bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
238 Effect of electronically controlled floor cooling pad on semen performance of Duroc boars during the summer heat stress
Authors: Licuan Daphne , Schinckel Allan P , Hundley Jamie , Nepomuceno R J , Robins Matt , Crasto Randolph , Didion Bradley A , Kleve-Feld Michael , Stewart Kara R
Published: May 2024

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of using electronically controlled floor cooling pad (ECP) on boar semen production during the summer season in a boar stud in Scottsville, Kentucky. Sixty boars (526.26 ± 188.69 d old) were placed in two rows of pens (2.06 x 0.66 m) in a 350 head tunnel ventilated boar barn and were randomly assigned to either CONTROL (n = 30; no ECP) or PAD (n = 30) treatments. The ECP had 4.25 L cold water flushed through a group of 5 pads connected to each other, when temperature sensors reached 27°C or every 4 mins for sensors placed on 5th pad and 24°C or every 4 mins for sensors placed on 1st pad. Boars experienced natural summer heat stress (daily temperature, humidity and dewpoint: Mean = 24.03°C, 87.9%, 21.7°C, hourly mean high = 28.9°C, 83.4%, 25.8°C) for a period of 30 d from July 15, 2023 to August 14, 2023 wherein the cooling pad remained on and were flushing based on the set points mentioned above. Semen was collected from each boar at least once each week and semen samples were diluted in a commercial semen extender and analyzed for motility using a CASA system, volume using a gram scale, and concentration using a spermiodensimeter. A semen sample was also stained using Hancock stain and evaluated at 100x oil immersion to assess sperm morphology (100 sperm cells analyzed as normal or having retained cytoplasmic droplets, distal midpiece reflex or other head/tail abnormalities). Total sperm production, percentage of morphologically normal sperm, percentage of motile sperm were calculated and used to determine whether the ejaculate met threshold for use in an artificial insemination program or whether the ejaculate was trashed. Data were evaluated using PROC MIXED for repeated measures in SAS (v.9.4) with the main effects of treatment and week, using the age of the boar, and the number of days between collections as covariates, and boar nested within treatment as a random effect. There were no differences between CONTROL and PAD boars for semen production measures (P > 0.05). PAD boars had greater morphologically normal sperm compared with CONTROL boars using Hancock stain (P = 0.0362); however, this effect was lost when the percentage of total normal sperm for the entire ejaculate was calculated (P = 0.56). Overall, maintaining boars on floor cooling pads during the summer months had minimal impacts on semen production and reduced the presence of morphologically abnormal sperm.
237 Disrupted insulin signaling due to an acute immune response in swine
Authors: Markley Grace I , Stahl Chad H , Cooper Elizabeth , Palou Rousset
Published: May 2024

Insulin is an anabolic hormone involved in glucose uptake and synthesis of fats, proteins, and glycogen. Altered insulin signaling can occur due to metabolic state, pathogen exposure, and autoimmune disorders. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin secreted produced by gram-negative bacteria, can induce a severe, systemic immune response. In pigs, chronic LPS exposure has induced insulin resistance. However, the effects of acute exposure to LPS on insulin signaling and resistance have not been elucidated. Crossbred nursery pigs [n = 58, initial body weight (BW) = 12.1 kg ± 0.23 kg] were randomly assigned into two experimental subsets, where 10 animals were designated for repeated blood sampling and 48 animals underwent timed euthanasia for tissue collection. For repeated blood sampling, jugular catheters were placed under anesthesia and the animals were given 48 h to recover before being randomly assigned to treatments. These treatments were an intraperitoneal injection of either 15µg/kg BW LPS or an equal volume of 0.9% Saline (n = 5 pigs/treatment). Blood was collected for 48 h followed by euthanasia. The other 48 pigs were randomly assigned to the same treatments, and then randomly assigned to euthanasia timepoints of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 or 48 h post injection for tissue collection. Among the catheterized pigs, 2-h post LPS challenge there was a decrease in serum insulin concentration (P < 0.05) and mild hyperglycemia (P < 0.05) post challenge. At 12- and 24-h post LPS challenge there was a decrease in insulin (P < 0.05) and a trend hyperglycemia was also apparent at 24 h (P = 0.063). In liver tissue, insulin related genes exhibited alterations post LPS injection. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (pi3k) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (irs1) expression were decreased at 3 and 6 h (p< 0.05) and protein kinase b (akt) expression were decreased at 3 h (P < 0.05) post challenge. The expression of insulin inhibitor growth factor receptor bound protein 10 (grb10) was decreased at 6-, 12-, and 24-h after challenge (P < 0.05). Fructose-1-6-bisphosphatase (f16bp) expression was reduced at 3-, 6-, and 12-h (P < 0.05) in the liver while phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pepck) expression was decreased at 3- and 6-h (P < 0.01) post challenge. Other metabolic genes were decreased at 3-, 6-, and 12-h post LPS challenge, including fatty acid synthase (fas; P < 0.05), carbohydrate response element binding protein (chrebp; P < 0.05), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (acc; P < 0.05). Protein abundance of Akt 3 h after LPS injection was decreased in the liver (P < 0.05). In skeletal muscle 6 h post LPS injection, insulin receptor (insr), insulin-like growth factor receptor (igfr) and fas were all increased (P < 0.05) These results indicate disrupted insulin signaling at various levels after an acute immune response.
1 The role of gut microbiota on regulation of growth and metabolism by branched-chain amino acids
Authors: Pezeshki Adel
Published: May 2024

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) including leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential amino acids, which are involved in energy homeostasis and regulation of many physiological paradigms including growth. The BCAA serve not only as an essential substrate in the synthesis of body proteins, but also have an important role in regulation of protein turnover. The effects of BCAA on growth and metabolism are likely mediated through different pathways including shifts in metabolic profile in peripheral organs, oxidative capacity of muscle, gut development, and protein metabolism in muscle. Although it has not been appropriately studied or fully dissected, the impact of BCAA on growth and metabolism is thought to lie in the alteration of gut microbiota by BCAA. It has long been believed that gut microbiota, more specifically, the activity of the microbiome and its metabolic products, directly influence a variety of aspects in metazoan physiology. For example, deregulation of bacterial community structure has been linked with host longevity and stress resistance, the pathogenesis of several disorders, regulation of appetite. Multiple studies have demonstrated that modulation of dietary BCAA levels could elicit clear shifts in gut microbial community structure. As part of “Physiology Symposium: The Microbiome and the Host: Functional Role in Metabolism, Immunity, and Gut-Brain Axis”, the possible involvement of intestinal microbiota on regulatory roles of BCAA on growth and metabolism will be discussed.
4 Nutrition and gut microbial ecology in companion animals
Authors: Badri Dayakar V
Published: May 2024

The gut microbiome, considered an organ harboring trillions of microbes, is a complex and diverse ecosystem through its collective metabolic activities and host interactions that influences host physiology and disease susceptibilities. The advancement from traditional culturable techniques to next generation sequencing technologies allows nutritionists and clinicians to enhance the understanding of microbiomes and their beneficial role in the host-microbe ecosystem. Compared with the research and resource developments in the human microbiome space, the gut microbiome of companion animals is relatively underexplored despite its relevance to animal and pet owner health. More than a decade ago, Hill’s Pet Nutrition developed deep microbiome expertise to improve the overall health and wellbeing for dogs and cats through nutrition. This presentation will focus on two aspects: how Hill’s harnesses the gut microbiome through nutrition to benefit the health of the pet, and the efforts underway to build the “One Health Microbiome Resource (OHMR).” The OHMR resource is a reference database encompassing both human and companion animal metagenomes that will improve the understanding of how microbiomes overlap in shaping the health of pets and pet owners in the context of infectious diseases, immune modulation, and specific genetic elements such as antibiotic resistance genes.
5 Rumen microbiome and metabolome in dairy cattle performance
Authors: Guan Leluo L
Published: May 2024

Cattle rumen microbiome converts fibrous feed to nutrients that directly influence cattle’s growth and performance. Recent research has revealed the composition and function of rumen microbiome can affect many economically important traits in cattle such as feed efficiency, milk/meat yield and quality, methane emission, metabolic health and so on. In this presentation, the research on the assessment of to what extent the rumen microbiome and its metabolites, as well as host metabolites contribute to milk production and quality traits will be focused and discussed. It has been evident that some dairy cows can produce large amounts of milk under the same nutritional and management conditions. Recent research has revealed that in addition to host genetics and diet, parity and days in milk of dairy cows can affect the rumen microbiota, and both core and pan rumen bacteriome can potentially contribute to variations of milk production traits. Additionally, the analysis of rumen metagenomics and metabolomics of dairy cows with varied milk production yield showed that some key bacterial taxa (for example, Prevotella species), and their functions (such as branched-chain amino acids biosynthesis, methanogenesis), some rumen microbial metabolites (mainly amino acids, carboxylic acids, and fatty acids) significantly differed between high and low production cows. Further integrated analysis with serum metabolomics of the cos revealed the varied contributions of rumen microbial composition, functions, metabolites, and the serum metabolites to the milk protein yield of a dairy cow, a potential new trait that can be used for high-quality milk production, respectively. The fundamental understanding of the role of rumen microbiome and its metabolome contributing to milk yield and protein yield traits can provide novel insights into future manipulation of rumen microbiome to enhance milk production and quality.
60 Effects of phase feeding rolled hybrid rye on feedlot performance in backgrounded beef steers
Authors: Leeson Riley , DeHaan Erin R , Delver Justin , Francis Forest L , Francis Becca Grimes , Ribeiro Thiago , Smith Zachary K , Rusche Warren C
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of phase-fed rolled hybrid rye on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of finishing steers. Backgrounded steers [n = 110; initial shrunk (4% of body weight; BW) = 391 ± 1.3 kg] were assigned to 1 of 14 pens at the Southeast Research Farm, Beresford, SD in a randomized complete block design. Pens were blocked by location with four blocks of dirt-surfaced, outside pens (8 pens; 10 steers/pen) and three blocks of concrete-surfaced, partially covered pens (6 pens; 5 steers/pen). Pens were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (7 pens/treatment): dry rolled corn (DRC) included at 66% diet dry matter (DM) or rolled hybrid rye (RRYE) included at 66% diet DM for the initial 46 d of the experiment followed by the DRC diet from d 47 to trial completion on d 144. One steer was removed from the study because of lameness. During the rye feeding period (d1 to d 46), RRYE decreased average daily gain (ADG) by 13% (P = 0.01; 1.59 and 1.83 kg, respectively) and DMI by 18% (P = 0.01; 8.45 and 10.30 kg, respectively) with no effect (P = 0.15) on gain to feed ratio (G:F) compared with DRC. Negative effects of RRYE were more pronounced during the first 20 d of the experiment with ADG reduced by 29% (P = 0.01; 1.13 and 1.60 kg, respectively), DMI by 15% (P = 0.01; 8.20 and 9.61 kg, respectively), and G:F by 17% (P = 0.01; 0.139 and 0.167, respectively). Dietary net energy values for RRYE were increased (P ≤ 0.03) from d 1 to 46. Feeding rye reduced BW on d 46 by 10 kg compared with DRC (P = 0.01; 474 and 464 kg, respectively). From d 47 to 144 when all steers were fed a common diet there were no differences (P ≥ 0.38) in any growth performance responses or measures of dietary net energy utilization. When measured over the entire experiment, DMI tended to be less (P = 0.08) for RRYE compared with DRC with no effect on ADG or G:F (P ≥ 0.19). Final BW was numerically reduced in the RRYE treatment compared with DRC (P = 0.21; 614 and 623 kg, respectively). Cumulative observed-to-expected ratios for NEm and NEg were increased (P = 0.05) for RRYE compared with DRC. Dietary treatments did not affect (P ≥ 0.29) carcass characteristics, distribution of USDA yield or quality grades, or liver abscess incidence or severity. Feeding rolled rye decreased ADG, DMI, and G:F during the first 46 DOF with similar growth performance when fed a DRC-based diet for the final 98 d.
61 Effects of botanical composition on grazing system management, forage quality, forage availability, and ewe performance
Authors: Prybylski Emma G , Brown Alyssa , Neuleib Lauren , McCann Joshua C , Heller Nicholas , Earing Jennifer E
Published: May 2024

The objective was to compare the effects of two forage mixtures utilized in a rotational grazing system on ewe performance, forage quality, and forage availability. Dorset-Suffolk crossbred ewes [n = 48; body weight (BW) = 187 ± 20 kg] were stratified by BW, body condition score (BCS), and age, then allotted to six groups. Groups were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: forage mixture 1 (FM1; 47% orchard grass, 30% white clover, 14% brome grass, and 9% ryegrass) and forage mixture 2 (FM2; 44% ryegrass, 33% white clover, and 23% red clover). There were 18 paddocks (30.5 m x 22 m) for each treatment, each group was rotated between one of six paddocks; the rotation of each group was determined by the reduction of forage height to approximately 10 cm. Ewe BW and BCS were collected on d 0, 14, and 28. Forage heights were measured using meter sticks upon the groups entering and exiting each paddock. Forage heights were used to calculate forage availability, and the difference between pre-grazing and post-grazing forage availability was assumed to be forage disappearance. Five pre-grazing forage samples from each paddock were clipped at 10 cm using the forage square (0.0625 m²) to determine fiber content. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. No effects on ewe BW or BCS were observed (P = 0.4134) between treatments. Ewes grazing FM2 spent more time grazing each paddock (P < 0.01) compared with ewes grazing FM1. Pre-grazing forage ground cover (P < 0.01) was greater in FM2 compared with FM1; however, grazed forage mass disappearance was not different (P = 0.44) between treatments. The NDF and ADF values were greater for FM1 than FM2 (P < 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) indicating that more forage is needed to meet ewe energy requirements. Results suggest that neither forage mixture had a significant impact on ewe BW or BCS; however, ewes grazing FM2 maintained themselves on a smaller land area during growing season, making it a more feasible option for rotational grazing management.
204 Detecting subclinical mastitis in meat-breed ewes using infrared thermography
Authors: Peckler Gretchen , Adcock Sarah J J
Published: May 2024

Mastitis, the inflammation of the mammary gland most commonly due to bacterial infection, is an important welfare concern in meat-breed sheep. The objective of our study was to evaluate udder surface temperature obtained from infrared thermography as a diagnostic tool for subclinical mastitis. We predicted that udder halves with subclinical mastitis would have greater surface temperatures than healthy udder halves. We enrolled 39 meat-breed ewes (10 Hampshire, 24 Polypay, 5 Targhee; 2 to 9 yr of age) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison sheep unit. All procedures were approved by the UW-Madison Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Milk samples from each udder half were collected in duplicate weekly beginning 2 to 4 d postpartum until 8 wk postpartum. Immediately before milk sampling, the udder was photographed from the rear using a thermal camera. A sample was considered a true infection if at least 100 CFU/mL of a bacterial species were isolated. From each photo, we obtained values for minimum, maximum, and mean skin surface temperature for the right and left udders. Three linear mixed models were fit using minimum, maximum, and mean temperatures as the response variables. Fixed effects were infection status (infected or not), weeks postpartum (wk 1-8), and ambient temperature, with a random effect of udder half nested within animal ID. Contrary to our predictions, infection status did not predict udder skin surface temperature (P > 0.12). Healthy udder halves had a mean temperature of 35.5 ± 0.1°C (mean ± SE), minimum temperature of 29.9 ± 0.3°C, and maximum temperature of 37.8 ± 0.1°C. Infected udder halves had a mean temperature of 35.4 ± 0.1°C, minimum temperature of 30.5 ± 0.3°C, and maximum temperature of 37.7 ± 0.1°C. Our results contradict findings in dairy cows, and suggest more research is needed to evaluate the relationship between udder surface temperature and subclinical mastitis in sheep.
59 Effects of serial harvest on growth and carcass characteristics of beef x dairy crossbred steers
Authors: Crawford Grant I , Walter Lee-Anne J , Word Alyssa B , Karr Kendall , Holland Ben P , Hutcheson John P , Nichols Wade T , Streeter Marshall N , Nuttelman Brandon L
Published: May 2024

Beef x dairy crossbred feedlot steers [n = 707; body weight (BW) at initial processing = 148 kg] were utilized in a randomized complete block design to evaluate effects of three serial harvest endpoints on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Allocation to treatment occurred after 204 d-on-feed (DOF), at which point steers weighed 484 kg (SEM = 3.2 kg). Treatments consisted of three serial harvest endpoints: 326, 347, and 368 DOF, as measured from initial processing at 148 kg. Twelve pens, with approximately 59 steers/pen and four pens/treatment were utilized. Final BW measured 696, 730, and 744 kg at 326, 347, and 368 DOF, and increased (P < 0.01) with DOF. Dry matter intake (DMI) from allocation to harvest did not differ among treatments (11.4 kg/d; P = 0.36). Average daily gain (ADG) from allocation to harvest measured 1.82, 1.79, and 1.64 kg at 326, 347, and 368 DOF, respectively and was greater (P < 0.01) at 326 and 347 DOF than at 368 DOF. Feed efficiency (FE) from allocation to harvest measured 0.162, 0.151, and 0.143 at 326, 347, and 368 DOF, respectively and was greater (P < 0.01) at 326 and 347 DOF than at 368 DOF. Hot carcass weight (HCW) measured 438, 459, and 472 kg at 326, 347, and 368 DOF, respectively and increased (P < 0.01) with DOF. Across the 42-d serial harvest period live and carcass ADG averaged 1.09 and 0.78 kg, respectively, with a carcass transfer of 71.6%. Backfat thickness measured 1.35, 1.63, and 1.47 cm at 326, 347, and 368 d, respectively and was greater (P < 0.01) at 347 and 368 d than at 326 d. Marbling score measured 508, 529, and 550 at 326, 347, and 368 DOF, respectively and was greater (P = 0.03) at 368 and 347 DOF than at 326 DOF. Distribution of USDA quality grades (QG) did not differ (P = 0.45) among treatments and averaged 6.3% Prime and 83.1% Choice. Ribeye area and dressing percentage (P = 0.11) did not differ among treatments. Distribution of USDA yield grades (YG) was affected by treatment (P < 0.01), with a shift toward more YG 4 and 5 carcasses with increasing DOF. Liver abscess occurrence averaged 62.9% and did not differ (P = 0.61) among treatments. Results from this experiment indicate a BW gain of 1.09 kg/d and a HCW gain of 0.78 kg/d across the 42-d serial harvest period. There were no differences in DMI as DOF progressed but ADG and FE decreased in the longest-fed cattle. Distribution of QG was not affected by DOF, but YG increased with increasing DOF.
58 Evaluation of a phytogenic blend on growth performance, health, carcass traits, and efficiency of dietary net energy utilization in finishing beef steers
Authors: Ribeiro Thiago Lauro Maia , Francis Becca Grimes , Smith Zachary K , Francis Forest L , Ross Cassidy , Heldt Jeff , Rusche Warren C , Wall Emma H
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to determine if a formulated blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG; Fytera Advance - Selko USA, Indianapolis IN) influences measures of cattle growth, efficiency, health, or carcass traits, during the finishing phase in steers fed a concentrate-based diet. Charolais × Angus steers [n = 96; initial shrunk body weight (BW) = 391 ± 34.0 kg] were used in a 144-d finishing experiment at the Ruminant Nutrition Center in Brookings, SD. Steers were individually weighed and allotted to one of 14 pens (n = 6 to 7 steers; 7 pens/treatment) in a randomized complete block design and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: control diet without the test product (CON) or a diet including CCG at 500 mg/steer daily (CCG). The average nutrient content of the finishing diet was: 13.5% CP; 18.7% NDF; 2.06 Mcal/kg NEm; and 1.39 Mcal/kg NEg; monensin sodium was included in the diet at 30 g/907 kg. Steers were fed twice daily, and bunks were managed according to a slick bunk system. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.10) in any growth performance outcome from d 1 to 35, 36 to 70, or 71 to 98. The within pen standard deviation for average daily gain (ADG) from d 71 to 98 tended to be reduced (P = 0.10) for CCG steers compared with CON. From d 99 to 144 steers supplemented CCG had 5% greater dietary energy utilization (P = 0.01), tended to have 5% greater ADG (P = 0.09), and 8% improved feed efficiency (P = 0.01). Experimental periods when improved pen gain uniformity and feed efficiency were observed coincided with increased summertime temperatures. No differences (P ≥ 0.15) were noted for cumulative growth performance. No differences were noted for any carcass measurements or categorical carcass outcomes, nor lung or liver health outcomes (P ≥ 0.15). Use of CCG had no appreciable influence on any cumulative growth performance responses. However, the use of CCG decreased within pen variation in ADG indicating more uniform nutrient intake among cattle and increased feed efficiency during summertime heat events.
162 Effect of molasses-based liquid supplement vs. corn-based dry supplement on beef cattle feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal length
Authors: Nolasco Lester R , Vincent Tyler J , Blalock Howard M , Schoonmaker Jon P
Published: May 2024

Molasses-based liquid supplements contain sugars that can be fermented into butyrate, the primary source of energy for gastrointestinal (GIT) epithelial cells and may improve gut health and enhance beef cattle performance. The aim of this study was to examine how a molasses-based liquid supplement, in contrast to a dry-based supplement, impacts the performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal length of beef cattle. Crossbred steers [n = 60; body weight (BW) = 381.7 ± 1.3 kg] were divided into 10 pens (5 pens per treatment; 6 steers per pen) and were assigned to one of two treatment groups: dry, which consisted of a 10% ground corn-based dry supplement, or liquid, which included a 10% liquid molasses-based supplement. All the steers were fed a high-forage diet (56%) and were transitioned to a high-grain diet (7%) on d 1 of the experiment. The animals were on feed for an average of 122 d and had ad libitum access to feed and water. Steers were weighed every 21 to 28 d, and feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were assessed both overall and for two distinct periods: the initial period (IP) from d 0 to 69, and the subsequent or second period (SP) from d 70 until slaughter. Intestinal length was measured at the time of slaughter. Data analysis was performed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Body weight and ADG did not differ between treatments in either period, or overall (P ≥ 0.41). However, it is noteworthy that feed intake was greater for steers that received the dry supplement during both periods as well as across the entire study (P ≤ 0.04). In terms of G:F, steers provided with the liquid supplement demonstrated a tendency for improved efficiency in the second period (P = 0.09) and an overall greater efficiency (P = 0.04) compared with those receiving the dry supplement. Intestinal length exhibited no difference for both the small and large intestine (P ≥ 0.57). For carcass data parameters no differences were observed for hot carcass weight, dressing %, or %KPH (P ≥ 0.24). Fat depth tended to be greater (P = 0.06), and yield grade (P = 0.01) and marbling score (P = 0.03) were greater for the steers fed the dry supplement. Rib-eye area was greater (P = 0.03) for the liquid supplement group. Therefore, these findings suggest feeding a liquid based supplement to steers on a 93% concentrate diet decreases intake, maintains BW, and improves feed efficiency and carcass leanness compared with steers fed a dry supplement. However, the improvement in efficiency as a result of feeding a liquid based supplement was not caused by an increase in absorptive capacity through increased intestinal length.
163 Impact of feeding wet or dry traditional or fractionated (Solbran) distiller’s grains on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics
Authors: Sousa Debora Gomes , McDermott Rebecca L , Norman Mitch M , MacDonald James C , Stock Rick A , Mass Rayan , Erickson Galen E
Published: May 2024

Solbran (ICM, Colwich, KS) is new corn byproduct of ethanol production composed of fiber plus condensed distiller’s solubles and can be fed dry (Dry Solbran; NDF = 41.1%; CP = 21.84%; Ether extract = 8.4%), or wet (Wet Solbran; NDF = 49.7%; CP = 22.67%; Ether extract = 8.5%). The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy value of dry and wet Solbran compared with traditional dry- (DDGS) and wet- distiller’s grains plus solubles (WGGS) in beef cattle finishing diets. The treatments included a control (CON) with no distiller’s grains compared with the inclusion of DDGS, WDGS, Dry Solbran and Wet Solbran at two levels (20% and 40%) resulting in a 2 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial. Orthogonal contrasts defined linear and quadratic effects of byproduct inclusion through the common intercept of CON. Additionally, interactions among inclusion (20% or 40%), moisture (dry and wet) and processing method (Solbran or traditional) were evaluated as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial without CON. There was a linear increase in dry matter intake (DMI) by adding DDGS, Dry Solbran, and Wet Solbran (P < 0.01) and a tendency for a linear increase in dry matter intake (DMI) with WDGS (P = 0.07). There was a linear increase in ADG by adding DDGS or Wet Solbran (P < 0.05) and a tendency for a linear increase in average daily gain (ADG) with the addition of Dry Solbran or WDGS (P < 0.10). These changes in DMI and ADG resulted in a linear decrease in gain to feed ratio (G:F) when Dry Solbran was added (P < 0.01), and a tendency towards a linear decrease in G:F when DDGS was added (P < 0.10). The inclusion of Wet Solbran or WDGS did not influence G:F (P = 0.45). For the 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, there was a 2-way interaction for moisture by inclusion of byproduct for G:F where wet byproduct fed at 40% of the diet resulted in the greatest G:F and 40% dry byproduct resulted in the least G:F (P = 0.04). This interaction was driven by an increase in DMI for 40% byproduct when fed dry, and a reduction in DMI for both 20 and 40% byproduct fed wet. There was no difference in ADG between the treatments (P = 0.75). For the main effect byproduct type, steers fed Solbran had greater DMI (P < 0.01) with no difference in ADG (P = 0.79), resulting in a 3% reduction in G:F (P = 0.03) for steers fed Solbran but greater marbling (P < 0.01). Impact of feeding distillers grains byproducts on DMI, ADG, and G:F are impacted by the processes used in the ethanol plant, whether wet or dry, and dietary inclusion.
161 Effect of replacement of dried distiller’s grains plus solubles with increasing extruded and expelled soybean meal on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics in finishing steers
Authors: Francis Becca Grimes , Delver Justin , Francis Forest L , DeHaan Erin R , Ribeiro Thiago , Ross Cassidy , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing inclusion of extruded and expelled soybean meal (EESBM) as a partial replacement of dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) feedlot performance and carcass characteristics in steers. Steers [n = 144; initial shrunk body weight (BW) = 399 ± 27 kg] were assigned to 1 of 18 pens (8 steers/pen). Pens were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments (6 pens/treatment): 100% DDGS included at 15% of diet dry matter (DM; NO-SBM), a blend of 70% DDGS and 30% SBM included at 15% of diet DM (30-EESBM), and a blend of 40% DDGS and 60% SBM included at 15% of diet DM (60-EESBM) in a randomized complete block design with pen as experimental unit. Data were analyzed as a RCBD with fixed effects of treatment and random effect of block (location within feedyard). Linear and quadratic contrasts were used to assess EESBM level effects. All growth performance results were determined on a carcass-adjusted [hot carcass weight (HCW)/0.625] basis. Supplementation of EESBM increased (P ≤ 0.04) final BW and average daily gain (ADG) by 1.6 and 3.8%, respectively. Additionally, dietary treatment tended to result in increased (P ≤ 0.07) DMI and improved feed conversion by 1.2 and 2.6%. Final BW, ADG and gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased (linear; P ≤ 0.03) with increasing inclusion of EESBM in replacement of DDGS. Dry matter intake (DMI) tended to increase quadratically (P = 0.10) with increasing EESBM inclusion. No differences (P ≥ 0.37) were observed in any other carcass-adjusted growth performance responses as well as apparent utilization of dietary net energy (P ≥ 0.15). Increasing inclusion of EESBM resulted in a linear increase (P = 0.02) in HCW. A tendency for a linear increase (P = 0.09) was noted for empty body fat% with greater EESBM inclusion. No other differences (P ≥ 0.12) were observed in carcass performance, distribution of yield and quality grades, and lung and liver health outcomes. In conclusion, feeding EESBM as a partial replacement of DDGS resulted in greater DMI, ADG and carcass weight, without negatively influencing measures of carcass quality or cutability. Under the conditions of this experiment, the NE value of EESBM is 8.5% greater than DDGS.
165 Comparing corn earlage to a blend of corn silage and grain when fed at two different inclusions for finishing cattle
Authors: Lemon Garrett , McDermott Rebecca L , Erickson Galen E , Loza Pablo L
Published: May 2024

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding earlage as the sole source of roughage and grain in a finishing diet when compared with corn silage plus grain at equal forage NDF inclusions in the diet. Crossbred yearling steers [n = 216; initial body weight (BW) = 471 ± 14.1kg] were fed one of 4 experimental diets in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement with roughage type and forage inclusion being the 2 factors. Treatment diets were formulated for earlage to provide all the grain the diet (74%) which provided 14.8% forage and was compared with 29.6% corn silage and 44.4% corn as a 50:50 blend of dry rolled corn (DRC) and high moisture corn (HMC). The other two diets were formulated for corn silage to provide a standard roughage inclusion for finishing diets (i.e., corn silage at 15% to supply 7.5% forage in the diet). To match 7.5% roughage with earlage providing all the roughage, another diet included earlage at 37%, with an additional 37% corn included as the 50:50 blend of HMC and DRC. All diets included 20% wet distiller’s grains (WDGS) and 6% supplement. The two inclusions of forage were either 7.5 or 14.8% forage as either earlage or corn silage. Earlage was assumed to provide 20% forage and corn silage to provide 50% forage, on a DM basis. Cattle were stratified into 3 BW blocks, then assigned randomly assigned to pens within block, and treatment assigned randomly to pens. A total of 24 pens containing 9 steers in each were used with pen as the experimental unit. Feeding performance, carcass characteristics and liver abscess prevalence were evaluated using the MIXED procedure of SAS with BW block and treatment being fixed effects. No interactions between roughage type or forage inclusion were observed for performance or carcass traits (P > 0.13) except for marbling or liver abscesses (P < 0.09). When cattle were fed a diet with corn silage as the roughage source, greater dry matter intakes (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed (P ≤ 0.01), but feed efficiency was not significantly different (P = 0.35). However, when evaluating effects of NDF inclusion, cattle fed 7.5% forage in the diet were 6.8% more efficient than cattle fed 14.8% forage and tended to have greater gain (P = 0.10), but no significant differences were observed for intake (P = 0.11). These data suggest that cattle fed earlage will eat and gain less than cattle fed a blend of corn silage and grain when estimated forage is equivalent, and when earlage is fed as the sole source of grain, cattle will be less efficient than when conventional roughage inclusions are fed.
236 The effects of replacing dried distiller’s grains with solubles with heat-treated soybean meal on nutrient intake and digestibility in forage-based diets
Authors: Gullickson Grady J , Nichols Madeliene S , Entzie Yssi L , Hansen Lydia E , Syring Jessica , Skunberg Terry , Gilbertson Justin , Tobin Colin T , Swanson Kendall C , Carlson Zachary E
Published: May 2024

Cattle growth is calculated through dry matter intake, average daily gain and gain:feed measures that assume performance and digestibility are correlated. Hence, evaluating nutrient digestibility and flow provides additional explanations for subsequent growth performance. Therefore, five fistulated Jersey steers [Initial body weight (BW) = 288 ± 22 kg) fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were utilized in a 4 × 5 row-column design to determine intake and total tract nutrient digestibility when replacing dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) with heat-treated soybean meal (TSBM) in forage-based growing diets. The 56-d study contained 4 periods, each period lasting 14 d [9 d of adaptation and 5 d of collection (d 0 to 4)]. Dietary treatments partially replaced DDGS, included at 16% diet dry matter (DM), with TSBM at increasing inclusion levels of 0 (TSBM0), 4 (TSBM4), 8 (TSBM8), and 12% (TSBM12) DM. Basal diets contained 43.5% corn silage, 36.5% oat hay, and 4% meal supplement (DM). Chromic oxide was incorporated into the diet daily at 0.25% DM as a digesta marker. Steers were housed in individual tie stalls during the 5-d collection period. Treatment diets were fed daily at 0800 h with orts being weighed at 0730 h and subsampled on d 0 to d 4 each period. Fecal collection bags were harnessed to each steer from d 0 to d 4 to collect fecal weight and subsampled twice daily (0700 and 1900 h). Digestibility and feed intake were analyzed utilizing the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment and period as fixed effects and animal as a random effect. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.14) in DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), starch and nitrogen (N) intakes among treatments. Fecal DM, OM, NDF, starch, and N output resulted in no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.24). Subsequently, total tract apparent digestibility differences (P ≥ 0.32) were not detected for DM, OM, NDF, and starch content. However, N total tract apparent digestibility was significantly different (P < 0.03) with TSBM0 resulting in less N digestibility than TSBM12 (65.54% and 71.59%, respectively). Replacing a portion of DDGS with TSBM does not result in deleterious digestive effects in forage-based growing diets. As a result, the utilization of DDGS or TSBM as the primary protein source will depend on growth performance, feedstuff availability and economics.
235 Evaluation of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme combination in forage-based growing diets fed to growing beef cattle
Authors: Nichols Madeliene S , Gullickson Grady J , Entzie Yssi L , Underdahl Sarah R , Hansen Lydia E , Syring Jessica , Wianecki Joshua , Jensen Danielle , Hauxwell Kathlyn , Carlson Zachary E , Winders Thomas
Published: May 2024

Crossbred steers [n = 73; 287±19 kg initial body weight (BW)] were used in an 84-d growing study to investigate the effects of feeding an exogenous xylanase and cellulase combination product (EFE) and wheat straw (WS) inclusion level on the growth performance of growing beef cattle. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with two levels of WS, either 5% (low; LS) or 15% (high; HS) of diet dry matter, and two inclusion rates of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes, 0 (none; N) or 750 g/ton (enzyme; E; Bovizyme CX; Danisco Animal Nutrition and Health; Wilmington, DE) of diet. Body weights and blood samples were collected every 28 d. Individual intake data were collected using an automated feeding system (Insentec Roughage Intake Control, Hokofarm B.V., Marknesse, The Netherland). Average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), gain to feed ratio (G:F), plasma glucose (GLU), plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) were analyzed using PROC MIXED (SAS Ins. Inc., Cary, N.C.). Animal was the experimental unit and fixed effects included blocks of body weight (n = 3) and original source of steers (n = 2). The model included the level of WS (LS, HS), level of EFE (N or E), and WS × EFE interactions. There were no WS × EFE interactions (P ≥ 0.31) for all measured traits. Supplementing EFE resulted in no differences (P ≥ 0.16) for ending BW, ADG, DMI, G:F, NEFA, and PUN. However, within HS diet, inclusion of E numerically increased ADG by 0.05 kg/d compared with N (1.29 vs. 1.24 kg/d; HSE vs. HSN, respectively; P > 0.31). Steers consuming E diets tended to have greater GLU compared with N (4.92 vs. 4.80 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.10). Between levels of straw inclusion, ending BW was greater for steers consuming LS diet compared with HS diet (413 vs. 393 kg, respectively; P < 0.0001). Resulting in greater ADG for steers consuming LS diet compared with HS diet (1.49 vs. 1.26 kg, respectively; P < 0.01). Dry matter intake was greater for steers consuming LS diet than HS diet (9.06 vs. 8.33 kg, respectively; P < 0.01). Therefore, G:F was improved for steers consuming LS diet compared with HS diet (0.165 vs. 0.151, respectively; P < 0.01). Steers consuming LS diet had decreased NEFA compared with HS diet (311 vs. 376 µmol/L, respectively; P < 0.01). Results from this study indicate that regardless of the inclusion level of WS, supplementing growing steers with EFE did not influence growth performance. However, replacing ten percent of corn silage with WS reduced the energy concentration of the diet, decreasing growth performance.
232 Evaluation of a phytogenic feed additive with essential oils and plant extracts on growth performance in single sourced steer calves fed a forage-based diet during the initial 53 d receiving period
Authors: Delver Justin , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: May 2024

The receiving period of a feedlot calf is one of the most stressful stages in the life of that animal and can result in respiratory disease caused, in part, by reduced feed intake and transit stress. Feeding a phytomolecule compound in combination with current therapeutic strategies may aid in controlling systemic inflammation and improve the performance of newly received calves. This study determined whether a phytogenic feed additive with essential oils and plant extracts (PFA) influences measures of growth and growth efficiency during the feedlot receiving phase. The two treatments were a control group fed no additive (CON) and a treatment group fed PFA additive at a rate of 0.25 g/45.4 kg of body weight (BW; PFA). Steers were transported 285 km from an auction facility to the Ruminant Nutrition Center in Brookings, SD where they were vaccinated against viral respiratory diseases and clostridial species, and administered pour-on anthelmintic. Steers were divided into 10 replicate pens of 8 steers (305 ± 30 kg) per treatment (n = 160 steers) in a randomized complete block design. The steers were fed a basal diet [dry matter (DM) basis] containing corn silage (74%), DDGS (21%), a liquid supplement (5%), and monensin sodium (Rumensin-90, Elanco Animal Health) at 25 g/907 kg (DM basis) for 53 d. Steers were fed 2X daily with intakes closely managed for the first 14 d during adaptation to the receiving diet then a slick bunk management strategy was applied for the remainder of the study. No mortality was observed in this study, and one steer was treated for respiratory disease from the CON group. There were no significant differences observed in BW, average daily gain (ADG), variation in ADG, dry matter intake, or feed conversion efficiency from d 1 to 29, 29 to 53, or during the cumulative receiving period (P ≥ 0.11) between the CON and PFA groups. NEm and NEg did not differ between the treatments (P ≥ 0.79). The ratio of observed-to-expected dietary net energy was also not affected by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.71). The steers used in this study were in good health and had minimal morbidity (0.63%) with no mortality during the 53-d receiving study which contributed to the feed additive having no appreciable influence on the growth and health outcomes in this study.
234 Evaluation of a phytogenic blend on post-weaning growth performance, health, and sera metabolite responses during the initial 56 d feedlot receiving period in newly weaned steers
Authors: Ribeiro Thiago Lauro Maia , Smith Zachary K , Wall Emma H , Francis Forest L , Francis Becca Grimes , Ross Cassidy , Rusche Warren C , Heldt Jeff
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to determine if a blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG; Fytera Advance - Selko USA, Indianapolis IN) influences measures of cattle performance during the initial 56-d feedlot receiving phase. Newly weaned Charolais × Angus steers [n = 256; initial shrunk body weight (BW) = 273 ± 26 kg) were used in 56-d receiving phase experiment. Steers were transported 513 km to the Ruminant Nutrition Center in Brookings, SD on the day of weaning. Steers were individually weighed and allotted to 1 of 32 pens (n = 8 steers; 8 pens/treatment) in a randomized complete block design and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: control diet with no test product (CON); CCG at 125 mg/steer daily (CCG1); CCG at 250 mg/steer daily (CCG2); or CCG at 500 mg/steer daily (CCG3). Steers were fed twice daily, and bunks were managed using a slick bunk system from d 14 to 56; feed deliveries during the first 14 d were managed by feedlot personnel to adapt cattle to a targeted dry matter intake (DMI). The basal diet provided: 13.8% CP, 1.74 Mcal/kg NEm, and 1.07 Mcal/kg NEg. Monensin sodium was fed to all steers at a rate of 25 g/907 kg (DM basis). Steers were individually weighed on d -1, 1, 14, 35, and 56. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) was influenced by dietary treatment (quadratic effect; P = 0.01) in which steers that were fed with CON or CCG3 had greater DMI than those subjected to CCG1 and CCG2 dietary regimens. However, CCG supplementation did not result in improvements in average daily gain nor gain to feed ratio (P ≥ 0.15). A tendency for a treatment × day interaction was noted for sera non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA; P = 0.06), on d 14, steers from CCG3 had greater NEFA compared with CON and steers from CCG1 and CCG2 were intermediate (P ≤ 0.05). Dietary treatment influenced (P = 0.04) circulating concentrations of ceruloplasmin (CPL), where steers from CCG2 and CCG3 resulted in decreased circulating concentrations of CPL compared with CON and CCG1, indicating less inflammation. In conclusion, steers supplemented CCG3 had greater DMI and decreased ceruloplasmin suggesting an overall improvement in health status. Steers from CCG3 had increased NEFA on d 14, which could imply a catabolic state; However, sera NEFA decreased over time compared with the other treatments. More research is necessary to determine the consistency of the performance responses and better understand the correct dosage of CCG fed to newly weaned beef calves.
233 Inclusion of a multispecies fungal feed additive in forage-based diets fed to beef cattle: Effects on growth performance and ruminal fermentation
Authors: Pittaluga Alejandro , Relling Alejandro E
Published: May 2024

The objective was to evaluate the effect of adding a multispecies fungal feed additive (MFA; Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae) to forage-based diets fed to beef cattle on growth performance and ruminal fermentation. Experiment 1 evaluated the effect of supplementing Angus × SimAngus-crossbred steers [n = 80; initial body weight (BW) = 370 ± 44 kg] with varying doses of an MFA in a randomized complete block design. Steers were blocked by BW and housed in 8 feedlot pens (randomly assigned 2 pens per treatment) where a hay-based diet was fed for 122 d. The hay-based diet was offered with the inclusion of the MFA at 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 % of the diet dry matter (DM), or without the inclusion of the MFA (CON). Steers were weighed at 28-d intervals. For experiment 2, ruminally cannulated Angus × SimAngus cows (n = 4; initial BW = 569 ± 21 kg) were used in a crossover design with two 21-d study periods to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of an MFA on in situ digestion and rumen metabolites. Treatments consisted of a forage-based diet with (WFA) or without (CON) the inclusion of the MFA. In situ digestion was evaluated on d 5, 10, and 20 throughout each period. In-situ bags were incubated in the rumen for 0 to 36 h, sampling every 4 h. On d 20, samples of ruminal fluid were collected to analyze short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration. All data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. For experiment 1, a polynomial contrast was used. For experiment 2, the interaction between period and treatment was not significant (P > 0.45). In Experiment 1, the final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) changed cubically (P ≤ 0.04; Table 1) as dietary inclusion of the MFA increased. Steers supplemented with the MFA at a rate of 0.02% of the diet DM were heavier at the end of the 122-d study period and had the greatest ADG and G:F among treatments. No differences between treatments (P ≥ 0.37) were observed for dry matter intake. In Experiment 2, no treatment × time interactions and treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.17; Table 2) for the in-situ disappearance rate and degradation kinetics of the diet DM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. In addition, MFA supplementation did not affect (P ≥ 0.13; Table 3) the SCFA profile and the total SCFA content in the rumen fluid. Results from these studies indicate that dietary inclusion of an MFA might be an effective alternative to increase the feed efficiency of beef cattle-fed forage-based diets. However, the precise mode of action warrants further investigations.