bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A transcriptional and post-transcriptional dysregulation of Dishevelled 1 and 2 underlies the Wnt signaling impairment in type I Gaucher disease experimental models
Authors: Costa Roberto , Bellesso Stefania , Lualdi Susanna , Manzoli Rosa , Pistorio Valeria , Filocamo Mirella , Moro Enrico
Published: December 2019

Bone differentiation defects have been recently tied to Wnt signaling alterations occurring in vitro and in vivo Gaucher disease (GD) models. In this work, we provide evidence that the Wnt signaling multi-domain intracellular transducers Dishevelled 1 and 2 (DVL1 and DVL2) may be potential upstream targets of impaired beta glucosidase (GBA1) activity by showing their misexpression in different type 1 GD in vitro models. We also show that in Gba mutant fish a miR-221 upregulation is associated with reduced dvl2 expression levels and that in type I Gaucher patients single-nucleotide variants in the DVL2 3′ untranslated region are related to variable canonical Wnt pathway activity. Thus, we strengthen the recently outlined relation between bone differentiation defects and Wnt/β-catenin dysregulation in type I GD and further propose novel mechanistic insights of the Wnt pathway impairment caused by glucocerebrosidase loss of function.
The state of the HIV epidemic in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a novel application of disease metrics to assess trajectories and highlight areas for intervention
Authors: Vandormael Alain , Cuadros Diego , Kim Hae-Young , Bärnighausen Till , Tanser Frank
Published: December 2019

Background

South Africa is at the epicentre of the HIV pandemic, with the world's highest number of new infections and the largest treatment programme. Using metrics proposed by the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), we evaluate progress toward epidemic control and highlight areas for intervention in a hyperendemic South African setting.

Methods

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) maintains a comprehensive population-based surveillance system in the Hlabisa sub-district of KwaZulu-Natal. Between 2005 and 2017, we tested 39 735 participants (aged 15–49 years) for HIV and followed 22 758 HIV-negative and 13 460 HIV-positive participants to identify new infections and all-cause AIDS-related deaths, respectively. Using these data, we estimated the percentage reduction in incidence, the absolute incidence rate, the incidence-mortality ratio and the incidence-prevalence ratio over place and time.

Results

We observed a 62% reduction in the number of new infections among men between 2012 and 2017 and a 34% reduction among women between 2014 and 2017. Among men, the incidence-mortality ratio peaked at 4.1 in 2013 and declined to 3.1 in 2017, and among women it fell from a high of 6.4 in 2014 to 4.3 in 2017. Between 2012 and 2017, the female-incidence/male-prevalence ratio declined from 0.24 to 0.13 and the male-incidence/female-prevalence ratio from 0.05 to 0.02.

Conclusions

Using data from a population-based cohort study, we report impressive progress toward HIV epidemic control in a severely affected South African setting. However, overall progress is off track for 2020 targets set by the UNAIDS. Spatial estimates of the metrics, which demonstrate remarkable heterogeneity over place and time, indicate areas that could benefit from additional or optimized HIV prevention services.
The Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster in Immunocompetent, Unvaccinated Adults ≥50 Years Old: Incidence, Complications, Hospitalization, Mortality, and Recurrence
Authors: Tseng Hung Fu , Bruxvoort Katia , Ackerson Bradley , Luo Yi , Tanenbaum Hilary , Tian Yun , Zheng Chengyi , Cheung Bianca , Patterson Brandon J , Van Oorschot Desiree , Sy Lina S
Published: December 2019

Background

Data on the epidemiology of herpes zoster (HZ), particularly in the unvaccinated immunocompetent population, are needed to assess disease burden and the potential impact of vaccination.

Methods

The study at a large health care organization comprised: (1) incidence estimated from immunocompetent adults aged ≥50 years unvaccinated with zoster vaccine live who had incident HZ in 2011–2015; (2) proportion of HZ-related nonpain complications assessed by double abstraction of electronic health records (EHRs) of 600 incident patients 2011–2015; (3) HZ-related hospitalizations among HZ patients diagnosed in 2015; (4) HZ-related death determined from automated data and EHRs; and (5) recurrent HZ identified from a cohort initially diagnosed with HZ in 2007–2008 and followed through 2016.

Results

HZ incidence rate was 9.92/1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.82–10.01). Proportions of cutaneous, neurologic, and other complications were 6.40% (95% CI,1.73%–11.07%), 0.77% (95% CI, .00%–2.36%), and 1.01% (95% CI, .00%–2.93%), respectively. Only 0.86% of patients had an HZ-related hospitalization. The case-fatality rate was 0.04%. Recurrence rate was 10.96/1000 person-years (95% CI, 10.18–11.79) with 10-year recurrence risk of 10.26% (95% CI, 9.36%–11.23%).

Conclusions

These recent HZ epidemiology data among an immunocompetent, unvaccinated population measure real-world disease burden.
306 Welfare implications of husbandry procedures impair piglets’ welfare and production, and farms’ economic
Authors: Morgan Liat , Itina-Swartz Beata , Koren Lee , Meyer Jerrold , Raz Tal
Published: December 2019

Piglets commonly undergo a set of invasive procedures, which may include surgical castration, tail docking and teeth clipping. These procedures potentially result in pain and stress, which may negatively affect the animals’ health, welfare and production. Our objective was to examine welfare and production parameters of pigs from birth to slaughter. Litters (n = 32 sows; 329 piglets; 3 days after farrowing) were allocated randomly into 4 groups; G1: Surgical castration, tail docking and teeth clipping, without environmental enrichment; G2: same as G1, but meaningful environmental enrichment was provided; G3: Immunocastration (Improvac®), tail docking, teeth clipping, with environmental enrichment; G4: none of the invasive procedures were performed, piglet were vaccinated (Improvac®), and environmental enrichment was provided. Mixed-effects Linear Regression model revealed that standardized slaughter weight significantly increased when invasive procedures were avoided and environmental enrichment was provided (G1: 99.2±1.07, G2: 99.9±1.4, G3: 103.6±.1.58, G4: 106.5±1.6 Kg; P < 0.05). The odds ratio to be weak, dead or injured in the conventional, non-enriched G1, was 89% higher than in G4 (P < 0.05). Hair Cortisol on weaning day, as a marker for chronic stress, significantly decreased when welfare implications were avoided (G3: -32.18%, P = 0.014; G4: -24.5%, P = 0.102). Saliva Cortisol, from weaning to slaughter, as a marker for acute stress, was significantly lower in all enriched groups as compared to the conventional, non-enriched Group1 (Group2: -0.74±0.37, Group3: -1.1±0.35, Group4: -0.98±0.36; Linear Regression). Anti-GnRH vaccine was effective in reducing serum and hair testosterone, and hair DHEA, similar to surgical castration. An economic model based on this study suggests an expected rise of 1.48 to 1.92 billion USD if applied to the US pig industry. In conclusion, replacing surgical castration by anti-GnRH vaccine, avoiding tail docking and teeth clipping, and providing environmental enrichment, are better alternatives that would substantially benefit both the animals and farmers.
6 Knowledge hybrid vigor: improving beef cattle management with the integration of environmental and behavioral technologies
Authors: Daigle Courtney L
Published: December 2019

Historically, technological advancements in beef production have centered on genetic selection, dietary modifications, veterinary products, and feeding strategies to optimize the rumen environment and to maximize cattle health and efficiency. While these efforts have yielded substantial welfare gains, there remains a need to develop integrative technologies that evaluate the relationships among individual animal movement, group dynamics, individual health, and overall productivity. Large scale adoption of precision agriculture is gaining momentum and presents an opportunity to objectively quantify individual animal behavior at the resolution needed and context required to evaluate welfare at the speed of commerce. Behavior monitoring, individual movement patterns and space use, multi-animal network analyses, resource monitoring systems, and algorithm refinements are needed to accelerate our ability to monitor individual animals in group settings – a critical characteristic of evaluating welfare. The combination of the data from these multiple systems and can provide valuable information to the producer regarding the 24-hour cycle of feeding patterns, rumination behavior, activity levels, water consumption, and space use. This approach would establish behavioral expectations and identify deviations from the norm. Each of these technologies contribute different, yet important, pieces of information regarding the holistic evaluation of cattle welfare. While the marketplace is competitive, synthesis of the information (e.g., feeding behavior, water intake, rumination and activity) from these different behavior monitoring systems may result in a type of “knowledge hybrid vigor” regarding our ability to evaluate animal welfare. This approach may provide producers a comprehensive evaluation of each animal – as an individual and within the group context. In the beef industry, technology-based welfare evaluation systems must be sector-specific in design (e.g., cow-calf pairing, stocker grazing behavior, rumen monitoring in feedlots). This type of welfare assessment approach requires individual animal identification; therefore, ubiquitous adoption of individual animal identification is necessary for maximizing cattle welfare.
19 Effects of glutathione on growth performance and intestinal health of piglets
Authors: Ma Xianyong , Tian Zhimei , Cui Yiyan , Liu Zhichang , Lu Huijie
Published: December 2019

Object: The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of different levels of glutathione (GSH) on growth performance and intestinal health of piglets. Methods: A total of 180 piglets of 21-day-old (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) were randomly divided into 5 groups. The control group was fed a standard diet based on NRC 2012. The treatment group 1 - 4 was supplemented with 50, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg GSH. The experiment lasted 28 days. Results: Compared with the control group, 50mg/kg GSH significantly increased the piglet’s skin and gross color, average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed gain ratio (F/G) (P < 0.05), while the effect of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg GSH was contrary. The supplementation of 50mg/kg GSH significantly increased the mucosal villi height, the ratio of villous height to crypt depth (VH/CD) and decreased the crypt depth (P < 0.05) in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05), while the effect of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg GSH was contrary; The supplementation of 50mg/kg GSH decreased the concentration of triglyceride in plasma (P < 0.05); The supplementation of 50, 100, 200, 400mg/kg GSH had no effect on the antioxidative indexes of blood, but 400mg/kg GSH increased the activities of T-AOC, GSH, SOD and decreased MDA content in jejunum and ileum; 400mg/kg GSH increased the content of T-SOD in liver (P < 0.05), while 50mg/kg GSH had no effect on SOD, GSH-PX, GSH-SOD in intestine and liver (P > 0.05). 50mg/kg GSH significantly increased T-AOC activity and decreased MDA content in muscle (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Supplementation of 50mg/kg GSH in piglets` diet was the most appropriate and it could significantly improve skin and gross color, growth performance and intestinal mucosal morphology, it also increased the antioxidation ability in muscle of piglets.
42 Carcass quality of cattle raised in tropical/subtropical environments
Authors: Smith Stephen B
Published: December 2019

Cattle raised in tropical/subtropical environments typically are Bos indicus full blood or crossbred cattle. While they are ideally suited for reproductive performance in hot and humid climates, they frequently produce carcasses with lesser marbling scores than Bos taurus cattle. Early research from our laboratory compared subcutaneous (s.c.) and intramuscular (i.m.) adiposity and lipogenic capacity in Angus and Santa Gertrudis and Angus and Braford steers.; cattle with predominantly Bos indicus has lower marbling scores and smaller i.m. adipocytes. These and other studies suggested that genetic differences in adipose tissue metabolism between B. taurus and B. indicus breed types were expressed only when there were visible differences in marbling score and adjusted fat thickness (AFT). A subsequent study suggested that fatty acid Δ9 desaturase enzyme activity [stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD)] was greater in adipose tissue from Bos indicus cattle than in Bos taurus cattle, thereby resulting in a greater proportion of oleic acid (18:1n-9). We recently reported a comprehensive study comparing three-fourths Brahman progeny to three-fourths Angus progeny, in which progeny were raised to a constant age and constant AFT. Subcutaneous adipocyte cell was similar between Brahman and Angus progeny (276 vs 288 pL) but i.m. adipocytes were smaller in Brahman progeny than in Angus progeny (170 vs 207 pL). This was consistent with the lower marbling scores of the Brahman progeny. There was no difference between the proportions of stearic acid (18:0) and oleic acid between Brahman and Angus progeny; nor was there a difference in s.c. or i.m. adipose tissue SCD activity. We conclude that time on feed and/or animal age has a greater impact on fatty acid than genetics (Brahman vs Angus). However, research has demonstrated consistently that i.m adipose tissue in Bos indicus cattle does not develop to the same extent as in Bos taurus cattle.
236 Determination of amino acid requirements of lysine and tryptophan of >14 wk old growing Labrador retriever puppies using the indicator amino acid oxidation technique
Authors: Coon Craig N , Varney Jessica L , Fowler Jason W , Weil Jordan T , Boggess Mary Ann
Published: December 2019

As the pet food industry develops products aimed to supply the nutrients necessary for the wellness and longevity of canines, it is important to understand the amino acid requirements needed for such health and growth. In this experiment, a total of six growing Labrador retriever puppies were studied during each testing period in order to determine their individual amino acid requirements through the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique. To do this, the puppies were supplied with constant dietary Phe in the control and test diets. Excluding the control diet, a total of six diets with varying levels of the amino acid of interest were utilized in this experiment. The control diet was fed for two days, followed by a day in which the test diet was fed, a tracer amino acid was supplied, and breath samples were collected. On test day, a priming dose of L-[1-13C]phenylalanine (Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.) based on the subject’s body weight was first supplied, followed by [1-13C]Phe doses every thirty minutes, spanning a four hour period. A respiration mask was placed on each subject every thirty minutes (Oxymax, Columbus Instruments), 13CO2 was collected, and enrichment was determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Results for IRMS were converted to atom percent excess (APE) and analyzed using a broken-line model of best fit (JMP Pro 14.1). Through the segmented line regression of 13Phe oxidation, it was shown that lysine and tryptophan mean requirements were 0.627 and 0.204%, respectively. A 95% confidence interval was calculated as 0.627 ± 0.180 and 0.204 ± 0.182% (mean ± 2SD) for lysine and tryptophan, respectively, representing the population’s safe requirements. The determination of the amino acid requirements found in this study proves useful as the industry develops nutrient profiles specific to the needs of varying age groups and growing Labradors.
75 Evaluating the in vitro release of essential oils from microparticles in simulated swine gastric and intestinal fluids and the essential oil stability in microparticles during feed pelleting process
Authors: Choi Janghan , Wang Lucy , Gong Joshua , Lahaye Ludovic , Liu Song , Nyachoti Martin , Yang Chengbo
Published: December 2019

Essential oils are defined as plant-derived natural bioactive compounds with positive effects on animal growth and health due to their antimicrobial and antioxidative properties. However, essential oils are very volatile, can evaporate rapidly and be rapidly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In addition, due to their labile nature, the stability of essential oils during feed processing is often questionable, leading to variable final concentrations in feeds. Micro-encapsulation has become one of the most popular methods to deliver essential oils into the lower gut. The objective of the present study was double: 1) to validate and demonstrate the slow release of essential oils, such as thymol, micro-encapsulated in combination with organic acids in a matrix of triglycerides, in simulated swine gastric and intestinal fluids and 2) to evaluate the essential oil stability in the microparticles during feed pelleting process. In the in vitro release experiments, the microparticles were incubated in simulated gastric fluids for 2 hours and then the samples were incubated in simulated intestinal fluids for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 hours at 39°C. In the pelleting experiment, a wheat-corn basal diet with 2 kg of micro-encapsulated product was formulated and pelleted. The thymol content in the samples was analyzed by gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection. The results showed that 27.65% thymol was released in simulated gastric fluids and the rest of thymol was progressively released in intestinal fluids until completion, which was achieved by 24 hours. The thymol concentration was not significantly different between the mash feeds and pelleted feeds (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the micro-encapsulated organic acid and essential oil product was able to maintain the stability of thymol under a commercial pelleting process and allow a slow and progressive release of its active ingredients as thymol in simulated digestive fluids.
107 Identifying extension programming areas in response to an Arkansas beef industry assessment
Authors: Gadberry Shane , Robinson Julie
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to identify Extension programming areas in response to an industry assessment. In 2018, an assessment revealed Arkansas beef industry’s strengths, limitations, opportunities, and threats. In January 2019, Arkansas Extension agents were given the opportunity to complete an online survey specific to assessment issues categorized under limitations and opportunities. For each issue, agents were asked to rank their confidence that Extension 1) can address the issue and 2) has the physical and personnel support resources to address the issue. Rank was based on a 6 point scale with 1 = extremely confident and 6 = extremely unsure. Items listed under question 1 were not presented in the same order for question 2. The survey recipient list contained 119 email addresses; however, a maximum response rate of 75 was assumed based on Arkansas’s number of counties. Thirty-three responses were received. Forty-nine percent had less than 11 years of experience while 43% had greater than 15. The response to the 2 confidence questions were highly correlated (r = 0.94, P < 0.001). There were no issues that agents were confident that Extension played a role in addressing but did not have the physical and personnel support to be able to address the issue. The top issues that shared greatest confidence to address included soil fertility, economical supplementation, record keeping, adopting pregnancy blood test, disease prevention and treatment, implementing research, value added programs (preconditioning), and genetic improvement. Agents were also provided a list of 69 knowledge areas covering management to consumer issues. Agents ranked their comfort level with addressing these knowledge areas. Rank tended to differ by agent years of experience for 27 of 69 knowledge areas (P ≤ 0.11). This information will help Extension respond to the industry assessment and create training to fill agent knowledge gaps.
133 Porcine in vitro degradation and fermentation characteristics of heat-pretreated and multi-enzyme-supplemented soybean hulls
Authors: Boss Cienna J , Lee Jung Wook , Patterson Rob , Woyengo Tofuko A
Published: December 2019

A study was conducted to determine effects of pretreating and supplementing soybean hulls with multi-enzyme on porcine in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics. Treatments were untreated and heat-pretreated (160 °C and 70 psi for 20 min) soybean hulls without or with multi-enzyme in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The multi-enzyme supplied 2,800 U of cellulase, 1,800 U of pectinase, 400 U of mannanase, 1,000 U of xylanase, 600 U of glucanase, and 200 U of protease/kilogram of feedstuff. Feedstuffs were subjected to in vitro digestion with porcine pepsin and pancreatin, followed by in vitro fermentation for 72 h. Accumulated gas production was recorded and modeled to estimate kinetics of gas production. On DM basis, untreated and pretreated soybean hulls contained 10.4 and 10.6% CP, and 63.2 and 49.5% ADF, respectively. Pretreatment and multi-enzyme supplementation did not interact on in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDDM). Untreated and pretreated soybean hulls did not differ in IVDDM (24.8 vs. 25.7%). Multi-enzyme increased (P < 0.05) IVDDM of soybean hulls by a mean of 45.5%. Pretreatment and multi-enzyme unaffected total gas production. Pretreatment and multi-enzyme interacted (P < 0.05) on fractional rate of degradation such that the fractional rate of degradation for pretreated soybean hulls was greater (P < 0.05) than that of untreated soybean hulls when soybean hulls were supplemented with multi-enzyme (0.045 vs. 0.062 h-1), but not when soybean hulls were unsupplemented with multi-enzyme (0.053 vs. 0.059 h-1). In conclusion, multi-enzyme supplementation increased IVDDM, implying that the multi-enzyme used in the study can be used to enhance utilization of soybean hulls. Heat pretreatment increased the rate of fermentation of multi-enzyme-supplemented soybean hulls, implying that the rate of fermentation of soybean hulls in the hindgut of pigs can be enhanced by a combination of heat pretreatment and multi-enzyme supplementation.
287 Effect of lauric acid based additives on weaning piglets
Authors: Sol Cinta , Puyalto Mónica , Lindenbeck Mario , Mallo Juan José , Zentek Jürgen
Published: December 2019

Effect of feed additives based on lauric acid (LA) on performance and faecal score in piglets. A total of 192 piglets were distributed in 24 pens from 25 to 66d of age (42d feeding period). The study was divided into two feeding phases; starter (25 to 38d) and grower period (39 to 66d). Treatments were: CON-, diet without additives nor antibiotics; CON+, diet with Doxycycline (0.25g/kg and 0.13g/kg in starter and grower diets); DIC, CON- diet plus sodium salt of coconut fatty acids distillate (DICOSAN) at 3kg/t and 1kg/tn in starter and grower diets; MON, CON- diet plus monolaurine at 2.1kg/t and 0.7kg/tn in starter and grower diets. The dosage of both products was made at same level of LA (0.96kg LA/t starter and 0.32kg LA/t grower). All parameters were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA via SPSS, with pen as the experimental unit. At 38d, CON+ and DIC piglets had significantly lower FCR than CON- (1.534a, 1.353b, 1.380b and 1.526ab, for CON-, CON+, DIC and MON, P = 0.021). At 66d, CON+ tended to have lower FCR than CON- (1.613x, 1.541y, 1.560xy and 1.605xy, for CON-, CON+, DIC and MON, P = 0.054). For the overall period, DIC and CON+ piglets had significantly lower FCR than CON- (1.603a, 1.514b, 1.537b and 1.589ab, for CON-, CON+, DIC and MON, P = 0.003), there was also a tendency to lower daily weight gain in MON treatment when compared with CON+ (443xy, 468y, 449xy and 440x g/d, for CON-, CON+, DIC and MON, P = 0.079). Finally, the faecal score showed higher values for DIC and CON+, meaning more consistent faeces (3.71a, 3.93b, 3.84b and 3.82ab, for CON-, CON+, DIC and MON, P = 0.001). The results demonstrated that DICOSAN, administered in feed at the same dosage of lauric acid, achieved better results than monolaurine and CON- and without significant differences with CON+.
355 Growth performance, organ weights, thyroid hormone levels, and hindgut pH of nursery pigs fed diets containing cold-pressed canola cake without or with resistant starch
Authors: Lee Jung Wook , Woyengo Tofuko A
Published: December 2019

An experiment was conducted to determine effects of reducing cecal and colonic pH through dietary inclusion of high-amylose cornstarch (HA-starch) on growth performance, organ weights, and blood parameters of nursery pigs fed cold-pressed canola cake (CPCC). A total of 240 pigs (initial BW = 7.1 kg) were housed in 40 pens (6 pigs/pen) and fed 4 diets (10 pens/diet) in a randomized complete block design for 28 d. Four diets were a basal diet with CPCC at 0 or 40%, and with HA-starch at 0 or 40% in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Diets were fed in 2 phases of 14 d each. At the termination of the experiment, one pig per pen was euthanized for determining organ weights, blood parameters, and hindgut pH of pigs. Dietary CPCC reduced (P < 0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) by 15%; increased (P < 0.05) liver and thyroid gland weights relative to BW by 27 and 64%, respectively; and reduced (P < 0.05) serum tetraiodothyronine (T4) level from 30.3 to 17.8 ng/mL. Dietary HA-starch reduced (P < 0.05) overall ADG, thyroid gland weight relative to BW, cecal and colonic pH; but increased (P < 0.05) colon weight and tended to increase (P = 0.062) serum T4 level. Dietary CPCC and HA-starch interacted (P = 0.024) on the thyroid gland weight relative to BW such that dietary CPCC increased (P < 0.05) thyroid gland weight of pigs fed HA-starch-free diet (120 vs. 197 mg/kg of BW), but not of pigs fed HA-starch-containing diet (104 vs. 130 mg/kg of BW). In conclusion, dietary CPCC reduced growth performance, increased metabolic activities of liver and interfered with thyroid gland functions of nursery pigs. However, the negative effects of dietary CPCC on thyroid gland functions of pigs were alleviated by dietary HA-starch.
299 Treatment with prostaglandin F2α and an intravaginal progesterone insert in advance of gonadotropin-releasing hormone enhances response to estrus synchronization in mature beef cows
Authors: Bonacker Rachael C , Stoecklein Katy S , Ketchum Jaclyn N , Knickmeyer Emma R , Locke James William C , Poock Scott E , Thomas Jordan M
Published: December 2019

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of treatments in advance of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100μg gonadorelin) administered at the start of estrus synchronization. We hypothesized that administration of prostaglandin F2α (PG; 500μg cloprostenol) followed by treatment with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR; 1.38g progesterone) would result in increased follicle size at GnRH, thereby enhancing response to GnRH and overall response to estrus synchronization. Postpartum suckled beef cows (n = 183) in two locations were assigned to one of five treatments based on age, days postpartum, and body condition score. Treatments (Figure 1) were designed as a two-by-two factorial with a control (Treatment 1). Treatments 2–5 received a CIDR insert from Day -17 to Day -10, with (Treatments 2 and 3) or without (Treatments 4 and 5) administration of PG coincident with CIDR insertion on Day -17. Coincident with GnRH administration on Day -10, CIDR inserts were either removed (Treatments 2 and 4) or remained in place until Day -3 (Treatments 3 and 5). On Day -3, estrus detection aids were applied and a representative subset of cows in each treatment were fitted with estrus detection transmitters. Blood samples were collected on Days -27, -17, -10, -3, and 0 for determination of serum estradiol and/or progesterone concentrations via radioimmunoassay. For a representative subset of cows (n = 111), transrectal ovarian ultrasound was performed to assess ovarian follicle size and presence of corpora lutea on Days -17, -10, -3, and 0. Treatment with PG and CIDR in advance of GnRH resulted in improvements (P < 0.05) in several response variables, including follicle size on Day -17 and estrous response prior to AI. Results support the hypothesis that administration of PG and treatment with a CIDR for 7 d prior to GnRH improves likelihood of GnRH response and enhances response of mature cows to estrus synchronization.
451 Late-Breaking: Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii stimulates immunoglobulin A production in the gut of neonate dairy calves
Authors: Villot Clothilde , Guan Leluo , Skidmore Andrew , Chevaux Eric , Steele Michael A
Published: December 2019

Calves are born with a naïve immune system at birth and undergo rapid changes in terms of immunity. This study focused on evaluating the effect of S. boulardii CNCMI-1079 (SCB) supplementation from birth on immunoglobulin A (IgA) production in the gut of neonate dairy calves. Holstein bull calves (n = 20) were delivered naturally and immediately removed from the dam, and housed in individual straw-bedded pens with a random assignment to a treated group (supplementation with SCB: 10 × 109 CFU/d in each morning meal) or a control group (no supplementation). All the calves received two first meals of a standardized colostrum at 2 h and 12 h after birth followed by two meals per day of milk replacer (7.5% of birth BW; 260 g/kg CP; 160 g/kg crude fat, at 150g/L). Calves were euthanized at 7 d of age and samples from jejunum, ileum and colon were collected. The concentration of IgA and the gene expressions of polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) and a receptor of plasma B cells (CD79α) were compared between the two groups and among the locations. The expression of CD79α was up-regulated in the ileum compared to jejunum and colon tissues (P < 0.01), whereas pIgR down-regulated in the ileum compared to jejunum and colon (P < 0.01). The supplementation of SCB increased the IgA concentration in the ileum and colon of treated calves compared to the control calves (respectively 1.98 ± 0.09 vs 1.18 ± 0.15 mg/g DM of ileum content, and 1.45 ± 0.14 vs 0.59 ± 0.06 mg/g DM of colon content, P < 0.001). The results suggest that one of the mechanisms by which SCB exerts an immunoprotective effect in the gut is by stimulation of IgA’s secretion which may play a major role in mucosal protection in neonatal calves.
154 Awardee Talk – Tares among the wheat: sericea lespedeza invasion of native tallgrass prairie
Authors: Olson K C
Published: December 2019

North-American tallgrass prairie provides an array of ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and forage for grazing livestock. Once covering 68 million ha, only 4% remains today. The largest remnant (~1.5 million ha) lies in the Kansas Flint Hills, home to ~1.3 million yearling cattle and ~90,000 beef cows annually. Unfortunately, the functionality of this ecosystem is threatened by an exotic invader - sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). Known colloquially as sericea, it is a perennial forb with prodigious capacity to proliferate. Sericea selection by grazing cattle is poor; condensed-tannin concentrations in wild-type sericea approach 20% of plant DM. Total-tract N digestibility by steers consuming sericea-contaminated tallgrass-prairie hay was documented at < 0%. Sericea control has been attempted using herbicides. This has not limited proliferation and has resulted in collateral damage to non-target lifeforms. Attempts to naturalize sericea to the ecosystem via enhanced herbivory were evaluated. Supplementation of beef cow diets with tannin-binding feedstuffs resulted in ≥29% increases in sericea selection compared with non-supplemented cows. Co-grazing beef cows and goats was associated with >20% more defoliation of sericea than beef-cow grazing alone. Sequential grazing of yearling steers followed by mature ewes resulted in >92% defoliation of sericea compared with < 2% in pastures grazed by steers alone. Unfortunately, widespread adoption of these techniques by the ranching community hasn’t occurred because of costs or logistical constraints. More recently, prescribed fire as a low-cost means of control was evaluated. Prescribed fires in late summer greatly diminished sericea proliferation compared with prescribed fires in spring (i.e., traditional prescribed-fire season). No changes in peak forage biomass or C4 grass-species abundance were observed; moreover, native legumes and nectar-producing forbs increased ≥2-fold in response to summer fire. Cultural acceptability of prescribed fire in the region is high; significant adoption by the ranching community has been observed.
394 Exploring the relationships between cow-calf management systems as affected by protein/methionine nutrition during gestation on the performance of cow-calf pairs prior to weaning
Authors: Lawson Kaitlyn V J , Collins Madeline M , Lievre Michaela K S , Campbell Cheryl P , Edwards Anne M , Cant John P , Wood Katie M , Mandell Ira B
Published: December 2019

A three-way factorial arrangement was used to assess impacts of protein/methionine nutrition during gestation and two lactational management systems on performance of cow-calf pairs pre-weaning. 140 crossbred beef cows were managed in drylot and randomly assigned to one of six nutritional treatments during the third trimester of gestation. Cows were fed to meet 110% (HP), 100% (MP), or 90% (LP) of metabolizable protein requirements for late-gestation (NRC, 2016), with(without) rumen-protected methionine (RPM) for 8 weeks prior to parturition. Post-partum, cow-calf pairs were managed in drylot (DL) and fed ad libitum, a ration formulated to meet lactational nutrient requirements, or rotationally grazed on pasture (PAS). Cow body weights (BW) and body condition scores (BCS) and calf BW were recorded at regular intervals. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX (SAS v9.4). HP cows were heaviest at calving (P = 0.02), but calf birthweight was unaffected by gestational nutrition (P > 0.19). Gestational nutrition did not impact cow conception rate (CR), or calf BW and ADG (P > 0.17). Lactational management system (PAS, DL) did not affect cow BCS or CR (P > 0.13), but impacted cow and calf BW and ADG. PAS calves were heavier, had greater ADG, and heavier weaning BW than DL calves (P < 0.02). This came at the expense of BW loss throughout lactation and lower ADG for PAS cows, versus BW gains and greater ADG for DL cows (P < 0.0001). An interaction between protein level and RPM supplementation was present for cow BW at calving and weaning, and BW change throughout lactation (P < 0.04), with tendencies for interactions for cow ADG and BCS (P < 0.09). Overall, prepartum protein/methionine supplementation did not affect calf performance prior to weaning, but may have affected cow performance during lactation. Rotationally grazing cow-calf pairs on pasture improved pre-weaning calf gains, but reduced cow gains throughout lactation.
395 Effects of supplemental protein and yeast on fermentation of low quality forage in single-flow continuous culture fermenters
Authors: Zeltwanger Joshua M , Meyer Allison M , Bailey Eric , Scheaffer Abe , Meng Kevin , Brake Derek
Published: December 2019

Various anecdotes suggest the combination of supplemental protein and yeast improve utilization of low-quality forage. Two studies were conducted to evaluate effects of a commercially available supplement containing protein and yeast on fermentation in single-flow continuous culture fermenters. In Exp. 1, Bermuda grass with no supplement (NCON1), dried distillers grains (PCON1), and two commercially available supplements Diamond V XP (DV1) or SweetPro 16 (SP1) were compared. In Exp. 2, K31 tall fescue with no supplement (NCON2), supplemental dried distillers grains (PCON2), and two commercially available supplements Diamond V XP (DV2) or SweetPro 16 (SP2) were compared. Twenty-four single flow fermenters (1470mL) were randomly assigned to treatments and fed twice daily for 8 d, 5 d of adaptation and 3 d of collection. In both experiments, digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF were not influenced by supplementation regardless of source (P > 0.10). In Exp. 1, NH3-N concentration increased (P < 0.01) for DV1 over both NCON1 and PCON1 and was greatest for SP1 (P < 0.01). Greater amounts of NH3-N and microbial N were recovered from fermenter overflow when SP1 was supplemented (P < 0.01). Crude protein (CP) degradation was also greatest for SP1; however, when supplement was included, regardless of source, CP degradation was increased over NCON1. Acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total VFA levels were similar (P > 0.10) amongst NCON1, PCON1, and DV1 and greatest when SP1 was supplemented. In Exp. 2, fermenter NH3-N concentration was greatest for SP2 (P < 0.01) and similar amongst NCON2, PCON2, and DV2 (P > 0.01). No differences were detected (P > 0.10) between treatments with respects to CP degradation. Total VFA concentrations increased over time regardless of treatment during the second study.
416 Polyclonal antibody preparations from avian origin increase mean ruminal pH and reduce rectal temperature of beef steers during transition from forage to high-grain diets
Authors: Silva Gleise M , Podversich Federico , Santos Erick R S , Schulmeister Tessa M , Sanford Carla D , Luna Ana C G , Barreneche Gonzalo , Elejalde J Sebastian C , DiLorenzo Nicolas
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the effects of feeding an avian-derived polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP; CAMAS, Inc.) against Streptococcus bovis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and lipopolysaccharides (40, 35, and 25% of the preparation, respectively) on dry matter intake (DMI), mean ruminal pH (pH), and rectal temperature (RT) of beef steers during a 21-d step-up adaptation to a high-grain diet. Eight ruminally cannulated Angus crossbred beef steers (658 ± 79 kg of BW) were randomly assigned in a crossover design to be transitioned from a diet containing bermudagrass hay [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] ad libitum plus 0.45 kg/d of molasses with 0 (CON) or 3 g of PAP (PAP) to a high-grain diet. Transition consisted of three 7-d steps of increased inclusion of cracked corn (35, 60, and 80% of the diet DM for STEP1, STEP2, and STEP3, respectively). On each transition d and 7 d after STEP3 (STEP3-7d), ruminal pH and RT were measured every 3 h for 24 h and feed intake was recorded daily throughout the study using the GrowSafe feed intake monitoring system. Feed intake was not influenced by PAP on transition days (P ≥ 0.44) or during the wk each transition diet was offered (P ≥ 0.57). However, DMI linearly decreased, whereas RT increased from STEP1 to STEP3 (P < 0.01). Steers receiving PAP in STEP2 had reduced RT (P = 0.05). Additionally, steers receiving PAP on STEP3 had greater ruminal pH (P = 0.03), nevertheless, pH was similar between treatments in STEP3-7d (P = 0.39). Feeding 3 g of polyclonal antibody preparations against Streptococcus bovis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and lipopolysaccharides in a 21-d step-up adaptation to high-grain diets may stabilize ruminal pH and reduce rectal temperature of beef steers. Future studies should characterize the effects of PAP on immune response to elucidate potential modes of action of these feed additives.
PSIII-42 Diet selection and trade-offs between condensed tannins and nutrients in parasitized sheep
Authors: Costes-Thiré Morgane , Laurent Pauline , Ginane Cécile , Villalba Juan J
Published: December 2019

We determined how parasitized sheep prioritize selection of crude protein, energy and a medicinal plant secondary compound (quebracho tannins-QT). Foraging preferences were tested in 40 lambs before experiencing a parasitic infection (Phase 1), during an infection (Phase 2; 10,000 L3 Haemonchus contortus per lamb) and after chemotherapy (Phase 3). Lambs were assigned to four groups (10 lambs/group) such that animals in Group 1 (Control) could choose between rations of high energy (HE) or high protein (HP) density. The other groups received the same choice, but QT were added (4%) to HE (Group 2), to HP (Group 3) or to both HE and HP (Group 4). Intake and preference indexes were analyzed as a split-plot design with lambs nested within group and day as the repeated measure. All groups increased their preference for HE when parasitized relative to Phase 1 (0.66 and 0.44 ± 0.042, respectively; P < 0.05). As a result, lambs increased their intake of digestible energy during Phase 2 (0.126 ± 0.007 Mcal/kg BW) relative to Phase 1 (0.106 ± 0.007 Mcal/kg BW; P < 0.05). These patterns remained during Phase 3. Only lambs receiving QT in the HE increased their intake of condensed tannins from Phase 1 to Phase 2 (P < 0.05). Fecal egg counts (FEC) and blood parameters revealed a parasitic infection (P < 0.05) in Phase 2 that subsided in Phase 3, although no differences were detected among groups (P > 0.05). The importance of protein nutrition on parasitized animals has been highlighted before, but these results suggest that parasitized lambs prioritized the ingestion of energy-dense over protein-dense foods or medicinal condensed tannins. Nevertheless, intake of tannins increased when these compounds were present in the energy-dense food, suggesting that selection of condensed tannins was influenced by the nutritional composition of the foods during testing.
PSIII-4 Infrared thermography as a method for detecting pain in dairy calves in response to disbudding on-farm
Authors: Sutherland Mhairi , Lowe Gemma , Cox Neil , Stewart Mairi
Published: December 2019

Measured using infrared thermography (IRT), changes in eye temperature, can be used to non-invasively measure pain in response to husbandry procedures such as disbudding in calves. Previous studies have manually recorded IRT in controlled studies, however, it would be of interest to determine if IRT could be used to measure changes in eye temperature in response to pain in an automated on-farm system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if IRT could be used to detect pain in dairy calves in response to disbudding on-farm. At 3 wk of age, 51 Friesian calves were allocated to 1 of 5 treatment groups: 1) sham handling (SHAM, n = 10), 2) cautery disbudding (DB, n = 11), 3) administration of local anesthetic (LA) and DB (LA+DB, n = 11), 4) administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and DB (NSAID+DB, n = 9) and 5) administration of LA, NSAID and DB (LA+NSAID+DB, n = 10). Eye temperature was measured using an IRT camera located next to an automatic calf milk feeder for 3 days before and after disbudding. During each calf’s visit to the feeder, IRT images were automatically recorded for the duration of the feeding bout. A mixed model analysis with splines was used to determine the effect of treatment on eye temperature over time. There was no overall effect of disbudding treatment on eye temperature (P = 0.22), but temperature appeared to increase in calves after disbudding or sham handling (P = 0.036). On average, calves visited the calf feeder 4 times/day, which may have been too infrequent to collect sufficient IRT images to detect a difference in eye temperature in response to disbudding. However, the increase in eye temperature after disbudding and handling may reflect a general stress response. Therefore, the automated use of IRT to measure eye temperature may be a useful non-invasive method to measure stress in calves.
PSVI-24 Evolution and risk factors of pulmonary lesions evaluated with thoracic ultrasonography in pre-weaned beef calves at arrival at the rearing facilities
Authors: Tejero Carolina , Devant Maria , Pujols Joan , Marti Sonia
Published: December 2019

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the main health problems in in pre-weaning calves at rearing farms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of pulmonary lesions using a thoracic ultrasonography and its association with predictable risk factors. Thoracic ultrasonography was performed in 811 calves (45–56 kg of BW and 3–4 wk of age) on 5 different rearing facilities at arrival and from d 12 to d 27 after arrival. Thoracic ultrasonography score was classified based on Adams and Buczinski (2016). Weight (light vs heavy), breed (dairy vs crossbred), source (national vs international), season, and number of calves arriving at the facility were recorded and used to evaluate risk factors. Data were analyzed using mixed effects models. At arrival 31% of the calvespresented pulmonary lesions, 21% were mild and 10% severe. After 12–27 d the number of calves without lesion decreased (P < 0.001; 70.3 ± 3.93% vs 34.0 ± 3.93%), number of severe lesions increased (P < 0.001; 8.9% ± 4.78% vs 40.1% ± 4.78%), however mild lesions were constant over time. Percentage of severe pulmonary lesions were greater (P < 0.001) when calves arrived in fall than spring, summer and winter; when calf source (P < 0.001) was international than national; and when their breeds (P < 0.001) were crossbred than dairy. A tendency (P = 0.09) was observed with the increase of severe pulmonary lesions with an increase of animals received by batch. At arrival, calves already had pulmonary lesions that increased in severity over time, therefore current health protocols do not mitigate BRD and more attention should be taken on risk factors such as breed, transport type and season.
PSII-30 The genetics of functional teats in swine
Authors: Earnhardt Audrey L , Knauer Mark
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetics of functional teats in swine. Piglet survival is of great importance for swine producers throughout the world due to its relationship with animal well-being and farm profitability. Availability and accessibility of functional teats on a sow during lactation is essential for enhancing piglet livability. Teat traits including total teat number (TT), functional teat number (FT), and non-functional teat number (NFT), were observed and recorded on 3,249 Landrace × Large White F1 sows. Damaged teat number (DT) and functional mammary gland number (FG) were also observed on sows prior to weaning. Variance components were estimated using AIREMLF90, with parity and farm as fixed effects. Means for TT, FT and NFT at farrowing were 14.94, 13.91 and 1.03, respectively, and 14.43, 13.02 and 1.15, respectively at weaning. Means for TT and FT were greater (P < 0.01) at farrowing than at weaning. Heritability estimates for TT, FT and NFT ranged between 0.19 and 0.30, 0.17 and 0.24, and 0.12 and 0.16, respectively. Total teat number and functional teat number had positive genetic correlation estimates ranging from 0.74 to 0.77. Functional mammary glands had a negative linear relationship of -1.16 with DT, and genetic correlations of 0.87 and -0.83 with FT and NFT, respectively. Linear regression models relating TT and FT to number of piglets weaned revealed that an increase of one functional teat at farrowing increased number weaned by 0.26. Overall, there was sufficient genetic variation for total teat number and functional teat number signifying that genetic gains from selecting for these traits is possible. Results also suggest that by focusing selection on functional teat number, an increase in non-functional teat number can be avoided. Therefore, utilizing functional teat number in the breeding goal should improve the general teat quality and sow performance.