bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
32 Nutritional management of forage-based cow-calf operations
Authors: Moriel Philipe 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The beef cattle industry in the Southeastern United States relies primarily on forages that not always meet the cowherd nutritional requirements, resulting in reduced performance if supplemental nutrients are not provided. Although precalving nutrition modulates postnatal offspring performance, most studies did not utilize Bos indicus-influenced cows consuming low-quality, warm-season forages. Hence, 3 studies evaluated the impact of different supplementation strategies during gestation on subsequent cow and calf performance.Study 1focused on timing of dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation during late-gestation. Treatments initiated 84 d before calving and consisted of no supplementation, 1 kg/d of DDG from d 0 to 84, or 2 kg/d of DDG from d 0 to 42. Timing of prepartum DDG supplementation did not impact cow reproduction, but calf pre-weaning growth was enhanced only when cows received longer vs. shorter or no periods of prepartum supplementation. Study 2evaluated the use of prepartum supplementation of sugarcane molasses/urea added or not with DL-methionine hydroxyl analog. At 56 d before calving, Brangus heifers received no supplementation or molasses/urea (7.2 kg DM/wk) with or without methionine (105 g/wk; Alimet, Novus) until calving. Sugarcane molasses/urea supplementation improved cow BCS at calving and calf postnatal growth compared to no supplementation. However, supplemental methionine did not further enhance cow and calf growth performance. Study 3 compared winter vs. annual supplementation of sugarcane molasses/urea or range cubes. Starting on d 0 (pregnancy diagnosis; May), Brangus cows were assigned to receive molasses/urea supplementation during winter only (calving until end of breeding season) or year-round supplementation of molasses/urea or range cubes. Treatments had similar annual supplement DM amount (272 kg/yr). Year-round supplementation of molasses/urea and range cubes enhanced cow BCS at calving but did not impact pregnancy rate of cows and calf weaning weights than winter molasses/urea supplementation.
434 Late-Breaking: Expression of Growth hormone Gene (GH) and Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-2) in metabolic tissues of pigs are affected by unconventional dietary feed sources
Authors: Sorhue Ufuoma G , Omeje Ikenna , udeh Ifeanyichukwu , Moemeka Adimabua M , Onainor Raphael E 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the growth performance and expression patterns of growth hormone gene and insulin-like growth factor in metabolic tissues of pigs fed different unconventional feed sources. A total of 45 growing pigs were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments at 9 animals per treatment and 3 animals per replicate. Treatment one (T1) comprise of whole maize (WM) which served as the control, T2: brewers dried grain (BDG), T3: cassava peel meal (CPM), T4: plantain peel meal (PPM) and T5: corn husk meal (CHM) at 35% inclusion in the diet. Data collected and analyzed includes; initial body weight (IBW), final body weight (FBW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency (FE). At the end of the feeding trial, three animals per treatment (one animal per replicate) were slaughtered; the duodenum and liver were collected and stored using RNALater prior to RNA extraction. Real-time qPCR was performed in 40cycles using the PowerUp SYBR Green reagent and analysed using the Delta-Delta Ct method. All data were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. The results showed that the treatment diets had effect on growth performance with significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) observed for average final weight, average total weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency while the initial weight were not significantly different (P &gt; 0.05). IGF-2 was differentially expressed in the liver and duodenum across treatments while significant differences were not observed in the expression pattern of the growth hormone gene in both tissues. This study showed promise for the use of unconventional feeding stuffs in pig feeding and reveals that genes influencing performance characters are differentially expressed in relation to the source of unconventional feeds used in compounding pig diet.
222 Sire influence on hatchability and heritability estimates of quails in a humid tropical environment
Authors: Oke Uma K , Chinadum Obioma 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Study on Japanese quail was undertaken to determine sire influence on hatchability and estimation of heritability values among three strains of the birds in a humid tropical environment in Nigeria. Fertility and hatchability traits; body weight (BW), shank length (SL), thigh length (TL), breast length (BL), keel length (KL), and wing length (WL) at 2nd, 6th, 10th weeks of age were measured on 300 crossbred progeny from 270 Cinnamon brown dam mated with three different strains of sire namely; Cinnamon brown (CB), Panda White (PW), and Silver Brown (SB) in the mating ratio of 1: 4. The data were subjected to analysis of variance appropriate for completely randomised block design (CRBD) and significant means separated with Duncan’s multiple range tests. Heritability estimate was done using the sire component equation. The average percent fertility (71.64 - 75.76 %), hatchability (50.41 -57.17%), percent dead in germ (55.00 - 69.08%),dead in shell (11.20 - 18.25%) were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) better in PW - sired progeny, while piped (13.06 - 20.11%), brooding (3.00 - 4.67%) and rearing mortality showed no significant difference (P &gt; 0,05) among the three sired - progeny. The analysis showed that at weeks two, six, and ten, SB - sired progeny had superior heritabity estimates in most of the linear traits and recorded lower indeterminate values as compared with other sired - progeny. Moderate to high heritability estimate (42 - 83%) obtained for body weight at six and 10 weeks among the three progenies suggests that selection for body weight or growth rate in Japanese quail should be carried out at 6 and 10 weeks of age and that PW - sired progeny be selected for better hatchability for enhanced breeding program for both egg and meat production in the strains.
334 Investigating core-dependent changes in predictions using the algorithm for proven and young in ssGBLUP
Authors: Lourenco Daniela , Tsuruta Shogo , Pocrnic Ivan , Misztal Ignacy 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Large-scale single-step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) evaluations rely on techniques to approximate or avoid the inversion of the genomic relationship matrix (G). The algorithm for proven and young (APY) was developed to create the inverse of G without explicit inversion, and relies on the clustering of genotyped animals into two groups, namely core and non-core. Although the correlation between GEBV from regular ssGBLUP and APY ssGBLUP is greater than 0.99 when the appropriate number of core animals is used, reranking is still observed when different core groups are used. We investigated which animals are more suitable to reranking and how the changes in GEBV can be minimized. Datasets from beef and dairy cattle, and pigs were used. The beef cattle data comprised phenotypes on 3 growth traits for up to 6.8M animals, pedigree for 8.2M, and genotypes for 66k. A dairy cattle data with 9M phenotypes for udder depth, 10M animals in pedigree, and 570K genotyped was used. The pig dataset had up to 770k phenotypes recorded on 4 traits, pedigree for 2.6M animals and genotypes for 54k. Investigations included using several different core groups, increasing the number of core animals beyond the optimal number obtained by the eigenvalue decomposition, and comparisons with GEBV from ssGBLUP with direct inversion (except for dairy). Additionally, observed changes were compared with possible changes based on SE of GEBV. In all datasets, larger changes in GEBV by using different core groups were observed for animals with lower accuracy. The observed changes relative to standard deviations of GEBV were, on average, 5% and ranged from 0 to 30%. Increasing the number of core animals beyond the optimal value helped to asymptotically reduce changes in GEBV. Although core-dependent changes in GEBV exist, they are small and can be reduced with larger core groups.
232 Protecting pigs from viral infectivity with gene editing
Authors: Whitworth Kristin , Wells Kevin , Prather Randall S 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Pig models were created that were fully resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and the alphacoronaviruses, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) by DNA editing of the cluster of differentiation (CD163) gene and aminopeptidase N (ANPEP) gene via CRISPR/Cas, respectively. Litters of pigs were bred with a gene edit in exon 7 of CD163 that resulted no CD163 protein expression (CD163-/-). The pigs were either challenged with multiple PRRSV isolates at 3 weeks of age or bred at maturity for a challenge with pregnant sows. The challenges demonstrated that the pigs were completely resistant to infectivity to both Type 1 and 2 isolates as measured by clinical signs, viremia, antibody response and lung histopathology. In a follow-up study, pregnant CD163 edited pigs were challenged with PRRSV to determine if absence of CD163 in the dam should be sufficient to protect the fetuses that have functional CD163 protein. The CD163-/- sows carrying both the CD163-/- and CD163+/- fetuses were all negative for PRRSV nucleic acid and showed no sign of fetal or placental failure clearly demonstrating that the absence of CD163 in the sow is sufficient to protect a PRRSV-susceptible CD163+/- fetus. Gene editing of CD163 in pigs, via CRISPR/Cas9, successfully blocked PRRSV infectivity in young growing pigs and pregnant sows and their fetuses. Similar methods were used to determine if TGEV infectivity could be prevented by editing the ANPEP gene. Exon 2 of ANPEP was edited and resulted an ANPEP -/- genotype. ANPEP -/- pigs and age matched wild type pigs were challenged with TGEV. The presence of virus nucleic acid was determined by PCR in fecal samples. ANPEP -/- pigs were fully resistant to TGEV infectivity. These studies clearly show that precise gene editing can be successfully used in pigs to prevent viral infectivity of both PRRSV and TGEV.
244 White and red sorghum as primary carbohydrate sources in extruded diets of felines
Authors: Schaumburg Patrick von , He Fei , Mangian Heather , Hoke Jolene , Godoy Maria R C de 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The human interest of ancient grains replacing modern carbohydrate sources has reached the pet food market, and there has been increased focus on corn- and wheat-free diets in pet foods. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of white and red sorghum grains on the gastrointestinal health of felines through the determination of apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD), fecal characteristics, fermentative end-products, microbiota, and how the sorghum grains compared against a traditionally corn-based diet. Three diets containing 30% corn (CO), 30% white sorghum (WS), or 30% red sorghum (RS) were formulated to meet or exceed the AAFCO (2017) nutritional requirements for felines. Nine male cats were randomly assigned to one of the 3 dietary treatments using a replicated 3x3 Latin square design. Experiment periods consisted of 14 days (10 days of diet adaption + 4 days of total, fresh collection). All diets were highly digested by cats, however, ATTD of dry matter was highest (P &lt; 0.05) for RS (81.13%) and lowest for CO (78.28%), organic matter was greatest (P &lt; 0.05) for RS (86.40%) and lowest for CO (84.15%), crude protein was similar amongst diets with a range of 84.52%-86.57%, acid hydrolyzed fat was similar amongst diets with a range of 91.36%–92.79%, and total dietary fiber was greatest (P &lt; 0.05) in WS (55.96%) with CO being lowest (44.66%). Fecal pH (6.28–6.54) and most metabolites did not differ among diets (P &gt; 0.05), except for phenol/indole concentrations that were significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05) in cats fed RS (178.88 ug/g) compared to CO (240.34 ug/g). Overall, the data gathered suggest that dietary supplementation of WS and RS as carbohydrate sources were well tolerated by the cats. Thus, sorghum is an acceptable alternative to corn in extruded diets of felines.
336 Integration of teaching and extension of companion animal biology and nutrition
Authors: Karr Lisa 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Students have a strong desire for hands on experiences during their undergraduate careers. This can be accomplished through combining teaching with extension to provide students with new experiences. Many students chose Animal Science because they had experiences with extension programs when younger and they have a desire to help animals. Utilizing undergraduate students in community outreach programs provides an opportunity for students to develop critical skills required for employment, but also provides a broader reach of companion animal extension programs. A variety of creative activities can be utilized to improve student learning and gain experiences outside of the classroom. Extension or outreach programs allow for opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. Undergraduate students serving as instructors in 4-H and other youth programs can provide both an impact on the education of the youth involved, but also develop a deeper understanding of materials. Undergraduate students can be involved in teaching health care, nutrition, and other topics related to companion animals to youth audiences. Examples of successful programs include student organized dog training courses, service-learning projects through humane societies or animal rescues, student involvement in feral cat control programs, and student assistance with spay/neuter programs. These activities can support student-learning outcomes as well as provide a valuable community service. During the process, the Kolb’s experiential learning cycle should be used to promote student development. This cycle includes a concrete experience, reflection, conceptualization, and active experimentation. Students must reflect on their experiences, consider how it could be improved, how it relates to their future careers and educational experience, and propose areas of improvement to gain the most from their experiences. Measuring the impacts of these activities on student learning and life skills, as well as community implications, will be critical to evaluation of the success of the programs.
428 Values and perception: communicating controversial issues in animal agriculture
Authors: Eise Jessica 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Animal agriculture is an important component of global food security, with animal products serving as a foundational component of many American diets as well as playing a crucial role the sustainability of food production and environmental well-being. Yet animal welfare is one of the most contentious issues in the United States, producing heated, polarizing public debates. Meanwhile, national trends across all major issues demonstrate an increasing loss of common ground between political parties, with no indication of an imminent turnaround. The contentious nature of animal welfare and animal science public debates, as well as indications of increasing polarization across the nation, presents a worrisome dilemma in the face of a growing need to make meaningful societal progress around food security. Research has long demonstrated that contentious arguments, disdainful debates or reiteration of facts often backfire and cause people to double down on their beliefs, with extensive literature in psychology showing that humans are goal-directed information processors who tend to evaluate information with a directional bias toward reinforcing pre-existing views. In this article, I demonstrate how research on the role of values in risk perception can provide a helpful frame for building understanding between competing groups around contentious animal agriculture issues, inform more effective communication efforts and build potential for progress-oriented collaboration.
93 Feeding behavior as predictive traits of fertility and lifetime productivity in replacement beef heifers
Authors: Olson Cameron A , McKeown Lisa , Block Hushton , Li Changxi , Basarab John 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Fertility and longevity traits in beef cows are difficult and expensive to measure. The use of other traits to predict fertility and longevity traits in beef cows will enable selection for efficient reproduction earlier in an animal’s life. The objective of this study is to identify feeding behaviours with predictive relationships to fertility, longevity, and lifetime productivity in beef cows. This study used 421 Bos taurus commercial replacement heifers born from 2004 to 2014 and followed over 1050 mating opportunities, 11 production cycles and 5 parities. Heifers were weaned at 6–7 mo of age and developed on a 90% barley silage, 10% rolled barley diet in pens equipped with 16 electronic feed bunks to monitor feed intake and feeding behaviors. Feed intake (FI), feeding frequency (FREQ), duration (DUR), head-down time (HD) and time-to-bunk (TTB) were collected over the course of the feeding trial. Phenotypic correlations indicate that as FI increased during the heifer development stage, so did subsequent cow pre-breeding and pre-calving body condition score (BCS; r = 0.43, 0.36 respectively) and total lifetime productivity (r = 0.40). As FREQ increased, pre-breeding and pre-calving BCS decreased (r = -0.16 and -0.20, respectively), as did calf birth weight (r = -0.15). As DUR increased, weak positive correlations were observed with days in herd (r = 0.10), age at first calving (r = 0.17) and calf birth weight (0.13). Increased HD would lead to increased pre-breeding and pre-calving BCS (r = 0.16, 0.23 respectively), and greater lifetime productivity (r = 0.16). Time-to-bunk was positively correlated with days in the herd (r = 0.15), and with decreased calf birth weight (r = -0.23) and pre-calving cow weight (r = -0.33). These feeding behaviour traits, collected early in life, are worthy of further investigation into multi trait regression, genetic correlations and genomic selection.
92 Postnatal growth retardation impairs intestinal mucosal barrier in piglets
Authors: Qi Ming , Tan B I E , Yin Yulong , Liao Simeng , Li Jianjun , Wang Jing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The piglets with postnatal growth retardation (PGR) have high mortality and morbidity during their growth and development. Abnormal development of small intestine is casually implicated in impaired growth, but the exact mechanism still remains poorly understood. Thus, the present study investigated the immune profiles related to intestinal mucosal barrier in PGR and healthy piglets. The plasma sample, middle segments of small intestine, and the intestinal mucosa were obtained from healthy and PGR piglets at 42d of age. Compared to healthy piglets, higher plasma concentrations of diamine oxidase and D-lactate were observed in PGR piglets (P &lt; 0.05). Decreased villous height, ratio of villous height to crypt depth, as well as sparse villi, jagged microvilli were also found in jejunum and ileum of PGR piglets. PGR also decreased the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells, as well as abundance of Zonula occludens-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, and E-cadherin mRNA and protein in jejunal and ileal mucosa (P &lt; 0.05). The lower concentration of sIgA in jejunal mucosa, and lysozyme in both jejunal and ileal mucosa, but higher level of β-defensins in the ileal mucosa were observed in PGR piglets as compared to healthy piglets (P &lt; 0.05). The percentage of CD68-positive cells were significantly increased, but the levels of P-glycoprotein were decreased in jejunum and ileum from PGR piglets (P &lt; 0.01). Moreover, the expression of proteins involved in p38 MAPK/NF-kB pathway was significantly upregulated in jejunal and ileal mucosa from PGR piglets (P &lt; 0.05). Collectively, these results indicated that the PGR piglets exhibited impaired intestinal integrity, and decreased capacity of mucosal immune function, which may result in severe inflammatory response via the activation of p38 MAPK/NF-kB pathway. Our findings may have important implications in the prevention and treatment of the intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in piglets.
88 Dietary supplementation of branched-chain amino acids higher than recommended levels in nursery pigs fed with moderately low protein diet: effects on growth performance
Authors: Habibi Mohammad , Shili Cedrick N , Sutton Julia , Pezeshki Adel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Feed cost and excess nutrients excretion are threatening the swine industry. Moderately low protein (MLP) diets are less expensive and reduce the nitrogen excretion, but they may have negative influence on growth performance of pigs. The aim of current study was to investigate the effect of MLP diets supplemented with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; leucine, isoleucine and valine) higher than Nutrients Requirements of Swine (NRC) recommendation on the growth performance of nursery pigs. Forty-eight weaned barrows at 3 weeks of age were weighed, individually housed and randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments including: 1) PCON: 20% crude protein (CP), 2) NCON: 14% CP; 3) C25: NCON+ limiting amino acids (LAA, i.e. lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan) 25% more than NRC levels, 4) C50: NCON+LAA 50% higher than NRC recommendations; 5) CB25: NCON + (LAA+BCAA) 25% more than NRC; 6) CB50: NCON + (LAA+BCAA) 50% higher than NRC. The data were analyzed with univariate GLM with Tukey’s post-hoc test (SPSS®). The CB50 had higher final body weight, average daily gain, average daily water intake and average daily feed intake than C50 with the latter tended to be higher than NCON. Average daily feed intake, average daily gain and gain to feed ratio tended to be greater for CB25 and CB50 relative to C25 and C50, respectively. Compared to C50, CB50 improved the mean and cumulative feed intake in all the weeks. CB50 also tended to improve the body weight gain and gain: feed in week 2 relative to C50. In conclusion, supplementing MLP diets with limiting amino acid at 25% or 50% higher than NRC recommendations was failed to recover the negative effects of these diets on growth performance. Adding BCAA more than NRC levels to MLP diets improved the growth performance with the effects of added BCAA level being negligible.