bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
34 Search for the association of polymorphisms in inhibin alpha and prolactin genes with sperm quality in Russian Holstein bulls
Authors: Nikitkina Elena , Krutikova Anna , Musidray Artem , Anipchenko Polina 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The formation and functioning of the animal reproductive system occurs as a result of the coordinated interaction of a wide range of genes. The hormone inhibin (INHA) is a marker of Sertoli cell function and exocrine testicular function (spermatogenesis state). The hormone prolactin (PRL) is a regulatory factor in the male reproductive system and affects gametogenesis. The aim of the work was to search for associations of inhibin alpha (INHA) and prolactin (PRL) gens polymorphism in the population of Russian Holstein bulls. Sperm traits (doublet ejaculate volume, concentration, progressive motility) were evaluated over three years of bull use and the highest rates for each trait were selected. 32 bulls had contrasting traits. DNA was isolated from semen samples. Samples were sequenced using the Applied Biosystems 3500 Genetic Analyzer using the BigDye® Terminator v3.1 Sequencing Standard Kit according to the protocol. Genotyping was then performed by PCR-RFLP. Data was analyzed using ANOVA. All pairwise multiple comparison between means were conducted by t-test. No polymorphism was detected in two regions of the PRL gene. The frequency of genotype AA in INHA gene was 0.813, the genotype AG -0.187. The GG genotype has not been identified. Bulls with the genotype AG had a higher concentration of cells (1.64 ± 0.093 billion/ml) than bulls with the genotype AA (1.35 ± 0.058) (P˂0.05). No significant differences were found in the volume of ejaculate and motility. But bulls with the AG genotype had greater ejaculate volume and motility than bulls with the AA genotype. The study of polymorphism in the genes that determine the formation and functioning of the reproductive system will help to understand the basics of these processes, as well as use them as molecular genetic markers for culling young bulls according to sperm quality. Project № АААА-А18-118021990006-9.
23 Current progress in the Agricultural Research Service Beef Grand Challenge: A large-scale genetics by environment by management evaluation project
Authors: Kuehn Larry A , Casperson Shanon L , Derner Justin D , Gunter Stacey A , Hay El Hamidi , Moffet Corey A , Neel James P , Picklo Matthew J , Petersen Mark K , Roemmich James N , Turner Kenneth E , Waterman Richard C , Wheeler Tommy L , Boggess Mark V 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Beef Grand Challenge is a cooperative, multidisciplinary effort evaluating differences in performance of genetic lines across production environments representative of different geographical regions. Weaned spring-born calves (n = 120 per location), representing natural service matings to Angus, Hereford, Simmental, Charolais, or indicus-composite (Beefmaster or Brangus) bulls from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Germplasm Evaluation program in south central Nebraska, are sent to wheat pasture (central Oklahoma) and winter range (eastern Montana), and weaned fall-born calves (n=40 per location) are sent to summer grazing on shortgrass prairie (northeastern Colorado) and southern mixed-grass rangeland (western Oklahoma). All cattle are fed a finishing ration representative of the region that approximately matches energy content across locations. Each calving season has a matching counterpart of calves that remain in Nebraska on a calf-fed drylot program (receiving ration followed by longer finishing ration). Breeds and sires are represented equally, to the extent possible, at each location. To detect differences in breed effects at each location and average over yearly variation, the study is being replicated for 4 years. Weights, stress measures, carcass composition (marbling, yield grade, quality grade, etc.), steak tenderness and steak fatty acid composition are collected from each location. Additionally, rumen metagenomic composition, metagenomic samples, preharvest food safety samples, and feed intake measures are collected at some locations. Grazing impacts and supplemental range feeding are also being evaluated. One year of sampling has been completed, with numeric differences observed for marbling and tenderness as well as growth performance among locations. Statistical differences will be evaluated when replicate years are collected. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
11 Genome-wide association study using repeated measures model for stillbirth in Holstein dairy cattle
Authors: Fonseca Pablo Augusto S , Lahoucine Samir Id , Schenkel Flavio , Canovas Angela 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Reduced fertility is one of the main causes of economic losses in dairy farms. The financial losses are estimated in US$938 per stillbirth case in Holstein herds. The identification of genomic regions associated with stillbirth could help to develop better management and breeding strategies aiming to reduce the frequency of undesirable gestation outcomes. The same cow may show different outcomes in different gestations. Therefore, evaluation of a single time-point may provide a biased indication of the genetic causes of stillbirth. A weighted single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (WssGBLUP) was performed using the BLUPF90 software. A total of 14,145 cows (with three or more delivery records) were genotyped for 42,909 SNP markers mapped against the ARS-UCD1.2 bovine reference genome. Three rounds of WssGBLUP were performed using 50,541 stillbirth records (4.8±1.3 records per animal). In total, 5,796 stillbirth cases were observed out of the 50,541 records (~11%). The statistical model included: calf size, calf sex, and dam age class (&lt; 36, 36–50, 50–63, 63–75, ³75 months) as fixed effects; and herd-year-season, cow additive genetic merit, cow permanent environment, and service sire as random effects. Nine windows explaining more than one percent of the total genetic variance were identified, where the top 3 windows explained 7.86% (BTA13:37558814-38550118), 4.92% (BTA18:59897080-60892357) and 2.17% (BTA12:80568320-81508005). The top candidate window, on BTA13, harbors the OVOL2 gene, which codifies a zinc-finger protein crucial for embryo development during the angiogenesis, heart formation, hematopoietic, endothelial, neural tube and placental development. Additionally, OVOL2 is crucial during the spermatogenesis and was already identified as down-regulated between ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues in woman with endometriosis. These results pinpoint new genomic candidate regions for stillbirth in Holstein, helping to better understand the genetic mechanisms associated with fertility problems.
303 ASAS-EAAP Talk: On the estimation of genetic parameters from molecular data
Authors: Ibáñez Miguel Toro 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We deal with several problems that arise when inferring genetic parameters at the level of quantitative trait loci (QTL) from molecular data such as SNP markers. Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) is recognized as a factor creating ambiguity in the partition of genetic variance. Here, using a simple model with three loci (one QTL and two markers), it is shown that the markers generate apparent AxA and DxD epistasis, even if only third order disequilibrium exists and the QTL is dominant. The problem of “phantom epistasis” is not alleviated by larger sample sizes (de los Campos et al., 2019). We also show that markers can give a distorted picture of the genetic correlation between traits: The genomic correlation could be greater, lower or even of opposite sign than the true genetic correlation. Therefore, speculating about genetic correlations and even about their causes (e.g., pleiotropy) using genomic data is often conjectural. Thirdly, we examine the problem of directional selection generating negative linkage disequilibrium (“Bulmer effect”) in the short term from a genomic selection perspective. It seems that the reduction in response due to the Bulmer effect is the same for genomic selection as for selection based on traditional BLUP. However, the reduction in response with genomic selection is greater than when selection is based directly on phenotypes only (Van Grevenhof et al. 2012). It is also expected that directional selection for a polygenic trait should increase recombination rate, provided there is genetic variance for recombination. It is then of relevance to ask whether recombination rates could be manipulated in order to increase selection response (Battagin et al., 2016). Finally, we consider that recombination and epistasis are closely intertwined: Epistasis generate LD and recombination break them up. Then, we should expect genomes to be modular: regions with low recombination containing functionally related genes loosely linked to other regions.
49 Hematological and physiological changes observed in commercial stocker operation during early management
Authors: Akter Mst Afroza , Caldwell Marc , Pighetti Gina , Schneider Liesel G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Dynamic physiological parameters’ change in recently received stocker calves may indicate disease onset or further progression. Our objective was to capture changes in rectal temperature and blood chemistry to determine relationships between these responses, castration status, and time after arrival at a commercial farm. Forty newly weaned steers of variable breed and body weight were received from order buyer on February 13, 2020 to a commercial stocker farm in Crossville. Calves were monitored for 4 wks; blood samples and rectal temperature were collected at day 0, 7, 14, and 21. All calves were either freshly (FC) (n = 27) or previously castrated (PC) (n = 13). Complete blood count (CBC) was analyzed on each sampling day using Hematology Analyzer, and the correlation between body temperature and CBC parameters was assessed using CORR procedure in SAS 9.4. To test if FC group differed from PC with CBC value changes, mixed model analysis of variance was performed (Proc GLIMMIX) with day as repeated measure (α = 0.05). Rectal temperature was significantly negatively correlated with red blood cells (RBC) (r = -0.33, P = 0.03) and hemoglobin (HGB) (r = -0.37, P = 0.01) on day 21. A castration by day interaction (P = 0.04) was found for white blood cell (WBC). Significant differences were found in between FC and PC groups for WBC on day 0 (10.59 and 14.23, respectively) and 14 (12.04 and 15.80, respectively). Significantly lower RBC, HGB, and Mean Corpuscle Volume (MCV) were found in FC; however, they had increased Mean Corpuscle Hemoglobin (MCH) and platelet (PLT) counts (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, there were day effects on mean WBC, MCH, PLT, and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) (P &lt; 0.001). While previous health history of stocker cattle remains unknown, there are definite differences in hematology and physiology at arrival and over time, which may increase risk for illness in this stage of production.
55 Novel nanofibrous mats for effective delivery of sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) to the intestinal tract of pigs
Authors: Yu Changning , Lu Peng , Liu Shangxi , Gong Joshua , Yang Chengbo , Liu Song 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Deoxynivalnol (DON) occurs on many commonly used cereal grains. DON levels as low as 0.6 to 2.0 ppm in complete feed cause a reduction in feed intake and growth rate, damage to the intestinal epithelial cells and increased susceptibility to enteric pathogen challenge. Sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) is a sulfite reducing agent commonly added to animal feeds to improve protein digestibility by cleaving disulfide bonds. SMBS can destroy 70%-100% of DON in processed grains or feeds in vitro with 0.45%-0.9% levels at pH around 6.5 but not at acidic conditions. Therefore, little SMBS will remain intact in the small intestine, where an optimal pH environment exists for SMBS to detoxify DON. Thus, the aim of this study is to encapsulate SMBS into nanofiber mats by an electrospinning technology to deliver intact SMBS to the lower gut such as the small intestine to detoxify DON effectively. Electrospinning was implemented to prepare nanofiberous mats from a suspension of particulate SMBS in the solution of a pH sensitive polymer (Eudragit L100-55). The highest loading capacity and loading efficiency of SMBS achieved in the nanofiberous mats were 32.00% and 80.01%, respectively. In vitro release studies showed that 12.23%-19.48% of encapsulated SMBS was released in the simulated gastric fluid (SGF) in 2 h and 66.01%-95.86% of SMBS release was observed in the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) within 1 h. Additionally, in an in vitro DON detoxification experiment using IPEC-J2 cells, the ability of DON detoxification was reflected by significantly increasing the cell viability of DON and encapsulated SMBS nanofiber group (82.99%) compared with the cell viability of DON group (62.19%) (P &lt; 0.05). For the first time, we demonstrate successful encapsulation of particulate SMBS in a nano-vehicle (electrospun nanofiber), achieve &gt; 50% release of SMBS in SIF, and effective detoxification of DON in an in vitro cell assay.
66 Intra-articular lipopolysaccharide challenge has no long-term effects on inflammation and cartilage metabolism
Authors: Bradbery Amanda N , Leatherwood Jessica L , Silvers Brittany L , Much Mattea L , Martinez Rafael E , Arnold Carolyn E 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Intra-articular lipopolysaccharide is a common model to induce acute synovitis to investigate the effects of various therapeutic agents or nutraceuticals. The long-term effects of intra-articular lipopolysaccharide use in skeletally mature and immature horses has yet to be investigated; therefore, the objective of this study was to describe long-term effects of single-administration of intra-articular lipopolysaccharide on joint inflammation and cartilage metabolism. To test this objective, both radial carpal joints from 5 stock-type horses never exposed to lipopolysaccharide (CON; n = 10) were compared to radial carpal joints from 17 similar stock-type horses previously exposed to intra-articular lipopolysaccharide (INFL; n = 34). Joints within INFL were further categorized as the joint which received lipopolysaccharide (LPS; n = 17) and contralateral control which received iso-volumetric lactated Ringer’s solution (CONTRA; n = 17). A single synovial fluid sample from each joint was analyzed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), collagenase cleavage neopeptide (C2C), carboxypeptide of type II collagen (CPII), and chondroitin sulfate 846 (CS846). All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with main effects of treatment (CON, INFL) and joint (CON, LPS, CONTRA). Time post-administration (1.5, 2, 6 yr) and age-at-administration (1, 3, 5, 7 yr) were included in the model within INFL joints (LPS, CONTRA). There was no influence of treatment on any biomarker (P &gt; 0.40). Similarly, inflammation and cartilage metabolism were not different between CON, CONTRA, and LPS joints (P &gt; 0.50). Within INFL, there was no influence of joint, age, or time post-administration for PGE2, CPII, or CS846 (P &gt; 0.10). A joint x time interaction was observed for catabolic C2C (P &lt; 0.01); however, where LPS was less than CONTRA 2 yr post-lipopolysaccharide administration and similarly when lipopolysaccharide was administered at 5 and 7 yr of age (P &lt; 0.01). These data indicate no long-term negative effects for the use of intra-articular lipopolysaccharide as an acute inflammatory model in skeletally mature and immature horses.
72 Estimating the supply and movement of feed for beef production in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Mengistu Genet , Cordeiro Marcos , Legesse Getahun , Pogue Sarah , Taylor Amanda , Ominski Kim , Beauchemin Karen , McGeough E J , McAllister Tim A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study estimated movement of feed between regions of Alberta to meet the needs of the beef sector in 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016, and included barley and wheat grain, grass hay and grass-legume hay, which can be cost-effectively transported. Feed demands of beef and other livestock (i.e., dairy cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep, bison, horses, turkeys and other poultry) were estimated using county-level inventories from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and Statistics Canada, and aggregated to 7 land-use regions: Lower Athabasca, Upper Athabasca, Lower Peace, Upper Peace, North Saskatchewan, Red Deer and South Saskatchewan. Feed requirements were sourced from literature and expert opinion pertinent to Canadian context, and feed demand estimated using annualized feeding days and dry matter (DM) intake. Feed available for beef production was estimated from crop yields minus other livestock feed use. Average feed demand for beef production across Alberta was (tons of DM) 2.71 M, 0.68 M, 2.21 M, and 1.95 M for barley and wheat grain, grass hay, and grass-legume hay, respectively. North Saskatchewan, Red Deer and South Saskatchewan accounted for 90% of the total demand for barley and wheat grain and 81% of grass hay and grass-legume hay. South Saskatchewan had the largest feed deficit and required feed movement in all years. Across years, barley grain deficits ranged from -94% to -31%, grass hay deficit from -142% to a surplus of 1.6% and grass-legume hay deficits from -167% to -15%. Unmet deficits at provincial level occurred for barley grain (2006), grass hay (2001) and grass-legume hay (2001, 2006). Wheat was surplus in all years, ranging from 17% to 90%. Feed movement is critical to support beef production in Alberta, and is highly variable depending on crop yield in different regions. This analysis enables the beef industry to assess provincial feed sourcing and environmental footprints.
320 Analyses of inter-individual variations of sperm DNA methylation and their potential implications in cattle
Authors: Liu George 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: DNA methylation has been shown to be involved in many biological processes, including X chromosome inactivation in females, paternal genomic imprinting, and others. Results: Based on the correlation patterns of methylation levels of neighboring CpG sites among 28 sperm whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data (486×coverage), we obtained 31,272 methylation haplotype blocks (MHBs). Among them, we defined conserved methylated regions (CMRs), variably methylated regions (VMRs) and highly variably methylated regions (HVMRs) among individuals, and showed that HVMRs might play roles in transcriptional regulation and function in complex traits variation and adaptive evolution by integrating evidence from traditional and molecular quantitative trait loci (QTL), and selection signatures. Using a weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), we also detected a co-regulated module of HVMRs that was significantly associated with reproduction traits, and enriched for glycosyltransferase genes, which play critical roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization. Additionally, we identified 46 VMRs significantly associated with reproduction traits, nine of which were regulated by cis-SNPs, implying the possible intrinsic relationships among genomic variations, DNA methylation, and phenotypes. These significant VMRs were co-localized (± 10kb) with genes related to sperm motility and reproduction, including ZFP36L1, CRISP2 and HGF. We provided further evidence that rs109326022 within a predominant QTL on BTA18 might influence the reproduction traits through regulating the methylation level of nearby genes JOSD2 and ASPDH in sperm. Conclusion: In summary, our results demonstrated associations of sperm DNA methylation with reproduction traits, highlighting the potential of epigenomic information in genomic improvement programs for cattle.
82 The impact of feeding treats containing cannabidiol (CBD) on the daily activity level of dogs
Authors: Morris Elizabeth M , Kitts-Morgan Susanna E , Spangler Dawn M , McLeod Kyle R , Harmon David L 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Growing public interest in and use of Cannabidiol (CBD) in companion animals has amplified the need to elucidate potential impacts. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of CBD on daily activity of adult dogs. Twenty-four dogs (18.0 ± 3.4 kg) were utilized in a randomized complete block design with treatments consisting of control, 2 mg CBD/kg BW/d, and 4 mg CBD/kg BW/d split between two treats administered after twice-daily exercise (7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00). Four hours each day (10:00-12:00, AM and 13:30-15:30, PM), were designated as time when no persons entered the kennels, with 2 h designated as Quiet Time and the other 2 h as Music Time, where calming music played over speakers. Quiet and Music sessions were randomly allotted to daily AM or PM times. Activity monitors were fitted to dogs’ collars for continuous collection of activity parameters. Data were collected over a 2-wk baseline period to block dogs by activity level (high or low) before randomly assigning dogs within each block to treatments. After 1 wk of treatment adaptation, activity parameters were collected for 2 wk. Data were tested for normality using the UNIVARIATE procedure in SAS before examining differences using the MIXED procedure in SAS, including effects of treatment, day, session (Quiet or Music), time of day (AM or PM), and accompanying interactions. CBD did not alter total activity points (P = 0.9971) or activity duration (P = 0.8776). CBD tended (P = 0.0692) to reduce scratching compared to control. Irrespective of treatment, dogs were more active in PM than AM (P &lt; 0.0001). Regardless of session, dogs receiving 4 mg/kg/d tended (P = 0.0914) to be less active in the PM than control. CBD did not affect activity duration during exercise periods (P = 0.1425), but dogs receiving CBD ran more than control (P = 0.0339). These results indicate that when supplemented up to 4 mg/kg/d, CBD does not negatively impact daily activity levels of dogs.
86 Apparent Total Tract Nutrient Digestibility of Human-Grade Dog Foods and Their Effects on Stool Characteristics, Serum Metabolites, and Hematology of Dogs
Authors: Do Sungho , de Godoy Maria R C , Swanson Kelly S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Human-grade pet foods are believed to be of higher quality than traditional pet foods, but little research has been conducted on them to date. Therefore, our objective was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of human-grade pet foods and evaluate their effects on stool characteristics, serum metabolites, and hematology of dogs. Twelve dogs (mean age = 5.5 ± 1.0; BW = 11.6 ± 1.6 kg) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design. The diets included: 1) Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (extruded; Blue Buffalo); 2) Roasted Meals Tender Chicken Recipe (fresh; Freshpet); 3) Beef & Russet Potato (human-grade; JustFoodForDogs); and 4) Chicken & White Rice (human-grade; JustFoodForDogs). Each period consisted of 28 d, with a 6-d diet transition phase, 16 d of consuming 100% of the diet, a 5-d phase for total and fresh fecal collection, and 1 d for blood collection. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4. Dogs fed the extruded diet had a higher (P &lt; 0.05) daily food intake (dry matter basis; DMB) and fecal output (as-is and DMB) compared with dogs fed fresh or human-grade dog foods. There were no differences in fecal pH or scores across diets, but ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF) were greater (P &lt; 0.05) for dogs fed the human-grade diets than those fed the fresh diet. Likewise, DM, OM, and AHF ATTD were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in dogs fed the fresh diet than those fed the extruded diet. The majority of serum metabolites and blood cell counts of dogs fed all diets were within the reference ranges for adult dogs, with few treatment differences. In conclusion, the human-grade foods tested were shown to be highly digestible and maintained stool characteristics, serum chemistry, and complete blood count in adult dogs.