bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Diet and Location Within the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle on the Quality and Fat Composition of Pork Loins Collected from Market Hog
Authors: Dennis Amberly A , Reid Dana S , Wilson Dianna , Dinh Thu , Devost-Burnett Derris D 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In pigs, the longissimus muscle (LM) is an economically important tissue that largely dictates the quality grade assigned to the carcass. Still, this anatomically protracted muscle is not homogeneous in composition and these spatial differences across the LM can impact the overall predicted quality and quantity of pork produced. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of diet and location within the muscle on the quality and fatty acid composition of loins harvested from finishing pigs. A total of 80 pigs were subjected to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: lysine deficient diet (LysDef), vitamin A deficient diet (VitADef), lysine and vitamin A deficient diet (LysVitADef), and control diet (CON) formulated to meet NRC recommended requirements from weaning through finishing. The animals were then harvested to assess LM quality parameters including loin eye area, marbling score, and lean color. Samples from the proximal, medial, and distal portions of the LM were collected for fatty acid determination using gas chromatography and were expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Marbling score was greatest (P = 0.0024) in the proximal LM and was not impacted by treatment (P = 0.07). Treatment also had no effect (P = 0.14) on the percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA); however, the percentage of SFA decreased (P &lt; 0.001) from the proximal (40.9 ± 0.24) to distal (39.14 ± 0.24) portion. In contrast, the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids increased (P &lt; 0.001) from the proximal (15.96 ± 0.57) to distal (19.27 ± 0.57) portion. Despite the lack of diet-induced differences in marbling scores, the biological data generated from the current study are informative in terms of the spatial and compositional marbling deposition patterns in the LM of the growing pigs and warrant further investigation to identify the mechanisms responsible for this paradigm.
The Effect of Storage Length on the Nutritive Value of Baleage in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Burt Justin C , Hendricks Taylor , Tucker Jennifer J , Baxter Lisa , Stewart Lawton 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
High quality forages produced in the southeastern U.S. can benefit from being harvested as baleage when environmental conditions are not favorable for hay production. Current recommendations are to feed baleage within 9 mo of harvesting; however, wet summers or mild winters can reduce the need for utilizing stored forage in this timely manner. Limited data exist on the nutritional value of baleage stored beyond a 9-mo period. Therefore, the objective of this research is to determine if storage length affects the nutritive value of baleage in the southeastern U.S. This study was conducted from 2016–2020 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, using ‘Tifton-85’ bermudagrass baleage (BG) and ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa-bermudagrass mixed baleage (BGA) harvested on a 28–35-d interval, baled at approximately 55% moisture, and individually wrapped for storage. Bales were marked by treatment, sampled prior to wrapping for initial determination (INT), and sampled again post fermentation at 6-wk, 9-mo and 12-mo timepoints for nutritive value analyses. Additionally, a subset of bales harvested in June and August of 2017 and 2018 were maintained and sampled at 24-mo time point. Statistical analysis was conducted using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Nutritive analysis showed a difference in the CP% between pre and post fermentation events for BGA (INT=22±2.39 and 6-wk, 9-mo, 12-mo=20±2.39; P &lt; 0.01), while no difference was found for BG. TDN% was different only at 6 wk for BGA (66±0.63; P = 0.03) compared to all other timepoints, with no difference for BG. The 24mo storage analysis showed a decline in the CP% and TDN% for both BGA and BG from pre and post fermentation. Results from this study conclude there no effect on the nutritive value of baleage stored up to 12 mo post fermentation. Maintaining bale integrity can be attributed to the decline in nutritive value observed when stored longer than 12 mo.
Changes in Metabolite and Protein Expression Profiles of Atypical Dark-cutting and Normal-pH Beef
Authors: Kiyimba Frank , Hartson Steven , Rogers Janet , Mafi Gretchen G , Ramanathan Ranjith 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The color of meat is an important deciding factor in consumers’ assessment of meat quality. To meat buyers, the bright cherry-red color of meat indicates freshness and wholesomeness. However, atypical dark-cutting beef represents dark-colored meat with a muscle pH between 5.6 and 5.8. Although previous studies have indicated that the ultimate pH of atypical dark-cutting beef is greater than normal, the mechanistic basis for the occurrence is not clear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify protein and metabolite profiles of normal and atypical dark-cutting beef. Longissimus thoracic (LT) muscles from 12 different animals (6 atypical dark-cutters and 6 normal-pH beef) were analyzed by comparing changes in metabolites and protein profiles using GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics and LC-MS/MS-based proteomics, respectively. Metabolomics analysis showed down-regulation of glycolytic metabolites such as glucose-6-phosphate, lactose, and glucose, indicating a reduced capacity to accumulate lactate postmortem in atypical dark-cutters compared with normal-pH beef. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 66 proteins with significant changes in protein expression profiles (P &lt; 0.05) between atypical and normal-pH beef. Of these, 22 proteins were up-regulated while 14 were down-regulated in atypical dark-cutting beef. Functional annotation and protein-protein interaction network analyses revealed that up-regulated proteins such as NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A7, ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 2, 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase 1, cytochrome b5 reductase 3, actinin alpha 4, tropomyosin 2, heat shock protein beta-7, and DnaJ heat shock protein family (Hsp40) member B4 are involved in energy synthesis, muscle contraction and stress responses. By contrast, down-regulated proteins, including phosphofructokinase, glycogen phosphorylase, amylo-alpha-1,6-glucosidase, phosphorylase kinase regulatory subunit alpha and gamma are involved in glycogen metabolism. In summary, lower glycolytic metabolites and glycogen degradation enzymes are associated with differences in muscle pH and color of atypical dark-cutting beef.
Effects of Melatonin Supplementation During Mid- to Late-gestation Nutrient Restriction on Maternal and Fetal Amino Acid Concentrations
Authors: Swanson Rebecca M , Contreras-Correa Zully E , Dinh Thu , King Elmer H , Sidelinger Darcie R , Devost-Burnett Derris D , Lemley Caleb O 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation compromises pregnancy, alters maternal metabolism, and afflicts fetal growth and development. The objective of this study was to determine if dietary melatonin supplementation in global nutrient-restricted cows alters fetal-maternal circulating amino acids. In a 2x2 factorial, Brangus heifers of two calving seasons, spring (n = 29) and fall (n = 25) were fed a total mixed ration at either 100% (adequate; ADQ) or 60% (nutrient restricted; RES) of nutritional requirements based on NRC guidelines and were either supplemented with dietary melatonin (MEL; 20 mg/d) or no supplemented control (CON) from d 160 to d 240 of gestation. Heifers were supplemented and fed at 0900 h daily. Maternal blood, fetal blood, and amniotic fluid were collected at Cesarean section on d 240 of gestation in either the morning (AM; 0500 h) or afternoon (PM; 1330 h). Plasma and amniotic fluid AA were determined by a gas chromatography - mass spectrometry method with internal standard calibration using authentic amino acid standards. Total AA concentrations (mM) were calculated and the total fetal AA concentration was subtracted from the total maternal AA concentration to calculate maternal-fetal differences. Data were analyzed separately by calving season, using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 to determine the effects of nutritional plane, melatonin supplementation, time of day, and their interaction on AA concentrations. Spring fetal-maternal AA differences were less (321±194 vs. 935±190 vs. 1,135±194 vs. 1,352±212 mM, respectively; P &lt; 0.05) in RES-CON than in RES-MEL, ADQ-MEL, and ADQ-CON groups. Fall fetal-maternal AA differences did not differ (P &gt; 0.05). Spring amniotic fluid AA concentrations were less (919±208 vs. 1,416±212 vs. 1,174±213 mM, respectively; P &lt; 0.01) in RES-MEL heifers than in ADQ-MEL and RES-CON groups. Fall amniotic fluid AA concentrations were less (1,132±258 vs. 2,877±308 mM, respectively; P &lt; 0.05) in all groups compared with ADQ-CON-AM. These findings demonstrate nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation alters circulating maternal AA concentrations, affecting fetal AA concentrations.
Setting the Cycle for Reproductive Success with a Pre-synchronization Program in Postpartum Beef Cows
Authors: Massengill Macy M , Silva Thiago V , Poole Daniel H 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Previous experiments from our laboratory determined that postpartum beef cows with a functional corpus luteum (CL) at the start of an estrous synchronization protocol have greater pregnancy success to FTAI than those that did not have a CL. Therefore, it was hypothesized that incorporation a presynchronization program prior to FTAI in postpartum cows will improve pregnancy rates. The goal of this project was to compare the effectiveness of a presynchronization program prior to the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol in postpartum cows. Postpartum cows (n = 310) at two locations were randomly assigned to receive either the presynchronization program, consisting of 2 PGF2α injections 14 d apart and 11 d prior to the start of the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR protocol, or the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Following estrus synchronization, all cows were inseminated by trained technicians using semen from bulls of known fertility. Pregnancy status to FTAI was assessed using ultrasonographic diagnosis at 30 d post insemination. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure of SAS and examined for effects of inseminator, body condition score (BCS), and location and age. Statistical significance was determined at P &lt; 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05&lt; P &lt; 0.10. Age, BCS, and location did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) pregnancy rates. Cows exposed to the pre-synchronization program tended to have greater AI pregnancy rates compared to cows that did not receive the pre-synchronization program (57.7±5.3 vs. 46.9±5.3%, respectively; P = 0.0687). AI pregnancy rates were greater in cows with &gt;1 ng/mL P4 compared to cows with &lt; 1 ng/mL P4 at the start of FTAI (77.7±7 vs. 55.7±6.2%, respectively; P = 0.0204). Furthermore, AI pregnancy rates were decreased by inseminator C (26.1±7.4) compared to the other inseminators this breeding season (A-54.4±7.9; B- 62.3±5.3; D-57.8±7.2; and E -51.1±5.2; P = 0.0026). Based on these data, incorporating a pre-synchronization program to ensure the presence of a CL at the start of a FTAI protocol may improve pregnancy success in postpartum beef cows.
Effect of Time of Supplementation and Supplement Delivery Method on Performance and Grazing Behavior of Backgrounded Beef Steers
Authors: Murray Adam R , Claire Olivia M , Payne Kathryn M , Wright Lee L , Wilson Thomas B 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives were to investigate effects of supplement feeding time and delivery method on performance and grazing behavior of backgrounded steers. Crossbred steers (n = 109; 7 ± 1 m of age; BW = 245 ± 2.9 kg) were stratified by BW and source into 18 groups (6–7 steers per group), and randomly allotted to tall fescue pastures during 38- and 45-d treatment periods during fall of 2019 and 2020, respectively. Pasture groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (6 pastures per treatment): 1) steers hand-fed a commodity blend supplement at 0930 h (AM), 2) steers hand-fed supplement at 1330 h (PM), or 3) steers fed a commercially available self-fed supplement with an intake limiter (SELF). All treatments were formulated for as fed supplement intake of 1.5% BW. Pedometers were used to estimate animal activity level. Motion-sensing cameras were used in yr 1 to monitor feeder and waterer visits. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with main effects of year, group, and treatment with pasture as a random effect. Treatment had no effect (P ≥ 0.13) on calf BW, flesh condition score, ADG, or ultrasound 12th rib fat thickness. Supplement DMI tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for SELF relative to hand-fed cattle, with yr 2 tending (P = 0.07) to be greater than yr 1. There was a treatment x year interaction (P = 0.04) for G:F with SELF and AM steers in yr 1 tending (P ≤ 0.09) to be greater than SELF in yr 2, with all other treatments being intermediate and not different. Self-fed cattle had greater (P ≤ 0.01) activity level and more (P = 0.01) visits to feeders relative to hand-fed treatments. Results indicate that performance of backgrounding steers was not greatly impacted by supplementation schedule or delivery method.
Effect of Stocking Rate During Gestation on Subsequent Performance of Growing Beef Cattle
Authors: Tolleson Doug R , Rouquette Monte M , Norman Kelli , Long Charles R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Beef cows in the southeastern United States are likely maintained on pasture during mid-gestation, a critical period for fetal development of traits important to performance of the growing/finishing calf. Climate projections are for increased warming with highly variable precipitation in this region. Forage quantity and quality are affected by temperature and precipitation. Thus, in order to obtain a better understanding of downstream effects from cow nutrition during gestation on subsequent performance of growing cattle, we analyzed 579 records of crossbred steers and heifers born (fall and winter) to cows grazing typical forages in Overton, Texas. Cows were involved in a long-term stocking rate study and were assigned to either high (H; 4 cow/calf ha-1) or low (L; 2 cow/calf ha-1) treatment groups. Cow body condition scores (BCS; 1–9) were collected at breeding and weaning. Calves produced were pastured from weaning to approximately 1 to 1.5 yr of age, then shipped to a commercial feedlot and subsequently slaughtered at a commercial facility. Calf data included birth weight, weaning weight (~240 d), yearling weight, on-feed weight, final pre-harvest weight, hot carcass weight (all weights in kg), dressing percentage, marbling score, yield grade, backfat thickness (cm), ribeye area (cm2), and kidney-pelvic-heart fat (%). Differences (P &lt; 0.05) between treatment groups were determined by a general linear model in SAS with stocking rate as the main effect. Mean separation was accomplished using Tukey’s test. Cow BCS (H; 4.27 ± 0.06 vs L; 5.64 ± 0.07, P &lt; 0.0001), final pre-harvest weight (H; 594.80 ± 6.18 kg vs L; 619.85 ± 6.12 kg, &lt; 0.005), hot carcass weight (H; 366.60 ± 3.89 kg vs L; 383.17 ± 3.74, P &lt; 0.003), and ribeye area (H; 90.52 ± 0.90 cm2 vs L; 93.74 ± 1.03 cm2, P &lt; 0.03) were all lower in H than L. Calf weaning weight followed a similar trend (H; 289.24 ± 2.58 kg vs L; 296.56 ± 3.08 kg, P &lt; 0.07). Diminished nutritional provision to the fetus during mid-gestation was apparently manifest as epigenetic effects on offspring performance.
Differential Expression of Cow Innate and Adaptive Responses Genes in Response to Eugenol
Authors: worku Mulumebet , Kumar Bahrath , Ismail Hamid 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Dietary phytochemicals have both nutritional and health benefits for farm animals. Research on the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals may aid in developing novel therapeutic agents and provide insights into the regulation of gene expression. Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenyl) is the active ingredient in clove oil that has been studied for its immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of eugenol on the expression of genes associated with the cow’s innate and adaptive immune responses. Blood was collected from (n = 3) clinically healthy Holstein-Friesian cows from the North Carolina A&T State University Dairy Unit. One milliliter of whole blood from three cows was treated individually with 10 ng/mL of Eugenol (Sigma-Aldrich St. Louis, MO), or maintained in PBS, incubated at 37ºC for 30 minutes. Total RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed, and real-time PCR was carried out using the RT2 Profiler™ human Innate & Adaptive Immune Responses PCR Array containing 84 genes, as recommended by the manufacturer (Qiagen). The Livak method was used to calculate fold change (FC &gt;2 considered significant). The analysis showed that 25 genes out of 84 genes were affected by treatment with eugenol. Among 25 genes, 19 were upregulated, and 2 genes were downregulated. The highest up-regulated and down-regulated genes following exposure to eugenol was IL23A and Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 (IRF7), respectively. The upregulation of the IL-23A gene expression by exogenous eugenol may be important in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and warrants further studies to investigate the mechanism involved. Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 is a critical regulator of type I interferon production and plays an important role in innate immune responses. The observed transcriptional expression of IL23A and IRF7 by eugenol provides an insight into immune modulation in cow blood.
Effect of ‘AU-Grazer’ Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata) from Two Different Sources on Indicators of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Goats
Authors: Terrill Thomas H , Whitley Niki C , Pulsifer Chelsea , Dykes Greg , Batchu Phaneendra , Hazard Tony , Pannell Donielle 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) is considered a low input forage but has potential for improved animal performance with greater inputs. ‘AUGrazer’ SL hay grown under normal (NF; AL farm) or high-fertility (HF; SC farm) conditions were compared to a bermudagrass (BG; GA farm; Cynodon dactylon) hay diet in a 6-week feeding trial. Forty-five naturally parasite infected intact Spanish male goats 8–9 months old were used to investigate effects of NF (n = 15) and HF (n = 13) SL compared to BG hay (n = 13; CON) on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism. Hay and water were provided free choice. A commercial goat pellet was provided at 1.5% average body weight. Treatments were assigned for similar initial gastrointestinal nematode fecal egg count [FEC; 5029, 4749 and 4456 eggs per gram (EPG) for HF and NF SL and CON goats, respectively]. At the start of the study and then weekly, fecal samples were collected for determination of FEC and coccidia fecal oocyst counts (FOC). Body weights were recorded at the start and end of the trial. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS for repeated measures with inferences made on log-transformed data for FEC and FOC, and GLM used for gain data. Both FEC and FOC for NF and HF SL were different from CON at all time points after day 0 (P &lt; 0.05). Final EPG were 949, 1411, and 3552 for HF and NF SL and CON goats, a reduction of 73.3% and 60.3% for HF and NF SL animals, respectively. Final OPG were 353, 1092, and 2417, with reductions of 85.4% and 54.8% for HF and NF SL goats, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) was impacted by treatment, with HF SL higher (P &lt; 0.001) than both NF SL and CON, which were similar. High-fertility SL improved animal performance while maintaining its anti-parasitic bioactivity.
Legume-grass Pastures Enhanced the Performance of Kiko Does
Authors: Tiwari Anand , Karki Uma , Norwood Kendra , Johnson Ja’Nia , Karki Lila B 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Inadequate and poor-quality pastures dominated with perennial grasses are one of the major reasons for poor performance of goats in the Southeastern United States. Legume addition to grass pastures may improve performance of goats. However, such information is not documented well. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of legume addition to pastures on goat performance. The study site consisted of 10 plots (average plot size: 0.44 ha). Five plots were sown to southern peas (Vigna unguiculata)-browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa) 50:50 mix) and remaining plots to sole browntop millet. Forage biomass samples were collected, dried, and weighed for dry matter (DM). Nineteen Kiko does (initial age: 15–16 months; live weight (LWt): 34 ± 1.4 kg) were divided into two groups: 10 to legume-grass plots and nine to grass-only plots; allocation of does to either group was based on their initial LWt, FAMACHA (5-color card) score (1–5: 1–2 – not anemic, 4–5 anemic), and body condition score (BCS: 1–5, 1 extremely lean, 5 obese) to create uniform groups. Does were rotationally stocked based on available forages in their respective plots for 87 days starting mid-August 2020. Does’ LWt, FAMACHA score, and BCS were collected just before they were deployed to research plots, in every 14 d during the study, and at the end. Forage dry-matter data and animal-performance data were analyzed using Mixed and GLM procedures, respectively, in SAS 9.4. Legume-grass and grass-only plots yielded similar DM. Does in legume-grass group gained more weight (37.4 ± 0.50 kg vs. 35.7 ± 0.53 kg; P = 0.0209) and better FAMACHA score (2.1 ± 0.06 vs. 2.4 ± 0.07; P = 0.0044) and BCS (2.6 ± 0.02 vs. 2.5 ± 0.03; P = 0.0008) versus grass group. Results showed that legume-grass-mixed pastures promote the performance of growing does than sole-grass pastures.
Effect of ‘Serala’ Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata) Hay on Gastrointestinal Parasite Fecal Egg and Oocysts Counts and Packed Cell Volume in Goats
Authors: Whitley Niki C , Hazard Tony , Pulsifer Chelsea , Batchu Phaneendra , Kouakou Brou , Terrill Thomas H 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Fifty-two naturally parasite-infected intact male Spanish goats 6–7 mo of age were used in a 6-wk trial to investigate effects of ‘Serala’ (SER) sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism. Goats were individually housed in 1.5 x 1.5 m pens. Treatments were pure SER (n = 18) or ‘AU-Grazer’ (AUG; n = 16) varieties of SL or bermudagrass hay (n = 18; CON) at 75% of the ration. A corn-soybean meal-based supplement (25% of the ration) ensured isonitrogenous (17% crude protein), isocaloric diets. Diets were fed to 10% orts. Treatments were assigned for similar initial group mean fecal egg count (FEC). At the start of the study (D 0) and weekly thereafter, FEC and coccidia oocyst counts (FOC) were conducted via a modified McMaster’s technique [eggs per gram (epg); oocysts per gram (opg)], and percentage packed red blood cell volume (PCV) was measured via microhematocrit centrifugation. Data were analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures. There was a treatment by time interaction (P &lt; 0.001) for FEC. In week 1, SER and AUG were lower (P &lt; 0.02) than CON and were higher than control at week 6 (AUG tendency only, P &lt; 0.10; SER, P &lt; 0.02). The FOC were impacted by treatment (P &lt; 0.008), averaging 1977 ± 945 opg for AUG (lowest, P &lt; 0.01), 3558 ± 876 opg for SER and 4164 ± 955 opg for CON (SER and CON similar). Percentage PCV tended (P &lt; 0.09) to be influenced by a treatment by time interaction in which AUG and SER were similar over time, while PCV for CON animals was lower (P &lt; 0.03) than D 0 at all sampling points after the first week. Overall, there was no effect of SER on FEC or FOC and no effect of AUG on FEC, though PCV was maintained throughout the study for both SL treatments.