bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
337 Metabolic Foundations of Microbiota-Host Interactions
Authors: Dodd Dylan
Published: November 2020

The gastrointestinal tract of mammals is home to a dense population of microbes which influence host physiology and health. One of the most concrete ways that the gut microbiota impacts host biology is through the production of hundreds of chemically diverse small molecules. These molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they reach concentrations similar to those achieved by pharmaceuticals and bind host receptors leading to changes in cellular and organ physiology. Here I will summarize recent work from our group and others that show how microbially sourced metabolites alter health and physiology of the host. I will also discuss how mechanistic studies of small molecules from the microbiota are enabling new therapeutic approaches to harness the metabolic potential of the gut microbiota.
343 Preparing a quality animal care and use protocol
Authors: Williams Gary L
Published: November 2020

Objectives in preparing a quality animal care and use protocol (AUP) revolve around the creation of a document that meets federal and institutional regulatory guidelines and that provides adequate detail for members of the institutional animal care and use committee to determine whether animal care and use procedures are justified and humane. Generally, either the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals or Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching will serve as a guide for preparing AUPs. In addition, AUPs are publicly accessible; therefore, a section of the document must be written such that the lay public can easily read and understand what will happen to the animals and why. Well-written, thorough protocols must include: 1) USDA/Animal Welfare Act pain/distress category; 2) signed certification that the principal investigator, co-principal investigators and all personnel whose names appear on the AUP understand and will adhere to the requirements associated with the animal procedures to be employed and accept that they are under federal and institutional regulatory authority; 3) the work with animals is restricted specifically to what is approved in the official AUP. Specific work-related sections of the AUP should include 1) names and contact information of the principal and co-principal investigators and animal care contact personnel; 2) a lay summary that describes the purpose of the work and what specifically will happen to the animals; 3) detailed description of animal procedures and experimental design, including species, numbers, age and sex of animals; 4) animal procurement and maintenance information; 5) animal transfer and euthanasia procedures; 6) pharmaceutical/chemical agents to be administered; 7) qualifications and experience of all personnel; 8) emergency contacts and procedures; 9) complete description of surgical procedures; 10) arrangements for veterinary care.
91 Addressing urgency in grassroots organizations - If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door of leadership
Authors: Mulvaney Donald R
Published: November 2020

Grassroots (GR) organizations that develop pipelines of pivotal leadership are better able to respond to the multiple challenges of the day. As public organizations, social media and biased-literature intensify advocacy for the reduction and constraint of animal agriculture (AA), it is clear AA is under concerted attack. Producers must not only learn to cope with changes in weather pattern intensification and droughts, depletion of resources, dramatic policy shifts and more, they must defend the activist narratives. The need for well-informed, competent GR leader communicators to advocate for the beef community has never been more urgent to the future of the beef industry. The Young Cattlemen Leadership Program (YCLP), a partnership between AU Animal Sciences and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, is an outreach effort focused on the delivery of an integrated, customized blueprint of content workshops, legislative sessions, industry tours, conferences and mentoring for catalyzed leadership development to meet the current and future needs of a highly diverse state constituency. Based on survey feedback and case analysis, YCLP, now in its seventh cohort, is proving the effectiveness of the collaborative learning design model contextualized around issue topics surrounding AA as alumni have assumed multiple roles of leadership in the organization.
349 The need for forage intake measurements
Authors: Galyean Michael
Published: November 2020

We often tell students of nutrition that “animals require quantities, not percentages, of nutrients.” Nonetheless, diets and supplements are typically formulated on a percent basis, which is convenient and works well if feed intake is known. Grazing ruminants require quantities of nutrients, but unlike their pen-fed counterparts, forage intake is unknown. Estimates of intake are essential to make management decisions relative to the quantity and timing of supplemental nutrients, which are often the largest out-of-pocket cost for ruminant production based on grazed forages. Moreover, sustainable management of grazing lands requires estimates of intake relative to available forage to set appropriate stocking rates and to assess environmental impacts (e.g. greenhouse gases). These management decisions become more critical as the physiological state of grazing animals change over time, resulting in shifts in both feed intake and nutrient requirements that affect the need for supplemental nutrients and can alter grazing management strategies. This dilemma – not knowing feed intake but needing it to make critical management and environmental decisions – necessitates the use of intake estimates as a basis for formulating supplemental nutrition plans and developing grazing management schemes. These estimates range from “thumb rules” for intake at various physiological states to more complex equations based on forage composition (also generally unknown in grazing situations), environmental variables, and various animal factors. The validity of these estimates and equations is often tested against intake values in pen-fed ruminants, as well as estimates derived from indirect methods in grazing animals (e.g. marker-based methods). Developing methods that yield accurate and precise predictions of voluntary intake by grazing ruminants has been a long-standing challenge, but the need for effective methodology and estimates of forage intake remains critical for grazing livestock.
110 Fecal pH, dry matter and volatile fatty acids of horses grazing legume-grass mixed pastures
Authors: Vasco Ana Caroline Cerqueira de Melo , Brinkley-Bissinger Katy , Paschoal Victória Rizzato , Bobel Jill M , Warren Lori K , Wickens Carissa
Published: November 2020

Inclusion of legumes into grass pastures improves pasture quality while significantly decreasing the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Changes in nutritive value of the pasture can affect gut microbiome and health. This study aimed to determine the effects of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pasture intercropped with rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata) on forage nutrient composition and fecal variables. Unfertilized bahiagrass (UNF) with no N fertilizer, bahiagrass with 120 kg N.ha-1 (FER), and bahiagrass intercropped with RP and 30 kg N.ha-1 (RP) pastures were evaluated using twelve mature Quarter Horses continuously stocked for 84 days in a randomized block design. Forage and fecal samples were collected every 28 days. Pasture samples were analyzed for nutrient composition by NIR, and fecal samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), fecal fluid pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Data were analyzed using a repeated measure mixed model ANOVA and associations between variables were tested using Pearson’s correlations. Pasture starch was higher (P < 0.01) and non-fiber carbohydrates tended to be higher (P < 0.1) in RP. Hemicellulose and aNDF tended (P < 0.1) to be higher in UNF than in RP. Horses grazing RP tended (P < 0.1) to have greater fecal fluid propionic acid concentration and lower proportion of butyric acid. Proportion of acetic acid was lower (P < 0.05) in FER. Propionic acid concentration was negatively correlated with aNDF (r = -0.55) and ADF (r = -0.52), and positively correlated with ethanol-soluble carbohydrates (ESC, r = 0.55). Butyric acid proportion was negatively correlated with nonstructural carbohydrates (r = -0.70). Horses grazing FER pasture tended to have lower (P < 0.1) fecal DM when compared to RP. Fecal DM was negatively correlated with hemicellulose (r = -0.51), and positively correlated with water-soluble carbohydrates (r = 0.68) and ESC (r = 0.64). Intercropping RP provides pasture nutrient composition superior to UNF and similar to FER with decreased N fertilizer rate, and stimulates positive fermentation outcomes.
119 Effect of DON on the porcine acquired immune response and potential remediation by a novel modified HSCAS binder
Authors: Lei Zhang , Ma Rui , Zhu Meng-Xiang , Karrow Niel Alexander , Sun Lv-hui
Published: November 2020

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the immunotoxic effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) in weaning piglets, and potential efficacy of a novel modified hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) binder to detoxify DON toxicity. Four groups of 21-day-old male piglets (n = 7/group) were fed a control diet or diet adding 1.0 or 3.0 mg DON/kg, or 3.0 mg DON/kg plus 0.05% modified HSCAS for 4 weeks. Compared to the control, the DON diets reduced serum porcine circovirus antibody titer and the dermal hypersensitivity response to OVA at day 21 or 28. DON also induced focal necrosis and proliferation of cortical lymphocytes and apoptosis and increased the total antioxidant capacity and reduced protein carbonyl concentrations in thymus. DON increased thymus mRNA and(or) protein levels, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) and apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3). Interestingly, the modified HSCAS mitigated the DON-induced alterations on serum antibody titer, and thymic histopathology, apoptosis, redox status, inflammation and apoptosis signaling. In conclusion, these findings help to explain the toxic effects and mechanisms of DON and demonstrated the modified HSCAS binder could be used to detoxify the toxicity of DON in weaning piglets.
125 Mint oils: in vitro anti-inflammatory effects tested in porcine alveolar macrophages
Authors: Kovanda Lauren L , Hejna Monika , Rossi Luciana , Liu Yanhong
Published: November 2020

Essential oils as feed additives are being investigated for promoting health in piglets due to their anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of the study was to measure the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of peppermint oil and spearmint oil with porcine alveolar macrophages as host immune responses. Briefly, macrophages were harvested from the bronchial lavage of 6 pigs at 6 weeks of age, and then seeded into 24-well plate with at 106 cells/mL. After 24 h incubation at 37oC and 5% CO2, cells were treated with mint oil or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by randomized complete block design with 12 replicates. The treatments were 2 × 5 factorial arrangement with 2 doses of LPS (0 or 1 μg/mL) and 5 doses of mint oil (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/mL). The supernatants were collected after another 24 h incubation to measure the concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by ELISA assay. Cell viability was also tested by the MTT assay. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Administration of both mint oils and LPS did not impact the PAM cell viability of macrophages. LPS challenge significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) TNF-α secretion from macrophages. In the non-challenge group, peppermint oil reduced (P < 0.05) TNF-α production at 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL, whereas spearmint oil reduced (P < 0.05) TNF-α concentration from 50 to 200 μg/mL. In the LPS challenge group, both mint oils linearly inhibited (P < 0.001) TNF-α secretion from LPS-challenged macrophages with 200 μg/mL as the strongest dose. Results of the current study indicated that both peppermint and spearmint oils had anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. In vivo animal trials will be conducted to evaluate their impacts on animal health and performance.
372 The timing of pregnancy losses in beef cattle
Authors: Pohler Ky G
Published: November 2020

Pregnancy loss in beef cattle causes both management and economic challenges to a producer. Recent studies have been conducted to quantify reproductive failures that occur during fertilization, early embryonic development, and late embryonic/early fetal development periods of gestation in beef cattle. Minimizing reproductive inefficiency, specifically embryonic mortality (EM), is vital. Although fertilization rates are reportedly high in beef cattle, significant developmental failure occurs within the first 7 days of gestation. Approximately 28.4% of embryos will not develop past day 7 of gestation with most embryonic losses occurring before day 4. By the conclusion of the first month of gestation, 47.9% of cows submitted to a single insemination at day 0 will not be pregnant. Overall, late embryonic/fetal development between days 32 to 60 and 100 is 5.8% with a range of 3.2 to 42.7%. This talk will highlight some of the work our group is focusing on to determine timing and detection of pregnancy loss during these pivotal periods of pregnancy loss and potential management aspects to mitigate reproductive inefficiency. This was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2017-67015-26457 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
175 Effect of age at calving on greenhouse gas emissions from simulated beef farms grazing four stockpiled forage species in late fall/early winter
Authors: Donnelly Megan E , Ominski Kim , McGeough E J , Wittenberg Karin , Legesse Getahun
Published: November 2020

The impact of age at first calving (2 versus 3 yrs) and type of forage species grazed in late fall/early winter on lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a cow-calf herd over an 8 or 9 yr period was examined. Farm simulations, based in Manitoba, Canada, were assessed using the Holos model to determine whole-farm GHG emissions for each scenario. The baseline herd consisted of 170 cows, 6 bulls, and their progeny which were sold at weaning, apart from herd replacements. Each simulation began with 207 newborn, female calves, with GHG emissions measured annually. From October to December, 1 of 4 stockpiled forages/forage mixtures were grazed: i) standing corn (COR), ii) tall fescue/meadow bromegrass (TFM), iii) orchardgrass/alfalfa (OGA), and iv) tall fescue/alfalfa/cicer milkvetch (TAC). All other feeding phase diets did not differ across all scenarios. Herd GHG emissions (Mg CO2e) were lower with heifers calving at 2 yrs (3,938 ± 71 Mg CO2e) versus 3 yrs (4,634 ± 72 Mg CO2e). Enteric methane (CH4) was the largest source of GHG emissions accounting for 66% of the total in both the 2- and 3-yr scenarios. Average enteric CH4 values were 3,820±61, 4,251 ± 68, 4,887±79, and 4,220 ± 68 Mg CO2e for simulations grazing COR, TFM, OGA, and TAC, respectively and were inversely related to total digestible nutrient (TDN) content of the forage mixtures with 72, 54, 45 and 55% TDN. Emissions were highest from OGA, the lowest quality forage, in both calving scenarios. Nitrous oxide emissions from livestock manure were the second highest contributing source, representing 15% of total emissions. Reducing age at first calving (2 versus 3 yrs) and providing higher energy forage in late fall/early winter reduced cow-calf GHG emissions. The adoption of management strategies such as reducing age at first calving and improving forage quality for extended grazing may reduce emissions from the cow-calf sector.
178 Towards better usage of data in dairy farms: The Dairy Brain initiative
Authors: Fadul Liliana , Wangen Steven , Cabrera Victor E
Published: November 2020

With increasing use of new technologies in dairy farms, vast amounts of data are generated. Each data stream has its own frequency, diversity, type and quantity of data. While data diversity is beneficial to the farmer, it also makes more difficult data integration of different data streams. Even though different data streams are poorly linked to each other, there is an opportunity to add value to the farm management and decision-making processes by standardizing and integrating the different data sources available at the farm. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a system that can collect, integrate, manage, and analyze on- and off-farm data in real-time for practical and relevant actions: The Dairy Brain project. This is a trans-disciplinary research and extension project that engages multi-disciplinary scientists, dairy farmers, and industry professionals. We are using the state-of-the-art database management system from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for High Throughput Computing to develop our Agricultural Data Hub (AgDH) that connects and analyzes cow and herd data on a permanent basis. This involves cleaning and normalizing the data as well as allowing data retrieval on demand.The Dairy Brain, a suite of predictive and prescriptive analytics modules that leverages the AgDH to provide insight to the management of dairy operations and serve as an exemplar of an ecosystem of connected services. Therefore, decision support tools are developed to add value to the data and improve farm management at different levels.
208 Effects of supplemental guanidinoacetic acid, creatine, and choline on protein deposition and methyl group metabolites in growing steers
Authors: Grant Madeline S , Miesner Matt D , Titgemeyer Evan C
Published: November 2020

Methyl group donors (e.g., methionine, choline) can improve performance in transition dairy cows. Our objective was to determine how modulation of methyl group status would affect protein deposition and plasma and urine metabolites associated with methyl group metabolism. Six ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (200 kg) were used in a 6×6 Latin square design with 10-d periods. Factorial treatments, which were continuously infused abomasally, included 3 methyl group modulators (MGM: control; 15 g/d guanidinoacetic acid [GAA]; or 16.8 g/d creatine) and 2 levels of choline (0 or 5 g/d choline ion). Providing GAA or creatine increases body creatine supply; however, GAA consumes methyl groups to synthesize creatine, whereas supplemental creatine directly spares methyl groups that would be used for its synthesis. Steers received 4 kg/d of a corn-based diet. Total collection of urine and feces occurred from d 7 to 9 to measure N retention. Jugular blood was collected on d 10. No interactions between MGM and choline were observed. GAA increased N retention (P = 0.04), whereas creatine did not. Urinary creatine excretion was increased by GAA and creatine supplementation (P < 0.0001). Urinary GAA output was greater for GAA than creatine and control (P < 0.0001). Plasma creatine concentration was increased by GAA and creatine supplementation (P ≤0.01), with GAA leading to a larger increase. Plasma GAA concentration increased with GAA provision (P < 0.0001) but tended to be decreased by creatine (P = 0.09). Plasma urea-N and urinary urea-N output were not affected by MGM (P ≥ 0.25). Choline did not affect N retention (P = 0.69) or urinary GAA or creatine excretions (P ≥ 0.14). Choline increased plasma creatine (P = 0.04), but not plasma GAA. Choline did not affect plasma urea-N or urinary urea-N output (P ≥ 0.68). These data demonstrate that GAA has potential to improve protein deposition in growing cattle. Additionally, choline provision may allow for greater creatine synthesis in the body.
223 Evaluation of dietary characteristics and empty body chemical components affecting the relationship between heat production and metabolizable energy intake in growing beef cattle
Authors: Lancaster Phillip A
Published: November 2020

Metabolizable energy required for maintenance varies with diet and empty body chemical composition. The objective was to quantify the relationships of dietary characteristics and empty body chemical composition with heat production. A literature search was performed to compile data (31 studies, 214 treatment means) on metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and composition of empty body gain in growing steers and heifers. Data analysis were performed using R statistical package for mixed models with study as random variable. Nonlinear regression of energy gain (EG) on MEI indicated the relationship was not curvilinear in this data set, likely due to lack of negative values of EG. Further analyses were conducted using a linear model. Dietary characteristics of roughage level (0–100% of diet DM) and CP (10–25% diet DM), metabolizable energy concentration (1.3–3.3 Mcal/kg DM), and roughage type were evaluated in the model. Roughage sources were categorized into no roughage, silage, hay, pellets, silage + pellets, and hay + pellets. Of the empty body chemical components, proportion of fat in the empty body (EBFp) and in the gain (EBFgp) had a significant (P < 0.001) interaction with MEI on HP. Of the dietary characteristics, roughage level and type had a significant (P < 0.001) interaction with MEI on HP; however, when both were included in the model, roughage type was not significant (P > 0.10). The final model was 47.01 ± 12.54 + 0.630 ± 0.05*MEI – 132.3 ± 64.7*EBFp + 0.0007 ± 0.0001*MEI*Roughage level + 0.753 ± 0.24*MEI*EBFp – 0.268 ± 0.032*MEI*EBFgp with an R2 of 0.919 and an AIC of 1614 compared with 0.867 and 1695 for the simple linear regression model of HP on MEI. In conclusion, greater empty body fat decreased the intercept, and greater empty body fat proportion and levels of roughage in the diet increased the slope between HP and MEI, whereas greater percentage of fat in the empty body gain decreased the slope between HP and MEI.
187 Effects of energy supplementation during early gestation in beef heifers on body weight, concentrations of IGF-1, and calf characteristics
Authors: Baumgaertner Friederike , Underdahl Sarah R , McCarthy Kacie L , Menezes Ana Clara B , da Silva Diniz Wellison Jarles , Ward Alison K , Sedivec Kevin K , Dorsam Sheri T , Kirsch James D , Caton Joel , Dahlen Carl R
Published: November 2020

Objectives were to evaluate effects of early gestation energy supplementation on heifer body weight (BW), IGF-1 concentrations, and calf characteristics. One-hundred Angus-based heifers (initial BW = 371.1 ± 3.9 kg) were estrous synchronized, bred to female-sexed semen, then randomly assigned to either a basal diet to achieve 0.20 kg/d (CON, n = 50) or a basal diet plus supplemental energy to achieve 0.75 kg/d gain (SUPP, n = 50) for 84 d. The CON diet consisted of 37% corn silage, 53% prairie hay, and 10% distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS). The SUPP diet was 29% corn silage, 41% prairie hay, 5% DDGS, and 25% corn/PurinaAccuration Range Supplement 33 blend. Heifers were individually fed via Insentec feeders (Insentec Marknesse, The Netherlands), with bi-weekly feed delivery adjustments to achieve targeted gains. After d 84, heifers were managed as a single group on pasture, then in a dry lot until parturition. A total of 46 heifers gestated female pregnancies to term (n = 23 CON and n = 23 SUPP). Body weights and blood samples were collected on d 0, 42, 84, 162, 234, 262, and at parturition. By design, SUPP heifers were 55.4 kg heavier (P < 0.0001) than CON at d 84. Weight divergence remained throughout gestation, with SUPP heifers being 41.5 kg heavier at parturition (P < 0.0001). For SUPP, IGF-1 concentrations were greater throughout gestation (P = 0.003). Fetal size, as measured by ultrasound, was not affected by treatment at d 42 (P = 0.50), 63 (P = 0.35), or 84 (P = 0.20); however, calves from SUPP dams were 2.1 kg heavier (P = 0.03) and had larger chest circumference (P = 0.05) at birth compared with CON. Early gestation nutrition impacted heifer BW and IGF-1 concentrations throughout gestation, and clearly impacted in utero fetal growth.
393 Awardee Talk: Effect of trace mineral source on rumen fermentation and trace mineral distribution in the rumen
Authors: Engle Terry E
Published: November 2020

The role that Cu and Zn play in rumen microbial fermentation is not well understood. Microorganisms use small proportions of dietary Cu and Zn for catalytic, structural, and stabilizing functions. In order for microorganisms to acquire Cu and Zn, the elements must be soluble in the rumen environment. Data would indicate that practical diets fed to ruminants without Cu and Zn supplementation are able to meet the microbial Cu and Zn requirements. Therefore, rumen solubility of supplemental Cu and Zn can impact rumen microbial fermentation characteristics. Numerous factors can impact rumen solubility of minerals, such as the pH of the rumen, the concentration of dietary antagonists (Mo, Fe, S, fiber, etc.), and mineral source. Earlier research has indicated that high soluble concentrations of Cu and Zn in the rumen environment can become toxic to certain rumen microorganisms and decrease fiber digestion. Recent research from our laboratory has indicated that hydroxy trace mineral (HTM) forms of Cu and Zn are relatively insoluble in the rumen and that a greater proportion of HTM remained loosely bound to the insoluble fraction within the rumen when compared to sulfate trace mineral (STM) sources of Cu and Zn. We have also reported that supplemental sources of Cu and Zn that are highly soluble in the rumen environment (STM) can decrease fiber digestion, reduce total VFA concentrations, and can become more tightly bound to rumen solid digesta than HTM sources of Cu and Zn. The stronger binding of STM relative to HTM to the solid rumen digesta fraction may reduce absorption in the small intestine. Future research investigating the flow and passage rate of different trace mineral sources through the abomasum into the duodenum and duodenal absorption efficiency of Cu and Zn from different TM sources is needed.
252 Better Preparing Animal Science Students for Education Associated Careers
Authors: Barnes Taylor , Burnett Kirstin M , Ramsey W Shawn , Dunlap Kathrin
Published: November 2020

An Animal Science degree prepares students for a broad range of career opportunities yet the two most discussed in the literature and assumed by society are in animal science industry or veterinary medicine. However, studies indicate that -60% of our students enter into education as a career path, yet animal science departments typically do not emphasize educational careers or provide opportunities for students to develop skills in methods relevant for animal science related teaching. To combat this lack of representation for educational career opportunities, our research university’s animal science department has acted in two ways:-Developed a laboratory teaching methods course that allows undergraduate students to serve as teaching assistants for an animal handling lab with support and supervision from the course and graduate student lab instructors-Performed a content analysis to identify the type, frequency, and way educational career paths are discussed and/or assessed in introductory animal science courses. These are the first steps in ensuring that students are as prepared for pursuit of a possible educational career at a level equal to that for industry or veterinary careers. Sustainability of animal science includes retaining students in educational careers and actively improving our educational practices within the discipline. These changes better prepare our undergraduate students to have more realistic job expectations and competence in teaching when they pursue graduate school or animal science related educational career options. The university animal science program also benefits, as the undergraduate teaching assistants improve the instructor-to-student ratio thus positively impacting safety and logistics of hands-on large animal labs while increasing one-on-one instruction time with students. These practices increase student engagement and learning. Additionally, the field of animal science will prosper from increased competence in pedagogical techniques providing a richer, more complete educational experience for our students both in and out of university settings.
412 Germ and somatic cell interactions during oocyte development and maturation
Authors: Perecin Felipe
Published: November 2020

Ovarian follicle development and oocyte competence acquisition is dependent upon continuous interactions between the somatic cells and the oocyte. Interactions between these cell types include bidirectional paracrine signaling and the exchange of small molecules, such and amino acids and cyclic nucleotides, through gap junctions located at the end of transzonal projections (TZPs). In the last decade, additional mechanisms of cell-to-cell interactions within the ovarian follicle were described. These mechanisms include the movement of small extracellular vesicles (EVs) within the follicular fluid and the delivery of its cargo to target cells; and the exchange of large molecules transiting from the cumulus cells to the oocytes via transzonal projections. Here, I will describe the investigations about these novel communication systems in the bovine ovarian follicle. The topics will include the content of EVs transiting in the bovine follicular fluid and its role regulating signaling pathways associated with oocyte competence, and the movement of large molecules from cumulus cell to the oocyte such as messenger RNAs and fatty acids. Finally, dysregulations of such communications mechanisms under in vitro culture conditions will also be reviewed. Emphasis will be given on the lipid metabolism in the cumulus-oocyte complex and lipid accumulation mediated by transzonal projections and fatty acid binding proteins in oocytes undergoing in vitro maturation.
264 Harvest season, carcass weight, and fat measurement effects on lamb carcass characteristics and economic comparison of moderate and heavy weight lamb carcasses in the Western lamb processing industry
Authors: Whaley Jaelyn , Means Warrie , Ritten John , Murphy Tom , Gifford Cody , Cunningham Hannah , Woodruff Kelly , McKibben Heather , Page Chad M , Stewart Whit C
Published: November 2020

Carcass characteristics and economic impact estimates of over-finished lambs on the processing sector were evaluated in two commercial Intermountain West abattoirs. Lamb carcasses were surveyed throughout the year using digital images and imaging software (n = 9,532). Estimations of abattoir costs and returns included loading labor, downtime cost, price of fat, live and carcass trucking costs from the two largest lamb processors in the Intermountain West. Profitability comparisons were made using Monte Carlo simulation models replicating live and carcass prices for distributions based on historical pricing data to assess overall profitability of a carcass in an ideal weight range (29.5 - 39.0 kg) and a carcass that exceeds ideal weight (> 39.0 kg). Overall means show that the average lamb carcass exceeded packer preferred hot carcass weight (40.76 ± 9.29 kg) and industry acceptable 12th rib fat thickness (8.17 ± 3.79 mm). There were seasonal differences in hot carcass weight and fat measurements with carcasses being lighter weight (P = 0.05) and trimmer (P = 0.05) in the summer months. Monte Carlo simulation found that the additional yield from heavier carcasses offset costs of harvesting them. However, factors such as machine wear and increased labor turnover rates should be considered, although difficult to quantify. Collectively, the current study shows that U.S. lamb carcasses are too heavy and excessively fat but have minor effect on processor profitability.
268 Administering an appeasing substance to optimize welfare and performance of receiving cattle
Authors: Colombo Eduardo , Cooke Reinaldo F , Brandão Alice , Wiegand Jacob , Schubach Kelsey , Sowers CiCi A , Duff Glenn , Gouvea Vinicius N , Cappellozza Bruno I
Published: November 2020

This experiment evaluated the impacts of bovine appeasing substance (BAS) administration on performance, health, and physiological responses of feedlot cattle during a 45-d receiving period. A total of 342 recently-weaned Angus-influenced steers, originating from 16 cow-calf operations, were obtained from an auction yard on d -1 and road-transported (12 h) to the feedlot. Upon arrival on d 0, body weight (BW) was recorded and steers were ranked by BW and source and assigned to receive BAS (Nutricorp, Araras, SP, Brazil; n = 171) or placebo (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; CON; n = 171). Treatments (5 mL) were topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal. Within treatment, calves were allocated to 1 of 24 drylot pens (12 pens/treatment) and received a free choice total-mixed ration from d 1 to 45. Calves were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs and feed intake was recorded from each pen daily. Steer BW was again recorded on d 1, 7, 17, 31, and 45, whereas blood samples were collected from 5 steers/pen concurrently with each BW assessment. Average daily gain was greater (P = 0.05) in BAS vs. CON calves, although final BW did not differ (P = 0.36) between treatments. No treatment effects were detected for feed intake (P = 0.95), resulting in greater (P = 0.05) feed efficiency in BAS vs. CON steers. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.37) for plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, whereas plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P = 0.05) in CON vs. BAS steers on d 7 (treatment × day; P = 0.07). Incidence of BRD was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in BAS vs. CON on d 6 to 10 and d 18 to 21 (treatment × day; P < 0.01), although overall BRD incidence did not differ (P = 0.24) between treatments. The number of antimicrobial treatments required per steer diagnosed with BRD symptoms to recover from sickness was greater (P = 0.04) in CON vs. BAS calves. No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.41) for mortality incidence, or proportion of steers removed from the experiment due to extreme sickness. Results from this experiment indicate BAS administration upon feedlot entry improved average daily gain by enhancing feed efficiency. Administration of BAS facilitated earlier detection of BRD and reduced the need for antimicrobial treatments. Collectively, these results suggest BAS administration as a promising strategy to benefit performance and immunocompetence of feedlot receiving cattle.
406 Maternal nutrition during early gestation: Impacts on developmental outcomes
Authors: Caton Joel , Crouse Matthew S , Reynolds Lawrence P , Dahlen Carl R , Neville Bryan W , Borowicz Pawel P , Neville Tammi L , McLean Kyle J , Ward Alison K
Published: November 2020

Changes in maternal nutrition that represent inadequacies or excesses in nutrient supply have been implicated in altered fetal development as well as offspring outcomes and have been termed fetal or developmental programming. Research in the area of developmental programming of livestock has greatly increased during the last two decades. For ruminants, most research efforts in developmental programming have focused on nutritional perturbations during the last two-thirds of gestation. Unfortunately, research investigating changes to maternal nutrient supply during early gestation or even periconceptually has been limited. The objectives of this invited review are to provide a summary of our current understanding of the impacts of inappropriate maternal nutrition during early gestation on embryo-fetal and offspring developmental outcomes. Nutrient supply to the conceptus varies during the time of early placental and conceptus development, and uterine glandular secretions, often called uterine milk or uterine histotroph, are major suppliers of nutrients during this time. Nutrients in histotroph are essential to conceptus development, and histotroph nutrient concentrations may be responsive to maternal nutrient supply. As the placenta develops and becomes fully functional, fetal nutrient supply becomes dependent on placental function. Research investigating changes in total maternal nutrient supply, even during early gestation, has clearly demonstrated impacts on offspring outcomes. Investigations into supply of specific nutrients and development outcomes have increased rapidly in recent years with results demonstrating that in some cases, even small changes in supply can have consequences on offspring development. Underlying mechanisms of developmental programming are associated with epigenetic events partially driven by methyl donors and cofactors. Emerging knowledge associated with the influence of periconceptual, fetal, and neonatal nutrition on offspring development, postnatal health, function, and productivity is creating opportunities for enhanced livestock production through strategic nutrient supplementation.
424 WS Young Scholar Talk PHD: Effect of increasing dietary zinc during late gestation and early lactation on ewe and lamb body weights, serum and milk minerals, and somatic cell count
Authors: Page Chad M
Published: November 2020

The objectives of the current research are to quantify the effects that increased dietary Zn during late gestation and early lactation has on ewe and progeny body weights, serum and milk minerals, and somatic cell count. Within Rambouillet (WF) and Hampshire (BF) breeds, ewes were ranked by BW and randomly assigned down the rank into 1 of 2 treatment groups: Control (n = 34, 37 mg Zn/kg DM, ≈1×NRC) and Zn treatment (n = 37, 113 mg Zn/kg DM, ≈3×NRC). Treatments were delivered via a ZnSO4-fortified alfalfa pellet fed at a rate of 0.45 kg/d DM from a RFID-activated automated feeder from d 108 ± 10 of gestation to d 30 post-lambing. Ewe BW were recorded at d 0, 29, lambing, 30 post-lambing, and weaning. Lamb BW was recorded at lambing, d 15, 30, and weaning. Serum samples were taken from ewes and lambs at 18 ± 4 h post-lambing and analyzed for mineral concentrations. Maternal trace mineral transfer efficiency were calculated by dividing lamb serum values by their respective dam’s serum value and expressed as a percentage. Ewe milk was collected twice weekly. Milk was analyzed for mineral content (d 0, 10, and 30 of lactation) and SCC (d 3–5, 6–9, 10–12, 13–16, 17–19, 20–23, 24–26, 27–29, or 30–32). Ewe and lamb BW was not influenced by Zn treatment (P > 0.19). Ewe serum Zn and maternal transfer efficiency did not differ between control and Zn treatment ewes (P ≥ 0.47). There was a treatment × breed type interaction for lamb serum LogZn (P = 0.04), where BF lambs within Zn treatment had greater serum LogZn (0.63 ± 0.32) than WF lambs (-0.37 ± 0.27; P = 0.04), but breeds did not differ within lambs in the Control treatment group. Milk Ni and Zn was greater for Zn treated ewes than control ewes (P < 0.01), but Mg and P concentrations were greater for control ewes (P ≤ 0.02). Control and Zn treated ewes did not differ in LogSCC through the first 30 d of lactation (P = 0.68) nor did they differ at weaning (P = 0.48). White face and BF ewes LogSCC did not differ at weaning (P = 0.09), but for the first 30 d of lactation BF (5.79 ± 0.06) had greater LogSCC than WF ewes (5.54 ± 0.06; P < 0.01). Day of lactation impacted ewe SCC (P < 0.01), with peak SCC between d 6 and 9 which began to decline as lactation progressed. Current Zn recommendations appear to be adequate for ewe and lamb growth during late gestation and early lactation, but results suggest litter size and breed nuances. Milk Zn is also increased with dietary Zn above NRC recommendations, while further interactions with milk Ni, Mg, and P occur. Additionally, longitudinal values of SCC throughout lactation may inform preventative intervention strategies for cases of sub-clinical mastitis since peak SCC is within the first 9 d post-lambing.
279 Development, selection criteria, and performance of Composite IV sheep at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
Authors: Murphy Tom , Freking Brad , Bennett Gary L , Keele John W
Published: November 2020

Average ewe prolificacy is low across the U.S., while fixed and variable costs of production can be substantial, especially in traditional shed-lambing systems. Pasture-lambing can reduce input costs but can present greater risk of inclement weather, predation, and internal parasitism. The Composite IV is a ½ Romanov, ¼ Katahdin, and ¼ White Dorper hair sheep developed at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Objectives were to summarize Composite IV ewe and lamb performance under a pasture-lambing system with minimal disruption through weaning. Lamb survival to and body weight at weaning were greatest for singles (0.90 and 19.9 kg, respectively), intermediate for twins (0.82 and 15.9 kg), and lowest for triplets (0.65 and 14.6 kg; P < 0.01). Number of lambs born and weaned per ewe lambing were lower at 1-yr of age (1.55 and 1.24, respectively) than at 3- to 5-yr of age (2.20 to 2.23 and 1.75 to 1.82; P < 0.01). Within mature ewes (2- to 5-yr-old), twin litters were most frequent (58.7%), triplets intermediate (24.7%), and singles least (16.6%). While number of lambs weaned and total litter weaning weight were greater for triplet- than twin-bearing ewes (2.06 vs 1.70 and 28.9 vs 26.0 kg, respectively; P < 0.01), triplet-bearing ewes lost 1.78 lambs per additional lamb weaned. Results suggest productivity in pasture-lambing systems can be enhanced by identifying complementary breed combinations, maintaining heterosis, and selecting for characteristics associated with reduced labor and enhanced well-being.
PSV-11 Grazing diverse combination of tanniferous and non-tanniferous legumes: Implications for foraging behavior, performance and hair cortisol in beef cattle
Authors: Lagrange Sebastian , MacAdam Jennifer , Villalba Juan J
Published: November 2020

We tested the effect of increasingly diverse combinations of tanniferous legumes (birdsfoot trefoil-BFT, sainfoin-SF) and alfalfa (ALF) on cattle foraging behavior, performance and hair cortisol concentration. Pairs of heifers (401 ± 49.6 kg) grazed three spatial replications of seven treatments (n = 3/treatment): monocultures (BFT, SF, ALF) and all possible 2- and 3-way choices among strips of these legumes in a completely randomized block design in two 25-d periods during 2 consecutive years. The fewest grazing events occurred in BFT (42.0% of the total scans recorded; P < 0.10), with other treatments ranging between 47.8 (SF-BFT) and 52.6% (ALF-SF) of the total scans recorded. Heifers selected a varied diet, preferring SF over BFT or ALF in 46:27:27 and 70:30 ratios (3- and 2-way choice, respectively) and preferred BFT over ALF (62:38 ratio). All treatments followed similar daily grazing patterns (P >0.10), with two major grazing events (1 hour after sunrise and 3 hours before sunset). No differences among treatments were observed for the number of steps taken, motion index, or percentage of time spent standing (1,600, 5,356, and 45.3%, respectively; P >0.10), suggesting that heifers in choice treatments did not invest extra time in walking, searching or patch-switching activities relative to monoculture treatments. Heifers in the 3-way choice gained more BW (1.27 Kg/d) than in monocultures (1.00 kg/d; P = 0.014), or 2-way choices (0.97 kg/d; P = 0.007), suggesting nutritional synergism among legumes in the treatment of greatest diversity. No differences in hair cortisol concentration were observed among treatments, with values ranging between 1.40 (BFT) and 2.12 ng/g (3-way choice) (P >0.10). Thus, forage diversity enhanced animal performance, likely driven by interactions among condensed tannins and dietary protein, without affecting hair cortisol levels or grazing efficiency, explained by the spatial arrangement (strips) of the forage species presented.
PSV-24 Use of the entry time and exit velocity as tools for the assessment of water buffalo temperament
Authors: Francisco Caroline L , Castilhos André M , da Silva Daiane C Marques , da Silva Fabiola Martinez , Aranha Aline S , Jacaúna Amanna G , Jorge Andre M
Published: November 2020

The use of the entry time, chute score, and exit velocity as tools for the assessment water buffaloes (WB) temperament were used. Seventy-five non-castrated WB (390±32 days of age; 310±61.27 kg of initial body weight) of 3 genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah; n = 25 for each GG) were used. The WB arrived at research center (-28d) and were submitted to 28 days of adaptation period to the feedlot facilities, diet, and handling. On day 0, the temperament variables were collected, namely: entry time into squeeze chute (by chronometer); chute score (5-point scale:1=calm animals; 5=very reactive animals); and, exit velocity (by infrared sensors). Subsequently, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and analyzed for serum levels of cortisol using radioimmunoassay technique; and, rectal temperature was recorded. The individual temperament score (TSc) was calculated averaging entry time score (5-point scale:1=greater time spent, and 5=less time spent), chute score, and exit velocity score (5-point scale:1=lower speed; 5=higher speed). Data were subjected to a stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) using the STEPDISC procedure in SAS. The value of P < 0.01 was stipulated to consider and include the variable in the model. The respective data of the selected variables were submitted to multivariate analysis of variance using the GLM procedure in SAS. The GG were added to the model to test the possible effect. Correlation analysis was performed using CORR procedure in SAS. The SDA used three steps and selected only the entry time and exit velocity scores (Table 1). Positive correlations were verified between the TSc and cortisol (r=0.37; P = 0.02), and TSc and rectal temperature (r=0.36; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the entry time and exit velocity may be tools for the assessment of water buffalo temperament and their use should be tested in animals of different categories. Supported by FAPESP (#2018/25939-1; #2014/05473-7).
PSV-16 Infrared thermography technology as a promising tool for assessing temperament of water buffaloes
Authors: Francisco Caroline L , Castilhos André M , da Silva Daiane C Marques , da Silva Fabiola Martinez , Aranha Aline S , Jacaúna Amanna G , Oliveira Camila S , Jacob Vanessa R M , Cordeiro Lais G , Jorge Andre M
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the use of the infrared thermography (IT) as a tool to identify the temperament of 75 non-castrated water buffaloes (390±32 days of age; 310±61.27 kg of initial body weight) of 3 genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah; n = 25 for each GG). The animals were classified for temperament through the temperament score (TSc) obtained by the mean of the sum of the scores of the time of entry into the squeeze chute (1 to 5: 1=greater time spent for entry; 5=less time spent for entry) and the exit velocity score (1 to 5: 1=lower speed; 5=higher speed) calculated after the period of adaptation to the feedlot (d0). The animals were categorized into adequate (ADQ; TSc≤3) or excitable (EXC; TSc >3) temperaments. The rectal temperature was measured and IT images were obtained (Testo 882 Thermal Imager, Testo, Inc, Germany) from regions of the chest, eye, snout, cheek, foreleg (left side), ribs, hind legs, rear area (left side), and scrotum on d0. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS, considering the GG, temperament, and the resulting interaction as fixed effects. Correlation was analyzed using the CORR procedure of SAS. There were no effects of interactions (P ≥ 0.14). ADQ animals showed lower rectal (P = 0.02) and ribs (P = 0.05) temperatures than EXC animals (Table1). Tendencies for temperament effect were detected for chest (P = 0.06) and rear area (P = 0.07). There was no effect of temperament for other variables (P = 0.19). Positive correlations were verified between the TSc and rectal (r=0.36; P < 0.01), chest (r=0.35; P < 0.01), and rear area (r=0.33; P < 0.01) temperatures. Tendency for a positive correlation was detected between TSc and scrotum (r=0.23; P = 0.07). In conclusion, the temperament causes changes in the temperature of some body regions suggesting the IT technology may be a promising tool for assessing the temperament of water buffaloes. Supported by FAPESP (#2018/25939-1; #2014/05473-7).