bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
69 A new frame score system for Nelore cattle
Authors: Sainz Roberto D , Guimarães Nayanny , Magnabosco Cláudio U , Lopes Fernando 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Frame score (FS) systems for beef cattle generally represent the relationships among growth, body composition, reproduction and mature size, in a simple and practical form. This study aimed to: 1) develop a FS system for Nelore cattle that is biologically sound, easy to interpret, and useful for producers; and 2) estimate the genetic parameters of the FS with productive and reproductive traits. An arbitrary scale (1 to 12) was devised so that each unit corresponds to 15 kg of carcass weight (1 @), as this is a common measure used for marketing beef cattle in Brazil. Therefore, ideal carcass weight, defined as having 6 mm of backfat, would be 18 @ (269 kg) and 15 @ (224 kg) for FS = 6 males and females, respectively. Data from 36,030 animals (22,405 males, 13,565 females) raised on pasture were obtained from participating herds of the National Association of Breeders and Researchers (ANCP). Genetic parameters were estimated in uni- and bicharacteristic analyses under an animal model, using the EM-REML algorithm (AIREMLF90) and Bayesian inference (GIBBS1F90). The heritability estimate for the new FS was 0.38, and its additive genetic correlations were 0.70, 0.72, 0.77, 0.33, -0.57, 0.27, and 0.28 with BW at 365 d, BW at 450 d, hip height, longissimus muscle area, subcutaneous fat thickness, scrotal circumference at 450 d, and age at first calving, respectively. The estimated heritability and genetic correlations indicate that there is enough additive genetic variability to allow for genetic response to selection. The estimates support the notion that larger frame animals are taller, heavier, leaner and later maturing, both in body composition as well as sexually. The new frame score may be a useful tool for genetic selection of animals that are best suited to their environment.
315 Formation, persistence, and function of soil organic matter: how recent scientific advances apply in agroecosystems
Authors: Lavallee Jocelyn M , Cotrufo Francesca 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Soil organic matter is fundamental to healthy and productive soils and building it is an effective means by which to draw down atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations with added co-benefits. Scientific understanding of soil organic matter dynamics is constantly evolving, and the past decade has seen major advances and paradigm shifts. Soil organic matter creation from decaying plant litter is now thought to occur under two separate pathways, yielding two functionally different types: predominantly plant-derived, unprotected particulate organic matter (POM) and predominantly microbially-derived, mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM). The idea of naturally-occurring humic substances in soils has been largely abandoned, and long-term soil organic matter persistence is now understood to be driven mainly by mineral association. We will present the research behind these paradigm shifts, and show how considering POM and MAOM separately is key to understanding the mechanisms driving carbon accrual and persistence in soil, and therefore to guiding policy and management for soil carbon sequestration. We will present drivers of POM and MAOM contents, from individual fields to continents, including their capacity for sequestration and saturation in agricultural soils of the USA, and their responses to common management practices in agroecosystems.
83 The acute effects of feeding a grain-free diet with or without methionine, taurine or methyl donor/acceptor supplementation on plasma and whole blood amino acid concentrations in dogs
Authors: Banton Sydney , Pezzali Julia G , Donadelli Renan Antunes , Bakovic Marica , Wood Katharine M , Verbrugghe Adronie , Shoveller Anna-Kate 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Grain-free pet foods have been sold for over a decade and comprise more than 40% of dog and cat diets sold today. Grain-free diets replace grain ingredients with pulse ingredients, which are high in lysine but low in methionine and cysteine, the precursor amino acids to taurine synthesis in the dog. The objective of this study was to evaluate the postprandial response of plasma methionine and taurine and whole blood taurine concentrations of dogs fed a grain-free diet without supplementation (CON) or with methionine (MET), taurine (TAU) or creatine, carnitine and choline (CCC) supplementation. Eight Beagles were pair housed and fed one of the four experimental diets for seven days in a 4x4 Latin Square Design. On the morning of d 7, cephalic catheters were placed and one fasted sample (0 min) and nine post-meal blood samples (15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 min) were collected. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using the PROC GLIMMIX function in SAS (Version 9.4). Dogs supplemented with MET had significantly higher plasma methionine concentrations from 30 to 360 minutes post-meal compared to dogs on CON, TAU and CCC treatments (P &lt; 0.05). However, no differences were observed in plasma methionine concentrations between CON, TAU and CCC treatments at any time point (P &gt; 0.05). Plasma taurine concentrations were significantly higher across time points in all treatment groups compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05). Whole blood taurine concentrations tended to be higher across time points in MET and TAU treatment groups compared to CCC (P = 0.0513). Overall, MET, TAU and CCC supplementation increased plasma taurine concentrations compared to CON, but only MET supplementation increased plasma methionine concentrations from 30 to 360 minutes post-meal.
328 Targeting food formulation considering nutrient intake
Authors: Carciofi Aulus Cavalieri 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Since the last publication of NRC (2006), dog and cat nutritionists have a good starting point to formulate pet food, once the Committee included the “recommended allowances” (RA) in the nutrient requirement tables, both expressed per dry matter (DM) or food metabolizable energy (ME). According to the Committee, the RA means “…where applicable, includes a safety factor for nutrients with uncertain bioavailability.” This is certainly important for many situations, but does not solve all concerns related to achieve a complete nutrient supply for a specific individual. This presentation will discuss the implications of the wide diversity of animals’ energy requirements, and consequently food and nutrient consumption that dogs and cats may experience along their life cycle and housing conditions. Thus, Diet Diversity, or products with diverse energy and nutrient densities, is important to drive veterinarians and nutritionists to the better food selection to fulfill nutrient requirements of specific individuals. Although data from NRC (2006) based on food ME correct distortions of DM intake related to available energy content of diets, this approach does not correct for the diversity of energy requirement among individuals, as well known for dogs (Bermingham et al., 2014) and cats (Bermingham et al., 2010). The problem is reinforced by the value assumed by NRC (2006) to estimate energy intake in adult dogs (130k cal/kg 0.75/day) and cats (100k cal/kg 0.67/day), far distant from the real energy expenditure of several (maybe most) home-living animals. A meta-analysis study showed that the NRC (2006) equation quite substantially overestimated energy requirements and food intake for cats under 4.5 kg of BW. House-living dogs (Thes et al., 2016) may need only 98k cal (per kg 0.75/day) when in ideal body condition to keep BW constant, while 120k cal when lean, and 86k cal when obese. The substantial variation among individuals is also important; considering the obese dogs group, for example, the 25% quartile value was lower (62k cal) than the 75% quartile (105k cal), showing that to achieve the adequate nutrient intake for obese animals with low energy requirement might be a challenge, due to the low DM intake (Thes et al., 2016). Based on the clinical experience of the presenter, managing a clinical nutrition service inside a teaching veterinary hospital, and a research experience with energy metabolism of cats and dogs, the presentation will explore the implications of energy requirements on nutrient intake, and how to better address NRC standards in practical formulations.
331 Dietary methionine restriction: an approach to treating obesity that does not involve food restriction
Authors: Gettys Thomas W 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Dietary methionine restriction (MR) produces an integrated series of metabolic and physiological responses that develop quickly after introducing the diet. Collectively, these responses to the diet improve many biomarkers of metabolic health. Two prominent physiological responses are increases in energy intake and expenditure, with the larger effect on energy expenditure slowing ongoing fat deposition by increasing the proportion of total energy intake required for maintenance of existing tissue. A significant remaining obstacle in implementing dietary MR in a translational context will be to develop methionine-restricted diets that are palatable to higher metazoans.
324 Milk Fat Globule Membrane from Bovine Milk on Brain Development of Early Life
Authors: Donovan Sharon , Dilger Ryan N 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is instrumental for the fat delivery system into human and bovine milk, but is typically removed during the manufacture of infant formula. MFGM contains components that may impact neurodevelopment, including sialic acid, gangliosides, sphingomyelin, choline, glycerophospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol. This presentation will review the clinical trial evidence linking MFGM supplementation to beneficial outcomes in infants and will describe potential mechanistic evidence linking MFGM with neurocognitive outcomes arising from preclinical studies in piglets. Infants fed formula supplemented with a MFGM (4% total protein) from 2 to 6 months of age had improved neurocognitive development at 1 year of age compared to infants fed standard formula. Infants fed formula with MFGM (5.0 g/L) and lactoferrin (0.6 g/L) for 1 year had an accelerated neurodevelopmental profile at 1 year and improved language subcategories at 18 months compared to infants fed a standard formula. To investigate potential mechanisms, piglets were fed a CONT formula or a TEST formula with MFGM and lactoferrin at the same concentrations from 2 to 31 days of age. Piglets underwent spatial T-maze testing to assess learning and memory, and magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain micro- and macrostructure. TEST piglets had lower radial and mean diffusivities in the internal capsule, suggesting greater myelination. The internal capsule contains motor and sensory projections from the cortex to corticospinal tract. Piglets on the CONT diet displayed shorter latency to choice in the T-maze compared to TEST piglets, potentially indicating anxiety-like behaviors or greater impulsivity. Aspects of the microbiome-gut-brain-axis (MGBA) were investigated to uncover potential mechanisms. TEST piglets had higher protein abundance of tyrosine hydroxylase and vasoactive intestinal peptide, longer villi and greater disaccharidase activity in the small intestine and differences in microbial abundances in the ascending colon and feces, suggesting potential modulation of the MGBA by MFGM.
344 The Ag Guide serves as a primary standard for animal scientists and AAALAC accreditation of Ag research programs
Authors: Salak-Johnson Janeen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Institutions that engage in animal research and production must ensure that high standards of animal care and use meet expectations of society while being ethical stewards of the animals they use in research. In order to achieve engagement in best practices, the Ag Guide is the most appropriate standard for assessing agricultural animals used in research and teaching. The Ag Guide minimizes the potential to overuse performance standards while enhancing the ability to appropriately address specific performance-derived exceptions to situations for which they have been validated. The primary objectives of the standards established in the Ag Guide are well-aligned with the goals of the AAALAC International accreditation program. The Ag Guide provides scientifically-sound, performance-based approaches to animal care and housing, which meet the expectations of AAALAC’s accreditation program. AAALAC provides a third-party peer review of all facets of the animal care and use program that serves as an effective mechanism to ensure institutions meet the standards of the Ag Guide. The process is designed to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program to ensure high-quality scientific outcomes and a high level of animal welfare. AAALAC accreditation program for agricultural animal research program is built on the cornerstone of the Ag Guide standards and connects science and responsible animal care. AAALAC accreditation promotes a comprehensive, institutionally supported program with a commitment to continuous improvement, humane and ethical animal care resulting in high-quality animal welfare, and scientific validity. AAALAC takes the position that, in accredited programs, the housing and care for agricultural animals should meet the standards that prevail on a high-quality, well-managed farm and the Ag Guide serves as this foundation. Therefore, the use of the Ag Guide for agricultural animal programs ensures a review that is based on science, professional judgment, and the best interests of the animal.
90 Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Beef Bull Selection that Incorporates Classroom Instruction and a Mock Auction
Authors: Bullock Darrh , VanValin Katherine , Lehmkuhler Jeffery , Anderson Leslie , Crites Benjamin , Laurent Kevin , Spangler Matthew L , Weaber Robert 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
An educational program was developed to assist beef producers with making informed bull purchasing decisions. There are two core pieces to this decision: targeting the bull’s genetics to the producer’s management and resources, and paying a price that maximizes the return on investment. This was a two-part educational program; the first session was classroom instruction with topics related to proper bull selection. At the conclusion of this session producers were assigned one of five management scenarios and received a sale catalogue with 60 bulls. Videos of all bulls were made available, along with all production information, including adjusted measurements, EPD and indices. The producers were tasked with returning the next week to attend the mock auction and purchase the best valued bull for their assigned scenario. At the conclusion of the auction, each scenario was discussed and the individual that purchased the best value bull in each scenario was recognized. Value was determined as the price paid for the bull compared to a price determined through an “economic selection index” equation. Beef producers (n = 322) participated in the program over 9 locations; in locations with less attendance, a reduced sale catalogue was used. Of the post-program survey respondents (n = 155), 71% were commercial beef producers, 27% were seedstock producers and 5% were Extension agents (n = 10, were cross classified). When asked how much time they spent reviewing the materials before the mock sale 8% said they made their decision at the sale, 16% spent 30 minutes or less, 58% spent 30 minutes to 2 hours and 18% spent over 2 hours preparing. When asked if the program would help with their next bull purchase, 88% said it would probably or definitely help. The conclusion was that this was a valuable educational program.
92 Brix as an Indicator of Energy Value in Alfalfa and Orchardgrass Herbage
Authors: Soder Kathy J , Billman Eric D , Horst Jeff , Balk Kristi , Hafla Aimee 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study correlated Brix values (measure of total dissolved solids via refractometer) with wet-lab analyses (WLA) of sugar concentrations in fresh herbage of two forage species, alfalfa (ALF; Medicago sativa) and orchardgrass (ORG; Dactylis glomerata) to estimate energy value of pastures. Four monthly samplings occurred from May-August, 2019. At each sampling, eight ALF and ORG samples were collected from established monocultures of each species. Solubles were extracted from fresh herbage using a hand-held garlic press. Triplicate Brix readings were recorded per sample using a digital refractometer. Fresh herbage samples were flash-frozen in liquid N, freeze-dried, and analyzed via WLA for total and individual (glucose and fructose) sugar concentrations, as well as nutritive value (CP, NDF, and ADF; Agri-King, Inc., Fulton, IL). The TDN, RFV, and RFQ were calculated. Brix values were correlated with WLA using the PROC CORR procedure in SAS, with significance established at P &lt; 0.05 and trends at 0.05 &lt; P &lt; 0.10. Brix values were negatively correlated (P &lt; 0.001) with WLA of total sugars (-0.65), glucose (-0.6), and fructose (-0.68) in ORG while no significant correlations (P &gt; 0.10) were detected in ALF. Conversely, Brix values of ORG and ALF were positively correlated (P &lt; 0.01) with NDF (0.57 – 0.58) and hemicellulose (0.42 – 0.55), as well as with ADF in ALF (0.54). Brix was negatively correlated (P &lt; 0.05) with CP in ALF (-0.41), but there was no correlation (P &gt; 0.10) with ORG. No correlations (P &gt; 0.10) were detected between Brix and TDN, RFV, and RFQ. These results indicate that the Brix index does not directly translate to forage quality, particularly sugar concentrations, of ALF and ORG, and may inadvertently select herbage with increased fiber concentrations. Producers should consider more accurate methods, such as WLA, for assessing energy value of pastures.
354 ASAS-EAAP Talk: The subclinical non-aureus staphylococcal mastitis in dairy cows: a lipidomics approach
Authors: Ceciliani Fabrizio , Audano Matteo , Addis Filippa , Mitro Nico , Caruso Donatella , Lecchi Cristina , Ghaffari Morteza Hosseini , Albertini Mariangela , Tangorra Francesco , Bronzo Valerio 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study aims to determine the untargeted lipidome of cow milk during non-staphylococcal sub-clinical mastitis. Dairy cow mastitis severely impacts the dairy industry by reducing milk yield and quality and increasing culling rate. Among the pathogens that cause bovine sub-clinical mastitis, non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) have become the most frequently isolated bacteria from milk samples. The molecular mechanisms regulating the mammary gland inflammatory responses to NAS are unclear. Although the application of system biology approaches to mastitis has provided pivotal information by investigating the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, the milk lipidome remains undisclosed. We determined the lipidome of 17 dairy cows with NAS sub-clinical mastitis (SM) and we compared the results with the lipidome of the milk of 13 healthy cows. The study was carried out following a liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) approach. Sixteen subclasses of lipids were identified in both groups of animals. From 2,506 measured lipids, 631 were significantly changed more than 10 folds (FDR &lt; 0.01 in milk from cows with mastitis as compared to healthy cows. Our results point out the significant influence of NAS on the milk lipidome, contribute to the understanding of inflammatory processes in the bovine udder, and highlight potential novel biomarkers for improving mastitis diagnosis. Part of this work was carried out in “OMICs”, an advanced mass spectrometry platform established by the Università degli Studi di Milano.
109 Phytate supplementation has minimal impact on mineral digestibility in horses
Authors: Brinkley-Bissinger Katy , Cersosimo Laura M , Sullivan Kathleen E , Livingston Shannon E , Bobel Jill M , Valdes Eduardo V , Warren Lori K 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Phosphorus in equine rations is supplied by inorganic mineral fortification or naturally-occurring P in forages and grains. Up to 70% of P in plant material is bound to phytate. In monogastrics like poultry and swine, phytate can reduce absorption of P and divalent cations, but the extent that this occurs in horses is unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that phytate decreases mineral digestibility in horses. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (mean ± SE, 586 ± 19 kg, 10 ± 1.5 y) were randomly assigned to two treatments applied in a cross-over design: IP6 (Ca-Mg-phytate isolated from rice bran fed at 15 mg phytic acid/kg BW) or CON (equivalent Ca, Mg and P from inorganic minerals to match intake from IP6). The level of phytate added represented an amount present in grain-rich rations typically fed to broodmares, growing horses and performance athletes. Supplements were added to a basal diet (1.75% BW, DM basis) consisting of 75% timothy hay and 25% roughage-based concentrate. Each 14-d period had an 11-d treatment adaptation followed by a 3-d total fecal collection. After acid digestion, P was determined colorimetrically and other minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Data were analyzed using mixed model ANOVA. Intakes of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Cu and Fe were similar between treatments (140, 72, 40, 1.05, 0.24, and 1.78 mg/kg BW respectively). Apparent P digestibility (18.8 and 17%, SEM 1.9; P = 0.41) and estimates of true P digestibility (32.8 and 30.8%, SEM 1.9; P = 0.39) were similar between CON and IP6. Apparent digestibilities of other minerals were also not affected by IP6 supplementation. Findings suggest horses have sufficient microbial phytase activity in the gastrointestinal tract to mitigate impacts of dietary phytate. Higher levels or different forms of phytate and marginal mineral intake may yield different results.
104 President Oral Presentation Pick: Sensory analysis of horse treats: a comparison between horses and humans
Authors: Francis Jesse , Thompson-Witrick Katherine , Perry Erin B 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Analysis of both palatability and consumer acceptance is a critical component of product development. Though consumer sensory analysis from owners is gaining interest in companion animal species, few data are available from equine owners. The objectives of this study were to evaluate both horse preference and horse owner rating of two equine treat products. Feeding preferences of adult stock-type horses (n = 10) age 13 ± 6, body weight 539 ± 41 kg, and body condition score 5.5 ± 0.5 were assessed via paired preference test conducted in an open-frame stock with a 15 second olfaction period followed by a 3 minute consumption period. Data collected include first sniffed, first consumed, and first finished. Consumer analysis of the horse treats was conducted via hedonic rating of four attributes (appearance, size, texture, and aroma) on a 9-point Likert scale, followed by rating of purchase intent on a 5 point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using PROC FREQ and PROC TTEST in SAS version 9.4. No difference was observed for first product sniffed, consumed, or finished during the horse preference test. However, moderate positive correlations were observed between first product sniffed and consumed (P = 0.01, ф = 0.40) as well as first product consumed and finished (P &lt; 0.01, ф = 0.48), suggesting that olfaction plays a large role in horses food choice. Consumers rated Product A lower in appearance (P &lt; 0.01), texture (P &lt; 0.01), and size (P &lt; 0.01), though no difference was observed between products for aroma. Additionally, consumers rated Product A lower for purchase intent (P &lt; 0.01), indicating aroma may not play as large of a role in product selection as visual attributes. These results indicate that both horse and consumer preference should be evaluated during product development.