bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
157 Impact of weaning strategy on heifer performance and reproductive development
Authors: Ott Grace C , Poole Rebecca K , Poore Matt H , Pickworth Carrie L
Published: December 2019

Weaning is recognized as one of the most stressful times of a beef calf’s post-natal life. The objective of this study was to determine if weaning strategy impacts heifer development and reproduction. At 7 months of age, 96 predominantly Angus heifers at 2 locations were assigned to 1 of 3 weaning treatments: abrupt relocation of the calf on d0 (Abrupt, n = 32), fenceline contact starting on d0 prior to relocation of the calf on d7 (Fence, n = 33), and abrupt relocation of the calf on d84 (Late, n = 31). Calf weights, hip heights, and body condition scores (BCS) were collected to evaluate post-weaning performance. Reproductive tract scores (RTS; 0–5 scale, 5=most mature) were assigned every 54 days from d56 to d218. Heifers were synchronized using a 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR® protocol and artificially inseminated (AI) on d246. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Late heifers were heavier at d28 and d56 than Abrupt and Fence (P < 0.05), but BW was similar across treatments starting at d84. Average daily gain (ADG) was greater for Late than Abrupt (0.39 and -0.03 kg/day respectively; P < 0.01) and tended to be greater than Fence (0.16 kg/day; P = 0.07) to d28; however, Late had lower ADG than Abrupt and Fence from d28-84 (0.66, 0.83, and 0.81 kg/day respectively; P < 0.05). No treatment differences were observed in BCS or hip height. Late tended to have greater RTS than Abrupt and Fence (2.54, 2.20, and 2.16 respectively; P ≤ 0.10) on d56, but there was no difference on or after d164. Fence tended to have greater AI conception rates than Abrupt and Late (66%, 44%, and 42% respectively; P ≤ 0.08). This data indicates there were initial performance differences based on weaning strategy, but this had minimal impact on heifer development.
386 Effect of essential oil and exogenous enzyme on feed intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation of finishing cattle fed different roughage sources
Authors: Toseti Laura B , Goulart Rodrigo S , Gouvêa Vinicius N , Acedo Tiago S , Vasconcellos Guilherme S , Beline Mariane , Netto Arlindo S , Silva Saulo L
Published: December 2019

Eight rumen-cannulated Nellore steers (327 ± 30 Kg BW) were used in a 4x4 duplicate Latin square to evaluate the effects of two feed additives (MON - Sodium Monensin 26 mg/kg DM vs. Crina® RumistarTM - combination of blend of essential oils - 90 mg/kg DM + exogenous α-amylase - 560 mg/kg DM, respectively; DSM Produtos Nutricionais Brasil S.A.) and two roughage sources at 10% of peNDF (CS - corn silage vs SB - sugarcane bagasse, on DM basis). Final diets contained 19.5% CS or 12% SB, corn grain (70.7 and 78.2% for CS and SB diets, respectively), 5.5% soybean meal, 4% mineral-vitamin mixture and 0.3% urea, on DM basis. The experimental periods had 14-d for adaptation and 5-d of collections. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED of SAS and means compared by Tukey test. No interaction between additives and roughage sources was observed. Animals fed Crina® RumistarTM had 0.600 kg increase (P = 0.03) on DM intake and decreased (P = 0.01) apparent crude protein digestibility (CP; 75.3 vs. 77.5%, respectively) compared to MON. Animals fed SB presented greater apparent CP digestibility (77.6 vs 75.2%, respectively; P = 0.003) compared to CS. No difference in apparent NDF digestibility for additives and roughage source was observed. Animals fed Crina® RumistarTM had lower acetate concentration (P = 0.01) compared to MON on time 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 hours. Animals fed CS had higher acetate:propionate (P = 0.03) compared to SB at all collection times–24 hours. Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen was lower (P = 0.01) in animals fed Crina® RumistarTM compared to MON. To use Crina® RumistarTM increased DM intake and decreased ruminal ammonia-nitrogen compared to monensin, suggesting a higher CP by-passing the rumen. Crina® RumistarTM increased DM intake without negative impacts on nutrients digestibility, regardless roughage source, thus a higher amount of nutrients reaches the intestine to be absorbed and animal performance can be increased.
391 Effects of increasing carbohydrases levels on productive performance of beef cattle fed feedlot finishing diets
Authors: Carvalho Victor V , Perdigão Alexandre , Acedo Tiago S , Vasconcellos Guilherme S , Tamassia Luis Fernando
Published: December 2019

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of feeding increasing exogenous carbohydrases levels on cattleˈ performance, when fed a 90-d feedlot finishing diet. A total of 240 Nellore bulls (IBW = 389 ± 27 kg) were distributed in 24 pens (10 animals/pen), in a randomized complete block design (6 pens/treatment). The basal diet was composed by 15% sugarcane bagasse, 72.8% ground corn, 7.6% soybean meal and 4.6 % mineral-vitamin premix (DM basis). The treatments were: 1) control: No addition of carbohydrases blend; 2) Blend1, in g/animal/d: 1 g of Ronozyme® WX (xylanase) + 3.75 g of Ronzyme® VP (beta-glucanase); 3) Blend2, in g/animal/d: 2 g of Ronozyme® WX + 7.5 g of Ronzyme® VP and 4) Blend3, in g/animal/d: 4 g of Ronozyme® WX + 15 g of Ronzyme® VP. The animals were fed once a day and had free access to fresh water. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4, and comparisons were performed out by orthogonal contrasts, which compared the control and treatments, and the linear and quadratic effects of the increasing carbohydrases levels. Statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05, and tendencies considered when 0.05 < P < 0.10. Animals fed carbohydrases had greater (P = 0.045) ADG (1.59 vs. 1.51 kg/d) and tended to have greater (P = 0.069) final BW (533.4 vs. 527.7 kg) compared with control; although no difference were observed on these variables among carbohydrases levels. Feeding carbohydrases increased DM intake, expressed either as kg/d (10.17 vs. 9.92; P = 0.019) and as percentage of BW (2.20 vs. 2.16 %; P = 0.038), compared to control group, respectively. However, no difference was observed among treatments on G:F, and dressing percentage. In conclusion, the addition of carbohydrases blend can improve performance of finishing cattle.
389 Effects of energy source on performance and carcass characteristics in hair lambs finished in feedlot
Authors: Castañeda-Serrano Roman , Gutierrez-Oviedo Fabian , Diaz-Cristancho Marcela , Pardo-Guzman Jairo , Lozano-Morales Paula , Diana Cediel-Devia
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different energy sources on performance, and carcass characteristics in hair lambs finished in feedlots. Twenty-eight hair lambs with an initial body weight (BW) 20.8 ± 3.01, were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments included with seven lambs per treatment. The dietary treatments included an energy source included at 18% Dry matter: S. spectabilis flour (SF), palm kernel (PK), corn bran (CB) and rice bran (RB) in a diet based in corn silage, ground corn, soybean meal formulated to 13.0% PC and 2.6 Mcal/Kg of DM. The feeding trial was performed for 13 weeks. Water was allowed ad libitum. Animals were slaughtered after the feeding trial, and the carcasses were kept at 4°C for 24 h under Colombian standard guidelines. Data were analyzed by using the ANOVA procedure, SAS version 9.1 to perform a randomized complete experiment with four diets. For each studied variable, the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated and differences between means were evaluated Using Tukey′s Test (P ≤ 0.05). Final body weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, hot dressing carcass (%), and cold dressing weight (%) were not different between the four treatments (P > 0.05). Dry matter intake was superior to the S. spectabilis flour (P < 0,001). Feed efficiency was higher in the CB and RB treatments (P < 0,05). These results indicate that the inclusion of S. spectabilis and palm kernel could improve the dry matter intake and corn bran and rice bran the feed efficiency without effects on carcass characteristics
392 Effects of a vitamin and mineral bolus on heifer feedlot performance, feeding behavior and carcass characteristics
Authors: McCarthy Kacie L , Underdahl Sarah , Dahlen Carl
Published: December 2019

Crossbred beef heifers (n = 23; initial BW= 370.0 ± 11.5 kg) housed at the Beef Cattle Research Complex (BCRC) in Fargo, ND were used to evaluate effects of a vitamin and mineral bolus on feedlot performance, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and liver mineral concentrations. Heifers were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) received no supplemental mineral or vitamin (CON, n = 12), or 2) received two mineral and vitamin boluses on d 0 (Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, I, Mn, Se, Zn, Co, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin E; Reloader 250, Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, MN; MIN, n = 11). Heifers were fed a TMR (16.05% CP, 1.44 Mcal NEg) with no added vitamin or mineral supplement. Feed intake, number and time of visits were recorded for each heifer using the Insentec feeding system (Hokofarm Group B.V., the Netherlands) over the 150 d feeding period. Liver biopsies were conducted on heifers on d 0, 69, and 134 of the feeding period to measure mineral concentrations. Carcass characteristics were determined. Data were analyzed in SAS using the GLM procedure with heifer as the experimental unit. Final BW, ADG, DMI, G:F, and carcass characteristics were similar among treatments (P > 0.19). Control heifers visited feeders more but spent less time per visit and ate less per visit compared with MIN heifers (P < 0.03). No differences (P > 0.31) were observed among treatments in d 0 or 134 liver mineral concentrations. At d 69, Co was lower (P = 0.01) in CON heifers compared to MIN heifers; however, Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, and Mn were not different among treatments (P > 0.34). In this experiment the vitamin and mineral bolus evaluated failed to increase liver mineral concentrations over the finishing period or impact heifer performance and carcass characteristics.
393 Beef cow antepartum glucose-insulin kinetics are altered by overfeeding metabolizable protein during late gestation and influenced by test-day relative to calving
Authors: Hare Koryn S , Penner Greg B , Wood Katie M
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to determine whether antepartum glucose-insulin kinetics were affected when primiparous Hereford-cross heifers were fed diets containing 100 (CON; n = 10) or 133% (HMP; n = 11) of their metabolizable protein requirements from d -55.3 ± 3.7 until parturition. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) were performed on d -5.4 and -7.1 ± 1.3 (CON and HMP, respectively; P = 0.34) by collecting baseline (-10 min) plasma, infusing 1.36 g glucose/kg BW0.75 via a jugular catheter, and subsequently sampling plasma for analysis of glucose and insulin. Data were analyzed with PROC GLIMMIX as a randomized block design with the fixed effects of diet, time (minute), and diet × time, considering cow (block) as a random effect. Pearson correlations were performed for IVGTT variables and test-day relative to parturition. Differences and trends were declared at P < 0.05 and 0.05 ≤ P < 0.10, respectively. Basal glucose was 13.5% greater (P = 0.048) and basal insulin tended to be 28.8% greater (P = 0.068) for HMP than CON heifers. Plasma glucose (-10 to 120 min) was greater (P = 0.047) for HMP than CON, whereas insulin was not (P = 0.54). Glucose and insulin were respectively elevated (time: P < 0.001) at 0 and 5 and 5 to 20 min and both equilibrated to baseline by 90- and 120-min. Diet × time tended to affect (P = 0.061) the glucose:insulin ratio. Test-day was correlated with time-to-max insulin (ρ = 0.60, P = 0.006), insulin clearance rate (ρ = 0.48, P = 0.027), and glucose area-under-the-curve (ρ = -0.47, P = 0.031). Time relative to calving can influence antepartum glucose-insulin kinetics. Oversupplying metabolizable protein increased baseline glucose and insulin and glucose throughout the IVGTT. Antepartum beef cattle may have altered energy partitioning that is responsive to protein consumption.
384 Metabolizable energy content of feeds: Errors that need attention
Authors: Owens Fredric N , Zinn Richard
Published: December 2019

Feedlot performance is predicted reliably from DMI and diet NE. Tabular NE values in turn commonly are calculated from TDN either measured in digestion trials or predicted from nutrient compositions. When estimated from nutrient composition (NRBC, 2016), TDN values for feeds were related imprecisely (R2 = 0.83) to in vivo TDN values (NRC, 2000); deviations ranged from -29% to 162%. Traditionally, DE has been calculated as TDN percentage times 0.044, an assumed calorie content of carbohydrate (4.4 kcal/g). Surprisingly, this value is 5% greater than the heats of combustion of DM from isolated starch, cellulose, and glycogen (4.1788, 4.1810, and 4.1868 kcal/g; Blaxter, 1962; The Energy Metabolism of Ruminants). Being “carbohydrate-equivalent energy,” TDN includes the extra calories from lipid whereas urinary energy (UE) lost during catabolism of digested protein automatically is deducted. When determined calorimetrically, ME equals DE minus both gas energy (GasE) loss and UE. But when DE is being calculated from TDN, UE from digested CP already has been subtracted. Double deduction for UE underestimates ME content of high protein feeds. When DE is calculated from TDN, ME equals DE minus only GasE. Using data assembled by Galyean et al. (2016), multiple regression revealed that GasE was predicted more accurately from dietary NDF and lipid concentrations (GasE, % of DE = 4.87 + 0.131 x NDF - 0.331 x EE; R2 = 0.69) than from diet DE (R2 = 0.27). From this formula, GasE loss as a fraction of DE of feeds ranges from 5 to 15% except for isolated fats than have a negative value; non-additivity across feeds complicates formulation of least cost diets. Correcting discrepancies in calculating ME from TDN should improve reliability of predicting the cost of ME from various feeds and for quantifying feed requirements for maintenance and gain of cattle fed diverse diets.
385 Feed efficiency of beef cattle in low-protein diets is driven by nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Costa Diogo Fleury Azevedo , Carmona Peter , Lima Lais , Fraser Brandon , Silva Luis
Published: December 2019

Performance of cattle in rangeland systems is driven by the ability to efficiently use nutrients during periods of restricted availability. Thirty Bos indicus steers (398 ± 24 kg BW) were used to evaluate the relationship between feed efficiency (FE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The hypothesis was that FE would be related to NUE in protein restricted diets, but not in high-protein diets. Steers used in a completely randomized block design were classified by residual gain in low (LFE), medium (MFE) and highly feed efficient (HFE), after being fed for periods of 70 days with diets supplying either 70% (LP) or 100% (HP) of their rumen degradable protein requirements. After each 70-day period, animals were adapted to metabolism crates for two days, and NUE was measured for five days. About 10% of daily faecal and urine output of each animal was collected for N analysis. Results of N intake from LFE, MFE and HFE in the LP diet were 21.6, 21.2 and 22.2 g N/100 kg BW (P = 0.63), while the total N excretion was 20.3, 18.0 and 19.0 g N/100 kg BW (P = 0.45) for LFE, MFE and HFE, respectively. NUE values were 11.1, 26.9 and 28.0 g retained N/100 g of digested N (P = 0.04). In the HP diet, N intake was 31.6, 30.8 and 26.8 g/100 kg BW (P = 0.12) for LFE, MFE, and HFE, respectively. Total N excretion was 26.9, 28.8 and 27.5 g N/100 kg BW (P = 0.83), respectively. NUE in the HP diet was 21.0, 5.2 and -6.3 g retained N/100 g of digested N (P = 0.04). These results support the hypothesis that FE is dependent on NUE in protein restricted diets; whereas when evaluated in protein abundant diets, FE is not related to NUE.
397 Effect of Smartamine M on acute phase protein response in receiving beef heifers
Authors: Grant Madeline S , Speer Hannah F , Hollenbeck William R , Wahl Ross N , Luchini N D , Blasi Dale A , Titgemeyer Evan C
Published: December 2019

Methionine supplementation can improve immune function in transition dairy cattle. Our objective was to determine if supplemental methionine could reduce acute phase protein responses in newly received growing cattle. 384 crossbred heifers (222 kg initial BW; southeastern U.S. origin) were received in 4 truckloads (blocks) over 9 d. BW was measured at arrival. The following day (d 0) cattle were vaccinated for viral and clostridial diseases, received Draxxin (2.5 mg tulathromycin/kg BW), and were stratified within block by arrival BW to 1 of 8 pens containing 12 animals each. Cattle (in 32 total pens) were limit-fed at 2.2% of BW daily (DM basis) a ration containing 40% Sweet Bran, 34.5% dry-rolled corn, 10% corn silage, 7.5% supplement, 4% alfalfa hay, and 4% prairie hay. Within blocks, pens were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 0 (control) or 10 g/d Smartamine M (SM) to provide 6 g/d metabolizable methionine. Pen weights were collected weekly to adjust feed offered the following week. Individual BW and tail-vein blood samples were collected on d 0, 14, and 45. Plasma haptoglobin was measured to assess acute phase protein response. Incidences of morbidity (1.6% for control, 2.6% for SM) and mortality (0.5% for both control and SM) were low. Between d 0 and 45, no differences were observed for ADG (1.24 vs. 1.27 kg/d; control vs. SM, P = 0.55) or G:F (0.107 vs. 0.110, P = 0.28), but DMI was 1.3% greater (P < 0.01) for control than SM due to differences in diet DM. An interaction between treatment and linear effect of day was detected for plasma haptoglobin (P < 0.05); over time, haptoglobin increased more for control (2.15, 2.28, and 2.95 mg/mL at 0, 14, and 45 d) than for SM (2.35, 2.37, and 2.58 mg/mL). Supplemental methionine may alleviate acute phase protein responses in stressed receiving cattle.
403 Using ruminally protected and unprotected Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products as alternatives to antibiotics in finishing beef steers: growth performance and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Shen YiZhao , Ran Tao , Saleem Atef , Narveaz Claudia , Gomaa Walaa , Yang Wenzhu , Davedow Taylor , Yoon Ilkyu , McAllister Tim A
Published: December 2019

The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP; NaturSafe® and Original XPC™, Diamond V) on growth performance and antimicrobial resistance in beef steers. Ninety Angus steers (initial BW=533±9.8 kg) were assigned to a randomized complete design with 6 treatments: 1) control (10% barley silage and 90% barley concentrate, DM basis), 2–4) control diet with 12, 15 and 18 g/d NaturSafe, 5) control diet with 8 g/d encapsulated XPC (eXPC), and 6) control diet with antibiotics (ANT; 330 mg/d monensin and 110 mg/d tylosin). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of steers. Though the final BW (715 kg) and DMI (12.0 kg/d) were not affected by treatments, average daily gain tended (P < 0.10) to be greater in steers supplemented with eXPC compared with control (1.80 vs. 1.62 kg/d) with a trend (P < 0.09) for a linear increase in gain: feed with increasing NaturSafe. The proportion of total abscessed liver did not differ among treatments (58.9%), but the proportion of severely abscessed liver tended (P < 0.10) to be lower in cattle supplemented with 15 and 18 g NaturSafe/d, eXPC and antibiotics (20.0, 20.0, 20.0 and 6.7 vs. 53.3%). The percentage of erythromycin resistant and erythromycin + tetracycline resistant Enterococci increased (P < 0.05) in steers receiving antibiotics compared with control and SCFP group (34.57 vs. 4.28 and 6.88%), while no difference was observed between control and SCFP groups. These results indicate that NaturSafe and eXPC were beneficial in improving the growth performance by increasing average daily gain and feed efficiency. Both NaturSafe and eXPC could potentially act as alternatives to growth promoting antibiotics.
406 Reduce Reuse Rerumen: Reduction of Eschericia coli, coliform bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and yeast and mold colonies in dried paunch manure
Authors: Miller Ranee A , Smith William B
Published: December 2019

The discovery of novel by-product feeds for animals, especially cattle, supports an economically viable agricultural community and enhanced stability in the United States food chain. By-products of livestock processing (in this case, paunch manure, or rumen content) could provide the tools necessary to achieve this goal. Paunch manure, the material from ruminant stomachs at the time of harvest, is a waste product of the meat industry and represents a final loss due to cost of disposal. Our objective in this study was to determine the microbial content of fresh versus dried paunch manure in an effort to assess viability as a potential feed source. Fresh paunch manure was collected from cattle at a local abattoir and immediately homogenized for microbial plating. One milliliter of decanted paunch manure was plated on specialized film for determination of colony counts from Enterobacteriaceae, coliform-forming bacteria, Eschericia coli, Salmonella, and yeast and mold. Plates were incubated at 36°C for 24 ± 2 hours. Data were analyzed as a random effects model using PROC MIXED of SAS v. 9.4. In the wet paunch, E. coli had a mean colony count of 3, coliform bacteria of 53, yeast and mold of 0, and Enterobacteriaceae were too numerous to count. In the dry paunch, E. coli had a mean colony count of less than 1, coliform bacteria of 52, yeast and mold of 0, and Enterobacteriaceae less than 1. Source of paunch contributed a majority to the total variance in all instances of the random effects models. Results are interpreted to mean that, given the drastic reduction in microbial loads, paunch manure may represent a viable feedstock for further testing and development.
415 More efficient steers on good diets are not the most efficient ones on limiting diets
Authors: Carmona Peter , Silva Luis , Costa Diogo Fleury Azevedo , Lima Lais
Published: December 2019

Nutrition for a positive growth path represents the major cost of any beef cattle enterprise. Improvements on feed efficiency (FE) can lead to significant economic benefits and reduce the environmental footprint. Usually, animals selected for FE on high-protein (HP) diets are expected to perform as efficiently on low-protein (LP) diets. This experiment used 30 Bos indicus steers (398 ± 24 kg BW) to determine the agreement between FE rankings of beef cattle fed a LP or a HP diet. As hypothesis, it was suggested that the agreement would be high. A completely randomized block design was used, where each steer represented an experimental unit. Steers were fed in individual pens for two periods of 70 days, including an adaptation of 10 days, with diets supplying either 70% or 100% of their rumen degradable protein requirements. Average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured, while residual feed intake (RFI) and residual gain (RG) were calculated. Kappa analysis was used to determine the agreement between FE of both diets. In the LP diet, ADG was 0.93 kg/d (0.38 to 1.47), DMI averaged 9.67 kg/d (7.9 to 12.1), RFI varied between -1.55 and 1.84, and RG from -0.61 to 0.53. In the HP diet, ADG was 1.16 kg/d (0.77 to 1.57) and DMI averaged 9.87 kg/d (4.79 to 11.87). RFI varied between -2.53 and 1.61 and RG from -0.34 to 0.33. Chance-corrected analysis of the ranking between diets showed no agreement for RFI (Kappa=5.6%, P = 0.68) nor for RG (Kappa=9.1%, P = 0.44). These results suggest that different physiological mechanisms are responsible for FE regulation in both diets; thus, appropriate diets targeting each scenario must be used when selecting animals for feed efficiency.
164 The effect of grass silage compared to whole crop wheat silage on colostrum yield, lamb birth weight and ewe performance during late gestation
Authors: Higgins Jonathan T , Lynch Mary B , Jones Joe , Lott Stephen , Grace Cornelia , McGovern Fiona , McEvoy Mary , Campion Dermot , Flynn Bernie , Boland Tommy
Published: December 2019

Number of lambs born is a key factor influencing profitability of seasonal sheep meat production systems and a key driver of nutrient requirements. Energy and nutrient requirements to support foetal development, mammogenesis and lactogensis increase in the final eight weeks of ovine gestation. A 3 × 2 factorial design experiment involving 90 twin bearing ewes was conducted during the final eight weeks of pregnancy with ewes offered 100% of predicted metabolisable energy (ME) requirements. Three prolific breed types (Mule (Bluefaced Leicester X Blackface mountain), Belclare X and Lleyn X) were offered one of two silage types (grass (GS) or whole crop wheat (WCW)) resulting in six treatments (n = 15). Where silage intake was insufficient to meet 100% of ME requirements, concentrates were offered to reach 100% of ME allocation per ewe per day. Colostrum yield at one, ten and eighteen hours, combined litter weight (CLW), maternal body weight and body condition score (BCS) change during the final eight weeks of gestation were recorded. The data were analysed using repeated measures and glimmix in SAS (Version 9.4). Ewes offered grass silage produced lambs with a higher CLW (P = 0.03). There was an interaction between breed type and silage type with Mule ewes offered WCW producing a lower CLW than Mule ewes offered GS (P = 0.004), with no difference for Belclare or Lleyn ewes (P > 0.05). Within silage type Mule ewes offered GS had a higher CLW than Belclare ewes (P < 0.05) while within WCW Belclare ewes had a higher CLW than Lleyn ewes (P < 0.05). Other variables did not differ with treatment. In conclusion, a breed specific response was recorded in this study whereby Mule ewes produced a lower CLW when offered WCW compared to GS silage, though no differences were observed in the other breed types studied.
171 Fecal microbiota transplant at weaning improves growth performance and alters fecal microbiome in pigs
Authors: Tsai Tsungcheng , Maxwell Charles V , Zhao Jiangchao
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the effect of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) on the growth performance and fecal microbiome, a total of 24 weaned pigs were stratified by weaning BW and sex, and assigned to one of two groups: a) Control (20% glycerol); b) FMT (from a healthy-grower-stage-no-antibiotics-treated pig). Microbiota mixture or placebo were drenched to pigs for two consecutive days after weaning (d-0 and -1). All pigs were fed antibiotics-free diets for an 8 feeding phase regimes: nursery phase 1, 2, and 3 (0–8, 8–21 and 21–40 d, respectively); finisher phase 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (40–63, 63–78, 78–117, 117–138, and 138–166 d, respectively). Individual pig BW was recorded at each phase change, and FOMeater data were collected at the end of trial. Growth and carcass data were analyzed by GLM procedure of SAS (Cary, NC) as CBD. Rectal swabs were collected prior to treatment, on d 1 & 2, and at each phase change. DNA was extracted from these swabs, amplified by primers targeting the V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene, and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq sequencer. Sequences were classified against Ribosomal Database Project using Mothur (v.1.42) package. Pigs received FMT tended to have greater weight gain during finisher phase 1 (1.05 vs 0.91 kg/d, P = 0.07), and heavier HCW (105.5 vs 97.6 kg, P = 0.09) than control. PCoA plot based on the Jaccard distance shows that FMT pigs microbiota community was not different from control pigs until the end of nursery phase 2 (ANOSIM, R = 0.237, P < 0.01) and 3 (R = 0.241, P = 0.01). Classification-based Random Forest revealed that OTU3 Streptococcus (d 3, 63, 117) and OTU95 Selenomonas (d 8, 21) were more abundant in the FMT pigs than in control pigs. Results suggests that FMT at weaning age from grower stage pig donor modulate microbiome and improve growth performance.
173 Characterization of urea transport mechanisms in the intestinal tract of growing pigs
Authors: Columbus Daniel , Krone Jack , borgh Miriam ter , Burakowska Kasia , Gratton Gillian , Hamonic Kimberley , Agyekum Atta K , Penner Greg B
Published: December 2019

Previous studies have indicated that pigs are capable of nitrogen salvage via urea recycling, which involves the movement of urea into the gastrointestinal tract and incorporation of nitrogen into endogenous or microbially produced amino acids. Aquaporins (AQP) and urea transporter B (UT-B) have been shown to contribute to urea transport in ruminants; however, it is unclear whether the same processes contribute to urea movement in the intestinal tract of the pig. The objective of this study was to characterize the presence and relative contribution of known urea transporters to urea flux in the growing pig. A total of 9 barrows of 50.8±0.9 kg BW were euthanized and samples of intestinal tissue were obtained from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon. All tissue samples were analyzed for mRNA abundance of UT-B and AQP-3, 7, and 10 via qPCR. Immediately after tissue collection, samples from jejunum and cecum were placed in Ussing chambers for analysis of serosal-to-mucosal urea flux using 14C-urea (49.95 kBq). Serosal-to-mucosal urea flux was measured across intestinal tissue samples with no inhibition or with addition of phloretin (1 mM) to inhibit UT-B-mediated transport, NiCl2 (1 mM) to inhibit AQP-mediated transport, or both inhibitors. UT-B was most highly expressed in the cecum (P < 0.05), while AQP-3, 7, and 10 were most highly expressed in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Serosal-to-mucosal urea flux occurred in both the jejunum and the cecum and was higher in the cecum (42.7 vs. 67.8±5.01 µmol/cm2/h; P < 0.05), confirming the capacity for urea recycling into the gut in pigs; however, neither flux rate was influenced by urea transporter inhibitors (P > 0.05). The results of this study indicate that while known urea transporters are present in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs, they do not play a significant role in urea transport.
174 Multi-enzyme solution improved growth performance of piglets fed a corn-SBM-DDGS based diet
Authors: Perez Victor G , Li Wenting , Hong Jinsu , Rudolph Bryan , Souza Ana Lucia Pozzobon de , Remus Janet C , Woyengo Tofuko A
Published: December 2019

A study was conducted to determine the effect of adding a multi-enzyme product to corn-SBM-DDGS-based diet on growth performance of weaned pigs. A total of 132 pigs weaned at 21 d of age (initial BW=7.5±1.5kg) were blocked by weight and housed in pens of 4 barrows (6) or gilts (5) per pen (n = 11). The diets consisted of: 1) a corn-SBM-based diet with high animal-by products (Comp); 2) a corn-SBM-based diet with 5 to 15% DDGS and reduced animal-by products (Simp); and 3) Simp with a multi-enzyme product that supplied 4,000 U of xylanase, 150 U of β-glucanase, 150 U of amylase and 3,000 U of protease/kg (Simp+ENZ). All diets were isoenergetic and met the NRC (2012) recommendations for weaned pigs. The diets were fed for 6 weeks with a 3-phase-feeding program: phase-1, 0–7 d; phase-2, 7–21 d and phase-3, 21–42 d post-wean. A Buttiauxella spp. phytase was supplemented at 2000, 1250 and 1250 FTU/kg for phase-1, 2 and 3, respectively. Pharmaceutical level of Zn was only included in phase 1 and 2 at 3000 and 2000 ppm, respectively. Performance was measured by phase and analyzed using SAS MIXED model with repeated measure. Average ADG from 0–42 d was 521, 465 and 434 g/day in pigs fed Comp, Simp+ENZ and Simp diet, respectively (P < 0.05). The ADFI was 861, 765 and 778 from 0–42 d in pigs fed Comp, Simp and Simp+ENZ (P < 0.05). Final BW for pigs fed Simp+ENZ was 1.36 kg heavier than those fed Simp (26.93 vs. 25.57 kg, P < 0.05). Fecal score was not affected by feeding Simp diet with or without enzyme as compared to those fed Comp diets (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the multi-enzyme solution significantly improved ADG when piglets were fed a diet containing low animal by-products and high DDGS.
420 Case study: Educational outreach as a component of graduate education
Authors: Galvin Megan K , Smith William B
Published: December 2019

Graduate students are developing skills in scientific communication, research, and various other specified trainings. However, adequate resources for these students are not always available at their home institution. Educational outreach programs are often discussed in relation to secondary education. The potential to expand these types of programs to the post-secondary and graduate levels of education would represent a potential benefit to the students, scientists, and universities involved in the exchange. In such programs, graduate students would participate in an exchange with other universities to address deficits introduced by a lack of resources. This educational experience in a new setting would allow exposure to techniques and ideals otherwise inaccessible to the student. The objective of this observational case study was to evaluate the relevance and value of graduate exchange as an educational outreach model in graduate education. In this case study, a graduate student from Tarleton State University’s Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology was supported to study for a period of three weeks in the University of Georgia’s Parasitology Laboratory. This exchange was established to teach in vitro techniques related to the student’s graduate research. The student was able to gain valuable experience in laboratory techniques that aided in personal and professional growth while also expanding the capabilities of the home institution through training exercises conducted on return to campus. In addition to expansion of research capacity, the student was able to serve as an ambassador for the home institution, thereby enabling a more fluid exchange of ideas through student recruitment. Qualitative results from this case study would indicate that similar educational outreach opportunities are valuable components of graduate education and serve as an example for development in future graduate programs.
423 What’s the beef with communication? Investigating communication styles of advanced animal science students
Authors: Norris Shannon L , Leggette Holli , Siptak Hanna , Herring Andy , Murphrey Theresa
Published: December 2019

Effective science communication skills are vital to the animal science industry for translating science-focused information to lay audiences. To address the American Society of Animal Science’s (2017) third core principle of communicating research and scientific information in an “open, transparent, and dynamic manner,” we sought to investigate the communication styles of students enrolled in a senior-level animal science (beef cattle production) course at Texas A&M University. To do so, we described students’ preferred communication style(s) and ranching experience levels to assess potential effect of ranching experience levels on communication styles. We used Hartman and McCambridge (2011) communication style assessment to describe the communication styles of amiable, analytical, driver, and expressive for students enrolled in this course during four semesters (N = 188; spring 2018 = 61, summer 2018 = 15, fall 2018 = 55, and spring 2019 = 57). Of these, 124 were females (66%) and all (100%) were animal science majors. Students preferred the amiable communication style (n = 59; 31.4%), while females preferred amiable (n = 124; 32.3%) and males preferred driver (n = 64; 29.3 %). Students were moderately experienced with ranching (M = 3.1, SD = 1.08 on a 1-to-5, lowest to highest, respectively, scale). We used a one-way, between-subjects ANOVA to compare the effect of ranching experience on communication styles at the P < 0.05 level and met the assumption of homogeneity using Levene’s test (P = 0.52). There was no significant effect [F(10, 174) = 0.68, P = 0.74]. Because amiable communicators are generally supportive but not assertive, we recommend implementing decision-making exercises to move them to become more assertive in making decisions. Previous experiences due to familiarity with livestock production were not related to communication styles. Therefore, we recommend investigating students’ communication styles to prepare animal science graduates to meet industry needs.
177 Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle production
Authors: McAllister Tim A , Basarab John , Guan Leluo
Published: December 2019

Globally there are approximately 1 billion beef cattle raised in both intensive and extensive production systems and of the principal livestock species, beef cattle are known to have the poorest feed efficiency. As a result of low feed efficiency, cattle also have a larger environmental footprint per kg of product produced. However, these metrics fail to consider that beef cattle produce high quality protein from feeds that are largely unsuitable for other livestock species. Even in Canada’s intensive beef production system, forages account for more than 80% of feed, with high grain diets only being fed for 3 to 4 months during finishing. Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle are focusing on the genetics of the host, the functional efficiency of the gastrointestinal microbiome and the structure and composition of the feed. Maintenance of hybrid vigor is central to matching the optimal biological type of animal to a variety of management practices and environments. Genotyping can play a key role in ensuring hybrid vigor is maintained so that populations can adapt to changing environmental conditions brought about by influences such as climate change. The central role of microbiome-host interactions in the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract is becoming increasingly apparent. Microbial markers and gene expression patterns within the intestinal microbiome are being used to identify efficient hosts and to alter the microbiome in a manner that enhances fibre digestion. Finally, feed types and feed processing are being optimized to maximize the value that can be derived from both forages and concentrates. This multi-faceted approach to improving efficiency is coupled with strategies that reduce disease and improve host health. Strategies to improve the efficiency of cattle production are a perquisite for the sustainable intensification that is needed to satisfy the future demand for beef.
PSIII-14 Infrared thermography as a tool to detect inflammation in feedlot lambs with footrot
Authors: Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen , Nordi Wiolene Montanari , Gellatly Desiree , Meléndez Daniela M , Schwinghamer Timothy , Marti Sonia , Anklam Kelly , Donkersgoed Joyce Van , Parker Kathy , Dopfer Dorte
Published: December 2019

Infrared thermography (IRT) has been used as a non-invasive tool to detect inflammatory processes associated with disease in livestock. The aim of this study was to evaluate IRT as a tool to compare healthy and footrot (FR) affected hooves in feedlot lambs with varying degrees of lameness over two seasons. A total of 106 lame lambs with footrot from a feedlot in Alberta were individually categorized according to a 3-point locomotion scale [1 = mild (n = 7), 2 = moderate (n = 46) and 3 = severe lameness (n = 53)] during the summer (n = 39) and fall (n = 68) of 2018. All lambs were physically examined once by two experienced observers to determine if the lamb had footrot. IRT images of the interdigital space were used to obtain the maximum hoof temperature (MHT) of both FR affected as well as healthy (CT) hooves within the same animal. Generalized linear mixed models (SAS PROC GLIMMIX) were performed separately for each season and diagnosis and included locomotion score as a fixed effect and ambient temperature as a co-variate. Predicted means were compared using the limits at 95% of confidence. Overall, greater MHT (P < 0.05) were observed for FR affected compared to unaffected hooves for lambs categorized as moderately and severely lame, within each season. However, no differences (P > 0.05) in MHT were observed for lambs categorized as mildly lame, likely due to the small number of lambs having a locomotion score of 1. Under the conditions of this study, thermal images can be effectively used as a tool to distinguish footrot affected hooves in feedlot lambs with moderate and severe lameness. Further studies should be conducted with more lambs with a locomotion score of 1 to assess the relationship between mild lameness, IRT, and footrot diagnosis.
PSIII-2 Effects of temperament on adaptation to prolonged water restriction
Authors: Bruno Kelsey , Ahlberg-Smith Cashley , Meador Heather , Calvo-Lorenzo Michelle S , DeSilva Udaya , Krehbiel Clint , Mateescu Raluca G , Place Sara E , Rolf Megan , Vanoverbeke Deb , Wilson Blake K , Richards Chris
Published: December 2019

It is generally accepted that “temperamental” cattle are more anxious or experience higher stress, causing differences in intake and performance. The objective of this study was to examine whether temperament affects how steers perform during prolonged water restriction, a chronic stressor. Steers from numerous sources in 4 groups (n = 469) were randomly allocated to 2 weight blocks. Steers were fed ad libitum 3 times a day for 70 d. After a 28 d step-down period, steers were maintained at 50% of normal water allotment for 42 d while feed continued to be offered ad libitum. Individual feed and water intake (WI) were measured daily using an Insentec RIC feeding system. Body weight, exit velocity (EV; measured over 1.5m), and chute score (CS; reported on a 1–4 scale) were measured every 14 d. Lower scores indicate calmer temperament. Due to the study design, DMI, ADG, G:F, and WI were split into 7 periods (d 0–28, 28–70, 0–70, 98–140, 98–112, 112–126, and 126–140). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS where the model included EV, CS, the interaction, and block; group was included as a random effect. Gain, DMI, and G:F d 0–28 were affected by both CS and EV. Slow EV steers had higher DMI than fast EV steers (P < 0.02) during d 28–70 and 0–70. During d 28–70, intermediate CS steers had the highest DMI (P < 0.05). During d 0–70 and 98–140, intermediate CS steers had the highest ADG (P < 0.05). All measures of DMI and WI were higher in the heavy weight block (P < 0.05); ADG and G:F were also higher in the heavy weight block during d 0–70 (P < 0.001). This experiment indicates that there may be performance benefits for steers with intermediate CS during long periods of water restriction.
PSIII-15 Effect of a neuro-sensory additive on behaviour and growth of feedlot finishing beef cattle
Authors: D’Aurea Andre Pastori , Desrousseaux Guillaume , Fonseca Natalia Vilas Boas , Fernandes Lauriston Bertelli , Tozetto Rodrigo
Published: December 2019

Combining natural additives with specific and selected neuro-sensory molecules is a possible solution to manage stress in feedlot beef cattle. The objective of this study was to compare the combination of a neuro-sensory additive (VeO) with a mix of natural additives (Fator P, Premix, Brazil) on behavior and performance. This study was conducted from May to August in the Premix Research Center, Patrocínio Paulista, Brazil. Fator P is made up of amino acids, organic minerals, probiotics, essential fatty acids and surfactant. VeO is based on a specific extract from Rutacea family. 80 Nellore bulls were randomly assigned to a control group (FP) and a treated group with 40 animals in each (10 per pen). Both groups received the same total mixed ration with the addition of a neuro-sensory additive (FPV) as the only difference. Adaptation period was considered as 21 first days out of 100 days total fattening period. Analyzed variables were eating (min/day) and rumination (min/day), average daily gain (g/day), dry matter intake (%BW) and feed conversion. Tukey test was used for comparison of means. During adaptation, animals spent 30.8 % more time ruminating. Feed conversion and DMI with FPV tended to be more efficient by 30.86% (P = 0.074) and 31.16% (P = 0.063) respectively. After 21 days, treated animals continued eating (P = 0.14) and ruminating more as well (P = 0.07). Over 100 days, bulls receiving FPV showed a higher average daily gain by 9.94% (+153 g/day, P = 0.07) consuming less feed per kg of growth (6.46 vs. 7.00; -7.7%; ns). Results showed that the use of the neuro-sensory additive with the mix of natural additives changed behavior of feedlot finishing bulls, leading to more efficient production with an increased average daily gain and an improvement of feed conversion.
PSVI-42 Effect of increasing concentrations of aflatoxins (AFB1) on rumen gas production (GP), dry matter (DM) disappearance and fermentation parameters using the in vitro ANKOM gas technique
Authors: Marden Jean-Philippe , Marquis Virginie , Medjdoub Kheira Hadjeba , Lacombe Marine
Published: December 2019

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species known to be the most prevalent contaminants in feedstuffs. In ruminants, contaminated AFB1 feeds usually exhibit symptoms including reduced feed efficiency and milk production and decreased appetite. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of AFB1 on rumen fermentation parameters by using the ANKOM gas production protocol. Rumen fluid was collected from a cannulated dry dairy cow, filtered with cheese-cloth and diluted (1:1) with a standard buffer. Triplicates of 75 mL flasks were fed 0,75g of feed (79% corn silage, 15% alfalfa and 6% concentrates) and inoculated with 0 (blank), 0,2, 0,5, 1 and 2 ppm of AFB1. Flasks were placed in a rotating incubation at 39°C for 96h and connected to ANKOM GP system. After 96h of incubation, the contents of each flask were centrifuged. Supernatants were analyzed for total VFA and AFB1 while precipitates were dried at 104°C for DM disappearance. The experimentation was repeated weekly 3 times and named wk1, 2 and 3. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS using a univariate model. Results showed no significant differences on GP max at 96h among AFB1 concentrations. Only wk 1 showed that higher AFB1 concentration (2 ppm) decreased significantly (P < 0,05) DM disappearance (- 8,2 pts) when compared to the blank. Total VFA contents (75,0 ± 1,6 mM) were not affected by AFB1. Wk 2 and 3 did not show any difference neither on DM disappearance nor on VFA (89,1 ± 1,6 mM; 110,2 ± 4,8 mM). It can be concluded that our in vitro model, GP did not reflect DM disappearance and it can be put forward that rumen fluid with low total VFA concentrations (≤ 75 mM) could be more sensible to AFB1 challenge.