bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXI-9 CriaCerto - Breeding System Simulator App: a case of study in Brazil
Authors: Amaral Thais B , Costa Fernando p , Carromeu Camilo
Published: November 2020

CriaCerto App was launched in February 2019 by Embrapa, Brazil, as free access, available at www.criacerto.com. It simulates the costs and benefits of the main breeding systems for cattle production: Natural Service (NS), One Fixed Time Artificial Insemination plus NS (1FTAI), Two Fixed Time Artificial Insemination plus NS (2FTAI), and Three Fixed Time Inseminations (3FTAI). This work aimed to evaluate the use of the App as well as the results of the simulations carried out during the 12 months following its launch. From February 14th, 2019 to February 20th, 2020, 4,780 accesses to the platform were recorded, with an average access time of 3 min 30 s. Eighty percent of accesses were made using mobile phones, 15% from desktops, and 5% via tablets. These accesses resulted in 975 different simulations, where 51% were from NS, 24% of 1FTAI, 14% 2FTAI, and 11% 3FTAI. There was a difference between the prices the farmers were willing to pay for the bulls according to the reproduction method. Those who performed NS simulations were willing to pay less for bulls than those who simulated 1FTAI or 2FTAI. It was also observed that the price to be paid per semen dose on 1FTAI simulations was practically double of the 2FTAI. This indicates that farmers are willing to invest in genetically superior bulls, which are usually more expensive, but the decision is made based on the total amount of money spent. It also indicates that farmers take into account the trade-off between the cost of the bull, semen dose and the benefits of genetic improvement. In Brazil only 12% of the total beef cows participate in artificial insemination programs. Nonetheless, through this study, we concluded that farmers are opened to invest in FTAI, even though they do not want to pay high prices in semen doses.
PSXI-16 Inclusion of automated sensor data as a predictor of feed intake increases the variance explained by a random forest model
Authors: Siberski Cori J , Mayes Mary S , Gorden Patrick J , Copeland Adam , Healey Mary , Goetz Brady M , Beiki Hamid , Kramer Luke M , Baumgard Lance H , Dixon Philip , Koltes James E
Published: November 2020

Prediction of feed intake from indicators would benefit the dairy industry since on-farm feed intake data are rare. The objective of this study was to examine the ability of sensor data to improve predictions of feed intake. Dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY) and components, metabolic body weight (MBW; body weight0.75), and veterinary health records were collected from two cow groups (n1=47, n2=60). Automated sensors (ear tags, rumen bolus, environmental) captured measurements of cow activity, temperature, rumination and rumen pH, and barn temperature and humidity which were used to calculate THI. Random forest (RF) models were trained in R (Caret package) by 10-fold cross validation, with DMI as the response variable. Training data originated from the full study with the exception of the final day, for which DMI was then predicted. Predictive ability was evaluated against a base model excluding automated sensor data to determine changes in accuracy and the percent of variance explained (VAR). The base model included MY and components, MBW, THI, health status and parity. Base model mean square error (MSE) was 9.86, 13.25 and 12.50 kg of DMI and VAR 44.71, 42.9 and 44.85% (n = 92, 56 and 41, respectively). The correlation between actual and predicted final day DMI (CORR) was 0.05, 0.03 and 0.02 (n = 92, 56 and 41, respectively). Adding activity and temperature (first ear tag; n = 92) reduced MSE to 9.70 kg and VAR increased to 45.62% (CORR=0.20). Independently adding bolus activity, rumen temperature and pH (n = 56) to the base model also decreased MSE to 12.53 kg (VAR=46.24% and CORR=0.26). Lastly, adding activity and rumination from the second ear tag (n = 41) to the base model decreased MSE to 12.32 kg (VAR=45.63%, CORR=0.18). Automated sensors appear to explain additional variation in DMI that is not captured in the typical energy sink variables utilized when predicting intake.
PSII-18 Effect of two different milk-feeding methods on performance and plasma glucose of dairy calves
Authors: Silva Marcos , Silva Ana Paula , Toledo Ariany , Dondé Sophia , Tomaluski Cristiane , Miranda Fernanda Z , Brito Gabriela , Bittar Carla Maris M
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate two different methods of milk feeding calves and the effects on performance and plasma glucose. Thirty newborn Holsteins calves were individually housed with free access to water and starter concentrate and fed 6 L/d of whole milk divided in two meals (7h and 17h). A randomized blocks experimental design was used, with weight and day of birth as blocking effect, and calves were distributed in two methods of milk-feeding: (1) open bucket; (2) bucket with an artificial teat. Milk-feeding period started with 3 d of age, after colostrum feeding by bottle. The starter intake was monitored daily. Speed of milk intake, body weight and measures, and blood samples were taken weekly. Data were analyzed using the proc mixed of SAS for repeated measures, and the means were compared using the F test (P ≤ 0.05). Feeding milk using a bucket with an artificial teat decreased average daily starter intake (P < 0.03), probably because calves were more satisfied by the act of suckling. However, there were no effects on body weight gain, weight at weaning and average body measures. The bucket with artificial teat had a positive influence on blood glucose concentration, measure 2h after milk feeding (P < 0.01), as a response of lower speed for milk intake (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the speed for milk intake may interfere on blood glucose concentrations peak, however because the behavioral need of suckling is attended, it may decrease starter intake, but without decrease performance.
PSII-20 Effects of aerobically exposed corn silage treated with medium chain fatty acids on rumen fermentation in vitro
Authors: Arzola-Alvarez Claudio , Ruiz-Barrera Oscar , Castillo-Castillo Yamicela , Ontiveros Marina , Fonseca Mozart , Jones Barbara W , Smith William B , Hume Michael , Beier Ross C , Harvey Roger , Poole Toni L , Anderson Robin , Nisbet David , Salinas-Chavira Jaime
Published: November 2020

Medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) treatment of aerobically exposed silage during feed-out is a potential strategy to prevent growth of spoilage and pathogenic microbes. To evaluate the effects of feeding MCFA-treated silage on the rumen fermentability, we incubated 0.02 g of overnight air-exposed corn silage that had been treated individually without or with (0.75% wt/wt) C6, C8, C10 or C12 or with equal proportion mixtures of C6:C8:C10:C12 or C8:C10 with 10 mL freshly collected ruminal fluid. Additions were made while flushing with CO2 and tubes (3 tubes/treatment) were then capped and sealed. After 24 h incubation at 39oC, headspace gases and fluid volatile fatty acids were measure using gas chromatography techniques. Results from a completely randomized analysis of variance revealed higher hydrogen accumulations (P < 0.05) only in incubations containing silage treated with the C8:C10 MCFA mixture when compared to controls, with mean ± SD concentrations (µmol/mL incubation fluid) being 2.19 ± 1.6 versus 0.08 ± 0.04, respectively. Treatment effects were not observed (P > 0.05) on accumulations (µmol/mL) of methane (13.25 ± 2.5), acetate (19.66 ± 5.6), propionate (7.27 ± 2.0), butyrate (12.36 ± 2.7) or stochiometric estimates of amounts of hexose fermented (41.39 ± 9.7), although the acetate:propionate ratios of incubations of silage treated with C8 or the C8:C10 mixture were higher (P < 0.05) than those of untreated controls (3.46 ± 0.7, 3.46 ± 0.5 and 2.35 ± 0.1, respectively). Consequently, correspondingly estimates of fermentation efficiency, calculated based caloric energy values of amounts of acetate, propionate and butyrate relative to glucose, were slightly lower (P < 0.05) for the incubations of silage treated with C8 and the C8:C10 mix compared to controls (74.36 ± 1.1, 74.82 ± 0.2 and 76.55 ± 0.3 %, respectively). Results reveal little negative effect of MCFA treatment on ruminal fermentability of silage.
PSII-16 Effect of red osier dogwood extract on in vitro digestibility and fermentation characteristics of high-grain diet
Authors: Yang Wenzhu , Gomaa W M S , Saleem A M , McGeough E J , Ominski Kim , Chen L Y
Published: November 2020

Red osier dogwood (ROD) is an abundant native shrub plant in Canada and rich in phenolic compounds with antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ROD extract supplementation on gas production (GP), DM disappearance (DMD) and fermentation characteristics in batch cultures with varying media pH. The study was a completely randomized design with 4 inclusion levels of ROD extract (0, 1, 3 and 5% of substrate) × 2 media pH (5.8 and 6.5) in a factorial arrangement. Substrate was a high-grain diet (HG) containing 10% barley silage and 90% barley-based concentrate mix (DM basis). Inoculum was obtained from 2 ruminally fistulated beef heifers offered the HG diet. Substrate (0.5 g DM) ground through a 1-mm sieve was incubated for 24 h in 3 replications including each combination of treatments. There was no interaction between media pH and inclusion level of ROD on GP, DMD and fermentation variables. Increased media pH (5.8 vs 6.5) increased (P < 0.01) GP (averaged 198 vs. 389 ml/g substrate), DMD (averaged 51.3 vs. 64.6%), and total volatile fatty acid production (averaged 74 vs. 83 mM). Increasing addition of ROD extract did not affect GP, but linearly (P < 0.05) decreased DMD from 56 to 46% at pH 5.8 and from 69 to 61% at pH 6.5. Increasing ROD extract linearly (P < 0.01) increased the proportion of acetate from 43 to 47% and 47 to 50% at pH 5.8 and 6.5, respectively. Acetate to propionate ratio increased from 1.68 to 1.93 and from 1.90 to 2.10 at pH 5.8 and 6.5, respectively. These results indicated that the decreased DMD along with increased acetate to propionate ratio with addition of ROD extract suggests ROD extract may be beneficial to HG fed cattle for reducing risk of rumen acidosis without negatively impacting fibre digestion.
PSIV-20 Evaluation of calf performance when cows grazing native rangeland are vaccinated for bovine viral diarrhea virus and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis using either a modified live or killed vaccine
Authors: Lujan Luis A , Melchior Emily A , Rosasco Shelby L , Lodge-Ivey Shanna L , Dunlap Richard L , Cox Shad H , Scholljegerdes Eric J , Wenzel John C
Published: November 2020

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pathogen associated with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive diseases of cattle worldwide. Vaccination of cattle with antivirals have proven effective to reduce instances of BVDV. However, vaccination protocol adoption by producers and animal response to vaccination varies. The objective of this study was to determine if administration to the dam of a modified-live viral vaccine (MLV) or killed viral vaccine (KV) would impact the growth and rumen fermentation end products of the calf. The hypothesis for this study was that calves from dams vaccinated with MLV would have improved performance. Calves (n=20) born to dams that received either MLV or KV over the course of their lifetime, were housed on rangeland at the Corona Range and Livestock Research Center in Corona, NM. Cow ruminal contents were collected at birth. Both cow and calf ruminal contents were collected at 7, 35, 63, and 205 d of age. Cow body condition score did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05) (average KV = 4.3 + 0.8 and MLV = 4.3 + 0.8) at calving. Additionally, calf birth (P =0.66) weight and weaning weight (P > 0.05) did not differ between dam vaccine type. At days postpartum x vaccine type interaction was not observed for calf ruminal pH (P = 0.20) and volatile fatty acid concentrations (P > 0.28). However, calf ruminal pH increased with age (P < 0.0001). Butyrate concentrations were least at 7 days of age (P = 0.0069). Therefore, we reject our hypothesis; calves born from dams receiving MLV do not have improved performance when compared to KV counterparts. Results indicate birth weight, weaning weight, pre-weaned calves pH, and volatile fatty acid concentration, are not impacted by dam’s vaccination type. However, impacts on calf immunity have not been evaluated and require further research.
PSIX-5 Fetal programming in an industry applied setting – Effects of feeding methionine during late gestation on progeny performance, feed efficiency, and carcass quality for feedlot steers
Authors: Acton Kortney , Mandell Ira B , Huber Lee-Anne , Steele Michael A , Wood Katharine M
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to assess if rumen-protected methionine supplementation during gestation would impact male offspring performance and carcass quality in an applied setting. Sixty-seven gestating cows were randomly assigned to control (CON), or methionine (MET) treatments. Cows had ad libitum access to hay from a round bale feeder and were fed once daily in a bunk for approximately eight weeks prior to calving either: 0.75 kg/head/d of supplement pellet supplying 12 g rumen-protected MET/cow/d, or identical pellet with no added MET. The 34 steer progeny (MET n = 18; CON n = 16) were transported to a feedlot, assigned to one of seven pens by weight and fed a corn-based grower diet (58% corn silage, 26% alfalfa haylage, 15% soybean meal) for 47 days, followed by a finisher diet (78% high moisture corn, 12% alfalfa haylage, 8% soybean meal) for 115±31.5 days until slaughter. Body weights were recorded biweekly. Organ weights were recorded at slaughter. Carcass quality, meat quality, and rib composition were recorded 24 to 48 hours after slaughter. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS, with treatment as the fixed effect, and pen as the random effect. Supplementation of MET during pregnancy increased weaning weight (MET: 311, CON: 291 ±14.8 kg; P ≤ 0.001), final weight (ME: 668, CON: 631 ±16.8 kg; P = 0.01), and individual dry matter intake (MET: 13, CON: 12 ±0.5 kg/d; P = 0.04) during the finishing phase. There was no effect of maternal methionine supplementation (P ≥ 0.05) for average daily gain. Hot carcass weight was greater for MET steers (MET 372 vs. CON 353 ±9.5 kg; P = 0.03), while organ weights and carcass quality were not affected (P ≥ 0.05) by MET supplementation. This study showed that supplementing methionine during late gestation in an industry applied setting improved some offspring performance measures but did not result in enhanced carcass quality.
PSIX-18 Laurate and its glycerol monoester, monolaurin, as potential additives to control Listeria monocytogenes and tetracycline resistant Enterococcus faecalis in air-exposed silage
Authors: Castillo-Castillo Yamicela , Ontiveros Marina , Scholljegerdes Eric J , Anderson Robin , Arzola-Alvarez Claudio , Salinas-Chavira Jaime , Hume Michael , Beier Ross C , Poole Toni L , Nisbet David , Ordoñez Perla L , Ruiz-Barrera Oscar
Published: November 2020

Silages can harbor pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant microbes which risk infection of food-producing animals. Livestock producers need effective yet environmentally friendly interventions to preserve the feed value of these fermented materials. Medium chain fatty acids such as laurate and its glycerol monoester, monolaurin, are potent inhibitors of many Gram-positive bacteria and when tested at 5 mg/mL in anaerobic cultures (n = 3/treatment) inoculated with 105 colony forming units (CFU) of Listeria monocytogenes and grown at 37oC in ½ strength Brain Heart infusion broth achieved near complete elimination of viable cells after 6 h compared to a 2.2 ± 0.1 log10 CFU/mL increase observed in controls. Culture of a tetracycline-resistant Enterococcus faecalis with 5 mg laurate/mL likewise achieved near complete elimination of viable cells (5 log10 CFU/mL) by 6 h incubation. The bactericidal effect of 5 mg monolaurin was less against E. faecalis, achieving a decrease of 1.8 ± 0.2 log10 CFU/mL and not decreased further after 24 h. When tested against air-exposed silage, pH 7.53 (4 g), mixed with 4 mL water, 5 mg laurate or monolaurin decreased viability of experimentally-inoculated L. monocytogenes (105 CFU/g silage) more (P < 0.05) than untreated controls after 24 h aerobic incubation (22oC), with viable counts being decreased 6.3 ± 0.1, 5.9 ± 0.8 and 4.5 ± 0.1 log10 CFU/g, respectively. In contrast, viable recovery of the experimentally-inoculated (105 CFU/g) tetracycline-resistant E. faecalis was reduced more (P < 0.05) than controls (decreased 0.7 ± 0.1 log10 CFU/g) after 6 h incubation when similarly tested with laurate and monolaurin (1.7 ± 0.5 and 3.0 ± 0.9 log10 CFU/g, respectively) but counts after 24 h were similar, decreasing on average 2.0 ± 0.5 log10 CFU/g). Results indicate laurate and monolaurin may be useful in killing L. monocytogenes and tetracycline-resistant E. faecalis during silage feed-out.
PSIX-3 Feedlot performance and rumen morphometrics of Nellore cattle differing in phenotypic residual feed intake
Authors: Silvestre Antonio M , Pinto Ana Carolina J , Miranda Lidiane S , Silva Leandro Aparecido F , Casali Daniel M , Souza Katia Lirian R , Schleifer Werner F , Cardin Jessica G , Gasparini Vanessa Gomes L , Millen Danilo D
Published: November 2020

This study, conducted at São Paulo State University feedlot, Dracena campus, Brazil, had the objective to evaluate the effect of ranking Nellore bulls according to residual feed intake (RFI) on feedlot performance and rumen morphometric variables. Twenty-seven 18-mo-old Nellore bulls (425.5 ± 20.1 kg) were randomly allocated in 27 pens (one animal per pen) and fed for 107 days. The multiple step-up diets program consisted of ad libitum feeding of diets with the concentrate level increasing from 70% to 86% concentrate. At harvest, rumen epithelium samples were collected from cranial for rumen morphometric measurements. The RFI was calculated by the difference between the predicted DMI values [DMI = (0.0544*BW0.75) + (2.9659*ADG)] and observed DMI. Then, Nellore bulls were distributed into RFI groups: High (0.5 SD above the mean; n = 8), Medium (±0.5 SD of the mean; n=9) and Low (0.5 SD below the mean; n = 10). Low-RFI Nellore bulls improved (P = 0.04) G:F when compared to High- and Medium-RFI animals (0.142 vs. 0.125 and 0.130; respectively); however, no significant RFI grouping effect was observed for ADG (P = 0.54), final BW (P = 0.54), HCW (P = 0.27), dressing percentage (P = 0.24), final LM area (P = 0.87), final 12th rib fat (P = 0.82), final P8 fat thickness (P = 0.67) and final marbling (P = 0.82). Regarding rumen morphometrics, High-RFI Nellore bulls had larger (P = 0.09) rumen absorptive surface area than Low- and Medium-RFI animals (43.31 vs. 32.95 and 31.27; respectively), which was associated to the greater (P = 0.01) DMI presented by High-RFI animals (10.2 vs. 9.1 and 9.0 for Medium- and Low-RFI Nellore bulls; respectively). Nevertheless, no significant RFI grouping effect was observed for number of papillae (P = 0.28) or mean papillae area (P = 0.61). Thus, Low-RFI Nellore bulls improved feed efficiency without promoting any positive effects on carcass traits and rumen morphometrics.
PSIX-9 Impacts of bunk management on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, hydrogen sulfide concentration and blood oxygen saturation in steers fed 25 or 50% modified distillers grains plus solubles
Authors: Moore Rebecca L , Kassetas Cierrah J , LeKatz Leslie A , Neville Bryan W
Published: November 2020

One hundred and twenty-six yearling angus steers (initial body weight 445.87 ± 7.13 kg) were utilized in a 2 x 2 factorial design to evaluate the impacts of bunk management and modified distillers grains plus solubles (mDGS) inclusion on feedlot performance, hydrogen sulfide concentrations and blood oxygen saturation. Treatments included bunk management strategy either control bunk management (CON; clean bunks at the time of next day’s feeding) or long bunk management (LONG; feed remaining at time of next day’s feeding), and two inclusion rates of mDGS either 25% or 50% (DM Basis). On d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 rumen gas samples were collected via rumenocentesis, and arterial blood samples were collected on two steers from each pen. No differences (P ≥ 0.09) were observed for dry matter intake, average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio for bunk management or mDGS inclusion. Hot carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling score and quality grade were not affected (P ≥ 0.48) by either bunk management or mDGS inclusion. Back fat was greater (P = 0.04) for CON steers compared to LONG (1.30 vs 1.12 ± 0.05cm, respectively), but was not affected (P = 0.59) by mDGS inclusion. Steers on CON had greater (P = 0.03) yield grades compared to LONG (3.21 vs 2.96 ± 0.11, respectively). Bunk management strategy did not impact hydrogen sulfide concentrations or blood oxygen saturation (P = 0.82). Hydrogen sulfide concentrations increased (P < 0.001) with increasing mDGS inclusion. Blood oxygen saturation was influenced by day of sampling (P = 0.01). Blood oxygen saturation was not affected (P = 0.07) by mDGS inclusion. The fact that ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentrations increased while blood oxygen saturation remained similar raises questions about the quantity of hydrogen sulfide and metabolic fate of excess hydrogen sulfide in the blood of ruminant animals.
PSVI-22 Fecal microbiome of dairy calves fed with different liquid diets
Authors: Virgínio Júnior Gercino F , Coelho Marina , Silva Marcos , Montenegro Horácio , Coutinho Luiz , Bittar Carla Maris M
Published: November 2020

Feeding a liquid diet to the newborn calf has considerable implications for the development of the intestinal microbiota, as its composition can shift population to a highly adapted microbiota. Milk acidification may positively affect microorganisms that are beneficial to the intestine health. The present study evaluated 15 Holstein calves housed in tropical shelters, fed one of the three liquid diets: I – whole milk (n = 5), II – milk replacer (22.9 % CP; 18.5 % fat; diluted to 14% solids; n = 5) and III - whole milk acidified to pH 4.5 with formic acid (n = 5). All animals received 6 L of liquid diet, divided into two meals, being weaned at the 8th week of age. After weaning, all calves were group housed and fed with starter concentrate and coast-cross hay ad libitum. To evaluate the microbioma, fecal samples were collected at birth (0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 10. The microbial community was determined by sequencing V3 and V4 region amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene that was amplified by PCR and sequenced by the Illumina MiSeq platform. The diversity indices and evenness were higher for whole milk when compared to milk replacer (P < 0,05), with no difference for acidified whole milk. Animal age affected all indices. Time 0 had higher richness and diversity (P < 0,001), while weeks 1 and 2 had the lowest (P < 0,001). Thirty-eight bacterial phyla were identified, and the most abundant in were Bacteroidota, Firmicutes_A, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes C. It is possible to modify the microbiome by changing the liquid diet. However, differences according to calf age may show the best time for possible interventions in the diet to manipulate the intestinal microbiome to improve animal health and performance.
PSXII-13 The influence of trace mineral source on copper, manganese, and zinc binding strength to rumen digesta in cattle fed a high forage-based diet
Authors: Guimaraes Octavio , Loh Huey Yi , Thorndyke Meghan P , Tillquist Nicole M , Spears Jerry W , Engle Terry E
Published: November 2020

Twelve crossbred Angus steers fitted with rumen cannulae were used to determine the influence of trace mineral source on ruminal soluble mineral concentrations and relative binding strength of trace minerals in the ruminal insoluble digesta fraction. Steers were adjusted to a low-quality hay (chopped) diet balanced to meet the nutrient requirements for growing steers. For 7 d prior to initiation of the study, steers were fed the diet without supplemental Cu, Mn, and Zn. On day 8 steers received a pulse dose (2 x NRC requirement) of Cu, Mn, and, Zn from sulfate (STM) or hydroxy trace minerals (HTM; Micronutrients LLC, USA). Ruminal samples were obtained at 2 h intervals until 24 h post-dosing for soluble (fraction obtained after centrifugation) Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations. Binding strength of Cu, Mn, and Zn to ruminal solid digesta (post centrifugation) was estimated at 0, 12, and 24h post-dosing using dialysis against 0.05 M Tris-EDTA. Ruminal soluble mineral concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) for Cu at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 h; for Mn at 4 and 6 h; and for Zn at 4, 6, and 8 h post dosing in STM compared to HTM steers. Concentration of Cu, Mn, and Zn remaining in the insoluble fraction were greater (P < 0.05) at 12 h post dosing in HTM vs STM supplemented steers. At 24 h post dosing, Mn concentrations were lesser (P < 0.03) and Zn concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in HTM vs STM supplemented steers. Following dialysis, the % Cu, and Zn released from the insoluble fraction was greater (P < 0.001) at 12 h and 24h in HTM vs. STM supplemented steers. Results indicate that a greater proportion of Cu and Zn HTM remained loosely bound to the insoluble fraction within the rumen.
PSXII-1 High-throughput Phenotyping of Rumen Microbial Contents Using Buccal Swabs
Authors: Young Juliana , Skarlupka Joseph H , Tassinari Rafael , Fischer Amelie , Kalscheur Kenneth , McClure Jennifer , Weimer Paul , Suen Garret , Bickhart Derek M
Published: November 2020

The rumen microbial community is the agent that allows cattle and other ruminants to process complex plant polymers into digestible fatty acids. Traditional methods to sample rumen microbes often involve labor-intensive stomach tubing, or invasive surgeries to access the rumen lumen via cannula ports, thereby limiting the number of animals that could be sampled in a specific study. In this study, we tested the viability of using buccal swabs as a proxy of the rumen microbial contents in a timecourse experiment on eight cannulated cows. Rumen contents and buccal swabs were collected at six equally spaced timepoints, with the first timepoint being 2 hours prior to feeding. Simpson diversity and Shannon evenness estimates of the microbial counts of each sample revealed that the first timepoint had the lowest diversity and highest evenness (Tukey HSD < 0.05) out of all other timepoints. Principal component analysis confirmed that the buccal swab samples from the first timepoint were the most similar to paired rumen samples taken at the same times. Using a Random Forest Classifier analysis, we estimated the Gini importance scores for individual microbial taxa as a proxy of their uniqueness to the rumen or oral environments of the cows. We identified 18 oral-only microbial taxa that are contaminants and could be removed from future comparisons using this method. Finally, we attempted to estimate the exact relative abundance of rumen microbial taxa from buccal swab samples using paired rumen-swab data in a Random Forest Regression model. The model was found to have moderate (~38%) accuracy in cross-validation studies. Our data suggests that buccal swabs can serve as fast and suitable proxies for rumen microbial contents of dairy cattle, but that additional factors must be measured to improve direct regression of results to those of the rumen.
PSXII-6 Supplementation of Angus crossbred steers with avian-derived polyclonal antibody preparations against the ruminal methanogen Methanobrevibacter ruminantium M1 does not alter in vivo methane emissions
Authors: Garcia-Ascolani Mariana E , Schulmeister Tessa M , Tarnonsky Federico , Podversich Federico , da Silva Gleise Medeiros , Martinez Juan Vargas , Ruiz-Moreno Martin , Batista Dubeux Jose Carlos , Hackmann Timothy J , DiLorenzo Nicolas
Published: November 2020

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing twenty Angus crossbred steers with avian-derived polyclonal antibody preparations (PAP) against the ruminal methanogen Methanobrevibacter ruminantium M1 on in vivo methane production, using the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer technique (Johnson et al., 1994). Steers were fed chopped bermudagrass hay (BGH) ad libitum and 0.7 kg d-1 of corn gluten feed. The experiment followed a change-over design. Treatments were 1) supplementation of 3 mL d-1 of PAP against M. ruminantium M1 (PAP-M1), and 2) supplementation of 3 mL d-1 of a non-immunized egg product (CON). Individual BGH intake was recorded using an electronic radio-frequency monitoring system (GrowSafe System Ltd., Airdrie, Alberta, Canada). There was a 14-d adaptation period to the feeding regime, with no PAP supplementation, followed by an 18-d treatment period. Steers were dosed with brass permeation tubes with a known release rate of SF6 on d 7 of treatment period. Enteric methane emissions were sampled from d 13 to 18 of the treatment period, into N-rinsed pre-evacuated U-shaped polyvinyl chloride canisters (2 L) through a capillary tube. Methane emissions were averaged per animal within period. Data were analyzed as a change-over design using a model with fixed effects of order, period, and treatment and random effect of steer within order. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not different (P = 0.44) between treatments. Methane emissions, expressed as grams per day (P = 0.86), as grams per kilogram of DMI (P = 0.78), or in terms of methane emission factors (Ym, P = 0.78) were not different between PAP-M1 and CON treatments. Supplementation of steers with PAP against M. ruminantium M1 did not decrease enteric methane emissions. Based on preliminary ex situ trials, evaluation of different doses and combinations of PAP against other methanogenic species warrant further investigation.
PSX-24 Seminal characteristics or Dorper rams with different social hierarchies in northern Mexico
Authors: Contreras-Villarreal Viridiana , Véliz-Deras Francisco Gerardo , Guillen-Muñoz Juan Manuel , Arellano Fernando , Carrillo-Moreno Dalia Ivette , Gaytán Alemán Leticia R , De Santiago-Miramontes Ma de los Angeles , Angel-García Oscar
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible difference in seminal characteristics of Dorper rams of either high, medium or low social ranks in northern Mexico (26º N). The male’s social status was quantified through a competitive behavioral test in a herd of 36 adult males, the aggressive interactions and their consequences were registered to calculate the success index (SI), where low hierarchy (LH) rams had a SI of 0 to 0.33, medium hierarchy (MH) rams had a SI of 0.34 to 0.66 and high hierarchy (HH) had a SI of 0.67 to 1. Afterwards, the rams were subjected to an estrogenized female (2 mg of estradiol cypionate) for teasing in order to collect a semen sample with an artificial vagina. The semen was evaluated for volume, motility and concentration. The seminal characteristics differences were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA tests and stablishing a p-value of 0.10 as significance level in the SPSS statistical package. Results are shown in table 1. In conclusion, low hierarchy Dorper rams show a statistical tendency to have a lower sperm concentration.
PSX-14 Effects of thyme or/and celery on feed utilization, growth performance and meat quality of Barki lambs
Authors: Anele Uchenna , Shaaban Mahmoud , Kholif Ahmed , El Tawab Ahmed Abd , Radwan Mohamed , Hadhoud Fatma , Khattab Mostafa , Saleh Hisham
Published: November 2020

The current study evaluated the effects of in-feed administration of thyme, celery or their mixture (as an alternative to salinomycin ionophore) on feed utilization and growth performance of Barki lambs. Fifty-five lambs weighing 18.5 ± 1.1 kg and about 90 ± 5 days old were stratified into 5 treatment groups and fed: (1) a control diet of concentrates and corn stover (60:40, on dry matter basis), or the control diet supplemented with (2) 15 g of thyme, (3) 15 g of celery, (4) 15 g of thyme and celery mix, or (5) 1 g of salinomycin/lamb daily for 288 days. Additives increased (P < 0.05) both corn stover and total intakes, while thyme and thyme/celery mix increased nutrient digestibility (P < 0.05) compared with the control treatment. Celery, thyme/celery mix and salinomycin treatments decreased serum cholesterol. Celery increased (P < 0.05) final body weight, weight gain and average daily gain without affecting shrunk liveweight, hot carcass weight or dressing percent. Thyme/celery mix increased fat thickness (P < 0.001), while thyme, celery and thyme/celery mix treatments increased (P = 0.001) the ribeye area. Salinomycin, celery and thyme treatments increased (P < 0.05) the lean proportion and decreased the fat proportion. Thyme, celery and thyme/celery mix treatments decreased (P < 0.001) carcass protein, while thyme and thyme/celery treatments increased (P = 0.001) carcass water holding capacity. Salinomycin, thyme and celery treatments decreased (P = 0.002) meat brightness score, while celery treatment increased (P < 0.05) redness of meat, without affecting yellowness, chroma or hue of the meat. Results in the present showed that these natural additives are comparable to salinomycin but further studies are necessary to validate the results and their mechanism of action.
PSX-18 High-density genomic description of Russian native sheep breed of the Republic of Tyva
Authors: Deniskova Tatiana Evgenievna , Abdelmanova Alexandra , Dotsev Arsen V , Sambu-Khoo Chechena , Reyer Henry , Selionova Marina I , Fornara Margaret S , Wimmers Klaus , Brem Gottfried , Zinovieva Natalia A
Published: November 2020

Tuva breed is the oldest native sheep breed in Russia with more than 2000 year-history and comes in third place by population size among coarse wool sheep. Tuva sheep produce high-quality meat as well as coarse wool to make traditional clothing in the Republic of Tyva. In present study, we aimed to evaluate genetic diversity and to establish genetic links of the Tuva breed with the other Russian coarse wool sheep to understand the origin and current status of this valuable livestock species. Twenty samples of Tuva were genotyped using Ovine Infinium® HD SNP BeadChip (Illumina, CA, USA). SNP-data were processed in PLINKv1.9, R package ‘diveRsity’ and SneP software. High-density SNP-genotypes of 10 coarse wool sheep breeds were used as comparison groups. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) and allelic richness (Ar) in Tuva breed were 0.336 and 1.884, respectively, and were practically equal to mean values estimated across all analyzed sheep breeds (Ho=0.335, Ar=1.884). All coarse wool breeds showed moderate heterozygote excess which was the highest in Tuva breed (1.6%). Effective population sizes estimated for three and five generations ago for Tuva breed (Ne3 =118 and Ne5 =179) were less than those in other breeds (Ne3 = 314 and Ne5 = 441 for Edilbai or Ne3 = 300 and Ne5 = 450 for Kalmyk) but not the lowest (Ne3 = 49 and Ne5 = 72 for Buubei). Values of historical effective population size estimated for 60 generations ago for Tuva breed was 1457 that was compatible with those obtained for other breeds (Ne60 from 586 for Buubei to 2634 for Kalmyk). Despite the obvious decrease in effective population size, levels of genetic diversity are not critical that would allow to develop programs to ensure preservation and sustainable development of Tuva breed. The study was funded by RSF No. 19-16-00070.
PSX-4 Behavior of goats subjected to different social isolation treatments
Authors: Kannan Govind , Batchu Phaneendra , Kouakou Brou , Terrill Thomas H , Estrada-Reyes Zaira
Published: November 2020

Social isolation can be stressful to goats when they are separated from the herd for veterinary care or prior to slaughter. This experiment was conducted to determine the behavior responses in goats during isolation with or without visual contact with conspecifics. Forty-eight uncastrated male Spanish goats (8-mo old) were randomly assigned to one of four isolation (TRT) pens (1.5 x 1.5 m) with metal grill panels: (i) open grill with no visual contact with conspecifics (IO), (ii) covered panels to prevent visual contact (IC), (iii) covered panels with a 30 cm x 30 cm window on one side to allow visual contact with conspecifics (IW), or (iv) open grill to allow visual contact with conspecifics (IV, control), for 90 min (n = 12 goats/TRT). Behaviors were recorded by four trained individuals. Frequency of vocalization was recorded continuously, and moving, standing, climbing, lying, and visual contact behaviors, in addition to spatial location, were recorded at 5-min intervals, but grouped into 30-min blocks (TIME). The data were analyzed using Friedman’s Two-Way ANOVA by Ranks Test in SAS; however, unranked data means are presented. Both TRT and TIME had significant effects (P < 0.01) on frequency of vocalization, with mean values of 44.1, 16.6, 4.3, and 2.1 (SEM = 4.58), respectively in IO, IC, IW, and IV groups. Vocalization was highest during the first 30-min period and decreased over time with mean frequencies of 26.9, 12.4, and 11.4 (SEM = 2.43), respectively during 30, 60, and 90 min. Frequencies of climbing and lying behaviors were the highest (P < 0.01) in the IC treatment. Goats in IC group also spent more time facing the corner of the pen. The results indicate that goats with no visual contact with conspecifics spend more time vocalizing or trying to escape the pen, which may indicate distress.
PSVII-33 Inter-Animal Variability in Androstenone Transport and the Potential Effect on the Development of Boar Taint
Authors: Bone Christine , Cameron Jocelyn , Squires Jim
Published: November 2020

Boar taint is a meat quality issue characterized by an off-odour or off-flavour in pork caused by the accumulation of androstenone in the fat. Our previous work demonstrated that androstenone binds non-specifically to albumin in the plasma and suggested that the binding affinity of androstenone might vary between individual animals, which may affect the subsequent development of boar taint. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the binding of androstenone in the plasma of animals with high and low fat androstenone concentrations to determine the effect of androstenone binding affinity on the development of boar taint. Plasma and backfat samples were obtained from 5-month-old terminal cross [Duroc x (Landrace x Yorkshire)] (n = 8) boars. An androstenone specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine animals with high (n = 4) or low (n = 4) fat androstenone concentrations. The plasma from each boar was incubated with radiolabeled [3H]-androstenone in the presence or absence of excess unlabeled androstenone. Excess unlabeled androstenone created competition for binding sites allowing the displacement of [3H]-androstenone from albumin to be quantified. Incubations were analyzed by a novel high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method we previously developed to assess androstenone binding. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way ANOVA. The plasma albumin concentrations were similar across individual boars; however, the percentage of androstenone that could be displaced from albumin in boars with high fat androstenone concentrations ranged from 7.1 ± 2.4% to 21.9 ± 5.2%, and was significantly lower (P = 0.01) than the percentage of androstenone displaced in the animals with low fat androstenone concentrations. These results suggest that the binding affinity of androstenone is inversely related with fat androstenone concentrations, demonstrating for the first time that the transport of androstenone in the plasma may contribute to the development of boar taint.
PSIV-34 Program Chair Poster Pick: Validating adapted scales to measure individual and situational interest in animal science undergraduates
Authors: Erickson MaryGrace , Marks Danielle , Karcher Elizabeth , Wattiaux Michel
Published: November 2020

Efforts to improve the quality of teaching and learning in animal science are forestalled by the lack of psychometric scales validated in our disciplinary context. Researchers have used instruments validated outside of animal science reliably, but this approach has questionable validity. The objective of our research was to adapt and validate scales to measure the motivational variables individual interest (II) and situational interest (SI) in introductory animal sciences students. A total of 254 introductory course students in two consecutive semesters rated their interest in animal sciences on unidimensional II (8-item) and 3-factor SI (11-item) scales previously validated for psychology undergraduates. After adapting instruments with wording specific to animal sciences, we conducted a series of confirmatory factor analyses. First, we discovered and removed two problematic items from the unidimensional II scale, offered theory-based explanations for differential item functioning in animal sciences students, and validated a revised II scale (λ = 0.74 - 0.94, CFI = 0.995, RMSEA = 0.027). Next, we confirmed the validity and reliability of the SI scale and its three subscales (λ = 0.83 - 0.96, CFI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.048). Finally, to explore the dimensionality of SI in our population, we fitted a bifactor model and computed ancillary indices. Results supported the reliability and empirical validity of the bifactor model as an alternative conceptualization of SI (CFI = 0.986, RMSEA = 0.044). and indicated that the SI scale is mostly unidimensional (ω H = 0.923). This suggests that total SI scores can be used as a composite measure but that subscale scores are substantially contaminated by the general SI factor and should not be interpreted as unique. We present the finalized scales, recommendations for their use in animal sciences classrooms, and suggestions for future research.
PSI-28 Effect of Pluronic-F68 fog solution on performance and morbidity of newly-received heifer calves
Authors: Sowers CiCi A , Gouvea Vinicius N , Barnes Michael L , Duff Glenn C
Published: November 2020

Morbidity and mortality from bovine respiratory disease of newly-received feedlot cattle continues to be a problem for the feedlot industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of utilizing a novel breathing treatment containing a non-ionic surfactant (Pluronic-F68) on performance and morbidity of high-risk calves during a 45-d receiving period. Angus/Angus-cross heifer calves (n = 240) were acquired in Delhi, LA and transported (14h) to the research facility. Heifers were allowed 21-h rest with access to water and RAMP® prior to processing. Heifers were sorted into 16 pens by processing order and randomized into one of two treatments: novel breathing treatment containing 6.25% Pluronic-F68 solution, 28.13% glycerin, and 65.62% water (FOG; n = 8 pens/treat and 15 heifers/pen) and control (CON; n = 8 pens/treat and 15 heifers/pen). Control heifers were held in an enclosed stock trailer for 10 min and followed by FOG heifers, during which time treatment was administered. The person responsible for identifying signs of morbidity was blinded to treatment assignments. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using MIXED (continuous) or GLIMMIX (binomial) models of SAS 9.4. Average daily gain was similar between treatments (P = 0.91). No differences were found in dry matter intake (P = 0.14) nor in feed efficiency (P = 0.58). There were no differences (P = 0.74) in final body weights. Morbidity was similar at first, second and third antimicrobial administration regardless of treatment (P ≥ 0.34). The number of antimicrobial treatments required or the management of BRD was similar between treatments (P = 0.72) There was no difference (P = 0.44) in mortality between FOG and CON groups. The Pluronic-F68 solution did not improve performance or reduce morbidity of newly received heifer calves; however, further research with a different concentration and/or duration of fogging may be warranted.
PSI-29 Effects of maternal supplementation of ruminally undegradable protein during early gestation on subsequent progeny performance in beef cattle
Authors: Selman Alexis , Lemke Lexi , Woodbury Jordan , Rosasco Shelby L , Scholljegerdes Eric J , Beard Joslyn K , Summers Adam F
Published: November 2020

Late gestation protein supplementation has been shown to be beneficial to fetal development. However, little is known about early gestation protein supplementation when supplements contain high or low amounts of ruminally undegraded protein (RUP). Therefore, two-year study was conducted using 28 mixed-aged cows consumed a basal diet balanced to meet nutrient requirements for early gestation were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments during the first trimester of pregnancy, 1) no supplement (CON; n = 10); 2) 38% CP supplement containing 36% RUP (LRUP; n = 9); 3) 38% protein supplemented containing 50% RUP (HRUP; n = 9). All cows were managed similarly after the completion of the supplementation period. There were no treatment × year interactions observed for any variable measured. Subsequent progeny birth BW did not differ between treatments (P = 0.19). Calf weights did not differ due to treatment due to treatment (P ≥ 0.08) at weaning; however, calf weaning weight was greater in year 1 compared to year 2 (P < 0.0001). After weaning, calves were placed in an individual feeding system for a 60 d feeding period. Body weight was recorded biweekly and intake was measured daily. Intake from day 0 to 14 and 14 to 28 tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.07) for HRUP and LRUP when compared to unsupplemented control. Nonetheless, ADG and gain:feed was similar for all treatments (P ≥ 0.21). Steers were transitioned to a finishing diet and harvested at approximately 18 mo of age. No differences were observed in ribeye area, hot carcass weight or yield grade (P ≥ 0.23). Overall, under the conditions of this study, supplementing cows during the first trimester with a high protein supplement that varied in ruminally undegradable protein did not impact progeny growth or carcass characteristics.
PSI-38 Relationship between body condition score, claw set, and foot angle in Angus and Red Angus beef cows grazing native annual-grass rangeland in northern California
Authors: Banwarth Megan R , DeAtley Kasey , Doyle Stephen
Published: November 2020

Evaluating the structure of beef cows, especially when replacement females are being selected, has great emphasis on production goals, particularly longevity of the female. Two structure traits that are important when evaluating beef cattle are claw set and foot angle, yet the relationship between body condition scores (BCS), claw set, foot angle and year of age has not been extensively investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between BCS, claw set and foot angle in Angus (n = 40) and Red Angus (n = 19) beef cows grazing irrigated pasture and annual-grass rangeland in northern California. Traits were collected 44 d post-weaning and included BCS, claw set, and foot angle. Claw set and foot angle were collected using the scale of the American Angus Association (e.g., scale = 1–9). Spring-calving beef cows were under similar management. At time of trait collection cows were grazing irrigated pasture (CP: 38%, and NDF: 49.2%, on a DM basis). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Fixed effects were claw set, foot angle and breed, and respective interactions. Body condition score was related to foot angle scores (r = 0.38; P < 0.01). Claw set was related to foot angle scores (r = 0.30; P < 0.05). Results showed BCS was not different among breeds, claw set, or year of age (P > 0.05). No relationship was detected among BCS and claw set. Interaction terms were not significant (P > 0.05). Cows with acceptable foot angle had lower BCS than unacceptable cows (5.86 ± 0.15 vs. 6.72 ± 0.21 BCS). Results indicate that BCS and foot angle are related. Further research to investigate effect of BCS on differences of foot angle is warranted.