bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
399 Towards improving pig livability: Strategies to understand and mitigate sow mortality
Authors: Kiefer Zoe , Studer Jamie M , Chipman Amanda , Koester Lucas , Schmitz-Esser Stephan , Ross Jason W
Published: November 2020

In response to increased sow mortality due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP), the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University assembled a team to pursue better understanding of potential causative factors of sow POP in order to move towards developing and disseminating prevention strategies to help reduce POP incidence. One hundred and four commercial sow farms, representing approximately 385,000 sows across the U.S., were enrolled in a survey-based project. The farms varied in POP incidence rate, production system, geography, genetics, and management practices. This study cultivated a collaborative network of multidisciplinary experts across the swine industry and partnerships with producers across the U.S. Results of the project have allowed better understanding of the degree of the issue and prioritization of risk factors for future research in the pursuit of reducing POP-related sow mortality. A major outcome of this project was direct guidance on the most valuable experimental approaches to better understand the physiology occurring within a sow preceding POP so the most effective measurements can be determined when evaluating or testing potential on-farm mitigation strategies. We have continued to evaluate the utilization of a perineal scoring system during late gestation to assess risk of prolapse and to identify putative biological factors associated with POP risk for individual sows hypothesizing that sows differing in perineal score (and differing risk of POP) in late gestation would have physiological differences indicative of the underlying physiological conditions preceding POP. As expected, differences in immune cell populations, markers of inflammation, vaginal microflora, and steroid hormones exist between sows with differing levels of risk for POP prior to experiencing a prolapse. These projects are supported by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and National Pork Board projects #17–224 and #18–147 in addition to a vast network of industry collaborators.
409 Early life nutrition on the molecular control of sexual development in the bull
Authors: Kenny David A , Keogh Kate
Published: November 2020

Duration of the generation interval and intensity of selection in cattle are heavily influenced by the timing of availability of semen from genetically elite young. Enhancing early life nutrition stimulates the functionality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, mediated through complex biochemical interplay between metabolic and neuroendocrine signals and culminating in enhanced testicular growth, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and ultimately, earlier onset of sexual maturation. Indeed, recent evidence indicates Current efforts employing high throughput nucleic acid sequencing and global proteomic approaches have reported clear effects of enhanced early-life nutrition on testicular tissue development, particularly in relation to steroidogenic biochemical pathways. However, the precise effect of enhanced nutrition in early life on the molecular control of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland maturation and functionality remains to be fully understood, with recent evidence suggesting roles, for example, for the complement and coagulation signalling cascade and MAPK signalling pathways in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary glands, respectively. Although early-life nutrition clearly affects the sexual maturation process, there is little evidence for latent effects on postpubertal semen characteristics. Equally, postpubertal fertility, assessed through in vitro fertilization and early embryogenesis, is apparently not influenced by nutritional status during early life. Notwithstanding this, recent studies have highlighted potential latent effects of calfhood dietary management on sperm methylation patterns of early post pubertal bulls, and such epigenetic influence warrants further investigation. Certainly, the integration and interrogation of molecular “omics” data within a systems biology framework holds promise in deciphering the influence of nutritional management on the complex regulation of neuroendocrine and testicular cellular processes. Such information can be harnessed to identify potential genomic targets as part of genomically assisted breeding programs, as well as facilitating development of strategic nutritional regimens to optimize sexual maturation and subsequent semen availability from genetically elite young bulls.
273 Impacts of Flunixin Meglumine injection on pain responses of either rubber ring castrated and tail docked or surgically castrated and docked lambs
Authors: Anderson Paige P , Long Amanda M , Crane Alison R , Hoffman Travis W , Stokka Gerald , Hanna Lauren L Hulsman , Kirsch James D , Schauer Christopher S
Published: November 2020

Our hypothesis was that administering Flunixin Meglumine (FM) to lambs that were either rubber ring castrated and docked or surgically castrated and emasculator docked would decrease behavioral stress, serum cortisol and haptoglobin concentration, but increase average daily gain. Rambouillet ram lambs (n = 181) were allocated with a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatment combinations included rubber ring castration and tail docking (RR; placement of rubber band at distal end of caudal fold and around the base of the testicles) or surgical castration (SC; surgical scissors removing the lower third of the scrotum and testicles removed manually) and emasculator docking (crushing the tail at the distal end of the caudal fold, followed by cutting of the tail) on ram lambs with administration of saline (S) or FM (2.2 mg/kg of BW; RR-S, RR-FM, SC-S, SC-FM). Ram lambs were castrated at 12.5 ± 5.5 days of age and observed for behavioral changes such as lying down, leg extension and walking for 180 min in 30-min increments. Blood samples were taken at -30, 30, 90- and 140-minutes post-treatment to observe cortisol and haptoglobin levels. Behavioral traits, physiological traits, and average daily gain were analyzed in PROC GENMOD (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). A treatment x time interaction (P < 0.001) occurred for lamb pain behavioral scale, where scores at 30, 60, and 180 minutes after castration and docking exhibited differences among treatments. Average daily gain was not affected by a treatment x time interaction (P = 0.22) or treatment (P = 0.50) main effect. Serum cortisol concentration exhibited a treatment x time interaction (P = 0.002). The SC-FM lambs had lower cortisol concentrations (P = 0.004) than all other treatments at 90 min post-treatment, with the SC-S lambs having higher concentrations (P < 0.001) at 140 min post-treatment. Haptoglobin concentration did not exhibit a treatment x time interaction (P = 0.99); however, treatment and age were significant (P < 0.004). The RR-S lambs had an increase concentration of haptoglobin with SC-FM lambs being intermediate. Overall, results indicate that the method of castration and docking in lambs affected short lived behavioral and physiological stress, with the administration of FM decreasing stress regardless of castration and docking method.
273 Impacts of commingling on health and productive responses of beef heifers during feedlot receiving
Authors: Wiegand Jacob , Cooke Reinaldo F , Brandão Alice , Schubach Kelsey , Colombo Eduardo , Sowers CiCi A , Duff Glenn , Gouvea Vinicius N
Published: November 2020

This experiment compared physiological, health, and performance responses of beef heifers assigned to different commingling schemes (1, 2, or 4 sources/pen) during a 56-d feedlot receiving period. Ninety-six recently weaned Angus-influenced heifers were purchased from a commercial auction facility. Heifers originated from 4 cow-calf ranches, and were reared in the same herd within each ranch since birth. Heifers were loaded by source into commercial livestock trailers at the auction yard, and transported for 8 h to stimulate the stress of a long haul. Heifers were not mixed with cohorts from other sources prior to and at the auction yard. Upon arrival at the receiving yard (d -2), shrunk body weight (BW) was recorded, and heifers were maintained in 4 paddocks by source with ad libitum access to hay, water, and a mineral supplement for 36 h. On d 0, heifers were ranked by source and shrunk BW and allocated to 1 of 24 drylot pens (4 heifers/pen) containing: 1) heifers from a single source (NOCOM, n = 8 pens), 2) heifers from 2 sources (COM2, n = 8 pens), or 3) heifers from 4 sources (COM4, n = 8 pens). From d 0 to 55, heifers had free-choice access to water and a total-mixed ration. Heifers were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs and feed intake was recorded from each pen daily. Blood samples were collected from all heifers on d 0, 6, 13, 27, 41, and 55, and shrunk BW (after 16 h of water and feed withdrawal) was collected on d 56 for average daily gain (ADG) calculation. Final shrunk BW and ADG did not differ (P ≥ 0.83) between NOCOM, COM2, and COM4 heifers (0.85, 0.88, and 0.82 kg/d of ADG, respectively, SEM = 0.08). No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.77) for feed intake and feed efficiency, as well as plasma concentrations of haptoglobin and cortisol. No treatment differences were noted (P ≥ 0.49) for morbidity (53.1, 68.7, and 56.2% of NOCOM, COM2, and COM4 heifers diagnosed with BRD, respectively; SEM = 9.7) or mortality during the experiment. A similar (P ≥ 0.97) proportion of NOCOM, COM2, and COM4 heifers diagnosed with BRD required at least two treatments to recover from sickness. In turn, a third treatment was not required for NOCOM heifers, which was less compared with COM4 (P = 0.05) and similar (P = 0.23) compared with COM2 heifers. Perhaps the number of heifers assigned to commingled pens, and resultant pre-existing social groups, was not sufficient to stimulate the stress reactions caused by social destabilization.
258 Deficits in growth, muscle mass, and body composition following intrauterine growth restriction persisted in lambs at 60 d of age but were improved by daily clenbuterol supplementation
Authors: Gibbs Rachel L , Swanson Rebecca M , Beard Joslyn K , Schmidt Ty B , Petersen Jessica L , Yates Dustin T
Published: November 2020

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) reduces neonatal muscle growth and alters body composition in livestock. Our objective was to determine the effect of IUGR on juvenile growth and assess the benefits of treatment with clenbuterol (β2 adrenergic agonist) in IUGR offspring. Heat stress-induced IUGR lambs were born 28% lighter (P < 0.05) than controls. At 60 d of age, unsupplemented IUGR lambs had reduced (P < 0.05) bodyweight (BW), average daily gain, and crown-rump length compared to controls, but clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs did not differ from controls. Crown circumference, body girth, and cannon bone length did not differ among groups. Bioelectrical impedance in live lambs and carcasses estimated that lean mass and mass of multiple muscle groups were reduced (P < 0.05) in unsupplemented IUGR lambs but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. Estimated protein, fat, and protein/fat were likewise reduced (P < 0.05) in unsupplemented but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs. Loin-eye area in chilled carcasses was 30% smaller (P < 0.05) in unsupplemented IUGR lambs but 19% larger (P < 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. Proximate analysis revealed greater (P < 0.05) fat and reduced (P < 0.05) protein and protein/fat in loin muscles from unsupplemented but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. At necropsy, hindlimbs, hearts, and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles tended to be lighter (P ≤ 0.09) and lungs and kidneys were lighter (P < 0.05) in IUGR lambs. Kidney weight was further reduced (P < 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs. Brain/BW tended to be reduced (P ≤ 0.09) and lung/BW and kidney/BW were reduced (P < 0.05) in IUGR lambs, but lung weight and lung/BW were greater (P < 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented compared to unsupplemented IUGR lambs. We conclude that poor growth and asymmetric body composition previously observed in IUGR neonates persists in juveniles, but daily treatment with clenbuterol recovered growth and improved body composition in IUGR lambs.
404 Beef heifer development: Managing nutrition to optimize fertility
Authors: Summers Adam F
Published: November 2020

Beef cattle longevity can be tied to reproductive performance. Developing heifers that will thrive in their environment, under specific management systems, is crucial for today’s producers. Management decisions influencing heifer fertility are numerous; however, the most commonly discussed and studied revolves around nutrition. The objectives of this presentation are to review our understanding of the influence of nutrition on beef heifer fertility and identify potential mechanisms which may improve heifer fertility and beef producer profitability. Also, we will identify management decisions that may impact body weight gain or efficiency of weight gain, thus impacting fertility. Management strategies delaying heifer growth patterns pre- or post-weaning have been reported to alter heifer reproductive performance. Additionally, developing heifers on native range compared to in the dry lot or confinement settings may alter growth rates/patterns, thus affecting the heifer’s ability to become pregnant, or maintain that pregnancy. Supplementing heifers with specific nutrient profiles has also been reported to improve pregnancy rates compared with non-supplemented or control animals. Previously, it was believed heifers are born with a finite number of follicles within their ovaries, and the depletion of the ovarian reserve occurs at a constant rate. Recent research has challenged this, reporting heifers developed on a stair-step growth program had an increased number of primordial follicles compared to constant gain developed heifers. Additionally, development system (native range vs. dry lot) appears to impact ovarian function. Continued research increasing our understanding of mechanisms involved in improving heifer fertility are warranted. These efforts will aid in identifying management strategies that will optimize animal reproductive performance.
280 Relationship of gene markers to residual feed intake, ADG, and marbling of four years of MSU Steer-A-Year steers
Authors: Nack Makae , Wyffels Hannah DelCurto , Wyffels Samuel , DelCurto Timothy
Published: November 2020

Feeding cattle is one of the largest expenses in beef production systems. Genetic testing has been proposed as a tool to help select livestock that are the most efficient, with greater performance and/or carcass yield or quality. Improved beef cattle performance, increased feed efficiency, and increased carcass value are ongoing goals for beef cattle production. For this study, 118 mix breed feedlot calves were genetically tested with The Merial Ltd (Deluth, GA) Igenity GGP Bovine 50K. We compared genotypic and phenotypic average daily gain (ADG), residual feed intake (RFI) and marbling. Igenity scores were not related to ADG in years 1, 2, and 3 (P > 0.14), but were correlated in year 4 (P < 0.01; r = -0.58). Steer RFI displayed no relationship to the Igenity RFI score (P ≥ 0.29). No linear relationships were observed between actual and predicted marbling but did display tendencies to rank animals similar to actual marbling in years 3 and 4 (P ≤ 0.08; P = 0.34, 0.31, respectively). In summary, we did not see a strong relationship between genetic marker predictions and actual performance characteristics. However, relationships appear to be stronger in later years, suggesting more work is needed to validate genetic markers correlation to feedlot performance.
PSV-18 Program Chair Poster Pick: Poly(I:C) dose response and its effects on piglet sickness behaviors
Authors: Rymut Haley E , Bolt Courtni R , Corbett Megan P , Rund Laurie A , Johnson Rodney W , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L
Published: November 2020

The synthetic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid Poly(I:C) is commonly used to mimic viral infection in rodents. A Poly(I:C) injection activates inflammatory receptors that recognize viral patterns. This immune-stimulating agent can be used to understand the effects of viral infection on pork production. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of multiple Poly(I:C) doses on sickness behaviors across time. Female and male pigs from the University of Illinois Swine herd, averaging 24.5 kg, were injected with 1 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg of Poly(I:C), or comparable volume of Saline at approximately 60 days of age. Post injection, sickness behaviors and activity levels were measured in 15-minute intervals by a trained experimenter for three hours. Observed sickness behaviors included vomiting, diarrhea, or shivering. The activity levels were scored 1 through 8 with lower levels indicating pigs running, medium levels indicating walking, and higher levels indicating laying behaviors. The binary sickness behavior and discrete activity levels from 130 observations from 10 pigs evenly distributed across sexes were analyzed using generalized mixed effect models. The model included the effects of Poly(I:C) dose, hour, sex, and interactions, and a repeated structure within pig. The administration of Poly(I:C) had a significant effect on activity level within one-hour post-injection, and Poly(I:C)-treated pigs had lower activity levels than the Saline group. The Poly(I:C) effect had a lower significance in males (P < 0.001) than females (P < 0.004). The Poly(I:C) treatment also had a significant effect on the probability of sickness behavior (P < 0.005). The probability of sickness behavior was 0.03, 0.18, and 0.23 for pigs treated with Saline, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg of Poly(I:C), respectively. Our results suggest that Poly(I:C) could be an effective agent in studying sickness response to viral infections in pigs. This study is supported by USDA NIFA AFRI, grant number 2018-67015-27413.
PSV-22 The effects of flavoring agents on feeding behavior, feed efficiency, growth performance and temperament of newly arrived feedlot cattle
Authors: Ahmad Mustaq , Moya Diego , Johnson Jordan A , Penner G , Blanch Marta , Seddon Yolande
Published: November 2020

Ninety steers (259.9 ± 36.18 kg BW) were used in a 56-d experiment to assess the effects of flavoring additives on feeding behavior, feed efficiency, growth performance, and temperament of newly arrived feedlot cattle. Steers were homogenously distributed by BW into six pens (15 head/pen) and pen was randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments (2 pens/treatment): a standard feedlot receiving diet (CT); or the same diet with a flavoring additive comprised of either sweeteners (SW) or a mix of basic tastes (MX) at 1 g/kg (Lucta SA, Barcelona, Spain). Pens were equipped with a feed intake monitoring system (Growsafe Systems, Airdrie, Canada), while BW and chute exit flight speed were measured bi-weekly during the study. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects model accounting for repeated measures. There were multiple treatment × time interactions (P < 0.05), where DMI per meal was greater in SW than CT and MX on wk 3 and 5, respectively, and in MX than CT and SW on wk 3 and 7, respectively. The number of visits to the feed bunk per day was greater in MX than CT on wk 2, it was greater in SW than MX on wk 4, and it was greater in CT than in MX and SW on wk 4, and wk 7 and 8, respectively. The eating rate was greater in SW than MX on wk 4 and 5 and greater than CT and on wk 4. Although the cumulative responses for DMI, ADG and feed efficiency (FE; kg BW/kg DM) were not significant (P > 0.1), FE was greater in SW and MX than CT from 27 to 41 d. Despite these positive effects on FE, there was no feeding pattern associated with the inclusion of flavoring additives in the diet of receiving feedlot cattle.
PSV-13 Incidence of infectious and non-infectious feet lesions and their association with carcass quality in sheep at a slaughter plant in Alberta
Authors: Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen S , Nordi Wiolene M , Gellatly Désirée , Meléndez Daniela M , Schwinghamer Timothy D , Marti Sonia , Anklam Kelly S , Dopfer Dorte , Van Donkersgoed Joyce
Published: November 2020

Infectious and non-infectious feet lesions (FL) in livestock have been associated with reduced welfare, production, carcass and meat quality. Currently, the incidence of FL in sheep and its relationship with carcass quality has not been documented in Canada. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) the incidence and type of lesions in Alberta sheep at slaughter and 2) the relationship between FL and carcass quality. A total of 4,487 sheep carcasses were assessed for FL at a slaughter plant in Alberta, Canada between October 2017 and March 2019. Approximately 300 sheep were evaluated monthly by two experienced observers who recorded common infectious (IN) and non-infectious (NIN) lesions. In addition, carcass information including hot carcass weight (HCW), and back fat thickness (BFT) were obtained from the slaughter plant records. Data were analyzed by multivariable regression models using SAS PROC GLIMMIX. Overall, FL incidence was 9.4% (7.0% having one lesion and 2.4% having more than one lesion). Infectious lesions accounted for 45.7% of all lesions [footrot (37.1%), interdigital dermatitis (7.3%), and contagious ecthyma (1.3%)], while NIN lesions accounted for 54.3% [overgrown horn (21.9%), injury (13.6%), laminitis (10.2%), and other lesions (8.6%)]. Sheep with IN had lower BFT (13.5 ± 1.32 cm, P = 0.0002) and HCW (51.5 ± 1.89 kg, P = 0.0189) than NIN (15.8 ± 1.51 cm and 54.7 ± 1.97 kg, respectively). For every 1 cm decrease in BFT and 1 kg decrease in HCW the odds of IN increased by 0.89 (P < 0.0001) and 0.98 (P = 0.0229), respectively. Based on our findings, foot lesions are a significant issue for the Canadian sheep industry and infectious lesions may have greater detrimental effect on carcass quality than non-infectious lesions. Further studies are necessary to understand the relationship of carcass quality and feet lesion.
PSIII-10 Economic impact from the use of genetically evaluated registered animals-PO and with special certificate of identification and production-PODIUM in brazilian savannah
Authors: Magnabosco Cláudio U , Brunes Ludmilla , Lobo Raysildo , Pereira Leticia , Crozara Adriano , Magnabosco Valentina , Baldi Fernando
Published: November 2020

The aim was to evaluate the economic impact from the use of Nellore registered animals (PO) and with special certificate of identification and production (PODIUM) in comparison to commercial cattle. Information from 3174 and 5364 of PO and PODIUM animals, adjusted for contemporary groups and age on the measurement of the rib eye area (REA), provided by the National Association of Breeders and Researchers were used. Economic information of the production costs and of the income from the three systems, was obtained from HoRa Agribusiness. Economic analysis was conducted by using the total economic genetic merit (TEGM), genetic economic index (GEI), weight at 365 days of age (W365), scrotal circumference at 365 days of age (SC365), and REA. Analyzes of the regression of sale values and phenotypes were used function of the genetic evaluation. The R program was used to run the data analysis. The production costs per head were $831.78, 653.20 and 227.04, and the liquid receipt was $1085.62, 995.76 and 414.18, for the PO, PODIUM and commercial, respectively (Table 1). Considering the same productive area (4132 hectares), the production systems’ revenues of PO, PODIUM and commercial was $3,505,768.93; 3,289,675.94 and 1,369,426.86, respectively. It was observed a greater profitability per head and per hectare for systems with production of PO and PODIUM cattle. The economic value from the increase of 1 point of TEGM and GEI, considering PO and PODIUM animals, was $194.24 and 167.04, respectively. The phenotypic values from the increase of 1 point of expected predict difference in the progeny (EPD) for W365 and SC365 and REA, considering PO and PODIUM animals, were 2.01 and 2.12 kg; 2.85 and 2.81 cm; and 3.71 and 4.89, cm2, respectively. The use of evaluated sires is effective in terms of phenotypic progress, and at the achievement of greater economic return.
PSXII-27 Microsatellite analysis of the historical and modern populations of the Russian local cattle breeds
Authors: Abdelmanova Alexandra , Mishina Arina I , Volkova Valeria , Dotsev Arsen V , Sermyagin Alexander A , Boronetskaya Oksana , Petrikeeva Lidiya , Chinarov Roman , Brem Gottfried , Zinovieva Natalia A
Published: November 2020

During the last centuries, a variety of cattle breeds adapted to the local climatic conditions have been developed in different countries. However, in the 20th century many of them were replaced by high-producing industrial breeds, which can lead to the losses of biodiversity. Our aim was to estimate the genetic diversity of Russian native cattle breeds based on the analysis of historical (museum) and modern samples. Historical samples were derived from the craniological collection of the Museum of Livestock named after E.F. Liskun (Moscow). Forty-six samples including Kholmogor (n = 18), Yaroslavl (n = 19), Saratov (n = 5), Novgorod (n = 2) and Great Russian cattle (n = 2) were subjected to the study. Holland cattle (n = 3) was additionally included in the study due to their possible contribution in forming Russian cattle breeds. The modern samples were presented by Yaroslavl (n = 62) and Kholmogor (n = 177) breeds, and Holstein breed (n = 158) was used as an outgroup. All of the works with historical samples were carried out in the facility of the L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center dedicated for the work with ancient DNA. Nine microsatellite loci (TGLA227, BM2113, ETH10, SPS115, TGLA122, INRA23, TGLA126, ETH225, and BM1824) were successfully amplificated in all samples. We observed the higher variability in historical samples comparing to modern samples: the values of unbiased expected heterozygosity were 0.65–0.85 and 0.70–0.74; the values of rarified allele richness were 2.72–3.11 and 2.63–2.76, respectively. The total number of private alleles was higher in historical populations (16) comparing to modern ones (12). The genetic relationship between historical and modern populations were evaluated. Our results indicate a decrease in genetic diversity in modern populations and a possible loss of valuable allelic combinations. The research results will be useful for development of comprehensive strategies for the conservation of the Russian native genetic resources of cattle. The study was funded by RSF №19-76-20012.
PSXII-28 miRNA2382-5p regulates production of triglyceride in mammary epithelial cells via targeting NDRG2 of dairy cattle
Authors: Xia Lixin , Fang Xibi , Zhao Zhihui , Yang Runjun
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Based on the conjoint analysis of RNA-seq and Solexa sequencing of BMECs from dairy cattle with high and low milk fat percentages, miRNA2382-5p was screened as a differentially expressed miRNA, and NDRG2 might be the target gene of miRNA2382-5p. Materials and Methods: The experimental BMECs were previously constructed in our laboratory. The triglyceride Kit was used to separate the cells and detect the content of triglyceride. The target relationship of miRNA2382-5p and NDRG2 was validated by luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR and western blot. The data were analyzed by GraphPad 6.0. Results: The detection of triglyceride content in BMECs showed that the triglyceride in BMECs transfected with miRNA2382-5p mimics significantly decreased compared with BMECs transfected with control, and the triglyceride in BMECs transfected with miRNA2382-5p inhibitor significantly increased. The luciferase reporter assays revealed that the luciferase activity of BMECs transfected with pmiR-NDRG2-WT was decreased compared with BMECs transfected with pmiRR-NDRG2-mut and pmiR-REPORT. The qRT-PCR and western blot result showed that the expression of NDRG2 in BMECs transfected with miRNA2382-5p mimics was significantly decreased, and the expression of NDRG2 in BMECs transfected with the miRNA2382-5p inhibitor was significantly increased compared with BMECs transfected with control. Moreover, compared with control group, the triglyceride in BMECs transfected with pBI-CMV3-NDRG2 was significantly increased, and the pGPU6/GFP/Neo-NDRG2 group was significantly decreased. Discussion and Conclusions: Comparative proteomics analysis of longissimus muscle from different breeds of cattle showed that NDRG2 was positively correlated with intramuscular fat deposition. In our study, we screened NDRG2 as a DEG in both the RNA-seq and conjoint analyses and confirmed that NDRG2 is a target gene of miRNA2382-5p. MiRNA2382-5p can inhibit the production of triglyceride, and the overexpression of NDRG2 can promote the production of triglyceride. Therefore, we believe that miRNA2382-5p can affect triglyceride production by negatively regulating the expression of NDRG2.
PSXII-33 The Effect of Log Transformation on Carcass Data Measured by Ultrasound
Authors: Choi Tae Jeong , Park Byoungho , Oh Hannah , Sang-Hyon Oh
Published: November 2020

This study is to evaluate the effect of log transformation on ultrasound data records on the genetic evaluation of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) proven bulls. Three different scenarios were established: genetic evaluations using (A) only yearling weights (YW; n = 15,665) and carcass traits (CT); (B) YW, CT and raw ultrasound data at 12 and 24 months of age; and (C) YW, CT and log transformed data of raw ultrasound data records in (B). Carcass traits include carcass weight (CW; n = 6,526), loin muscle area (LMA; n = 6,820), backfat thickness (BFT; n = 6,723), and intramuscular fat (IMF; n = 5,037). Ultrasound traits include LMA, BFT, and fat content (FC; %), which were measured with Aquila Vet (Pie Medical) between the 12th and 13th rib. REMLF90 was used to estimate genetic parameters such as heritability and genetic correlations. Rank correlations of breeding values were analyzed using SAS 9.2. The heritability of YW was the highest at (B) and reduced by 0.2% at (C). The heritability of CW was higher at (B) and (C) than at (A) by 0.6%. In the case of BFT and IMF, (B) and (C) was 0.5% and 0.6% higher than (A) and -1.0% and -0.8% lower than (A), respectively. The heritabilities regarding ultrasound traits at 12 months of age were higher for LMA and FC in (C) than (B), and higher for BFT in (B) than (C). In the case of 24 months of age, (C) was higher in all ultrasound traits than (B). The rank correlations of (B) and (C) at 12 months were 0.995 in ultrasound LMA and 0.991 in ultrasound BFT. For 24 months, the correlations were 0.989 and 0.986, respectively. In conclusion, the results didn’t provide us with evidence of a significant difference in genetic evaluations among different scenarios regarding log transformation on ultrasound data records of carcass traits.
PSVIII-4 Bone marrow architectonics of turkeys hybrid cross «Converter»
Authors: Kotarev Vyacheslav , Parshin Pavel , Mikhaylov Evgeniy , Anipchenko Polina , Shabunin Boris
Published: November 2020

The aim of this research was to study bone marrow architectonics and the peculiarities of hematopoiesis of turkeys cross «Converter». To study the hemopoiesis at the age of 50 days, the samples of the red bone marrow from the femur were selected. Samples were prepared according to standard methods for histological and cytological examination. Four lineages of hematopoiesis (erythrocytic, monocytic, granulocytic and platelet) were isolated from the bone marrow of turkeys. The erythrocytic lineage was represented by erythroblasts, rubricytes and mature erythrocytes. In the process of maturation, the erythroblast initially uniformly decreased, turning into rubricyte. Then the cytoplasm and nucleus enlarged and acquired an oval shape. A mature erythrocyte was formed. Hematopoiesis of eosinophils and basophils in turkeys was similar to hematopoiesis in mammals. They also formed from myeloblasts. At the stage of promyelocyte, granularity of the cytoplasm appeared. At the stage of myelocyte, the number of granules increased, and the granularity acquired a typical shape and color. Then the nucleus acquired a rod-shaped form, and after it was segmented into 2–5 segments. Heterophiles were divided into two types (with rounded and elongated granules). Heterophile granules were about 2 times bigger than eosinophils, and cytoplasm granularity was significantly sparser. Monocytes in turkeys had a rounded cytoplasm, in which small granules were sometimes present, and the nucleus was shifted to the periphery. Mature monocytes differed from promonocytes in a smaller nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. Platelets had a centrally located nucleus and an oval cytoplasm with granules inside. Prothrombocytes were approximately 1.5 times larger than mature platelets. The lymphoid lineage is not represented, which indicates an extramedullary lymphopoiesis. A significant difference was the absence of megakaryocytes and the development of platelets from thromboblasts. Granulocytic and monocytic lineages were similar to those in mammals, and erythroid one was represented only by nucleated erythrocytes.
PSVIII-21 The effect of medicinal extracts on microflora and enzymatic processes of calf rumen
Authors: Atlanderova Kseniya , Makaeva Ajna , Rysaev Albert , Nurzhanov Baer , Duskaev Galimzhan , Rayzanov Vitalii
Published: November 2020

The fight against antibiotic resistance and a decrease in the greenhouse effect leads to the search for safe alternative substances for animals, special attention is paid to phytochemicals in medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts of Oríganum vulgáre (OV) and Hypéricum perforátum (HP; 0.5 ml/kg body weight) on ruminal microflora and fermentation characteristics against the background of control (C). The extracts were added to water of bulls with rumen fistula (14-month, diet - 70% hay, 30% barley grain). The fermentation parameters (CH4, digestibility of dry matter of the grain) were analyzed daily, and the microflora was analyzed using highly efficient sequencing of 16S rRNA gene (Illumina). OV and HP were prepared by grinding, extraction in a water bath (30 min, 70 ° C) and filtration. According to the results, the addition of OV and HP reduces the formation of CH4 and the digestibility of CB did not differ compared to C (48.7 and 47.8%, against 50.6%). The phylum of archaea Euryarchaeota was small and dominant in OV and HP. The phylum of Bacteroidetes dominated and was higher than that of C, that of OV was 35.6% (P ≤ 0.05) and HP was 30.7% (P ≤ 0.05). The Bacteroidia class (30.0–31.5%) changed similarly due to the families Porphyromonadaceae (P ≤ 0.05), Prevotellaceae (P ≤ 0.05). OV showed a tendency towards a decrease in Firmicutes phylum, and increase in bacteria of the Clostridia class by 11.1% (P ≤ 0.05). Clostridia class prevailed in HP by 14.5% (P ≤ 0.05) in comparison with C, due to Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiales families. This study highlights the potential use of OV and HP in cattle diets aimed at decreasing methane production and increasing gram-negative bacteria. This research was performed with financial support from the RSF (16-16-10048) and project 0761-2019-0005.
PSVIII-13 Evaluation of the effect of chlortetracycline on ruminal microbiome of ruminant against a background of plant extract
Authors: Rayzanov Vitalii , Nurzhanov Baer , Rysaev Albert , Duskaev Galimzhan , Miroshnikov Ivan S
Published: November 2020

The limited use of antibiotics stimulates the search for alternatives or ways to reduce antibiotic resistance in order to prevent diseases and increase the productivity of ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Quercus cortex (QC) extract (0.5 ml/kg body weight) together with chlortetracycline (Ch) (20%, 10 g/head/day) on cattle ruminal microbiome against the background of control (C), extract of QC and Ch. They were added separately as a substrate to the diets of bulls with rumen fistula (dairy breed, 12-months, diet - 80% hay, 20% grain feed, within 20 days). Microflora was analyzed using highly efficient sequencing of 16S rRNA gene (Illumina). QC was prepared by purification, grinding (1–2 mm), extraction in a water bath (30 min, 70 ° C). The taxonomic composition of ruminal microbiocenosis in control animals was represented by Bacteria and Fungi domains — 82.1 and 17.9%; QC - 99.8 and 0.2% was not classified; Ch - 10.4 and 89.6%; QC + Ch - 95.2 and 4.8%. Feeding with QC + Ch led to a decrease in phylums Bacteroidetes (P ≤ 0.05), Firmicutes (P ≤ 0.05), Proteobacteria compared to C. An increase in bacteria of Bacteroidia class (by 42.9% (P ≤ 0.05)) due to the species Prevotella and a decrease in the class of Gammaproteobacteria (by 6.9%) were registered. The species composition was characterized by a decrease in bacteria of Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Escherichia, Fibrobacter genera. Ch group characterized by a decrease Fungi Ascomycota (P ≤ 0.05) and an increase in Chytridiomycota (P ≤ 0.05) and were not identified in QC and QC + Ch. Thus, this study highlights the potential use of plant extracts as an additional feed supplement, which can reduce the negative effects of chlortetracycline on the development of gram-positive bacteria and Fungi. This research was performed with financial support from the RSF (16-16-10048).
PSVIII-15 Genome wide DNA methylation analysis reveals role of DNA methylation in cow’s ileal response to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis
Authors: Ibeagha-Awemu Eveline M , Bhattarai Suraj , Dedemaine Pier-Luc , Wang Mengqi , McKay Stephanie D , Zhao Xin , Bissonnette Nathalie
Published: November 2020

Several investigations on disease progression of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in dairy cows have revealed molecular mechanisms including genes and pathways implicated in MAP pathogenesis. Epigenetic processes including DNA methylation are known to regulate the expression of genes and many biological processes. However, limited studies have examined the role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of Johne’s disease (JD). This study examined the impact of subclinical MAP infection on DNA methylation profile in the ileum of cows, the site of initial interaction between MAP and host. DNA from ileum tissues from five cows positive for MAP (direct fecal qPCR and blood ELISA test; MAP+/+) and 5 cows negative for MAP (MAP-/-) were subjected to whole genome bisulfite sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. 2000 differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs; FDR< 0.05) and 205 differentially methylated regions (DMRs; P < 0.01) were detected. Majority of DMCs and DMRs are located in intergenic regions (87.2% and 57.1%) followed by intronic regions (12.8% and 30.7%) of genes, respectively. Some DMCs are located on 250 genes including genes that were previously identified to be associated with JD (e.g. IL-12RB2, CD38). Interestingly, CD38, known to play roles in the effective containment of mycobacteria within granulomata in cows and genetic polymorphisms in IL-12RB2 are associated with JD and human Crohn’s disease. Also, several genes of the solute carrier family including SLC13A3, SLC15A1, SLC17A7, SLC25A21, SLC25A38 and SLC9A9 harbored DMCs. Some members of this gene family participate in pathogen clearance and have associations with JD. Our data suggest that DNA methylation changes may have regulatory roles in host (ileum) response to MAP infection. Our data therefore suggest that DNA methylation changes contribute to the regulation of host response to MAP pathogenesis and may be one of the mechanisms that MAP uses to subvert host immune responses for its survival.
PSIV-22 Validation of 26a and let7 microRNA as early pregnancy markers in single cow blood samples, at day 28 after embryo transfer
Authors: De los Santos Jorge A , Andrade João Paulo N , Berndtson Jodi L , Santos Jorge de L
Published: November 2020

In this work we validated the previous scientific reports done in pooled samples by two different groups, over the miRNA expression in single blood from pregnant cows. Particularly we indagate the expression at day 28 after embryo transfer of let 7a, and 26a as well as 16 microRNAs (miRNA) family. By qPCR technique, we demonstrated that let 7a, and 26a increase maximum 2.1 and 2.6 fold change respectively in pregnant vs non-pregnant nulliparous heifers. This represents an exciting opportunity to use the differential expression of these miRNAs as early pregnancy markers and better understand the relationship with the cellular and molecular interaction between mother and embryo.
PSVII-1 A preliminary phenotypic characterization of Raramuri Criollo cattle
Authors: McIntosh Matthew , Gonzalez Alfredo , Cibils Andres , Estell Rick , Nyamuryekung’e Shelemia , Spiegal Sheri
Published: November 2020

Raramuri Criollo (RC) are one of 33 known biotypes of heritage Criollo cattle that exist throughout the Americas today. They have been raised by the Tarahumara peoples of the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico, for over 400 years and exhibit remarkable rusticity and adaptation to harsh grazing environments. To date, no quantitative phenotypic description of this biotype exists. Our objective was to characterize RC cattle via 26 phenotype traits to provide a preliminary biotype standard. Twenty-eight multiparous RC cows, 4 primiparous heifers, and 4 bulls were selected from a purebred herd of approximately 200 animals at the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range. These 36 animals were selected by a Criollo cattle expert based on body conformation correctness. SAS 9.4 was used to determine means, SEs or frequency of measured traits. Multiparous pregnant and cycling cows averaged 366.8 ± 9.8 kg live body weight, 121.8 ± 0.9 cm withers height, horn widths of 60.3 ± 1.6 cm, horn diameters of 5.7 ± 0.1 cm, chest girths of 183.6 ± 12.0 cm, hip widths of 44.5 ± 0.5 cm, flank girths of 52.2 ± 0.9 cm, body length of 90.0 ± 1.7 cm, neck lengths of 52.0 ± 0.9 cm, and tail lengths of 83.3 ± 1.4 cm. Bulls consistently averaged higher values for all traits and weighed 618.2 ± 9.8 kg with scrotal circumferences of 36.8 ± 0.7 cm. RC cattle exhibited mostly convex nose bridges (89%), open-back horns (49%), black muzzles, hooves, and eyes (62, 69, and 81%, respectively), small ears (78%), oblique eyes (70%), high-set tail heads (86%), short hooves (95%), and short hair (78%). Our preliminary characterization of RC phenotypes will be useful in selecting RC individuals for genotypic evaluation to eventually maintain a distinct purebred registry of this Criollo biotype.
PSVIII-27 Interactions between the stage of maturity of Eragrostis tef hay and supplemental energy source on forage utilization in beef heifers
Authors: Stevens Allison , Myers Cheyanne , Hall John B , Chibisa Gwinyai E
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the interaction between the stage of maturity of Eragrostis tef (teff) grass and supplemental energy source on ruminal fermentation characteristics and nitrogen (N) utilization. Six ruminally-fistulated beef heifers were used in a 3 × 3 split-plot design (21 d periods). The whole plot factor was stage of maturity of teff hay [early- (EH) or late-heading (LH)], and the subplot factor was supplemental energy source [no supplement (CON), rolled corn grain or beet pulp pellet (BP)] fed at 0.5% of body weight. Feed intake was measured daily. Indwelling pH loggers were used to measure ruminal pH (d 14 to 21) and ruminal fluid was collected from d 19 to 21 to determine fermentation characteristics, as were feces and urine to measure N excretion. Data was analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS. There was no stage of maturity × supplement interaction for all measurements (P ≥ 0.17). Although dry matter intake (DMI) tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for heifers fed EH than LH hay, it did not differ (P = 0.88) across supplements. Ruminal acetate concentration tended (P = 0.098) to be greater for EH than LH heifers, whereas butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.045) for BPP than CON heifers. However, the duration and area pH < 6.2 and 5.8 did not differ (P > 0.12) across treatments. Except for microbial N flow, which was greater (P < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers, there was no stage of maturity or supplement effect (P ≥ 0.14) on measures of N utilization. In summary, feeding teff hay harvested at the EH than LH stage of maturity increased DMI and microbial N supply, whereas feeding corn and BP as energy supplements to beef heifers had no effect on ruminal pH.
PSVIII-24 Evaluating supplementation programs for growing calves grazing bermudagrass pastures
Authors: Beck Paul A , Kegley Elizabeth B , Hess Thomas , Hubbell Don S
Published: November 2020

Operational time constraints limit producer’s ability to manage supplement delivery, thus we aimed to determine gain response to self-fed (SF) or hand-fed (HF) summer supplementation programs at the University of Arkansas Livestock and Forestry Research Station on 20, 0.81-ha common bermudagrass pastures stocked with 5 growing calves per pasture (BW ± SD = 247 ± 24.6). This research was a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments, including: Control (CON) – only free choice mineral; HF 1.13 kg/d corn gluten feed/soybean hull supplement offered all summer (AS) or only late summer (LS); SF tub supplement (PVM Cattle Tub, Positive Feed Ltd., Sealy, TX) either AS or LS. Supplement costs (US dollars) were $0.82/kg for SF and $0.23/kg for HF supplements. Consumption of SFAS was 0.44 kg/day in the early summer, while late summer intakes were 0.25 and 0.38 kg/d for SFLS and SFAS, respectively. In early summer HF increased (P < 0.01) ADG compared with CON and SFAS. During the late summer, HF increased ADG compared with CON (P ≤ 0.05) and HFAS tended (P = 0.08) to have greater ADG than both SFAS and SFLS. Added gain:supplement in the early summer did not differ (P = 0.38), 0.17 for SFAS and 0.31 for HFAS. Late summer gain:supplement did not differ (P = 0.56) averaging 0.58, 0.23, 0.17, and 0.23 for SFLS, SFAS, HFLS, HFAS. Cost of added gains in LS were SFLS and HFLS at $1.45 and $1.36/kg, respectively. Providing supplements AS resulted in $4.38 and $0.84/kg cost of added gain for SFAS and HFAS. Providing HF supplements all summer is a cost effective way to increase gains of growing calves grazing bermudagrass, providing supplements only during the late summer may be cost effective for both SF and HF supplements depending on economic conditions.