bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
396 Gaps and tips in the development of probiotics for swine production
Authors: Gong Joshua , Yang Chengbo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Probiotics have long been used in food animal production to improve animal health and nutrition. This practice has received an extensive interest after European Union countries restricted the use of antibiotics as animal growth promoters (AGP). Although probiotics have good potential to replace AGPs by offering various benefits to animal hosts in general, their efficacy and consistency remain to be a challenge in application. Developing scientific evidence-based probiotics is thus critical to resolve the issue. The current presentation points out the major gaps in the development and application of probiotics and is focused on the tips that can be used to select novel probiotic isolates with efficacy and specificity. These have been illustrated by the authors’ research. For instance, the efficiency of probiotic selection is largely limited by the use of farm animals and how a lab animal model can be used to speed up the selection and reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying probiotic effects. The potential of advanced genomic approaches in identifying such probiotics and determining their molecular mechanisms is also discussed using an unique example in the field, which is relevant to the control of diarrhea in piglets.
399 Towards improving pig livability: Strategies to understand and mitigate sow mortality
Authors: Kiefer Zoe , Studer Jamie M , Chipman Amanda , Koester Lucas , Schmitz-Esser Stephan , Ross Jason W 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In response to increased sow mortality due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP), the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University assembled a team to pursue better understanding of potential causative factors of sow POP in order to move towards developing and disseminating prevention strategies to help reduce POP incidence. One hundred and four commercial sow farms, representing approximately 385,000 sows across the U.S., were enrolled in a survey-based project. The farms varied in POP incidence rate, production system, geography, genetics, and management practices. This study cultivated a collaborative network of multidisciplinary experts across the swine industry and partnerships with producers across the U.S. Results of the project have allowed better understanding of the degree of the issue and prioritization of risk factors for future research in the pursuit of reducing POP-related sow mortality. A major outcome of this project was direct guidance on the most valuable experimental approaches to better understand the physiology occurring within a sow preceding POP so the most effective measurements can be determined when evaluating or testing potential on-farm mitigation strategies. We have continued to evaluate the utilization of a perineal scoring system during late gestation to assess risk of prolapse and to identify putative biological factors associated with POP risk for individual sows hypothesizing that sows differing in perineal score (and differing risk of POP) in late gestation would have physiological differences indicative of the underlying physiological conditions preceding POP. As expected, differences in immune cell populations, markers of inflammation, vaginal microflora, and steroid hormones exist between sows with differing levels of risk for POP prior to experiencing a prolapse. These projects are supported by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and National Pork Board projects #17–224 and #18–147 in addition to a vast network of industry collaborators.
409 Early life nutrition on the molecular control of sexual development in the bull
Authors: Kenny David A , Keogh Kate 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Duration of the generation interval and intensity of selection in cattle are heavily influenced by the timing of availability of semen from genetically elite young. Enhancing early life nutrition stimulates the functionality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, mediated through complex biochemical interplay between metabolic and neuroendocrine signals and culminating in enhanced testicular growth, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and ultimately, earlier onset of sexual maturation. Indeed, recent evidence indicates Current efforts employing high throughput nucleic acid sequencing and global proteomic approaches have reported clear effects of enhanced early-life nutrition on testicular tissue development, particularly in relation to steroidogenic biochemical pathways. However, the precise effect of enhanced nutrition in early life on the molecular control of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland maturation and functionality remains to be fully understood, with recent evidence suggesting roles, for example, for the complement and coagulation signalling cascade and MAPK signalling pathways in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary glands, respectively. Although early-life nutrition clearly affects the sexual maturation process, there is little evidence for latent effects on postpubertal semen characteristics. Equally, postpubertal fertility, assessed through in vitro fertilization and early embryogenesis, is apparently not influenced by nutritional status during early life. Notwithstanding this, recent studies have highlighted potential latent effects of calfhood dietary management on sperm methylation patterns of early post pubertal bulls, and such epigenetic influence warrants further investigation. Certainly, the integration and interrogation of molecular “omics” data within a systems biology framework holds promise in deciphering the influence of nutritional management on the complex regulation of neuroendocrine and testicular cellular processes. Such information can be harnessed to identify potential genomic targets as part of genomically assisted breeding programs, as well as facilitating development of strategic nutritional regimens to optimize sexual maturation and subsequent semen availability from genetically elite young bulls.
273 Impacts of Flunixin Meglumine injection on pain responses of either rubber ring castrated and tail docked or surgically castrated and docked lambs
Authors: Anderson Paige P , Long Amanda M , Crane Alison R , Hoffman Travis W , Stokka Gerald , Hanna Lauren L Hulsman , Kirsch James D , Schauer Christopher S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Our hypothesis was that administering Flunixin Meglumine (FM) to lambs that were either rubber ring castrated and docked or surgically castrated and emasculator docked would decrease behavioral stress, serum cortisol and haptoglobin concentration, but increase average daily gain. Rambouillet ram lambs (n = 181) were allocated with a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatment combinations included rubber ring castration and tail docking (RR; placement of rubber band at distal end of caudal fold and around the base of the testicles) or surgical castration (SC; surgical scissors removing the lower third of the scrotum and testicles removed manually) and emasculator docking (crushing the tail at the distal end of the caudal fold, followed by cutting of the tail) on ram lambs with administration of saline (S) or FM (2.2 mg/kg of BW; RR-S, RR-FM, SC-S, SC-FM). Ram lambs were castrated at 12.5 ± 5.5 days of age and observed for behavioral changes such as lying down, leg extension and walking for 180 min in 30-min increments. Blood samples were taken at -30, 30, 90- and 140-minutes post-treatment to observe cortisol and haptoglobin levels. Behavioral traits, physiological traits, and average daily gain were analyzed in PROC GENMOD (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). A treatment x time interaction (P &lt; 0.001) occurred for lamb pain behavioral scale, where scores at 30, 60, and 180 minutes after castration and docking exhibited differences among treatments. Average daily gain was not affected by a treatment x time interaction (P = 0.22) or treatment (P = 0.50) main effect. Serum cortisol concentration exhibited a treatment x time interaction (P = 0.002). The SC-FM lambs had lower cortisol concentrations (P = 0.004) than all other treatments at 90 min post-treatment, with the SC-S lambs having higher concentrations (P &lt; 0.001) at 140 min post-treatment. Haptoglobin concentration did not exhibit a treatment x time interaction (P = 0.99); however, treatment and age were significant (P &lt; 0.004). The RR-S lambs had an increase concentration of haptoglobin with SC-FM lambs being intermediate. Overall, results indicate that the method of castration and docking in lambs affected short lived behavioral and physiological stress, with the administration of FM decreasing stress regardless of castration and docking method.
273 Impacts of commingling on health and productive responses of beef heifers during feedlot receiving
Authors: Wiegand Jacob , Cooke Reinaldo F , Brandão Alice , Schubach Kelsey , Colombo Eduardo , Sowers CiCi A , Duff Glenn , Gouvea Vinicius N 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This experiment compared physiological, health, and performance responses of beef heifers assigned to different commingling schemes (1, 2, or 4 sources/pen) during a 56-d feedlot receiving period. Ninety-six recently weaned Angus-influenced heifers were purchased from a commercial auction facility. Heifers originated from 4 cow-calf ranches, and were reared in the same herd within each ranch since birth. Heifers were loaded by source into commercial livestock trailers at the auction yard, and transported for 8 h to stimulate the stress of a long haul. Heifers were not mixed with cohorts from other sources prior to and at the auction yard. Upon arrival at the receiving yard (d -2), shrunk body weight (BW) was recorded, and heifers were maintained in 4 paddocks by source with ad libitum access to hay, water, and a mineral supplement for 36 h. On d 0, heifers were ranked by source and shrunk BW and allocated to 1 of 24 drylot pens (4 heifers/pen) containing: 1) heifers from a single source (NOCOM, n = 8 pens), 2) heifers from 2 sources (COM2, n = 8 pens), or 3) heifers from 4 sources (COM4, n = 8 pens). From d 0 to 55, heifers had free-choice access to water and a total-mixed ration. Heifers were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs and feed intake was recorded from each pen daily. Blood samples were collected from all heifers on d 0, 6, 13, 27, 41, and 55, and shrunk BW (after 16 h of water and feed withdrawal) was collected on d 56 for average daily gain (ADG) calculation. Final shrunk BW and ADG did not differ (P ≥ 0.83) between NOCOM, COM2, and COM4 heifers (0.85, 0.88, and 0.82 kg/d of ADG, respectively, SEM = 0.08). No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.77) for feed intake and feed efficiency, as well as plasma concentrations of haptoglobin and cortisol. No treatment differences were noted (P ≥ 0.49) for morbidity (53.1, 68.7, and 56.2% of NOCOM, COM2, and COM4 heifers diagnosed with BRD, respectively; SEM = 9.7) or mortality during the experiment. A similar (P ≥ 0.97) proportion of NOCOM, COM2, and COM4 heifers diagnosed with BRD required at least two treatments to recover from sickness. In turn, a third treatment was not required for NOCOM heifers, which was less compared with COM4 (P = 0.05) and similar (P = 0.23) compared with COM2 heifers. Perhaps the number of heifers assigned to commingled pens, and resultant pre-existing social groups, was not sufficient to stimulate the stress reactions caused by social destabilization.
258 Deficits in growth, muscle mass, and body composition following intrauterine growth restriction persisted in lambs at 60 d of age but were improved by daily clenbuterol supplementation
Authors: Gibbs Rachel L , Swanson Rebecca M , Beard Joslyn K , Schmidt Ty B , Petersen Jessica L , Yates Dustin T 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) reduces neonatal muscle growth and alters body composition in livestock. Our objective was to determine the effect of IUGR on juvenile growth and assess the benefits of treatment with clenbuterol (β2 adrenergic agonist) in IUGR offspring. Heat stress-induced IUGR lambs were born 28% lighter (P &lt; 0.05) than controls. At 60 d of age, unsupplemented IUGR lambs had reduced (P &lt; 0.05) bodyweight (BW), average daily gain, and crown-rump length compared to controls, but clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs did not differ from controls. Crown circumference, body girth, and cannon bone length did not differ among groups. Bioelectrical impedance in live lambs and carcasses estimated that lean mass and mass of multiple muscle groups were reduced (P &lt; 0.05) in unsupplemented IUGR lambs but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. Estimated protein, fat, and protein/fat were likewise reduced (P &lt; 0.05) in unsupplemented but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs. Loin-eye area in chilled carcasses was 30% smaller (P &lt; 0.05) in unsupplemented IUGR lambs but 19% larger (P &lt; 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. Proximate analysis revealed greater (P &lt; 0.05) fat and reduced (P &lt; 0.05) protein and protein/fat in loin muscles from unsupplemented but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. At necropsy, hindlimbs, hearts, and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles tended to be lighter (P ≤ 0.09) and lungs and kidneys were lighter (P &lt; 0.05) in IUGR lambs. Kidney weight was further reduced (P &lt; 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs. Brain/BW tended to be reduced (P ≤ 0.09) and lung/BW and kidney/BW were reduced (P &lt; 0.05) in IUGR lambs, but lung weight and lung/BW were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented compared to unsupplemented IUGR lambs. We conclude that poor growth and asymmetric body composition previously observed in IUGR neonates persists in juveniles, but daily treatment with clenbuterol recovered growth and improved body composition in IUGR lambs.
404 Beef heifer development: Managing nutrition to optimize fertility
Authors: Summers Adam F 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Beef cattle longevity can be tied to reproductive performance. Developing heifers that will thrive in their environment, under specific management systems, is crucial for today’s producers. Management decisions influencing heifer fertility are numerous; however, the most commonly discussed and studied revolves around nutrition. The objectives of this presentation are to review our understanding of the influence of nutrition on beef heifer fertility and identify potential mechanisms which may improve heifer fertility and beef producer profitability. Also, we will identify management decisions that may impact body weight gain or efficiency of weight gain, thus impacting fertility. Management strategies delaying heifer growth patterns pre- or post-weaning have been reported to alter heifer reproductive performance. Additionally, developing heifers on native range compared to in the dry lot or confinement settings may alter growth rates/patterns, thus affecting the heifer’s ability to become pregnant, or maintain that pregnancy. Supplementing heifers with specific nutrient profiles has also been reported to improve pregnancy rates compared with non-supplemented or control animals. Previously, it was believed heifers are born with a finite number of follicles within their ovaries, and the depletion of the ovarian reserve occurs at a constant rate. Recent research has challenged this, reporting heifers developed on a stair-step growth program had an increased number of primordial follicles compared to constant gain developed heifers. Additionally, development system (native range vs. dry lot) appears to impact ovarian function. Continued research increasing our understanding of mechanisms involved in improving heifer fertility are warranted. These efforts will aid in identifying management strategies that will optimize animal reproductive performance.
280 Relationship of gene markers to residual feed intake, ADG, and marbling of four years of MSU Steer-A-Year steers
Authors: Nack Makae , Wyffels Hannah DelCurto , Wyffels Samuel , DelCurto Timothy 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Feeding cattle is one of the largest expenses in beef production systems. Genetic testing has been proposed as a tool to help select livestock that are the most efficient, with greater performance and/or carcass yield or quality. Improved beef cattle performance, increased feed efficiency, and increased carcass value are ongoing goals for beef cattle production. For this study, 118 mix breed feedlot calves were genetically tested with The Merial Ltd (Deluth, GA) Igenity GGP Bovine 50K. We compared genotypic and phenotypic average daily gain (ADG), residual feed intake (RFI) and marbling. Igenity scores were not related to ADG in years 1, 2, and 3 (P &gt; 0.14), but were correlated in year 4 (P &lt; 0.01; r = -0.58). Steer RFI displayed no relationship to the Igenity RFI score (P ≥ 0.29). No linear relationships were observed between actual and predicted marbling but did display tendencies to rank animals similar to actual marbling in years 3 and 4 (P ≤ 0.08; P = 0.34, 0.31, respectively). In summary, we did not see a strong relationship between genetic marker predictions and actual performance characteristics. However, relationships appear to be stronger in later years, suggesting more work is needed to validate genetic markers correlation to feedlot performance.
PSV-18 Program Chair Poster Pick: Poly(I:C) dose response and its effects on piglet sickness behaviors
Authors: Rymut Haley E , Bolt Courtni R , Corbett Megan P , Rund Laurie A , Johnson Rodney W , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The synthetic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid Poly(I:C) is commonly used to mimic viral infection in rodents. A Poly(I:C) injection activates inflammatory receptors that recognize viral patterns. This immune-stimulating agent can be used to understand the effects of viral infection on pork production. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of multiple Poly(I:C) doses on sickness behaviors across time. Female and male pigs from the University of Illinois Swine herd, averaging 24.5 kg, were injected with 1 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg of Poly(I:C), or comparable volume of Saline at approximately 60 days of age. Post injection, sickness behaviors and activity levels were measured in 15-minute intervals by a trained experimenter for three hours. Observed sickness behaviors included vomiting, diarrhea, or shivering. The activity levels were scored 1 through 8 with lower levels indicating pigs running, medium levels indicating walking, and higher levels indicating laying behaviors. The binary sickness behavior and discrete activity levels from 130 observations from 10 pigs evenly distributed across sexes were analyzed using generalized mixed effect models. The model included the effects of Poly(I:C) dose, hour, sex, and interactions, and a repeated structure within pig. The administration of Poly(I:C) had a significant effect on activity level within one-hour post-injection, and Poly(I:C)-treated pigs had lower activity levels than the Saline group. The Poly(I:C) effect had a lower significance in males (P &lt; 0.001) than females (P &lt; 0.004). The Poly(I:C) treatment also had a significant effect on the probability of sickness behavior (P &lt; 0.005). The probability of sickness behavior was 0.03, 0.18, and 0.23 for pigs treated with Saline, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg of Poly(I:C), respectively. Our results suggest that Poly(I:C) could be an effective agent in studying sickness response to viral infections in pigs. This study is supported by USDA NIFA AFRI, grant number 2018-67015-27413.
PSV-22 The effects of flavoring agents on feeding behavior, feed efficiency, growth performance and temperament of newly arrived feedlot cattle
Authors: Ahmad Mustaq , Moya Diego , Johnson Jordan A , Penner G , Blanch Marta , Seddon Yolande 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Ninety steers (259.9 ± 36.18 kg BW) were used in a 56-d experiment to assess the effects of flavoring additives on feeding behavior, feed efficiency, growth performance, and temperament of newly arrived feedlot cattle. Steers were homogenously distributed by BW into six pens (15 head/pen) and pen was randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments (2 pens/treatment): a standard feedlot receiving diet (CT); or the same diet with a flavoring additive comprised of either sweeteners (SW) or a mix of basic tastes (MX) at 1 g/kg (Lucta SA, Barcelona, Spain). Pens were equipped with a feed intake monitoring system (Growsafe Systems, Airdrie, Canada), while BW and chute exit flight speed were measured bi-weekly during the study. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects model accounting for repeated measures. There were multiple treatment × time interactions (P &lt; 0.05), where DMI per meal was greater in SW than CT and MX on wk 3 and 5, respectively, and in MX than CT and SW on wk 3 and 7, respectively. The number of visits to the feed bunk per day was greater in MX than CT on wk 2, it was greater in SW than MX on wk 4, and it was greater in CT than in MX and SW on wk 4, and wk 7 and 8, respectively. The eating rate was greater in SW than MX on wk 4 and 5 and greater than CT and on wk 4. Although the cumulative responses for DMI, ADG and feed efficiency (FE; kg BW/kg DM) were not significant (P &gt; 0.1), FE was greater in SW and MX than CT from 27 to 41 d. Despite these positive effects on FE, there was no feeding pattern associated with the inclusion of flavoring additives in the diet of receiving feedlot cattle.
PSV-13 Incidence of infectious and non-infectious feet lesions and their association with carcass quality in sheep at a slaughter plant in Alberta
Authors: Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen S , Nordi Wiolene M , Gellatly Désirée , Meléndez Daniela M , Schwinghamer Timothy D , Marti Sonia , Anklam Kelly S , Dopfer Dorte , Van Donkersgoed Joyce 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Infectious and non-infectious feet lesions (FL) in livestock have been associated with reduced welfare, production, carcass and meat quality. Currently, the incidence of FL in sheep and its relationship with carcass quality has not been documented in Canada. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) the incidence and type of lesions in Alberta sheep at slaughter and 2) the relationship between FL and carcass quality. A total of 4,487 sheep carcasses were assessed for FL at a slaughter plant in Alberta, Canada between October 2017 and March 2019. Approximately 300 sheep were evaluated monthly by two experienced observers who recorded common infectious (IN) and non-infectious (NIN) lesions. In addition, carcass information including hot carcass weight (HCW), and back fat thickness (BFT) were obtained from the slaughter plant records. Data were analyzed by multivariable regression models using SAS PROC GLIMMIX. Overall, FL incidence was 9.4% (7.0% having one lesion and 2.4% having more than one lesion). Infectious lesions accounted for 45.7% of all lesions [footrot (37.1%), interdigital dermatitis (7.3%), and contagious ecthyma (1.3%)], while NIN lesions accounted for 54.3% [overgrown horn (21.9%), injury (13.6%), laminitis (10.2%), and other lesions (8.6%)]. Sheep with IN had lower BFT (13.5 ± 1.32 cm, P = 0.0002) and HCW (51.5 ± 1.89 kg, P = 0.0189) than NIN (15.8 ± 1.51 cm and 54.7 ± 1.97 kg, respectively). For every 1 cm decrease in BFT and 1 kg decrease in HCW the odds of IN increased by 0.89 (P &lt; 0.0001) and 0.98 (P = 0.0229), respectively. Based on our findings, foot lesions are a significant issue for the Canadian sheep industry and infectious lesions may have greater detrimental effect on carcass quality than non-infectious lesions. Further studies are necessary to understand the relationship of carcass quality and feet lesion.