bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSX-28 Assessment of a Neonatal Supplement to Improve Health in Cattle
Authors: Ralston Brenda , Doolaege Cassie , Hanson Andrea , Vandenberg Carien , Nowosad Janet , Olson Merle , Allan Nick , Beaugrand Kendall , Church John S
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate an easy to administer and economical oral nutritional supplement for neonatal calves. Neonates are at risk of nutrient deficiencies because of maternal deficiencies, low body stores at birth and low nutritional intake. The pre-ruminating calf relies solely on milk for adequate immunity and nutrition until they begin ingesting forage. Insufficiencies can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. However, deficiencies in the cow are common due to variation in management, feeding and health protocols. A total of 21 beef calves in year 1 and 40 in year 2 were enrolled in the study. The calves were divided into experimental and control groups which received a vitamin-mineral supplement (VitaFerst-Care) and a saline solution at 1-3 days of age, respectively. Blood samples were collected, before, and again after supplementation (d 14 in yr 1 and d 3 in yrr 2) by jugular venipuncture. Iron and selenium concentrations were determined in blood serum of a subset of calves (n = 21 in yr1, n = 40 in yr2) by ICP-MS. All beef calves remained on their mothers. In yr 1, control calves had stable iron concentrations at 1.35 + 0.62 ppm (d 0) and 1.33 + 0.77ppm (d 14), with 50% of calves deficient. Iron concentrations in treatment calves increased slightly from 1.17 + 0.56 ppm to 1.43 +0.65 ppm. In yr 2, iron concentrations of control calves changed slightly from 1.69 + 0.91 ppm (d 0) to 1.98 +2.24 ppm (d 3). The iron concentrations in treatment calves further increased from 1.86 + 0.67 ppm to 2.33 + 2.16 ppm. Selenium concentrations were deficient in all calves in yr 1 (0.06 + 0.01 ppm) and year 2 (0.07 + 0.02 ppm) with no significant changes between treatment groups. This research provides insight regarding the severity and prevalence of nutrient deficiencies in newborn calves. All calves in the study were deficient in selenium, and between 30 to 50% were deficient in iron each year. Following supplementation, there was no significant increase in blood mineral concentrations between d 0 and d 14; however, between d 0 and d 3 there was a significant increase in blood iron concentration of calves.
PSX-27 The Impact of Feeding Young Nellore Bulls with a Low Concentrate Diet for Different Periods Followed By a High Concentrate Diet on Dry Matter Intake and Performance
Authors: Pucetti Pauliane , de Filho Sebastião Campos Valadares , da Silva Julia Travassos , de Oliveira Kellen Ribeiro , Alves Julia Gabriela Baroni , Ebani Yuri Cesconetto , Swanson Kendall C
Published: November 2023

In Brazil, it is common practice to feed young bulls a low-concentrate diet (LCD) after weaning, followed by a high-concentrate diet (HCD) during the finishing phase to optimize animal growth while reducing the cost of concentrated feed. By restricting the concentrate intake during the early phase, the animals can potentially adapt better to a high-energy diet during the finishing phase, leading to improved performance. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different LCD feeding periods after weaning, followed by feeding a HCD, on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), and final body weight (BW) of young Nellore bulls. Thirty-two young Nellore bulls (average initial BW = 265 ± 5 kg; age = 7 ± 1 mo) were used in a completely randomized design into four groups (n = 8/group) and assigned to receive one of 4 treatments containing different periods of LCD. The LCD consisted of 800 g/kg of forage sorghum silage and 200 g/kg of concentrate, while the HCD contained 200 g/kg of corn silage and 800 g/kg of concentrate. The diets were formulated according to BR-CORTE (2016) to achieve ADG of 0.6 kg/day and 1.2 kg/day for the LCD and HCD, respectively. The experiment lasted 154 days (14 days for adaptation to the HCD). The LCD and HCD feeding periods respectively were 0 and 140 (T0), 28 and 112 (T28), 56 and 84 (T56), and 84 and 56 (T84) days. All animals were fed ad libitum in an electronic feeder (INTERGADO, Intergado Ltd., Contagem, MG, Brazil), and individual daily feed intake was recorded. The bulls were weighed at the beginning and the end of the LCD and HCD feeding periods after undergoing 16 h of fasting to measure BW and ADG of both periods. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) assuming the significance level of 0.05. There was no evidence that different LCD feeding periods impacted DMI (P = 0.99), ADG (P = 0.59), or G:F (P = 0.48) during the LCD feeding period. The DMI during the HCD feeding period of T0 did not differ from the others, the T28 was not significantly different from the T84, and the T56 treatment was greater than T28 and T84 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the treatments for ADG (P = 0.09) and G:F (P = 0.98) during the HCD feeding period. The T0 had the heaviest final BW, while there was no difference between the T28 and T56 groups, and the T84 group had the lightest final BW(P < 0.01). Given that the final BW was heavier for T0, it may be inferred that there are no benefits to using LCD feeding periods.
PSX-18 Determining the Optimal Macroenvironment Temperature to Improve Lactating Sow and Piglet Productivity
Authors: Cecil Mekenzie , Neeno Samantha , Byrd MaryKate , Field Tyler C , Marchant Jeremy , Ni Ji-Qin , Richert Brian T , Schinckel Allan P , Stwalley Robert M , Johnson Jay S
Published: November 2023

Pre-weaned piglets prefer higher temperatures than lactating sows. To address this, swine producers use heating lamps or pads in combination with maintaining farrowing room macroenvironment temperatures at the upper end of the thermoneutral zone (24-25℃) of the lactating sow. This may inadvertently cause thermal stress for lactating sows resulting in decreased feed consumption, and ultimately, reduced milk production and litter growth. Therefore, the objective was to determine the sow level macroenvironment temperature that would improve both sow and litter productivity. In two repetitions, 37 lactating sows (parity = 3.1 ± 1.7) and their litters (d 1 litter size = 12.0 ± 1.0) were housed within 1 of 3 farrowing rooms set to different macroenvironment temperatures: LOW (n = 12 sows and litters; 15.0 ± 0.4℃), MID (n = 13 sows and litters; 19.3 ± 0.2℃), and HIGH (n = 12 sows and litters; 24.6 ± 0.8℃). Lactating sows and their litters were on trial from the onset of farrowing until weaning (19.8 ± 0.9 d of age). Individual farrowing crate temperatures were recorded throughout the trial in 0.14 s intervals using thermocouples mounted at sow head height. Piglets were provided a 0.34 x 1.52 m heating pad with a verified steady state of 35.0℃. Sow body weight (BW) was recorded at 24 h post-farrowing and at weaning, and piglet weights were measured on d 1, 7, 14 and at weaning to determine average daily BW gain (ADG). Liveborn piglet mortality was recorded throughout the trial. Sow feed intake (FI) was recorded daily from d 1 post-farrowing until weaning. The sow was considered the experimental unit for sow level measures and the litter was considered the experimental unit for piglet measures. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS 9.4 and using GLM in JMP 15. Regression models were used to determine the optimal macroenvironment temperature to improve sow FI and piglet ADG. Sow FI was greater (P < 0.01) for LOW (7.91 ± 0.38 kg) and MID (7.32 ± 0.37 kg) versus HIGH (6.37 ± 0.39 kg) sows, but similar for LOW and MID sows. Piglet ADG was greater from d 1 to weaning (P < 0.01) for LOW (0.25 ± 0.01 kg) and MID (0.26 ± 0.01 kg) versus HIGH (0.21 ± 0.01 kg) piglets, but similar for LOW and MID piglets. Pre-weaning mortality was similar (P = 0.32; 15.6%) among all treatments. A quadratic effect was observed (P < 0.01) where sow FI was maximized at a macroenvironment temperature of 17.2℃. A cubic effect was observed (P < 0.01) where piglet ADG was greatest at 17.0℃. In summary, these data have implications towards housing lactating sows and their litters at lower macroenvironment temperatures to improve growth performance.
PSX-1 Data Analytics of a Global Nirs Database of Corn Nutrient Content
Authors: Oviedo-Rondón Edgar O , Toscan Adriana , Fagundes Naiara S , Vidal Juliano K , Barbi Jose , Thiery Pascal
Published: November 2023

Corn is the primary energy source for livestock and poultry. Corn nutrient composition and energy value vary due to genetics, country of origin, agronomic, harvest, and storage conditions. Analytical variability among and within-labs makes it more difficult to detect differences among sources and establish nutrient interrelationships to estimate amino acid (AA) content based on crude protein (CP), which is less variable. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) can standardize feedstuff evaluation and increase the sample size. The PNE system (Adisseo) has distinctive NIRS curves created using direct calibrations with in vivo data of standard chicken metabolizable energy (AME and AMEn) and AA digestibility studies. This study assessed the link between AA concentrations and CP and among proximate parameters (CP, crude fiber, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and ash), starch, AA concentrations and digestibilities with AME and AMEn. The PNE database used includes 84,331samples of maize scanned in diverse countries between 2018 and 2021 that came from Argentina (7,654), Brazil (49,672), Indonesia (18,072), Philippines (4,747), and the United States (4,186). Correlation and regression analyses between AA and CP were performed. The pairwise correlations (P < 0.001) observed between AA and CP ranged between 0.52 and 0.90. The positive linear associations with CP content can be used to predict the concentrations of all AAs in corn (P < 0.001). However, coefficients of determination (R2) ranged from 0.27 (Trp) to 0.80 (Val) or 0.81 (Phe). Prediction equations for Lys, sulfur AAs had lower R2 values (0.37 to 0.47). Although the country of origin and CP interacted (P < 0.001), R2 modestly increased when added to these models. The estimation of AME and AMEn based on proximate values, starch, amylose, amylose:amylopectin, AA concentrations, AA digestibility, and country of origin was done using multiple linear regression (MLR) and neural networks (NN) analysis. All factors were significant (P < 0.001), and MLR models including starch and amylopectin, had the best fit for AME (R2 = 0.87, AICc = 149,635) and AMEn (R2 = 0.87, AICc = 149,543). The NN models had a better fit for training and validation datasets for AME (R2 = 0.95, RASE = 15.18) and AMEn (R2 = 0.95, RASE = 15.23). The NN models helped to visualize the greater importance of starch, AA concentration (Trp, Ile, Thr), and Leu digestibility. In summary, some corn AA concentrations (Val, Phe, Ile) may be predicted from their CP content; other AA concentrations may be more difficult to predict. Corn AA content varies by country of origin and independent of CP content. Starch content, AA concentration, and AA digestibility are essential factors in determining energy value of corn. Relevant nutritional aspects were elucidated by data analytics of a NIRS database with direct calibration of in vivo parameters of energy utilization and AA digestibility.
PSX-4 Effect of Course Modality and Major in an Animal Science Course Without a Laboratory on Course Content Mastery
Authors: Crossland Whitney L , Jackson Sam
Published: November 2023

The global pandemic forced many college courses into on-line modality and animal science (ANSC) departments were greatly affected by this change. The success of student content mastery was questioned. Animal science laboratory time may not be effectively replicated on-line but what about courses with no lab? Previous data in non-ANSC disciplines have indicated that student centered on-line learning can be just as effective as face-to-face courses regarding content mastery. It was hypothesized that to help meet the needs of a growing student population, some ANSC courses could increase their enrollment by offering on-line sections in conjunction with face-to-face modalities. However, a retrospective analysis of modality differences would need to be evaluated to determine equitability of student opportunities and outcomes between online and face-to-face sections of an ANSC course. Therefore, the objective was to critically evaluate the student content mastery of a core ANSC course offered both on-line and face-to-face across several terms. The Principles of Nutrition course at Texas Tech University, a non-lab associated junior-level core ANSC course, was selected for analysis. Course content exams and instructor of record were not changed for 9 semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) beginning in the Spring of 2019 and ending in Fall of 2022. Spring 2020 data were excluded. Students were filtered for drops, failures, and upper-class status to include 629 data points across 5 on-line sections (n = 225) and 5 face-to-face sections (n = 404). Content mastery was interpreted and measured as the mean percentage of four regular exams for each term. Content mastery was analyzed in a RCBD where modality was a fixed factor, major was block (ANSC or non-ANSC), and term was a random effect. Mean course mastery was 85.4 ± 9.1 %. There was no interaction of modality or major (P = 0.28). Modality did not affect student content mastery of the course (P = 0.45). Block was significant where ANSC majors had less (P = 0.03) content mastery than non-ANSC majors (85.1 vs. 87.4%, respectively), although still within the same letter grade of B. These results are consistent with those of other disciplines; interpreted to mean that on-line sections of non-lab associated ANSC courses may be an equitable option for ANSC students. In addition, on-line modality may be a preferred option for non-ANSC majors. An acknowledged limitation of these data set is the single course analysis and further research is needed to explore opportunities in other ANSC courses. Still these outcomes may aid in decision making when departmental classroom space is limited. In conclusion, the results of this analysis indicate that ANSC departments may prioritize their ANSC students in face-to-face modalities without negative consequences to non-ANSC majors who enroll in on-line sections.
PSXIII-27 Evaluation of Protein Quality of Select Chicken-Based Protein Sources Using the Precision-Fed Cecectomized Rooster Assay
Authors: Mioto Julio , Oba Patricia Massae , Utterback Pamela L , Parsons Carl M , Lambrakis Leah K , Chu Harry , Daniels Brannon , de Godoy Maria R C
Published: November 2023

The objective of this experiment was to determine and compare the standardized amino acid (AA) digestibility of chicken-based protein sources using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Four ingredients were tested: spray-dried chicken protein hydrolysate (CPH), spray-dried chicken meat (CC), spray-dried chicken broth (CB), and chicken meal (CM). All animal care procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee before experimentation. Sixteen cecectomized roosters (4 roosters per substrate) were randomly assigned to the four test substrates. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 12 g of test substrates and 12 g of corn. Following crop intubation, excreta (urine and feces) were collected for 48 h. Endogenous corrections for AA were made using 5 additional cecectomized roosters. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS version 9.4. Generally, CC had the greatest (P < 0.05) standardized digestibility for AA, followed by CPH. Methionine, phenylalanine, and valine had greater (P < 0.05) digestibility in CC and CPH compared with CB and CM. Digestibility of isoleucine and leucine were greater (P < 0.05) in roosters fed CC, followed by CPH, CM, and CB. Greater digestibility (P < 0.05) of lysine was observed in roosters fed CC and CPH, followed by CM and CB. Histidine and threonine had the least digestibility (P < 0.05) in CB compared with all other ingredients. In contrast, digestibility of tryptophan was greatest (P < 0.05) in CC, followed by CPH and CB, while CM had similar (P > 0.05) digestibility to CC and CPH. Amino acid digestibility for most indispensable AA was above 80% for all ingredients, except for histidine, lysine, and threonine, which were exceptions only for CB (68%, 73%, and 74%, respectively). For selected dispensable AA, amino acid digestibility was above 60% for all ingredients, except for aspartic acid in CB and CM, and serine in CB, which were exceptions (43, 68% and 66%, respectively). In general, the least DIAAS values were observed in roosters fed CB, followed by CPH, CM, and greatest in CC. Overall, CC and CPH have comparable indispensable AA digestibility, and tryptophan or phenyl alanine+tyrosine were, generally, the first limiting AA.
PSXIV-24 Inducing Luteolysis Before Atresia of the First Follicular Wave By Altering the Interval to Prostaglandin F2ɑ Administration After Long-Term Progestin Presynchronization
Authors: VanWye Genevieve , Smith Emily G , Spinka Christine , Smith Michael F , Lucy Matthew , Thomas Jordan M
Published: November 2023

A series of experiments was designed to evaluate treatment schedules for control of the estrous cycle in which luteolysis is induced before atresia of the first follicular wave following a long-term progestin presynchronization treatment in beef heifers. The central hypothesis was that the proportion of heifers undergoing luteolysis and expressing estrus following PG administration would be affected by the duration of treatment with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR; 1.38 g progesterone) and/or by the interval from CIDR removal to prostaglandin F2ɑ (PG; 500 µg cloprostenol) administration. In each experiment, heifers were blocked by reproductive tract score and body weight and assigned randomly within block to treatment. In Experiment 1, heifers (n = 91) were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design: presynchronization via CIDR treatment for either 14 d or 18 d with administration of PG either 8 d or 9 d following CIDR removal. In Experiment 2, heifers (n = 63) were assigned to receive administration of PG either 9 d or 10 d following a 14 d CIDR presynchronization. In Experiment 3, heifers (n = 83) were assigned to receive administration of PG either 9 d or 16 d following a 14 d CIDR presynchronization. In Experiments 1 and 2, heifers were artificially insemination (AI) 8 to 12 h after expressing estrus, with timed AI performed 96 h after PG administration for heifers failing to express estrus. In Experiment 3, heifers expressing estrus by 66 h after PG administration were inseminated at that time and all remaining heifers were inseminated at 90 h. In Experiment 1, there was a tendency for a greater proportion of heifers to express estrus by 96 h after PG administration when PG administration occurred 9 d versus 8 d after CIDR removal (P = 0.07). Additionally, serum estradiol concentrations were greater at the time of PG administration when PG was administered 9 d versus 8 d after CIDR removal following an 18 d CIDR treatment (P = 0.006). In Experiment 2, pregnancy rate to AI (P/AI) was greater among heifers receiving PG administration 9 d versus 10 d after CIDR removal (P = 0.03). There was a tendency for largest follicle diameter measured at timed AI to be greater among non-estrous heifers receiving PG administration 10 d versus 9 d after CIDR removal (P < 0.08). In Experiment 3, there was a tendency for serum progesterone concentrations at the time of PG administration to be greater among heifers receiving PG administration 16 d versus 9 d after CIDR removal (P = 0.07). These results provide a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of inducing luteolysis before atresia of the first follicular wave following long-term progestin presynchronization.
PSXIV-15 Evaluation of the Methanogenic Population in Cattle Treated with the Natural Additive Fator P
Authors: Ferreira Luis , Araújo Wellington , Daurea Andre , Bertelli Lauriston , Verza Flávia , Saltoratto Ana
Published: November 2023

The emission of greenhouse gases from the enteric fermentation of ruminants contributes to the worsening of the world climate and has serious consequences for the environment. The use of additives in animal diets modulates the population of rumen microorganisms, reduces metabolic losses through methanogenic pathways, and brings benefits in improving the energy balance of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, but, the traditional antibiotics, increase the risk of contamination to the environment and antimicrobial resistance. Fator P is a natural additive composed of amino acids (lysine, methionine, and tyrosine), choline, minerals, probiotics and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6). The advantage of using the natural additive Fator P, is that it can reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance, maintain the balance of the ruminal ecosystem, and avoid possible destabilization of the flora even with constant use of the additive. The aim of this study was to quantify methanogenic microorganisms in grazing animals treated with the additive Factor P, and show that the additive is able to reduce and maintain the methanogenic population stable for a period of 365 consecutive days. The experiment was conducted using 3 cattle per treatment randomized based on the initial methanogenic population, that received a daily dose of 6 g of Factor P additive in the treated group, and 6 g of placebo in the control group. Samples of ruminal fluids from the animals were collected weekly for DNA extraction (Qiagem 51604). The evaluation of the profile of methanogenic microorganisms was performed by the relative quantification method using qPCR with primer sequences for total bacteria and methanogenic (target) bacteria, described in the literature and previously standardized in calibration curves. The statistics analyzes were performed according to the ANOVA test followed by the Tukey mean test (P < 0.05) in GraphPad PRISM Program 7.00 version. These results of the difference between the means of the weekly relative quantifications of the treated group (0.197) and control group (0.279), showed a reduction of 29.9% (P value = 0.0022; Table 1). The results indicate that the natural additive Fator P is an efficient and sustainable product for reducing and maintaining the methanogenic population of the treated group stable throughout the 365 days of the year. In this case, it can be considered as a safe solution to reduce the methanogenic population and has been shown to be effective in increasing the productivity of commercial cattle.
PSXIV-1 Impact of Slow-Release Nitrogen Or Regular Protein-Based Supplementation During Late Gestation on Maternal and Offspring Performance in Beef Cattle
Authors: Gionbelli Mateus P , Devia Diana , Nascimento Karolina B , Costa Thais Correia , Santos Luana , Ramirez-Zamudio German , Duarte Marcio S
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementing pregnant beef cows with regular nitrogen or a slow-release nitrogen source at the late gestation could enhance the use of a low protein basal diet and improve the performance of cows and their offspring until weaning. Thirty-five pregnant Brahman cows (556 ± 47 kg and 4.5 ± 1.4 years old) were individually housed in covered pens and randomly divided into three groups. From 180 ± 19 days of gestation until calving, cows were fed either a control (CON, n = 12) low crude protein (CP) basal diet (6% of CP, ad libitum) plus mineral mixture (130 g·cow-1·d-1), or the CON treatment supplemented with protein concentrate supplements (40% CP, fed 2 g·kg of BW-1·d-1 in the morning) based either on a regular (REG, n = 11) composition (corn, soybean meal, and urea) or on a slow-release N (SRN, n = 12) source (Timafeed Boost, Roullier Group, Saint-Malo, France) which replaced 60% of soybean meal and urea in the supplement composition. The MN, fetal sex (FS), and MN×FS were used as fixed effects in the statistical model, while the number of previous calvings was considered as a random effect. Maternal initial BW was used as a covariate. Statistical differences were declared at P < 0.05. Supplementation with REG and SRN increased total dry matter intake (DMI) and basal diet intake compared with the control treatment (P < 0.01). Protein supplementation allowed the cows to have a higher average daily gain (P < 0.01; 0.177 and 0.193 kg/day, respectively, for REG and SRN) than the CON treatment (-0.255 kg/day). Body condition score (BCS) also increased (P < 0.01) when cows received protein supplementation in late pregnancy, but with no differences between REG and SRN cows (P = 0.31). Interactions between MN and FS were observed for calf birth weight (CBW, P < 0.01) and calves' average daily gain up to 120 days of age (ADG120, P = 0.01), but not at weaning weight (P = 0.69). Male calves born from REG and SRN cows were born heavier and gained more weight up to 120 days after birth than calves born from CON cows (P < 0.05) but did not differ from each other (P = 0.94 and 0.92, respectively, for CBW and ADG120). Female calves had no differences in CBW and ADG120 as a function of maternal dietary treatment during pregnancy. The REG and SRN calves weaned heavier (P < 0.05) than CON calves. In conclusion, supplementing protein to pregnant beef cows during periods of low CP pasture improves maternal and progeny performance. The SRN-based product can replace the major part of soybean and urea in the protein supplement, achieving same level of improvement in forage utilization and animal performance as the regular protein-based supplement.
PSXIII-11 Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus on Growth Performance, Frequency of Diarrhea, Nutrient Digestibility, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Weaned Pigs
Authors: Park Youngmin , Kyoung Hyunjin , Park Kyeong Il , Kim Yonghee , Ahn Jinmu , Lee Jae In , Ha Sewon , Nam Jinwook , Kim Kimoon , Kang Yonggu , Shin Ikcheol , Song Minho
Published: November 2023

The swine industry has to find ways to make diets more efficient in terms of growth performance and swine intestinal health. Thus, this study was carried out to verify the effect of dietary supplementation of the probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, on growth performance, frequency of diarrhea, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters of weaned pigs. A total of 40 weaned pigs [6.21 ± 0.55 kg of initial body weight (BW)] were assigned to 2 dietary treatments (4 pigs/pen; 5 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (block: initial BW). This experiment was performed for 4 weeks. Dietary treatments were a commercial basal nursery diet (CON) and CON supplemented with 0.02% Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 (PRO; ILDONG Bioscience Co., Ltd., Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were measured on day 1, 7, 14, and 28. The frequency of diarrhea was measured for the first 2 weeks after weaning. Diarrhea score of each pen was visually estimated from 1 to 5 (1 = normal feces, 2 = moist feces, 3 = mild diarrhea, 4 = severe diarrhea, and 5 = watery diarrhea). For the last week of experimental period, pigs were fed respective dietary treatments containing 0.2% chromium oxide. Fecal samples from randomly selected one pig per pen were collected daily by rectal palpation for the last 3 days. The samples from the diet and feces of each treatment were used to measure the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), energy (EN), and crude protein (CP). Serum samples were collected for blood biochemical parameters. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters were analyzed by the General Linear Model of SAS. The frequency of diarrhea was analyzed by the Chi-square test. The experimental unit was a pen. Statistical model for growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and biochemical parameters included dietary treatment as a main effect and initial BW as a covariate. Pigs fed PRO had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F than those fed CON from day 1 to 7, and The PRO had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than CON from day 15 to 28. The PRO increased ADG during overall the experimental period (P < 0.10), nutrient digestibility of DM, EN, and CP (P < 0.05) compared with CON. However, no differences were found on frequency of diarrhea and blood biochemical parameters between dietary treatments. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility.
PSXIII-1 Proof of Concept of Feeding Non-Protein Nitrogen Based Special Liquid Product (StimGain) Improve the Performance and Production in Swine and Poultry
Authors: Mahfuz Abdullah A , Doppenberg Kevin , Dasari Mohan
Published: November 2023

Feed is generally the greatest expense for animal production today. Improved feed formulations and new approaches of feeding existing feedstuffs are being explored to increase total protein production. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of an energy-based Special Liquid (StimGain) containing non-protein nitrogen (NPN), alcohol, and distiller grain solubles monogastric diets without critically affecting growth and performance. The Study 1 (Swine grow-finish test) test included 24 pigs (average purchase weight 19.1 kg) per treatment group with three replications were placed for 90 days. The treatments were: 1) Control diet with 16% protein, 2) Protein Check: Control diet with 15% protein, 3) StimGain: same as protein check including 22.7 kg of StimGain product per ton feed. The Study 2 (Laying Hen test) test included 100 pullets per treatment group, with 10 pullets per cage 10 weeks. At 10 weeks of age, pullets were placed in layer cage 2 birds per cage for 30 weeks. The treatments were: 1) Control diet, 2): Control diet + 22.7 kg StimGain product per ton feed. Each group of hens received identical amounts of minerals and vitamins. The Study 3 (Broiler Chicken test) test included 110 birds per treatment group, with 10 birds per cage for 42 days. The treatments were: 1) Control diet, 2): Control diet + 22.7 kg of StimGain product per ton feed. Each group of hens received identical amounts of minerals and Vitamins. Differences in growth performance between groups were analyzed for significance using ANOVA then used PostHoc test. Kruskal-Wallis test was done to confirm if there is a significant difference among treatments, and normality was tested by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test to do pairwise comparisons. Significance was considered at P ≤ 0.05 . The pig study (Study 1), StimGain improved average feed to gain (Control = 3.240, Protein check = 3.391, StimGain = 3.016), salable meat production (Contro l= 78.47%, Protein check = 80.02%, StimGain = 82.22%), lard formation (Control = 14.33%, Protein check = 12.39%, StimGain = 11.58%).In Study 2, StimGain increased average laying percent of hens (StimGain hens = 80.47%, Control hens = 79.34%). In the broiler chicken study (Study 3), StimGain improved Feed to Gain (StimGain = 2.590, Control = 2.911) and salable meat weight (average dressed weight to live weight percentage for StimGain birds = 69.93%, Control birds = 69.01%). Diets formulated with StimGain in pigs improved feed to gain ratio and improved the efficiency of proteins, rather than addition of protein to a conventional swine diet. Also, StimGain improved efficiency of metabolism by reducing lard formation and increasing salable meat formation in pigs. StimGain increased average laying percent of hens, and improved feed to gain and salable meat in broilers.
PSII-9 Circulating Cytokine Profiles of Bos Indicus Cattle Prior to Artificial Insemination in Relation to Pregnancy Status
Authors: Smith Molly S , Soffa Dallas R , McAnally Brooke E , Hickman-Brown Kyle J , Stockland Erin , Poole Rebecca K
Published: November 2023

Cytokines and chemokines (cytokines with chemotactic activity) influence inflammatory responses and can upregulate pro- or anti-inflammatory immune responses and influence fertility. The aim of this study was to characterize the circulating cytokines of Bos indicus females prior to fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI). Bos indicus females on operations within a 20-mile radius were subjected to the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol on day (d) -9 and FTAI on d 0. Blood samples were collected on d -9 (CIDR IN), d -2 (CIDR OUT), and d 0 (AI). Cattle were body condition scored (BCS) on d 0. Pregnancy status was determined by transrectal ultrasonography for resulting non-pregnant females (n = 44) and resulting pregnant females (n = 34). Cytokine analyses on blood plasma samples were conducted using the RayBiotech Quantibody Bovine Cytokine Array Q1 kit per manufacturer's instructions. Cytokines and chemokines measured included interferon alpha (IFNa), interferon-gamma (IFNg), interleukin (IL)1a, IL1F5, IL13, IL21, chemokine-ligand (CXCL) 9, CXCL10, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)1b, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa). Data were analyzed using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects for pregnancy status, ranch, day, and parity. Body condition scores did not significantly differ by pregnancy status (P > 0.05). There were no differences in cytokine concentrations by day of the synchronization protocol or between cows and heifers (P > 0.05). There were differences by location (P < 0.05) for most cytokines except MIP1b and TNFa. Circulating concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFNg, IL1a, and TNFa were greater (P < 0.05) in resulting non-pregnant females compared with pregnant females (2,323.5 ± 260.5 vs. 1,502.8 ± 246.8 pg/mL, 894.6 ± 96.8 vs. 598.3 ± 91.7 pg/mL, and 6,052.6 ± 627.4 vs. 4,156.6 ± 594.3 pg/mL, respectively). Circulating concentrations of the chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and MIP1b were also greater (P < 0.05) in resulting non-pregnant females compared with pregnant females (4,887.0 ± 538.3 vs. 2,905.3 ± 509.8 pg/mL, 12,167.3 ± 1,496.2 vs. 6,295.4 ± 1,417.2 pg/mL, 586.4 ± 56.8 vs 324.4 ± 53.8 pg/mL, respectively). Interestingly, circulating concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL13, IL1F5, and IL21 were greater (P < 0.05) in resulting non-pregnant females compared with pregnant females (11,147.7 ± 1,009.9 vs. 6,752.1 ± 956.6 pg/mL, 1,189.3 ± 111.7 vs. 744.5 ± 105.8 pg/mL, and 1,1153.6 ± 898.0 vs. 8,409.7 ± 850.6 pg/mL, respectively). No differences by pregnancy status were found for concentrations of IFNa (P = 0.13). These results suggest that an increase in circulating cytokines and chemokines prior to FTAI negatively impacts fertility in Bos indicus cattle. Future research is necessary to determine the threshold of circulating cytokine concentrations that subsequently impact pregnancy establishment and maintenance.
PSXI-5 Impact of Different Vaccine Formulations in Reducing Methane Production in Beef Cattle
Authors: Muntari Musah , Poliakiwski Brette , Vilches Mario , Polanco Odile , Smith Damon , Walker Ryon , Pohler Ky G , Lamb Cliff C
Published: November 2023

Ruminants are the main contributor to agricultural emissions of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4), which is one of the main greenhouses causing global warming. The objective of this pilot study was to test the effectiveness of 4 different vaccine formulations (VF) on methane abatement in beef cattle. Two weeks before the start of the trial, steers aged between 9 to 10 months with body weights (236.57 ± 20,61 kg) were trained to use the GreenFeed (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA) system for methane measurement. At the end of the adaptation period, animals that best accepted the GreenFeed system were selected (n = 20) for the experiment. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four different formulations of vaccine treatments as well as a control group. Each treatment group had the following number of steers: Control/Untreated (UTD, n = 4), F1/OVA_ adj (n= 4), F2/Ag1_adj (n= 4), F3/pep1_Ag1_adj (n = 4), F4/pep2_Ag1_adj (n = 4). On day 0, vaccine was administered followed by booster injections on day 20 with 2mL injected intramuscularly in the anterior region of the neck both times. Through jugular venipuncture, blood was collected into a 10 mL vacutainer tube (Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ) to obtain serum on day 34 post-treatment to determine methanogen-specific IgA and IgG concentration. Rumen fluid (14 mL) was collected on pre-treatment (d0), and post treatments (d 20 and d 34) into a glass jar using an esophageal stomach tube connected to a vacuum and occurred pre-feeding to determine the relative abundance of total archaea and Methanobrevibacter ruminantium. Methane production was sampled on individual animals using the GreenFeed system pre-treatment (d -8 to -1) and post treatment (d 22 to d 29). The GreenFeed system estimates daily methane production (DMP, g/day) by measuring gas concentration for 3 to 5 mins on individual animals. Data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD post-hoc analysis. Preliminary results showed overall mean methane emission pre-treatment (165.853 ± 2.69 g/d) compared with post-treatment (192.164 ± 2.33 g/d) increased by 16%. However, methane emissions between treatment groups showed statistical difference (P < 0.001) specifically between treatment group F2 and F4. Serum concentration of IgA and IgG, ruminal relative abundance of total archaea and Methanobrevibacter ruminantium did not show significant difference (P > 0.10). From the results, vaccine formulation F2 and F4 showed effects in the methane emission between the treatment groups. Future research will consider increasing the vaccine dosage and analyzing more samples. This project was supported by HelixNano.
PSXII-13 The Design of Equipment That Combines a High-Pressure Jet and a Translational Scraper to Improve the Manure Treatment Efficiency of Pig Barn Cleaning Machine
Authors: Jeon Jintack , Won Jin-ho , Lee Sangho , Yang Changju , Kim Gookhwan
Published: November 2023

Livestock farming generates a significant amount of manure, which must be effectively managed to prevent environmental pollution and ensure the health and well-being of animals. The cleaning machine is a commonly used tool for removing manure from pig barns: however, it often leaves behind residual waste that is difficult to remove. To address this issue, a new equipment design that combines a high-pressure jet and a translational scraper has been proposed. This design aims to improve the efficiency of manure treatment by weakening the adhesion and removing stubborn waste particles, making it easier for the cleaning machine to collect the manure. The high-pressure jet provides a powerful stream of water that can dislodge even the most stubborn waste particles. For high-pressure washing, a DC 10V/10A standard water pump and a 70L water tank are included. The translational scraper, on the other hand, can move left and right across the surface of the slatted floor, effectively scraping away any remaining waste. For this work, an actuator was installed to move the blade part and the hook type work part. These two components work together to improve the efficiency of manure treatment and reduce the amount of waste left behind. By improving the efficiency of manure treatment, this new equipment design can help to reduce environmental pollution and improve the overall health and well-being of pigs. In addition, it can also reduce labor costs and improve the profitability of pig farming operations. In conclusion, the design of equipment that combines a high-pressure jet and a translational scraper has the potential to significantly improve the manure treatment efficiency of a pig barn cleaning machine. This new design can help to address the challenges associated with manure management in pig farming and promote a more sustainable and efficient approach to livestock farming. This achievement was made by the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, R&D project(421044043HD030)
PSXII-12 Partial Indicators Monitoring in Dairy Farm: Effect of Feed Efficiency Improvement on Gross Margin
Authors: Sechi Gian Simone , Atzori Alberto S
Published: November 2023

The use of partial indicators helps to improve technical and economic efficiency of dairy farms. Nevertheless, complete monitoring of farm cash flow and economic balances is needed to better support the decision making. The aim of this work was to propose a practical approach to monitor farm costs and incomes and related indicators of profitability. A methodological framework to calculate farm gross margin was developed and applied to a dairy cattle farm with 227 milking cows from Arborea (Or, Italy). Farm data were gathered at daily scale and elaborated twice per month. Replacement and dry cattle, other costs were monitored separately. Considered variables included: diet formulas, dry matter (DM) and costs of the produced and purchased feeds, milk delivered and price, meat and cattle sold (culled cows, live animals). Through the management software Ecostallawere collected the other costs concerning health and reproduction cost, energy and other costs that included: fuel, electricity and other materials. The farmer was asked daily to input in an excel spreadsheet for lactation groups feed and milk delivered, milking cows, feed orts and for all the groups: consistency, feed delivered and weekly the unifeed DM. Partial indicators were calculated for feed efficiency as milk/feed (FE), cost in €/kg of DM, IOFC, gross margin (revenues –considered costs). All the calculations were referred to the year 2022 the average milk price and cost per kg of DM was 0.465 €/l 0.39 €/kg respectively. The average milk production and DMI per cow was 33 l and 25.5 kg respectively, with a FE of 1.29 . Pooling daily data over the whole year a variation of ± 0.1 in FE corresponded to ±1.01 €/head daily change in IOFC. At the end of the year the feeding costs were equal to 817,798 € for lactating cows, 229,354 € for heifers, dry cows and calves, health and reproduction cost were 60,852 € and energy and other cost were 212,132 € . The final gross margin was 18,461 €, ranging from a max of 14,282 € in March and a min of – 15,501 € in September. Improving FE from 1.29 to 1.43 with 26.5 kg/DM and 38 l/d with other costs that remain equal except improving cost per kg of DM of . 0.02 € it will be a gross margin about 128,707 € more than 110,246 € respect the actual situation. This approach can be useful to stimulate farmer nutirionist and vet to improve a discussion to research goal to economic sustainability of farm.
PSI-21 The Role of N-Carbamylglutamate Supplementation During Last Third of Gestation in Nutrient Restricted Twin-Bearing Ewes
Authors: Sales Francisco A , Parraguez Victor H , McCoard Susan A , Sandoval Camila , Chandia Francisca , Maclean Paul
Published: November 2023

Nutrient restriction in sheep during pregnancy normally occurs in Patagonia with negative effects on ewe body condition (BCS) and reproductive performance. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), an analogue of N-acetylglutamate, is postulated to improve urea recycling, nitrogen utilization and antioxidant capacity in ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral NCG supplementation in naturally nutrient restricted grazing twin-bearing ewes, on maternal body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), serum biochemical indexes and antioxidant capacity in mid-late gestation. Ten twin-bearing ewes were orally dosed once-daily with 60 mg/kg BW NCG in a water carrier from 100 to 140 days of gestation (dg) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (CON; n = 8). Maternal BW, and BCS were recorded every 10 days, from 100 to 140 dg. Blood samples were collected at the same time points to evaluate plasma metabolites (NEFA, urea, total protein, albumin, globulin, Ca, P, Mg, Cholesterol, ASAT, CK, GGT, GLDH, total bilirubin and triglycerides), antioxidant status [malondialdehyde (MDA)], and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Ewes were managed as a single mob in a paddock with natural pasture (3.3% CP, 1.9 Mcal/kg ME), supplemented with alfalfa hay (600 g· ewe-1· /day-1; 13% CP and ME 2.2 Mcal/kg ME) from 130 dg, with a stocking rate of 0.9 ewes per hectare and a dry matter availability of 525 kg per hectare, representative of Patagonian prairie conditions. The effect of treatment on ewe BW, BCS and plasma metabolites were analyzed using REML analysis in R using lme4 R package with time (dg) and treatment (and their interaction) as fixed effects and animal as the random effect. Ewe BW increased (P < 0.0001) and BCS decreased (P = 0.005) with advancing gestation, but there was no effect of treatment. There was a tendency for a treatment effect (P = 0.07) on plasma urea with ~10% less concentrations in NCG than CON ewes at 130 dg (P = 0.08) and 140 dg (P = 0.04). There was a treatment by time interaction for total bilirubin (P = 0.005), phosphorus (P = 0.02), and a similar trend for albumin (P = 0.09). Ewes supplemented with NCG had~10% lower concentrations of bilirubin at 100 (P = 0.01) and 120 dg (P = 0.04), less concentrations of phosphorus (P = 0.003) and albumin (P = 0.02) at 140 dg compared with CON ewes. No other effects of treatment on blood metabolites or antioxidant status or capacity were observed. Collectively these results suggest that supplementation of nutritionally restricted ewes with 60 mg/kg BW from 100 to 140 dg did not influence BW or LWT but may have some effects on liver function, protein metabolism, urea recycling, feed intake and/or feed efficiency which warrant further investigation.*Funded by FONDECYT Project N°1221042; AgResearch Strategic Science Investment Fund.