bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
138 Effects of Diet Complexity and L-Threonine Supplementation on Immune Response and Intestinal Barrier Function in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Koo Bonjin , Choi Janghan , Yang Chengbo , Nyachoti Charles Martin
Published: November 2020

The aim was to investigate the effects of diet complexity and L-Thr supplementation on immune response and intestinal barrier function in nursery pigs. Thirty-two pigs (7.23 ± 0.48 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement based on diet complexity (complex or simple) and L-Thr supplementation (standard, NRC 2012 or 15% more). The complex diet contained fish meal, plasma protein and dried whey to mimic a conventional nursery diet. The simple diet was formulated with corn, wheat, and soybean meal and did not contain any animal products. Pigs were individually housed and fed experimental diets ad libitum for 14 d. All data were analyzed using mixed procedure of SAS with the individual pen as the experimental unit. Pigs fed the simple diet had greater (P < 0.05) plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 concentrations compared to those fed the complex diet. Pigs fed the simple diet tended to show greater (P < 0.10) expression of genes encoding for tumor necrosis factor-α, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 in the jejunum compared to those fed the complex diet. The addition of L-Thr increased (P < 0.05) villus height and numbers of both villi and crypt goblet cells in the jejunum and deepened (P < 0.05) crypts in the proximal colon. Also, L-Thr-supplemented diets upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of the gene encoding for occludin and tended to downregulate (P < 0.10) IL-6 gene expression in the jejunum. Trends (P < 0.10) for interaction between diet complexity and L-Thr supplementation were observed in villus height:crypt depth ratio, the number of goblet cells, and IL-6 gene expression in the jejunum. In conclusion, feeding a simple diet stimulated the immune system of nursery pigs compared to a complex diet. Dietary L-Thr supplementation fortified intestinal structure and function.
149 Effects of managing mature beef bulls on divergent planes of nutrition on motility and kinematic properties of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm
Authors: Dahlen Carl R , Underdahl Sarah R , Crouse Matthew S , McCarthy Kacie L , Kassetas Cierrah J , Baumgaertner Friederike , Dorsam Sheri T , Kirsch James D , Sedivec Kevin K , Ward Alison K , Caton Joel
Published: November 2020

Fifteen mature beef bulls (BW = 800.4 ± 17.4 kg) were used in a 112-d experiment to evaluate effects of divergent planes of nutrition on motility and kinematic properties of fresh and frozen-thawed semen. Bulls were ranked by BW and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) managed on a positive plane of nutrition (POS, n = 8), or 2) managed on a negative plane of nutrition (NEG, n = 7). Bulls were fed a common diet, adjusted biweekly to achieve targeted weight loss or gain of 12.5% of original BW. On d 112, electroejaculation was used to collect 2 ejaculates from each bull, which were combined. An aliquot of fresh semen was evaluated via computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA; IVOS II, Hamilton Thorne, Beverly, MA, USA) for motility and kinematic properties. Remaining semen was extended and frozen. Frozen semen was thawed for 40 s and held in a heating block at 37°C, then evaluated via CASA at 0 and 3 h post-thaw. Data were analyzed in the MIXED procedure of SAS, with data for post-thaw analysis evaluated as repeated measures in time. Treatment did not influence ejaculate volume or concentration (P ≤ 0.19). In fresh ejaculates no impacts (P ≤ 0.29) of treatment were observed for motility or kinematic properties. In frozen-thawed ejaculates, however, bulls in the NEG treatment had greater (P ≤ 0.02) proportions of motile and progressively motile sperm compared with POS. In sperm classified as motile or progressively motile, NEG had greater (P ≤ 0.002) average path and straight line velocities, and greater (P ≤ 0.05) amplitude of lateral head displacement than POS. Treatment impacts observed in frozen, but not fresh, indicate that sperm metabolism, mitochondrial function, antioxidant capacity, or other factors may be influenced by plane of nutrition resulting in altered motility and kinematic properties.
385 Awardee Talk: Impacts of temperament on productive and reproductive responses of Bos taurus and B. indicus females
Authors: Cooke Reinaldo F
Published: November 2020

Temperament is defined as the fear-related behavioral responses of cattle when exposed to human handling. Our group evaluates cattle temperament using: 1) chute score: 1 to 5 scale that increases according to excitable behavior during chute restraining, 2) exit velocity: speed of an animal exiting the squeeze chute, 3) exit score: dividing cattle according to exit velocity into quintiles using a 1 to 5 scale (1 = slowest quintile; 5 = fastest quintile), and 4) temperament score: average of chute and exit scores. Subsequently, cattle are assigned a temperament type; adequate temperament (ADQ; temperament score ≤ 3) or excitable temperament (EXC; temperament score > 3). Our group associated these evaluation criteria with reproductive responses of Bos taurus and B. indicus-influenced females. Cattle classified as EXC had greater (P ≤ 0.04) plasma cortisol vs. ADQ during handling, independent of breed type or parity. Both B. taurus and B. indicus cows classified as EXC had reduced (P ≤ 0.09) annual pregnancy rates vs. ADQ cohorts, resulting in decreased calving rate, weaning rate, and kg of calf weaned/cow exposed to breeding. Bos indicus heifers classified as EXC as yearlings had less (P < 0.01) growth rate and delayed puberty attainment by 15 months of age compared with ADQ heifers. Bos taurus heifers that reached puberty by 12 months of age had less (P ≤ 0.05) temperament score and plasma cortisol concentrations at weaning compared with heifers that did not reach puberty. Acclimating B. indicus-influenced and B. taurus heifers to human handling after weaning improved (P ≤ 0.02) temperament and hastened puberty attainment. Hence, temperament impacts productive and reproductive responses of beef females independent of breed type and parity. Strategies to improve herd temperament are imperative for optimal production efficiency of cow-calf operations based on B. taurus and B. indicus-influenced cattle.
225 Crude protein-content of fat-free muscle and viscera in sheep
Authors: Dougherty Holland C , Evered Mark , Oltjen James W , Oddy Hutton , Hegarty Roger
Published: November 2020

The nutritional effects of variation in feed supply and subsequent compensatory gain can play a significant role in cattle and beef production, due to their effects on carcass quality and feed costs. A system that predicts changes in fat and protein content of muscle and viscera in animals of different life stages and nutritional histories could therefore assist management to optimize performance and reduce costs of feed. A method has been developed to simultaneously estimate body composition and nutrient requirements of ruminants. This method estimates body composition from the difference in energy balance derived from ME intake, and heat production from ME intake and protein content of muscle and viscera, but requires information on protein content of fat free mass in viscera and non-viscera “muscle” tissue. Data from the literature was combined with unpublished data from a study conducted in growing lambs. This experiment tested the effects of ad libitum intake of diets of varying energy density and added RUP on performance and carcass composition of lambs that had been previously restricted or unrestricted prior to a 12–13 week finishing phase, and both carcass and viscera components were chemically analyzed on an individual basis. On a fat-free basis, muscle crude protein averaged 20.8%; this value is in agreement with literature values, which lie between the range of 20–24% and which do not appear to vary substantially with age in postweaning sheep. In the same sheep, crude protein content of viscera averaged 15.6% on a fat-free basis; while data on visceral composition in the literature is limited, these values are within the range of available data. This data is use to parameterize functions describing growth of viscera and changes in heat production over time. This contributes to the method we have developed to estimate nutritional effects on body composition.
199 Inclusion of Sweet Bran™ and wet distillers grains alone or in combination improves performance, carcass merit, and rumen buffering characteristics of feedlot cattle fed steam-flaked corn diets
Authors: Spowart Paige R , Richeson John T , Crawford David M , Samuelson Kendall L
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the effects of Sweet Bran™ (SB) and/or wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) in the diet alone or in combination on performance, carcass characteristics, ruminal pH, and rumination of finishing beef cattle. Steers (n = 455) were randomly allocated to 48 pens and assigned to 1 of 4 steam-flaked corn-based dietary treatments containing: no byproducts (CON), 20% WDGS (WDGS), 20% SB (SB), or 20% SB and 10% WDGS (COMBO). Within each pen, 2 steers were randomly selected to receive a ruminal pH bolus and ear tag to quantify pH and rumination. Diet samples were collected weekly to determine particle size and physically effective fiber. Final BW, DMI, and ADG were greater (P < 0.01) for WDGS, SB, and COMBO than CON. Hot carcass weight was greatest (P = 0.04) for WDGS and SB, intermediate for COMBO, and least for CON. Yield grade tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for WDGS, SB, and COMBO than CON. A numerical increase in abscessed livers was observed for CON. The percentage of particles > 4 mm was greatest (P < 0.01) for CON, intermediate for SB, and least for WDGS and COMBO. However, NDF (P < 0.01) and peNDF (P < 0.01) were greatest for COMBO, intermediate for WDGS and SB, and least for CON. A treatment × time interaction was observed as CON cattle spent less time ruminating at 0800 and 1000 h (P < 0.01) in a 24h period. Ruminal pH was least (P < 0.01) for CON from 0800 to 1800 h. Addition of WDGS and/or SB improved performance and reduced feed cost of gain when incorporated into steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets. Relationships between peNDF, rumination behavior, and ruminal pH suggest that SB and/or WDGS enhance buffering capacity when steam-flaked corn is replaced in the diet.
387 Effect of trace minerals (25-hydroxycholecalciferol, Zinc and Manganese) supplementation on the immune responses of livestock
Authors: Selvaraj Ramesh K
Published: November 2020

Micronutrients such as 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, zinc and manganese are included in livestock feed to achieve optimal growth and improved immune function. Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) modulates immune responses. The effect of Vitamin D on immune cells depends on the subtype of immune cells. Monocytes and macrophages constitutively express Vitamin D receptor and hence 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol increases maturation and the microbicidal activity of macrophages by increasing the production of nitric oxide, antimicrobial proteins and inflammatory cytokines and eventually acts to stimulate the innate immune system. On the other hand, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol suppresses the action of adaptive immune responses by inducing T regulatory cells and increasing the production of IL-10. Superoxide dismutases (SOD) catalyzes conversion of superoxide radicals to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide and is considered a major antioxidant defense system in livestock. SOD is a metalloenzyme with zinc, copper, and manganese as a cofactor. Though trace minerals have traditionally been supplemented in animal diets as inorganic salts such as zinc sulfate and manganese sulfate, other forms of trace minerals have recently been promoted owing to better stability, bioavailability and absorption. Feeding layer diets marginally deficient in zinc and manganese as sulfates decreased the SOD activity, spleen, IL-1 and cathelicidin relative mRNA levels and supplementing zinc and manganese as hydroxychloride (OHCl) reversed the decrease in SOD activity, spleen IL-1 and cathelicidin relative mRNA levels. Feeding broiler diets low in zinc and manganese as sulfates decreased SOD activity, while supplementing the feed with ZnOHCl reversed the decrease in SOD. Increasing the MnOHCl in birds fed higher amounts of ZnOHCl further increased the SOD activity suggesting synergistic effects between ZnOHCl and MnOHCl on SOD activity and IL-1 production. In conclusion, micronutrients act to modify the immune response in livestock, and the form of micronutrients fed can increase the bioavailability of the micronutrients to improve the immune response.
388 Nutrition and the Ruminal Microbiome: Emerging Frontiers from an Old Friend
Authors: Nagaraja T G
Published: November 2020

Rumen, a pregastric anaerobic gut ecosystem, inhabits arguably the most diverse and complex microbial community, with a mutualistic relationship with the host. The relationship is best exemplified in the utilization of lignocellulosic material and non-protein nitrogen to provide energy and protein to the host. The microbial community of the rumen is composed of bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi and bacteriophages. Culture- or microscopy-based procedures have identified over 200 species of bacteria, methanogens, ciliated protozoa and zoosporic fungi. The community analysis based on the genetic material of all microbial cells, called microbiome, has vastly expanded our understanding of the ruminal ecosystem. Microbiome analysis is based on sequencing of the targeted amplicons (16S rDNA variable regions for bacteria and archaea, 18S rDNA for protozoa or Internal Transcribed Regions for fungi) or whole genome shotgun metagenomics analysis. Rapid advancements in nucleic acid sequencing technologies and bioinformatics pipelines have provided unprecedented opportunities to delineate the diversity and complexity of the microbial community in relation ruminal function and dysfunctions and link ruminal microbes to host nutrition and productivity. Culture-independent methods have identified thousands of microbial species in the rumen, suggesting that a major fraction of the microbiome has not been cultured and functionally identified. A core microbiome in bacterial and archaeal populations of the rumen has been identified across a wide geographical regions, but significant variations in diversity, abundance, and individual taxa do exist because of diet and host genetics. However, there is evidence of signature microbiome among individual animals on the same diet and environment. Microbiome-wide association studies in relation to dietary changes, ruminal function and dysfunctions have begun to link and define the complexity of the host-microbe relationships. Translation of the potential of the microbiome analysis is supported by emerging evidences that specific microbiota can be linked to ruminal activity and productivity.
239 Effect of carbohydrate source on dry matter intake and digestibility, and nutritional status of ewes milked year-round on an accelerated lambing system
Authors: Kochendoerfer Nikola , Thonney Michael L , Brown Dan L
Published: November 2020

The effect of level of soyhull inclusion on dry matter intake, feed efficiency, apparent dry matter digestibility, in-vitro NDF appearance and body weight changes was investigated in this triply replicated, 3′3 Latin square design. Finnsheep ′ Dorset ewes (n = 53) were managed in 3 management groups. Ewes in each management group were housed in 3 pens, lactated 3 times in the 22-month experiment, and were fed a different experimental diet in each lactation. Diets L-SH, M-SH, and H-SH contained 34.4, 42.4, and 50.9% soyhulls and measured 31.9, 36.5, and 40.0 ± 0.60% NDF (P < 0.001), and 41.1, 37.1, and 32.8 ± 0.58% NFC (P < 0.001), respectively. Individual equations were fitted to each of the 27 pens, and the resulting data were analyzed with a model including Square Number, Pen and Lactation within Square Number, and Diet, with 3 to 6 ewes in each cell of each Latin Square. Dry matter intake was 2.54, 2.70, and 2.67 ± 0.05 kg per day, feed efficiency was 0.56, 0.60, and 0.54 ± 0.02 kg milk/kg DM per day and weight gains were 131.0, 144.0, and 138.0 ± 0.04 g per day for ewes consuming the L-SH, M-SH, and H-SH diets, respectively, with no significant differences among diets. Fermentable NDF in the diets increased linearly with soyhull inclusion (17.6, 21.1, and 24.3 ± 1.28%, P < 0.001). Apparent DM digestibility, measured with acid insoluble ash as marker, decreased nonsignificantly with soyhull inclusion (66.3, 64.5, and 63.9 ± 1.57%). The rate of in vitro NDF digestion decreased linearly with soyhull inclusion (166, 150, and 125 ± 5.7 g per hour, P < 0.01) for the L-SH, M-SH, and H-SH diet, respectively. In this experiment the M-SH diet resulted in the most favorable results of highest dry matter intake, milk yields, and feed efficiencies.
395 Impact of pig mortality on U.S. pig producers
Authors: Shull Caleb M
Published: November 2020

Swine producers in the U.S. face a significant challenge. On top of the ever-changing market dynamics that lead to wide swings in profitability or loss, is an underlying issue of pig mortality that the industry must address. While significant improvements in total piglets born per litter have been achieved over the last 10 years, pig mortality has seen no improvement or has worsened (Figure 1). When expressed as a percentage of piglets born (excluding mummies), a total of 7.9% were recorded as stillborn and 13.4% died prior to weaning in 2019. Assuming a typical mortality range of 7–10% from weaning to harvest, a typical U.S. producer could expect to lose around 27–30% of all piglets born. In addition, the average producer had around 12% annual sow mortality (Figure 1). Litter size and post-weaning growth rate and feed efficiency will always factor heavily into research priorities due to the economic impact associated with those traits; however, the opportunity to drive value through reduction in pig losses across the production cycle is staggering. In defense of the industry, improving pig survival is not an easy task for a number of reasons. The sample size (i.e., number of pigs) required to do mortality research correctly is often a limiting factor for many production systems. Furthermore, a cross-functional approach is likely required to make significant improvements in mortality. Specifically, the relationship between genetics, health, and management practices warrant consideration. Recent collaboration across the industry to improve mortality is a positive step forward and this collaboration should continue moving forward.
292 Altering the particle size of supplemental zeolite (clinoptilolite): Effects on nitrogen utilization and nutrient digestibility in backgrounding cattle
Authors: Klaeui Caitlin , Martí Mario de Haro , Chahine Mireille , Chibisa Gwinyai E
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding supplemental clinoptilolite with a particle size of either 30 microns or 400 microns (US 40 mesh) on measures of nitrogen (N) utilization and nutrient digestibility in backgrounding cattle. Six ruminally cannulated beef heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. The dietary treatments were: 1) a basal forage-based backgrounding TMR with no supplement (CON), 2) CON + 30-micron clinoptilolite (CL-30), and 3) CON + 400-micron clinoptilolite (CL-400). Clinoptilolite was top-dressed (2.5% of diet DM) during morning feeding (1100 h). Ruminal fluid (d 19 at 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 h post-feeding), spot urine and grab fecal (d 19 at 1400 and 1900; d 20 at 0300, 0700, 1500, and 2300 h; d 21 at 0500 and 1100 h), and blood samples (d 21 at 3 h post-feeding) were collected and analyzed for nutrients and metabolites. There was no diet effect (P = 0.50) on ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N) and plasma urea-N (PUN) concentrations. Similarly, urine N and urea-N (UUN), and fecal N excretion did not differ (P ≥ 0.28) across diets. There was no diet effect (P ≥ 0.11) on dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intake, and apparent total tract DM, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. However, although it did not differ for the CL-400 compared to CON and CL-30 heifers, apparent total tract OM digestibility was greater for CL-30 than CON heifers. In summary, although feeding supplemental clinoptilolite with a particle size of either 30- or 400-microns to beef heifers did not enhance N utilization, apparent total tract OM digestibility was greater for heifers fed supplemental 30-micron but not 400-micron clinoptilolite compared to the CON diet.
PSV-6 Detection of sex-by-maternal immune activation effects on the molecular pathways of the pig amygdala
Authors: Keever Marissa R , Zhang Pan , Bolt Courtni R , Rymut Haley E , Antonson Adrienne M , Corbett Megan P , Houser Alexandra K , Southy Bruce R , Rund Laurie A , Johnson Rodney W , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L
Published: November 2020

The prolonged and sex-dependent impact of maternal immune activation (MIA) on the molecular pathways of the amygdala, a brain region that influences social, cognitive, and sexually dimorphic behaviors, is only partially understood. To address this gap, the effect of MIA elicited by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection during gestation on the amygdala transcriptome of pigs was studied. Gene expression levels were measured using RNA-Seq on the amygdala for 3-week-old female and male offspring from MIA and control groups. Among the 328 genes that exhibited an MIA-by-sex effect, the majority annotated to functional categories relevant to behavioral abnormalities, including neuroactive ligand-receptor pathways, glutamatergic functions, and neuropeptide systems. Genes in these categories included corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 2, glutamate metabotropic receptor 4, glycoprotein hormones, alpha polypeptide, parathyroid hormone 1 receptor, vasointestinal peptide receptor 2, neurotensin, proenkephalin, and gastrin releasing peptide. These genes and functional categories have been associated with MIA-related schizophrenia and autism spectrum behavior disorders. The transcript and network dysregulation uncovered in this study advances the understanding necessary to develop treatments that ameliorate the effects of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by gestational MIA exposure. This study is supported by USDA NIFA AFRI, grant number 2018-67015-27413.
PSIII-6 Comparisons of high-density genomic data in Holsteins differing in coat type
Authors: López-Nieves Lourdes E , Negrón-Pérez Verónica M , Sánchez-Rodríguez Héctor L , Patiño-Chaparro Joan M , Ortiz-Colón Guillermo , Pagán-Morales Melvin
Published: November 2020

Preliminary studies have reported that wild type-haired (WT) Holstein cattle have greater productive potential at a genomic level than their slick-haired (SL) counterpart. The objective of the present study was to evaluate, through a panel of commercial genetic markers (Igenity Elite, Neogen Corp), 49 Holsteins descendants SL [32 SL (n = 11 males and 21 females) and 17 WT (n = 2 males and 15 females)] from the Agricultural Experiment Station of Puerto Rico. These animals received a predictive genomic transmission capacity (PTA) based on DNA tests using more than 100,000 bovine genome markers, which contain information from their parents for a more accurate measure of genetic potential. Traits evaluated included measures of productivity, health, type and other indexes such as: net merit, milk yield, somatic cell score, among others. The data was analyzed using Proc GLIMMIX in SAS and the differences between means were determined by the Tukey test. Various subsets of animals were compared; however, no main differences were found between SL and WT (P >0.05), except for stature (-1.07±0.17 vs -0.39±0.26; P = 0.02, respectively). In a second subset, only lactating cows were evaluated (SL n = 7 and WT n = 7) and differences were found for: hypocalcemia (0.03±0.06 vs -0.21±0.06; P = 0.01), mastitis (-0.11±0.24 vs 0.90±0.24; P = 0.01), PTA type (-0.98±0.26 vs -0.11±0.26; P = 0.03), udder composite (-0.96±0.26 vs -0.07±0.26; P = 0.02), stature (-0.91±0.30 vs 0.04±0.30; P = 0.04), dairy form (-1.64±0.26 vs -0.65±0.26; P = 0.02), fore udder attachment (-0.77±0.30 vs 0.41±0.30; P = 0.02), rear udder height (-1.39±0.34 vs -0.18±0.34; P = 0.03) and width (-1.42±0.29 vs -0.17±0.29; P = 0.01), and udder depth (-0.73±0.27 vs 0.82±0.27; P = 0.002), respectively. These results suggest that SL males and females are genomically similar to WT for the most important economic traits when descending from a SL dam and when compared as a single group. However, differences in type and health traits may occur if the females are compared alone.
PSVIII-1 A transcriptomic study of the effect of PRRSV infection during gestation on the piglet amygdala
Authors: Keever Marissa R , Zhang Pan , Bolt Courtni R , Rymut Haley E , Antonson Adrienne M , Corbett Megan P , Houser Alexandra K , Southy Bruce R , Rund Laurie A , Johnson Rodney W , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L
Published: November 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economic burden on the swine industry, resulting in losses not only related to animal death but also to reduced offspring productivity. Understanding the underlying molecular pathways that contribute to decreased feed efficiency and behaviors that result in poorer performance is important for the implementation of management practices that aim to mitigate the effects of PRRSV. To uncover the long-term effects of PRRSV infection during gestation, a transcriptome analysis of the amygdala of 22-day-old piglet offspring from maternal PRRSV activated and control gilts was undertaken. Overall, 161 genes were differentially expressed between the PRRSV and control piglet offspring. Many of the genes were over-expressed in pigs from PRRSV compared to control gilts, such as interferon induced transmembrane protein 3 and neuron derived neurotrophic factor. Few genes were under-expressed, including insulin-like growth factor 2 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1. The detection of these dysregulated genes and the directionality of their differential expression yielded insights into the effects that maternal PRRSV infection has on the neural pathways of the offspring amygdala. This furthers our understanding of molecular processes underlying pathological behaviors that may be exhibited by these pigs, affecting management and production. This study is supported by USDA NIFA AFRI, grant number 2018-67015-27413.
PSVIII-6 Cytomorphological features of the bone marrow of hypotrophic piglets
Authors: Mikhaylov Evgeniy , Shaposhnikova Yulia , Shabunin Boris , Tolkachev Igor , Vorotnikova Svetlana , Anipchenko Polina
Published: November 2020

The experiment was conducted on newborn hypotrophic piglets obtained from sows of the 3rd–4th farrow on the farm in the Voronezh region. Bone marrow for histochemical and ultrastructural studies was selected from hypotrophic piglets with a body weight less than 800 g (n = 13). The material for electron microscopy was carried out in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.114 M colloid buffer in the cold with postfixation in 1% solution of osmium tetroxide in the same buffer. The material was enclosed in epon-812. Semithin sections were stained with azur-2 in combination with the main fuchsin and were examined under Leica light microscope. Ultrathin sections were prepared on Ultracut (Leica) ultramicrotome, contrasted with lead citrate and uranyl acetate and examined under EM-208 (Philips) electron microscope. In hypotrophic piglets, the cells forming in the red bone marrow are located as islands. Hypoplasia of cells of the hemopoetic series occurred, proerythroblasts and megacaryoblasts were observed in insignificant quantity. Megakaryocytes were closely adjacent to sinusoidal capillaries, and a part of their cytoplasm penetrated into the lumen of blood vessels. Separating fragments of cytoplasm in the form of platelets were transferred to the blood flow. Light mitochondria with a few small electron-dense cristae were observed in the ultrastructure of cells of the bone marrow. The emergence of immature forms, which indicated bone marrow function disorder or its barrier damage, was also observed in the blood flow. At the same time there occurred a decrease in the number of differentiated cells and their differentiation disorder, which could lead to immunodeficiency state. Differentiation of cells in the bone marrow of hypotrophic piglets is impaired, and that is why the body is not provided with a sufficient number of blood cells. Blast cells, which appear in the blood flow, cannot fully perform their functions, resulting in immunodeficiency and anemia.
PSI-12 Effects of supplementing propionate in a finishing diet on dry matter intake, glucose clearance, and blood metabolites
Authors: Rathert Abbey R , Salisbury Carlee M , Zapalac Dakota J , Foote Andrew P
Published: November 2020

The objective of this experiment was to determine if supplementing propionate alters DMI, glucose clearance rate, and blood metabolite concentrations in steers fed a finishing diet. Holstein (n = 15) steers were individually fed a finishing diet ad-libitum. Steers were allocated by BW to receive: no Ca propionate (CON), 100 g/d (LOW), or 300 g/d (HIGH) in the diet. Orts were collected and weighed daily to determine DMI. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 7, and 21, and BW recorded on d 0, 14, and 28. A glucose tolerance test was conducted on d 14 and 28 of the trial. Samples were analyzed for whole blood glucose and lactate, and plasma NEFA. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with treatment, day and their interaction included, with day as a repeated measure. The CON treatment had greater (P < 0.01) DMI than LOW and HIGH. BW was greater for CON throughout the experiment and all treatments had an increased BW on day 28 (P = 0.03 for the interaction). Whole blood glucose concentrations tended (P = 0.09) to be higher on d 21 than d 0 and 7, but was not affected by treatment (P = 0.58). Plasma NEFA concentrations were lower (P = 0.05) for CON than other treatments, and greater (P = 0.002) on d 0 than d 7 and 21. Whole blood lactate concentrations were greater (P = 0.05) on d 7, than d 0 and 21, but was not effected by treatment (P = 0.13). There was no treatment (P ≥ 0.16) or day effect (P ≥ 0.36) on glucose peak, plateau, or clearance rate. These data indicate that supplemental propionate may decrease dry matter intake but might not alter glucose clearance rate.
PSI-19 Preference grazing evaluation of new forage varieties, and the effect of animal temperament on grazing behaviour
Authors: Sim Cassidy R , Biligetu Bill , Ribeiro Gabriel O , Lardner Bart , Moya Diego
Published: November 2020

In Canada, new forage varieties need not undergo grazing trials before registration and sale. As such, little is known about forage performance under grazing, or how animal preference and temperament affect grazing behaviour. To determine these effects, 6 cool-season forage species including meadow bromegrass (Bromus bieberseinii), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerate L.), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifoila ssp. Viciifolia) and three alfalfa varieties (Medicago sativa L.) were established in monoculture and grass-legume binary mixtures (14 treatments) at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (Saskatchewan, Canada). Forages were seeded in randomized adjacent 0.3 ha (21 × 125 m) strips within each of three, 5 ha paddocks. Sixty-nine Bos taurus crossbred steers (396 ± 34 kg BW) were homogenously allocated to the 3 paddocks for grazing observations. Individual steer temperament was characterized via novel object and corridor tests prior to grazing. The 9 steers showing the most bold or shy temperaments were labelled for identification while grazing. The grazing period length was 19 d, from July 27 to August 15, 2019, with observations made during the first six days. Observers determined forage preference based upon the number of animals grazing each forage type every 30 min for 2 h in the morning and 2 h in the evening. Animal preference did not differ (P > 0.05) between the forage treatments. Yield of grass and legume components did not differ (P > 0.05) between monocultures or binary mixtures (1255 kg ha-1 ± 277 kg ha-1). Steer temperament affected (P < 0.0001) animal distribution, with bold steers traveling further from the center of the paddock than shy steers or average herd animals (P < 0.05). These preliminary results indicate that differences in grazing behaviour were due to individual animal temperament rather than forage preference or performance.
PSIV-21 Time course and peak response of inflammation and tissue zinc transporters during LPS-induced sepsis in nursery pigs fed pharmacological levels of dietary zinc and copper
Authors: Aparachita Pornpim , Carter Scott D , Chowanadisai Winyoo , Sawyer Afton , Harshman Jared , Scaff Taw
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection on the immune response over a 24-h period in nursery pigs. Pigs consumed corn-soybean meal-based diets with added pharmacological levels of ZnO (d 0–14) and CuSO4 (d 14–23). On d 23, thirty pigs were randomly blocked based on BW and sex to one of five-time points (h 0 baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 post-challenge) and injected with a single i.m. LPS (O55:B5) at 12 μg/kg BW. At each time point, BW, rectal temperature (RT), and blood samples (n = 30, 24, 18, 12, and 6 per time point, respectively) were collected before one block (n = 6) was euthanized for liver and duodenum collection. Tissue samples were quantified for interleukin-6 (IL-6), zinc transporters (duodenal Zip4 and hepatic Zip14), and metallothionein-1 (MT-1) mRNA expression. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS with pig as the experimental unit. Following LPS, RT increased from h 0 to 6 (P < 0.05), and serum TNF-α increased from h 0 to 3 (P < 0.0001). Serum zinc and copper decreased (P < 0.01) from h 0 to 6, and h 0 to 12, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein tended to increase linearly following LPS (P = 0.10). LPS upregulated duodenal Zip4 and MT-1 (P < 0.05) at h 12 and 24, respectively, while all hepatic genes increased (P < 0.01) at h 3 post-challenge. Duodenal IL-6 did not change over time (P > 0.05). Quantification of mRNA expression displayed a positive correlation (P < 0.01) among hepatic IL-6, Zip14, and MT-1 in pairwise comparisons. In summary, LPS challenge induces fever and hepatic inflammation with consequent increases in hepatic and duodenal zinc importers, and their metal-binding protein, along with decreases in serum zinc and copper concentrations. However, our data indicate that pigs recover within 24-hour post-challenge.
PSIV-23 Variations in chewing behavior and rumino-reticular pH in dairy cows during gradual adaptation to a high-grain diet
Authors: Rivera-Chacon Raul , Castillo-Lopez Ezequias , Ricci Sara , Petri Renee M , Reisinger Nicole , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: November 2020

Physical effective fiber in the diet promotes chewing, contributing to the regulation of ruminal pH through saliva production, which leads to rumen health. However, lower dietary fiber content in high-grain diets may reduce rumination time and compromise ruminal pH regulation. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate rumination behavior and rumino-reticular pH variations during an 8-day adaptation to a 65% concentrate diet. For this study nine ruminally cannulated non-lactating Holstein cows were used. Prior to the initiation of the adaptation, cows were transitioned from a forage-only grass silage diet to a 65% DM concentrate diet over eight days. Rumination was monitored using RumiWatch halters (RumiWacthSystem ITIN+HOCH). Rumino-reticular pH was measured using eCow indwelling pH systems in five of nine cows recording data every 15 minutes. Data were analysed with SAS, the statistical model included day as fixed effect and cow was considered as random effect. Adaptation days had an effect (P < 0.01) on rumination time, number of rumination chews per minute, and mean daily (rumino-reticular) pH. Especially, rumination time decreased from 439 to 327±62.8 minutes per day from day 1 to 8, respectively. Concomitantly, rumination chews per minute decreased from 68.8 to 65.6±2.06, and mean daily pH decreased from 6.54 and 6.26±0.07, respectively. Nevertheless, daily dry matter intake (P = 0.23) and eating time (P = 0.37) were not affected during the adaptation period. In conclusion, adaptation to a high-grain diet and the associated decrease in physically effective fiber gradually reduced chewing activity and ruminal/reticular pH. However, compared to the forage-only diet, significant reduction in rumination time was only noted at the 65% concentrate level.
PSIV-17 Muscular Tension as a Marker of Stress in Horses
Authors: Rankins Ellen M , Manso Helio C , Malinowski Karyn , McKeever Kenneth H
Published: November 2020

Effects of social isolation, sham clipping, and novel object exposure on muscular and behavioral responses were investigated in horses. Humans increase muscular tension under psychologically or physically demanding situations and thus, similar conditions were expected to alter stress responses in horses. Eight mature Standardbreds (4 mares, 4 geldings) were exposed to 3 min of social isolation (ISO), sham clipping (CLIP), novel object (NOV), and control (CON) conditions in a replicated 4×4 Latin Square experimental design with 10 min washout periods. Surface electromyography (EMG) and stress-related behaviors were recorded continuously. Median frequency (MF) and average rectified value (ARV) of the EMG signal were calculated for the first, middle, and final 10 sec of each period. EMG data were log transformed prior to analysis with a mixed model, repeated measures ANOVA. Behavior data were analyzed using a negative binomial distribution mixed model ANOVA. Significantly different means were separated using Tukey’s method. More stress-related behaviors (P < 0.05) were observed during ISO (3.25 ± 0.26, LSM ± SE) than CON (1.46 ± 0.29) or CLIP (1.50 ± 0.36). ISO tended (P = 0.054) to produce more stress-related behaviors than NOV (2.31 ± 0.28). CLIP and ISO produced higher (P < 0.05) ARV than CON or NOV in the left and right masseter. CLIP elicited the highest (P < 0.05) MF in the left and right masseter with ISO resulting in lower (P < 0.05) MF than CON. ARV was higher (P < 0.05) in the left cervical trapezius during ISO as compared to all other conditions and in the right as compared to CON and CLIP. In the right cervical trapezius, ISO elicited higher (P < 0.05) MF than CON. Increased stress-related behaviors indicate a stress response was induced. Elevated muscular activity suggests muscular tension can be used in assessing stress.
PSIV-24 Characterizing sow microbiome and drinking water quality at different production locations
Authors: Clark Katelyn M , Anderson Lauren E , Holt Jonathan P , Dittoe Dana , Ricke Steven C
Published: November 2020

This study was conducted to identify connections between drinking water quality and the oral, nasal, vaginal, and rectal microbiota of sows at two locations (n = 40, 20/location): North Carolina State Swine Education Unit (SEU) and Tidewater Research Facility (TW). Water samples were taken from each location and analyzed for potable water parameters. DNA from the sow and replicate water samples were extracted via column chromatography, were sent to the University of Arkansas for 16S rRNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq platform), and microbiota data were filtered and aligned using the QIIME2 2020.2 pipeline. Data were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 for main effects and Q ≤ 0.05 for pairwise differences. Microbial alpha diversity for TW was significantly greater than SEU for oral samples and rectal samples (Shannon, Pielou’s evenness, richness indices). Alpha diversity for TW was significantly greater than SEU for vaginal samples (Shannon, richness, Faith’s PD indices). There were no significant differences in alpha diversity indices between TW and SEU water. There were significant differences between locations for all beta diversity metrics (PERMANOVA P < 0.05, Q < 0.05), possibly due to dispersion within treatments (PERMDISP P < 0.05, Q < 0.05). TW water had greater proportional compositional differences (ANCOM) at class level than SEU water for Campylobacteria (median: 1941 vs. 244) and Anaerolineae (median: 343 vs. 152), and TW water had lower Micrarchaeia abundance than SEU water (median: 57 and 677, respectively). TW water samples had greater Na (133.9 ppm), Cl (112.6 ppm), and hardness (188.4 ppm CaCO3) compared to SEU water samples (Na: 7.0 ppm, Cl: 5.3 ppm, hardness: 46.9 ppm CaCO3; P < 0.001). These water parameters did not exceed quality standards. Oral, nasal, rectal and vaginal microbiomes were distinctly different in sows from different locations. Therefore, drinking water and location may influence the sow microbiome.
PSVII-4 Effect of the residual gain and genetic group on body chemical composition of water buffaloes
Authors: Castilhos André M , Francisco Caroline L , Meirelles Paulo R L , da Silva Fabiola Martinez , Aranha Aline S , da Silva Daiane C Marques , Jacaúna Amanna G , Luz Patricia A C , de Barros Felipe , Jorge Andre M
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the effect of residual gain (RG) on body chemical composition of water buffaloes of three genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah) and verify the presence of chemical variables related to this efficiency measure. One-hundred-forty-eight non-castrated male (338.29 ±64.16 kg initial body weight; 370 ±28 days of initial age) from two similar experiments were used. The animals remained in feedlot and were slaughtered after 240 days (adaptation+trial periods). The RG was calculated considering 84 days after adaptation period. After the slaughter the empty body weight (EBW) of each animal was obtained and the left half-carcasses were dissected into muscle, fat, and bone, after 24h of cooling. The chemical composition [moisture, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and ash] of each ground tissue was analyzed by the classical method. The body CP was also determined based on CP fat-free dry matter (CPFFDM). Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS. The class of RG, genetic group, and the resulting interaction were tested as fixed effect and year as a random effect. The variable results are reported as kg of EBW. There was no interaction effect (P ≥ 0.11) for the variables studied. Effect of class of RG was detected for the variables EBW (P = 0.021), water (P = 0.016), and EE (P = 0.035), while tendency was observed for CP (P = 0.074), for which animals classified as more efficient for residual gain demonstrated high values (Table 1). Furthermore, there was effect of GG for EBW (P = 0.002), water (P < 0.001), and CP (P = 0.014) variables. Tendency of GG effect was observed for ash (P = 0.085) and EE (P = 0.057). Jafarabadi showed high values for all the variables cited. In conclusion, there are difference in the body chemical composition of water buffaloes according to the animal efficiency evaluated by residual gain, as well as according to genetic groups. Supported by FAPESP (#2014/05473-7).
PSVI-27 Novel dietary blends improve stool quality and alter fecal microbiota, metabolites, and immune markers of healthy adult cats
Authors: Lee Anne H , Do Sungho , Schauwecker Amy , Swanson Kelly S
Published: November 2020

Functional ingredients may support gastrointestinal and immune health, but little is known in cats. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of diets containing a blend of fibers, prebiotics, probiotics, and/or immune mediators on stool quality and fecal microbiota, metabolites and immune markers of cats. Twelve healthy adult domestic shorthair cats (age = 9.6±4.0 yr; BW = 3.9±1.0 kg) were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design to test diets containing 1) no prebiotics or probiotics (Control), 2) a fiber-prebiotic-probiotic blend-containing formula (Test1), and 3) a fiber-prebiotic-probiotic blend + immuno-modulating ingredient-containing formula (Test2). In each 28-d period, 22d of diet adaptation was followed by fecal and blood sample collection. All procedures were approved by the Kennelwood, Inc. IACUC prior to experimentation. All data were analyzed using Mixed model procedures of SAS 9.4, with significance set at P< 0.05. Fecal pH and SCFA, phenol + indole, and ammonia concentrations were lower in cats fed Control vs. Test1 or Test2 diets. Fecal score was higher (looser stools) and fecal DM was lower in cats fed Control vs. Test2 diet. Fecal butyrate was lowest in cats fed Test2 and highest in cats fed Control. Fecal total BCFA and 7-methylindole were lower in cats fed Control vs. Test1 diet. Fecal IgA concentration was lower in cats fed Test2 vs. Control or Test1 diets. Fecal bacterial alpha-diversity measures of species richness were higher in cats fed Test1 or Test2 vs. Control diet. Fecal Actinobacteria and Megasphaera were higher, and Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Prevotella were lower, in cats fed Control vs. Test1 or Test2 diets. Our results suggest that dietary fibers, prebiotics, and probiotics affect fecal microbiota, metabolites, and immune markers that may impact gastrointestinal health of cats.
PSVIII-23 Effects of different growth height on the yield, chemical composition, silage fermentation profile, in vitro and in situ digestibility of Broussonetia papyrifera
Authors: Hao YangYi , Huang Shuai , Zhang Jun , Gong Yue , Liu Gaokun , Sun Xiaoge , Lv Jiaying , Li Shengli
Published: November 2020

Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) is a woody roughage source with high protein content. The experiment was conducted to explore the effects of different growth height (GH) on the BP yield, chemical composition, silage fermentation profile, as well as ruminants in vitro and in situ digestibility of different parts of BP. The three different harvested GH of BP were 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 m, respectively. Samples from leaf, stem, and whole plant of BP were collected (each one has three replicates), making silage, and detected the nutritional composition of them. The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance with Duncan’s multiple comparisons. Fresh weight increased with the GH increased (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yield of leaf, and CP yield of whole plant between 1.2 to 1.6 m GH (P > 0.05). With the increase of GH, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of BP increased, while CP content decreased (P < 0.05). Stem had the highest NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, and the lowest CP content and buffer capacity. The BP silage fermentation quality was deteriorated (lactic acid content decreased and pH values increased) with GH increased. For the different parts of BP, leaf silage had the highest pH and stem silage had the highest lactic acid content (P < 0.05). The leaf and its silage had the highest in vitro dry matter digestibility and gas production compared to others. The BP in situ digestibility were corresponded with in vitro results. DM, CP, NDF, and ADF effective digestibility rates of whole plant with 1.2 m GH were 439.6, 455.1, 412.9, and 381.3 g/kg, respectively. In conclusion, the BP nutritional quality decreased with GH increased and it could be used as a potential feedstuff for ruminants.