bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
97 Maternal Nutrient Restriction and Melatonin Supplementation Alter Neurotransmitter Profiles in Bovine Fetal and Placental Tissues
Authors: Harman Allison R , Contreras-Correa Zully E , Swanson Rebecca M , Ripper Mackenzie , Duncan Thomas H , Lemley Caleb O
Published: September 2022

The placenta modulates fetal brain development in mice and humans, with a paucity of information reported in cattle. The objective was to determine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation on neurotransmitter concentrations in the cotyledon, fetal hypothalamus, and fetal blood. At day 160 of gestation, 29 spring-calving and 25 fall-calving Brangus heifers were assigned treatments: adequately fed (ADQ-CON; 100% NRC recommendation), nutrient restricted (RES-CON; 60% NRC recommendation), and ADQ or RES supplemented with 20 mg/d of melatonin (ADQ-MEL; RES-MEL). Fetuses were removed at day 240 of gestation for collection of placentomes, blood, and hypothalamic tissue. Neurotransmitters (serotonin, 5-HT; dopamine, DA; norepinephrine, NE; epinephrine, EPI) and metabolites (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, DOPAC; 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5-HIAA; homovanillic acid HVA) were analyzed by LCMS or HPLC in blood or tissues, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the mixed procedure in SAS with seasons analyzed separately. In spring-calving heifers, melatonin increased (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations of DOPAC, DA, 5-HIAA, and HVA in the cotyledon. Nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation increased (P ≤ 0.05) blood 5-HT. In both calving seasons, there was a nutrition by treatment interaction in hypothalamic 5-HT (P ≤ 0.01), whereby RES-MEL was increased compared with ADQ-MEL. For fall-calving heifers, no differences were observed in neurotransmitter concentrations in the cotyledon. Hypothalamic NE was increased (P = 0.02) in RES vs. ADQ, while hypothalamic and blood DA were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in RES vs. ADQ. Hypothalamic 5-HIAA was increased (P = 0.05) in the MEL vs. CON, while blood EPI was decreased (P = 0.04) in MEL vs. CON. In summary, nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation alter concentrations of neurotransmitters and their metabolites in a seasonally dependent manner. Further investigation into the gene expression of these neurotransmitter pathways is necessary to better define the bovine placental-brain axis.
303 Overview of Paternal Programming in Livestock Species
Authors: Dahlen Carl R , Caton Joel S , Diniz Wellison , Reynolds Lawrence P , Ward Alison K
Published: September 2022

The concept of developmental programming from a maternal standpoint is well established. Perhaps even more impactful, however, is developmental programming that may arise from paternal contributions when single sires are responsible for breeding multiple females. Research in rodent models has shown that paternal obesity, high fat or low protein diets, exercise, stress, and drug and alcohol exposure can lead to epigenetic modifications in sperm and seminal plasma. Some of these changes withstand the extensive remodeling associated with fertilization and early embryo development, culminating in discernable offspring phenotypes that remain present for multiple generations. Certainly, the observations in rodent models related to alterations in offspring body weight, adiposity, metabolic responses, bone density, and reproductive outcomes and function have implications for the livestock industries if similar paternal programming phenomena exist. Livestock production systems are robust and dynamic and many paradigms exist with potential to alter male germ line epigenome, with specific changes likely related to timing of aberrant conditions relative to spermatogenesis and sperm residence in the epididymis. Within the context of routine management systems, our livestock patriarchs can experience major diet and weight changes, transportation and handling stress, environmental extremes, and/or changes in exercise duration, frequency, and intensity. In addition, livestock managers may embrace the concept of delivering specific quantities and types of feedstuffs, and apply other interventions if proven beneficial. Several research groups using livestock models have revealed that epigenetic machinery delivered in sperm and seminal plasma can be altered. A sheep model demonstrated the feeding rumen-protected methionine to rams from weaning to puberty resulted in epigenetic and phenotypic alterations still present in the F2 generation. This presentation will review the status of literature regarding paternal programming, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest areas for future research efforts with potential to enhance production efficiencies of livestock operations.
304 The Paternal Programming of Periconception Development
Authors: Morgan Hannah L , Watkins Adam
Published: September 2022

There is now a significant body of human and animal model data which identify common associations between perturbed development during gestation, disproportionate fetal growth and poor adult cardiovascular and metabolic health. Typically, these studies focus on the impact of poor maternal health on offspring development and well-being. However, a growing evidence base now indicates that sub-optimal paternal factors (such as diet) can also program adult offspring ill-health. While the link between paternal health and offspring well-being is becoming established, attention is being focused on defining the underlying mechanism(s). Here, the father may influence post-fertilization development through two main pathways, the integrity and status of the sperm genome (including epigenome) and through components of the seminal plasma. We have used mouse models of poor-quality diet to study the impact sub-optimal paternal nutrition has on the quality and epigenetic status of the sperm, embryonic development and fetal growth. We have also used our models to study the relative seminal plasma and sperm contributions to adult offspring cardiovascular and metabolic health. Our studies identify a continuum of changes ranging from testicular morphology, sperm epigenetic status, preimplantation embryo development, fetal growth and adult offspring cardio-metabolic ill-health in response to either over or undernutrition. Interestingly, we also observed that these long-term offspring effects appear mediated through specific sperm and seminal plasma specific mechanisms. Our data highlight the significance of a father’s diet at the time of conception for the development and well-being of his offspring.
308 Evaluation of Implants and Precision Supplementation on Growth and Muscle Accretion in Beef Steers Post Weaning
Authors: Jacobs Joshua L , Greene Maslyn A , Udoka Aliute , Hersom Matt , Andrae John G , Duckett Susan K
Published: September 2022

Backgrounding or stocker operations attempt to add value to calves by efficiently adding weight and predominately taking advantage of the protein accretion phase of development, ultimately preparing calves for later stages of production. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of an implant (Revalor-G) or implant plus supplementation on protein accretion patterns in backgrounded beef steers. A 56-day backgrounding study was conducted using Angus-based steers (n = 69; initial BW 233 ± 29 kg) grazing a cow pea and millet mixture. Steers were randomly assigned to one of three treatments (n = 23 steers per treatment): 1) grazing only (G), 2) grazing with implant (GI), or 3) grazing with implant plus individual animal supplementation via Super Smart Feeder at 0.75% BW (GIS). Steers were weighed and blood was collected every 14 days to determine plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations. Ultrasound measurements of ribeye area and backfat were collected at days 0, 28, and 56 of study. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX function of SAS version 9.4. GIS steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.0004) body weight change than GI or G steers. GI and GIS steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.0117) ribeye area compared with G steers. GI steers had a greater (P < 0.0180) ribeye area to body weight ratio than G steers. When evaluating blood parameters, GI steers had a greater (P< 0.0009) plasma BUN concentration than GIS steers. No treatment differences were observed for plasma creatinine concentrations. G and GI steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.0290) BUN to creatinine ratio than GIS steers. Results of this study suggest that implanted steers may require additional supplementation to optimize growth and muscle accretion.
310 Effects of Stair Step Strategy and Immunomodulatory Feed Ingredient Supplementation on Thermoregulation, Growth, and Reproduction of Grazing Bos Indicus-Influenced Beef Heifers
Authors: de Izquierdo Vinicius Souza , Vendramini Joao , Moriel Philipe
Published: September 2022

This 2-yr study evaluated the combination of stair step supplementation strategy and OmniGen-AF inclusion on body thermoregulation, growth, and reproduction of Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers. Brangus heifers (n = 64/year) were stratified by BW and age (257 ± 20 kg; 271 ± 22 d) and allocated into 16 bahiagrass pastures. Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of concentrate dry matter (DM) supplementation at 1.50% of BW from day 0 to 100 (CON) or concentrate DM supplementation at 1.05% of BW from day 0 to 49 and 1.95% of BW from day 50 to 100 (SST), which included or not OmniGen-AF from day 0 to 100 (OMN; 4 g/45 kg of BW). Heifers were submitted to an estrus synchronization protocol from day 100 to 114, inseminated from day 112 to 114, and exposed to bulls from day 120 to 210. Data were analyzed using SAS GLIMMIX procedure. Heifer BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.49) on days 0 and 56, but on days 100 and 210 it was greater (P ≤ 0.01) for SST vs. CON. Intravaginal temperatures from day 26 to 30, between 0830 and 1600h were least (P ≤ 0.03) for SST offered OMN and did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) among all remaining treatments. Body surface temperature on day 25 and plasma IGF-1 concentrations on day 75 were greater (P ≤ 0.04) for SST vs. CON. Percentage of pubertal heifers, estrus detection, and pregnancy to AI did not differ (P = 0.36) between SST and CON, but final pregnancy percentage was greater (P = 0.04) for SST. Thus, OMN decreased intravaginal temperature of SST heifers but failed to improve their growth and reproduction, whereas the stair step strategy improved body thermoregulation, growth, and final pregnancy percentage of Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers.
311 Administering a Bovine Appeasing Substance to Beef Heifers During an Estrous Synchronization Protocol and its Impacts on Temperament and Pregnancy Rate
Authors: Dias Nicholas W Wege , Pancini Stefania , Goncherenko Guillermo , Currin John , Clark Sherrie , Stewart Jamie L , Cooke Reinaldo , Mercadante Vitor Rodrigues G
Published: September 2022

This experiment evaluated the impacts of administering a bovine appeasing substance (BAS) to Bos taurus (angus crossed) beef replacement heifers at the initiation of an estrous synchronization (TAI) protocol on their temperament and pregnancy rates. A total of 348 heifers at four locations were stratified by body weight (BW); reproductive tract score (RTS), and temperament score [TS; average of exit velocity (EV) and chute score (CS), determined at the day of initiation of TAI) and assigned to receive BAS (IRSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France; n = 173) or placebo (water; CON; n = 175). Treatments (5 mL) were topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each heifer at the initiation of the TAI protocol. Within location, heifers were allocated to pens (6 pens per treatment; pen being the experimental unit) and received a free-choice total mixed ration during the duration of the experiment. Temperament (EV, CS) was assessed three times (days 0, 7 and 9) during the TAI protocol by the same trained technician. Pregnancy rate was determined by ultrasonography between days 45 and 55 post TAI. Heifer BW (379.5±5 kg), RTS (3.8±0.06), CS on days 0, 7 and 9 (2.33±0.06, 2.08±0.04, and 1.91±0.04, respectively), and EV on days 0, 7 and 9 (1.35±0.03, 1.28±0.03, and 1.39±0.03 m/s, respectively), and estrus expression prior to TAI (40.2±5.9%) were similar (P>0.10) between treatments. Pregnancy rate to TAI differed among locations (P< 0.05); however, it was not affected by treatment (39.7±8.2% and 41.0±3.7% for CON and BAS, respectively), with no treatment by location interaction. In conclusion, administration of BAS to beef heifers at the initiation of a TAI protocol did not alter temperament, measured as CS and EV, and failed to increase pregnancy rates.
315 Recognizing and Balancing Sustainable Trade-Offs in the Swine Industry
Authors: DeRouchey Joel M
Published: September 2022

Recognizing and balancing trade-offs that constitute sustainability, economics, and practical reality is essential for practice adoption. There are many situations where producers have aligned all three criteria. Advancement of in-barn practices such as water cups compared to nipple drinkers provides for improved water conservation and economics. Also, injection of manure slurry directly into the soil decreases atmospheric nitrogen losses, reduces phosphorus runoff, reduces or eliminates inorganic fertilizer applications, and improves soil health and fertility. The use of dietary synthetic amino acids to lower nitrogen excretion or feed additives such as phytase to lower phosphorus excretion are widely used and are economical sustainable practices. Increasing whole farm productivity through improved pig survivability is a means to achieve a win-win tradeoff. Improving pig survivability with advancements in-barn management practices, genetic selection, health and nutritional programs will directly impact the sustainability of pork producers. However, everyday examples are also present where these criteria conflict. The use of feed by-products in diets to reduce feed cost per pig are common. However, these types of dietary ingredients, in particular dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) is lower in protein digestibility then soybean meal and corn, thus increases nitrogen excretion. At a higher inclusion such as 30% of the diet, the nitrogen excretion level would be raised by approximately 15%. Also, as the value of corn oil has increased for other industries, ethanol plants are extracting more oil from DDGS, in turn the net energy concentration is lowered. This results in pigs having poorer feed efficiency, thus increasing total manure production. Thus, the economic feed cost advantage has a tradeoff with increased nitrogen excretion and manure production. Pork producers will continue to be progressive and create opportunities to further combine sustainability, economics, and practical reality of implementation.
323 Effects of Slaughter Weight and sex on Multivariate fat Allometric Coefficients for Determination of Optimal Slaughter Points on Crossbred Angus x Nellore Steers and Bulls
Authors: Franco Arturo Macias , da Silva Aghata Elins Moreira , Fonseca Mozart , De Filho Sebastiao Campos Valhadares
Published: September 2022

Animal breed, sex, age, and nutrition dynamically affect tissue deposition and requirements which cumulatively represent economic losses due to suboptimal slaughter points in varied animals. Herein, we investigate the potential implementation of principal components analysis (PCA) of carcass fat and live biometric measures (BM) collected in bulls and steers fed similar dietary regimens for detection of a multivariate representation of allometric growth desirable across sex to determine optimal slaughter points. A total of 40 F1 Angus x Nellore bulls and steers 12.5 ± 0.51 mo. of age, with an average shrunk BW of 233 ± 23.5 and 238 ± 24.6 kg for bulls and steers, respectively, were randomly distributed into a 1 + 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (1 reference group, 2 sexes, and 3 slaughter weights) with eight animals (4 bulls and 4 steers) slaughtered at the start of the trial and served as reference. The rest were slaughtered once average body weights (BW) of the group reached 380 ± 19.5 (6 bulls and 5 steers), 440 ± 19.2 (6 bulls and 5 steers), and 500 ± 19.5 kg (5 bulls and 5 steers). Variance explained by the first principal component (PC1) differed among the slaughter weights and sex. Fat deposition for steers was more homogeneously and highly correlated in the multivariate space (MS) for BW < 380kg, whereas for bulls, fat deposition was more scattered and less correlated. For BW > 380kg, the opposite was observed. Bulls had a more homogeneous distribution in MS with higher correlation, and the steers had a more heterogeneous contribution. The highly significant differences between the MS along PC1 highlight the different dynamics of nutrient deposition for bulls and steers in different stages of growth. Therefore, provided with an adequate nutrition, carcass homogeneity is higher for bulls slaughtered at heavier BW.
324 Factors Affecting Growth, Efficiency, and Carcass Quality of Finishing Dairy x Beef Hybrids
Authors: Womack Addie , Robison Colton A , Farran Garrett , Wilson Blake K , Genther-Schroeder Olivia N , Wistuba Troy , Beck Paul A
Published: September 2022

Our objectives were to determine how pre-finishing plane of nutrition, season, and breed of beef sire affect performance, efficiency, and carcass attributes of dairy-beef hybrid calves. Dairy × beef hybrid steers (3 to 7 d of age) were maintained on either a moderate plane of nutrition or high plane of nutrition from 0 to 12 wk of age. Calves (n = 211, BW = 122 ± 16 kg) were then transported 689 km to the OSU Sparks Beef Research Center at an average age of 92 ± 1.6 d in four blocks. Calves from predominantly Holstein dairies in the Midwest were sired by Angus (n = 147) or Continental breed (n = 64) sires. Steers were processed on arrival and were sorted by BW within previous treatment into 4 to 5 head pens and fed receiving diets. Steers were transitioned to a grower diet from d 14 to 112. Steers were fed a 12% roughage finishing diet from d-112 to 224. A final 8% roughage finishing diet was fed from d 224 to slaughter with ractopamine hydrochloride (300 mg·steer-1·d -1) included the last 28-d before harvest. Increasing plane of nutrition during the milk replacer and starter feeding period increased (P ≤ 0.03) initial BW at arrival and through d 84, but was not affected (P ≥ 0.08) thereafter. Calves received during the winter and spring were heavier (P < 0.01) on arrival through d 168 and at harvest and gained BW faster during the growing phase and final finishing phase than steers received during the summer. Steers sired by Angus sires were heavier throughout finishing (P < 0.01) and gained BW more rapidly (P < 0.01) than steers sired by Continental breeds. Breed of sire and season have a large impact on performance of finishing dairy × beef hybrids.
325 Candidate Plasma Biomarkers Associated with Residual Feed Intake in Beef Steers
Authors: Taiwo Godstime A , Idowu Modoluwamu , Collins Shelby , Sidney Taylor S , Wilson Mathew E , Pech-Cervantes Andres a , Ogunade Ibukun M
Published: September 2022

We applied chemical group-based metabolomics to identify blood metabolic signatures associated with residual feed intake in beef cattle. A group of 56 crossbred growing beef steers (average BW = 261 ± 18.5 kg) were adapted to a high-forage total mixed ration in a confinement dry lot equipped with GrowSafe intake nodes for period of 49 d to determine their residual feed intake (RFI) classification. After RFI determination, weekly blood samples were collected three times from beef steers with the least RFI [most efficient (HFE); n = 8; RFI = - 1.93 kg/d] and greatest RFI [least efficient (LFE); n = 8; 2.01 kg/d]. Plasma was prepared by centrifugation and composited for each steer. Metabolome analysis was conducted using a chemical isotope labeling (CIL)/liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Analyzed metabolites included those containing amine/phenol-, carboxylic acid-, and carbonyl-chemical groups, which are metabolites associated with metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates, respectively. A total number of 495 amine/phenol-containing metabolites were detected and identified; pathway analysis of all these metabolites showed that arginine biosynthesis and histidine metabolism were enriched (P < 0.10) in HFE, relative to LFE steers. Biomarker analysis of the amine/phenol-metabolome identified methionine, 5-aminopentanoic acid, 2-aminohexanedioic acid, and 4-chlorolysine as candidate biomarkers of RFI [false discovery rate ≤ 0.05; Area Under the Curve (AUC) > 0.90]. A total of 118 and 330 metabolites containing carbonyl- and carboxylic acid-chemical groups, respectively, were detected and identified; no metabolic pathways associated with these metabolites were altered and only one candidate biomarker (methionine sulfoxide) was identified. These results identified five candidate metabolite biomarkers of RFI in beef cattle which are mostly associated with amino acid metabolism. Further validation using a larger cohort of beef cattle of different genetic pedigree is required to confirm these findings.
340 Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Beef Steers Consuming Finishing Diets with an Added Nutritional Packet in a Calf-fed System
Authors: Rush Camron J , Sarturi Jhones O , Henry Darren H , Ciriaco Francine M , Woerner Dale R , Huerta-Leidenz Nelson O , Crossland Whitney L , Lopez Alejandra M , Silva Kaliu G Scaranto , Nardi Kaue Tonelli , Peters Sarah , Manna Mikala Di , Hinds Jordan , Saes Yasmim , Osorio-Doblado Andrea M , Coello Kymberly , Quijada Angel A
Published: September 2022

The effects of a nutritional packet containing a direct-fed microbial combined with vitamins/electrolytes offered to beef steers in a calf-fed system on growth performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Angus crossbred steer-calves (n = 60; BW = 234 ± 4 kg) were assigned to a randomized complete block design (block = body weight; steer = experimental unit) and stratified into two treatments: a) control (no packet, finely-ground corn carrier only); and b) 30 g of DM/animal-daily of a nutritional packet [live-yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 8.7 Log CFU/g), Vitamin C (5.4 g/kg of Ascorbic acid), Vitamin B1 (13.33 g/kg of Thiamine hydrochloride), and electrolytes of sodium chloride (80 g/kg) and potassium chloride (80 g/kg)]. Animals were individually offered [electronic feed-bunks (Smart-Feed/C-Lock Inc.)] a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet ad libitum, once daily for 233 d. Treatments were offered during the first (phase-1) and last (phase-2) 60 d on feed. Body weight measurements were taken every 30 d before feeding. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Steers offered the nutritional packet had 14% less (P < 0.01) intake and 18% greater gain efficiency during the initial 30-d on feed, while such advantage did not (P ≥ 0.26) persist when accounting for the initial 60 d for either variable. Overall intake (d0 to d233) was 6% greater (P = 0.02), while carcass-adjusted ADG (1.61 vs. 1.56), and carcass-adjusted gain efficiency (0.198 vs. 0.204) were unaffected (P ≥ 0.44) compared with control, respectively. Dressing percent of steers offered the packet was 1 percentage-unit greater (P = 0.02), while other carcass variables were unaffected (P ≥ 0.33). Calf-fed steers seem to benefit from such nutritional packet during the initial 30 d after feedlot arrival, while both superior intake and dressing percentage appears to last until cattle harvest.
337 Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae-Based Microbial Additive Containing Fermentation Products on Health, and Performance of Weaned Beef Steers During a 35-d Receiving Period
Authors: Idowu Modoluwamu , Taiwo Godstime A , Ogunade Ibukun M , Pech-Cervantes Andres A
Published: September 2022

We examined the effects of dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based microbial additive containing fermentation products of multiple micro-organisms on health and performance of newly weaned beef steers during a 35-d receiving period. Crossbred beef steers (n = 80; 12-hour post-weaning; 206 ± 12 kg of BW) were stratified by BW into 4 pens (20 steers per pen) such that each pen had similar BW at the beginning of the experiment. The steers were assigned to receive a corn silage-based diet with no additive (CON; 2 pens) or a diet supplemented with a blend of live S. cerevisiae and the fermentation products of S. cerevisiae, Enterococcus lactis, Bacillus licheniformis, and B. subtilis at an average of 28 g/steer/d for the first 21 d (SYNB; 2 pens). Percentage of steers treated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was calculated for each dietary treatment. Daily DMI and weekly body weights were measured. Blood samples collected weekly were analyzed for mRNA expression of 84 immune-related genes and plasma metabolome. Compared with CON, supplemental SYNB increased (P ≤ 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and DMI during the first 7 d. During the first 21 d, there was no treatment effect (P > 0.05) on final BW, DMI, and ADG. Over the entire 35-d receiving period, beef steers fed supplemental SYNB had greater (P = 0.01) ADG and had reduced percentage (35 vs. 50%) of animals treated for BRD. Whole blood expression of pro-inflammatory genes was downregulated while that of anti-inflammatory genes was upregulated in beef steers fed supplemental SYNB. Six nutrient metabolic pathways of great health benefits were enriched (FDR ≤ 0.05) in beef steers fed supplemental SYNB. This study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of SYNB during the first 21 d of arrival reduced BRD morbidity, improved the performance, immune, and metabolic status of beef steers over a 35-d receiving period.
343 Effect of Ruminally-Protected Lysine Supplementation to Limit-fed Growing Cattle on Growth and Subsequent Finishing Performance
Authors: Hazlewood Kathryn J , Grant Madeline S , Blasi Dale A , Ducharme Gary A , Titgemeyer Evan C
Published: September 2022

Lysine may be limiting for cattle fed diets based on corn products. Our objective was to supplement ruminally protected lysine to cattle limit-fed a corn-based diet during the growing phase and assess performance during growing and subsequent finishing phases. The 77-d growth trial used 338 crossbred steers allocated to 32 pens limit-fed 2.4% of body weight daily. Steers were implanted (40 mg trenbolone acetate, 8 mg estradiol) at trial initiation. Diets contained 39.5% corn grain, 40% wet corn gluten feed, 13% hay, and 7.5% supplement. Treatments included: no supplemental amino acids (control), 3 g/d metabolizable lysine from Smartamine ML (Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA; Lys-3), 6 g/d metabolizable lysine from Smartamine ML (Lys-6), and supplemental blood meal (Aadvantage; Perdue Agribusiness, Kings Mountain, NC) at 0.89% of dietary dry matter plus 2 g/d metabolizable methionine from Smartamine M (BM). Individual body weights were measured on d 0 and 77. After 77 d, cattle were shipped to a commercial feedlot, commingled in 2 pens, fed a common diet for 185 or 206 d, and slaughtered commercially. Performance during finishing was measured using carcass data from the slaughter facility. During the growing phase, Lys-3 tended to improve average daily gain by 0.11 kg/d (P = 0.12) and feed efficiency (P = 0.08) compared with control. During finishing, Lys-6 tended to have daily gains 0.05 kg/d greater than control and Lys-3 (P = 0.17). Carcass weights were 7.1 and 3.4 kg heavier than control for Lys-6 and Lys-3, respectively. BM did not affect performance during the growing or finishing period and resulting carcass weight. Ruminally protected lysine supplementation during the growing phase tended to improve performance of cattle during growing and/or finishing phases, as well as carcass weights.
346 Feeding Hempseed Cake Alters the Bovine gut, Respiratory and Reproductive Microbiota
Authors: Winders Thomas , Holman Devin , Schmidt Kaycie , Smith David J , Neville Bryan W , Dahlen Carl R , Swanson Kendall C , Amat Samat
Published: September 2022

A growing number of studies have investigated the viability of feeding hemp by-products as livestock feedstuffs; however, their impact on livestock microbiomes remains unexplored. Here, we evaluated the effects of feeding hempseed cake (HSC) on the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive microbiota in beef heifers. Angus-crossbred heifers [19-months old; initial body weight (BW) = 494 ± 10 kg] were fed a corn-based finishing diet (10% forage) containing either 20% HSC (n = 15) or 20% corn distillers grains (Control, n = 16) for 111 days until slaughter. Individual feed intake, feeding behavior and BW were measured throughout the study. Rumen fluid and deep nasopharyngeal swabs (days 0 7, 42, 70 and 98), and vaginal and uterine swabs (at slaughter) were collected, and the microbiota assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. HSC feeding resulted in reduced average daily gain (P = 0.05) without influencing feed intake and feeding behavior (P > 0.05) (reported elsewhere). Sampling time had a significant effect on both ruminal (PERMANOVA: R2 = 0.39; P < 0.001) and nasopharyngeal (R2 = 0.18; P < 0.001) microbial community structure. There was also a significant effect of diet on the ruminal (d7– 98; 0.06 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.12; P < 0.05), nasopharyngeal (d 42; R2= 0.18; P < 0.001), and vaginal (R2 = 0.06; P < 0.01) microbiota. Although microbial richness in the rumen, nasopharynx, vagina, and uterus was not affected (P > 0.05) by HSC feeding, microbial diversity (Shannon diversity) was increased in the rumen (d42-98) but reduced in the uterus of HSC heifers (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of five ruminal genera was enriched, while five vaginal genera were reduced in HSC heifers (P < 0.05). Overall, the results of our longitudinal study suggest that feeding hemp by-products can alter the bovine gut, respiratory and reproductive microbiota.
355 Growth Performance of Neonatal Holstein Heifer Calves fed Milk Containing Essential oil Blend and/or Encapsulated Butyrate
Authors: Liu Ting , Zhihao Luo , Li Peng , Wu Jianping , Casper David P
Published: September 2022

Previous research demonstrated the growth promoting benefits of an essential oil/oligosaccharide blend (EO; Stay Strong, Ralco, Inc.) or an encapsulated sodium butyrate (C4; Ultramix GF, Adisseo, Inc.) fed to neonatal calves. The possibility exists the technologies are additive based on individual mechanisms of action. The objective was to evaluate EO and C4 alone or combined when fed to Holstein heifer calves raised on a commercial Chinese dairy operation. Sixty-four heifers were blocked by calving day and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (N=16/treatment) using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: 1) Control: CN; milk fed 3x/d; 2) EO added to the milk at the rate of 1.50 g/d; 3) C4 added to the milk at 1.70 g/d; and 4) EO&C4: EO and C4 added to the milk at the rates of 1.5 and 1.70 g/d, respectively. Calves were fed whole milk using an increasing/decreasing feeding program with weaning on d 60 and a 70-d experiment. Calf birth body weight (BW) was found to be a significant (P < 0.01) covariate with calves fed EO, C4, and EO&C4 demonstrating greater (P < 0.05) BW (41.9, 47.0, 46.6, and 48.0 kg for CN, EO, C4, and EO&C4, respectively) gains and average daily gains (602.0,670.5, 665.7, and 683.7 g/d). compared with calves fed CN. Calf starter intake was greater (P < 0.05) for calves fed C4 compared with calves fed CN with calves fed EO and EO&C4 being intermediate and similar (P > 0.10). Calves fed EO and C4 demonstrated greater (P < 0.05) total blood serum volatile fatty acid concentrations (9.75, 12.91, 11.22, 10.89 µM) compared with calves fed CN with calves fed EO&C4 being intermediate and similar (P > 0.10). Calves fed EO, C4, and EO&CN demonstrated greater growth performance, but the combination did not further improve growth performance.
354 Evaluation of Protein Encapsulated fat (PEF) Alternatives for Neonatal Calves
Authors: Casper David P
Published: September 2022

Protein encapsulated fats (PEF) are routinely used in the manufacture of calf milk replacers. The use of PEF improves fat mixability to ensure the milk replacer (MR) when mixed and fed is a homogenous solution for neonatal calves. A new alternative PEF has been developed that improves mixability and solubility to ensure a homogenous solution. The alternative PEF is hypothesized to potentially improve growth performance (average daily gain, feed intake and/or feed efficiency) of neonatal calves. The objective was to evaluate standard and alternative PEF when fed to Holstein calves. Forty 2- to 5-d old Holstein bull calves were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (N=20/treatment) using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: 1) Control: STD fat source; 2) PEF: alternative PEF fat source based on choice white grease. The MR were 22:20 (crude protein: CP:fat) amino acid balance and fed 2x/d along with a 22% CP calf starter (CS) and free choice water. The MR were fed at 15% solids at 0630 and 1800 h fed at 0.567 kg/d for d 1-14, increased to 0.85 kg/d for d 15-35, and reduced to 1x/d at 0.425 kg/d for d 36-42 to facilitate weaning at 42 d with ad libitum calf starter fed for the remaining days of the 56 d study. Calves fed STD and PEF were similar (P > 0.10) in BW gain (37.4 and 35.9 kg for STD and PEF, respectively), average daily gain (679.8 and 652.7 g/d), CS intake (0.69 and 0.67 kg/d), total DMI (1.19 and 1.17 kg/d) and feed conversion (0.559 and 0.543 kg/kd). No differences (P > 0.10) were detected in frame measurements and fecal scores among treatments. Encapsulated fat sources can be used to manufacture milk replacers that result in similar growth performance, but potentially at a cheaper cost.
367 Characterization of the Seminal Microbiota in Beef Bulls Subjected to Different Rate of Gains Using 16S Rrna Gene Sequencing and Culturomics
Authors: Webb Emily M , Holman Devin , Schmidt Kaycie , Crouse Matthew S , Dahlen Carl R , Cushman Robert A , Snider Alex P , McCarthy Kacie L , Amat Samat
Published: September 2022

Increasing evidence supports the existence of a microbial community in bovine semen, and that this seminal microbiota may influence not only the male reproductive health, but also female and offspring health through microbial transfer. In this study, we evaluated seminal microbiota in beef bulls (BW= 503±7.2 kg) fed a common diet to achieve moderate (1.13 kg/d) or high (1.80 kg/d) rates of weight gain. Semen samples were collected at day 0 and day 112 of dietary intervention (n = 19 per group), and post-breeding (n = 6) using electroejaculation and the microbiota assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, quantification of total bacteria by qPCR, and viable bacteria culturing. A complex and dynamic microbiota was detected in the semen, and the community structure changed significantly over the course of the study (R 2 = 0.126, P < 0.001) but remained unaffected by the dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Microbial richness (number of ASVs) increased from d0 (253 ± 12) to d112 (293 ± 14) while diversity (Shannon index) was reduced (P < 0.05). Twenty-seven bacterial phyla were identified across all samples, with Fusobacteriota (36.3%), Bacteroidetes (30.4%), Firmicutes (17.1%) and Actinobacteriota (14.9%) being the most predominant phyla. Total bacterial load declined over time (P < 0.05). Diet had no effect on alpha diversity metrics, microbial composition, or total bacterial concentration (P > 0.05). A total of 364 bacterial isolates were recovered under aerobic (n = 220) and anaerobic (n = 144) culturing conditions. These isolates represented 48 different genera within the Firmicutes (60%), Proteobacteria (25%), Actinobacteria (9%), Bacteroidetes (4%) and Fusobacteriota (2%) phyla. Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Enterococcus and Arthrobacter were the predominant genera. Overall, our results suggest that bovine semen harbors a rich and complex microbiota which changes over time but appears to be resilient to differential gains achieved via common diet.
381 Awardee Talk: Increasing the Sustainability of Beef Cattle Production Through Internationalization
Authors: Tedeschi Luis O
Published: September 2022

Intelligent societies are built through education. Wisdom gained through scientific knowledge and discourse is necessary for spreading reliable information and building consensus among citizens of the six continents on earth. Internationalization empowers the fostering and discovery of novel techniques and resources that could solve contemporary issues assailing humankind’s prosperity, including sustainability, environmental pollution, and hunger. A community might have found solutions to problems other communities face; however, our failures of globalization postpone their resolution. Animal science is not immune to these failures. Livestock production could incorporate know-how from other communities, borrowing from experiences of student and faculty exchange and study abroad programs. The tremendous evolutionary aspects of ruminants’ digestive system allow them to thrive in diverse and sometimes inhospitable ecosystems and convert human-inedible resources into high-quality animal products for human consumption. Humankind relies on ruminants for energy and protein consumption, wool, and draft power. This symbiotic relationship has led to extreme production systems due to economy-of-scale factors and the availability of resources in some countries. But, other countries have relied on rustic, low-intrusive production systems that are more amenable to the environment and more conducive to sustainability. Therefore, breaking the boundaries across nations through international partnership programs will lead to sharing scientific knowledge and enhancing management programs essential to the long-term continuation of this human-ruminant symbiotic relationship within responsible animal welfare programs. Besides improving the communication among societies and spreading scientific advancements, such internationalization programs will shape students, i.e., the workforce of the future, into citizens of the world with accurate and helpful information about the language, culture, problems, and needs of other civilizations and how to enrich our likelihood and theirs. As a result, leaders of the many different nations worldwide can, once again, expand the frontiers of scientific knowledge in seeking sustainable, responsible, and affordable animal agriculture activities.
385 Investigating Inclusiveness within the Department of Animal Science
Authors: Carlson Kelsi , Bundy Jennifer M , Johnson Anna K , Smalley Scott , Martin Michael J
Published: September 2022

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become important topics for discussion in Animal Science Departments across the nation. The need for DEI-awareness programming has increased as student populations become more diverse. Therefore, the objective of this work was to understand how included students felt in the Department of Animal Science. A survey instrument using Qualtrics was developed and distributed to 1,047 undergraduate and graduate students. A total of 436 participants completed at least a portion of the survey (response rate = 41.6%). Information will be presented descriptively. Approximately 56%, 29%, and 15% of participants came from rural, suburban, and urban areas, respectively. Additionally, 36% reported having no previous livestock experience. Participants were asked to rank their perceived level of inclusion in different facets of the department when starting in the major. Approximately 11%, 14%, and 13% felt that they were not included in class, with peers, and with faculty, respectively, when starting their degree program. Conversely, 24%, 22% and 26% felt very included in class, with peers, and with faculty, respectively, upon entering the major. Juniors, seniors, and graduates were asked to rank their level of inclusion in the same three areas after being in the department for at least two years. Only 2%, 10%, and 5% of these students reported feeling not included in class, with peers, and with faculty, respectively. Roughly 39%, 34%, and 39% of experienced students felt very included in class, with peers, and with faculty, respectively. Although inclusion feelings improved in mature students, there is still concern some students still do not feel that they belonged. Further analysis is needed to identify student attributes that do not feel included throughout the degree program and to identify tools that could help improve inclusion.
386 Reflection on Reflections: How Students Experience Reflection Assignments?
Authors: Paudyal Sushil , Walker William , Sean Kao , Wiegert Jeffrey , Dunlap Kathrin , Donaldson Jonan
Published: September 2022

Reflection exercises provide students with opportunities for deep learning. The objective was to evaluate students' experiences during multiple reflection assignments to identify strengths and weaknesses of the activity and identify evidence-based strategies for improvement. A total of 21 students reflected every week during a semester long group project in an Animal Science Capstone course. The final reflection assignment included evaluation of the previous weekly reflection assignments. For this study, the final reflection assignments were collected and a qualitative thematic analysis was conducted with strengths, weaknesses, learning theories involved, and student wishes as major theme categories. The reflections were coded in MAXQDA. Network maps were created with Girvan-Newman cluster analyses in the UCINET and NetDraw software. We identified 9 clusters(Q=0.741) from correlations of the codes at p < 0.01(Fig.1). Node sizes indicated betweeness centrality values. In the cluster with the highest correlations, students thought they were able to track progress, develop critical thinking, and develop self-awareness but expressed that distinct prompts with less frequent submissions would be more effective. Students reported reflection activities were helpful to maintain focus on the project but indicated that support for self-evaluation and a structured format would help them. To be more consistent, students focused on reporting weekly activities rather than reflecting on them. Although students briefly acknowledged theoretical aspects of learning including; knowledge construction, schema building, and perspective taking, students struggled with lack of reflection skills and not being able to perform metacognition. Overall, students enjoyed the process, took the assignment as stress relief and self-care, appreciated peer support, and attributed self-realization, change in beliefs and assumptions to reflection assignments. Some students failed to make connections, and considered lack of relevance and scaffolding which, could be addressed using structured goal setting, as well as constantly recalling and recapping the activities.
213 from Conception to Birth: The Role of Minerals on Beef Cattle Fetal Programming
Authors: Diniz Wellison , Menezes Ana Clara Baião , McCarthy Kacie L , Hall Jean , Caton Joel S , Dahlen Carl R , Ward Alison K
Published: September 2022

Fetal adaptations to nutrition in utero lead to long-term effects on fetal growth and postnatal performance. Although required in minute amounts, minerals play an essential role in fetal programming, likely through epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, changes in the embryonic and fetal epigenome modulate gene transcription and, consequently, the differentiation, growth, and development of cells and tissues. Despite the growing knowledge in nutritional epigenetics and gene expression, literature on the implications of minerals on the (epi)genome and fetal development is still scarce. Our research investigates fetal and postnatal offspring outcomes in response to maternal nutrition throughout the periconceptual period of pregnancy using a beef cattle model. We have reported placental adaptations through changes in gene expression in beef heifers supplemented with vitamins and minerals (113 g•heifer-1•d-1) during the first 83 days of pregnancy. We found coordinated crosstalk between fetal-maternal tissues and a fine-tuned regulation of placental genes involved with nutrient transport, tissue function and differentiation. Interestingly, the concentrations of minerals and amino acids in the allantoic and amniotic fluids and maternal serum were also affected. Furthermore, genes were differentially expressed in the fetal brain, liver, and muscle in response to the maternal diet. The nutrient-sensing PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was over-represented in muscle and cerebrum, whereas mineral and lipid metabolism were identified in the liver. A second study showed that providing supranutritional maternal selenium supplementation (105 mg of Se/wk as Se yeast) during different trimesters of gestation increased Se concentration in the whole blood and muscle of newborn calves. Likewise, calves born to dams supplemented in the last trimester had increased expression of myogenic genes. Altogether, these findings reinforce the implications of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on fetal programming. However, further studies are still required to understand the regulatory mechanisms and postnatal effects.
35 Young Scholar Award Talk: Computing Strategies for National Beef Cattle Evaluations
Authors: Bermann Matias , Lourenco Daniela , Misztal Ignacy
Published: September 2022

The constantly growing size of the national beef cattle evaluations datasets creates computational challenges to estimate breeding values and their accuracies under the single-step methodology timely and in a robust way. This study aims to present strategies for making weekly national single-step beef cattle evaluations computationally feasible. The process for estimating breeding values in single-step can be divided into two parts. In the first part, hereafter called genomic setup, the genotype file is read, and the inverse of the genomic relationship matrix is calculated using the Algorithm for Proven and Young (APY). The genotype file is read in a stream-unformatted format, and the markers are stored bit-wise. A residual polygenic effect can be fitted with an algorithm whose computing cost is constant with the number of genotyped animals. The calculation of is done using parallel computing and optimized matrix algebra procedures. The second part estimates breeding values by iteration on data with a block diagonal preconditioner. Finally, the accuracy of the estimated breeding values is calculated by combining the pedigree and genomic information in terms of effective daughter contributions. For an Angus dataset with 10 million animals in the pedigree and 500,000 genotypes, the genomic setup took 4 hours. With the same dataset, solutions for a three-trait model with maternal effects including birth weight, weaning weight, and post-weaning gain were obtained after 12 hours. The approximation of the accuracies of breeding values took less than one hour. Our results show that weekly national beef cattle evaluations are computationally feasible.