bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
275 Access to Shade Mitigate Heat Stress and Improves Growth Performance in Lambs During Summer
Authors: Joy Aleena , Dunshea Frank R , Leury Brian J , Clarke Iain J , DiGiacomo Kristy , Prathap Pragna , Zhang Minghao , Chauhan Surinder S
Published: October 2021

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of provision of shade on behavior, physiology, and growth of Merino lambs exposed to natural Australian summer conditions. Sixty Merino lambs were randomly allocated to either pasture with shade (n = 30;paddock with trees) or a pasture without shade (n = 30;paddock without any trees) for one month during southern-Australian summer (February-2021). Sheep were grazing on the pastures as per standard protocols followed on the farm with ad libitum access to water. Lambs were monitored twice daily between 0900-1000h and 1400-1600h to record their behavior, and physiological parameters were recorded on hot days (environmental temperature (T) >30°C). Behavioral patterns were represented as the proportion of animals doing specific activities in each treatment group. Grazing was the most frequent activity observed in animals during morning measurement (> 60% in both groups). However, high temperature (T > 30°C) decreased grazing behavior in sheep to < 5% in both treatments. Standing behavior was significantly greater (65.2 vs 21.6%; P < 0.05) for animals under non-shade treatment, while lying behavior was more frequent (17.3 vs 76.3%; P < 0.01) in animals having access to shade. Significantly more animals were seeking water troughs (P < 0.05) in the non-shade group (33.2%) compared to the shade group (10.3%). On an average hot day (T >28°C), most lambs in the shade group were seeking shade (P < 0.01), and when the temperature exceeded >32°C, 90% of the lambs were seeking tree shade. Sheep with access to shade exhibited lower (P < 0.01) respiration rate (117breaths/min) and rectal temperature (39.7°C) than non-shade group (151breaths/min;40.2°C). Overall, access to shade improved (P < 0.001) average daily gain (+0.047kg/day) in sheep compared to the non-shade group (-0.028kg/day). In conclusion, our research confirms that providing access to shade is an effective ameliorative strategy to mitigate heat-stress in sheep during summer heatwaves.
279 ReBreed21, a Rapid Reinsemination Program: Fertility in Bos Indicus Cattle of Different Parities
Authors: Andrade João Paulo N , Monteiro Pedro L , Prata Alexandre B , Robl Adelino , Leite José , Pimenta Cesar , Dias José , Guimarães Afonso , Lippe Beatriz , Ribeiro Heuller , Merhi Same , Hartmann Diego , Sartori Roberto , Wiltbank Milo C
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated efficiency of a reinsemination program allowing timed AI (TAI) every 21 days (ReBreed21; RB21) vs. a traditional Resynch program in Nellore females (n = 2,085) of different parities. First TAI followed estradiol (E2)/progesterone (P4)-based synchronization, and was considered d0. For RB21 (n= 1,357), cows received P4 insert on D12. On D19, P4 was removed, followed by treatment with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 0.6 mg E2 Cypionate (RB21+EC, n = 60) or nothing (RB21, n=687). On D21, Doppler ultrasound was used to determine CL blood flow [< 25%=nonpregnant (NP)] and NP cows received TAI immediately together with 25µg licerelin acetate (GnRH). A second RB21 program using the same groups was done in cows that received TAI on D21 to allow a third potential TAI on D42. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on D33 after each TAI. Cows designated pregnant on D21 but NP on D33, were termed False-Positive (FP). On D33, all control (n = 728) designated NP and FP cows were resynchronized with P4+E2 protocol for the second TAI at D42. Data were analyzed with SAS and shown in Table 1. For all cows, there were no differences in the three groups (Control, RB21, RB21+EC) for pregnancy/AI (P/AI). In nulliparous heifers, cumulative pregnancies were greater for both RB21 groups compared to Controls at D21 or D42 of the breeding season. Primiparous cows had greater cumulative pregnancies at D21 but not D42. Primiparous cows at second TAI had lower P/AI in RB21 (34.2%) vs. Control (51.7%); however, RB21-EC (55.8%) was similar to Control. No other parities had differences between RB21 and RB21+EC. Multiparous cows had high fertility at first TAI [69.3% (418/603)] and no differences between groups in cumulative pregnancies (P = 0.23). Thus, ReBreed21 program increases the reproductive efficiency in Nulliparous and Primiparous but not Multiparous Bos Indicus cattle. Adding EC to RB21 program only improves P/AI in Primiparous cows.
281 The Effects of Whole Cottonseed Supplementation on Performance, Breeding Soundness Exams, and Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Concentrations in the Blood and Semen of Beef Bulls
Authors: Davis Dylan B , Jones Lee , Hernandez Shane R R , Welch Christina B , Tucker Jennifer J , Fontes Pedro L , Holton Matthew P , Stewart R Lawton
Published: October 2021

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of whole cottonseed containing gossypol on post-pubertal beef bulls. In a two-year study, 46 Angus and Red Angus bulls (body weight 457.0 ± 85.2 kg; 16 to 20-months of age) were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 levels of whole cottonseed supplementation while receiving ad libitum roughage. The treatments included: DD (n = 14, control; 3.18 kg/d of dried distillers grain, W/D (n = 16; 1.59 kg/d of whole cottonseed and 1.59 kg/d of dried distillers grain), or WW (n = 16 3.18 kg/d of whole cottonseed). Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. In both years, bulls were weighed, administered a breeding soundness exam, and morphological characteristics of spermatozoa were measured on d 0, 28, and 60. In year 1, blood and semen samples were collected on d 0, 28, and 60 to measure manganese superoxide dismutase activity. There was no treatment effect for blood or semen manganese superoxide dismutase concentration (P > 0.255). There was a treatment effect (P < 0.02) for average daily gain as bulls fed WW gained less compared to those fed WD and DD (0.96, 1.23, and 1.39 kg/d, respectively). No treatment effect was observed for scrotal circumference (P > 0.50). There were no treatment × time interactions, treatment, or time main effects for percentages of normal spermatozoa, spermatozoa with coiled or folded tails, or proximal droplets (P > 0.12). There was a treatment effect on the amount of swollen midpiece or abnormal head as bull in the DD treatment had a greater (P < 0.02) percentage of other abnormalities compared to WW, but WD was not different (P > 0.16). Inclusion of whole cottonseed may affect average daily gain, but does not affect reproductive parameters of beef bulls.
278 Understanding Biosecurity Perceptions in Pennsylvania Pig Producers
Authors: Brownawell Elizabeth M , Hines Elizabeth A , Falcone Linda , Gambino Chris
Published: October 2021

The group mental model of swine-related biosecurity for producers and experts was assessed and compared using network analysis. The proper implementation of biosecurity plans reduces the risk of biological hazards that could cripple the industry. Recently collected survey data show producer motivation to adopt a biosecurity protocol is not driven solely by the value of the operation (Hines and Falcone, unpublished). Other motivating factors exist for how producers perceive risk relating to biosecurity management. To identify how pig producers and experts conceptualize biosecurity, open-ended survey questions were asked. Survey responses (n = 123) were coded using a newly developed codebook. Intercoder reliability was established using Krippendorff’s a. Code co-occurrence was used to build a network diagram showing producer and expert mental models, or depiction of the interdependent relationships among values, beliefs, behavior, and cognitive processes of decision making. Analyses of code co-occurrence revealed differences between producers and experts. The results suggest PA-based producers think of biosecurity relating to the protection of their property (ie. inward protection) which was closely associated with limiting access of “outsiders.” Also, the mental model diagram suggests producers think about biosecurity more broadly due to less clustering of ideas. Whereas experts think about biosecurity more specifically relating to two to three themes. Specifically, the expert biosecurity diagram revealed record keeping as an important component of biosecurity, which was strongly related to how experts think about cleanliness and limiting outsider access. Regarding strategies to address biohazard risks, both producers and experts recognize several options. However, experts proved to have stronger connections between concepts. Specifically, the diagrams revealed experts see all strategies as connected. From an expert perspective, strategies to address biohazard risks should be implemented simultaneously. These findings are the first step to designing communication to bridge the gaps between expert and producer understanding of biosecurity.
277 Swine Producer Identities: Understanding Perceptions of a Good Producer
Authors: Gambino Chris , Brownawell Elizabeth M , Hines Elizabeth A
Published: October 2021

Studies on the social-psychological framework known as farmer identity have been conducted in the US, EU, and Australia. The focus of these studies is on understanding how farmer beliefs (i.e. Identities) translate into on-farm practices. For example, in 2015, Iowa farmers were surveyed and four identities emerged when asked which items were important to being a “Good Farmer.” Those identities were used to predict the support of soil and/or water policies in the state. Here, for the first time, we explore the identities of livestock producers. Specifically, Pennsylvania swine producer identities. Data were collected as part of a state-wide biosecurity survey. Eighty-four respondents answered some part of the survey, while 50 respondents completed all 31 items of the “Good Producer” question. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to explore producer perception of a good producer (i.e. producer identities). Using the Kaiser-Meyer-Okin Measure (KMO=0.532) and Barrtlett’s Test of Sphericity (sig. = 0.000) we determined PCA results to be acceptable for exploratory purposes. Five producer identities (friendly conservationist, civically-savvy, willing naturalist, productivist, and appearance-minded) were identified, explaining 58.15% of the variance in these data. Reliability analysis confirmed the strength of items defining each component (i.e. identity). These identities are being used in discussion with PA swine producers to understand how producers self-identify. These identities will be used to predict whether a producer has a formal biosecurity plan written.
526 Late-Breaking: Poor Maternal Diet Alters the Muscle Proteome at Mid-gestation in Sheep
Authors: Reed Sarah A , Balsbaugh Jeremy , Li Xiaomeng , Moore Timothy , Jones Amanda , Pillai Sambhu , Hoffman Maria L , Govoni Kristen E , Zinn Steven A
Published: October 2021

Maternal diet during gestation can negatively impact fetal development and postnatal growth and body composition. We hypothesized that poor maternal nutrition during gestation would alter protein expression in muscle at day 90 of gestation in sheep. Pregnant ewes (n = 24) were fed a control, restricted, or over-fed diet (100, 60, or 140% of NRC requirements for total digestible nutrients, respectively; n = 8 per treatment) starting at day 30 of gestation. At day 90 of gestation, fetal longissimus dorsi samples were collected (CON, RES, and OVER, respectively). Sarcoplasmic proteins were trypsin digested and subjected to multiplexed, label-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis integrating Tandem Mass Tags. Differential expression of proteins was identified via two statistical techniques: ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post-hoc tests, and regularized regression via elastic net. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Over-represented pathways containing differentially expressed proteins were identified by Reactome and included metabolism of proteins, immune system, cellular response to stress/external stimuli, developmental biology, and infectious disease. Within these pathways, 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit (PSMD) 1, PSMD6, and PSMD14, components of the 26 S proteasome, were reduced 6 to 10% in OVER relative to CON offspring. Proteins involved in elongation and initiation, including eukaryotic initiation factor (EIF) 2 subunit 3, EIF 4 gamma 2, and EIF 3 subunit B were reduced 8 to 15% in OVER relative to CON offspring. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 1 and dual-specificity MAPK kinase (MEKK) 1 were increased by 12% in RES relative to OVER and CON offspring. Together, these data indicate that protein degradation and synthesis are altered in mid-gestation muscle development in OVER offspring, and that cell signaling related to cell proliferation is affected in RES offspring. These changes may contribute to the phenotypic and metabolic changes observed during fetal development and postnatal growth.
523 Late-Breaking: Non-nutrient Factors in Colostrum: Systems Biology of Mammary Derived Bioactive Proteins and Gut Receptors That Network Functions in the Bovine Neonate
Authors: Schalich Kasey , Koganti Prasanthi , Nguyen Blake , Reiff Olivia , Lamb Cassandra , Gurung Shailesh , Selvaraj Vimal
Published: October 2021

Maternal-offspring coevolution has introduced the biological concept of “neonatal programming,” in which soluble proteins of varying abundance in bovine colostrum can have targeted activities in the calf gut. Still, the identities and developmental programming mechanisms of the full profile of colostrum proteins on transiently expressed gut receptors/transporters, as well as the ultimate functional responses in the calf, remain to be completely elucidated. The objective of this study was to address this gap in knowledge using systems biology. First, we biopsied the mammary gland and examined the transcriptome in primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows (at parturition/day 0 contrasted to 40–50 days after parturition; n = 4–5/group; FDR< 0.05) and used a bioinformatics algorithm to delineate transcripts coding proteins destined to be secreted into colostrum. In parallel, we analyzed the neonatal small intestine (0 day-old contrasted to 7 day-old; n = 3–5/group; FDR< 0.05) to identify transcripts that code for membrane receptors/transporters precise to the period of colostrum consumption. Integrative analysis of these results highlighted 44 possible signaling circuits (cutoff: >10 nCPM) directed by colostrum in the neonatal gut, providing a consolidated predictive understanding of colostrum-mediated effects that might occur in the neonate during this crucial period in development. These findings also represent the first mechanistic insight into mammary-sourced components that target the neonatal gut to regulate aspects of postnatal development that encompass intestinal maturation, gut-based secondary signaling, and establishment of the gut microbiome, all relevant to long-term health and development. Towards applications, these results are poised to offer novel opportunities to enhance commercial supplements via biomimicry to better reflect the physiology supporting neonatal growth and development.
518 Late-Breaking: Effect of Feedlot Diets on Environmental Emissions from Four Representative U.S. Feedlots and the Beef Production System
Authors: Gilreath Jessica , Rotz Al , Place Sara , Thoma Greg , Wickersham Tryon
Published: October 2021

Our objective was to evaluate effects of feedlot dietary management strategies on environmental impacts and net returns of feedlot operations in the United States. Representative feedlots were simulated with the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM 4.6; USDA-ARS, University Park, PA) to quantify baseline environmental impacts of feedlot production and full US beef cattle production systems. The simulated dietary strategies included: 10% increase in feed efficiency, use of less water intensive forages, 10% increase in byproduct inclusion, 10% improvement in water use efficiency of corn, and steam-flaking of corn. Days on feed and head finished per year were held constant for all strategies to have equal comparisons to baseline results. Dietary management strategies were individually modeled and simulated in IFSM for each feedlot operation to obtain intensities (expressed per kg gain) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fossil energy use, blue water consumption, and reactive nitrogen loss. Feedlot operations were then linked with cow-calf, stocker, and backgrounding operations to estimate environmental intensities (expressed per kg CW) for full cattle production systems. Improving feed efficiency had the greatest effect on reducing carbon emission intensities (6%), energy use intensity (8%), blue water use intensity (9%), and reactive N loss intensity (4%) for feedlot operations. Increasing corn byproduct inclusion resulted in 9% reduction in blue water use intensity. However, byproduct inclusion increased reactive N loss intensity by 11% as a result of greater protein concentrations in the diet. Switching from rolled corn to steam flaked corn increased energy use intensity by 9%, but little to no changes (1% increase to 3% reduction) were observed for other environmental intensities. Improved feed efficiency was the most effective strategy to reduce environmental footprints of beef cattle production (1 to 2% reductions). Overall, feedlot dietary strategies were less pronounced for the full beef production system compared with feedlot results.
288 Inclusion Effects of Quebracho (Schinopsis Balansaie) Extract and Active Dry Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) in Beef Cattle Limit-fed a Grower Ration
Authors: Rivera Madeline E , Batista Luiz Fernando Dias , Norris Aaron B , D’Souza Genevieve M , Tedeschi Luis O
Published: October 2021

Plant secondary metabolites (PSM) and yeast supplemented in growing cattle have been reported as improving dry matter digestibility (DMD) and reducing enteric methane emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined supplementation with condensed tannin (CT; Schinopsis balansae) extract and active dry yeast (ADY; Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on fermentation dynamics, utilizing in vitro gas production (IVGP) technique. A 2 × 2 Latin square design was used to study fermentation patterns of four dietary treatments (CON- no CT and no ADY, ADY alone, CT alone or combined CT + ADY). Animals received daily CT at 1% DM and 10 g of ADY, respectively. On d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 rumen inoculum was collected from 23 fistulated steers (284.3 ± 4.1 kg) four hours post-feeding. Samples were incubated under anaerobic conditions at 39oC for 48 h with 200 mg of a grower diet (14.8% CP, 40.6% NDF, 88.5% DM). Gas parameters were analyzed using a mixed linear statistical model. There was a day effect for total gas production (TGP; P < 0.001), non-fiber carbohydrate degradation (P = 0.031) and fractional degradation assuming an asymptote model (P = 0.015). Both asymptote and non-fiber fractional degradation rate estimates had an interaction between Day × TRT (P = 0.001 and 0.0104, respectively). Data were analyzed using polynomial contrasts showed a difference in non-fiber fractional rate of fermentation for CON × CT and CT × ADY (P = 0.052 and 0.054, respectively). This was also true if an asymptote model was assumed (P = 0.0 34 and 0.034, respectively). We concluded that combined supplementation of CT and ADY exhibited similar IVGP trends over time, this may be because animals only received a grower diet at 1.5% shrunk BW. Future studies should investigate the impact of combined supplementation on varying levels of concentrate diets.
286 Effects of Supplementation of Quebracho Extract Supplementation on Ruminal Ph of Growing Beef Steers
Authors: Batista Luiz Fernando Dias , Norris Aaron B , Adams Jordan , Tedeschi Luis O
Published: October 2021

Rumen acidosis is a common metabolic disorder occurring when organic acid production exceeds clearance capacity, reducing ruminal pH. Acidosis occurrence has been directly correlated to the ratio of concentrate to forage in the diet. However, the rates of substrate fermentation and acid absorption vary at different locations in the rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the pH in different locations of the rumen using 16 rumenally- cannulated steers (309 ± 43 kg) receiving quebracho extract (QT; Schinopsis balansae) within a grower-type diet [25:75 forage-to-concentrate, dry matter (DM) % basis]. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 4): QT at 0, 1, 2, and 3% of DM (QT0, QT1, QT2, and QT3). Animals were adapted to the basal diet (QT0) for 12-d before being introduced to predetermined treatments for four weeks, with feed provided twice daily to allow ad libitum intake. Weekly measurements of ruminal fluid pH and redox potential (Eh) were taken four h post-feeding using a portable pH and redox meter probe in four locations of the rumen (cranial sac, ventral sac, dorsal sac, and reticulum). Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and week as repeated measures. The DM intake was included as a covariate. There was no interaction among diet, location, and week (P ≥ 0.925) on pH. Overall, ruminal pH was lower for QT0 and QT1 compared to QT3 (P < 0.001). Ruminal pH in the cranial sac and reticulum was greater than in the dorsal sac (5.98, 6.03, and 5.87, respectively; P = 0.001). Redox potential was lower for QT0 in week 1 than all other treatments (P = 0.042). This study indicated that pH differs among locations of the rumen regardless of QT supplementation level and days on feed.
293 Effect of Supplementing Rumen-protected Methionine on Blood Parameters and Ruminal Metabolites in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Wei Jialin , Cao Zhijun , Li Yuanxiao
Published: October 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) levels and supplementing rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on blood parameters and ruminal metabolites in lactating Holstein dairy cows. A total of 30 lactating Holstein dairy cows (60 ± 7 d in milk; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: diet containing 17.3% CP without RPM (control group; CON); diet containing 16.4% CP with supplementing 15.0 g/d of RPM (treatment group; RPM). All repeated, continuous data were subjected to PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS version 9.2, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC.). The results related to blood showed that cows in RPM group exhibited lower concentration of blood urea nitrogen than that in CON group (P < 0.001). Moreover, there were no differences among treatments on concentrations of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, globulin and albumin (P > 0.05). In ruminal metabolites, microbial CP (MCP) of dairy cows in RPM group was higher compared with CON group (P = 0.006). The concentrations of butyrate, valerate and isovalerate of RPM group were higher than that of CON group at 2h after feeding (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lower dietary CP with RPM supplementation could improve nitrogen utilization of dairy cows and synthesis of MCP in rumen, as well as change volatile fatty acids production at 2h after feeding.
305 Methane Emissions and Apparent Total Tract Nutrient Digestibility of Feedlot Beef Steers Under Intensive Management with or Without an Added Nutritional Packet
Authors: Osorio Andrea M , Tonelli Nardi Kaue T , Fávero Igor Gomes , Scaranto Silva Kaliu G , Coello Kymberly D , Raudales Angel A , Ciriaco Francine M , Sarturi Jhones O Onorino , Henry Darren D
Published: October 2021

The effects of a nutritional packet were evaluated on CH4 emissions and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of feedlot beef steers. Thirty Angus-crossbred steers (BW = 542 ± 8.4 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design and allocated into pens equipped with SmartFeed (C-Lock; 15 steers/treatment). Steers were consuming a steam-flaked corn-based diet (88% concentrate DM basis) ad libitum for the last 65 d on feed, and received the following treatments: 1) control and 2) a nutritional packet [0.29% DM basis; live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 8.7 Log CFU/g); Vitamin C (5.4 g/kg); Vitamin B1 (13.33 g/kg); NaCl (80 g/kg); KCl (80 g/kg)]. Methane emissions and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility were measured during 3 periods with 5-d of collections each. Gas emissions from steers were measured utilizing the SF6 tracer technique. Feed and fecal samples were collected once and twice (0700 h and 1600 h) daily, respectively, to determine digestibility of nutrients using iNDF as an internal marker. Steer was considered the experimental unit. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effects of treatment, period, and their interaction, and the random effect of block. No treatment × period interactions (P ≥ 0.125) were observed for DMI and any of the CH4 production variables (g/day, g/kg BW0.75, g/nutrient intake, and g/nutrient digested). Moreover, treatments did not affect digestibility of DM, OM, or ADF (P ≥ 0.300); however, digestibility of NDF was increased for treated cattle (P = 0.013), which resulted in a tendency (P = 0.098) to decrease CH4 production in g per kg NDF intake and decreased (P = 0.020) grams CH4 per kg NDF digested. The nutritional packet may be altering ruminal fermentation on intensively managed steers and improving fiber digestibility, which can have benefits on CH4 emission intensity.
311 Effects of Interactive Activity at the Feedbunk on Performance, Feed Efficiency and Feeding Patterns in Feedlot Cattle
Authors: O’Reilly Keara , Carstens Gordon , Wottlin Lauren , Johnson Jocelyn R R , Daigle Courtney L
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to determine if the magnitude of interactive feeding activity at the feedbunk affects feed efficiency and feeding behavior patterns in beef cattle. This study used data from 498 crossbred steers (3 trials) fed high-concentrate diets in pens with electronic feed bunks (GrowSafe Systems). Timestamp data for bunk visit (BV) events were used to develop an algorithm to quantify those BV events deemed to be replacement events; Defined as those that occur when an animal displaces and replaces another animal from the feedbunk within a specified period of time (replacement criterion). For this study, a replacement criterion of ≤ 18 s was used. A replacement activity index (RAI) was computed for each steer as the number of replacement events divided by total BV events. Within pen, steers were classified into 1 of 3 phenotypes based on ± 0.5 SD from mean RAI. Steers with high RAI (> 0.5 SD from mean RAI) were hypothesized to be more interactive at the feedbunk, whereas steers with low RAI were less interactive at the feedbunk. A mixed model with RAI class as fixed effect, and trial and pen within trial as random effects was used for data analysis. The low RAI steers had 6% fewer BV events that were 12% longer (P < 0.001) in duration than high RAI steers. Additionally, eating rate (g/min) was 14% slower (P < 0.001) and time to approach the feedbunk following feed delivery 6 min longer (P < 0.001) in low vs high RAI steers. The low-RAI steers had substantially less (P < 0.01) feeding activity during peak feeding time than high RAI. Further research is warranted to evaluate interactive feeding activity at the feedbunk as a potential indicator of performance and feed efficiency in feedlot cattle.
310 Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Beef Steers Consuming Finishing Diets with an Added Nutritional Packet
Authors: Tonelli Nardi Kaue T , Onorino Sarturi Jhones O , Henry Darren D , Ciriaco Francine M , Huerta-Leidenz Nelson O , Osorio Andrea M , Fávero Igor Gomes , Scaranto Silva Kaliu G , Rush Camron J
Published: October 2021

The effects of a nutritional packet fed to beef steers during the final 64 d of the feedlot finishing phase on growth performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Crossbred-Angus steers (n = 120; initial BW = 544 ± 52 kg) were assigned to 30 pens (4 steers/pen; 15 pens/treatment) in a randomized complete block design where pen represented the experimental unit. A steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet was fed ad libitum, and treatments were applied as follows: 1) control and 2) 30 g/steer-daily (DM-basis) of the nutritional packet (containing live yeast [8.7 Log CFU of Saccharomyces cerevisiae], vitamin C [5.4 g/kg of Ascorbic acid], vitamin B1 [13.33 g/kg of Thiamine hydrochloride], sodium chloride [80 g/kg] and potassium chloride [80 g/kg]). The nutritional packet used ground corn as a carrier and was included at 1 % of diet DM. Orts were quantified daily (if any) and subtracted from the total dietary DM offered to calculate DM intake. Unshrunk BW were collected on d 0, 21, 42 and 64 before daily feeding at 0630 h. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Average daily gain (P = 0.89), dry matter intake (P = 0.57) and, gain:feed (P = 0.66) were not affected by the inclusion of the nutritional packet. The 12th rib fat deposition was increased (P ≤ 0.02) for cattle fed the nutritional packet compared with control (15.70 vs. 13.36 mm, respectively). Consequently, calculated yield grade was also increased (P ≤ 0.03) for cattle consuming the nutritional packet (3.32 vs. 3.02). An improved carcass fat-deposition without any deleterious effects on growth performance potentially warrant less days on feed when cattle receive such nutritional packet.
314 Carbohydrases Enzymes Improve the Productive Performance of Grazing Nellore Bulls Fed Different Nutritional Plans During the Rainy Season
Authors: Acosta Anderson , Perdigão Alexandre , Vasconcellos Guilherme S , de Carvalho Victor Valério , Acedo Tiago S , Pedrini Cibele , Gandra Jefferson
Published: October 2021

The aim with this trial was to evaluate two nutritional plans with the addition of dosages of carbohydrases enzyme blend on productive performance of grazing Nellore bulls in rainy season. One hundred and two contemporary Nellore steers (BW = 294.10 ± 3.35 kg) were equally distributed in six paddocks (17 steers/paddock) following a completely randomized design in a 2x3 factorial arrangement, being the factors two nutritional plans: mineral-proteic supplementation (Fosbovi® Proteico 30; PS) offered at 0,1% BW or mineral-protein-energetic supplementation (Fosbovi® Proteico-Energético 25; PES) offered at 0.3% BW); and three levels of enzymatic carbohydrases blend (0, 4,75 or 9,50 g/animal/day). The enzymatic blend was mainly composed by beta-glucanase and xylanase enzymes (Ronozyme® VP and Ronozyme® WX); Both enzymes and supplemented were provided by DSM Nutritional Products Brasil S.A. Supplement intake and animal weighting were carried out daily and individually by an automatic scale system installed in each paddock. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS and means were compared by polynomial regression. Animals that received PES had greater ADG (0.896 vs. 0.775 kg/day; P < 0.001) compared to those fed PS. Intermediary level (4.75 g/day) of carbohydrate enzymes also presented the highest ADG in PES compared to 0.0 level (0.941 vs. 0.896 kg/day; P = 0.006). Still, higher enzyme levels (9.5 g/day) presented greater ADG on PS, when compared to 0.0 level (0.852 vs. 0.775 kg/day, P = 0.006). PES animals presented greater intake, compared to PS (1.112 vs. 0.432 kg/day, P < 0.001). According to polynomial regression, it is recommended to include 4.75 g/day of these carbohydrases enzymes in PS and 4.39 g/day in PES for growing Nellore bulls in rainy season.
319 Predicting Urinary Nitrogen Excretion from Milk Urea Nitrogen of Fresh Forage or Total Mixed Ration Fed Dairy Cows: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Beck Matthew R , Marshall Cameron , Garrett Konagh , Foote Andrew P , Vibart Ronaldo , Pacheco David , Gregorini Pablo
Published: October 2021

Urine nitrogen excretion (g/d; UN) represent a significant environmental impact for both confinement feeding and pastoral based dairy systems. It is difficult to measure UN directly due to animal handling and labor requirements, especially in forage based production systems. The currently available milk urea nitrogen (MUN) equations have been shown to overestimate UN excretion of grazing dairy cows compared with an equation using urinary creatinine and UN concentration, indicating that diet may alter the relationship between MUN and UN. This potential was explored using data retrieved (treatment means: n = 69 and 27 for fresh forage [FF] and total mixed ration [TMR] fed cattle, respectively) from the literature and new data obtained from dairy cows fed FF (n = 15) in metabolism crates was used to test the new equations. The TMR data from literature was further split into a training set (to develop the model; n = 53) and a test set (to validate the model; n = 16). There was an interaction for diet type (P < 0.01) where UN (g/d) = 0.023 × MUN (mg/dL) × live-weight (kg, LW) for TMR fed cattle, (similar to a pre-established equation); however, UN (g/d) = 0.015 × MUN × LW for FF fed cattle. For FF based equations, the New MUN equation and the creatinine equation showed good precision and accuracy (Lin’s CCC = 0.79 and 0.74, respectively) and adequate predictive ability (RMSEP = 29.8 and 35.9, respectively). The new MUN equation for TMR fed cattle showed excellent accuracy and precision (Lin’s CCC = 0.87) with good predictive ability (RMSEP = 24.3) for UN excretion (observed mean = 216.5 g/d). The new equations generated during this meta-analysis provide promising predictive ability of UN excretion, which can be used for management considerations, future research, and policy making.
322 Impact of Feed Restriction and Fasting Suffered in Assembly Centers and Transportation on Energy Balance and Gut Permeability in Unweaned Angus-holstein Calves
Authors: Pisoni Lucía , Marti Sonia , Blanch Marta , Pastor Jose J , Devant Maria
Published: October 2021

Twenty unweaned Angus-Holstein calves (44.1 ± 2.0 kg; 14.7 ± 0.63 d) were used to evaluate the effects of feed restriction and fasting on energy balance (serum concentration of glucose, BHBA, and NEFA), and intestinal permeability (serum concentration of citrulline, Cr-EDTA, lactulose, and D-mannitol). Calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments that simulated assembly center management and transportation; Control (CT; n = 5): from d-4 to -1, 2.5 L of milk replacer (MR) twice daily, concentrate and straw ad-libitum; Mild (MD; n = 5): only MR (d-4 to -1) as described for CT, and on d-1 feed withdrawal for 9 h; Moderate (MO; n = 5): only MR as described for CT and on d-1 feed withdrawal for 19 h; and Severe (SV; n = 5): only 2.5 L of a hydrate solution (HS) twice daily (d -4 to -1) on d-1 feed withdrawal for 19 h. From d 0 to day 7 all calves were fed MR, concentrate, and straw ad-libitum. Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures. At d -1 for SV and d 0 in all restricted calves (MD, MO, SV), serum glucose concentration was lesser (P < 0.01) compared with CT. At d 0 NEFA and BHBA serum concentrations increased (P < 0.01) in SV calves compared with the other treatments. Serum citrulline concentration (P < 0.05) was lower for SV on d -1 and greater for CT on d 2 compared with other treatments. CT calves had the lesser concentration of Cr-EDTA (d -1 and d 0, P =0.04), lactulose (d 0, P =0.02), and D-mannitol (d 0, P =0.01) compared with MD, MO, and SV. The degree of dietary restriction, the type of liquid diet, and amount of fasting hours affected calves’ serum concentration of markers indicative of energy balance and gut permeability.
502 Late-Breaking: Tongue Rolling Behavior in a Large U.S. Dairy Herd
Authors: Robbins Jesse , Paros Mike , McCandless Kelly
Published: October 2021

Stereotypic behavior is repetitive, invariant behavior with no obvious goal or function and may indicate negative welfare. Non-nutritive oral behaviors are the most common form of stereotypic behavior in captive ungulates and these include tongue rolling where the cow’s tongue is extended, moving inside and outside of the mouth while the cow is not eating. We assessed the prevalence of tongue rolling in a large commercial dairy herd located in the United States by video recording cattle (n = 10,000) during three consecutive milkings on two rotary milking parlors. Associations between tongue rolling behavior, breed, age, days in milk, pregnancy status and milk production were assessed. In total, 29% percent (2,931) of cows were observed tongue rolling on the rotary parlor during at least one milking; 6% (613) were observed tongue rolling during two milkings; and 1.6% (164) were observed tongue rolling during all three sampling periods. Breed was the only variable associated with tongue rolling in the rotary parlor with nearly twice the proportion of Jersey (33%) vs Jersey X Holstein (17%) exhibiting tongue rolling behavior (P < 0.0001). The higher incidence of tongue rolling among Jersey vs Jersey X Holstein cattle within a shared environment suggests a strong genetic component that warrants further investigation. Validated sampling strategies for assessing tongue rolling in dairy cattle are needed.
504 Late-Breaking: Automatic Monitoring Systems to Detect Behavioral and Productive Variations during Heat Stress in Dairy Cows
Authors: Mammi Ludovica , Cavallini Damiano , Palmonari Alberto , Concolino Alessandro , Ghiaccio Francesca , Buonaiuto Giovanni , Visentin Giulio , Formigoni Andrea
Published: October 2021

Aim of the project was to evaluate behavioral and productive variations of dairy cows detected by automatic monitoring systems, during different seasons. Environmental data (Temperature (T, °C), Relative Humidity, (RH, %) and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI)), were recorded inside the pens by electronic probes during 4 periods over 2 years, for a total of 473 days. Fans and sprinklers were activated at THI >60. Hundred lactating and dry cows were equipped with monitoring tag (Heatime-Pro, SCR Engineers Ltd.) that recorded continuously time (min/d) spent ruminating (RT), panting (PT) and feeding (FT). Daily PT and FT data were recorded as group average [lactating (LC) or dry], while RT and milk production were extracted as individual data. Four classes of environmental stress were identified based on maximum THI: comfort (C, THI < 60, 101d), moderate stress (MS, 60< THI >69, 92d), stress (S, 70< THI >75, 102d), severe stress (SS, THI >75, 178d). Behavioral and productive data were compared between classes. Data were analyzed by mixed model with repeated measures, with environmental class, group (dry or lactating), parity and interactions as fixed effect. Cow was included as random effect for RT and milk production. Means comparison was performed by Tukey post hoc test. All behavioral outcomes were influenced by heat stress (P < .001, table 1). Panting increased linearly with maximum THI recorded, being highest during SS days in LC (49.6 min/d, P < .001). FT and RT (min/d) were lowest (P < .001) during S days (206.9, FT and 473.1, RT) and RT reached the lowest values in cows within 15 DIM (456.4). Milk production was affected in multiparous cows, with a linear reduction from C to SS days (P < .001). Heat stress deeply affected cows behavior and performances, despite cooling systems. Automatic monitoring of these parameters can effectively help in detecting heat stress and consequently adopt strategies to improve animal welfare.
328 The Potential Role of Two Red Seaweeds That Promote Anti-methanogenic Activity and Rumen Fermentation Profiles Under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Min Byeng Ryel , Genovese Giusi , Castleberry Lana , Lockard Cathy , Waldrip Heidi , Miller Daniel , Akbay Alexia , Morabito Marina , Manghisi Antonio , Spagnuolo Damiano , Brauer David
Published: October 2021

Ruminal methane (CH4) production results from carbohydrate fermentation by ruminal microbiota (methanogens) to produce CH4, volatile fatty acids (VFA), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and hydrogen (H2) in a reduction pathway. The aims of this study were to assess the effects of two red seaweed (RSW) species (Asparagopsis taxiformis and A. armata; collected from Messina, Italy). The two RSW were identified by DNA barcoding and genetic data were deposited in BOLD Systems (REAPP006-21, REAPP004-21, respectively). The two RSW were used at dietary inclusion levels (0, 2, and 4% as-fed basis) in an anaerobic in vitro study (39°C for 48-h) to examine greenhouse gas (GHG) production and VFA profiles. Gases were collected using an ANKOM Gas Production system and analyzed for CH4 and N2O by gas chromatography. Asparagopsis taxiformis contained higher levels of bromoform (201 vs. 7.0 mg/kg DM), iodine (4820 vs. 3260 ppm), and crude protein (16 vs. 15.6% DM), than A. armata, which contained higher levels of acid detergent fiber (ADF; 7.7 vs. 19.0%) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 13.2 vs. 19.2%), respectively. RSW supplementation increased total gas, butyrate and valerate production (P < 0.01), while production of CH4 (mg/g DM), acetate (A), propionate (P), A/P ratios and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD; % DM) were reduced (P < 0.01) as RSW supplementation increased. In the presence of A. taxiformis, production of N2O (µg/g DM), tended to be less (P = 0.1) at 2% DM, but increased (P < 0.01) N2O production with A. armata at the 2 and 4% DM. Therefore, it may be possible to suppress methanogenesis both directly and indirectly by addition of RSW. To efficiently use seaweeds as feed ingredients with nutritional and environmental benefits, more research is required to determine the mechanisms underlying seaweed and dietary substrate interactions.
334 Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Peanut Skins with and Without Polyphenols on the Performance, Rumen Fermentation and Carcass Characteristics of Florida-native Sheep
Authors: Idowu Modoluwamu , Bryant Voris , Terrill Thomas H , Estrada-Reyes Zaira M , Whitley Niki C , Dean Lisa , Kouakou Brou , Ogunade Ibukun M , Pech-Cervantes Andres A
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of peanut skins (PS) with and without polyphenols on the performance, rumen fermentation, and carcass characteristics of Florida-Native Sheep. Thirty-three intact lambs were randomly blocked by body weight (BW) (33.5 ± 0.1 kg; 11 lambs per treatment) and distributed in three isonitrogenous (17.1%) and isocaloric (2.5 Mcal/kg) diets: 1) Control diet, 2) Diet + 20% of intact peanut skins (IPS) and, 3) Diet + 20% of treated PS without polyphenols (TPS) for 42 d + 7 days of adaptation. Then, lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and rumen fermentation. Dry matter intake (DMI), BW, and blood samples were collected and analyzed using the effects of treatment, week, interactions, and the random effect of animals. Dietary IPS and TPS did not (P > 0.05) affect DMI (1.14, 1.15 vs 1.04 kg/d) and final BW (35.9, 35.8 vs 36.8 kg) compared to the control. Dietary TPS reduced (P < 0.01) blood glucose levels compared to IPS and control (67.9 vs 74.6, 75.7 mg/dL) but IPS had lower (P = 0.03) blood urea nitrogen than TPS and control (5.79 vs 6.0, 6.32 mmol/L). Both IPS and TPS decreased (P < 0.01) total volatile fatty acid concentration (37.9, 14.2 vs 45.8 mmol/L) and increased rumen pH (7.1, 6.9 vs 6.7) compared to the control. Carcass weight was similar between treatments, TPS reduced (P = 0.01) dressing percentage compared to IPS and control (42.6 vs 45.2, 46.6%), both IPS and TPS reduced liver weight compared to control (230, 223 vs 302 g). Conversely, IPS and TPS increased (P < 0.01) alpha-tocopherol concentration (3.73, 4.0 vs 1.24 mg/g) in lean meat compared to control. This study showed that IPS increased the incorporation of antioxidants in meat without affecting animal performance.
329 Supplementing Native Rumen Microorganisms Improves Feedlot Steer Digestive Health and Performance
Authors: Yang Fan , Embree Jordan , Gilmore Sean , Embree Mallory
Published: October 2021

The rumen microbiome functions as a synchronized entity that digests feed in order to provide nutrients for its host. High-concentrate diets destabilize the rumen microbiome by biasing the community towards microorganisms that readily ferment simple carbohydrates resulting in decreased pH, increased CO2, and an increased solvent concentration in the rumen content. This chemical shift interrupts rumen fermentation and can lead to the development of metabolic diseases that negatively impact animal performance. This study evaluated the benefit of a daily, in-feed microbial feed supplement (MFS; Magnius, Native Microbials Inc, San Diego, CA) containing three native rumen microbes (Chordicoccus ruminifurens ASCUSBF65, Prevotella albensis ASCUSBF41, and Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens ASCUSBF53) on commercial feedlot steer performance and rumen microbiome composition. The trial was conducted by HMS Veterinary Development in Reedley, CA using 200 steers in 20 pens over 109 days with a 2x2 factorial design (with and without step-up period x with and without MFS). The without step-up group was directly fed the finisher ration (94% concentrate, 0.95 Mcal/lb NEm), while the step-up group was adapted to the finisher ration over a period of 21 days. Rumen microbiome samples were collected via stomach tubing periodically throughout the trial. At the end of 109 days, the FCR of the animals receiving MFS were significantly lower than the control animals (7.67% improvement, P = 0.013) in the step-up group, although no significant differences were observed in ADG and DMI. No significant performance differences were observed in the group without a step-up (Table 1). The relationship between rumen pH, dissolved CO2, and the observed changes in the microbiome suggest a potential interplay between acetogenesis and methanogenesis where CO2 consuming bacteria may be important in improving rumen digestive health. Collectively, these results suggest that feeding native rumen microorganisms can improve rumen resilience and health of high-grain consuming cattle.
330 3-nitrooxypropanol Supplementation of a Forage Diet Decreased Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle Without Affecting Apparent Total-tract Digestibility
Authors: Alemu Aklilu , Min Zhang Xiu , Kindermann Maik , Beauchemin Karen A
Published: October 2021

Supplementation of ruminant diets with the investigational methane (CH4) inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; DSM Nutritional Products, Switzerland) is as a promising mitigation strategy. However, most studies have examined high grain or mixed forage-concentrate diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a forage diet with 3-NOP on rumen fermentation, CH4 emissions and apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility. Eight ruminally cannulated beef heifers (BW = 514 kg) were randomly allocated to two treatments in a crossover design with 49-d periods. Dietary treatments were: control, high-forage diet (90% forage DM basis) without 3-NOP; and NOP, control diet supplemented with 150 mg 3-NOP/kg DM. After a 14-d diet adaption, dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) was recorded daily. Rumen contents were collected on days 17 and 28 for volatile fatty acid (VFA) analysis, whereas ruminal pH was continuously monitored from day 20 to 27. Diet digestibility was measured on day 38 to 41 by total collection of feces. Enteric CH4 emissions were measured on days 46 to 49 in chambers. Dry matter intake was lower (P = 0.001) for NOP (10.0 kg/d) as compared with control (10.2 kg/d). However, DM, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and crude protein digestibilities were similar between treatments (P ≥ 0.29). Although total VFA concentration was not affected by treatment (P = 0.19), the reduction in acetate and increase in propionate proportion for NOP lowered (P < 0.001) the acetate to propionate ratio by 18% as compared with control. Mean pH was lower (P = 0.03) for control (6.46) than NOP (6.57). Furthermore, CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) was 21.6% less (P < 0.001) for NOP relative to control (25.5 g/kg DMI). Overall, the results indicate that enteric CH4 emissions were effectively decreased with 3-NOP supplementation of a forage diet without affecting apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients.