bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSVI-13 Amino Acid Supplementation During the Adaptation Period Did Not Affect the Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Corn and Soybean Meal Fed to Pigs
Authors: Choi Hyunjun , You Sun Jong , Kim Beob Gyun G
Published: May 2021

The objective was to determine the influence of amino acid (AA) supplementation during the adaptation period on the ileal digestibility of crude protein and AA in corn and soybean meal (SBM). Six barrows with an initial body weight of 30.9 ± 2.6 kg fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 6 dietary treatments and 6 periods. Two experimental diets contained corn or SBM as the sole source of AA and an N-free diet was additionally prepared. For AA supplementation groups, an AA mixture consisted of Gly, Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Ile, Val, His, and Phe was added to the corn diet and the N-free diet at the expense of cornstarch, and an AA mixture of Lys, Met, and Thr was added to the SBM diet. All diets contained 0.5% of chromic oxide. The 6 experimental diets were fed to the pigs for 4 and half days, and the 3 diets containing AA mixture were switched to the respective diets without AA mixture during the following 2 and half days. Ileal digesta were collected during the last 2 days. The addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period caused increased apparent ileal digestibility of Arg and Trp in corn (P < 0.05), but did not affect that in SBM. The addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period caused increased apparent ileal digestibility of Pro and Gly regardless of feed ingredient (P < 0.05), but did not affect that of other AA. All AA except Pro in corn and SBM were unaffected by the addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period. In conclusion, the addition of amino acid during the adaptation period does not affect the standardized ileal digestibility of indispensable amino acids in feed ingredients.
PSVI-12 Full-fat Rice Bran as an Alternative Feed Ingredient for Corn in Grow-finish Pigs
Authors: Jayaraman Balachandar , Van Kinh La , Van Sy Phan , González-Vega Caroline , Krishnan Pradeep , Channarayapatna Girish
Published: May 2021

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing corn by full-fat rice bran (FFRB) on performance and meat quality characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 728 pigs [Duroc x (Yorkshire x Landrace); initial body weight (BW) = 24.1 ± 0.11 kg] were randomly distributed to 4 dietary treatments with 7 replicate pens (26 pigs/pen) per treatment. Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 were formulated replacing corn by 5%, 15%, 30%, and 45% of FFRB, respectively. Growth phases include, phase 1 (24 - 60 kg BW), and phase 2 (61 - 105 kg BW). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, and each pen was considered as an experimental unit. During phase 1 and 2, average daily gain (ADG) did not differ (P >0.05) when FFRB was increased from 5 to 30% in the diets. Pigs fed 45% FFRB had lower (P< 0.05) ADG in phase 1 and higher in phase 2 than other dietary treatments. Throughout the study, feed intake was not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. During phase 1, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was similar (P >0.05) among the treatments, however, during phase 2, pigs fed increasing levels of FFRB linearly improved (P< 0.05) FCR. The overall growth performance was similar (P >0.05) among the dietary treatments. Back-fat thickness and meat color were not affected (P >0.05) by treatments. Saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid) in pig muscle (Longissimus) significantly decreased (linear; P< 0.05) with increasing levels of FFRB in pig diets. Pigs fed increasing levels of FFRB had increased linoleic acid (linear; P< 0.05) and linolenic acid (quadratic; P< 0.05) in meat. In conclusion, FFRB could be used as an alternative feed ingredient for corn up to 45% in swine diets without compromising overall growth performance, back-fat thickness and favoring improved unsaturated to saturated fatty acid profile.
PSV-4 Determination of Deoxynivalenol (DON) Content in Biological Samples as an Indicator of DON Intake in Grower-finisher Pigs
Authors: Wellington Michael O , Bosompem Michael A , Nagl Veronika , Columbus Daniel A
Published: May 2021

Due to difficulties in obtaining consistent and/or reliable measures of deoxynivalenol (DON) in complete swine diets, we investigated whether measuring DON in biological samples could be used as an indicator of DON ingestion in pigs. In this study, graded levels of DON (1, 3, or 5 ppm) were fed to grower-finisher pigs for a period of 77-d. On d 35 and 77 of the study, urine samples were quantitatively collected over a 24-h period and blood samples were collected between 3 – 4 h after the morning meal on each of those days for serum DON analysis. For direct quantification of DON in urine, high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was performed. For serum samples, indirect quantification of DON was performed via enzymatic hydrolysis. We observed that DON content in urine increased linearly as intake of DON increased (Fig.1A; P < 0.05). Analysis of DON in serum follow a similar trend, where serum DON content was increased as DON intake increased (Fig.1B; P < 0.05). An average of 30% of DON ingested was recovered as DON in urine over a 24-h period. In summary, there was a linear relationship between DON intake and DON content in both urine and blood serum, therefore, analyzing DON concentration in serum and urine could be used as a tool to estimate for DON exposure in pigs under controlled conditions.
PSV-1 Effects of Induction on Piglet Blood Parameters at Time of Farrowing
Authors: Mills Kayla M , Shirley Larissa K , Sharp Katharine G , Garcia Ricardo M , Stewart Kara R
Published: May 2021

Typically, sows are induced to farrow using prostaglandin followed by an injection of oxytocin 24 hours later. Benefits of induction can include decreased rate of stillbirths, dystocia, and postnatal mortality along with increasing the likelihood of farrowings being attended. Several studies have indicated that oxytocin administration may negatively impact fetal oxygen supply during parturition, potentially from umbilical cords breaking prior to birth, resulting in increased preweaning mortality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if various induction protocols impact umbilical cord breakage and fetal blood parameters at birth. Fifty-eight primiparous and multiparous sows were assigned to one of three treatments: no induction (NO; n=24), or 2 cc Lutalyse administered on d114 of gestation followed by either 1 cc of oxytocin 24 hours later (OXY24; n=13) or 0.5 cc of oxytocin at 6 and 12 hours after Lutalyse (OXY6; n=21). Details of the farrowing process were recorded, and umbilical cord blood was collected from piglets at birth and evaluated on an iSTAT machine using an Abbott EC8+ test cartridge. There were no differences in total born, number born alive, stillborns, mummies, or assistance needed during farrowing. Sows in the OXY24 treatment tended to have longer farrowings when compared to both NO and OXY6 (5.6 vs 3.7 vs 3.7 hours; P=0.09). OXY24 gilts (38%) and NO sows (33%) tended to have more piglets born with broken umbilical cords than other parities and treatments (OXY24 sows: 19%; NO gilts: 18%; OXY6 gilts: 25%; OXY6 sows: 18%; P=0.07). Piglets born from NO sows had higher base excess, total carbon dioxide, and glucose which suggests that these piglets had prolonged moments of asphyxiation (P< 0.01). OXY24 piglets had the lowest blood pH which is indicative of hypoxic birthing conditions (P< 0.01). There were no signs of asphyxia in the blood parameters of piglets born from OXY6 sows. Therefore, multiple low doses of oxytocin to induce farrowing may be more beneficial for the welfare of the piglet during farrowing.
PSV-11 Efficacy of Quisqualic Acid as an Amino Acid Transporter Inhibitor in Pig Oocytes
Authors: Reynolds Skyla , Arena Haley A , Sprungl Kimberly , Whitaker Brian D
Published: May 2021

Quisqualic acid is a known inhibitor of sodium-dependent amino acid transporters. However, it is unknown if quisqualic acid has similar effects in in vitro mature oocytes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the optimal dose and effects of quisqualic acid supplemented during maturation. Oocytes (n=362) were supplemented during maturation with quisqualic acid (0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.5 mM) to determine the minimum concentration of quisqualic acid that had no effect on oocyte maturation but significantly decreased the intracellular glutathione concentration. The addition of 1.0 mM quisqualic acid was the lowest concentration observed to cause intracellular glutathione levels to be significantly less (P < 0.05) without affecting maturation compared to no quisqualic acid. Based on those results, oocytes were supplemented with or without 1.0 mM quisqualic acid then evaluated for cumulus cell expansion (n=410) and stage of meiosis (n=380) at the end of maturation. Additional oocytes were fertilized and assessed for cortical granule exocytosis (n=400) and kinetics at 12 h after IVF (n=420). Supplementing quisqualic acid to the media did not have an effect on stage of meiosis, fertilization, polyspermic penetration, or cortical granule exocytosis. Supplementing 1.0 mM quisqualic acid significantly decreased (P < 0.05) cumulus cell expansion by the end of maturation and male pronuclear formation by 12 h after IVF. These results suggest that quisqualic acid supplementation during maturation in pigs inhibits sodium-dependent amino acid transporters.
PSIV-6 Effect of a Direct Fed Microbial Feed Additive on Finishing Beef Cattle Performance and Liver Abscess Rate
Authors: Adair Kelton , Fernando Samodha , Erickson Galen E , Bartenslager Alison , Carlson Zachary E
Published: May 2021

A feedlot study was conducted comparing the effects of a direct-fed microbial feed additive (DFM) to no feed additive (CON) on performance and liver abscess rates in finishing beef cattle. The study utilized 60 crossbred steers (initial BW 274 kg ± 2.23) individually fed using a Calan gate system. Steers were housed in separate pens by treatment to avoid DFM cross-contamination, with pen (barn of 30 steers) assigned randomly to each treatment. Cattle were fed a diet consisting of 15% corn silage, 36.5% high moisture corn, 24.5% dry rolled corn, 20% modified distillers grains, and 4% supplement for 189 days. The DFM counts were estimated using cell cytometry and was top dressed at a concentration of approximately 81 billion bacterial cells/head/day. The DFM additive used in this study was developed to reduce the abundance of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Streptococcus bovis in the rumen. No effect of treatment on hot carcass weight (HCW), average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (G:F), or carcass traits (Table 1) were observed. No significant difference in the occurrence of liver abscesses between treatment groups were observed with 4 steers having abscessed livers in the CON group and 3 steers in the DFM group. Additionally, there were no differences in the severity of liver abscesses; all observed liver abscesses received the score of A. The DFM utilized in this study did not significantly affect performance, liver abscess rate, or the severity of liver abscesses in finishing beef cattle.
PSIV-1 Effect of Corn Silage Inclusion Rate on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Dry Matter, Organic Matter, and Crude Protein in Finishing Steers
Authors: Buckhaus Elizabeth M , Smith Zachary K
Published: May 2021

Maine-Anjou × Angus beef steers (n = 156; initial BW 366 ± 37.2 kg) were used in a finishing experiment at the Ruminant Nutrition Center in Brookings, SD. Steers were weighed on 2 consecutive days and assigned into 5 weight blocks. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial, 2 types of implants and 2 dietary treatments with 5 replicate pens for each simple effect. Dietary treatments consisted (DM basis) of 1) 15% (CS15) or 2) 30% corn silage (CS30). Other ingredients consisted of a 50:50 blend of DRC and HMC, liquid supplement and a dry supplement. Bunks were managed using a slick bunk approach and all diets contained (DM basis) 33 mg/kg monensin sodium. Feed collections occurred during the morning and afternoon feedings for two days prior to fecal collections. Each feed sample was composited in equal amounts to create a single sample for each pen. Two fecal collections from each steer occurred 7 hours apart on day 112 of the study. Feces from each steer were composited in equal amounts to create a pen sample. All samples were dried and ground through a 1-mm screen. Acid insoluble ash was used as an internal marker. Apparent total tract digestibility was calculated using the equation: 100-100 ˣ (feed marker/fecal marker) × (fecal variable/feed variable). No interaction between implant and diet was detected for any variables (P ≥ 0.08). One pen was removed from the statistical analysis due to all values being 3 standard deviations away from the mean. Intake did not differ between CS15 and CS30 (P = 0.41). Fecal output was increased 36.9% (P = 0.01) in CS30. Dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestion were decreased by feeding CS30 (11.47%, 10.83%, 16.35% respectively; P ≤ 0.03). As corn silage inclusion increases, digestibility coefficients for DM, OM, and CP are decreased.
PSVI-3 Gestational Inulin Supplementation Stabilizes Glucose Metabolism and Improves Reproductive Performance of Sows
Authors: Gao Xin , Hu Qiong , Chan Lawrence , Ma Cally , Zhao Junmei
Published: May 2021

The beneficial effects of dietary fiber on sows performance have been widely studied, but it’s still unclear how fermentable fiber affects sows glucose metabolism and reproduction. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of late gestational inulin supplementation on sows pre-farrowing glucose metabolism and reproductive performance. A total of 106 sows were allotted randomly to 2 groups, receiving either a control diet with 4% wheat flour, or a diet with 4% inulin, from gestation day 85 to 110, both diets met nutrient requirements expressed by NRC. On day 111, sows blood glucose was tested before a common lactation diet meal, then subsequent glucose levels were measured at 1, 2 and 3 hour after meal. Sows were weighed on initial, entry and weaning days. The numbers of live-born and stillborn piglets as well as mortality were recorded. Inulin supplementation didn’t affect sows average daily intake during lactation, and also no significant difference was observed in weaning bodyweight and backfat thickness between two groups. However, the relative wean to entry BW loss was significantly lower in inulin fed sows than control (11.3% vs 13.5%) (P< 0.05). Moreover, postprandial glucose response was less steep in inulin group compared with control, especially glucose concentration at 1h after meal was 10.2% higher in the control group sows. Although the sows farrowing duration was similar in two groups, inulin significantly increased (P< 0.05) proportion of born alive from 90.1% to 93.0% and reduced (P=0.10) still born from 7.3% to 5.4%. Post-foster mortality and livability did not differ between treatments, litter birth weight and average birth weight were not different either. In conclusion, Sows fed 4% inulin diet at late gestation tended to have lower weight loss, slower rate of postprandial blood glucose response and higher born alive and lower stillborn.
PSVI-1 Effect of Light Regiment on Farrowing Performance in Sows
Authors: McLoda Shelby A , Anderson Nichole C , Lugar Drew W
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of light on farrowing performance in sows. Thirty sows were moved to the farrowing unit at d 110 of gestation and were assigned one of two treatments: 12 h light/dark cycle (Dark) or 24 h light (Light). Treatments were initiated upon entry into the farrowing unit until completion of farrowing was confirmed. For Dark sows, the farrowing crates were structured with light blocking tarps that were lowered at 1900 hr and raised at 0700 hr daily. Video recording devices were installed above all sows and continuous video was recorded from initiation of the treatments until farrowing was complete. Data collected included duration of farrowing, birthing interval, number of stillborn piglets as an indirect measure of dystocia, total born, and liveborn piglets. All statistical analyses were performed using the mixed procedure of SAS, where the experimental unit was individual sow. Funding for this project was provided by the National Pork Checkoff and the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence. Dark sows were more likely to give birth closer to their due date compared to Light sows (1.34 vs. 2.16 ± 0.24 days relative to a 115-day due date, respectively; P = 0.02). Total duration of parturition did not differ between treatments (P = 0.56). Number of liveborn piglets between treatments did not differ (P = 0.68), however the number of stillborn piglets between treatments was different (P = 0.02), where Dark sows had a higher incidence of stillborn piglets compared to Light sows (1.52 vs. 0.65 ± 0.25 stillborn piglets/litter, respectively). The interval between piglets did not differ between treatments (P = 0.93). It is hypothesized that the effects on due date and increased incidence of stillborn piglets was caused by increased stress due to visual isolation in the Dark sows.
PSVI-2 Rising 10-year Trend in Piglet Pre-weaning Mortality in Breeding Herds Associated with Sow Herd Size and Number of Piglets Born Alive
Authors: Koketsu Yuzo
Published: May 2021

The objectives of the present study were to explore the trend in preweaning mortality (PWM) and related measurements such as piglets born alive (PBA), stillborn piglets, herd productivity and herd size in sow herds over a 10-year period; and 2) to examine the relationships between PWM and the related measurements. Herd-level annual data from 2007–2016 for 91 herds in Spain were abstracted from a sow database compiled by a veterinary consultancy firm. The database software automatically calculated herd-level PWM (%) as follows: the total number of piglets born alive to a sow completely weaned during a year (TPBA) minus the total number of piglets weaned by the completely weaned sow during the year divided by TPBA x 100. All the statistical analyses were performed using SAS University Edition. A growth curve model was applied to incorporate correlations for all of the observations arising from the same farm. Herd means of PWM (SD) increased from 11.9 (4.1) % to 14.4 (3.2) %, and mean PBA increased by 1.9 pigs. Mean age of piglet death during lactation increased by 3.8 days, and there was a significant effect of increased year on herd size and the number of piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY; P < 0.05). Higher PWM was associated with more PBA, more stillborn piglets and small herds (lower than the median size: < 570 sows; P < 0.05). Also, as PBA increased from 9 to 14 pigs, PWM in large herds (> 570 sows) increased by only 6.6%, compared with 9.6% in small herds. Furthermore, as PWM decreased from 18 to 8%, herd productivity measured as PSY increased by 2.2 pigs in large herds, but only by 0.6 pigs in small herds. In conclusion, the effect of increased PBA on PWM was alleviated more in large herds than in small herds. Also, the impact of decreased PWM on herd productivity was greater in large herds than in small herds.
PSI-8 Evaluating the Effects of Individual Eating Rates of Feedlot Heifers on Ruminal Fermentation Using an Ex vivo Model
Authors: Zinke Maya , Huizenga Kaylie , Tondini Sara , Shike Daniel W , McCann Joshua C
Published: May 2021

The objective was to determine if the eating rate of individual feedlot heifers affects ruminal fermentation using an ex vivo model. Differences in eating rate could affect ruminal fermentation and predispose an animal to be susceptible to metabolic disorders. From a contemporary group of Simmental × Angus heifers (n = 90; BW = 323 kg), 14 heifers were selected for divergent individual eating rates. During the initial 30 d on the finishing diet, a GrowSafe feed intake system was used to identify the heifers with the 7 fastest (7.60 kg DM / h; 9.25 kg DMI in 1.2 h) and 7 slowest (1.38 kg DM / h; 9.24 kg DMI in 6.7 h) eating rates. Prior to feeding, rumen fluid was collected via esophageal tubing 1 d after intake evaluation period. Each rumen fluid sample was mixed with McDougall’s buffer and a common feed substrate (similar to finishing diet). Then the samples were incubated for 24 and 48 h. In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia were measured following incubation. The MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 was used for statistical analysis. No eating rate by incubation time interactions (P ≥ 0.11) were observed. Although heifer eating rate did not affect (P = 0.65) IVDMD, values were greater (P < 0.01) at 48 h compared with 24 h. While time affected pH as it decreased (P < 0.01) from 24 to 48 h, heifer eating rate did not affect (P = 0.84) pH. Eating rate had no effect (P ≥ 0.10) on ammonia, total VFA, and molar proportions of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, valerate, and isovalerate at 24 h. Overall, the results indicated individual eating rates of feedlot heifers did not affect ruminal fermentation using an ex vivo model.
PSI-4 Quantification of Cooling Effects on Basic Tissue Measurements and Exposed Cross-sectional Brain Area in Cadaver Heads from Market Pigs
Authors: Bishop Katherine , Anderson Karly N , Albers Sarah , Allen Kaysie , Huber Christina , Kirk Ashlynn , Olsen Hannah , Vogel Kurt D
Published: May 2021

The objective of this project was to determine the impact of cooling on the soft tissue thickness, cranial thickness, and cross-sectional brain area of cadaver heads from market pigs. Documenting the effect of cooling on tissue dimensions of swine heads is valuable and important for future investigations of physical stunning and euthanasia methods that use cadaver heads. Cadaver heads were sourced from market pigs stunned with CO2. After transport to the data collection location, a captive bolt shot was applied in the frontal position. Following captive bolt application, each head (n=36) underwent an UNCHILLED and CHILLED treatment. The UNCHILLED treatment involved images collected immediately after splitting the head along the bolt path and the CHILLED treatment involved images of the same heads after storage in a walk-in cooler for 24 h at 2–4°C. All measurements for each treatment were determined from images of the heads cut along the plane of the bolt path immediately prior to and immediately after the refrigeration treatment. Measurements were performed by two observers; across all measurements, mean interobserver percent coefficient of variation (%CV) was 11.3±0.6%. The soft tissue posterior to the bolt path was different (P=0.0120) between treatments (CHILLED: 6.4±0.2mm; UNCHILLED: 7.2±0.2mm). The soft tissue thickness anterior to the bolt path was different (P=0.0378) between treatments (CHILLED: 5.5±0.2mm; UNCHILLED: 6.1±0.2mm). There was not a significant difference (P=0.8659) in cranial thickness posterior to the bolt path (CHILLED: 18.1±0.6mm; UNCHILLED: 18.3±0.6mm), nor was there a significant difference (P=0.2593) in cranial thickness anterior to the bolt path between treatments (CHILLED: 16.2±0.6mm; UNCHILLED: 15.2±0.6mm). Cross-sectional brain area did not differ (P=0.0737) (CHILLED: 3633.4±44.1mm; UNCHILLED: 3519.9±44.1mm). A correction factor of 1.12 was determined from this study for cases where estimation of UNCHILLED soft tissue thickness from CHILLED soft tissue thickness is necessary.
Effect of Diet and Location Within the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle on the Quality and Fat Composition of Pork Loins Collected from Market Hog
Authors: Dennis Amberly A , Reid Dana S , Wilson Dianna , Dinh Thu , Devost-Burnett Derris D
Published: May 2021

In pigs, the longissimus muscle (LM) is an economically important tissue that largely dictates the quality grade assigned to the carcass. Still, this anatomically protracted muscle is not homogeneous in composition and these spatial differences across the LM can impact the overall predicted quality and quantity of pork produced. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of diet and location within the muscle on the quality and fatty acid composition of loins harvested from finishing pigs. A total of 80 pigs were subjected to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: lysine deficient diet (LysDef), vitamin A deficient diet (VitADef), lysine and vitamin A deficient diet (LysVitADef), and control diet (CON) formulated to meet NRC recommended requirements from weaning through finishing. The animals were then harvested to assess LM quality parameters including loin eye area, marbling score, and lean color. Samples from the proximal, medial, and distal portions of the LM were collected for fatty acid determination using gas chromatography and were expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Marbling score was greatest (P = 0.0024) in the proximal LM and was not impacted by treatment (P = 0.07). Treatment also had no effect (P = 0.14) on the percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA); however, the percentage of SFA decreased (P < 0.001) from the proximal (40.9 ± 0.24) to distal (39.14 ± 0.24) portion. In contrast, the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids increased (P < 0.001) from the proximal (15.96 ± 0.57) to distal (19.27 ± 0.57) portion. Despite the lack of diet-induced differences in marbling scores, the biological data generated from the current study are informative in terms of the spatial and compositional marbling deposition patterns in the LM of the growing pigs and warrant further investigation to identify the mechanisms responsible for this paradigm.
The Effect of Storage Length on the Nutritive Value of Baleage in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Burt Justin C , Hendricks Taylor , Tucker Jennifer J , Baxter Lisa , Stewart Lawton
Published: May 2021

High quality forages produced in the southeastern U.S. can benefit from being harvested as baleage when environmental conditions are not favorable for hay production. Current recommendations are to feed baleage within 9 mo of harvesting; however, wet summers or mild winters can reduce the need for utilizing stored forage in this timely manner. Limited data exist on the nutritional value of baleage stored beyond a 9-mo period. Therefore, the objective of this research is to determine if storage length affects the nutritive value of baleage in the southeastern U.S. This study was conducted from 2016–2020 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, using ‘Tifton-85’ bermudagrass baleage (BG) and ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa-bermudagrass mixed baleage (BGA) harvested on a 28–35-d interval, baled at approximately 55% moisture, and individually wrapped for storage. Bales were marked by treatment, sampled prior to wrapping for initial determination (INT), and sampled again post fermentation at 6-wk, 9-mo and 12-mo timepoints for nutritive value analyses. Additionally, a subset of bales harvested in June and August of 2017 and 2018 were maintained and sampled at 24-mo time point. Statistical analysis was conducted using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Nutritive analysis showed a difference in the CP% between pre and post fermentation events for BGA (INT=22±2.39 and 6-wk, 9-mo, 12-mo=20±2.39; P < 0.01), while no difference was found for BG. TDN% was different only at 6 wk for BGA (66±0.63; P = 0.03) compared to all other timepoints, with no difference for BG. The 24mo storage analysis showed a decline in the CP% and TDN% for both BGA and BG from pre and post fermentation. Results from this study conclude there no effect on the nutritive value of baleage stored up to 12 mo post fermentation. Maintaining bale integrity can be attributed to the decline in nutritive value observed when stored longer than 12 mo.
Changes in Metabolite and Protein Expression Profiles of Atypical Dark-cutting and Normal-pH Beef
Authors: Kiyimba Frank , Hartson Steven , Rogers Janet , Mafi Gretchen G , Ramanathan Ranjith
Published: May 2021

The color of meat is an important deciding factor in consumers’ assessment of meat quality. To meat buyers, the bright cherry-red color of meat indicates freshness and wholesomeness. However, atypical dark-cutting beef represents dark-colored meat with a muscle pH between 5.6 and 5.8. Although previous studies have indicated that the ultimate pH of atypical dark-cutting beef is greater than normal, the mechanistic basis for the occurrence is not clear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify protein and metabolite profiles of normal and atypical dark-cutting beef. Longissimus thoracic (LT) muscles from 12 different animals (6 atypical dark-cutters and 6 normal-pH beef) were analyzed by comparing changes in metabolites and protein profiles using GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics and LC-MS/MS-based proteomics, respectively. Metabolomics analysis showed down-regulation of glycolytic metabolites such as glucose-6-phosphate, lactose, and glucose, indicating a reduced capacity to accumulate lactate postmortem in atypical dark-cutters compared with normal-pH beef. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 66 proteins with significant changes in protein expression profiles (P < 0.05) between atypical and normal-pH beef. Of these, 22 proteins were up-regulated while 14 were down-regulated in atypical dark-cutting beef. Functional annotation and protein-protein interaction network analyses revealed that up-regulated proteins such as NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A7, ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 2, 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase 1, cytochrome b5 reductase 3, actinin alpha 4, tropomyosin 2, heat shock protein beta-7, and DnaJ heat shock protein family (Hsp40) member B4 are involved in energy synthesis, muscle contraction and stress responses. By contrast, down-regulated proteins, including phosphofructokinase, glycogen phosphorylase, amylo-alpha-1,6-glucosidase, phosphorylase kinase regulatory subunit alpha and gamma are involved in glycogen metabolism. In summary, lower glycolytic metabolites and glycogen degradation enzymes are associated with differences in muscle pH and color of atypical dark-cutting beef.
Effects of Melatonin Supplementation During Mid- to Late-gestation Nutrient Restriction on Maternal and Fetal Amino Acid Concentrations
Authors: Swanson Rebecca M , Contreras-Correa Zully E , Dinh Thu , King Elmer H , Sidelinger Darcie R , Devost-Burnett Derris D , Lemley Caleb O
Published: May 2021

Nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation compromises pregnancy, alters maternal metabolism, and afflicts fetal growth and development. The objective of this study was to determine if dietary melatonin supplementation in global nutrient-restricted cows alters fetal-maternal circulating amino acids. In a 2x2 factorial, Brangus heifers of two calving seasons, spring (n = 29) and fall (n = 25) were fed a total mixed ration at either 100% (adequate; ADQ) or 60% (nutrient restricted; RES) of nutritional requirements based on NRC guidelines and were either supplemented with dietary melatonin (MEL; 20 mg/d) or no supplemented control (CON) from d 160 to d 240 of gestation. Heifers were supplemented and fed at 0900 h daily. Maternal blood, fetal blood, and amniotic fluid were collected at Cesarean section on d 240 of gestation in either the morning (AM; 0500 h) or afternoon (PM; 1330 h). Plasma and amniotic fluid AA were determined by a gas chromatography - mass spectrometry method with internal standard calibration using authentic amino acid standards. Total AA concentrations (mM) were calculated and the total fetal AA concentration was subtracted from the total maternal AA concentration to calculate maternal-fetal differences. Data were analyzed separately by calving season, using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 to determine the effects of nutritional plane, melatonin supplementation, time of day, and their interaction on AA concentrations. Spring fetal-maternal AA differences were less (321±194 vs. 935±190 vs. 1,135±194 vs. 1,352±212 mM, respectively; P < 0.05) in RES-CON than in RES-MEL, ADQ-MEL, and ADQ-CON groups. Fall fetal-maternal AA differences did not differ (P > 0.05). Spring amniotic fluid AA concentrations were less (919±208 vs. 1,416±212 vs. 1,174±213 mM, respectively; P < 0.01) in RES-MEL heifers than in ADQ-MEL and RES-CON groups. Fall amniotic fluid AA concentrations were less (1,132±258 vs. 2,877±308 mM, respectively; P < 0.05) in all groups compared with ADQ-CON-AM. These findings demonstrate nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation alters circulating maternal AA concentrations, affecting fetal AA concentrations.
Setting the Cycle for Reproductive Success with a Pre-synchronization Program in Postpartum Beef Cows
Authors: Massengill Macy M , Silva Thiago V , Poole Daniel H
Published: May 2021

Previous experiments from our laboratory determined that postpartum beef cows with a functional corpus luteum (CL) at the start of an estrous synchronization protocol have greater pregnancy success to FTAI than those that did not have a CL. Therefore, it was hypothesized that incorporation a presynchronization program prior to FTAI in postpartum cows will improve pregnancy rates. The goal of this project was to compare the effectiveness of a presynchronization program prior to the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol in postpartum cows. Postpartum cows (n = 310) at two locations were randomly assigned to receive either the presynchronization program, consisting of 2 PGF2α injections 14 d apart and 11 d prior to the start of the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR protocol, or the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Following estrus synchronization, all cows were inseminated by trained technicians using semen from bulls of known fertility. Pregnancy status to FTAI was assessed using ultrasonographic diagnosis at 30 d post insemination. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure of SAS and examined for effects of inseminator, body condition score (BCS), and location and age. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05< P < 0.10. Age, BCS, and location did not affect (P > 0.05) pregnancy rates. Cows exposed to the pre-synchronization program tended to have greater AI pregnancy rates compared to cows that did not receive the pre-synchronization program (57.7±5.3 vs. 46.9±5.3%, respectively; P = 0.0687). AI pregnancy rates were greater in cows with >1 ng/mL P4 compared to cows with < 1 ng/mL P4 at the start of FTAI (77.7±7 vs. 55.7±6.2%, respectively; P = 0.0204). Furthermore, AI pregnancy rates were decreased by inseminator C (26.1±7.4) compared to the other inseminators this breeding season (A-54.4±7.9; B- 62.3±5.3; D-57.8±7.2; and E -51.1±5.2; P = 0.0026). Based on these data, incorporating a pre-synchronization program to ensure the presence of a CL at the start of a FTAI protocol may improve pregnancy success in postpartum beef cows.
Effect of Time of Supplementation and Supplement Delivery Method on Performance and Grazing Behavior of Backgrounded Beef Steers
Authors: Murray Adam R , Claire Olivia M , Payne Kathryn M , Wright Lee L , Wilson Thomas B
Published: May 2021

Objectives were to investigate effects of supplement feeding time and delivery method on performance and grazing behavior of backgrounded steers. Crossbred steers (n = 109; 7 ± 1 m of age; BW = 245 ± 2.9 kg) were stratified by BW and source into 18 groups (6–7 steers per group), and randomly allotted to tall fescue pastures during 38- and 45-d treatment periods during fall of 2019 and 2020, respectively. Pasture groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (6 pastures per treatment): 1) steers hand-fed a commodity blend supplement at 0930 h (AM), 2) steers hand-fed supplement at 1330 h (PM), or 3) steers fed a commercially available self-fed supplement with an intake limiter (SELF). All treatments were formulated for as fed supplement intake of 1.5% BW. Pedometers were used to estimate animal activity level. Motion-sensing cameras were used in yr 1 to monitor feeder and waterer visits. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with main effects of year, group, and treatment with pasture as a random effect. Treatment had no effect (P ≥ 0.13) on calf BW, flesh condition score, ADG, or ultrasound 12th rib fat thickness. Supplement DMI tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for SELF relative to hand-fed cattle, with yr 2 tending (P = 0.07) to be greater than yr 1. There was a treatment x year interaction (P = 0.04) for G:F with SELF and AM steers in yr 1 tending (P ≤ 0.09) to be greater than SELF in yr 2, with all other treatments being intermediate and not different. Self-fed cattle had greater (P ≤ 0.01) activity level and more (P = 0.01) visits to feeders relative to hand-fed treatments. Results indicate that performance of backgrounding steers was not greatly impacted by supplementation schedule or delivery method.
Effect of Stocking Rate During Gestation on Subsequent Performance of Growing Beef Cattle
Authors: Tolleson Doug R , Rouquette Monte M , Norman Kelli , Long Charles R
Published: May 2021

Beef cows in the southeastern United States are likely maintained on pasture during mid-gestation, a critical period for fetal development of traits important to performance of the growing/finishing calf. Climate projections are for increased warming with highly variable precipitation in this region. Forage quantity and quality are affected by temperature and precipitation. Thus, in order to obtain a better understanding of downstream effects from cow nutrition during gestation on subsequent performance of growing cattle, we analyzed 579 records of crossbred steers and heifers born (fall and winter) to cows grazing typical forages in Overton, Texas. Cows were involved in a long-term stocking rate study and were assigned to either high (H; 4 cow/calf ha-1) or low (L; 2 cow/calf ha-1) treatment groups. Cow body condition scores (BCS; 1–9) were collected at breeding and weaning. Calves produced were pastured from weaning to approximately 1 to 1.5 yr of age, then shipped to a commercial feedlot and subsequently slaughtered at a commercial facility. Calf data included birth weight, weaning weight (~240 d), yearling weight, on-feed weight, final pre-harvest weight, hot carcass weight (all weights in kg), dressing percentage, marbling score, yield grade, backfat thickness (cm), ribeye area (cm2), and kidney-pelvic-heart fat (%). Differences (P < 0.05) between treatment groups were determined by a general linear model in SAS with stocking rate as the main effect. Mean separation was accomplished using Tukey’s test. Cow BCS (H; 4.27 ± 0.06 vs L; 5.64 ± 0.07, P < 0.0001), final pre-harvest weight (H; 594.80 ± 6.18 kg vs L; 619.85 ± 6.12 kg, < 0.005), hot carcass weight (H; 366.60 ± 3.89 kg vs L; 383.17 ± 3.74, P < 0.003), and ribeye area (H; 90.52 ± 0.90 cm2 vs L; 93.74 ± 1.03 cm2, P < 0.03) were all lower in H than L. Calf weaning weight followed a similar trend (H; 289.24 ± 2.58 kg vs L; 296.56 ± 3.08 kg, P < 0.07). Diminished nutritional provision to the fetus during mid-gestation was apparently manifest as epigenetic effects on offspring performance.
Differential Expression of Cow Innate and Adaptive Responses Genes in Response to Eugenol
Authors: worku Mulumebet , Kumar Bahrath , Ismail Hamid
Published: May 2021

Dietary phytochemicals have both nutritional and health benefits for farm animals. Research on the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals may aid in developing novel therapeutic agents and provide insights into the regulation of gene expression. Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenyl) is the active ingredient in clove oil that has been studied for its immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of eugenol on the expression of genes associated with the cow’s innate and adaptive immune responses. Blood was collected from (n = 3) clinically healthy Holstein-Friesian cows from the North Carolina A&T State University Dairy Unit. One milliliter of whole blood from three cows was treated individually with 10 ng/mL of Eugenol (Sigma-Aldrich St. Louis, MO), or maintained in PBS, incubated at 37ºC for 30 minutes. Total RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed, and real-time PCR was carried out using the RT2 Profiler™ human Innate & Adaptive Immune Responses PCR Array containing 84 genes, as recommended by the manufacturer (Qiagen). The Livak method was used to calculate fold change (FC >2 considered significant). The analysis showed that 25 genes out of 84 genes were affected by treatment with eugenol. Among 25 genes, 19 were upregulated, and 2 genes were downregulated. The highest up-regulated and down-regulated genes following exposure to eugenol was IL23A and Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 (IRF7), respectively. The upregulation of the IL-23A gene expression by exogenous eugenol may be important in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and warrants further studies to investigate the mechanism involved. Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 is a critical regulator of type I interferon production and plays an important role in innate immune responses. The observed transcriptional expression of IL23A and IRF7 by eugenol provides an insight into immune modulation in cow blood.
Effect of ‘AU-Grazer’ Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata) from Two Different Sources on Indicators of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Goats
Authors: Terrill Thomas H , Whitley Niki C , Pulsifer Chelsea , Dykes Greg , Batchu Phaneendra , Hazard Tony , Pannell Donielle
Published: May 2021

Sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) is considered a low input forage but has potential for improved animal performance with greater inputs. ‘AUGrazer’ SL hay grown under normal (NF; AL farm) or high-fertility (HF; SC farm) conditions were compared to a bermudagrass (BG; GA farm; Cynodon dactylon) hay diet in a 6-week feeding trial. Forty-five naturally parasite infected intact Spanish male goats 8–9 months old were used to investigate effects of NF (n = 15) and HF (n = 13) SL compared to BG hay (n = 13; CON) on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism. Hay and water were provided free choice. A commercial goat pellet was provided at 1.5% average body weight. Treatments were assigned for similar initial gastrointestinal nematode fecal egg count [FEC; 5029, 4749 and 4456 eggs per gram (EPG) for HF and NF SL and CON goats, respectively]. At the start of the study and then weekly, fecal samples were collected for determination of FEC and coccidia fecal oocyst counts (FOC). Body weights were recorded at the start and end of the trial. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS for repeated measures with inferences made on log-transformed data for FEC and FOC, and GLM used for gain data. Both FEC and FOC for NF and HF SL were different from CON at all time points after day 0 (P < 0.05). Final EPG were 949, 1411, and 3552 for HF and NF SL and CON goats, a reduction of 73.3% and 60.3% for HF and NF SL animals, respectively. Final OPG were 353, 1092, and 2417, with reductions of 85.4% and 54.8% for HF and NF SL goats, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) was impacted by treatment, with HF SL higher (P < 0.001) than both NF SL and CON, which were similar. High-fertility SL improved animal performance while maintaining its anti-parasitic bioactivity.
Legume-grass Pastures Enhanced the Performance of Kiko Does
Authors: Tiwari Anand , Karki Uma , Norwood Kendra , Johnson Ja’Nia , Karki Lila B
Published: May 2021

Inadequate and poor-quality pastures dominated with perennial grasses are one of the major reasons for poor performance of goats in the Southeastern United States. Legume addition to grass pastures may improve performance of goats. However, such information is not documented well. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of legume addition to pastures on goat performance. The study site consisted of 10 plots (average plot size: 0.44 ha). Five plots were sown to southern peas (Vigna unguiculata)-browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa) 50:50 mix) and remaining plots to sole browntop millet. Forage biomass samples were collected, dried, and weighed for dry matter (DM). Nineteen Kiko does (initial age: 15–16 months; live weight (LWt): 34 ± 1.4 kg) were divided into two groups: 10 to legume-grass plots and nine to grass-only plots; allocation of does to either group was based on their initial LWt, FAMACHA (5-color card) score (1–5: 1–2 – not anemic, 4–5 anemic), and body condition score (BCS: 1–5, 1 extremely lean, 5 obese) to create uniform groups. Does were rotationally stocked based on available forages in their respective plots for 87 days starting mid-August 2020. Does’ LWt, FAMACHA score, and BCS were collected just before they were deployed to research plots, in every 14 d during the study, and at the end. Forage dry-matter data and animal-performance data were analyzed using Mixed and GLM procedures, respectively, in SAS 9.4. Legume-grass and grass-only plots yielded similar DM. Does in legume-grass group gained more weight (37.4 ± 0.50 kg vs. 35.7 ± 0.53 kg; P = 0.0209) and better FAMACHA score (2.1 ± 0.06 vs. 2.4 ± 0.07; P = 0.0044) and BCS (2.6 ± 0.02 vs. 2.5 ± 0.03; P = 0.0008) versus grass group. Results showed that legume-grass-mixed pastures promote the performance of growing does than sole-grass pastures.
Effect of ‘Serala’ Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata) Hay on Gastrointestinal Parasite Fecal Egg and Oocysts Counts and Packed Cell Volume in Goats
Authors: Whitley Niki C , Hazard Tony , Pulsifer Chelsea , Batchu Phaneendra , Kouakou Brou , Terrill Thomas H
Published: May 2021

Fifty-two naturally parasite-infected intact male Spanish goats 6–7 mo of age were used in a 6-wk trial to investigate effects of ‘Serala’ (SER) sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism. Goats were individually housed in 1.5 x 1.5 m pens. Treatments were pure SER (n = 18) or ‘AU-Grazer’ (AUG; n = 16) varieties of SL or bermudagrass hay (n = 18; CON) at 75% of the ration. A corn-soybean meal-based supplement (25% of the ration) ensured isonitrogenous (17% crude protein), isocaloric diets. Diets were fed to 10% orts. Treatments were assigned for similar initial group mean fecal egg count (FEC). At the start of the study (D 0) and weekly thereafter, FEC and coccidia oocyst counts (FOC) were conducted via a modified McMaster’s technique [eggs per gram (epg); oocysts per gram (opg)], and percentage packed red blood cell volume (PCV) was measured via microhematocrit centrifugation. Data were analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures. There was a treatment by time interaction (P < 0.001) for FEC. In week 1, SER and AUG were lower (P < 0.02) than CON and were higher than control at week 6 (AUG tendency only, P < 0.10; SER, P < 0.02). The FOC were impacted by treatment (P < 0.008), averaging 1977 ± 945 opg for AUG (lowest, P < 0.01), 3558 ± 876 opg for SER and 4164 ± 955 opg for CON (SER and CON similar). Percentage PCV tended (P < 0.09) to be influenced by a treatment by time interaction in which AUG and SER were similar over time, while PCV for CON animals was lower (P < 0.03) than D 0 at all sampling points after the first week. Overall, there was no effect of SER on FEC or FOC and no effect of AUG on FEC, though PCV was maintained throughout the study for both SL treatments.