial BW and sex) for 6 weeks. Dietary treatments were 1) a corn- soybean meal-based diet with deficiency of Se (CON), 2) CON + 0.15 ppm organic Se (Ose) + 0.15 ppm inorganic Se (Ise; A), and 3) CON+ 0.25 ppm Ose + 0.25 ppm Ise (B). On day 7, 14, and 42, blood samples were collected from randomly selected 6 pigs per treatment to analyze blood profiles and biochemical constituents. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio were calculated to evaluate growth performance. The frequency of diarrhea was calculated by visual observation for 2 weeks after weaning. The number of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were measured using an automated hematology analyzer. The collected serum samples were analyzed for total protein (TP), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) using a specific kit and a clinical auto-analyzer. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS. The experimental unit was a pen. The statistical model for growth performance, and blood profiles and biochemical constituents included dietary treatment as a main effect and initial BW as a covariate. The Chi-square test was used for analyzing frequency of diarrhea. The A treatment decreased (P < 0.10) MCH, HGB, HCT, and BUN on day 42 compared with CON, but increased (P < 0.05) TP on day 42. However, there were no differences on growth performance and frequency of diarrhea. In conclusion, supplementation of dietary mixed Se could modulate blood profiles and biochemical constituents.
PSXII-15 Automatic Estimation of Body Condition Score in Finished Cattle Using Deep Learning Computational Architectures in Two-Dimensional Images
Authors: De Dantas Allberson Bruno Oliveira , dos Santos Murilo Garrett Moura Ferreira , Modesto Mateus , Da Silva Vinícius Yuji Mendes , Albertini Thiago Zanetti
Published: November 2023

The objective of this research was to investigate the possibility of using computational architectures of deep learning neural networks (deep learning) in two-dimensional images to automatically estimate the BCS (body condition score) in beef cattle. Data collection lasted from March 2021 to December 2022 and was carried out on a commercial farm in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data from 1,570 animals of different genetic compositions, sex classes, ages and body weights were used. The animals were randomly selected in the confinement stalls, identified and concomitantly. To obtain the RGB digital images, the 3DBeef @Tech device was used, which was implemented in Python (based on OpenCV, 2015). The sensor was positioned in the passageway at a distance of 2.50 meters, allo wing the collection of images of only one animal at a time. The bBCS was evaluated remotely by trained professionals during the data collection period, ranging from 1 to 9, through the visualization of fat deposition and muscle coverage in certain anatomical points of the animal. The collected images and evaluations were used as input for a segmentation convolutional neural network (CNN; Figure 1). The labeled data set was divided into training, validation and testing, respectively in the proportions of 65%, 25% and 10%. A deep neural network was constructed to classify BCS using Python and the deep learning library Tensorflow and run through a Pro+ instance of Google Collaboratory. The results obtained show that, despite the small amount of data currently available for training, the neural network had a performance designed to classify BCS, with training accuracy of 80.5% and validation accuracy of 65.9% (Figure 2 and 3). when compared with professional raters. The validation still exhibited accuracy, recall, F1-score and AUC of 0.6676, 0.6562, 0.6562 and 0.9519 (P < 0.05), respectively. Despite the fact that the BCS assessment is a problem of difficult visual classification, both due to the variability of possible scenarios and the subtle difference between different BCS scores. It is believed that with a greater number of evaluated images, an accuracy greater than 90% will be achieved for the BCS. Therefore, it is necessary to continue with studies to obtain a greater number of images collected in search of greater accuracy.
PSI-23 Effect of Supplementation with Tannins and Saponins on Animal Performance of Holstein Calves
Authors: Urrutia Ignacio , Maresca Sebastian , López-Valiente Sebastian O , Canton German , Gomez Cristian , Cabral Claudio , Rodriguez Alejandro M , DiLorenzo Nicolas
Published: November 2023

The optimization of the nutritional program of calves is essential for the sustainability and profitability of dairy companies. The use of additives such as Monensin allows to improve growth efficiency; however, concerns about the use of antibiotics in animal feed are growing. Therefore, the use of alternative products that can replace antimicrobial feed additives is necessary. Our objective was to evaluate the use of a combination of saponins and tannins in rearing stage of Holstein calves. A total of 36 female calves (BW, 114 ± 11 Kg; age, 86 ± 6 days) were distributed in 3 groups (n = 12/group) in a completely randomized design, using BW as criteria for assignment to each treatment (diet): 1) CON: without additives, 2) MON: Sodium Monensin (MON, 60 mg/kg DM, Elanco, Indianapolis, IN), 3) BXS: (900 mg/kg DM, a mixture of saponins and tannins, Silvafeed BXS, Silvateam, Argentina). The animal was used as the experimental unit. The calves were fed individually during an adaptation period of 10 days to the diet and a measurement period of 62 days. Body weight assessments were performed at the beginning and end of the measurement period with 12 previous hours of fasting. The feed intake was determined daily by measuring offer and rejection, and the conversion efficiency was determined using the quotient between the average daily gain and dry matter intake. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS, considering treatment as a fixed effect. Means differences were compared using Tukey's test, considering significance when P value ≤ 0.05. BXS and MON had increased final BW than CON (181, 181, and 174 kg respectively, P = 0.03). ADG was greater in BXS and MON than CON (1.075, 1.080, and 0.958 kg/d respectively, P = 0.03). BXS had similar DMI than MON but greater than CON (5.29, 5.13, and 4.62 Kg/d respectively, P = 0.03). The G:F was similar between treatments (0.208, P = 0.69). In conclusion, a combination of saponins and tannins can be used as an alternative additive to improve the performance of Holstein calves in rearing stage.
PSI-25 Associations Between Feeding Behavior, Residual Feed Intake, and Residual Average Daily Gain in Performance Tested Yearling Angus Bulls and Heifers
Authors: Yost Tylor J , Blake Nathan , Holaskova Ida , Mata-Padrino Domingo , Yost John , Yates Jerry , Sanders Kelsie , Wilson Matthew E
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate relationships among feeding behaviors, off-test residual feed intake (RFI), and residual average daily gain (RADG) EPD for performance tested cattle. Eighty-seven angus bulls and thirty-two angus heifers (n = 119) were fed a high forage diet consisting mainly of ground hay and corn silage for 57 days using the Vytelle feed system. The variables evaluated were time spent visiting the bunk, time with head down, number of visits, RFI, average DMI, DMI, RADG, ADG, and quadrant location of RFI and ADG. RFI and ADG are plotted for each individual animal, which places that individual into one of four quadrants (1 = Favorable RFI/ Below average ADG, 2 = Favorable RFI/ Above average ADG, 3 = Unfavorable RFI/ Below average ADG, 4 = Unfavorable RFI/ Above average ADG). The data were analyzed by gender, using non-parametric Spearman’s Rho in JMP to determine variable relationships. A very strong positive correlation was observed in yearling bulls for the time spent with head down and the length of time spent at the bunk (0.8331, P < 0.0001). Also, a moderate correlation for the animals individual RFI and total number of visits (0.4924, P < 0.0001). A very strong negative correlation was observed for yearling bulls in the average amount consumed and the total number of visits to the bunk (-0.8380, P < 0.0001). Also, a weak negative correlation was observed in the animals individual RADG and RFI (-0.2777, P < 0.0001). Similarly, a strong positive correlation in yearling heifers was observed in head down and length of time spent at the bunk (0.9457, P < 0.0001). A strong negative correlation was observed in yearling heifers for the total number of visits and the average amount of feed consumed per each visit (-0.5293, P < 0.0018). Also, a moderate negative correlation in each animals individual RADG and RFI (-0.4822, 0.0052*). While a moderate positive correlation of individual animal RFI and the total number of visits was observed for the yearling bulls, the yearling heifers showed no significant correlation between the two. Our studies show that feeding behavior on a high forage diet is similar to that of behaviors shown on a high concentrate diet by others. Although there was a significant, but weak relationship between RFI and RADG, the strength of the relationship is such that one cannot be used predict the other and they are measuring different components of the animal’s efficiency.
PSII-30 Effect of Dietary Alpha-Amylase Enzyme Supplementation on Growth Performance and Carcass Quality of Crossbred Dairy Beef Bulls Fed Pellet Or Mash High-Concentrate Diets
Authors: Devant Maria , Llonch Lourdes , Marti Sonia , Duclos Julie , Tamassia Luis
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary alpha-amylase supplementation on growth performance and carcass quality in crossbred dairy beef bulls fed either pellet or mash high-concentrate diets. Two parallel studies were conducted in two barns. In the first barn, 138 bulls (170 ± 2.3 kg of BW, and 148 ± 0.7 days of age) were grouped in 8 pens of 16 to 19 animals/pen and fed pelleted concentrate (PELLET study); and in the second barn, 148 (180 ± 1.6 kg of BW, and 150 ± 0.7 days of age) were grouped in 8 pens of 17 to 19 animals/pen and fed mash concentrate (MASH study). All bulls were fed concentrate (Table 1), straw, and water ad libitum. In each study, pens were assigned to one of 2 treatments: 1) CTR, no amylase supplementation; 2) RUM, RumiStar600 CT concentrate inclusion [630 mg/kg DM, based on 600 kilo novo units (KNU) of alpha-amylase activity]. After 196 days, divided in seven 28-days periods, where daily concentrate intake per pen, and BW per animal every 28 days was recorded animals were transported to slaughterhouse at different days within a month. Also, on days 0, 42, 84 and 168 concentrate samples were collected for enzyme activity and nutrient content analyses. Carcass quality was recorded at the slaughterhouse, bulls of PELLET study were slaughtered on average at 236 days of study and bulls of MASH study were slaughtered on average at 226 days of study. Data of each study were analyzed using a mixed model. In PELLET study, growth performance and carcass quality were not affected by treatments; however, conformation grade (SEUROP) was improved (P = 0.03) in RUM bulls compared with CTR bulls (score R: 18 vs. 5 %; score O: 54 vs. 56 %; score P: 28 vs. 39 %; RUM vs. CTR, respectively). Moreover, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was numerically (P = 0.11) improved in RUM fed bulls compared with CTR fed bulls (4.65 vs. 4.99 kg DM/kg, RUM vs. CTR, respectively;). In the MASH study, only an interaction between treatment by time in BW (P = 0.04) was observed; RUM bulls tended to be heavier than CTR bulls in the period 7 (476 vs. 470 ± 3.2 kg, RUM vs. CTR, respectively; P = 0.10). In conclusion, in crossbred dairy beef bulls fed high-concentrate diets with alpha-amylase supplementation (600 KNU of alpha-amylase activity/kg DM of concentrate) for at least 196 days improved FCR and carcass conformation grade when concentrate presentation form was pellet.
PSII-23 Effect of Protein Supplementation Level and Degradability on N Balance in Steers Consuming Low-Quality Forage: Ii.Bos Taurus Indicus
Authors: Cox Jodi R , Wickersham Tryon A
Published: November 2023

Low-quality forage lacks the nitrogen (N) necessary for optimal forage utilization and animal performance. Supplemental protein improves forage utilization by increasing ruminally available N and energy supply to the animal. Together these two are expected to increase N absorption and balance. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effect of ruminal degradability and level of protein supplementation on N balance in Bos taurus indicus steers. Accordingly, six ruminally cannulated Brahman steers (BW 369 ± 51 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square to evaluate the interaction between level and degradability of protein supplementation when consuming King Ranch Bluestem hay (3.5% CP, 71.0% NDF). Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with steers receiving protein supplements (43% CP) with two ruminal degradable protein levels; 35% RDP (35%; 58% corn gluten meal and 42% soybean hulls) and 70% RDP (70%; 100% soybean meal). Supplements were fed at two levels, providing 1.26 or 2.53 g of supplement/kg BW (LOW and HIGH). A control (CON) provided no supplement. Five, 14-d periods, consisted of 9 d adaptation and 4 d to measure intake, digestion, and N balance, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation. No degradability × level interactions were significant (P > 0.10) for any measures of N balance. Forage organic matter intake increased (P < 0.01) in response to supplementation, forage N intake tended to increase (P = 0.06). Supplemental N intake increased with increased supplementation, as designed, (P < 0.01) resulting in a significant increase in total N intake (P < 0.01). Degradability tended (P = 0.09) to affect supplement N intake with 70% RDP being greater than 35% RDP. Fecal N excretion increased 50% for LOW and 68% for HIGH (P < 0.01) compared with CON but did not differ (P = 0.24) between RDP levels. Urinary N excretion increased with increasing level (P < 0.01) and degradability (P < 0.01) of the protein supplement. Urinary N excretion increased 250% for the 70% HIGH supplement and 84% for the 35% HIGH supplement. Nitrogen absorption increased from -3.8 g N/d for unsupplemented steers to 38.8 and 48.8 g N/d for the 35% HIGH and 70% HIGH, respectfully (P < 0.01). Nitrogen retention increased (P = 0.03) with level of supplementation from -19.1 g N/d for unsupplemented steers to 10.6 and 9.7 g N/d for 35% HIGH and 70% HIGH, respectfully. Providing supplemental N to Bos taurus indicus increased N intake, excretion, absorption, and retention. Level of ruminal degradability did not affect the amount of N retained or absorbed suggesting that protein supplementation regardless of ruminal N degradability will improve N balance in Bos taurus indicus consuming low-quality forage.