bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXIII-42 Plasma levels of growth hormone in laying hens in relation to developmental and hormonal factors
Authors: Smekalova Araksiya A , Lebedeva Irina , Parvizi Nahid , Grossmann Roland
Published: December 2019

Growth hormone (GH) is an important positive regulator of ovarian function in vertebrates, including birds, but it can accelerate aging processes. In the present study, GH levels in the blood of laying hens were investigated due to age, reproductive status and ovulatory cycle-related hormones. To this end, the following groups of hens were used: (1) young hens with long clutch (YLC, 29–31 week-old, >10 eggs per clutch), (2) YLC hens treated with LH (YLC-LH), (3) old hens with long clutch (OLC, 62–64 week-old), (4) old hens with short clutch (OSC, 3–6 eggs per clutch). The hens were sacrificed at 1.5 or 14.5 h after assumed ovulation as well as 3.5 h after the LH injection (n = 5–6 per each group). Plasma concentrations of GH were determined by RIA and those of ovarian steroid hormones were measured by ELISA. The data were analyzed by ANOVA. In all compared groups, levels of GH were similar at the beginning and the middle of the ovulatory cycle. The average concentration of GH in OSC hens was higher than in OLC hens (1.28±0.38 vs 0.39±0.09 ng/ml, P < 0.05) but did not differ from that in YLC hens (0.76±0.22 ng/ml). Furthermore, in OSC hens, a positive correlation (r=0.84, P < 0.05) was revealed between GH levels and testosterone levels in the middle of the ovulatory cycle. Injections of LH raised ovarian steroid concentrations (P < 0.001) and did not affect GH concentrations in the plasma of YLC hens. Meanwhile, GH levels correlated with estradiol-17β levels in the YLC-LH group (r=0.81, P < 0.05). The findings suggest that elevated plasma levels of GH are associated with a reproductive impairment in old hens. Besides, a relationship between GH and ovarian steroids depends on the hen age, reproductive status, ovulatory cycle stage, and LH impact. The study was supported partly by RFBR (19-016-00216).
PSXIII-41 Fibroblast growth factor 21 promotes lipid oxidation and transportation while inhibits lipogenesis via AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in bovine hepatocytes
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Zhu Xiaoyan , Zhao Baoyu
Published: December 2019

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays essential roles in the regulation of whole body energy metabolism. However, it is not entirely clear for dairy cows whether FGF21 activates AMPK signaling pathway and what will be affected for lipid metabolism in bovine hepatocytes. Methods: Bovine hepatocytes were isolated from caudate lobes by using three-step of perfusion and collagenase digestion method. The accumulation of TG and the secretion of VLDL were examined in hepatocytes and supernatant, respectively. The expressions of the metabolic key factors were detected by Real-time PCR and Western Blot.Results: The 4th hour is the optimal time that FGF21 activates AMPK. FGF21 has significant dose-dependent inhibition of TG in bovine hepatocytes; and high concentration (1800 pg/mL) significantly promoted VLDL secretion at 4 h. The protein expression of APOB 100, APOE and MTTP, which are components of VLDL, were stimulated by FGF21, and all the mRNA expression reached the peak point (P < 0.01) at medium concentration (900 pg/mL). Interestingly, the proteins associated with lipid transportation were promoted too, such as LDLR, CD36, L-FABP. To some extent, meanwhile, it could be observed that some genes regulating lipid oxidation were strengthened following FGF21 treatment. In detail, ACOX1 and SIRT1 were very sensitive to the concentration of FGF21, showing remarkable difference at low concentration (P < 0.01); PGC-α, PPAR-α and CPT-1 showed significant changes at 900 pg/mL (P < 0.01); CPT-2 required a higher concentration to achieve significant enhancement. However, the results had a negative impact on lipogenesis. SREBP1c, ACC, FASN and ACLY were inhibited after treatment with low or medium doses of FGF21 (P < 0.01). Conclusion: FGF21 can promote lipid oxidation and transport, while inhibit lipid synthesis via activating AMPK signalling pathway in primary hepatocytes of dairy cows, thereby participation in the adaptive regulation of energy metabolism.
PSXIII-25 Comparative analysis of state of the neurosecretary system of pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha walb. on different stages of ontogenesis
Authors: Tashbaev Daniil , Mosyagina Marina , Lukina Julia , Pechenkina Alla , Anipchenko Polina , Garlov Pavel , Zelennikov Oleg
Published: December 2019

The preoptic-pituitary neurosecretory system (PPNS) plays a key role in the regulation of reproduction, spawning, osmoregulation and fish growth. This study aimed to find out the development features of the PPNS in pink salmon in connection with gonadal sex differentiation and spawning. A comparative morphometric analysis of all parts of the system was carried out in juveniles aged 3–4 months and adults during the spawning season. The ratios of the areas were calculated for the PPNS different segments on the sagittal sections: the cellular parts of the preoptic nucleus, the cyto- and karyometric characteristics of neurosecretory cells. The complex morphometry of neurosecretory, glial and vascular elements in the neurohypophysis was carried out. It was found that during seaward run and the completion of sex differentiation, the main sections of the PPNS were already fully formed and the ratio of all parts of the preoptic nucleus in juveniles and adults was not significantly different (р< 0,05). In juveniles, compared with adults, the relative area of the neurohypophysis was significantly higher (P < 0.05), and level of relative development of the capillary network, the length of neurohemmal contacts and organ hyperemia were comparable. It was shown a high level of formation and functioning of PPNS in juveniles, as well as its important role during seaward run and early gonadogenesis.
PSXIII-2 Cryopreservation effect on biological parameters of poultry semen
Authors: Zhilinsky Mikhail A , Tomgorova Evgeniya K , Iolchiev Baylar S , Vetokh Anastasia N , Ashraf Hanum V , Volkova Natalia A , Zinovieva Natalia A , Bagirov Vugar A
Published: December 2019

Sperm cryopreservation is one of the most important elements for the creation of genetic material cryobanks in order to preserve the gene pool of poultry. Cryopreservation methods and parameters directly affect the viability of germ cells after thawing. The effect of freeze-thaw cycles on biological usefulness of bird sperm was studied. Semen was frozen in paillettes. Thawing sperm was carried out at a temperature of 38 °С. Sperm activity was assessed using CASA technology “ARGUSSOFT”. Sperm motility after cryopreservation decreased in roosters, quails and guinea fowls by 62 ± 3 %, 66 ± 1 % and 60 ± 1 %, respectively. The proportion of live sperm also decreased: in roosters - from 89 ± 4 % to 48 ± 2 %, in quails - from 93 ± 3 % to 49 ± 3 %, in the guinea fowls - from 92 ± 2 % to 45 ± 4 %. As a result of freezing and thawing, the proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology increased. A change in the frequency of anomalies occurrence in individual segments was observed. The number of spermatozoa with flagella pathology was increased. The proportion of sperm with pathology of the head, middle section and flagellum increased by 0.4 %, 0.4 % and 1.3 % (P ≤ 0.001) respectively, in the frozen-thawed samples of roosters, compared with the indicators established for a freshly obtained ejaculate. A similar trend was observed in other poultry types. Thus, the freeze-thaw cycle had a negative effect on the activity and viability of poultry spermatozoa. Supported by RSF No 16-16-04104.
PSXIII-11 Altering length of the presynchronization period in a long-term progestin-based estrus synchronization protocol for timed artificial insemination of beef heifers
Authors: Knickmeyer Emma R , Thomas Jordan M , Locke James William C , Bonacker Rachael C , Ciernia Lauren , Ketchum Jaclyn N , Ellersieck Mark R , Poock Scott E , Smith Michael F , Patterson David J
Published: December 2019

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of extending the presynchronization period in a progestin-based estrus synchronization protocol. Heifers were assigned to an 18 d or 14 d CIDR® treatment (1.38 g progesterone), with prostaglandin F2α (PG; 250 mg im) administered 16 d after CIDR® removal (Day 34). Heifers at two locations (location one, n = 193; location two, n = 649) were assigned to treatment based on reproductive tract score (RTS; Scale 1–5) and weight. Estrus detection aids (Estrotect®) were applied at PG and split-time artificial insemination (STAI) was performed based on estrus expression at 66 h. Heifers that expressed estrus at 66 h were inseminated and heifers that did not express estrus were inseminated at 90 h. Only heifers that failed to express estrus by 90 h received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100 µg im) at AI. At location one, blood samples were collected at PG and AI (66 h or 90 h) from all heifers to determine E2 concentrations, and transrectal ovarian ultrasound was performed to detail ovarian structures on a subset of heifers (n = 73) at both time points. The proportion of heifers expressing estrus by 66 h (60%) or in total by 90 h (84%) after PG did not differ between treatments. Pregnancy rate to STAI did not differ between treatments (P = 0.3; 52%, 14 d CIDR®-PG; 50%, 18 d CIDR®-PG), or at the end of the 60 d breeding season (P = 0.2). There were no differences between treatments in mean diameter of the dominant follicle at PG (P = 0.6) or STAI (P = 0.3), nor were any differences observed between treatments in E2 concentrations at PG (P = 0.8) or STAI (P = 0.6). These data suggest that CIDR® treatment can be extended from 14 to 18 d, providing flexibility in scheduling without compromising reproductive outcomes.
PSXIII-39 Onset of ovulation in suckled cows treated with progesterone and estradiol benzoate
Authors: Baez Giovanni M , Rivera Wilfran E
Published: December 2019

Tropical cow-calf operations using Bos indicus crossbreds are characterized by extended periods of time before the establishment of ovarian cyclicity. The aim was to determine whether the increase of progesterone concentrations during postpartum anestrous using intravaginal devices along with injection of estradiol benzoate would advance the occurrence of first ovulation after calving. 269 suckled crossbred cows kept in different farms at North-Santander (Colombia) were randomized in one of the following treatments: 1:Control (n = 88) no further treatment; 2:P4 (n = 91) cows received an intravaginal device containing 0.588 g of progesterone during 7 days at day 50±3 after calving; 3:P4+E2 (n = 90) as treatment 2 plus an additional injection of 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate at the time of device insertion. Ovarian ultrasound was performed weekly starting on the day of treatments until ovulation (disappearance of a dominant follicle with later appearance of a corpus luteum within two consecutive examinations). Calving-Ovulation Interval was recorded and means between groups were analyzed using ANOVA (α=0.05). For the control group, COI tended (P = 0.08) to be longer for primiparous cows (149.6±4.5 days, n = 14) compared to multiparous cows (140.4±2.1d, n = 74). Treatment with P4 reduced the COI for both primiparous (105.3±5.4d, n = 15; P < 0.0001) and multiparous (96.4±3.0d, n = 76; P < 0.0001) compared to the controls (P = 0.21 between groups of age). When primiparous cows were treated with P4+E2 the COI decreased compared to both P4 and control treatments (82.3±2.8d, n = 17; P < 0.0001). However, in multiparous cows there was no effect of P4+E2 compared to P4 treatment (94.6±2.6d, n = 73; P = 0.65), then COI was shorter for primiparous compared to multiparous cows (P = 0.03) with P4+E2 treatment. The use of an intravaginal device containing progesterone advances the time of first ovulation after calving in suckled cows. Additional use of estradiol benzoate reduces the time for first ovulation in primiparous but not multiparous cows.
PSXIV-1 Effects of passage rate on forage intake and digestion in beef cattle
Authors: Jennings Thomas G , Green-Miller Angela
Published: December 2019

The objective was to evaluate treatments designed to increase passage rate on forage intake and digestion. Eight ruminally-cannulated steers were assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. All steers were fed an ad libitum diet of prairie grass hay (10.4% CP) with the following treatments designed to increase passage rate: no treatment (control; CON), pelleted (PEL), 7% Ca(OH)2 treated (CAOH), and six 2 kg weights inserted into the rumen (WTS). Molasses (3% of diet DM) was added to all treatments. Feed, orts, and total feces was collected on d 12–17 to determine total tract digestibility. On d 17–20, ruminal pH was recorded every 8 hr. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with treatment and period as fixed effects and steer as a random effect. A treatment effect (P < 0.01) was observed for ruminal pH; steers fed CAOH had the highest pH (6.97) with WTS and CON intermediate and PEL being the lowest (6.34). Organic matter intake (OMI) was affected (P < 0.01) by treatment with PEL steers consuming the most (7.86 kg). While steers consuming CON had greater OMI than CAOH (P = 0.04), WTS was not different from CON (P = 0.50). Organic matter digestibility (OMD) was also affected (P < 0.01) by treatment as WTS and CON were the greatest (62.8% and 61.7%, respectively) and CAOH (58.7%) tended (P = 0.08) to be greater than PEL (55.9%). Total digestible organic matter intake (TDOMI) was affected (P < 0.01) by treatment; PEL had the greatest TDOMI with CON being intermediate, and CAOH and WTS being the least. Treatments designed to increase passage rate did affect forage intake and digestion with the greatest effect resulting from pelleting grass hay due to the severe reduction in particle size.
PSXI-38 Effect of Nutrisound Dry Concentrate on performance of sows and weaned pigs on a commercial farm in thailand
Authors: Kongpanna Panumas , Jamikorn Uttra , Doerr John A , Nilubol Dachrit
Published: December 2019

Nutrisound Dry Concentrate (NDC), a mycotoxin control product based on a specialized cell-wall deficient bacterium, was recently introduced in Thailand, a region typically experiencing multiple mycotoxins in production animal agriculture. Field evaluations of this product were conducted on a commercial swine farm. In experiment 1, approximately 1000 weaned pigs (large White x Landrace x Duroc, 28 days of age) were randomly allocated to two groups, control (CON) and treatment (NDC). Each group was housed in 14 pens of 35–36 piglets/pen. A common basal diet (rice/soy) was prepared that included an anti-mycotoxin product. This was the CON feed; and that same diet, to which NDC was added (1.2 kg/tonne), was the treatment ration. In the 42 day trial, NDC improved body weight, gain, and feed intake (P < 0.05) and reduced mortality by half (P < 0.05). Fecal coliforms and E. coli were reduced significantly (P < 0.01). A second study was conducted with 50 sows per group, each group fed diets identical to those of the piglet experiment. The experimental diets were fed for the last 5 weeks of gestation (typically, NDC is fed for at least 9 weeks of gestation). While not significant, there was a trend in the NDC sows for improved farrowing rate and piglet birth weight (P < 0.10) Thus, NDC yielded performance improvements in both young pigs and gestating sows. However, repeated tests for 16 mycotoxins/metabolites revealed no major dietary mycotoxins. NDC/s active principle is a cell-wall deficient bacterium. These are highly interactive with mucosal immune functions. Additionally, NDC has a low inclusion level (106 cfu/gm) of B. subtilis. In the absence of confirmed mycotoxins, immunological support could be the source of improved performance. It is also possible that mycotoxins not routinely assayed were present. In that case, NDC provided the expected broad spectrum protection against undetected mycotoxins.
PSXI-22 Intensification of cow-calf production: How does the system respond biologically to energy inputs in a long-term horizon?
Authors: Barcellos Julio O , Gonzales Fredy , Sessim Amir G , Lima Julia A
Published: December 2019

In southern Brazil, beef cattle production systems generally rely on grazing on natural pastures. However, their forage production, and consequently metabolizable energy (ME) production, is seasonal and influenced by climatic events. Thus, there is a scientific and commercial interest in evaluating and understanding the biological impacts of intensification using pasture irrigation and the effects of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena on the long term on the productivity of cow-calf systems. Therefore, our objective was to develop a simulation model to evaluate the effects of intensification levels, using cultivated pastures and irrigation, on the productivity and on the efficiency metabolizable energy utilization of beef cow-calf systems in a 10-year horizon. This period allows capturing the effects of several production cycles as influenced by ENSO events. The model includes three submodels: herd structure, herd ME requirements, and forage ME production. The results of the present study demonstrate that the proposed model is able to evaluate the influence of intensification of grazing systems on metabolizable energy production, carrying capacity, productivity and biological efficiency of beef cow-calf systems over a long-term horizon. Productivity was increased in 66.2% when 20% of the grazing area was intensified and irrigated compared with the modeled non-intensified system, independently of climatic events. The main productive response was the increase in the number of dams in the herd, especially as a result of the use of irrigation. This study proposes different alternatives for increasing the productivity of beef cow-calf systems in southern Brazil.
PSXI-23 Effect of garlic powder on supplement consumption and fly abundance in grazing cattle
Authors: Durunna Obioha N
Published: December 2019

Effective pest-fly control strategies in grazing cattle will increase performance, reduce fly-borne diseases and the associated antimicrobial use. This 2-year project evaluated the effects of feeding garlic-powder to grazing cattle. Fly abundance (FA), average salt consumption (SC) and average fly avoidance behaviors (FAB, such as tail-flicks, head-throws and side-licks) were assessed in three independently-managed crossbred cow-calf groups (total=116 to 183 cow-calf pairs) within a subdivided large pasture. Each group received either salt-garlic-powder (SGP) supplement or salt (ST) only, free-choice. The SGP contained 2.1% and 5% garlic powder, respectively in both years. Fly surveys were conducted between June and September each year (approximately every 3 weeks) on cows (n = 5 to 66) randomly sampled from each group. Post-survey image analyses used digital footage and still-images of lateral views of cows and were used to evaluate resting flies (FA) on the cows and FAB. Majority were horn flies based on resting locations on the cows and close-up images. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models adjusted for Year-effect. There was no treatment effect on average SC (P > 0.22) but the groups that received SGP (59g/hd/day) consumed numerically less salt-supplement than ST group (73g/hd/day). The average FA and average proportion of individuals exhibiting FAB were different (P < 0.04) between overall treatment groups where cows that received SGP had fewer flies (55 vs 125 flies) and less FAB (33% vs 42%) than the control group. However, one group that received SGP was not different (P > 0.2) from the control, suggesting that there may be differential insectifugal outcomes based on other factors. While these results suggest that infusing garlic powder into pasture trace-mineral salt does not significantly affect salt consumption and reduces the overall number of pest-flies across different grazing groups, additional studies are required to validate these findings in drylot conditions.
PSXI-31 How is the ingestive behaviour of mid lactating Holstein cows grazing a fescue based pasture under two different defoliation intensities?
Authors: Hinz Oliver Fast , Chilibroste Pablo , Menegazzi Gabriel , Oborsky Matías , Genro Cristina , Soca Pablo , Mattiauda Diego A
Published: December 2019

An experiment was performed to study the effect of two contrasting defoliation intensities of a fescue based pasture on the ingestive behaviour. Treatments were two grazing intensities: lax treatment (TL) 12 cm and control treatment (TC) 6 cm, with four replicants of 0.3 ha each. The starting of the experiment was determined by the three leaf stage. Twenty-four mid lactating Holstein cows were blocked according to parity, body weight, body condition score and calving date. Each plot was grazed by three cows during as many days as necessary until the defoliation height of each treatment was achieved (TL: 6 d; TC: 8 d). The pasture mass was 2530 ± 180 kgDM/ha and animals had access from 8:00 to 16:00. Each cow received 7.4 kgDM of supplementation (17% Crude Protein; 2.81 Mcal/kgDM). After PM milking (17:00 h) animals remained separated in 8 pens, where they received 5.5 kgDM in individual troughs. The remaining supplement was provided in the AM milking (05:00 h). During the access to the pasture, grazing and ruminating times and bites rate (BT; bites/minute) were determined every 5 minutes by visual observation at the beginning, middle and end of the experiment. Daily ruminating (DR) was also logged by electronic recorders in 2h periods (Heatime®HR, SCR Dairy). The PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS 9.2, 2010) with a binomial response distribution and with Logit as a link function, was used to determine the probability of the different events. DR and BR were analysed with a mixed model with block and treatment as fixed effects. The probability of cows grazing was greater for TC than TL and lower for ruminating and DR (Table 1). There was no effect of treatment on BR (55 ± 8.8 bites/min). The changes observed on ingestive behaviour were reflected on productive performance (companion abstract).
PSXI-39 The effect of addition of proteolytic enzyme and microorganisms on feed efficiency, colon microorganisms, and manure odor in broiler chickens
Authors: Sun Sangsoo , Park Cheolju , Na Hyunchae , Lee Whoseung , Park Hoyong , Kim Sukho
Published: December 2019

The objectives of this study were to improve productivity and reduce manure odor through the addition of feed additives in broiler chickens. Two hundred seventy chickens (one day old, Ross broiler) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups (control, 0.1AR, 0.2AR, MF, and MW) with three replications (18 birds in each replication). The enzyme (AR, ArazymeTM 0.1, 0.2%) added was mainly protease enzyme extracted from insects. The microorganisms (MF, MW) added were a mixture of Lactobacillus, Bacillus subtilis, and photosynthetic bacteria. Animals were fed for 45 days and managed according to the Animal Care Guidelines of CNU. Based on the results, feed efficiency and organ weight did not differ by treatment assignment, but feed efficiency was slightly improved in the microorganism in feed (MF) and drinking water (MW) treatment groups. The total number of colon bacteria increased 2~5 fold in the 0.1AR, 0.2AR, MF, and MW groups, compared with the control. However, the colon E. Coli level decreased by 95% in the MW group and 72% in the 0.2AR group, compared with the control. The ammonia (NH3) level decreased by 2.17, 32.61, 50.01, and 71.74% in the 0.1AR, 0.2AR, MF, and MW groups, respectively, compared with the control. However, the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) level was not affected by any treatment. In conclusion, the addition of proteolytic enzyme and microorganisms will improve feed efficiency, in addition to reducing E. coli and ammonia levels in broiler chickens.
PSXI-42 Palm oil industry waste as an animal feed and its influence on growth performance of grower pigs
Authors: Adebiyi O A , Oboli U T , Adejumo Isaac O , Osinowo O A , Chika Chuegbe Ugochiyere
Published: December 2019

Pigs are an important meat species for human consumption, but cost of production is one the main factors limiting its production in developing countries. Palm oil sludge, which is a palm oil industry waste, is relatively cheap in Nigeria. Hence, its influence as animal feed for replacement of maize was assessed on growth performance of grower pigs. Forty grower pigs were used, randomly allotted to four treatments. The four treatments contained 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% palm oil sludge as replacement for maize, respectively, in a completely randomized design. Weekly feed intake and the body weight of the animals were measured. The body weight gain of the animals was determined by deducting the initial body weight from the final body weight of the animals. Feed conversion ratio was determined by finding the ratio of feed intake and body weight gain. Data obtained were analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Palm oil sludge-diets compared well with the control diet, which indicated that at the level of inclusion, palm oil sludge has the potential for reducing the cost of production of pig in developing countries, without adverse effects on the growth rate and body conformation of the animals.
PSXI-40 Body reserves profile and rearing performance of meat ewes are genetically linked
Authors: González-García Eliel , Macé Tiphaine , Hazard Dominique
Published: December 2019

The objective of this work was to study the relationships between different body reserve (BR) dynamic profiles and ewe rearing performance (PERF) traits in a Romane meat sheep population extensively managed in a rangeland of France. Genetic parameters that link litter weight and lamb BW at lambing and weaning, lamb growth rate at 1, 2 and 3 months after lambing and litter survival from lambing to weaning to different BR profiles that have previously been demonstrated in the same animals are reported. Records from the flock of the INRA La Fage experimental farm were used to generate datasets from 14 lambing years (YR: 2002 to 2015). The datasets involved 1,146, 1,072 and 414 females belonging to 3 parities (PAR: 1, 2 and 3, respectively), with first lambing at 2 ages (AGE: 1 or 2-yr-old), and 4 litter sizes (LS: 1, 2, 3 and 4 lambs born alive). Significant effects on PERF were observed on all fixed variables considered (i.e., YR, AGE, PAR and LS). Similarly, the BW and BCS profiles of the ewes were strongly related to the PERFs across the 3 PARs studied, particularly for the BW profiles in the first cycle (PAR 1). In contrast to litter survival, which showed very low h² values and repeatabilities, the traits of lamb BW at lambing and weaning and litter weights at weaning had moderate h² values ranging from 0.20 to 0.23 and repeatabilities ranging from 0.21 to 0.27. In conclusion, our results show that genetic gains may be possible due to the inclusion of combined BR and PERF traits in sheep selection programs for this breed and warrant further research in other sheep populations.
PSXI-5 Effect of increasing feed intake during late gestation on piglet birth weight and weaning weight of low backfat thickness sows
Authors: Zhou Yuanfei , Liu Zuhong , Peng Jian
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the effect of feed intake during late gestation on piglet birth weight and weaning weight of sows with the low backfat thickness (BF) at gestation 90 d. A total of 397 crossbred Landrance × Large White sows according to feed intakes were randomly allotted to three groups 2.8 kg/d (the energy requirement for sow maintenance), 3.6 kg/d and 4.0 kg/d from day 90 to day 110 of gestation. Sows were weighed and measured BF at 90 d and at 110 d of gestation and at weaning. Piglet performance at parturition and at weaning and wean-to-estrus of sows were recorded. Although sows had a tendency to increase BF at gestation 110 d (P = 0.09) and had more BF gain during late gestation with higher feed intake (P < 0.01), there was no evidence for differences in piglet birth weight, within-litter birth weight variation and weak piglet rate, and the number of total born, born alive and stillborn. During lactation, sows fed with high feed intake in late gestation increased body weight loss (P < 0.01). And no differences were observed in piglet performance at weaning and wean-to-estrus interval of sows. In conclusion, during late gestation, sows fed with feed intake more than energy requirement for maintenance had no effect on piglet birth weight or weaning weight.
PSIX-40 Exogenous carbohydrases improve carcass characteristics of Nellore beef cattle grazed in tropical conditions
Authors: Vasconcellos Guilherme S , Perdigão Alexandre , Acedo Tiago S , Carvalho Victor V , Tamassia Luis Fernando
Published: December 2019

The objective was to evaluate the effects of feeding levels of an exogenous carbohydrases blend on performance and carcass characteristics of grazing Nellore beef cattle. A total of 168 bulls were distributed to twenty Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés paddocks (8 or 10 animals/paddock) in a randomized complete block design, with five replicates (paddocks) per treatment. Bulls were assigned according initial BW (IBW; 369.07±21.13 kg) to receive treatments for 231 days: 1) Control (basal mineral-protein-energetic supplement, no enzyme; PES), Carb1 (PES + 0.83 g of xylanase, RONOZYME® WX; and 3.09 g of beta-glucanase, RONOZYME® VP, both offered/kg PES), Carb2 (PES + 1.65 g of xylanase and 6.18 g of beta-glucanase/kg PES) and Carb3 (PES + 3.30 g of xylanase and 12.38 g of beta-glucanase/kg PES). Evaluated parameters were final BW (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), supplement intake, hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing %. IBW and FBW were measured after a 12-hour fastening period. Treatments were offered daily in covered group feeders located in each paddock. Animals had free access to supplements and water. Supplements and enzymes were provided by DSM Nutritional Products. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS® 9.3, being each paddock the experimental unit. Orthogonal contrasts were used to detect linear and quadratic effects on enzyme levels, with values P ≤ 0.05 considered significant. No linear or quadratic effects (P > 0.05) were observed on supplement intake (2.11 kg/animal/d), FBW (492.03 kg) and ADG (0.532 kg/day). However, a quadratic effect was observed for HCW and dressing %, with animals fed Carb1 presenting 5.69 kg heavier carcass (272.67 vs. 266.98; P = 0.039) and 1.4 p.p. higher dressing % (55.3% vs. 53.9%, P < 0.001) compared with control group. In conclusion, to use carbohydrases enzyme blend improves carcass characteristics and is an interesting technology for Nellore beef cattle grazed in tropical conditions.
PSIX-4 Metatranscriptomic analysis of sub-acute ruminal acidosis in beef cattle
Authors: Ogunade Ibukun M , Cervantes Andres Pech
Published: December 2019

This study evaluated the functional activity of the rumen microbiota during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) using metatranscriptomics. Eight rumen-cannulated Holstein steers were assigned randomly to control diet (CON) or acidosis-inducing diet (CHA) for 20 d. Sub-acute ruminal acidosis was induced on d 18; feed was restricted to 50% of ad libitum intake for CHA group on day 17. On day 18, ground corn grain, equivalent to 25% of the mean dry matter intake (DMI) of each steer in CHA treatment was administered directly in the rumen prior to feeding. Thereafter, rumen fluid samples were taken at 0, 3, 6, and 9 h relative to feeding from both treatments. Metatranscriptome library was prepared from RNA extracted from the samples and sequencing of metatranscriptome library was done on Illumina HiSeq4000 following a 2 x 150bp index run. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size comparisons were made between CON and CHA groups. Alpha level of 0.05 was used for both the Kruskal–Wallis and pairwise Wilcoxon tests. Linear discriminant analysis scores greater than 2.0 were used for taxonomy and 1.0 for functional genes. Additionally, functional genes enriched in both treatments were mapped to the KEGG reference metabolism pathway. Cellulolytic rumen bacteria including Fibriobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, and R. bicirculans were reduced (LDA > 2.0, P < 0.05) during SARA. Up to 68 functional genes were differentially expressed between the two treatments (LDA > 1.0, P < 0.05). Genes mapped to carbohydrate, amino acid, energy, vitamin and co-factor metabolism pathways, and bacterial biofilm formation pathways (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholera) were enriched in acidotic-challenged beef cattle. This study explains the pathogenicity of SARA and enhances our understanding of the response of rumen microbiome to SARA by revealing transcriptionally active taxa and metabolic pathways of rumen microbiota.
PSIX-14 Effects of substituting dietary corn with beet pulp on growth performance and microbial profiles in the rumen of Korean cattle steers
Authors: Jeong Inhyuk , Kang Hyeok Joong , Park Seung Ju , Seok-Hyeon Beak , Jung Da Jin Sol , Lee Jinoh , Kim Dohyun , Kim Hyun Jin , Baik Myunggi
Published: December 2019

This experiment evaluated the effects of substituting corn with beet pulp (BP) on growth performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbiomes in fattening steers. Twelve Korean cattle steers (body weight, 485 ± 19 kg; age, 18.0 ± 0.17 months) were divided into corn and BP groups. Both groups were fed the basal concentrate to meet 80% of the nutrient requirements. For the corn group, corn (dry matter) was supplemented for the remaining 20% of requirement by top dressing; the BP group was supplemented with 14.88% BP plus 1.92% fat to provide the iso-energy content as the corn group. Steers were fed oat grass (2 kg as-fed basis) daily. Body weight was measured, and rumen fluid was collected after 3 h of feeding using oral stomach tube methods: at the start of the experiment then at 4-week intervals. Feed intake, average daily gain, and gain-to-feed ratio were not (P > 0.05) affected by BP substitution; nor were acetate, propionate, butyrate, or total volatile fatty acid concentrations in the rumen fluid (P > 0.05). BP substitution increased (P < 0.05) the acetate to propionate ratio at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Genomic DNA was extracted from pellets of rumen contents, and microbial populations were measured using real-time PCR at 8 and 12 weeks. BP substitution increased relative abundances of cellulolytic bacteria including Fibrobacter succinogenes (P = 0.01) and Ruminococcus albus (P = 0.04) at 12 weeks, whereas it did not affect amylolytic bacteria, including Succinimonas amylolytica, Ruminobacter amylophilus, and Streptococcus bovis. At 8 weeks, none of the microbial populations were altered by BP substitution. In conclusion, BP could provide a good energy source substitute for corn without affecting growth performance in the fattening period of beef cattle. Increased relative abundances of several cellulolytic bacteria supported the increased ruminal acetate to propionate ratio.
PSXI-30 The effects of hybrid and maturity on the nutritive value of snaplage
Authors: Gusmão Jessica , Bastos Marcio , Lima Luciana , Cardoso Marcus , Bernardes Thiago
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritive value of snaplage as affected by hybrid and maturity. Five corn hybrids were grown at 70,000 plants/ha on three replicate plots (5 x 5 m) in each of three blocks (21°14′ S, 44°58′ W). Hybrids were harvested at target maturity stage of 40, 35, and 30% of moisture (M1, M2, and M3, respectively) by removing ears from two rows in each plot. Ears were weighed and split into two subsamples. One was split into kernels, husk and shank, and cob, weighed and oven-dried. The second subsample was processed and ensiled in 5-L jars for 90 d. Measurements included dry matter (DM) yield, nutrient analysis and in vitro digestion of neutral detergent fiber (NDF-D, 48h). The experimental design was randomized complete blocks using a mixed repeated-measures model. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS, followed by a Tukey test at P ≤ 0.05. Mean moisture at harvest were 42.9, 36.8, and 31.3% for M1, M2, and M3, respectively. The DM yield was unaffected by hybrid and maturity (on average = 19 t/ha). The NDF concentration of husk increased at each maturity (81.5, 83.4, and 83.7% DM, respectively) and NDF-D decreased (45.5, 43.4, and 41.4%, respectively). The NDF concentration of cob increased at each maturity (76.0, 79.5, and 81.6% DM, respectively) and NDF-D decreased (47.3, 43.7, and 38.4%, respectively). Among hybrids, NDF concentration of snaplage varied from 20.9 to 24.5% DM (P = 0.014). The NDF-D of snaplage decreased at each maturity (Figure 1; P = 0.001). The starch concentration of snaplage increased from M1 to M2, but no difference between M2 and M3 (P = 0.009). Snaplage has a wide harvest window; however, changes in the nutritive value of snaplage as affected by maturity should be considered when formulating diets.
PSXI-21 Effects of different levels and protein sources on ruminal fermentation of feedlot Nellore steers fed high-concentrate diets
Authors: De Souza Vinícius C , Messana Juliana , Batista Erick , Colovate Paulo Henrique , Ganga Maria Júlia , Faria Leticia , Bosquini Bruna , Granja-Salcedo Yury , Berchielli Telma
Published: December 2019

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels (10 and 13% crude protein) and protein source on ruminal fermentation of feedlot Nellore steers fed high-concentrate diets. The protein sources tested were urea, dried distillers grains (DDG) and corn gluten meal. The DDG and gluten were used as RUP sources. We used 6 cannulated Nellore steers, rumen, duodenum, and ileum arranged in 6×6 Latin square designed in factorial (2 nitrogen levels and 3 protein sources) balanced for residues. The pH was measured immediately after rumen fluid sampling at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10h after feeding. The NH3-N concentrations were determined with micro-Kjeldahl apparatus. The concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was assessed by gas chromatography. Data were evaluated using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with repeated measures over time. There was no interaction between sampling time and treatments for NH3-N and pH (P > 0.05). Animals fed diets containing Urea had a higher concentration of NH3-N (20.6 mg/dL) than animals supplemented with Gluten (16.2 mg/dL) or DDG (12.7 mg / dL). There was an increase in the NH3-N concentration (P = 0.049) with the increase of the protein level 10 to 13% CP with 14.7 and 18.3 mg/dL, respectively. The ruminal pH was affected by the dietary protein level (P = 0.016), in which animals fed a level of 10% CP had a higher pH (6.80) compared to the level of 13% CP (6.43). Total and individual VFA concentration was not affected by protein levels and sources (P > 0.05). The reduction of N level and the use of RUP did not adversely affect the ruminal fermentation. Although significant differences were observed for pH, they were small and adequate for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen.
PSXI-20 Nitrogen use efficiency is affected by protein source in feedlot Nellore steers fed high-concentrate diets
Authors: Souza Vinícius C De , Alves Kênia G , Messana Juliana , Batista Erick , Campos Letícia , Dias Ana Verônica , Lima Laís , Oliveira Raquel , Pietro Carlos , Berchielli Telma
Published: December 2019

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has implications for production performance, economic efficiency and for the emission of contaminants to the environment. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether high-concentrate diets with different levels (10 and 13% crude protein) and protein source can affect the NUE and nitrogen (N) excretion. The protein sources tested were urea, dried distillers grains (DDG) and corn gluten meal. Our hypothesis is that reducing the level of N in the diet associated with the use of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) could increase the NUE in high-concentrate diets. The hypotheses were tested using 6 cannulated Nellore steers, rumen, duodenum and ileum arranged in 6×6 Latin square designed in factorial (2 nitrogen levels and 3 protein sources) balanced for residues. The concentration of N in samples was analyzed using the Dumas combustion method. The statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure of the statistical package SAS. The N intake and retention was not affected by level and protein source (P > 0.05). Fecal N excretion was not affected by the levels and protein sources tested (P > 0.05). However, there was effect of protein source (P < 0.001) and tendency to protein level in the diet (P < 0.10) on urinary N excretion. In the treatments containing the urea source, there was an increase in the urinary N excretion (46.8 g.dia-1) compared to the Gluten and DDG sources with 28.8 and 27.0 g of N excreted in the urine per day, respectively. The NUE was affected by the protein source (P < 0.05). Diets containing urea had lower NUE (31.8%) compared to corn gluten meal and DDG sources with NUE of 40.3 and 41.2%, respectively. Using RUP (DDG or Gluten) in high-concentrate diets can be a nutritional strategy for increase NUE and this response is partly attributable to decreased urinary N excretion.
PSXII-9 Complete feed versus concentrate and straw fed separately: effect on feed intake, sorting, animal behavior, and rumen pH and digestibility in crossbred Angus bulls fed high-concentrate diets
Authors: Genis Sandra , Verdú Marçal , Cucurull Jordi , Devant Maria
Published: December 2019

Twenty-one crossbred Angus bulls (497 ± 7.7 kg of BW and 324 ± 3.0 d of age) were housed individually to evaluate the effect feeding method on feed intake, sorting, animal behavior, and digestibility. Dietary treatments, offered ad libitum, were: complete feed of pellet (concentrate) mixed with chopped straw (5 cm length; TMR); pellet and chopped straw (5 cm length; SS); pellet and long unprocessed straw (15–20 cm length; LS). In SS and LS straw and concentrate were fed separate feeders. Feed intake, fecal and bloat scoring were recorded daily. Behavior (scan sampling), BW, and TMR particle size sorting were recorded fortnightly. Total tract apparent digestibility (day 14 and 35) and rumen pH and VFA samples via rumenocentesis (day 28 and 42) were analyzed. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effect model. No differences in concentrate and straw intake, fecal and bloat scoring among treatments were observed. The straw to concentrate ratio did not differ between SS and LS (8 to 92), and was smaller than the ratio fixed in TMR (15 to 85). TMR bulls sorted (P < 0.05) particles with a size between 1.7 and 4 mm. Treatment did not affect rumination time. TMR showed (P < 0.05) more oral non-nutritive behaviors than SS. Rumen pH was greater (P < 0.01) in TMR than in SS and LS, although it was above 5.6 in all treatments. Rumen acetate to propionate ratio was greater (P < 0.05) in TMR than in SS and LS. LS bulls had greater DM (P < 0.05) and CP (P < 0.01) digestibility compared with SS or TMR bulls. Feeding concentrate and straw (short or long) separately does not increase the risk of rumen acidosis compared with TMR, and feeding long straw separately from the concentrate improves the total tract apparent DM and CP digestibility.
PSXII-12 Silages and roughage sources in the Brazilian beef feedlots
Authors: Bernardes Thiago , Castro Thais
Published: December 2019

The aim of this survey was to identify silages and roughage sources adopted in the beef finishing diets. Eighty-two feedyards, located in 10 states, were surveyed from January to March 2019 for their feeding practices. Feedlot owners and nutritionists were interviewed by using a common survey form. The form consisted of 5 questions, including feedlot location, feedlot capacity and the number of animals serviced yearly, breed, silages and roughage sources, and roughage: concentrate ratio. Results were tabulated in an Excel spreadsheet for each feedlot. The number of responses per question, and the mean, minimum value, maximum value, and mode (most frequently occurring value) were calculated. Feedlot capacity ranged from 300 to 35,000 (mode = 3,000) and cattle serviced yearly per feedlot ranged from 400 to 90,000 (mode = 6,000). Nellore breed and crossbreed represented 74 and 26% % of finished animals, respectively. Roughage: concentrate ratio ranged from 40: 60 to 10: 90. Thirty-five percent of feedlots adopted 20: 80 ratio, followed by 15: 85 (16%) and 10: 90 (16%) ratios. Whole-plant corn silage was the most common roughage source (57%; Figure 1), followed by sugarcane bagasse (17%), tropical grass silages (16%), and whole-plant sorghum silage (11%). Nutritionists also cited hay (9%), sugarcane silage (5%), and fresh sugarcane (4%) as roughage sources. High-moisture corn, snaplage (grain, cob, husk, shank), and reconstituted grain corn were used by 20, 11, and 1% of feedlots, respectively. Reconstituted grain sorghum was included in 4% of the diets. Thus, 36% of feedlots adopted grain silages (corn and sorghum) in the diets. Overall, Brazilian feedlots have used high-energy finishing diets and corn is the most widely grown crop for silage. Feedlots have shown interest in using grain silages to maximize starch digestion, especially because Brazil grows flint corn and silage machinery industry has made available new equipment.
PSXII-25 Characterization and evaluation of the in vitro dry matter digestibility of corn stover spent used to produce edible fungi
Authors: García-Orozco Edgar , Leyva-Olvera Gabriela , Leal-Lara Hermilo , Romero-Pérez Atmir , Corona Luis , Márquez-Mota Claudia Cecilia
Published: December 2019

Corn stover (CS) is an agricultural byproduct available in many countries for animal feed. However, due to its high lignin (L) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content it has a low digestibility. The production of edible fungi, using CS-based substrate, is an option to improve CS digestibility, as fungi can break down the cross-links between cell wall components. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fungal treated CS from 17 species of white rot fungi: Lentinula edodes (L5, L9, LC,L15), Hericium sp (Heri) and Pleurotus djamour (Pd-Pro, Pd-UTMR) Pleurotus eryngii (Pe-PQ, Pe-MB), Pleurotus ostreatus (Po-IE202, Po-IAP, Po-Psma, Po-P14, Po-POS, Po-JP, Po-P38, Po-Sfco) on crude protein (CP), L and NDF content and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The composition of the substrate (C) was CS (80.55%), ground sorghum (5.98%) wheat bran (3.89%), corn gluten (4.89%), CaCO3 (3.89%) and CaSO4 (0.89%). The variables were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Means were compared with the Tukey procedure. A significant increase (P < 0.05) of CP from 10% (Po-P38) to 69% (LC) was observed, except for Pd-UTMR, Po-IAP, Po-Psma, Po-P38 and Po-Sfco that showed similar content to the C. There was a decrease (P < 0.05) in the NDF from 10% (Heri) to 34% (L15) in relation to the C. The L content did not decrease in comparison with the C (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 13 treatments significantly increased (P < 0.05) IVDMD from 24% (Po-P14) to 42% (Pd-UTMR), except for Po-P38, Po-JP, LC and Heri in comparison with the C. In conclusion, the cultivation of white rot fungi, such as Pd-UTMR, Po-IAP, Po-Psma, LC, L9 and L15 using CS as substrate, improved CP content and increased IVDMD of CS, suggesting that which can be a good alternative for feeding ruminants.