bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
80 Use of an Electronically-controlled Floor Cooling Pad During Heat Stress on Thermoregulatory and Reproductive Performance in Boars
Authors: Shirley Larissa K , Field Tyler , Schinckel Allan P , Johnson Jay S , Stwalley Robert , Stewart Kara R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of electronically-controlled floor cooling pads on thermoregulatory and reproductive parameters in boars during heat stress (HS). Boars (n = 24) were randomly assigned to crates with non-functional pads (CON) or pads that were flushed in either 8-min intervals or when the pad reached 28.5°C (FLUSH). For 3 d, boars were subjected to cyclical HS (28 to 35°C; &gt;65% relative humidity). Boars were fed 2.4 kg/d and daily feed intake was recorded. Respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (Rtemp) and skin temperature were recorded every 2 h during HS (via IR camera), testicular temperature was recorded twice daily. Semen was collected d7 and d14 before HS, the day following HS and weekly for 6 weeks and evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphological abnormalities, and viability. After 2 h of HS, FLUSH boars had reduced RR (P &lt; 0.001) and RTemp (P &lt; 0.001) when compared to control boars, and this difference was maintained throughout HS. Skin and testicular temperature were reduced in FLUSH vs. CON boars after 6 h of HS (P &lt; 0.05). Semen volume was greater in FLUSH vs CON boars (P = 0.01) resulting in a tendency for an increase in total sperm per ejaculate (P = 0.075). From weeks 2 to 5 post-HS, FLUSH boars had increased motility (P = 0.006) and progressive motility (P = 0.001), with corresponding increases in sperm kinematic motion parameters when compared to CON boars. The number of morphologically normal sperm cells were increased (P = 0.006) in FLUSH vs CON boars due to reduced distal droplets (P = 0.033) and proximal droplets (P &lt; 0.001). Abnormal acrosomes were reduced (P &lt; 0.001) in FLUSH vs CON boars at week 3 post-HS. In summary, electronically controlled cooling pads effectively reduced negative thermoregulatory indicators of HS and minimized or removed the negative impacts of HS on semen quality in boars.
81 Zearalenone Affects the Ovarian Proteome During Heat Stress in Prepubertal Gilts
Authors: Roach Crystal M , Mayorga Edith J , Baumgard Lance H , Ross Jason W , Keating Aileen F 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA), an estrogenic mycotoxin, causes hormonal disruption and reproductive dysfunction in pigs. Heat stress (HS) occurs when exogenous and metabolic heat accumulation exceeds heat dissipation; a scenario negatively impacting gilt reproduction. Our objective was to identify differentially abundant ovarian proteins in gilts exposed to HS +/- ZEA. We hypothesized that ZEA exposure would negatively impact the prepubertal gilt ovarian proteome and HS would be additive to ZEA-induced toxicity. Prepubertal gilts (n = 38) were assigned to one of six treatment groups: thermoneutral (TN) ad libitum control (TNCtl; n = 6); TN + ZEA (TNZea; 2 ppm; n = 6); pair-fed (PF) control (PFCtl; n = 6); PF+ ZEA (PFZea; 2 ppm; n = 6); cyclical HS control (HSCtl; n = 7); and HS + ZEA (HSZea; 2 ppm; n = 7). Gilts were subjected to TN (20 ± 1°C) or cyclic HS (35 ± 1°C for 12 h/31.6° for 12 h) conditions for 7 d. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed on ovarian protein homogenates. Exposure to ZEA altered (P &lt; 0.05) abundance of 93 proteins in TN gilts (48 increased and 45 decreased). In PF gilts, ZEA increased 50 and decreased 47 proteins (P &lt; 0.05). During HS, ZEA differentially affected (P &lt; 0.05) 126 proteins: 58 increased and 68 increased. Pathways impacted by either HS or ZEA alone or in combination included cellular stress, metabolic pathways, and estrogenic pathways. Thus, ZEA and HS, either alone or in combination, impact the ovarian proteome in prepubertal gilts in ways that could contribute to seasonal infertility. This project was supported by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
84 Aging Model in Pig Oocytes as Viewed Through DNA Epigenetic Modification
Authors: Arena Haley A , Sprungl Kimberly , Reynolds Skyla , Whitaker Brian D 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Oocytes of older animals are less likely to be fertilized during the optimal time window post ovulation, resulting in the potential diminished fertilization and embryonic development success. The activity of the epigenetic modifications during this period is a possible target to reverse these damaging effects of aging. The objective of this study was to study the effects of aging during in vitro oocyte maturation in pigs on epigenetic modifications. Oocytes (n = 54) were matured with or without Trichostatin A (TSA; 100 ng/mL), a known meiotic inhibitor, for 24 h, then for an additional 16 h without TSA or hormones for a total of 40 h. At the end of maturation, oocytes were denuded and their zona pellucida’s removed. Oocytes were stained with anti-5-methylcytosine (5mC, 1:500). Fluorescent images of the oocytes were acquired, images were analyzed using ImageJ, and data analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Oocytes matured with TSA had significantly greater (P &lt; 0.05) levels of DNA methylation by the end of in vitro maturation compared to those not supplemented with TSA These results suggest that TSA can be used to develop an in vitro model to study the effects of epigenetic modifications in oocytes from aged livestock.
258 The Interactions of Change in Nutrition on Uterine Environment and Plasma Cholesterol Concentrations in Beef Cattle
Authors: Andrews Taylor , Epperson Kaitlin , Rich Jerica , Zoca Saulo Menegatti , Zezeski Abigail L , Geary Thomas W , Lawrence Rhea D , Walker Julie , Perry George 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the impact of nutritional changes prior to and after artificial insemination (AI) on uterine environment and plasma cholesterol concentrations. Beef heifers (n = 79) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups (High=155% or Low=86% of maintenance energy) for 30 d prior to AI (pre-AI). At AI, heifers were randomly assigned new treatment groups (post-AI) which created four pre- x post-AI diet treatments (High-High, High-Low, Low-High, and Low-Low). Post-AI dietary treatments continued until uteri were flushed for embryo recovery (d 7 or 8 post-AI). Blood samples were collected on d -3,-2,-1, 0 (AI day), 1,3,5,7, and 8 for analysis of plasma cholesterol concentrations using a colorimetric assay. Uterine flushes were analyzed for concentrations of Mg, Al, P, S, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Se, and Fe by ICPMS. Plasma cholesterol (repeated measures) and uterine mineral concentrations were analyzed using the MIXED procedures in SAS. Plasma cholesterol concentrations changed over time (P &lt; 0.0001); however, there were no differences between treatments (P &gt; 0.10). There was an effect of embryo presence on uterine flush mineral concentrations for Mg (P &lt; 0.04), Al (P &lt; 0.01), S (P &lt; 0.01), K (P &lt; 0.01), and Ca (P &lt; 0.01), with decreased concentrations when uterine flushes contained an embryo. There was no effect of pre-AI diet on mineral concentrations; however, there was an effect of post-AI diet on S (P &lt; 0.02) and Ca (P = 0.03). High diet heifers had increased S and Ca concentrations compared to low diet heifers. Sulfur concentration was affected by a pre-AI diet by embryo interaction (P &lt; 0.03). There was a post-AI by embryo interaction on P (P &lt; 0.03), Zn (P = 0.02), and Se (P = 0.02). Also, there was a pre-AI by post-AI by embryo interaction on Mg (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, changing plane of nutrition pre- and post-AI had no effect on plasma cholesterol concentrations; however, presence of an embryo affected uterine mineral concentrations.
289 Serum Trace Minerals in Late Gestation Sows at Variable Risk for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Kiefer Zoe E , Chipman Amanda , Showman Lucas , Keating Aileen F , Ross Jason W 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Within the last decade, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) resulting in sow mortality has become an increasing concern for the U.S. swine industry, contributing approximately 21% of all sow deaths. While little is known regarding the etiology preceding POP in sows, many have proposed an association with vitamin and trace minerals abundance to POP incidence. We tested the hypothesis that sows differing in POP risk would have differences in serum trace minerals and vitamins. A perineal scoring (PS) system (PS1 - presumed low risk; PS2 - presumed moderate risk; and PS3 - presumed high risk) to assess risk for POP during late gestation was used to score 213 individual sows. Blood was collected from sows of two different farms during late gestation (days 105–115) that scored a PS3 (n = 20) and a parity matched sow scored as PS 1 (n = 16). Subsequently, 1.5, 0.8, and 23.1% of sows scored as PS1, PS2, or PS3, respectively, experienced POP. Serum was analyzed at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab for trace mineral content (Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Selenium, and Zinc). Additionally, vitamin E was evaluated in serum via GC-MS. Differences (P &lt; 0.05) in copper, potassium, molybdenum, phosphorus, and selenium was observed between farms. Further a PS x Farm interaction (P = 0.06) was observed for serum copper abundance which across all farms was 12% less (P &lt; 0.04) in PS3 compared to PS1 sows. No impact on serum vitamin E was observed between PS sows. These data demonstrate sows with greater POP risk may have potential differences in serum factors although these data also underscore the importance of measuring vitamin and mineral quantities in a tissue specific manner. This project was supported by the National Pork Board and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research.
288 Plasma Concentrations of Cortisol During the Periparturient Period in Gilts
Authors: Dierking Shannon , Everding Talia , Morton Jodi , Clapper Jeffrey A , Levesque Crystal L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
An increase in plasma concentrations of cortisol is one signal that begins parturition and uterine contractions in pregnant sows; however, it is not known whether a critical level of cortisol is necessary or the role that it may play in the duration of parturition. The objective of the study was to characterize plasma concentrations of during the periparturient period and assess its relationship with initiation of parturition, litter size, and farrowing duration. Blood was collected via indwelling catheters from 5 primiparous gilts twice daily (0700 and 1900 h) from d113 of gestation until the birth of the first piglet, after which blood was collected every 15 minutes until farrowing was considered complete. Time of birth of each piglet was recorded. Farrowing duration was defined as the time between birth of the first and last piglets. Plasma concentrations of cortisol were determined by radioimmunoassay. Litter size was 12, 12, 18, 17, and 14 piglets and farrowing duration was 72 minutes, 4.1, 6.7, 5.8, and 4 hours, respectively. Quadratic and linear regressions were performed using the RStats package in RStudio (version 1.2.5025). Serum concentrations of cortisol were 3.37 ± 1.55 and 5.73 ± 2.18 ng/mL prior to parturition and at the birth of the first piglet, respectively. There was a positive quadratic relationship (P ≤ 0.07) between time of birth of each piglet and plasma cortisol levels; peak cortisol was 14.45 ± 3.20 ng/mL. There was a positive correlation between initial cortisol level and average piglet birth weight (P = 0.0124) but no relationship with total litter weight (P &gt; 0.05). Determination of the periparturient changes in cortisol may be useful in designing farrowing induction protocols.
174 What Quality and Fertility Should We Expect When Using Semen Cryopreservation and AI with Livestock? a Comparison Across Species
Authors: Purdy Phillip H 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can be used across most agricultural species and will result in some degree of fertility when employed correctly. Still, conversations with agricultural producers and scientists (corporate, academic, governmental) repeatedly reveal that they do not know what success rates they should anticipate when using some ARTs, specifically semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination, with agricultural species (beef and dairy cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, sheep). These perceptions hinder ART application within the agricultural and scientific communities. Understanding these expected results is a critical component that is used to guide the USDA National Animal Germplasm Program laboratory operations for collecting, freezing and using germ plasm (semen, eggs, embryos, DNA, tissues, organs, cells), has consequently resulted in growth of the national collection, and provided tools, technologies, and educational opportunities for agricultural producers with documented success. Therefore, the intent of this presentation is to provide an overview of what results should be expected when using semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination across livestock species, explain the factors that influence successful use of these ARTs, which should encourage a more broad acceptance of their use with all agricultural species, and discuss opportunities for research and optimization that will improve fertility when using these technologies.
208 Sperm Retention, Storage and Release from the Oviduct: A Story of Sugars, Steroids, and Channels
Authors: Miller David J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Because mating is not always synchronized with ovulation, females from many species store sperm in the female reproductive tract until ovulation and fertilization. This may be done for short periods, a day or two for swine and cattle, or longer periods. Other mammals, such as some species of bats, store sperm for several months. Chickens and turkeys store sperm for 2–4 weeks and queens of some species of insects store sperm for over a decade in specialized structures. How sperm are retained, kept fertile for varying times and released is unclear. We have identified two specific carbohydrate motifs that are abundant in the porcine oviduct that bind and retain sperm in the isthmus. When immobilized, these two glycans lengthen sperm lifespan and suppress the normal increase in intracellular Ca2+ that normally accompanies capacitation. Porcine sperm can be released from oviduct cells and immobilized glycans by progesterone, perhaps of ovarian or cumulus-oocyte complex origin, which activates CatSper, a sperm-specific Ca2+ channel. Progesterone, as well as other compounds that stimulate hyperactivated motility, trigger sperm release, suggesting that hyperactivated motility is sufficient to release porcine sperm from oviduct glycans. We also have found that blocking proteasome-induced sperm protein lysis diminishes the number of sperm released from oviduct glycans. Finally, a transcriptomic approach has identified several groups of genes that are differentially regulated in both bovine and porcine oviducts from estrus animals that are storing sperm compared to oviducts from diestrus animals. This provides clues about how sperm lifespan is extended during storage.
207 Female Reproductive Fluids and Epigenetics
Authors: Canovas Sebastian , Romar Raquel , Coy Pilar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Physiological fertilization, and early embryo development, involves dramatic transcriptomic, epigenetic and morphological changes in a short temporal window. During this period gametes and early embryos are surrounded by reproductive fluids (oviductal and uterine), which contain nutrients, growth factors, hormones and extracellular vesicles acting as carriers of DNA, RNA, proteins and other factors with putative roles in intercellular communication. Under in vitro conditions, and in the absence of these fluids, embryos derived from Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) reveal transcriptional and epigenetic differences compared with in vivo embryos, which could result in long-term phenotypic consequences in adult life. Therefore, reproductive fluids supplementation in the culture medium offers an alternative to imitate physiological conditions and decrease these consequences. In vitro, oviductal fluid (OF) can modulate capacitation-associated events and sperm-zona pellucida interactions and contribute to the control of polyspermy in pigs. The use of in vitro fertilization media supplemented with reproductive fluids (Natur-IVF) improves embryo quality and blastocysts hatching ability. Moreover, Natur-IVF embryos show expression and methylation patterns closer to in vivo blastocysts. In cows, supplementation of culture media with reproductive fluids, or some isolated factors, improves blastocyst rate and survival after embryo transfer, and reverses the expression of some altered genes. However, considering the complexity of the oviductal and uterine fluids, it seems difficult that the use of just a few factors in isolation can reverse all undesired consequences of the IVP. On the other hand, sex-specific embryonic plasticity, as a consequence of the oviductal regulatory signals, have been proposed. Thus, we have analysed the sex-specific effect of supplementation with reproductive fluids in bovine embryos and data reveal sex-dependent impact in DNA methylation. All these results confirm that developmental programme can be modulated by reproductive fluids and it shows sex-specific effects. This strategy allows the possibility of minimizing undesired in vitro derived consequences.
72 Relationships Among Lifetime Feed Efficiency Traits in Growing Heifers, Mature Cows and Their Progeny
Authors: Lancaster Phillip A , Davis Mike , Rutledge Jack , Cundiff Larry 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Uncertainty exists in relationships among feed efficiency traits in different production stages. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships among feed efficiency traits measured in various stages of production. Data were collected from 1953 through 1980 from dams (n = 160), and their progeny (n = 406). Individual feed intake was measured from 240 d of age through weaning of 3rd calf for dams, and from weaning to slaughter for progeny. Body weight was measured at 28-d intervals until first parturition for heifers and slaughter for progeny, and cows were weighed at parturition and weaning each production cycle. Milk yield of dams was measured at 14-d intervals throughout lactation. Residual feed intake was computed as the residual from linear regression of daily DMI on metabolic mid-test body weight, average daily gain, and milk yield for dams only with year-diet-breed factor as a random effect using lmer function in R software. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed using corr.test function. Pearson correlations of RFI with DMI ranged from 0.58 to 0.74 and with feed:gain or feed:milk ranged from 0.24 to 0.67 within production stage. Heifer RFI was correlated with cow RFI during parity 1 (0.74), but not parity 2 (0.11) or 3 (-0.06). Heifer RFI was correlated with progeny 3 RFI (0.17), but not progeny 1 or 2 RFI. Cow RFI was weakly correlated among parities (0.25 to 0.36) whereas feed:milk was strongly correlated (0.56 to 0.70). Cow RFI was not correlated with progeny RFI of the same parity. In conclusion, RFI was poorly correlated across stage of production.
71 Evaluation of the CVDS Beef Cow Model to Estimate Biological Efficiency in Mature Cows
Authors: Lancaster Phillip A , Davis Mike , Tedeschi Luis O , Rutledge Jack , Cundiff Larry 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
There is no clear method to measure biological efficiency in grazing beef cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate a nutrition model to estimate biological efficiency in mature cows. Data from dams (n = 160) and their 2nd and 3rd progeny were collected from 1953 through 1980. Individual feed intake was measured at 28-d intervals for lifetime of dams and during 240-d lactation for progeny. Body weight of progeny were measured at birth and weaning, and dams at parturition and weaning each production cycle. Milk yield of dams was measured at 14-d intervals by hand milking. Metabolizable energy required (MER) and predicted milk energy yield (MEY) of each cow was computed using the CVDS beef cow model for each parity. Biological efficiency was computed as the ratio of cow ME intake (MEI) to calf weaning weight (WW) based on observed (MEI/WW) and predicted (MER/WW) values. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed using corr.test function in R software. Average (SD) cow weight, calf weaning weight, cow MEI, and observed MEY were 507 (81) and 548 (88) kg, 287 (49) and 294 (44) kg, 9406 (2695) and 9721 (2686) Mcal, and 1009 (538) and 1051 (521) Mcal, for progeny 2 and 3, respectively. Cow MEI and MER (0.87 and 0.85), and observed and predicted MEY (0.51 and 0.51) were positively correlated for progeny 2 and 3, respectively. The CVDS model under predicted cow MEI [mean bias = 1685 (1718) and 1658 (1702) Mcal] and MEY [mean bias = 82 (465) and 129 (450) Mcal] for progeny 2 and 3, respectively. Observed and predicted progeny feed intake were not correlated. Observed and predicted biological efficiency were positively correlated (0.63 and 0.61) for progeny 2 and 3, respectively. In conclusion, nutrition models can reasonably predict biological efficiency, but further refinement of the relationship between calf feed intake and milk yield could improve prediction.
159 Evaluation of Bacillus Subtilis PB6 Probiotic (CLOSTAT® 500) on Feedlot Phase Growth Performance, Efficiency of Dietary Net Energy Utilization, and Fecal and Subiliac Lymph Node Salmonella Prevalence
Authors: Smith Zachary K , Broadway Paul Rand R , Underwood Keith , Rusche Warren C , Walker Julie , Sanchez Nicole C Burdick , Carroll Jeffrey A , Lafleur Doug , Hergenreder Jerilyn 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Yearling beef steers (n = 238; initial BW=402 ± 31.2 kg) were used to evaluate a Bacillus subtilis probiotic on growth performance, dietary net energy (NE) utilization, carcass characteristics, and fecal and subiliac lymph node Salmonella prevalence during a 140-d finishing period. Steers were allotted to 24 pens (n = 9 to 10 steers/pen) and assigned to one of two treatments (12 pens/treatment): no probiotic (CON) or 0.50 g·steer-1·d-1 of a Bacillus subtilis PB6 probiotic (CLOSTAT® 500, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA; CLO). Steers were transitioned to a 90% concentrate diet (DM basis) over 14-d. Steers were fed once daily at 0700 h; bunks were managed according to a slick bunk management. Fecal samples were collected on d 1, 28, 56, 112, and 140 from each pen (n = 5 steers/pen) via rectal palpation and composited by pen for determination of Salmonella prevalence. Upon harvest, subiliac lymph nodes were obtained from 60 steers in CON and 57 steers in CLO. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design; pen was the experimental unit; α of 0.05 determined significance. No differences were detected (P ≥ 0.25) between treatments for live or carcass-adjusted average daily gain, dry matter intake, gain efficiency, dietary NE utilization, nor calculated dietary NE content based upon performance. No differences were detected between treatments for any carcass traits (P ≥ 0.15). Salmonella was not recovered in any fecal samples except on d 112, where steers from CLO had a numerically lower (P = 0.17; 8.3 vs. 25.0%) incidence of fecal Salmonella compared to CON and on d 140 fecal, where Salmonella incidence did not differ (P = 0.34; 0.0 vs. 8.3%) for CON and CLO, respectively. Salmonella was not recovered in any subiliac lymph nodes. These data indicate that CLO did not influence growth performance or Salmonella prevalence.