bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSIII-13 Supplementary Effects of Carbohydrate Enzymes and Protease to Two Protein Levels in the Diet of Finishing Pig on the Growth Performance, Toxic Gas Emissions, Meat Quality, and Colonic Microbiota Community
Authors: Yu Sun Gu , Lim Chai Bin , Jang Se Yeon , Zhang Qian Qian , Kim In Ho
Published: October 2023

The study investigated the effects of carbohydrate-active enzymes and protease complex on growth performance, meat quality, toxic gas emissions, and the structure and functions of colonic microbiota under two protein levels. Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire; n = 200) finishing pigs (68.03, SD = 3.57 kg) were allocated to 1 of 4 treatments and received different diets including high protein (16.73%, HP) with/without 0.1% multi-enzymes (ENZs) and medium-high protein (14.73%, MP) with/without 0.1% ENZs, using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The trial was carried out for 7 weeks. The results indicated that ENZs supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG, P < 0.05) probably resulted from an improved apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy. The HP diet promoted augmented ADG during the overall period. The MP-treated pigs had greater marbling and intramuscular fat in the longissimus dorsi muscle (P < 0.01). As expected, The HP groups released more ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the excretion (P < 0.05). The HP improved α-diversity, as revealed by greater observed_ ASVs and Chao1 (P < 0.05) and boosted greater abundance of Firmicutes, Desulfobacterota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Fibrobacterota than the MP diet. The interactive effect of HP and ENZs showed greater Shannon and Pielou's evenness (P < 0.05) with greater Bacteroidota and decreased Firmicutes abundance. Dietary ENZs increased the abundance of Actinobacteriota, Desulfobacterota, and Lactobacillus and reduced pathogenic Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. Spearman’s correlation indicated that greater acetate concentration in colonic digesta was positively associated with Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Oscillospiraceae-NK4A214_group, Ruminococcus, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group at the genus level. Taken together, HP or ENZs supplements improved the ADG and nutrient digestibility of finishing pigs. The interactive effects of CP levels and ENZs supplements did not show the growth performance but the effect of HP with ENZs promoted microbial diversity and stability in the colon.
PSIII-12 A Preliminary Evaluation on Novel Tryptophan Additive on Apparent Total Tract and Ileal Digesta of Nutrients in Growing Pigs Using Cannulation Technique
Authors: Yu Sun Gu , Sampath Vetriselvi , Jang Se Yeon , Lim Chai Bin , Kim In Ho
Published: October 2023

Amino acids (AA) are the primary structure of proteins. Earlier studies proved that AA contents in the diet are closely related to efficiency of nutrient utilization in pigs. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the effect of tryptophan [(Trp), Trp-proline and calcium-Trp)] supplementation on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), energy (GE), and amino acids (AAs) in eight growing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc)]. Pigs with average body weights of 25 kg were surgically inserted with post-valve T-caecum cannulation approximately 15 cm anterior to the ileo-cecal junction and randomly assigned to the following diets: CON (corn- soybean meal-distillers dried grain soluble -based basal diet), Trp Pro (CON + 20g/kg Trp Pro), Ca-Trp (CON+ 20g/kg Calcium Trp), and N-free diet using a 4× 4 Latin squares design in duplicates. The novel Trp supplements did not exhibit any significant difference in ATTD and AID of DM, GE, and N digestibility. However, the ATTD of essential AAs such as valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, and tryptophan and some non-essential AA like serine, glutamic acid, and glycine was increased (P < 0.05) in novel Trp group. The inclusion of the novel Trp to the diet reduced (P > 0.05) ATTD of threonine but increased the AID of threonine. While other AAs showed the least response to the Trp supplementation. Also, ATTD of methionine tended to be greater in Trp group compared with the CON. In short, the inclusion of 20 g/kg modified form of novel Trp supplementations showed beneficial effects to enhance the AA deposits in the tissue of pigs without any adverse effect.
PSIV-1 Nutrient Intervention During Gilt Development Leads to Effects on Progeny Growth Responses
Authors: Tsai Tsungcheng Cheng , Sam Bernard Abeiku , Dritz Steve , Vier Carine M , Bergstrom Jon R , Hough Sara D , Orlando Uislei A , Blake Kayla , Davis Nathan , Grogan Hannah , Coble Kyle , Maxwell Charles V
Published: October 2023

To elucidate the effect of early life dietary nutrient level and vitamin D source during gilt development on progeny growth performance, equal number of weaning age piglets (n = 72) were selected from each of 4 sow treatments group. All pigs were fed a common 3,000 ppm zinc diet for first two weeks postweaning to allow for accommodating the weaning process. At the beginning of week 3, pigs were sorted by sow parity and BW within gender and stratified based on maternal dietary treatments. Dietary treatments during gilt development period included two levels of dietary nutrients (Adeq: optimal growing diet that exceed NRC 2012 recommendation or Low: moderate slow growing diet that SID lys and ME levels were gradually reduced by 0.03% and 0 kcal/kg, 0.15% and 146 kcal/kg, and 0.15% and 150 kcal/kg, respectively) and two sources of vitamin D [StD: 1653 IU cholecalciferol/kg or HyD: 500 IU cholecalciferol/kg + 50 mcg calcifediol (ROVIMIX HY.D DSM Nutritional Products North America)] during development phase 1 (23 to 57 kg), 2 (57 to 91 kg), and 3 (91 until breeding). Dietary nutrient level treatment was withdrawn during gestation and lactation stages, while sows remained on their vitamin D treatments. Progeny were fed with a 6-phase feeding regimen as nursery phase 3 (14 d) and 4 (14 d), grower phase 1 (28 d) and 2 (28 d), and finisher phase 1 (28 d) and 2 (28 d). All pigs were transferred to a commercial processing plant where carcass characteristics were measured. Data were analyzed using Mixed procedure of SAS (Cary, NC) with maternal diet nutrient level, vitamin D source and the interaction as fixed effects. Progeny born from sows fed HyD diets had greater ADG in overall grower/finisher phases (P = 0.04) and during the whole trial (P = 0.03). This weight gain improvement increased the final BW, HCW, and yield percentage over StD derived progeny by 3.19 kg, 3.56 kg and 0.11% (P = 0.04, 0.02 and < 0.01), respectively. Dietary nutrient level had limited effect on progeny ADG and BW during the preslaughter period. The maternal vitamin D source did not affect progeny ADFI but overall G:F tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in pigs sourced from dams fed HyD . A maternal vitamin D by nutrient level interaction was observed for ADFI during grower/finisher phases (P = 0.05) and overall (P = 0.07) because progeny from gilts fed a low nutrient level had greater intake than cohorts from gilts fed an adequate nutrient diet, while ADFI was similar for all offspring from gilts fed HyD diets. These results indicate that manipulating nutrients during gilt development, or feeding HyD rather than StD to reproducing sows, can affect growth of their progeny to slaughter.
PSIV-18 Live Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) Improves Body Condition Score and Reduces Rectal Temperature in Sows at Weaning
Authors: Hiscocks Sophie , Merriman Laura A , Cordero Gustavo , Wilcock Pete , Ajuwon Kola , Becker Spenser
Published: October 2023

Achieving optimal health of the sow during gestation and lactation is important to ensure sow longevity and piglet performance. As an oxygen scavenger, live yeast suppresses the growth of undesirable bacteria and promotes fiber-degrading microbes. Consequently, yeast has the potential to promote a healthy gut microbiome and support immune status. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of live yeast supplementation on sow performance during gestation and lactation. A total of 40 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were assigned to two dietary treatments based on parity and expected farrowing date. The two dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet without (control) or with supplementation of live yeast (Vistacell, AB Vista, UK). Gestation diets were fed for 4-weeks pre-farrowing with the live yeast treatment included at 0.5 kg/t. Lactation diets were fed from farrow until weaning at approximately 24 days with live yeast treatment included at 1.0 kg/t. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the standard least squares option of the fit model platform in JMP 16.0 Pro. Treatment differences were deemed significant at P < 0.05. At farrowing, sows had comparable body weights, backfat thickness, muscle depth, rectal temperature (rTEMP) and body condition score (BCS), irrespective of treatment. At weaning, sows supplemented with live yeast had a greater BCS (3.4 vs. 3.0) than non-supplemented sows (P < 0.01). As average daily feed intakes were comparable across treatments, this suggests that live yeast fed sows were better able to retain condition during the lactation period. In addition, rTEMP was lower (38.6°C vs 39.1°C) in sows fed live yeast at the end of lactation compared with non-supplemented sows (P < 0.05). Although rTEMP was considered within the safe range for sows post-farrow, lowering rTEMP with live yeast may indicate health benefits to the sow. These findings demonstrate the potential of live yeast to improve body condition and reduce the risk of vulnerable sows at weaning.
PSV-17 Threonine Requirements for Post-Weaning Pig in Individual Precision Nutrition Programs: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hilgemberg Rafaela , Lehnen Cheila , Pomar Candido , Lambert William , Remus Aline
Published: October 2023

Threonine (Thr) is generally the second limiting amino acid (AA) in growing pig diets, and it has a vital role in supporting intestinal functions and the immune system. Additionally, providing pigs with the correct AA requirements decreases nitrogen excretion and improves growth performance. This study aimed to determine standardized ileal digestibility (SID) Thr requirements for individual post-weaned pigs. Additionally, the Thr supplementation effect on average daily gain (ADG) of weaning and growing [7.3 – 51.5 kg of body weight (BW)] pigs under a sanitary challenge was evaluated. Eleven papers published from 1993 to 2015 composed the dataset used to determine the SID Thr requirement in the nursery phase, and five studies conducted from 2014 to 2020 composed the enteric sanitary challenge dataset. The SID Thr was obtained from publications when available or estimated based on the ingredient composition using EvaPig software. The average individual pig SID Thr requirements were estimated by bootstrapping 1,000 repetitions of a linear-plateau mixed model where all parameters were considered random as a function of the trial code. A general positive-definite matrix was used to represent the between-factors covariance using the nlme package of the R software. The effect of supplementing SID Thr above the requirement to attenuate ADG losses during a challenge was evaluated by an effect size analysis using a mixed model of the R Metafor package. Due to the low number of studies assessing pigs’ response to enteric challenges, a P < 0.25 was considered significant. In the post-weaning (14 kg average BW), the estimated ADG was 457 g/d (411 to 493 g/d) as a function of SID Thr individual requirement, which was 4.71 g/d for the average pig, with the least demanding pig requiring 4.4 g/d and the most demanding one requiring 5.1 g/d. For challenged pigs, the across-study heterogeneity was moderate (Higgs index = 36%). Increasing Thr intake by 18% above the estimated requirement attenuated (P = 0.15) ADG losses by 0.7 standard deviations (60 g) compared with pigs fed diets meeting Thr requirements. For pigs in individual precision feeding, the SID Thr requirement is estimated to be 1.03 g per 100 g of ADG for post-weaned pigs. The increase of SID Thr intake by 18% attenuated the ADG losses by 19% compared with non-supplemented pigs with enteric challenges.
PSVI-17 Digestawell XG Improves Piglet Performance When Dietary Net Energy Content is Decreased
Authors: Kuterna Leni , Edwards Joan E , Bussières Dan , Wagner Ashley L
Published: October 2023

Plant based dietary ingredients contain non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). Both soluble and insoluble NSP may limit intestinal absorption and digestion of dietary nutrients along the intestinal tract of monogastric animals. Increased digesta viscosity also occurs, which results in satiety and potential health issues. DIGESTAWell XG (Probiotech International Inc.), a commercially available enzyme-based feed additive that contains increased endo-1,4-β-xylanase and endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase activity, hydrolyzes NSP resulting in increased nutrient availability and digestibility. Therefore, it was hypothesized that nursery pigs consuming low net energy (NE) diets with DIGESTAWell XG will demonstrate similar growth performance as nursery pigs consuming greater NE diets. A 47-day trial was conducted with 21-day old nursery pigs (6.0 kg) allocated to three groups: control (CON), low energy (-56 kcal/kg feed; LE), and low energy + enzyme (LE+E). All groups had 13 pens of 28 pigs (n = 364), and received wheat and corn mix based diets that had a similar NSP content (11.4%). CON diets had greater NE (2,456 kcal/kg feed) relative to the LE and LE+E groups (2400 kcal/kg feed). The diet of the LE+E group was supplemented with DIGESTAWell XG at 0.22kg/Ton of feed. For each pen the daily feed intake, weekly weight, diarrhea index and mortality were recorded. Data were analyzed by an ANOVA model (Statistix 8.0; Analytical Software, FL) including treatment and pen as fixed and random effects, respectively, and a Chi-square test for pairwise differences. Compared with both CON and LE, LE+E increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during weeks 4 to 7 and weeks 1 to 7, and significantly increased final weight (Table 1). During weeks 1 to 3, ADG and ADFI did not differ between CON and LE+E groups, and the LE+E group was significantly greater than LE. Over the entire period, LE impacted (P < 0.05) negatively the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with CON, however, during weeks 4-7 the LE+E had similar FCR compared with CON (P > 0.05). No significant effects were observed on mortality or diarrhea index. In conclusion, DIGESTAWell XG improves piglet performance when dietary NE content is decreased which may offer some formulation flexibility.
PSVI-9 Pigs Weaned from Sows Fed a Feed Flavor Had Improved Nursery Growth Performance, But Added Feed Flavor in Nursery Diets Did Not Impact Performance
Authors: Spinler Mikayla , Gebhardt Jordan T , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Mike D , Goodband Robert D , Kyle Josh , Woodworth Jason C
Published: October 2023

A total of 360 weanling pigs (DNA 241 × 600: initially 5.7 ± 0.03 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of a sow lactation feed flavor treatment (control vs added flavor) with or without added feed flavor in nursery diets on pig growth performance. Pigs were weaned at approximately 19 d of age from sows fed diets with or without 0.05% feed flavor (Krave AP, Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA). Pigs were placed in pens within sow treatment with 5 to 6 pigs per pen and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary nursery treatments. There were 14 to 17 replications per treatment and the trial lasted 38 days. Nursery treatments were either a control diet or a diet containing a feed flavor (Delistart #NA 21, Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA) added at 0.05% of the diet. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of sow and nursery treatment. Offspring from sows fed the flavor diet were heavier at weaning (P < 0.001) which was maintained throughout the nursery portion of the study (Table 1). No differences (P > 0.10) were observed for ADG, ADFI, or G:F during phase 1 (d 1 to 9). During phase 2 (d 9 to 24), there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for a main effect of both nursery and sow diet on ADG, with pigs from sows fed the flavor diet having greater ADG compared with pigs from sows fed the control diet and pigs fed the nursery diet without flavor having increased ADG compared with those fed the flavored diet. A tendency (P = 0.094) was observed for a main effect of sow treatment on ADFI during phase 2, with pigs from sows fed the flavor diet having greater ADFI. During phase 3 (d 24 to 38), a tendency (P = 0.075) was observed for an interaction between sow and nursery diet for ADG with pigs fed the flavor diet from sows fed the flavor diet having greater (P < 0.05) ADG but no difference (P > 0.10) was observed when pigs were obtained from sows fed the control diet. There was also a main effect (P < 0.05) of nursery treatment on both ADFI and G:F, where pigs fed the feed flavor diet had greater ADFI but poorer G:F. Overall, progeny from sows fed a diet containing a feed flavor had greater ADG (P = 0.038), ADFI (P = 0.043), and final BW (P < 0.001) during the nursery trial. In conclusion, offspring from sows fed a feed flavor during lactation had increased ADG, ADFI, and BW, but the presence of a feed flavor in the nursery diets did not elicit differences in overall nursery performance.
PSVI-11 Evaluation of the Acid Binding Capacity of Ingredients and Complete Diets Commonly Used for Weanling Pigs
Authors: Stas Ethan , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Woodworth Jason C , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: October 2023

The objective of this experiment was to measure acid-binding capacity at a pH of 4 (ABC-4) of common feed ingredients and determine additivity in diets. Ingredient categories included: cereal grains, vegetable proteins, animal proteins and milk, vitamin premixes and minerals, amino acids, and fiber sources. A 0.5 g sample of each ingredient was suspended in 50 mL of distilled deionized water and titrated with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid. Sample ABC-4 was calculated as the amount of acid in milliequivalents (meq) required to reduce and maintain 1 kg of ingredient to a pH of 4 with a smaller number believed to be more advantageous. Cereal grains were found to have decreased ABC-4 compared with other ingredients (Table 1). Vegetable proteins had greater ABC-4 with more variation than cereal grains. Soybean meal (SBM) had an ABC-4 of 602 ± 28.2 meq/kg. Soy protein concentrate (737 ± 165.0 meq/kg) and enzymatically treated soybean meal (ESBM; 753 meq/kg) had greater ABC-4 compared with SBM while fermented soybean meal (FSBM; 207 ± 100.0 meq/kg) was less. Fish meal (1,380 ± 150.9 meq/kg) had greater ABC-4 compared with all analyzed vegetable proteins. Spray dried whey powder and whey permeate had slightly less ABC-4 than that of soybean meal with values of 440 and 520 meq/kg, respectively. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) had the greatestt ABC-4 among all ingredients with values of 21,863 ± 598.7 and 18,384 ± 769.7 meq/kg, respectively. Following ingredient analysis, a series of diets were created and analyzed to determine additivity by comparing the differences between calculated and analyzed ABC-4. All analyzed diets had less ABC-4 than calculated values; however, analyzed ABC-4 increased in the same magnitude as the calculated values across diets. The first series of diets were arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial consisting of increasing CaCO3 with or without ZnO. There was a ZnO × CaCO3 interaction (P = 0.020) for difference between calculated and analyzed ABC-4 where differences between calculated and analyzed ABC-4 increased (linear, P < 0.001) as CaCO3 increased in diets without ZnO, but not in diets with ZnO. The second series of diets consisted of different levels of SBM with either FSBM or ESBM included at 5% of the diet. Differences between calculated and analyzed values were not different between treatments (P = 0.640). In conclusion, perfect ABC-4 additivity in complete diets was not realized due to lower analyzed than calculated values; however, analyzed ABC-4 still increased as calculated values increased. These data suggest that diet ABC-4 can be adjusted through selection of ingredients but feeding trials are needed to determine its impact on pig performance.
PSVI-16 Caps C2PG, a Blend of Spice Oleoresins, Can Substitute the Growth Promoting Effect of an Ionophore Feed Premix on Grow-Finish Pigs
Authors: Medina Bertrand , Bussières Dan , Wagner Ashley L
Published: October 2023

Consumer demand is driving the swine industry to review the use of both antibiotic and ionophore-type antimicrobial agents in feed due to concerns of antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, when a feed mill is manufacturing feed for multiple species including those that are sensitive to ionophore contamination or toxicity such as horses, turkeys and game birds, additional vigilance is required which may deter use of ionophore-type antimicrobials in swine feed. Naturally, a large push has been toward the use of phytogenic additives that may also have some antimicrobial benefits. CAPS C2PG (Probiotech International Inc.) is a phytogenic feed additive comprised of a proprietary blend of spice oleoresins. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate CAPS C2PG as an alternative to the ionophore, salinomycin, in grow-finish pigs.Pigs (n = 1056 Improvest injected males) were housed in 48 pens distributed in 4 rooms (12 pens/room) of a compound building fully equipped with an automatic and computerized Gestal Feed system. Each pen (22 pigs/pen, with a starting density of 7.3 ft2/pig) was equipped with a single 2-space Crystal Spring feeder. During grow-finish (98.3 ± 0.6 days), pigs were allotted to three different treatments (16 repetitions/treatment): salinomycin (25 ppm; Sal.), CAPS C2PG (35 ppm; CAPS.), or a combination treatment (25 ppm Sal. + 35ppm CAPS C2PG; Sal. + CAPS.). Growth performances variables were measured with feed intake monitored per pen daily, and ADG assessed every 3 weeks based on pen weight. All dead or culled pigs were weighed upon removal. Data were analyzed by an ANOVA model (Statistix 8.0; Analytical Software, FL) including treatment and pen as fixed and random effects, respectively. Pairwise comparisons were completed with a Chi-square test. Results are presented in Table 1. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in any of the performance parameters measured throughout the grow-finish period. The lack of difference in performance variables of grow-finish pigs consuming Sal. versus CAPS. demonstrates the potential to substitute an antimicrobial ionophore-type with a phytogenic based on a blend of spice oleoresins. The lack of an additive effect of combining Sal. and CAPS. requires further investigation. With current CAD prices, 25 ppm of salinomycin are between CAD 1.75-2.00 per medicated tonne of feed, whereas 35 ppm of CAPS C2PG are about CAD 1.50 per supplemented tonne of feed. Thus, CAPS C2PG may be an economical and consumer-friendly option in grow-finish pig diets compared with salinomycin. Further research is warranted on the use of this product in other phases of pig production.
PSVI-19 Impact of Sow Body Condition on Macro Reproductive Performance
Authors: Zhao Junmei , Hu Qiong , Paton Neil , Goris Kaat , Vanderhaeghe Caroline , Walston Stephanie
Published: October 2023

Sow body condition is important for maximizing life-time productivity, milk production and progeny performance. Data from a total of 4,367 sows (76PIC, 4291Genesus) were used to investigate relationships between sow body condition at entry to farrowing house (body weight, back fat, body condition score) versus reproductive performance and milk production. Data were from a commercial farm from 2018-2020. Sow data were stratified by parity: Class 1 (parity 1), 2 (parity 2-4) and 3+ (parity 4 and above). Sow entry weight (with fetuses), backfat, and body condition score (scale 1-5) were measured at entry to farrowing house and at weaning. Milk production was calculated using the method of Hansen et al. (2012). Standard sow performance was collected via data software (Agriness). Data were plotted and assessed for commercially relevant relationships among dependent and independent variables. Single factor linear regression was used to calculate linear slope and slope standard error between variables of interest within parity. The farm represents typical north American performance with average piglets born alive13.9, total piglets born 15.6, number of piglets weaned 10.5. Regardless of parity, sow body weight at entry had the greatest positive linear relationship to reproductive productivity. Heavier weight at entry was positively related to number of total piglets born, born piglets alive, litter birth weight and milk production. Heavier primiparous sows at entry had greater piglet weight gain and weaning weight. A positive linear relationship (evidenced by non-zero linear slope) was observed between sow back fat loss and milk production in primiparous sows. Relationships among sow back fat, body condition score and productivity were weak (confidence interval of slope included zero). Sow backfat at entry did not impact lactation feed intake. This might be due to high average lactation feed intake (average 8 kg/d) in this farm. Slightly positive regression was observed between sow weight and lactation intake in primiparous sows but not in older sows. Most commercial farms do not have weighing equipment. Sow body condition score is often used as an economic method but highly variable depending on farm personnel. Our investigation suggests that sow body weight is important for sow reproductive performance. Gilt body weight at entry is positively related to litter birth weight and weaning weight. Future research is needed to better understand sow body composition (fat and lean percentage) on productivity and find economic ways to collect these parameters at commercial farms.
PSV-13 Evaluation of Hydrafit Pre-Slaughter on Finishing Beef Steer: Dressing Percentage, Hot Carcass Weight, and Cold Carcass Weight
Authors: Ribeiro Thiago Lauro Maia , Gubbels Erin R , Francis Forest L , Heldt Jeff S , Hanson Santana , Norman Thomas , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: October 2023

The objective of this experiment was to determine if electrolyte application (glycerol-based electrolyte solution containing potassium chloride, acetic acid, magnesium hydroxide, sodium propionate, and sodium chloride; 5.10% potassium, 1.00% sodium, and 0.87% magnesium; HydraFit—Micronutrients USA LLC, Indianapolis IN) before shipping for harvest increased cold carcass weight in beef steers. Steers (n = 40; 20 steers per treatment; BW = 659 ± 72.9 kg) were weighed 40 h before harvest, blocked by BW (n = 4 BW blocks), and assigned to one of two treatments: no HydraFit (Con) or HydraFit (HF) added to the water at 4% vol/vol (4 pens/treatment, 8 pens total). Feed and water access was not restricted nor was a shrink percentage applied to any BW measures. Thirty-six hours before harvest a 378 L water tank was filled with water from the same source the steers had been consuming since arrival. Water and feed were introduced at 36 h before harvest. Final BW was captured immediately before shipping (12 h prior to harvest). Cattle were transported 98 km to a commercial abattoir. Cattle were held in lairage with ad libitum access to water before harvest the following morning. Water intake pre-shipment was determined after the cattle were removed from the pens and transported to slaughter. Water volume was estimated by measuring water depth remaining in the tank. Depth measurements were calibrated to water volume by metering (DM-P; Assured Automation, Roselle, NJ; ± 1.0%) 0.64 cm of water into each tank and recording the liters of water metered. Hot carcass weight was determined at the time of slaughter and cold carcass data was determined after a 48-hour chill. One steer from Con was condemned at the abattoir for reasons unrelated to treatment, consequently, the contribution of this steer to the pen mean was deleted. Providing HF in the drinking water for approximately 22 hours before shipping for harvest tended to increase final body weight (P = 0.08) by 1% but had no effect (P ≥ 0.88) on hot or cold carcass weight. In conclusion, providing a glycerol-based electrolyte solution to finished beef cattle for approximately 22 hours before shipping for harvest tended to improve final body weight.
PSV-12 Effects of Diet on Feed Intake, Weight Change, and Gas Emissions in Beef Cows
Authors: Holder Amanda , Gross Megan A , Moehlenpah Alexi , Lalman David
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of diet energy density on ranking for dry matter intake (DMI), residual feed intake (RFI), and greenhouse gas emissions. Forty-two mature, gestating Angus cows [600 ± 69 kg body weight (BW); body condition score (BCS) 5.3 ± 1.1] with a wide range in DMI expected progeny difference (−1.38 to 2.91) were randomly assigned to two diet sequences; forage then concentrate (FC) or concentrate then forage (CF). The forage diet consisted of long-stem native grass hay plus protein supplement (HAY; 1.96 Mcal ME/kg DM). The concentrate diet consisted of 35% chopped grass hay and 65% concentrate feeds on a dry matter basis (MIX; 2.5 Mcal ME/kg DM). The GreenFeed Emission Monitoring system was used to determine carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and methane (CH4) flux. Cow performance traits, ultrasound back fat and rump fat, feed DMI, and gas flux data were analyzed in a crossover design using a mixed model including diet, period, and sequence as fixed effects and pen and cow within sequence as random effects. For all measured traits excluding DMI, there was a diet × sequence interaction (P < 0.05). The correlation between MIX and HAY DMI was 0.41 (P = 0.067) and 0.47 (P = 0.03) for FC and CF sequences, respectively. There was no relationship (P > 0.66) between HAY and MIX average daily gain (ADG), regardless of sequence. Fifty-seven percent of the variation in DMI was explained by metabolic BW, ADG, and BCS for both diets during the first period. During the second period, the same three explanatory variables accounted for 38% and 37% of the variation in DMI for MIX and HAY diets, respectively. The negative relationship between BCS and DMI was more pronounced when cows consumed the MIX diet. There was no relationship between MIX and HAY RFI, regardless of sequence (P > 0.18). During the first period, correlations for CO2, CH4, and O2 with MIX DMI were 0.69, 0.81, and 0.56 (P ≤ 0.015), respectively, and 0.76, 0.74, and 0.64 (P < 0.01) with HAY DMI. During the second period, correlations for CO2, CH4, and O2 with MIX DMI were 0.62, 0.47, and 0.56 (P ≤ 0.11), respectively. However, HAY DMI during the second period was not related to gas flux (P > 0.47). Results from this experiment indicate that feed intake of two energy-diverse diets is moderately correlated while ADG while consuming the two diets is not related. Further experimentation is necessary to determine if gas flux data can be used to predict feed intake in beef cows.
PSVI-1 Effect of Soy co-Products in Supplements for Growing Cattle on Hemocytology Following a Lipopolysaccharide Challenge
Authors: Midkiff Kirsten A , Scott Rachel M , Dunkel Sidney N , Cheek Robin A , Lansdell Bralee S , Littlejohn Brittni P , Powell Jeremy G , Galloway Doug L , Reynolds Jana L , Kegley Elizabeth B
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of including soy co-products (soybean meal and soy oil) in the diet on the hemocytology of cattle after an endotoxin challenge. For the growing phase, crossbred Angus steers (n = 36; initial body weight = 289 ± 31 kg) were stratified by body weight and sire and randomly assigned to pastures (n = 9; 0.45 ha mixed grass). Pastures were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) a control supplement containing no soy co-products (CON); 2) a supplement containing soybean meal (SBM); or 3) a supplement containing soy oil (SBO). All supplements were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Cattle were fed supplements (2.45 kg DM/day) for 56 days. At the conclusion of the growing phase, cattle were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 groups for a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (i.v. infusion of 0.5 µg LPS/kg of body weight). A minimum of 18 hours before sampling, cattle were fitted with jugular vein catheters and placed into stanchions. Blood was collected starting 2 hours before LPS infusion (-2 hr), immediately prior to LPS infusion (0 hr), and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 as repeated measures with treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction as fixed effects, challenge group as random effect, and calf specified as the subject. Statistical significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies declared at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.1. There were treatment × time interactions for neutrophils (P = 0.003), percentage of neutrophils (P = 0.002), percentage of lymphocytes (P = 0.006), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NE:LY ratio; P = 0.001). Briefly, neutrophils, percentage of neutrophils, and NE:LY ratio were decreased in cattle on CON diets compared with SBM at -2 h and 0 h (P < 0.01). Also, the percentage of neutrophils were greater at 8 h for cattle on SBO diets than SBM diets (P = 0.018). The percentage of lymphocytes were greater in cattle on the CON diets compared with the SBM diets at 0 and -2 h (P < 0.015). There was a treatment effect for percentage of monocytes (P = 0.035), as the CON diet had greater monocyte percentage compared with the SBM diet, and the SBO diet tended to have greater monocyte percentage compared with SBM diet. There was a time effect for all other hematology variables (P < 0.0001), as leukocytes were typically greater pre-administration of LPS, sharply decreased at 2 and 4 h post-administration of LPS and began to increase at 6 and 8 h. Preliminary results indicated that the inclusion of soy co-products in growing cattle diets influenced hemocytology.
PSVI-3 Effects of Different Concentrate Inclusion Levels in Diets Containing Agri002E Sorghum Silage on Intake and Digestibility in Growing Nellore Bulls
Authors: Pucetti Pauliane , de Filho Sebastião Campos Valadares , da Silva Julia Travassos , Cidrini Ferndando Alerrandro Andrade , de Souza Gilyard Angelo Pinheiro , Hollerbach Lucas Germano , Swanson Kendall C
Published: October 2023

The sorghum hybrid, AGRI002E, sorghum was developed for high dry matter (DM) production per area. However, there are no reports in the literature evaluating the use of this silage with different inclusion levels of concentration on the ingestive and digestive variables of beef cattle. Therefore, this study aimed to access the effects of different concentrate levels in diets containing AGRI002E sorghum silage (SS) on feed intake, ruminal and apparent total tract digestibilities of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber corrected for contaminant ash and protein (apNDF), and starch. Nellore rumen-cannulated bulls (n = 5; BW = 242 ± 5 kg) were used in a 5×5 Latin square design. The experimental treatments consisted of five concentrate levels (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 g of concentrate/kg of diet DM) in SS-based diets. The concentrates used in the experimental diets were based on corn, soybean meal, sulfated urea, virginiamycin, and mineral supplement. The diets were formulated to provide approximately 120 g of crude protein per kg dietary DM. In the 0% concentrate diet, the protein level was adjusted with sulfated urea. All diets contained the same amount of virginiamycin and mineral supplement. Each experimental period lasted 24 d, with 17 d adaptation, 4 d of total feces collection, and 3 d collection to obtain omasal flow using a double marker technique (indigestible NDF and Co-EDTA). Data were analyzed using MIXED-SAS. Starch and OM intake linearly increased (P < 0.001) with increasing concentrate inclusion. Intake of apNDF decreased linearly (P = 0.018) and tended to be quadratically influenced (P = 0.022) with increasing concentrate inclusion (Table 1). Ruminal digestibility of OM increased linearly (P < 0.001) with increasing concentrate inclusion. Starch ruminal digestibility decreased linearly (P = 0.003) and tended to be influenced quadratically (P = 0.0015) with increasing concentrate inclusion. Ruminal digestibility of apNDF tended to decrease linearly (P = 0.057) with increasing concentrate inclusion. Total apparent digestibility of OM increased linearly (P < 0.001) and apNDF and starch total apparent digestibility decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.002) with increasing concentrate inclusion. Increasing inclusion of concentrate in AGRI002E sorghum silage-based diets increased OM and starch intake, and ruminal and total apparent OM digestibility and decreased apNDF intake and ruminal and apNDF and starch total apparent digestibility.
PSVI-2 Economic Evaluation of Forage-Fed vs Concentrate-Fed Beef Finishing Systems
Authors: O'Malley Micah L , Robertson Caleb , Holder Amanda
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the price points at which it is more economical to finish beef animals on forage-based or concentrate-based diets. To accomplish this, Hereford steers (n = 21; BW = 444 ± 10 kg) were fed out on one of three diets: a long-stemmed grass hay (HAY, 10.8% CP, 2.11 Mcal ME/kg DM), an alfalfa hay diet (ALF, 20.5% CP, 2.85 Mcal ME/kg DM) or a mixed ration consisting of 30.0% corn silage, 28.0% DDGS, 30.0% rolled corn, 10.5% soybean meal, and 1.5% mineral supplement (CON, 22.0% CP, 2.90 Mcal ME/kg DM). The data were analyzed in SAS v9.4. Animals were evaluated on intake, growth, and performance measures during a 35-day feeding trial. Average daily gain (ADG) and hot carcass weight differed significantly (P < 0.05) between treatments with CON steers gaining 1.47 kg/d with a hot carcass weight of 394.8 kg, ALF steers gaining 0.77 kg/d with a hot carcass weight of 334.7 kg, and HAY steers gaining 0.1 kg/d with a hot carcass weight of 237.4 kg. Dressing percentage was significantly different between all treatments (P < 0.05). The dressing percentage was 58.2%, 54.3%, and 50.6% for CON, ALF, and HAY, respectively. The HAY diet rendered significantly lower marbling scores than ALF or CON (P < 0.05). It was concluded based on carcass quality data that there was no difference in the high-quality forage (ALF) and the concentrate diet (CON) other than diet cost and growth rate. Price per kilogram of gain was $1.42, $1.23, and $14.80 for CON, ALF, and HAY, respectively. Results of this trial are expected to indicate at what price point it becomes more economically effective to finish animals on a high-quality forage or a concentrate-based diet.
PSII-7 Considerations for Creating an Agricultural Program Aimed at Engaging Elementary Students
Authors: Dierking Shannon L , Bakker Christina , Levesque Crystal L
Published: October 2023

Cultivating interest of younger generations into all facets of agriculture is a critical component to feeding communities and strengthening the local food systems. Current agriculture programs in school curriculum usually begin in high school, so one of the main focuses of this program was to engage younger students. When planning the activities of this program, the committee determined that the program would be a half-day long with a local fifth-grade class. The activities chosen focused on highlighting the swine industry. During program development, the committee chose swine industry-related activities that were engaging, informational, and age appropriate that included building a diet ration, explaining the difference between primal and retail cuts, and demonstrating the proper way to take the temperature of meat products when cooking. These activities received positive feedback, from both students and the classroom teacher. Students were engaged and responsive to questions and enjoyed the connection between pig production and food preparation at home. For example, the students vocalized their enjoyment in learning the pretzels in their snack ‘ration’ mix represented a carbohydrate/energy source which is important in pig diets like it is for humans. More than 50% of the students were able to demonstrate proper technique to check temperature of cooked meat. Moving forward, an aspect to consider is suitable length of each activity appropriate for the age participating; students would become restless when a given activity lasted more than 10 to 15 minutes. There was a total of 75 minutes allotted for the visit, and timing of each activity was as follows: 7 minutes for introductions and discussions, 20 minutes for the ration activity and questions, 20 minutes for the retail cut activity, 15 minutes for the meat temperature demonstration, and the remainder of the time for questions from students. Additionally, a take home document that includes an activity (i.e., a crossword) with a set of clear messages would be beneficial, as this would provide students an opportunity to revisit key points from the activity. One limitation of the current program was lack of formal age-appropriate post-activity assessment to gauge student learning. This would be a necessary component for future activities to determine overall value to student education. Creating an agriculture activity program is important to encourage interest in meat animal agriculture in students across a range of backgrounds. Ensuring that the individuals providing the activity are enthusiastic and engage with students is one of the most important aspects to a successful program. Given the observed engagement of the participants, we believe this program was an effective framework to get youth excited about animal agriculture and the committee should continue program development efforts to offer this program to a broader audience.
PSI-A-9 A Comparison in Vaginal Gene Expression and Circulating Hormone Concentration in Pre-Pubertal Gilts Achieving Puberty at Different Ages
Authors: Roers Kallista , Dierking Shannon L , Levesque Crystal L
Published: October 2023

A known predictor of reproductive success in swine breeding herds is age at puberty. Early puberty is associated with improved long-term reproductive performance and more high-quality offspring. The objective of this study was to compare vaginal gene expression in gilts that achieved estrus early (160 to 181 d of age), average (181 to 202 d of age), late (202 to 215 d of age) and anestrus. Pre-pubertal gilts (n = 13) were followed from 70 d of age until first estrus or 214 ± 1 d. Vaginal epithelia was collected using a swabbing method at five time points during reproductive development [70 (on-farm arrival), 100 (mid-folliculogenesis), 130, 160 (start of boar exposure) d of age and standing estrus or end of trial]. At 140 d of age, females received an indwelling titanium catheter for daily blood collection during boar exposure. Following detected standing estrus, a blood sample was collected every 2 hours for 96 hours to characterize the peak serum concentration of luteinizing hormone that occurs at ovulation. At the conclusion of the trial, 3 gilts displayed early estrus (169 to 171 d of age), 3 gilts were deemed average estrus (194 to 195 d of age), 3 gilts were deemed late estrus (203 to 213 d of age), 3 gilts were deemed anestrus and 1 was identified as having a ‘silent’ estrus after 200 d of age. Total RNA were isolated from vaginal epithelia and relative gene expression insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha was quantified by real time RT-PCR, relative to the expression of RPLP0. to D70 was preformed using the PCR package offered in RStudio (version 1.2.5025). There was an increase in ER-alpha expression in the average estrus group (P = 0.03) at 130 d of age. Early estrus females had a greater expression of IGF-1 at 130 d of age compared with anestrus females (P = 0.01). Of the 9 females placed with an indwelling catheter, 2 catheters were nonpatent, and blood sample could not be collected at standing estrus. Of the 7 females where blood sample was collected at standing estrus, all females achieved an luteinizing hormone (LH) peak within 12 h after recorded standing estrus. Identification of key differences in the vaginal epithelium in concert with LH values provides biological evidence that those deemed achieving estrus based on behavior did successfully achieve estrus. These vaginal epithelium differences may serve as putative biomarkers to detect early estrus in pre-pubertal gilts.
PSI-A-5 Effects of Birth Body Weight Classification on Heifer Growth, Dry Matter Intake, Feed Efficiency, and Grazing Performance
Authors: Hernandez Esmeralda Lopez , Duncan Hattie I , McCann Joshua C , Shike Daniel W
Published: October 2023

The objective was to evaluate the effect of birth body weight (BBW) classification on post-weaning growth, dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency, and grazing performance of fall-born crossbred heifers. Heifers were classified based on BBW as either light (LtBBW, < -0.5 SD from mean), average (AvgBBW, ± 0.5 SD from mean), or heavy (HvyBBW, > +0.5 SD from mean). Angus and Hereford-sired heifers (n = 153) from commercial Angus dams were utilized in the analysis. Heifers were early weaned at 82 ± 7 days of age. Post-weaning management strategy consisted of calves being kept in partially covered drylot pens and fed a high-energy grain diet (35% dried distillers grains with solubles, 30% whole shelled corn, 30% ground fescue hay, and 5% supplement) in GrowSafe bunks. During the post-weaning evaluation (initiated on day 1), heifer (168 ± 23 kg and 156 ± 7 days of age) DMI was collected for 56 days and body weights (BW) were collected every 14 days. Following the intake evaluation, heifers rotated daily for 166 days though 33 paddocks of 2.4 ± 0.5 hectares each and were weighed every 28 days. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. As designed, birth body weight differed (P < 0.01) between classifications (27, 32, and 37 kg for LtBBW, AveBBW, and HvyBBW, respectively). Heifers classified as LtBBW were born earlier (P = 0.02) than AvgBBW and HvyBBW. Heifer BBW classification affected (P < 0.01) weaning weights; heifers classified as LtBBW and AvgBBW had lighter weaning weights than HvyBBW heifers. Birth weight category affected (P < 0.01) BW on days 1, 28, and 56. On day 1, heifers classified as LtBBW were the lightest, AvgBBW were intermediate, and HvyBBW were the heaviest; however, on days 28 and 56, heifers classified as LtBBW were lighter than AvgBBW and HvyBBW. Heifers classified as LtBBW and AvgBBW had less (P < 0.01) DMI and average daily gain (ADG) than HvyBBW during the post-weaning evaluation period. Gain to feed during post-weaning evaluation period was not affected (P = 0.94) by heifer BBW classification. Birth weight category affected (P < 0.01) BW during the grazing season on days 28, 56, 84, 113, 141, 168, 196, and 223. On days 84, 96, and 223, heifers classified as LtBBW were lighter than AvgBBW and HvyBBW; however, on days 113, 141, and 168, LtBBW were lightest, AvgBBW were intermediate, and HvyBBW were the heaviest. During the grazing period, ADG did not differ (P = 0.72) between BBW classifications. In conclusion heavy birth weight heifers had greater post-weaning DMI and ADG when fed a high grain diet; however, grazing ADG did not differ. Heavy birth weight heifers were heavier throughout the duration of the experiment.