bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXI-15 Effect of different levels of dry distillers bran plus solubles on performance of Nellore bulls finished on pasture receiving high supplementation
Authors: de Souza Gilyard Angelo Pinheiro , Ferreira Igor Machado Machado , de Almeida Saulo T Teixeira Rodrigues , Garcia Anna Lidia Francino Francino , Andrade Antonio Henrique , Inácio de Abreu Mateus José Inácio José , de de Resende Flávio Dutra Dutra , Siqueira Gustavo Rezende Rezende
Published: September 2024

This study was carried out to evaluate the performance of Nellore bulls finished on pasture receiving high supplementation containing different inclusion levels of dry distillers bran plus solubles (DDBS). Nellore bulls [n = 832; body weight (BW) = 390 ± 30 kg; 20 mo of age] were distributed in a randomized block design and allocated to 12 paddocks (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu; 7 or 8 animals/ha) measuring 10 ha (n = 6) and 8 ha (n = 6). The treatments consisted of four levels of DDBS inclusion: supplement without DDBS (S0) or containing 250 g/kg (S250), 500 g/kg (S500) or 750 g/kg (S750) of inclusion in the supplement dry matter (DM; Table 1). The DDBS used in the experiment was produced by FS Fueling Sustainability, Lucas do Rio Verde, Brazil, and had 90.8% dry matter (DM), 20.5% crude protein (CP), 38.6% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and 6.5% ether extract (EE). The supplements were provided ad libitum daily. The finishing period lasted 103 d, from October/2023 to January/2024 (wet season). The animals were weighed fasting (16 h) on the first and last day of the experiment. The supplement DM intake (DMIs) was measured daily. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The means were compared using orthogonal polynomial contrasts (linear and quadratic). Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05 and trends were declared when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. A quadratic effect was observed for both final BW and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). Animals kept in the S250 treatment had greater BW gain and were heavier at the end of the experimental period than the other treatments. The DMIs tended to be quadratic (kg/d, P = 0.06; and %BW, P = 0.07), with the greatest supplement intake for S250 (7.88 kg/d) and the least for S750 (7.01 kg/d). Supplement feed conversion [DMIs:average daily gain (ADG] did not differ (P ≥ 0.23) between treatments (Table 2). The DDBS inclusion also had a quadratic response in hot carcass weight (HCW; P = 0.01), where animals kept in the S250 treatment had greater carcass weight than the other treatments. However, there was no effect of including DDBS on dressing percentage (P ≥ 0.32). The inclusion of DDBS at 250 g/kg of the supplement DM improves the performance of cattle finished on pasture receiving high supplementation.
PSXI-12 Effects of Flint corn with or without high concentration of amylase and particle size on in vitro fermentation parameters, gas production and methane emission
Authors: De Oliveira Daiana Dos Santos , Brixner Bárbara Martins , Abdalla Adibe Luiz , Polizel Daniel Montanher , Drouillard James S S , Santos Flávio Augusto Portela
Published: September 2024

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the fermentation parameters, gas production and dry matter (DM) disappearance in vitro of two corn hybrids with two particle sizes. A 2 × 2 factorial design study was carried out to evaluate two types of Flint corn with or without high amylase concentration (Enogen flint or Tropical Flint, respectively), and two particle sizes (1.5 or 2.5 mm). Incubations were carried out for a total period of 24 h using the automatic gas pressure system (ANKOM, RF). The ruminal liquid was combined with buffer in a 1:4 ratio respectively and each bottle received 150 mL of this mixture plus 1.5 g of DM corn sample. At the end of the 24-h period, a gas sample was taken for methane analysis, a sample was taken for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis, and DM was performed on the final residue from the bottles to estimate the disappearance of DM. Data were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed (9.4). There was no interaction effect between corn hybrid and particle size for the variables evaluated. Enogen Flint corn increased the proportion of propionate (30.7 vs. 28.1 mM/100 mM; P = 0.03) and reduced isovalerate (1.23 vs. 1.65 mM/100 mM; P = 0.01), and acetate:propionate ratio (1.85 vs. 2.11; P = 0.04), with no effect on the other fermentation variables evaluated. The particle size affected the pH of the fluid, with lower pH observed when using 1.5 mm particle size (6.64 vs. 6.70; P < 0.01). Regarding the disappearance of DM, Enogen Flint corn increased disappearance compared with Tropical Flint (80.8 vs. 77.5%; P < 0.01), and the 1.5 mm particle size also resulted in an increase in DM disappearance (81.9 vs. 76.4%; P < 0.01), with no interaction between the factors studied. (P = 0.80). Corn hybrids did not affect total gas production and methane production. However, the 1.5 mm particle size increased the total gas production (117.5 vs. 103.2 mL/24 h; P < 0.01), with no effect on methane production. In conclusion, Enogen technology optimizes the rumen fermentation process and increases corn dry matter degradability, and 1.5 mm particle size of the corn grain also increases degradability.
PSXI-16 Using a multi-omics approach to decipher trans-10 shift biomarkers in ruminants
Authors: Alves Susana P , Vitor Ana Cristina , Garrine Carmen , Fernandes Tatiane , Nanni Paolo , Roschitzki Bernd , Attwood Graeme , Grossmann Jonas , Laczko Endre , de Almeida André M , Bessa Rui J B
Published: September 2024

The trans-10 shift is a recognized deviation from the normal ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) pathways of the dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) in the rumen. This phenomenon leads to the formation of the harmful t10-18:1, which is detrimental to the health of the animal, instead of the beneficial t11-18:1, which has positive effects. The phenomenon known as the t10-shift has been observed in animals consuming diets that are high in starch but low in forage. Although consuming such similar diets, there exists a significant variability in t10-shift expression among animals. The reasons behind the t10-shift are not well understood. With the aim of finding biomarkers associated with t10-shift, this study utilized multiple levels of information, including lipidomics, metabolomics, and proteomics of ruminal contents. Rumen contents from male lambs (n = 16) distributed by two diets with distinct forage:concentrate ratios (20:80 and 80:20) were collected after 42 d on ad libitum feed. FA from rumen contents were prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography, metaproteomics analyzes were performed from rumen bacterial pellets using LC-MS/MS-based label-free quantification, and metabolomics analyzes were performed from rumen fluid supernatants using IMS-TOF technology. Multivariate analyses and correlations were performed using the Metaboanalyst R package. Several fatty acids, proteins, and metabolites showed a strong correlation with the proportion of t10-18:1 in rumen contents. Among fatty acids, 17:0, 14:0, a-15:0, and t15-18:1 were positively correlated, while t11-18:1, t11,c13-CLA and c9,t11-CLA showed negative correlation. The metabolites, thiamine aldehyde, mevinolinic acid, 2-hydroxy-2H-benzo[h]chromene-2-carboxylate, or biotin were positively correlated with t10-18:1, as well as proteins associated with gluconeogenesis, stress response or amino acid metabolism. This work provides, for the first time, a multi-level integrated view of t10-shift phenomena in sheep. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) provided financial support through the research projects PTDC/CAL-ZOO/29654/2017 (RumOmics), PTDC/CAL-ZOO/4515/2021 (Gene2Rumen), UIDB/00276/2020 (CIISA), UIDB/04129/2020 (LEAF), and LA/P/0059/2020 (AL4Animals).
PSXII-23 Effect of dietary straw withdrawal in high-concentrate diets on animal behavior in dairy beef crossbred bulls housed with straw bedding
Authors: Llonch Lourdes , Marti Sonia , Verdú Marçal , Riera Joan , Medinya Carles , Cucurull Jordi , Devant Maria
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary straw withdrawal in high-concentrate diets on animal behavior in dairy beef crossbred bulls housed with straw bedding. Bulls [n = 93; body weight (BW) = 335 ± 9.0 kg, and 218 ± 4.0 d of age) were group-housed in a partially opened barn with 6 pens straw-bedded cleaned every 2 wk. Animals were assigned to one of 3 different feed programs: 1) CTR (n = 32), concentrate (13.1% crude protein (CP), 5.9% fat content, 16.1% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 40.8% starch content) and straw ad libitum fed in two separate feeders; 2) TSW (n = 32), like CTR; however, dietary straw withdrawal took place the first 84 study days; and 3) NSS (n = 29), concentrate with a lower starch content (12.2% CP, 4.6% fat content, 22.0% NDF, 39.6% starch content) without a dietary straw for the whole study. The study lasted 155 d divided into eleven 14-d periods. General activities and postures were recorded through scan sampling every 5 min, and social behavior was recorded during 5 min of continuous sampling in two rounds of 15 min. Social behaviors were transformed to a log scale to achieve a normal distribution. Data were analyzed with a mixed-effects model. The first period was an adaptation where a dietary straw bale per pen was offered in all treatments; thereafter, only in CTR, and in TSW after period 6. Percentage of bulls eating at the concentrate feeder was greater (P = 0.05) in NSS than in CTR and TRW (5.87 vs. 4.64 and 4.82 ± 0.038 %, respectively). The percentages of bulls ruminating at the beginning of the study were greater (P < 0.01) in CTR compared with TSW and NSS, but after dietary straw was offered in TSW, the percentages of bulls ruminating increased in TSW and were greater in CTR and TSW than in NSS. At the beginning of the study, during the dietary straw withdrawal in TSW bulls, the number of oral behaviors and stereotypies were greater (P < 0.01) in TSW than in CTR, but after straw offer in TSW oral behaviors and stereotypies were only greater in NSS than in CTR and TSW. In conclusion, short- and long-term dietary straw withdrawal increased behaviors indicative of poor animal welfare regardless of the starch content in the concentrate in dairy beef crossbred bulls fed high-concentrate diet housed with straw bedding.
PSXII-25 Impacts of crude protein level and urea source on finishing performance of Nellore bulls
Authors: de Paula Renato L , Rezende Gabriela D , Mucida Antônio X , Huang Letícia K , Lino Rayane A , Souza Júlia M C , Martín-Tereso Javier , Batista Erick D
Published: September 2024

The interactions between two different crude protein levels [CP, 11 vs 14% of dry matter, DM] and two urea sources [US, feed-grade (FGU) vs. post-ruminal release (PRU)] on finishing performance of Nellore bulls were evaluated. Nellore bulls [n = 84; initial body weight (BW) = 448 ± 40.5 kg] were stratified from light to heavy and allocated to 7 groups of 4 replicate pens (28 pens in total, with three bulls per pen). The following treatments were assigned: 1) 11% CP with UC; 2) 11% CP with PRU; 3) 14% CP with UC; 4) 14% CP with PRU. At the beginning of the study, 7 bulls were slaughtered to determine initial carcass dressing (452 ± 62.6 kg; 52.8%). Diets consisted of sorghum silage, ground corn, rehydrated and ensiled corn, vitamin-mineral mix, soyhulls (11% CP diets) and soybean meal (14% CP diets). Kaolin was incorporated in diets for reach 100%. The PRU source (Trouw Nutrition, Netherlands) contained 82% urea on DM basis. In an in vitro assay, 27% of this urea was released into the rumen. The total mixed rations were manually mixed and offered ad libitum twice a day (0800 and 1600 h). Daily feed intake was recorded. The experimental period lasted 90 d. The bulls were weighed individually after 16 h of feed restriction on d 0 and d 90 of the experimental period. The statistical model included the fixed effects of CP, US, and the CP × US interaction, as well as the random effect of pen nested within treatment. Effects of CP × US were not detected (P ≥ 0.39) for any feedlot growth performance variable. Bulls fed 14% CP presented greater BW, carcass weight, and ADG at d 90 (P < 0.04) than those fed 11% CP (608 vs. 594 kg, 339 vs. 329 kg, and 1.93 vs. 2.14 kg/d, respectively; Table). Diets with 14% CP diets tended to increase feed efficiency (F:G) in 6% CP compared with diets with 11% CP (P = 0.10; 178.6 vs. 189.7 g/kg, respectively). Although there was not effect of urea source on growth performance, bulls fed PRU presented greater F:G and carcass gain efficiency when compared with those eaten diets with FGU (P ≤ 0.06; 190 vs. 178 g/kg, 118 vs. 109 g/kg, respectively). Diets with 11% CP for finishing bulls negatively affected DM intake, animal performance, and carcass weight. The PRU inclusion in the finishing diets increases feed efficiency for carcass gain.
PSXIII-29 How does the combination of 3-nitrooxypropanol with feed additives affect the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of feedlot young Nellore bulls?
Authors: De Souza William L L , Perdigão Alexandre , Carvalho Victor , Acedo Tiago S S , Niehues Maria B , da Silva Isabella , Ribeiro Maryana , Tamassia Luis F M , Kindermann Maik , Cardoso Abmael S , Reis Ricardo A
Published: September 2024

The objective was to assess the impact of combining 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; Bovaer) with different feed additives on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. Young Nellore bulls (n = 164), aged 16 ± 1 mo with body weight (BW) = 410 ± 3 kg, were randomly allocated to 24 pens. There were three treatments, each with 8 replications (pens) per treatment and 7 animals per pen. The animals were fed a high-concentrate feedlot diet (R:C, 10:90) for 102 d, according with the following three treatments: 1) Control: Sodium Monensin [26 mg/kg dry matter (DM)]; 2) BOV: Control + 3-NOP (Bovaer; 100 mg/kg DM); 3) BOVPERF (Bovaer Performance pack): Control + 3-NOP (100 mg/kg DM) + Essential oils (Crina Ruminants, 100 mg/kg DM) + 25-OH-Vitamin D3 (Hy-D, 0.10 mg/kg DM) + carbo-amino-phospho-chelate of chromium and zinc (0.40 and 60 mg/kg of DM, respectively). The BW of yearling bulls were recorded at the beginning, the end of the adaptation period (28 d), and the conclusion of the experiment after a 16-h feed withholding period to facilitate the recording of shrunk BW. Based on these BW, it was possible to conduct analyses of the performance during the periods of 28 and 102 d of the experiment. Additionally, carcass characteristics were evaluated, along with assessments of the meat quality of these animals subjected to different treatments. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 and means and contrast comparison evaluated by Tukey test at P < 0.05. Feeding BOVPERF increased DM intake during the adaptation period (P < 0.01) compared with control and BOV. However, the control group showed a greater conversion ratio (P < 0.01) and feed efficiency (P < 0.01) compared with BOV and BOVPERF at 102 d of the feedlot. There was a greater increase in hot carcass weight (HCW) with a difference of (+12 kg, P > 0.01), greater carcass ADG (+113 g/d, P < 0.01), followed by a greater dressing percentage (P < 0.01), greater carcass gain yield (P < 0.01), and better biological efficiency (- 9 kg diet in DM kg/15 kg of HCW, P = 0.02) for BOVPERF compared with control and BOV. Additionally, when analyzing meat quality characteristics, a significant difference (P < 0.01) in pH values was observed for BOVPERF compared with control and BOV. In conclusion, the combination of 3-NOP with essential oils, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, and minerals such as chromium and zinc demonstrated positive effects on various aspects, including increased performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality
PSXIII-27 Effects of long-term dietary supplementation of nitrate on enteric methane production and performance of Hanwoo steers
Authors: Bharanidharan Rajaraman , Tomple Byamungu Mayange , Lee Jaesung , Ibidhi Ridha , Oh Joonpyo , Hong Woohyeong , Huh Sujoung , Kim Kyoung Hoon
Published: September 2024

Nitrate (NO3-) has been recognized as an effective dietary additive to reduce enteric methane (CH4) production in ruminants. Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of long-term supplementation and method of supplementing calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) on enteric CH4 production in Hanwoo steers. In Exp. 1, Hanwoo steers [n = 20; body weight (BW) = 348 ± 18 kg] were divided into two groups of 10, and were assigned to one of the two diets 1) CON, 500 g/kg timothy hay and 500 g/kg commercial concentrate, or 2) CAN, basal diet top-dressed with 2.5% CAN [1.578% NO3- in the dietary dry matter (DM)] for 115 d in a completely randomized design. Measurement of CH4 was performed for 3 d starting from d 21, d 51, d 80 and d 112 using whole body respiratory chambers (RC). Rumen fluid and blood samples were collected on d 25 and d 26 of the feeding trial, respectively. In Exp. 2, the animals were re-grouped (476 ± 21 kg) and fed the same basal diet supplemented with 2.0% CAN (1.262% NO3- in the dietary DM) incorporated in the concentrate pellet (P-CAN). Methane was measured on d 19 and d 45 for 3 d. In Exp. 1, CAN supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) DM intake (DMI) of the steers both in the barn and RC. However, no negative effects on average daily gain or feed conversion ratio were observed. Also, no potential toxicity of NO3- was observed based on blood methemoglobin concentrations (all samples < 2.5% of total hemoglobin). A decrease (P < 0.05) in CH4 production (g/d) caused by decreased DMI was noted in CAN throughout the feeding trial. However, CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) decreased (P < 0.05) only in the beginning phase (d 21) and did not differ (P > 0.05) thereafter. Ruminal pH, ammonia and total volatile fatty acid concentration did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05), but CAN increased and decreased (P < 0.0001) acetate and butyrate proportions, respectively. Steers fed CAN had greater ruminal abundance of Ruminococcus sp. (P < 0.05), Succiniclasticum (P = 0.066), and Selenomonas ruminantium (P = 0.073), but a reduced (P < 0.05) abundance of Methanobrevibacter ruminantium (P = 0.073). In Exp. 2, P-CAN did not exert any effects on DMI, CH4 production, CH4 yield and other production parameters. Overall, CAN can be used as a feed additive for beef cattle in the long-term without NO3- intoxication or any negative effects on growth performance. However, lack of persistent decrease in CH4 yield suggested the need of further evaluation of CAN under different dietary conditions. Furthermore, incorporating CAN in the concentrate pellet can be a suitable approach, since top-dressing may alter the organoleptic properties of diets that may reduce DMI of the steers.
PSXIII-21 Fiber digestibility and phosphorus absorption by crossbred heifers receiving different phosphates
Authors: de Paula Leonel Fernando P , Braga Bruna C , Resende Maria Eduarda L , Leitão Guilherme C
Published: September 2024

The objective was to compare the potential of different phosphates in promoting improvement in fiber digestibility and phosphorus absorption by heifers. Crossbred weaned heifers [n = 5; body weight (BW) = 150 ± 14 kg] were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design and offered diets harvested from processed forage seeds for 21-d periods (14-d adaptation and 7-d data collection). The treatments were 1) negative control (NC) without supplementary phosphorus; 2) dicalcium phosphate from igneous rock with sulfuric acidulation, neutralization with limestone, and the show physical form of micro granules (DPIRSALNG); 3) Dicalcium phosphate from igneous rock with sulfuric acidulation, neutralization with hydrated lime, and powder physical form (DPIRSAHLiNP); 4) Dicalcium phosphate from sedimentary rock with hydrochloric acidulation, neutralization with limestone, and the micro granulated show physical form (DPSRHCALNG); and 5) Dicalcium phosphate from the monocalcium phosphate and hydrated lime reaction with phosphorus concentration adjusted with phosphoric acid, and powder physical form (DPfMP+HLPAP). In each sample collection period two dry matter intake measurements, and two total feces collections were carried out for 24 h. Thus, the digestibility of dry matter (DMd), and the apparent absorption (aA) were calculated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (P < 0.05), and when significant, a multiple comparison test was performed (SNK test). No treatment x animal x period interactions were observed (P ≥ 0.05) for either of the two variables under study. The greatest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities were in the diets with DPIRSALNG and DPSRHCALNG, followed by DPIRSAHLiNP and DPfMP+HLPAP, which did not differ from each other, and the least was in NC, respectively 430, 390, 310, and 270 g/kg of DM (Table 1). Phosphorus apparent absorption (PaA) was greater (P < 0.05) in heifers that received DPIRSALNG (0.65) followed by DPSRHCALNG (0.61). DPIRSAHLiNP (0.52) and DPfMP+HLPAP (0.48) did not differ from each other (P > 0.05) and were greater (P < 0.05) than NC (0.21). Phosphorus supplementation resulted in greater NDF digestibility and greater phosphorus absorption regardless of phosphate sources. The sources DPIRSALNG and DPSRHCALNG were more efficient in terms of DMd and absorption.
PSX-28 Management of lameness in meat goat herds: A survey of producers in the southeastern US
Authors: Leite-Browning Maria L , Alghamdi Ahmad , Browning, Jr. Richard
Published: September 2024

Lameness is a persistent animal health concern in the meat goat industry. A survey was developed to describe lameness in commercial meat goat herds in the southeastern US. The survey included 35 multiple-choice questions about general herd attributes, various management practices, and specific herd lameness characteristics. A photo guide of goat hoof lesions was included in the survey package. The survey was sent by postal mail to 629 farms in Tennessee and bordering states with 183 completed surveys returned. The majority of herds managed Kiko (32%), Boer (22%), and Myotonic (19%) goat breeds. Reasons for raising goats included seed stock or breeding stock (78.1%), commercial, market, or slaughter purposes (62.3%), hobby, pets, or show (48.6%), and for brush, vegetation, or weed control (25.7%). Most respondents (90.7%) acquired goats from breeder farms, whereas only 2.7% of respondents purchased goats from sale barns. Most respondents quarantine new animals before adding them to the herd (78.1%), while 19.7% did not quarantine new animals and 1.1% were unfamiliar with the practice. The average monthly lameness rate was estimated to be at 6% with seasonal occurrences identified by respondents as 6% in the fall, 31.4% in the winter, 25.1% in the spring, and 50.5% in the summer. Some respondents indicated no seasonal variation (24.0%) or did not know (3.3%) if seasonal variation existed. Primary causes of lameness identified by respondents were overgrown hooves (50%), foot scald (19%), and foot rot (14%). Other lesions were identified at less than 8%. Sources of lameness treatment information for respondents were other producers (34.9%), veterinarians (30.6%), books (22.4%), online chat groups (19.1%), magazines (8.7%), and the extension service (8.2%). When lame goats were identified, more respondents (56.8%) did not isolate lame goats than those that practiced lame goat isolation (24.0%). Most respondents indicated that they treated lame goats (76.5%), a few did not treat lame goats (4.9%), and notable proportion (19.6%) did not respond to the question. Management approaches to treating lameness identified most frequently by respondents included hoof trimming (85%), topical hoof applications (40%), injectable antibiotics (32%), and footbaths (17%); 4% of respondents noted other methods. As a form of general hoof care management, most producers conducted hoof trimmings two or three times a year (51.9%), compared with trimming hooves once a year (9.8%), monthly (14.2%), or only trim hooves when goats became lame (6.6%). As a culling criterion, 29.5% responded lameness was a cull factor, 45.4% indicated it was not a cull factor, and 25.1% of respondents either did not know or did not response. Survey results showed that lameness is an issue in meat goat herds of the southeastern U.S. and a diversity of management approaches are used by producers to address the concern.
PSX-30 Drinking preferences of natural sources of brackish groundwater by yearling goats and sheep
Authors: Hirut Yirga Y , Patra Amlan K , Puchala Ryszard , Tadesse Dereje T , Dawson Lionel J , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: September 2024

The nature and amounts of total dissolved solids (TDS) in brackish groundwater (BGW) sources vary widely, which may have influence on drinking preferences in small ruminants. A study was conducted to evaluate the water intake preferences of different brackish groundwater (BGW) sources in yearling Alpine [initial body weight (BW) = 36.0 ± 4.92 kg] and Spanish (22.0 ± 1.62 kg initial BW) goats and Katahdin (48.7 ± 1.42 kg initial BW) sheep. After a control phase offering tap water only for 7 d, a pairwise preference test was performed by providing one bucket with fresh tap water (FRW) and another with BGW for 3 d followed by 1 d of FRW only for each BGW testing. Thereafter, a free-choice preference test was conducted for 21 d during which five buckets were simultaneously offered with one FRW and four BGW sources. Four brackish water sources from Oklahoma, were United States Geological Survey (USGS) group 2 (GR-2; calcium sulfate dominant), 3 (GR-3; sodium chloride dominant), and two unclassified groups with sodium chloride and sulfate dominant (GR-U1) and sodium sulfate (GR-U2). The concentration of total dissolved solids in these water types were 494, 7,455, 3,048, 5,459, and 2,650 mg/kg for FRW, GR-2, GR-3, GR-U1, and GR-U2, respectively. In the pairwise test, Alpine and Spanish goats consumed (P < 0.05) GR-U1 lesser amounts (water intake of 23.9 versus 44.6 for Alpine, 43.4 versus 32.5 for Katahdin, and 13.5 versus 44.3 g/kg BW for Spanish; SE = 8.00); whereas Katahdin sheep consumed (P < 0.05) GR-2 lesser amounts than FRW (24.0 versus 28.1 for Alpine, 6.27 versus 50.4 for Katahdin, and 15.4 versus 32.1 g/kg BW for Spanish; SE = 7.21). There were no significant differences (P >0.05) among the animals for GR-3 and GR-U2 preferences compared with FRW. In the free-choice test, there was a significant (P = 0.001) interaction effect between water source and animal type. Alpine goats preferred GR-3 more (P < 0.05) than FRW, GR-U1, and GR-U2 (9.41, 10.4, 14.4, 24.3, and 6.92 g/kg BW), Katahdin consumed GR-U1 most (P < 0.05) followed by GR-3 than other sources (5.95, 36.0, 1.01, 15.8, and 6.53 g/kg BW), and Spanish consumed GR-U1 more (P < 0.05) than GR-2 (10.0, 20.3, 3.66, 12.7, and 3.91 g/kg BW for FRW, BRL, GR-2, GR-3, and GR-U, respectively; SE = 3.83). This study suggests that drinking water preferences vary among different USGS groups of BGW and small ruminant breeds, indicating taste differences of these BGW sources among the breeds.
PSX-24 Effects of dietary protein level and gastrointestinal nematode parasite infection on carcass and non-carcass yield and meat composition of goats
Authors: Yousuf Adnan B
Published: September 2024

A study was conducted to evaluate carcass and non carcass yield of parasite challenged goats, parasitized (INF) or non parasitized (NIF) with gastrointestinal nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus. Goats were fed either high protein (HP) diet containing 24% CP or low protein (LP) diet containing 20% CP. Sixteen growing, intact male meat goats were divided into two main groups of INF and NIF goats and were further divided into two groups of four goats and fed either a high (24% CP) or low (20% CP) containing diet. At the end of the study, empty (fasted) body weights were recorded after an overnight fast and animals transported to a commercial abattoir, and harvested. The weights of the hot carcass, blood and non-carcass pool, which included head, hide and visceral organs (intestine, lung, liver, kidney and spleen), and blood were recorded. Carcass yield was evaluated as dressing percentage (hot carcass weight/empty body weight). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in carcass yield (%), (HP diet=53.77 and LP diet=54.70; INF=53.85 and NIF=54.62); blood (gm) (HP diet=1029.52 and LP diet=1146.47) and INF = 1142.45 and NIF = 1032.54), head and hide (gm) (HP diet = 5645.32 and LP diet = 970.54; INF = 6221.32 and NIF = 5394.54); visceral organs (gm) (HP diet = 4151.66 and LP diet = 4740.92; INF = 4728.35 and NIF = 4164.23). The results of this study showed that supplementation of high dietary protein level above animals need may not be beneficial in improving the variables monitored against Haemonchosis.
PSVII-27 Nasal surface temperature variation before, during and after routine interventions
Authors: Taylor James , Mulvenna Christina , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Mote-Rojas Daniel , Hernández-Ávalos Ismael , Muns Ramon
Published: September 2024

Routine practices such as teeth clipping (TEE), tail docking (TAI) and ear tagging (TAG) can be considered controversial due to the potential pain or stress they might cause. This study sought to evaluate how nasal surface temperature changes before, during and after each of these procedures (TEE, TAI, TAG) as performed routinely on a commercial farm. A total of 116 crossbred piglets (Landrace x Large white x Duroc Danish) from multiparous sows were used. As litters were processed, thermographic images were taken using a high-resolution handheld infrared camera FLIR T650sc (640 x 480 pixels; FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, OR) at a uniform distance of 1 m on the left side of the face. All thermal images were collected between 0900 and 1600 h. To assess procedures separately, a recovery period (12 ± 2.5 min) was allowed between procedures. Due to order differences in which procedures were implemented, the following study groups were created (procedures in brackets indicate the procedures performed prior to the procedure being assessed): TEE, (TEE+) TAI, (TEE+TAI+) TAG, TAI, (TAI+) TEE, (TAI+TEE+) TAG, TAG, (TAG+) TEE, (TAG+TEE+) TAI. Temperature values were recorded from images using FLIR Tools software 6.0 (FLIR Systems). GraphPad Prism 10.0.2 (San Diego, CA) statistical software was used to analyze the obtained data. All data were analyzed via a linear mixed model for repeated measures and Multiple comparisons were calculated using a post-hoc Tukey test (GraphPad Prism 10.0.2). There were no significant differences in Nasal surface temperature among groups at any time points (Table 1, P > 0.05). However, there was a significant reduction in temperature from before the procedure(s) to during and after the procedures in the TAG (P = 0.006) and the (TEE+) TAG (P < 0.001) groups. Changes in the surface temperature of piglets can be related to the sympathetic activity and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation during the perception of a stressor, which causes a sympathetically mediated acute vasomotor response that shifts cutaneous capillary blood flow due to transient peripheral vasoconstriction. Infrared thermography recognizes such blood flow changes as a reduction in the amount of heat radiated from the skin. Indeed, the nasal surface temperature was reduced in TAG and (TEE+) TAG piglets during and after the procedure(s) which suggests these procedure groups caused a greater degree of thermal change to the piglets. Furthermore, the results suggest that infrared thermography could be a useful tool to assess the impact of routine husbandry practices on piglet welfare. Nonetheless, further research should assess infrared thermography alongside behavioral and physiological assessments to establish the relationship between surface temperature and stress during husbandry procedures.
PSVII-28 A comparative analysis on student learning using DNA barcoding in undergraduate biology courses
Authors: Craig Helen , Kraemer Jenna , Lamp Bill
Published: September 2024

DNA barcoding is a growing field and is increasingly used to identify animal and plant specimens down to the species level. This type of molecular work is beneficial for animal science students for its use in identifying insect pests or bacterial infections. However, it is equally important for students outside of STEM concentrations to be exposed to molecular work to develop a better understanding of science and combat the growing distrust in science. The overall goal of this project was to train non-molecular biologists in DNA barcoding using active learning techniques. The objectives of the present study were to 1) expose two groups of students (BSCI145 and BSCI467) to molecular lab work, particularly DNA barcoding, 2) effectively communicate how molecular methods can be applied to ecological purposes, and 3) demonstrate that this molecular method can be used for university-level education at two scales. We hypothesized that students at both the 100 and 400 level would exit this experience with a proportionally deeper understanding of how DNA barcoding works and an appreciation for its applications as a result of the hands-on module. We did not expect there to be a significant barrier between the ability to learn this molecular method of 100 and 400 level students. To assess these hypotheses, students in both courses were given a survey at the beginning and end of the semester with the same or very similar questions to observe how their knowledge of DNA barcoding did or did not change. One semester of BSCI145 and 2 semesters of BSCI467 were sampled (n = 24 100 level students, n = 84 400 level students). Surveys were collected anonymously and evaluated using rubrics to assess “correctness”. An ANOVA revealed statistically significant effects from both the course level (P = 0.004) and the survey scores (P = 0.001), indicating that both course level and basal knowledge contribute to explaining the variance in learning. Additionally, Tukey HSD test results displayed students in BSCI 145 exhibited a significantly greater mean learning change when compared with both BSCI 467 2022 and BSCI 467 2023 (P = 0.008 and P = 0.006 respectively). Finally, a linear regression analysis displayed a significant negative relationship between pre-survey scores and mean learning change (β = -0.850, P = 0.001). This means that students with a greater initial learning reference point will not increase in learning as much when compared with students with a decreased initial learning reference point. In conclusion, we accept our hypotheses that students at different academic levels with different backgrounds can successfully learn molecular techniques when provided hands-on modules. This is relevant to education and extension when working with individuals who may not know hard science.
Combined analysis of lncRNA and mRNA emphasizes the potential role of tryptophan-mediated regulation of muscle development in weaned piglets by lncRNA
Authors: He Tianle , Li Chenlei , Chen Qingyun , Li Ruiqian , Luo Ju , Mao Jiani , Yang Zhenguo
Published: September 2024

Pork is an important high-value protein source that fulfills the nutritional requirements for normal growth development, repair, and metabolism. Tryptophan (Trp), a crucial amino acid for piglet growth performance and muscle development, has an essential yet unclear regulatory mechanism. To investigate the biological basis of Trp regulation of piglet muscle development and identify the related regulatory pathways, we studied 20 weaned piglets. The piglets were divided into control (CON, 0.14% Trp) and high Trp (HT, 0.35% Trp) groups. They were fed with different Trp concentrations for 28 d, after which we collected the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle for histomorphometric analysis and RNA extraction. Our results showed that the HT diet significantly increased the average daily weight gain, myocyte number, and muscle fiber density in weaned piglets. We then analyzed the differentially expressed (DE) genes in the LD muscle through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We identified 253 lncRNAs and 1,055 mRNAs mainly involved in myoblast proliferation and myofiber formation, particularly through the FoxO and AMPK signaling pathways and metabolism. Further analysis of the DE lncRNA targeting relationship and construction of a protein–protein interaction network resulted in the discovery of a novel lncRNA, XLOC_021675, or FRPMD, and elucidated its role in regulating piglet muscle development. Finally, we confirmed the RNA-seq results by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA-mediated Trp regulation of muscle development in weaned piglets offering a theoretical basis for optimizing piglet dietary ratios and enhancing pork production.
New insights into the regulation and roles of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate
Authors: Hasegawa Junya
Published: September 2024

Phosphoinositides (PIPs) are phospholipids and components of the cellular membrane. In mammals, seven phosphorylated derivatives of PIPs have been identified. Among them, phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate [PI(3,4)P2] is produced by lipid phosphatases (e.g., SHIP2) or by lipid kinases PI3KC2α and PI3KC2β. Although PI(3,4)P2 is undetectable in normal mouse or human tissues and common cell lines, it appears in a mouse prostate cancer model and in cells exposed to oxidative stress, indicating that PI(3,4)P2 is involved in the pathogenesis of some diseases. Here, I summarize recent findings on the cellular roles and pathophysiological significance of PI(3,4)P2.
Pediatric Burn Unit Admission is Associated with School Holidays and Lower Home Childhood Opportunity Level
Authors: Ross Erin E , Flores Elizabeth , Zachary Paige K D , Yenikomshian Haig A
Published: September 2024

Burn injury can have profound detrimental effects on the quality of life and mental health of children. We collected demographics, burn etiology, burn date, and home zip code for pediatric patients admitted to our burn unit from 2016 to 2023. Age, burn date, and etiology of burn were used to assess temporal and mechanistic patterns of injury for preschool-age and school-age children. Home zip code was used to determine each child’s home Childhood Opportunity Index (COI) score, which is composed of subdomains for Education, Health and Environment, and Social and Economic. We calculated the odds ratio for odds of pediatric burn admission for each COI subdomain quintile, using very high opportunity neighborhoods as the reference. Scald was the prevailing burn etiology (64%). In school-age children, July was the month with the most burn injuries (19%), attributable to firework injuries. School-age children were also more likely to be injured in a week without classroom instruction (P < .001). There was a dose–response relationship between COI and odds of burn admission, with the greatest odds of burn admission observed for children from very low educational opportunity areas (OR 5.21, 95% CI 3.67-7.39). These findings support interventions for burn prevention such as increased education about the dangers of fireworks, addressing inequities in access to childcare and extracurricular activities, and reducing the default water heater temperatures in multi-unit dwellings.
People Believe If 90% Prefer A over B, A Must Be Much Better than B. Are They Wrong?
Authors: Overton Graham , Evangelidis Ioannis , Vosgerau Joachim
Published: September 2024

We show that consumers confuse consensus information in polls—such as 90% prefer product A over product B—with differences in liking—the extent to which poll respondents like A better than B. Consequently, they interpret a 90% consensus in favor of A as the average liking of A being considerably higher than the average liking of B. We demonstrate empirically and with simulations that—while this can be true—it is more probable that the average liking of A is only slightly higher than that of B. This regularity is robust to the sign and size of the correlation between ratings for A and B, and across most distributions for A and B’s liking. Consumers are not aware of this regularity and believe that 90% consensus implies A being much better than B. Communicators (marketers, managers, public policy makers, etc.) can capitalize on these erroneous inferences and strategically display preference information as consensus or as liking ratings, leading to dramatic shifts in choices. Consumers’ erroneous inferences can be corrected by educating them about the shape of the distribution of liking differences. We discuss theoretical and managerial implications for the understanding and usage of polls.
The role of mate competition in speciation and divergence: a systematic review
Authors: Lackey Alycia C R , Scordato Elizabeth S C , Keagy Jason , Tinghitella Robin M , Heathcote Robert J P
Published: September 2024

Competition for mates can play a critical role in determining reproductive success, shaping phenotypic variation within populations, and influencing divergence. Yet, studies of the role of sexual selection in divergence and speciation have focused disproportionately on mate choice. Here, we synthesize the literature on how mate competition may contribute to speciation and integrate concepts from work on sexual selection within populations—mating systems, ecology, and mate choice. Using this synthesis, we generate testable predictions for how mate competition may contribute to divergence. Then, we identify the extent of existing support for these predictions in the literature with a systematic review of the consequences of mate competition for population divergence across a range of evolutionary, ecological, and geographic contexts. We broadly evaluate current evidence, identify gaps in available data and hypotheses that need testing, and outline promising directions for future work. A major finding is that mate competition may commonly facilitate further divergence after initial divergence has occurred, e.g., upon secondary contact and between allopatric populations. Importantly, current hypotheses for how mate competition contributes to divergence do not fully explain observed patterns. While results from many studies fit predictions of negative frequency-dependent selection, agonistic character displacement, and ecological selection, results from ~30% of studies did not fit existing conceptual models. This review identifies future research aims for scenarios in which mate competition is likely important but has been understudied, including how ecological context and interactions between mate choice and mate competition can facilitate or hinder divergence and speciation.
Viability of fracture characterization using seismic attributes through seismic physical modeling
Authors: Liu Enliang , Zhang Feng , Huo Shoudong , Ding Pinbo , Li Xiangyang
Published: September 2024

Seismic attributes have been widely utilized for fault detection; however, accurately characterizing mesoscale fractures (1/10 to 1/4 wavelength) using these attributes remains challenging, particularly in complex geological setting. To explicitly reveal the effectiveness of seismic attributes in fracture characterization, we constructed a realistic physical model based on the stratigraphic structure of a real shale-gas play. This model incorporates several faults and six fracture zones containing vertically aligned mesoscale fractures of varying fracture densities, embedded in a target layer of 40 m equivalent thickness. Through a comprehensive evaluation of various seismic attributes, we demonstrate that, while these attributes effectively map faults or macroscale fractures, they are less reliable for characterizing mesoscale fractures. Although mesoscale fractures induce anomalies in seismic amplitude and attributes, the magnitude of these anomalies does not correlate with the fracture density. To address this limitation, we introduce the amplitude at the dominant frequency (ADF) attribute, designed to characterize fracture density in thin beds with mesoscale fractures. A strong relationship is observed between fracture density and the ADF attribute, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8067. Thus, the ADF attribute serves as a valuable tool for interpreting seismic data in the context of mesoscale fracture density.
The automatic termination clause in the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement—brinkmanship for future negotiation or a time bomb for self-destruction?
Authors: Lee Jaemin
Published: September 2024

The Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA) is an important stride forward, but its future is uncertain because of the embedded automatic termination clause. There is a substantial possibility that this provision comes into effect. It would be prudent to focus on how best to utilize the FSA before that scenario materializes. Most notably, international law jurisprudence and World Trade Organization precedents posit that panels can continue to review disputes and issue decisions even after the FSA is terminated as long as the disputes are brought to them before termination. The automatic termination clause is a unique, unprecedented feature, which may kill the hard-earned momentum of the fisheries subsidies regulation. If managed well, however, the potential damage can be controlled and the new agreement can be utilized for the ultimate success of global fisheries subsidies regulation.
Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex, with evidence for 3 additional Afrotropical bat species
Authors: Patterson Bruce D , Demos Terrence C , Torrent Laura , Grunwald Amanda L , Montauban Cecilia , Kerbis Peterhans Julian C , McDonough Molly M , Dick Carl W , Bartonjo Michael , Schoeman M Corrie , Ruedas Luis A , Juste Javier
Published: September 2024

Roughly a third of all horseshoe bat species (Rhinolophidae: Rhinolophus) are found in Africa, where a recent continent-wide genetic survey suggested the presence of both undescribed and apparently invalid species. Here, we focus on the R. landeri species complex and the recent elevation of R. lobatus Peters, 1852, to species rank. That action created ambiguity in the taxonomy of East African members of the group—are both R. landeri Martin, 1838, and R. lobatus sympatric in East Africa or is another, unnamed species present there? Here, we refine genetic, morphological, and behavioral characterizations of R. landeri and its erstwhile synonyms with samples from the vicinity of their type localities. The distribution of R. landeri appears to be limited to Central and West Africa; existing genetic records attributed to this species from Mali clearly represent another taxon. We marshal genetic evidence for the species-level distinction of R. dobsoni Thomas, 1904, from Sudan, which was previously considered a synonym of R. landeri. We reject R. axillaris J. A. Allen, 1917, as a synonym of the R. landeri complex, provisionally regarding it as a valid member of the landeri species group. Finally, we demonstrate that East Africa is home to a fourth species of the landeri complex that is named herein. Final resolution of the systematics of this species complex awaits expanded characterizations (especially of genetics, vocalizations, and noseleaves) and studies of variation in regions of contact.