bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
138 Evaluation of different combinations of medium chain fatty acids and monolaurin as a dietary additive for nursery pigs
Authors: Thomas Lori L , Hartman Ashley , Woodworth Jason C , Tokach Mike D , Goodband Robert D , Dritz Steve S , DeRouchey Joel M , McKilligan Denny , Jones Aaron
Published: July 2019

A total of 360 pigs (DNA 400×200, initial BW=6.8 kg) were used a 35-d trial to evaluate the effects of adding MCFA and monolaurin blends to the diet on growth performance of nursery pigs. Pens of pigs were blocked by BW and randomized to 1 of 6 dietary treatments (12 pens per treatment). Treatments consisted of a basal diet containing no MCFA (control), the control diet with 1.0% added MCFA (a 1:1:1 blend of C6, C8, and C10; Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), or a 1.0% inclusion of 4 different blends of MCFA, lactic acid, and monolaurin (1, 2, 3, and 4). The 4 blends consisted of 50% C6, 20% lactic acid and increasing levels of monolaurin (0, 10, 20, and 30%) at the expense of C12 (30, 20, 10, and 0%). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with pen as the experimental unit. From d 0 to 14, pigs fed the 1.0% 1:1:1 MCFA blend had increased (P = 0.037) ADG compared to the control group. Pigs fed the 1.0% 1:1:1 MCFA blend and the mean of the 4 blends of MCFA, lactic acid, and monolaurin had improved (P < 0.037) G:F compared with pigs fed the control diet. From d 14 to 35, ADFI and subsequently ADG increased (P < 0.057) for pigs fed the 1.0% 1:1:1 MCFA blend compared with the control group. Overall, pigs fed the 1.0% 1:1:1 MCFA blend had increased (P < 0.034) ADFI and ADG, resulting in 0.9 kg greater final BW (P = 0.014) compared with the control group. There was no evidence for differences between the mean of pigs fed blends of MCFA, lactic acid, and monolaurin compared with the control. In summary, the addition of a 1.0% 1:1:1 MCFA blend resulted in improved ADG, ADFI, and G:F compared with pigs fed a control diet.
141 Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis modified fecal microbiota of weaning pigs experimentally infected with pathogenic E. coli
Authors: Jinno Cynthia , Kim Kwangwook , Song Minho , Ji Peng , Maga Elizabeth , Liu Yanhong
Published: July 2019

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the influence of Bacillus subtilis supplements on fecal microbiota of pigs experimentally infected with F-18 E. coli. Forty-eight pigs (6.73 ± 0.77 kg BW) were individually housed in disease containment rooms and randomly allotted to one of four treatments with 12 replicate pigs per treatment. Four treatments included negative control (NC), positive control (PC), single dose probiotics, and double dose probiotics. Pigs in the NC and PC groups were fed with basal diet but without or with E. coli challenge, respectively. Pigs in the probiotics groups were fed the diets either supplemented with 1.28 × 109 CFU or 2.56 × 109 CFU Bacillus subtilis/kg feed and challenged with E. coli. The experiment lasted 18 d with 7 d before and 11 d after the first E. coli inoculation (d 0). Fecal samples were collected on d 5 and d 12 post inoculation (PI) and fecal microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing at the V4 hypervariable region and compositional data was analyzed using QIIME2 (2016.6). Pigs in the NC group had less (P < 0.05) Shannon diversity index than pigs in the other groups on d 5 PI, but no difference was observed in Shannon diversity among all treatment groups on d 12 PI. Bray Curtis PCoA analysis displayed that pigs in both probiotics group were separately clustered from the NC and PC groups on d 5 PI. Supplementation of single or double dose probiotics reduced (P < 0.05) the abundance of fecal Firmicutes compared with NC and PC. Within this phylum, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae was increased (P < 0.05), but the abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Streptococcaceae was decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of Bacillus subtilis could modify gut microbiota of weaned pigs challenged with F18 E. coli.
147 Effects of added dietary Zn and Cu or an essential oils blend in a nursery feeding program
Authors: Thompson Robyn , Knopf Brandon , Greiner Laura , Bergstrom Jon R
Published: July 2019

Approximately 1,200 weaned pigs (8.8 ± 1 kg; Camborough×337, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were used to evaluate the effects of a blend of essential oils compared to therapeutic programs [negative control (NC), Carbodox (NC + 55 ppm Mecadox, Phibro, Teaneck, NJ; MX), added ZnO and CuSO4 (NC + 2,000 ppm Zn and 150 ppm Cu in P1 and 150 ppm Cu in P2; ZnCu), and essential oils blend (NC + 0.4% Victus Liv, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ; VL)]. Pigs were allotted to the treatments 10 d after weaning. Treatments occurred over 2 phases: 14 d (P1) and 21 d (P2). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (F:G) were evaluated. Data were analyzed as a CRD using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit and treatment as main effect. During P1, pigs fed MX or ZnCu had increased ADG compared with NC (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively) and VL (P = 0.007 and P = 0.018, respectively). Pigs fed MX, VL, or ZnCu had improved F:G compared to NC (P < 0.0001, P = 0.04, and P = 0.001, respectively). In P2, ZnCu or MX increased ADG compared to VL (P = 0.03, P = 0.06, respectively) and ZnCu tended to increase ADG compared to NC (P = 0.07). Overall (d 0 to 35), VL tended to decrease the percent removals compared with NC (P = 0.07). In conclusion, feeding MX or ZnCu improved ADG and F:G and diets with VL resulted in the least removals.
148 Effects of inclusion of a peptide based commercial product on the growth performance and fecal bacterial composition of nursery piglets
Authors: Poudel Prakash , Levesque Crystal L , Samuel Ryan S , St- Pierre Benoit
Published: July 2019

While a number of approaches have been developed to counter intestinal dysfunction and reduced growth during the early post-weaning period, there is a need for improvement or development of new feed additives. A trial was performed to evaluate the impact of dietary inclusion of a peptide-based commercial product (Peptiva, Vitech Biochem Corp) on the growth and fecal microbiome of nursery pigs. A total of 746 weaned pigs (5.9 ± 0.1 kg) divided between 15 control (standard nursery diet) and 15 treatment pens (control diet with Peptiva at 1, 0.5, and 0.3%, for each respective phase) received their assigned diets for 6 wks (Phase I: d0 – 7; Phase II, d8 – 21; Phase III, d22 – 42). No significant difference in body weight, daily gain, daily feed intake or gain:feed was observed between control and treatment animals (P > 0.05). Microbiome analysis was conducted using 10 fecal samples collected at the end of Phase II and 10 samples at the end of Phase III. Bacterial composition was assessed by Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) clustering of sequence data generated from PCR amplicons targeting the V1-V3 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Eleven OTUs were found to vary in abundance between Control Phase II and Control Phase III (P < 0.05), indicating a base diet effect on bacterial composition. Three OTUs were in lower abundance in Peptiva Phase II samples compared to Control Phase II (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in the abundance of these three OTUs when comparing Peptiva Phase II to Control Phase III (P > 0.05). No OTUs differed in abundance between Peptiva Phase III and Control Phase III samples. These results suggest that Peptiva can modulate the composition of the swine microbiome during a specific window of the nursery stage, potentially by accelerating its maturation.
154 Digestibility of amino acids, fiber, and energy, and concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in conventional and extruded yellow dent corn, wheat, and sorghum fed to growing pigs
Authors: Rodriguez Diego A , Lee Su A , Muckey Mary B , Jones Cassandra K , Stein Hans H
Published: July 2019

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of extrusion on energy and nutrient digestibility in corn, wheat, and sorghum fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, 6 diets based on raw or extruded sources of each grain and an N-free diet were formulated. Seven barrows (14.2 ± 0.9 kg) had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum and were allotted to a 7 × 7 Latin square. Ileal digesta were collected for 2 d after 5 d of adaptation. Results indicated that extruded grains had greater (P < 0.001) apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of starch than non-extruded grains. Extrusion increased standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of all AA except Pro in corn, but SID of AA in wheat and sorghum was not affected by extrusion (Table 1). In Exp. 2, 48 barrows (15.1 ± 3.7 kg) were allotted to 6 diets based on each of the 6 grains. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates and feces and urine were collected quantitatively for 5 d after 5 d of adaptation. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE increased by extrusion of corn or sorghum, but that was not the case for wheat (interaction, P < 0.001). The ATTD of NDF was reduced by extrusion of wheat, but not of corn or sorghum (interaction, P < 0.001). Extrusion reduced (P < 0.05) the ATTD of ADF in all grains. Values for ME were greater in extruded corn and sorghum compared with non-extruded grains, but ME in wheat was not affected by extrusion (interaction, P < 0.001). In conclusion, extrusion of corn, wheat, and sorghum increased AID of starch and SID of all indispensable AA. The ME in corn and sorghum was also increased.
159 Impact of dietary fiber and carbohydrases on intestinal gene transcription in enterotoxigenic E. coli challenged pigs
Authors: Li Qingyun , Burrough Eric R , Gabler Nicholas K , Gould Stacie A , Loving Crystal L , Tuggle Christopher K , Sahin Orhan , Patience John F
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to evaluate if soluble (10% sugar beet pulp) or insoluble dietary fiber (15% corn DDGS) with or without exogenous carbohydrases protect piglets against enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)-induced changes in gene transcription of markers of intestinal inflammation and barrier integrity. Sixty newly-weaned piglets (BW=6.9 ± 0.1 kg; L337 X Camborough, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were blocked by initial BW, preselected for F18 ETEC sensitivity and placed in individual pens. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments (n = 10/trt): non-challenged (NC), ETEC-challenged (PC), PC-fed a soluble fiber diet without (SF-) or with (SF+) carbohydrases (xylanase, β-glucanase, and pectinase), or PC fed an insoluble fiber diet without (IF-) or with carbohydrases (IF+). Pigs were orally inoculated with ETEC or PBS on d 7 post-weaning. Intestinal tissues were collected on d 14 or 15. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX (SAS 9.4); treatment was a fixed effect and block a random effect. The NC decreased interleukin (IL)-8 and increased claudin-1 (CLDN1; 2.32 vs. 0.96) mRNA abundance in the ileum compared to PC (P < 0.05). The SF- increased ileal CLDN1 mRNA compared to PC (P < 0.05). A trend (P < 0.10) for lower levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and greater occludin (OCLN) mRNA in the ileum was observed in SF+ compared with PC. The IF+ decreased ileal cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) mRNA abundance compared to PC (P < 0.05). Greater colonic abundance of zonula occludens (ZO-1) mRNA was observed in NC than PC (P < 0.05). Pigs fed SF+ tended (P = 0.051) to have greater ZO-1 and greater OCLN mRNA abundance than pigs on PC (P < 0.05). Collectively, these data suggest that an ETEC challenge increased markers of gut inflammation and reduced mRNA levels of tight junction proteins. Soluble fiber, regardless of enzyme supplementation, may help improve gut barrier integrity during such a challenge.
168 Effects of proportion of pigs per feeder hole and stocking density on growth performance and tail and ear biting in the nursery
Authors: Laskoski Fernanda , Faccin Jamil E G , De Conti Elisa Rigo , Mellagi Ana Paula , Ulguim Rafael , Bortolozzo Fernando
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different numbers of pigs per feeder hole and stocking densities on growth performance and incidence of tail and ear biting in the nursery. A total of 2,160 pigs (PIC 337 × Camborough, initial BW 6.1 ± 0.3 kg; weaning age 21.5 ± 0.7 d) were used in a 42-d study. Each pen contained a semi-automatic feeder with 2, 4, 6, or 8 holes of 16 cm wide by 14 cm deep each. At allotment, 20 pigs were placed per pen. The experiment was designed in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement with nine replicates per treatment, comparing four different number of pigs per feeder hole (PFH) (10; 5; 3.3 and 2.5), and three stocking densities (SD) (0.15; 0.25 and 0.35 m2/pig). Pen was the experimental unit for data analysis. For final weight and ADG, a quadratic effect (P = 0.001) was observed for PFH and linear effect (P = 0.001) for SD. For ADFI, low stocking density increased ADFI (linear, P = 0.002). For G:F, a quadratic effect was observed for PFH (P = 0.037). No significant effects were observed for mortality (P > 0.464). The percentage of removals was affected by the interaction between PFH and SD (P = 0.039), indicating that increasing feeder space may reduce the percentage of removals at high stocking densities (0.15 and 0.25 m2/pig). For tail and ear biting, a quadratic effect was observed for PFH and SD (P = 0.031). These results suggest that both feeder space and stocking density affect performance and incidence of tail and ear biting, most of the times as quadratic and linear effects, respectively, and the factors may work together to influence pig removal rate in the nursery phase.
177 Influence of the level of dietary digestible Ca on growth performance, bone ash, plasma Ca, and abundance of genes involved in Ca absorption in 11- to 25-kg pigs fed different levels of digestible P
Authors: Lagos Vanessa , Walk Carrie L , Stein Hans H
Published: July 2019

A 21-d experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the Ca requirement to maximize growth performance expressed as the standardized total tract digestible (STTD) Ca to STTD P ratio is less than 1.40:1. The second hypothesis was that increasing dietary Ca increases plasma Ca and downregulates abundance of genes related to Ca absorption (TRPV6 and S100G) and tight junction proteins (OCLN, CLDN1, and ZO1). Twenty corn-soybean meal diets were formulated using a 4 5 factorial design (0.16, 0.33, 0.42, or 0.50% STTD P and 0.14, 0.29, 0.44, 0.59, or 0.74% STTD Ca), and 640 pigs (11.1 ± 1.4 kg) were allotted to the 20 diets in a randomized complete block design. On d 21, weights of pigs and feed left in feeders were recorded and blood, duodenal tissue, ileal mucosa, and the right femur were collected from 1 pig per pen. Abundance of mRNA was determined in duodenum and ileum via quantitative RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using a response surface model by removing the terms in the model that were not significant. Interactions (P < 0.01) between dietary Ca and P for average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), and bone ash were observed (Table 1). The predicted maximum ADG (614 g), G:F (0.65), and bone ash (11.68 g) at 0.33% STTD P was obtained at STTD Ca:STTD P ratios of 1.39:1, 1.25:1, and 1.66:1, respectively. There was a linear negative effect (P < 0.05) of Ca on the abundance of S100G, TRPV6, OCLN, and Z01 in the duodenum and on CLDN and ZO1 in the ileum. In conclusion, the STTD Ca:STTD P ratio needed to maximize growth performance of 11- to 25-kg pigs is less than 1.40:1, if P is at the requirement. Increasing dietary Ca reduces transcellular but increases paracellular absorption of Ca.
171 Standardized total tract digestible phosphorus requirement of 6- to 13-kg pigs fed diets with or without phytase
Authors: Wu Fangzhou , Woodworth Jason C , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Bergstrom Jon R
Published: July 2019

A total of 1,080 pigs (initially 5.9 kg) were used to determine the standardized-total-tract-digestible (STTD) P requirements in diets without and with 2,000 units of phytase. Pens (10 pigs/pen, 9 pens/treatment) were balanced for weights and allotted to 12 treatments in two 6-level dose-titrations.The STTD P levels were expressed as percentage of the NRC (2012) requirement (0.45 and 0.40% for phases 1 [d 0–11] and 2 [d 11–25], respectively) and were: 80, 90, 100, 110, 125, and 140% of NRC in diets without phytase and 100, 110, 125, 140, 155, and 170% of NRC in diets with 2,000 units of phytase (assuming 0.158% STTD P released). On d 25, radius samples from 1 gilt/pen were collected for bone ash analysis. Linear and quadratic responses to increasing STTD P were tested using GLIMMIX procedure of SAS and modeled separately for each dose-titration. Increasing STTD P increased ADG (quadratic, P < 0.05), G:F (linear, P < 0.01), and percentage bone ash (linear, P < 0.01) regardless of phytase addition (Table 1). Estimated STTD P requirement in diets without phytase was 117 and 91% of NRC for maximum ADG according to quadratic polynomial (QP) and broken-line linear (BLL) models, respectively, and ranged from 102 to > 140% of NRC for G:F using BLL, broken-line quadratic, and linear models. Estimated P requirement in diets containing phytase was 138% for ADG (QP) and was 147% (QP) and 116% (BLL) of NRC for G:F. Comparing diets containing the same STTD P levels, phytase increased (P < 0.01) ADG and G:F. In conclusion, estimated P requirements varied depending on the response criteria and statistical models. Phytase promoted pig growth and improved the P dose responses for ADG and G:F.
174 Effects of dietary analyzed calcium to phosphorus ratio on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone mineralization of 26- to 127-kg pigs fed diets containing phytase
Authors: Vier Carine M , Dritz Steve S , Tokach Mike D , Gonçalves Márcio A D , Orlando Uislei A D , Bergstrom Jon R , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M
Published: July 2019

Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding different analyzed calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratios on performance of growing-finishing pigs from 26 to 127-kg fed diets containing 1,000 phytase units (FYT). A total of 1,215 barrows and gilts (PIC 359×Camborough, initial BW 26 ± 0.71 kg) were used in a 114-d growth trial with 27 pigs/pen and 9 pens/treatment in a randomized complete block design. The 5 dietary treatments were formulated to contain 0:75:1, 1.00:1, 1.25:1, 1.50:1, and 2.00:1 analyzed Ca:P ratio. Diets contained 1,000 FYT of Ronozyme HiPhos 2500 (DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) with assumed release values of 0.15% available P and 0.132% standardized total tract digestible P (STTD P). All diets were corn-soybean meal-based and formulated to contain approximately 122% of NRC (2012) STTD P estimates for the weight range across all 4 dietary phases. Treatments were achieved by increasing calcium carbonate at the expense of corn while maintaining a constant level of monocalcium phosphate. Data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit, using generalized linear and nonlinear mixed models which included quadratic polynomial, broken-line linear, and broken-line quadratic models. Increasing analyzed Ca:P ratio increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) ADG, final BW, and ADFI (quadratic, P < 0.10). Feed efficiency improved (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing analyzed Ca:P ratio up to 2.00:1. Hot carcass weight (HCW) increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) and carcass yield decreased (quadratic, P < 0.10) with increasing analyzed Ca:P ratio. Bone mineralization increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) with increasing analyzed Ca:P ratio. The maximum responses in ADG, G:F, HCW, and bone ash were estimated at 1.63:1, 1.05:1, 1.11:1, and 1.25:1 analyzed Ca:P ratio, respectively. In conclusion, the estimated analyzed Ca:P ratio requirement for growing-finishing pigs from 26 to 127-kg fed diets containing 1,000 FYT ranged from 1.05:1 to 1.63:1 to maximize growth rate, G:F, HCW, and bone mineralization.
183 Effects of increasing duration of feeding high dietary lysine and energy prior to farrowing on sow and litter performance under commercial conditions
Authors: Gourley Kiah M , Swanson Analicia J , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , Goodband Robert D , Frederick Brent
Published: July 2019

A total of 472 mixed parity sows were used in a study to evaluate the effects of supplying increased Lys and energy for the last 2 or 7 d before farrowing on sow and litter performance. On d 106 of gestation, sows were blocked by parity and weight and allotted to one of three corn-soybean meal-based dietary treatments, which included: 1) 12.5 g SID Lys and 6.5 Mcal/d ME from d 107 to 112 of gestation, then 28 g SID Lys and 9.4 Mcal/d ME until farrowing; 2) 12.5 g SID Lys and 6.5 Mcal/d ME from d 107 to 112, then 40 g SID Lys and 13.3 Mcal/d ME until farrowing; 3) 40 g SID Lys and 13.3 Mcal/d ME from d 107 until farrowing. Data were analyzed for treatment within parity effects using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Sow weight gain from d 106 to 113 increased (P < 0.05) as the length of feeding increased SID Lys and energy increased. Sow backfat gain from d 106 to 113 of gestation increased (P < 0.05) in females fed treatment 3 vs. treatment 1. There was no evidence (P > 0.05) for difference in female BW or backfat loss from d 113 of gestation until weaning. Average total born and born alive piglet birth weight was greater (P < 0.05) in gilts fed treatment 2 or 3 vs 1, with no evidence (P > 0.05) for difference in average piglet birth weight in sows, or weaning weight in gilts and sows. Piglet survival after cross-foster to weaning was improved (P < 0.05) in sows fed treatment 2 vs. 1 or 3, but not in gilts. Providing high Lys and energy intake from d 107 or 113 to farrowing increased birth weight in gilts, while providing high Lys and energy intake from d 113 increased pre-weaning piglet survival in sows.
373 Efficiency of standardized ileal digestible lysine utilization for whole body protein retention in pregnant gilts and sows during early and mid gestation
Authors: Ramirez-Camba Christian D , Dunn James L , Htoo John K , Touchette Kevin J , Samuel Ryan S , Levesque Crystal L
Published: July 2019

NRC (2012) gestating sow model assumes the efficiency of AA use is constant across gestation, which may not reflect changes in metabolic demand during gestation. Efficiency of utilization is determined as the slope of the response to graded levels of test AA. Previous work reported a lack of response to graded Lys [60–90% of NRC (2012) predicted requirement] in early and mid gestation. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine efficiency of SID Lys utilization for whole body protein retention in gilts and sows during early (d 48–52) and mid (d 75–79) gestation. Four isocaloric (3,373 kcal ME/kg) and isoproteic (12.75 % CP) diets containing 40, 50, 60, and 70% of NRC (2012) model-predicted daily SID Lys requirement (10.1 and 9.3 g/d in early and mid gestation, respectively) were randomly assigned to 50 females (PIC 1050; 12 gilts, 21 Parity 1, 17 Parity 2). Dietary indispensable AA contents were set to meet 100–200% of AA:Lys ratios. Whole body nitrogen (N) retention was based on N-balance studies in early and mid gestation (7-d diet adaptation and 5 d total urine collection and grab fecal sampling). Lysine efficiency was determined by simple linear regression using PROC GLM procedure of SAS. Reproductive performance data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. Reproductive performance of sows (birth weight, born alive, stillborn, and mummies) was not different by parity or diet. Whole body N and SID Lys retention increased linearly (P < 0.0001) with increasing SID Lys intake in early and mid gestation. Efficiency of Lys utilization in early gestation was 0.60, 0.46, and 0.50, and in mid gestation 0.58, 0.44, and 0.48 for gilts, parity 1, and parity 2 sows, respectively. Parity may play a greater role in efficiency of AA use than stage of gestation.
181 Evaluation of feeding arginine in gestation and lactation on sow and litter performance
Authors: Thompson Robyn , Boessen Cathy , Knopf Brandon , Greiner Laura , Haydon Keith D
Published: July 2019

Two hundred sows (Camborough, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) at d 35 post-breeding were enrolled into one of four treatments to assess the required arginine level for sow reproduction. For gilts, the grams of arginine and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) per treatment consisted of: 102 g/0.69% (T1), 107 g/0.73% (T2), 112 g/0.77% (T3), and 121 g/0.83% (T4). For sows, grams of arginine and SID per treatment consisted of: 102 g/0.69% (T1), 107 g/0.73% (T2), 111 g/0.76% (T3), and 119 g/0.81% (T4). The lactation grams of arginine SID per treatment consisted of: 168 g/1.14% (T1), 176 g/1.20% (T2), 186 g/1.27% (T3), and 201 g/1.37% (T4). All diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC. Sows were weighed farrowing and weaning weights, daily feed intake, and individual piglet and litter weights were collected. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with parity as the block using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with the sow being the experimental unit. The feeding of different levels of SID arginine did not affect (P > 0.05) sow average daily feed intake, wean-to-estrus interval, or stillborn percent. Increasing SID arginine resulted in a linear increase (P = 0.04) in sow weaning weights (-4.41, -3.44, -4.40, and 0.61). Increasing SID arginine resulted in a tendency for a linear decrease in percent bred (100.00, 100.00, 100.00, 95.83, P = 0.06) and pre 48-hr mortality (7.58, 5.12, 4.35, 5.86, P = 0.10). Increasing levels of SID arginine resulted in no differences in piglet growth characteristics or removal or mortality percentage. Overall, the feeding of increasing levels of SID arginine resulted in improved sow weight at the time of weaning.
187 Evaluation of different vitamin concentrations on grow-finish pig growth and carcass characteristics
Authors: Tuffo Leandro Del , Tokach Mike D , Jones Cassandra K , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D
Published: July 2019

With recent increases in vitamin prices, the typical margins of safety used in formulation need to be evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare two premixes with different vitamin concentrations on growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs housed under commercial conditions. A total of 1,188 pigs (PIC 359×1050; initially 16.1 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design with 27 pigs per pen and 22 pens per treatment. There were two dietary treatments with different vitamin concentrations. Premix A provided the following vitamins per kg of premix: 3,527,360 IU vitamin A; 881,840 IU vitamin D, 17,637 mg vitamin E; 1,764 mg vitamin K; 15.4 mg B12; 33,069 mg niacin; 11,023 mg pantothenic acid; and 3,307 mg riboflavin. Premix B provided lower vitamin concentrations and contained the following vitamins per kg of premix: 1,653,450 IU vitamin A; 661,380 IU vitamin D; 17,637 mg vitamin E; 1,323 mg vitamin K; 13.2 mg B12; 19,841 mg niacin; 11,023 mg pantothenic acid; and 3,307 mg riboflavin. Premixes were included in the diet at 0.25, 0.15, 0.125, 0.10, and 0.075% from 16 to 27, 27 to 50, 50 to 75, 75 to 100, and 100 to 125 kg, respectively. Data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit. Overall, there was no evidence for differences in ADG, ADFI, total pen gain and pen feed intake. There was a tendency (P = 0.089) for increased HCW for pigs fed Premix A due to a numeric increase in removal of lightweight pigs compared to pigs fed Premix B. No evidence for differences were observed for carcass traits, mortality, or percentage of pigs removed between the two treatments. In conclusion, the lower inclusions of vitamins A, D, B12, and niacin in premix B did not influence growth and carcass traits of grow-finish pigs.
190 Young Scholar Presentation: Early life fecal microbiome transplantation can enhance growth and performance in neonatal dairy calves
Authors: Rosa Fernanda , Trevisi Erminio , Osorio Johan S
Published: July 2019

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a neonatal calf undergoes morphological and functional adaptations after birth. The GI tract during this period is influenced by many factors, including bioactive compounds in colostrum. Early colonization of the neonate gut microbiome can fundamentally influence the neonate predisposition to develop immune and metabolic disorders. Fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) has demonstrated positive effects on the treatment of GI diseases in humans; therefore, we hypothesized that neonatal gut inoculation with a healthy adult gut microbiota via milk replacer can potentially improve gut development and maturation early in life. We aimed to evaluate the effects of performing an early life FMT in neonatal dairy calves using stool samples from on-farm selected adult healthy donors on growth and health performance, blood immunometabolites, and gene expression in immune cells [polymorphonuclear leukocytes cells (PMNL)]. The on-farm selection of the adult donor was based on health and production records at the Dairy Research and Training Facility (DRTF) at South Dakota State University, as well as fecal samples testing negative for Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium. Sixteen healthy newborn Holstein calves (n = 8/trt) housed in individual hutches were used in a randomized complete block design from birth to 7 wk of age. Calves were fed 2.8 L/d of antibiotic-free milk replacer 2×/d during wk 1 to 5, 1×/d on wk 6, and weaned at d 42. Antibiotic-free starter pellets and water were fed ad libitum. Calves were assigned to either a baseline nutritional program (CON) or 1×/d inoculations with 25 g of fecal donor material (FMT) mixed in the milk replacer from 8 to 12 d of age. Individual intakes of milk and pellets were measured daily. Fecal and respiratory scores were recorded daily. Body weight (BW) and withers height (WH) were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected weekly for immunometabolic profiling and PMNL isolation for gene expression analysis. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. There was a trend (P = 0.09) for greater BW (50.8 vs 52.7 kg±0.7) in FMT calves. Similarly, there was a trend for greater WH (P = 0.13) in FMT (82.6 vs 83.8 kg±0.49) calves. Starter intake and fecal scores were not affected (P > 0.23) by FMT inoculation. Improvements observed in growth parameters by FMT inoculation are suggestive that neonatal dairy calves may benefit from this approach to enhance gut health and immunity, which might be further explained by blood immunometabolites and PMNL gene expression analysis.
197 Body temperature of pigs exposed to heat stress conditions: effect of dietary protein level
Authors: Morales Adriana , Cervantes Miguel J , Valle-Fimbres Alan , Antoine Duckens , Avelar Ernesto , Camacho Lucero , Buenabad Lorenzo
Published: July 2019

Heat stress (HS) reduces feed intake and increases body temperature (BT) in pigs. Increased dietary protein content may correct HS-related reduced amino acid intake, but it may further increase BT. The effect of dietary protein level on BT of HS pigs was analyzed with 9-ileal cannulated pigs (61.7 ± 2.7 kg BW). A thermometer set to register BT at 5-min intervals was implanted into the ileum. There were two treatments: low-protein (10.8%) wheat-free Lys-Thr diet (LP); high-protein (21.6%), wheat-soybean meal diet. The study was conducted in two-10 d periods; d1-d7 for diet adaptation and d8 to d10 for BT data analysis. Pigs were fed at 0600 (morning), 1400 (midday), and 2200-h (evening), same amount each time. Ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity ranged from 30.1 to 35.4 °C and from 50 to 84%, respectively. Both AT and BT followed a similar pattern; BT did not differ between LP and HP pigs (P > 0.05). Postprandial midday and evening BT was higher than postprandial morning BT (P < 0.05). The BT increment after the midday meal was larger and longer (P < 0.05) than that after the morning and evening meals. The postprandial morning and evening BT increments were longer in the HP pigs. Apparently, the capacity of pigs to dissipate postprandial body heat depends on the accumulated thermal load received before their meals; the thermal load before the morning meal was lower than that before the evening meal. In conclusion, these data show that the dietary protein level has a small effect on the BT of HS pigs, confirm that the effect of AT on BT of HS pigs is stronger than that of dietary protein content, and suggest that the capacity of pigs to dissipate body heat increases under HS conditions. This information may be useful to design better feeding strategies for pigs exposed to HS conditions.
202 Factors influencing pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Pursley James Richard , MInela Thaina , Martins Joao Paulo , Middleton Emily
Published: July 2019

Pregnancy loss in high producing dairy cows is significant and negatively affects profitability of dairy farms. It is not clear the extent of pregnancy loss prior to a subsequent estrus or first pregnancy diagnosis. It is clear that percent of cows losing pregnancies are greatest following 1st pregnancy diagnoses then decrease in a time-related fashion throughout gestation. Non-disease related factors that are associated with pregnancy losses in dairy cows include parity, timing of AI relative to ovulation, circulating concentrations of progesterone during growth of the ovulatory follicle(s), double ovulations, unilateral twins, service sire, extent of change in body condition during early lactation, and serum levels of pregnancy associated glycoproteins at 24 or 28 d post-AI. Metabolic changes related to high milk production resulted in a greater chance for double ovulations. A growing body of literature indicates that cows with unilateral double ovulations and unilateral twins have a greater chance for pregnancy loss during the 1st 90 d of pregnancy compared to cows with single ovulations or bilateral twins. It also appears there is a preferential timing of loss in cows with double vs. single ovulations. Levels of circulating concentrations of progesterone during follicular wave development affect follicular development of cows. In a study that controlled progesterone during follicular development, low levels of progesterone caused a greater percentage of cows to have double ovulations and increased chances for pregnancy loss after 35 d post-AI. Lastly, it appears that cows that lose body condition during the 1st 30 DIM have a greater chance of pregnancy loss between 35 and 69 d post-AI compared with cows that maintained or gained body condition during that period. These data lead towards a greater understanding of the potential causes of pregnancy loss in dairy cows and can be instrumental in the development of reproductive technologies to reduce these losses.
375 Importance of cellular resistance to elevated temperature as a determinant of the magnitude of adverse effects of heat stress on farm animals
Authors: Hansen Peter
Published: July 2019

Heat stress can compromise most productive functions of mammals and birds raised for agricultural purposes. Many of the deleterious effects of heat stress are a result of physiological adaptations to maintain constant body temperature. These adaptations include reduction in physical activity, reduced feed intake, nutrient repartitioning, redistribution of blood flow from the body core to the periphery, and increased evaporative heat loss. When heat stress becomes greater than can be compensated for physiologically, hyperthermia results and cellular function becomes at risk because of free radical damage, membrane instability, and changes in protein structure. It is well established that effects of heat stress on fertility involve disruption of function of the oocyte and early embryo by direct effects of elevated temperature. It is likely that other physiological systems are also compromised because of cellular damage. There are a variety of molecular systems to limit cellular damage caused by hyperthermia, including antioxidant systems, the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and heat shock proteins. There has been limited success in mitigating effects of heat stress by manipulating antioxidant status. Cellular resistance to heat stress is subject to genetic variation, and it may be possible to select genetically for cellular resistance to hyperthermia.
219 Use of a genetically-engineered swine line to elucidate the role of GnRH-II and its receptor in gilts
Authors: Desaulniers Amy T , Cederberg Rebecca , Mills Ginger , White Brett R
Published: July 2019

The second form of GnRH (GnRH-II) and its receptor (GnRHR-II) are produced in only one livestock species, the pig. Paradoxically, their interaction does not stimulate gonadotropin secretion. Instead, both have been implicated in autocrine/paracrine regulation of steroidogenesis. To elucidate their role in ovarian function, our laboratory generated transgenic swine with ubiquitous knockdown (KD) of GnRHR-II. Blood samples were collected from GnRHR-II KD (n = 8) and littermate control (n = 7) gilts at the onset of estrus (follicular) and 10 d later (luteal). Serum samples were subjected to HPLC-MS/MS to quantify concentrations of 16 steroid hormones. At euthanasia, ovarian weight, ovulation rate and weight of each excised corpus luteum (CL) were recorded; HPLC-MS/MS was also performed on CL tissue. A line (GnRHR-II KD versus control) x phase (follicular versus luteal) interaction was detected for serum progesterone concentrations; levels were reduced in transgenic compared with control gilts during the luteal phase (P = 0.0329). A tendency for a line effect was observed for 11-deoxycorticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol; transgenic females tended to produce less of these corticosteroids (P < 0.10). A phase effect was detected for cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, corticosterone, androstenedione, androsterone, testosterone, estrone and 17β-estradiol (P < 0.05); concentrations were greater in follicular versus luteal samples (P < 0.05). Conversely, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were elevated in luteal samples (P < 0.05). Ovarian weight did not differ between lines, although ovulation rate was reduced in GnRHR-II KD versus control gilts (P = 0.0123). However, average CL weight was greater in GnRHR-II KD compared with control females (P < 0.0001); therefore, total CL weight tended to be reduced in transgenic gilts (P = 0.0958). In tissue samples, concentrations of progesterone and estrone tended to be reduced in transgenics females (P ≤ 0.10). Ultimately, these data suggest that GnRH-II and its receptor may help regulate ovulation rate, CL development and progesterone production in gilts. Supported by USDA/NIFA AFRI-ELI predoctoral fellowship (2017-67011-26036; ATD) and AFRI (2017-67015-26508; BRW) funds.
216 Effects of low doses of GnRH at CIDR removal on estrus expression and conception rates in beef heifers
Authors: Rich Jerica J J , Northrop Emmalee J , Epperson Kaitlin M , Zoca Saulo Menegatti , Perkins Stephanie D , Walker Julie A , Timlin Claire L , Dias Nicholas W , Mercadante Vitor R G , Perry George A
Published: July 2019

Previous studies evaluating single and multiple GnRH injections at time of CIDR removal have reported decreased interval to estrus and increased expression of estrus, and increased conception rates, respectively. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of supplementing GnRH at CIDR removal on expression of estrus and conception rates in beef heifers following the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Heifers (n = 1,482) from 11 herds over two years were synchronized using the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR fixed time AI (FTAI) protocol and were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments at CIDR removal [0 µg GnRH (0); 5 µg GnRH (5); or 5 µg at CIDR removal and 5 µg 12 h later (5 + 5)]. Expression of estrus and conception rates were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with treatment as an independent variable and herd as a random effect. There was no effect of treatment on expression of estrus (P = 0.38), or AI conception rates (P = 0.85). There was an effect of estrus (P < 0.01) and a treatment × estrus interaction (P = 0.02). Animals that exhibited estrus prior to FTAI had increased (P < 0.01) conception rates compared with those that did not. Animals that exhibited estrus had increased (P < 0.01) conception rates compared with non-estrus animals in the 0 and 5 + 5 µg groups (54 ± 3% vs 34 ± 3%, and 52 ± 3% vs 36 ± 3%, respectively), but in the 5 µg group, there was no difference (P = 0.53) in conception rates between estrus and non-estrus animals (44 ± 3% vs 41 ± 3%, respectively). In conclusion, estrus expression increased pregnancy success, but supplementation with 5 or 5 + 5 µg of GnRH at CIDR removal did not improve estrus response or conception rates in beef heifers.
213 Transcriptome profiling of olfactory epithelium in normal cycling and acyclic gilts
Authors: Nonneman Dan J , Dickey Aaron M , Lents Clay A
Published: July 2019

A significant proportion of gilts that enter the herd never farrow a litter and are culled because of anestrus or failure to conceive. Genome-wide association studies for pubertal traits have identified loci involved in neuronal and olfactory pathways, and olfaction is critical for expression of reproductive behavior in mammalian females. We evaluated major olfactory epithelium (MOE) for differential gene expression in nonpubertal, behavioral anestrus and normal cycling early follicular and luteal phase gilts (n = 8/group; average age of 259 days). An average of 50 million paired-end RNA-seq reads were collected from each of the 32 RNA libraries and mapped to Sscrofa 11.1. Differential gene expression was determined using DESeq2. A total of 18,484 genes were expressed with a mean normalized expression value greater than 5. Only four genes were differentially expressed between nonpubertal or behavioral anestrus MOE and their cycling controls (early follicular and luteal, respectively). Comparing cycling follicular and luteal phase gilts showed that 1146 genes were more highly expressed in MOE from follicular phase gilts, whereas 1351 genes were more highly expressed in MOE from luteal phase gilts. Pathways for transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase/growth factor signaling, cell junction and epithelium development were overrepresented in follicular phase MOE and cell cycle, chromatin remodeling, inflammatory response and sensory perception were overrepresented in luteal phase MOE. While 1348 locus IDs were identified for olfactory receptors in MOE, only 160 were expressed at an appreciable level (base mean > 5) in MOE and 16 were more highly expressed in MOE from luteal phase than follicular phase gilts. While few genes were differentially expressed in MOE between prepubertal and anestrus gilts and cycling gilts at the same ovarian stage, the comparison between ovarian stages indicates that MOE gene expression is under hormonal control. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
221 Optimizing sugar inclusion in high roughage diets for growing cattle
Authors: VanDerWal Allison , Zeltwanger Josh , DiCostanzo Alfredo
Published: July 2019

Producers wishing to background cattle may not have access to grain in certain regions of the country or when grain price is high. Sugar sources may replace grain under these circumstances. The objective of this study was to determine optimum sugar concentration based on daily gain and feed conversion in high-forage diets fed to growing cattle. Ninety-two Angus crossbred (Ranch 1) steers (n = 60; 339 + 11 kg BW) and heifers (n = 32; 309 + 14 kg BW), and 89 Red Angus crossbred (Ranch 2) steers (338 + 16 kg BW) were randomly allocated (5 to 7 hd/pen) within ranch and sex to one of 15 pens in each of two (north or south side) locations within a deep bedded confinement feedlot. Target dietary treatments were designed to contain supplemental sugar inclusion of 0%, 3.5%, 7% or 10.5% (8, 7, 8 or 7 replicate pens in each treatment, respectively) using a molasses-based supplement containing 56.8% sugar and 7.4% urea. Diets were comprised (DM basis) of hay (12%), corn silage, dry distillers grains (14.5%), dry rolled corn and a liquid supplement (5%); corn grain and corn silage inclusion varied from 21% to 32% and from 29% to 36%, respectively, to accommodate supplemental sugar. This resulted in dietary sugar concentrations of 4.3%, 7.3%, 10.3% and 13.3% or 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%, respectively, as supplemental sugar. As concentration of sugar increased, DMI increased linearly (P < 0.006) with no change in ADG (P = 0.22) resulting in linearly decreasing feed conversion efficiency (P = 0.032). Iterated ME concentration of supplemental sugar was similar to that of corn grain (P > 0.06). Given the appropriate conditions, sugar may replace dry rolled corn and corn silage in high roughage diets for growing cattle.
331 Economic comparison of march and may calving systems in the nebraska sandhillls
Authors: Broadhead Devin L , Stockton Matt , Erickson McKay , Musgrave Jackie A , Funston Rick N
Published: July 2019

A 3-yr study evaluated the economic differences between a March and May calving production system of crossbred beef cows and their offspring from the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, NE. Both herds were treated as a common when not in treatment period. Adjusted calf weaning BW was higher (P) for March Calves (226.4 ± 1.1 kg vs 193.4 ± 2 kg). Pregnancy rates (89% vs 91%) were similar through both systems. The stochastic economic model used for the analysis was based on 9 yr of USDA AMS data. The model accounts for most assumptions within each system, including all labor, cull and replacement cow costs and feed costs. This analysis was on the total calf costs, total pair feed costs and average market net return at weaning. March systems wintered on hay had a positive net return 2 out of the 9 yr (Average of -$88.76/calf) and on cornstalks 8 out of 9 years in Dawson County, NE (Average of $62.75/calf). March systems on winter range feed 0.41 kg DM/(cow • d) of supplement had a positive net return 4 out of the 9 yrs (Average of $25.23/calf). The May system, no matter the treatments of range or meadow and with or without supplement, had a positive net return 2 out of the 9 years (Average of $-65.77 and $-83.90/calf). Within this analysis, even with the input costs being higher for March, the net return was still greater in a March vs May system. Further analysis will be done on different trts within each system.