bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
16 Comparing Natural Vegetation and Food Plot Preference against Supplemental Protein Pellets in Captive White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and Exotic Species
Authors: McQueen Robert W , Beverly Marcy M , Kelley Stanley F , Anderson Mark 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Supplemental feed is the most expensive input in the captive wildlife industries. This is due to operations utilizing high-energy pellets as supplemental feed. Low fence operations often utilize food plots with high quality vegetation to minimize cost and increase forage availability for wildlife. The objective of this study was to determine forage preference of animals in captivity, and determine the most cost effective method of supplemental feeding. Seven food plots covering 25 acres contained one of three treatments. The treatments were: a commercial blend of soybeans; a commercial blend of soybeans, sunflowers, and milo; native/unplanted. Three utilization cages were set up to inhibit wildlife access to samples within each food plot to act as a control. Height of vegetative samples, inside and outside of the utilization cages, was collected on days 30, 60, and 90 after planting. The 30-day sample showed a preference of native/unplanted vegetation over the commercial treatments, P &lt; 0.05. However, samples taken on days 60 and 90 showed the preference shifted toward the commercial blends, P &lt; 0.05. This browsing preference indicates stage of maturity had an impact on plant selection. Regardless of sample date, the commercial blends showed a difference of P &lt; 0.01, selecting the soybean blend more frequently. With an increased selection of the forages in the food plots, there was a decrease in cost of purchasing feed pellets with a total savings of approximately $5,500.00 from April 5-July 5, 2019. These results suggest that white-tailed deer and exotic species in captivity prefer forages compared to pelleted feed. Supplemental feeding programs that include food plots could allow for natural feeding tendencies, while being more cost effective for operations in the captive wildlife industries.
191 Yield and nutritive quality of summer annual forage mixtures
Authors: Thompson Serena , Dillard Sandra L , Jacobson Alana , Koebernick Jenny , Parks Grey , Mullenix Mary K 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Summer annual forage mixtures are both high yielding and contain a high nutritive quality. They provide a summer forage option for maintaining stockers, forage-finished beef, and replacement heifers on with little to no external inputs needed. Recently, sugarcane aphid infestations have limited production of sorghum × sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor var. bicolor*bicolor var. sudanese; S). This study investigated mono-, bi-, and tri- cultures of S, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata; C), and crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris; R). Forage yield, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, and sugarcane aphid counts were determined for each treatment. Sugarcane aphid counts were conducted on a weekly basis during the study and forage samples were harvested twice during each season. A forage subsample was taken for determination of CP, NDF, ADF, and ADL using wet chemistry. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS 9.4 (SAS inst., Cary, NC). During Year 1, the only difference in yield among treatments was observed in R, which was lower than other plots (949 and 1,259 kg/ha, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). Neutral detergent fiber was greatest (P &lt; 0.0001) in treatments containing S, whereas C and C+R had the least NDF (64.6%, 55.1%, and 56.6%, respectively; P &lt; 0.02). Sugarcane aphids were greater (P &lt; 0.0001) in S+C compared to S+R and SI on July 12 (33.5, 21.1, and 22.4 aphid days/ two leaf sample, respectively). During Year 2, there were no differences in yield among plots (996 kg/ ha, P &gt; 0.9); NDF was greatest in S and lowest in plots containing C and C+R (63%, 46%, and 45.6%, P &lt; 0.0001). While there appeared to be no reduction in sugarcane aphid pressure in the mono- and mixed- cultures of S, C+R showed promise as a summer annual mixture with similar yield and higher quality to that of S and S mixtures.
76 Evaluating Nitrogen Management Strategies to Improve Southern Bermudagrass Grazing Systems
Authors: Burt Justin C , Tucker Jennifer J , Baxter Lisa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is one of the most common perennial warm-season forage crops grown in the South. While prominent in the region bermudagrass management requires large amounts of fertility and forage quality is moderate at best. Incorporating a legume into bermudagrass pastures could serve as an alternative to the necessary applications of synthetic N, while also improving the nutritive value of the forage base. A two-year grazing evaluation was conducted from May-Sept. 2018 (Y1) and May-Aug. 2019 (Y2) at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus in Tifton, Georgia, to compare concurring production of alfalfa/bermudagrass mixed pastures (BGA) with bermudagrass monoculture pastures with (BGN) or without (BGZ) the application of synthetic nitrogen. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three treatments and two replications. All paddocks were evaluated pre and post grazing event for herbage availability, botanical composition, forage species competitiveness, and nutritive value. Paddocks (0.8-ha) were rotationally grazed using put and take management with stocker steers (Y1 BW=195.9±22.9 kg; Y2 BW=228.5±30.0 kg), two testers per treatment. Steers were weighed at initiation, conclusion, and on a 28–30 day interval for calculation of ADG and gain/ha. Statistical analysis was conducted using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. Despite significant drought in Y2, year did not affect total gain/ha, however treatment did (P = 0.04), such that BGA was highest (383.6±35.1 kg/ha), and BGN and BGZ were not different (261.2±35.1 kg/ha and 239.0±35.1 kg/ha, respectively). This is likely due to the lower stocking density and inclusion of high-quality volunteer annual grasses in BGZ treatments which allowed for selective grazing. These data suggest that rotationally grazing alfalfa/bermudagrass mixtures can result in a higher gain/ha, than bermudagrass pastures that are supplemented with or without synthetic N in the South.
20 Comparison of native warm-season grasses and bermudagrass for stocker calf grazing in the Black Belt Prairie region
Authors: Parish Jane A , Yankey Kalisha C , Durst Libby S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Native grasses are touted for use in drought mitigation strategies for grazing cattle. It is important to determine how these forages compare in specific production environments to more widely used improved grasses such as bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] that they may replace as pasture. Native warm-season grasses including big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi Vitman), little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.) were evaluated against bermudagrass pastures in the Black Belt Prairie region of Mississippi for stocker cattle grazing. Objectives were to compare bermudagrass (BG), indiangrass (IG) and mixed-sward native warm-season grass (mix of big bluestem, little bluestem, and indiangrass) (NGMIX) pasture for forage nutritive value and steer ADG. Crossbred (Bos taurus) steers (n = 36 steers/year) were stratified by initial BW (339.7 ± 4.3 kg) to 2.02-ha pastures (3 replications) during 56-d grazing periods in June and July for 2 yr. Mean forage nutritive values on a DM basis were: BG [8.8% CP, 43.4% ADF, 67.3% NDF, 58.7% TDN, and 77 relative feed value (RFV)], IG (6.7% CP, 39.6% ADF, 68.3% NDF, 58.2% TDN, and 79 RFV) and MIXNG (7.3% CP, 40.5% ADF, 69.5% NDF, 58.1% TDN, and 77 RFV). A forage treatment x day x year effect existed (P &lt; 0.01) for each these nutritive values. There was no effect (P = 0.47) of forage treatment on steer ADG (BG: 0.4 ± 0.1 kg/d; IG: 0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d; NGMIX: 0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d). Thus, no net advantage or disadvantage in steer growth rates was observed due to forage species. Other factors such as forage establishment cost and animal stocking rates supported may be relevant to consider in decisions to replace bermudagrass with warm-season native grasses.
62 Effects of forage allowance and supplementation on performance of steers grazing wheat pasture
Authors: McNeill Kynzie , Reuter Ryan R , Beck Paul A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A 72-d trial was conducted to estimate the combined effect of forage allowance and a fiber-based energy supplement in stocker cattle grazing wheat. Eight pastures (2.7 to 5.1 ha) each contained seven test steers (initial BW = 210 ± 36 kg). Weekly, additional steers were stocked in each pasture in a put and take method to achieve forage allowance of either 2.5 or 5.5 kg forage DM / kg steer BW (4 pastures each). Two pastures in each forage allowance were fed daily with a supplement containing 50% wheat midds and 50% soybean hulls at the rate of 1.5 kg per steer. Forage mass was measured twice weekly using a calibrated rising plate meter. Cattle were weighed weekly on calibrated scales. Data were analyzed using linear regression with pasture as the experimental unit. Mean ADG was 1.36 kg/d. One pasture in the high forage allowance, non-supplemented treatment was removed because we were unable to maintain the designed forage allowance. The interaction of forage allowance and supplement was not significant (P = 0.37) for ADG, and supplementation did not affect ADG (P = 0.20), however increased forage allowance tended to improve ADG (P = 0.06, 0.21 kg ADG per kg forage allowance). To further investigate forage DMI, a 14-d trial began on day 36. Three of the seven test steers in each pasture were randomly chosen and administered 7 ± 0.1 g of TiO2 daily at 0700 as an external marker to estimate fecal output. Forage DMI (at an assumed 72% DM digestibility) averaged 2.1% of midpoint BW, below our expectation. Additional forage allowance tended to improve estimated forage DMI (P= 0.06), but supplement had minimal effect (P = 0.30).
65 Effects of grazing cool-season cover crops on forage and animal performance
Authors: Carrell Russell C , Dillard Sandra L , Mullenix Mary K , Gamble Audrey , Muntifering Russ B 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Utilization of cool-season cover crops has been shown to increase soil health and cash crop performance in minimum tillage cash crop systems. Though evidence that grazing of cover crops can be viable is limited. Our objective was to determine animal and forage performance when grazing a cool-season annual cover-crop. Twelve 1.2 ha pastures were established in a forage mix consisting of black oats (Avena strigose), cereal rye (Secale cereal), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and T-raptor (Brassica napus × B. rapa) and randomly allocated to be grazed either 0, 30, 60, or 90 days. Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock with the exception of control paddocks and allowed ad libitum grazing. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination ADG and total gain (TG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for NDF and ADF using an ANKOM fiber analyzer (ANKOM Tech, Macedon, NY). All data was analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Differences were found in ADG between 90 and 60 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs. 2.8 ± 0.12 kg/d; P &lt; 0.01) and 90 and 30 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs 2.7 ± 0.12 kg/d; P &lt; 0.01). Differences in TG were detected between 90 and 60 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs. 386.67 ± 13.35 kg; P &lt; 0.01), between 90 and 30 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg; P &lt; 0.01), and between 60 and 30 days grazed (386.67 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg, P &lt; 0.01). No differences in NDF (44.86%, P = 0.99) or ADF (27.20%, P = 0.92) were detected between treatments. These results indicate that different grazing periods could influence cattle growth and performance without negatively impacting forage quality and production.
34 Developing criteria for forage finished beef in the Southeastern U.S
Authors: Acharya Mohan , Burke Joan M , Wood Erin , Yancey Janeal 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Demand for forage finished meats continues to increase and creates a market for small farmers in the southeastern United States. Little is known about production efficiency and quality. The objective was to examine breed type and dam age on growth and finishing traits of forage finished steers. Calves were born in February and March in 2014 (n = 47), 2015 (n = 59) and 2016 (n = 42), castrated at birth and weaned in October. Breeds were Angus with Brahman or Romosinuano influence (1/4 to 1/8). Dams were 2 to 13 yr of age at calving. After weaning, steers grazed tall fescue (fall, winter, spring), wheat/rye (spring), or bermudagrass (summer). BW and ultrasound measures were determined every 30–60 d to finishing target of 8.4 mm back fat. Data were analyzed using homogeneity of regression (BW or REA over day of age) or Proc mixed and included age of dam, breed type, and yr in the model, and age as a covariate. After weaning, BW and REA of steers from younger dams were lighter or smaller and nearly caught up with steers from 3- and 4-yr old dams within 12 mo (dam age x day of age, P &lt; 0.001). ADG (weaning to 12 m later) during 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 0.571, 0.602, and 0.860 kg/d, respectively, and were 0.941, 1.192, and 0.860 kg/d, respectively, during spring months. There was no effect of breed or dam age on ADG in 2014 and 2015, and subtle effects of Romosinuano breed type in 2016. Breed affected number of days to reach target finishing only in 2015 (P = 0.005), but not in 2014 and 2016. In 2015 Brahman-influenced steers reached target earlier than others. Shear force of steaks was not influenced by breed or dam (2014, 4.86 ± 0.4 kg; 2015, 5.46 ± 1.2 kg). Cattle genetics appropriate for grass finishing should be considered and calves from 2-yr old dams may be less suitable for grass finishing systems.
68 Effects of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Fall-Stockpiled Bermudagrass
Authors: Cole Madison , Griffin Megan E , Dillard Sandra L , Mullenix Mary K , Muntifering Russ B , Held David 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Forage production practices have been greatly affected by the increasing cost of N fertilization. Therefore, supplemental and alternative N sources are needed to ensure the economic viability of these systems. A 2-yr, small plot study was designed to evaluate plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as an alternative form of N fertilizer for fall-stockpiled bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). Eighteen 1-m2 ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass plots were treated with a synthetic N fertilizer, DH44 (PGPR strain), DH44+fertilizer, Blend 20 (PGPR blend), Blend 20+fertilizer, and a control, then stockpiled through the fall. Two PGPR applications were applied in late-August and again 30 d later. Fertilizer and PGPR+fertilizer plots received (NH4)2SO4, at a rate of 56 kg N/ha. One-third of each plot was clipped to 2.5 cm in November, December, and January, respectively. Forage DM yield, CP, NDF, ADF, and ADL were determined via wet chemistry at the Auburn University Ruminant Nutrition Laboratory (Auburn, AL). Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4, SAS Inst., Cary, NC) as a completely randomized design. Yield was greatest (P ≤ 0.0318) for Blend 20+fertilizer, but it was not different (P = 0.2552) from that of the synthetic fertilizer (1,914 kg ha-1, 1,768 kg ha-1, respectively). Concentration of CP was least (P ≤ 0.0437) for DH44 and Blend 20 treatments (90 g kg-1 and 92 g kg-1, respectively). Concentrations of NDF for the control were different (P ≤ 0.0045) for all treatments except synthetic fertilizer (P = 0.1092). Concentrations of ADF were not different (P ≥ 0.1613) excluding the control (P ≤ 0.0525; 342.8 g kg-1and 358.0 g kg-1, respectively). In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) was not different (P = 0.0947) among all treatments (463.1 g kg-1). All yield and nutritive value parameters were greater (P ≤ 0.0246) in Year 2. These results indicate that PGPR is a viable option for biofertilization of fall-stockpiled bermudagrass; however, further investigation into the effects of PGPR inoculants at a field scale are needed.
61 Effects of fescue cultivar on performance of beef cow/calf pairs grazed on summer stockpiled tall fescue pastures
Authors: Langford Taylor A , Hardin Keri N , Murray Adam R , Zumbaugh Charles A , Claire Olivia M , Fiske David A , Pent Gabriel J , Wilson Thomas B 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This 2-year experiment evaluated productivity of wild-type endophyte-infected tall fescue (KY-31) and novel endophyte-infected tall fescue (MaxQ) summer stockpiled (SS) pastures and the performance of fall-calving beef cow/calf pairs grazed on each cultivar. Pregnant Simmental x Angus cows (128 total, 64 each year) were stratified by BW, BCS, and expected calving date, then allotted to 1 of 10 groups. Forage growth was stockpiled from April to initiation of strip-grazing on 31 August of 2017 and 2018. Cows grazed treatment pastures for 52 d from 23 ± 14 d prepartum to 29 ± 14 d postpartum, and calved on treatment pastures. Forage quadrats were clipped from the grazed and ungrazed portions of each pasture to determine weekly forage mass (FM). Total ergot alkaloid (TEA) concentrations were analyzed for all pastures at the beginning of the experiment and every subsequent 2 weeks for KY-31. Cow BW was recorded on 2 consecutive d and BCS determined at the start and end of the experiment. In year 2, ultrasound 12th rib fat thickness (BF) was measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period Milk production was estimated using the weigh-suckle-weigh technique at 29 ± 14 postpartum. In year 1, TEA concentrations for KY-31 pastures did not differ (P &lt; 0.48) over time. Fescue cultivars were not different (P ≥ 0.15) in forage CP, TDN, and grazed or ungrazed FM. Cow BW, BCS, and BF at the beginning and end of grazing were not different (P ≥ 0.41) by treatment. Milk production was higher (P &lt; 0.01) for KY-31 grazed cows. Calving date, calf BW, calf ADG were not different (P ≥ 0.65) by treatment. Neither AI nor overall conception rates differed (P ≥ 0.23) between cultivars. Performance of fall-calving cows pre-exposed to KY-31 was not improved when grazed on MaxQ in a SS system.
75 Epigenetic marks within the swine placenta are differentially expressed due to season
Authors: Cheek Robin , Rempel Lea A , Miles Jeremy 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The objective of the current project was to validate expression of known chromatin modification genes and assess downstream targets in d45 swine placenta derived from seasonal semen collections and breedings and semen storage. Six treatment groups were developed based upon: season of semen collection (cool or warm), storage of semen (cooled-extended or cryopreserved), and season of breeding (summer or winter) with 8 litters per group as follows: 1) cool/cooled-extended/winter, 2) cool/cryopreserved/winter, 3) warm/cryopreserved/winter, 4) warm/cooled-extended/summer, 5) warm/cooled-extended/summer, and 6) cool/cryopreserved/summer. RNA was extracted from the placenta of a small, medium, and large fetus from each litter, pooled by litter, reverse transcribed, and used for qPCR. Three genes; ATF2, ASH2L, and SMYD3, were validated. Downstream gene targets, ILIB and NANOG, were also tested. Interactions and main effects were tested using the mixed procedure of SAS with boar as a random effect. Placental ASH2L had a tendency for increased expression from summer breedings (P &gt;0.05), similar to previous findings using a different expression platform. Placental expression of ATF2 was greatest (P&lt; 0.05) from placenta derived by summer breedings. A downstream target of ATF2, ILIB, had greater (P&lt; 0.05) placental expression from summer breedings and semen that was cooled-extended as compared to cryopreserved (P&lt; 0.05). Validation of placental expression of SMYD3 was greater from cooled-extended semen in contrast to cryopreserved semen (P&lt; 0.05). These data were unexpected, as previously we determined a difference by breeding season only. However, NANOG, downstream of SMYD3, had greater placental expression from summer breedings (P&lt; 0.05). The current study validated previous results indicating chromatin modification genes were primarily influenced predominantly by breeding season and to a lesser extent, semen storage techniques. Downstream targets were also influenced by breeding season likely influencing prenatal development. These data support that epigenetic modifications persist, even though modern swine systems regulate and control temperature and lighting.
88 Factors influencing mare milk composition and yield and foal digestive health
Authors: Pyles Morgan B , Fowler Ashley , Crum Andrea , Hayes Susan , Schendel Rachel , Flythe Michael , Lawrence Laurie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The microbial community that colonizes the gastrointestinal tract within the first few days of life can have significant impacts on the health of the foal. For example, proliferation of pathogens can lead to neonatal diarrhea. The factors influencing the establishment of the normal microbiome, which can provide pathogen resistance, are not well understood. This research aimed to evaluate factors influencing foal gut health including changes in foal fecal bacteria, mare milk composition and yield, and utilization of milk components by fecal bacteria from foals. We hypothesized that the maternal diet would alter milk yield and composition and as a result, will influence microbial colonization in the foal. To evaluate dietary influence on milk composition, mares (n = 16) were fed forage and either a concentrate with high nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) or low NSC. Milk yield and composition were evaluated and relationships with foal fecal bacteria and diarrhea were explored. In addition, fecal samples collected from foals were used to enumerate select bacterial groups and isolate and identify carbohydrate-utilizing bacteria. We found that feeding mares a high NSC concentrate increased synthesis of milk carbohydrates and daily milk yield compared to mares fed a low NSC concentrate (P &lt; 0.05). Microbes isolated from foal feces were capable of utilizing carbohydrates, such as lactose and galactooligosaccharides, as early as 12 h after birth. High milk producing mares had foals with fewer cellulolytic bacteria (P &lt; 0.001). Foals with &gt;1 bout of diarrhea had fewer cellulolytic bacteria (177 viable cells/g feces) compared to foals with no diarrhea (10,000 viable cells/g feces; P &lt; 0.001). Fecal lactobacilli and lactate-utilizing bacteria were positively related to bouts of diarrhea (r=0.745 and r=0.555, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). The gastrointestinal microbiome is changing rapidly in the foal and milk yield and composition appear to play an important role. The neonatal period may provide an opportunity to influence the microbiome and prevent gastrointestinal upsets.