bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
94 The Effects of Weather, Body Weight, and Dry Matter Intake on Total Daily Water Intake in Beef Steers
Authors: McDaniel Zach S , Smith Zachary K , Wright Cody , Gonda Michael , Wickremasinghe Himali , Djira Gemechis 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Weaned angus steers (n = 26; 272.92 + 21.29 kg) were selected to study the effects of weather, predicted daily BW, and DMI on total daily water intake (TDWI) from December 2019 to May 2020 (181 days). Calves were provided with ad libitum access to feed and water, under a monoslope barn, for the duration of the study. In periods of cold stress, cattle were provided with corn stalk bedding within the dry lot, away from the monoslope barn. Measurements of feed and water disappearance were obtained by utilizing an automated feed and water system (Insentec RIC, Hokofarm, Marknesse, Netherlands), where disappearance was assumed to be caused by intake. Calves were weighed every 28 days in order to calculate ADG and therefore predict daily BW for each calf. Daily weather records, including windchill (°C), solar radiation (W/m2), and maximum relative humidity (%), were obtained through the South Dakota Mesonet automated weather station located 3.86 km from where the calves were housed. A linear mixed effects model with both random intercept and slope were used to account for the within subject correlations. Increased TDWI was associated with increased wind chill (0.38-kg per 1°C; P &lt; 0.0001), increased solar radiation (1.04-kg per 1 W/m2; P &lt; 0.0001), and decreased maximum relative humidity (-0.14 kg per 1%; P &lt; 0.0001). For every kg increase in DMI, TDWI increased by 1.07 kg (P &lt; 0.0001). Lastly, for every kg increase in BW, TDWI increased by 0.05 kg (P &lt; 0.0001). Effects of DMI, BW, SRAD, windchill, RHMax were predictive of TDWI in beef calves fed during the winter. This model will be useful for predicting TDWI during the winter months where calves are raised in regions where temperatures are regularly below freezing.
120 Analytical Strategies for Survey Data in Pet Nutrition and Management
Authors: Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Companion animal researchers have been at the forefront of using survey methodologies to study dogs’ and cats’ dietary and health patterns in the general population. The reporting of survey results has increased in recent years, facilitated by the rise in internet access, the modest cost of conducting web surveys, and the capability to target surveys to pet owners through address lists collected by services and social media. Data from population surveys have the potential to garner unique and comprehensive information that complements the understanding offered by designed experiments. Recent developments in survey methodologies and the availability of user-friendly survey tools enable the collection of large-scale or even Big Data sets, not only in the number of survey responses but also in the number and type of variables measured. Irrespective of the sample size, the study of survey data necessitates the consideration of complex sampling designs and analysis approaches that reflect the nature of this data. An overview of the characteristics of complex sampling designs typical of survey data with applications to companion animal nutrition is presented. The fundamentals of the analytical approaches that are suitable for survey data are demonstrated, and procedures available to accommodate clustering, stratification, underrepresentation, and nonresponse are reviewed. Examples of survey data visualization and analysis strategies are presented.
132 Early Establishment of the Human Gut Microbiome—a Tale of Moms, Their Diets, and Babes Guts
Authors: Aagaard Kjersti M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Human microbial communities are characterized by their metagenomic and metabolic diversity, which varies by distinct body sites and influences human physiology. We are only beginning to characterize the complex set of interactions which alters both community membership and function in early development. With respect to the potential source of microbiota at birth, it has been generally assumed that the majority of seeding microbes originate from the maternal lower genital tract, with microbiota ascending into the otherwise sterile intrauterine. However, we and subsequently others have recently demonstrated that (1) the vaginal and gut microbiome communities are distinctly structured in pregnancy, and (2) the intrauterine environment and the fetus is in fact not sterile, but rather harbors a low-abundance microbiome which varies by several measured exposures, and (3) the maternal diet during both gestation and lactation, and notably a high fat diet, has a particularly strong impact on the developing and early in life microbial community structure. We have taken two dynamic approaches to answering these questions in our studies. First, we use large and robust longitudinal cohorts of maternal-infant dyads collected across gestation and into infancy to gain deeper insight into both source and sink of the early developmental microbiome and its role on determining length of gestation. Second, we utilize our well established primate models of maternal high fat dietary exposure, both in the absence and presence of maternal obesity, to determine the impact of maternal diet on both the microbiome and the resultant offspring metabolic phenotype.
153 Differences in Health and Carcass Characteristics of Yearling Steers That Received Free-choice Garlic-infused Mineral Supplements
Authors: Cheang-Deis Iris Ho In , Oyedeji Oluwatobi , Block Hushton , Rochon Kateryn , Asai-Coakwell Mika , Erickson Nathan , Lardner Herbert , Durunna Obioha N 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Garlic products have been reported to have antimicrobial effects and may trigger anemia in horses, but their direct impact on feedlot cattle has not been detailed. With increased free-choice feeding of garlic-infused mineral supplements to beef cattle, it is important to evaluate this strategy’s impact on the animals’ health and the potential impact on carcass qualities. This 2-yr study recruited 208 crossbred feedlot steers in a supplementation trial using a completely randomized design. Each year, 104 steers were assigned to 1 of 4 groups that received either non-garlic mineral supplement (MS), MS + 0.3% garlic-oil-based premix (GOil), MS + 2.5% garlic powder (LGP), MS + 5% garlic powder (HGP). Feed and supplements were provided on an ad-lib basis and were measured for each steer with automatic feeding units. The study evaluated health indicators such as blood parameters and internal parasites. At harvest, carcass characteristics (including the incidence of liver abscesses) were assessed for all steers. The groups consumed between 156 and 208 g/d of the supplement over the two years, with the MS group having a lower overall supplement intake than other groups. The average daily consumption of garlic products in GOil, LGP, and HGP were approximately 0.6g/d, 5.2g/d, and 10.1g/d, respectively. There was no difference in total fecal egg counts (P = 0.45) among the groups. There was no association between the treatment groups and incidences of liver abscess scores (P = 0.10) nor carcass grade outcomes (P = 0.84). Further, there were no differences in hot carcass weight (P = 0.90), rib eye area (P = 0.34) and carcass backfat thickness (P = 0.99). All blood parameters evaluated were within normal ranges for all groups. The results suggest that infusing commercial garlic products into mineral supplements is not associated with undesirable effects on cattle health or carcass characteristics.
151 Intake, Growth, and Insectifugal Outcomes Associated with Free-choice Supplementation of Garlic Products to Feedlot Steers
Authors: Cheang-Deis Iris Ho In , Lardner Herbert , Rochon Kateryn , Oyedeji Oluwatobi , Block Hushton , Asai-Coakwell Mika , Erickson Nathan , Durunna Obioha N 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Conflicting anecdotal accounts from producers about their cattle performance and fly-repellence outcomes while receiving garlic-infused supplements have limited feeding decisions. This study evaluated differences in animal performance and insectifugal outcomes among four groups (26 steers per group) over two years (total = 208 steers). The steers either received non-garlic mineral supplement (MS), MS+0.3% garlic oil-based premix (GOil), MS+2.5% garlic powder (LGP), or MS+5% garlic powder (HGP). A completely randomized design was implemented where each steer was assigned to each treatment group while balancing for bodyweight and breed composition. Steers received a feedlot ration and free-choice mineral supplement for 86 and 108 d in the first and second year, respectively. Individual feed and supplement consumption were measured with automatic feeding units. Fly abundance on each animal was determined using digital images collected during weekly fly surveys. The ADG, feed efficiency, ultrasound body composition, and intake-related activities were also evaluated during the study. Data were analyzed using linear- or generalized linear mixed models in SAS. A significant year and Group×year interactions were observed for daily supplement intake (P &lt; 0.02). Similar interactions (P &lt; 0.04) were observed for feeding behaviors associated with supplement intake. Fly abundance during the peak months was below the economic threshold and was not different among the groups (P = 0.25), but the year and Group×year interactions were significant (P &lt; 0.02). There were no differences among the groups for DMI (P = 0.81), ADG (P = 0.54) and gain to feed ratio (P = 0.34). The Group×year interactions were present for the change in ultrasound rib-fat-thickness. The reasons behind the differences in supplement intake are not clear but may be related to the garlic products’ phytochemical profiles. These results suggest that further studies are required to identify the specific bioactive compounds in garlic that affect supplement intake.
147 Use of Productivity Enhancing Technologies in Beef Steers Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity
Authors: Fortier Sydney S , McAllister Tim A , Lardner Herbert , Alemu Aklilu , Legesse Getahun , Ominski Kim , McKinnon John J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In the last decade, the cattle industry has witnessed increased demand from domestic and international markets for hormone and antibiotic free beef. However, the environmental consequences of switching from conventional production to “natural” beef have not been extensively examined. This study explored greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions estimated using a whole-farm model, Holos (www.agr.gc.ca/holos-ghg) with model inputs from a 2-year replicated study in which calves were managed from weaning to finishing with 6 treatments based on body weight and feeding strategy. Treatments included Heavy (H), which were directly finished, Medium (M), which were backgrounded prior to finishing, and Light (L), which were backgrounded and then grazed during the summer before being placed on a finishing diet. Each treatment was subdivided into two management practices: Conventional (CON) in which productivity enhancing technologies (PETs) were used (ionophores, steroid implants and beta-adrenergic agonists) and Natural (NAT) in which PETs were removed. Emission intensity (kg CO2e kg-1 boneless beef) of HNAT was 17.3 to 20.1% higher than HCON, MNAT was 20.3 to 20.5% higher than MCON and LNAT were 11.5–12.6% higher than LCON treatment. Conventional treatments, using PET’s, reduced GHG emissions, however grazing should be considered for its potential to store and promote carbon sequestration in perennial grasslands.
159 In vitro Characterization of Potential Pig Calcium-sensing Receptor (CaSR) Ligands and Cell Signaling Pathways Related to CaSR Activation by a Dual-luciferase Reporter Assay
Authors: Zhao Xiaoya , Hui Qianru , Azevedo Paula , O Karmin , Yang Chengbo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a pivotal regulator of calcium homeostasis. Our previous study has found that pig CaSR (pCaSR) is widely expressed in intestinal segments in weaned piglets. To characterize the activation of pCaSR by potential ligands and related cell signaling pathways, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed for the ligands screening and molecular docking was utilized to predict the binding mode of identified ligands. Our results showed that the dual-luciferase reporter assay system was well suited for pCaSR research and its ligand screening. The extracellular calcium activated pCaSR in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 4.74 mM through the Gq/11 signaling pathway, EC50 = 2.85 mM through extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation signaling pathway, and EC50 = 2.26 mM through the Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) activation signaling pathway. Moreover, the activation of pCaSR stimulated by extracellular calcium showed biased agonism through three main signaling pathways: ERK1/2 phosphorylation signaling, Gq/11 signaling, and G12/13 signaling. Both L-Tryptophan and α-casein (90–95) could activate the pCaSR in the presence of extracellular calcium. Furthermore, we characterized the L-tryptophan binding pocket formed by pCaSR residues TRP 70, SER 147, ALA168, SER 169, SER 170, ASP 190, GLU 297, ALA 298, and ILE 416, as well as the α-casein (90–95) binding pocket formed by pCaSR residues PRO188, ASN189, GLU191, HIS192, LYS225, LEU242, ASP480, VAL486, GLY487, VAL513, and TYR514. In conclusion, similar to the human CaSR, the pCaSR also shows biased agonism through three main signaling pathways and both α-casein (90–95) and L-tryptophan are agonists for pCaSR. Furthermore, the binding sites of α-casein (90–95) and L-tryptophan are mainly located within the extracellular domain of pCaSR.
163 DNA Methylation Across Generation in Bovine
Authors: Sirard Marc Andre A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Scientists are starting to realize that some effects from the animal environment may affect their progeny’s phenotype. These epidemiological evidences of early life programming are very well described in humans and rodents but less documented in bovines, especially in relation to the peri-conceptual period. In fact, as other species the bovine gametes may carry non-genetic information that will impact the survival, the fitness and the phenotype of the embryo-fetus-offspring. Using a peri-pubertal age model we have compared the semen of bulls that we obtained at different ages just after puberty for whole genome DNA methylation, miRNA content and open DNA access regions to identify mechanistic relation to gene expression and DNA methylation in embryos created with the same bulls compared to themselves and mated by IVF to the same heifer several times. A similar experiment was also done with pre-peri and post puber heifers using the same adult bull for repetitive IVF. The overall results indicate that the same pathways are affected in embryos from immature parents. The targeted processes are overwhelmingly associated with cellular metabolism involving mitochondria function and the mTOR pathways amongst others. A very similar conclusion was also observed with embryos obtained from adult mothers under negative energy balance and the resulting calves obtained by surrogate gestations using blood DNA methylation to assess the intergenerational legacy. These results support a metabolic programming across generation associated with an energy deficient status of the parent.
162 Fetal Programming and Meat Quality
Authors: Duarte Marcio , Gionbelli Mateus P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
For many years, variation in carcass and meat quality traits was thought to result from actions taken throughout the animals’ life after birth. However, the quantity and quality of meat obtained at slaughter are not always as good as expected. The past decade has increased the number of evidence of the effects of intrauterine development of skeletal muscle on animal performance that affects the carcass and meat quality traits. The so-called “Fetal Programming” concept sheds light on the biology of skeletal muscle development in meat animals, revealing that this development stage appears to be a pivotal moment to invest efforts aiming to improve animal productivity and the quality of meat. Because most, if not all, of the muscle fibers are formed prenatally in livestock species, the impairment of muscle fiber formation at this stage will limit the overall muscle mass deposition throughout postnatal life. Intramuscular adipocytes also start their formation at the fetal stage. As such, since the intramuscular fat depot has a lower deposition rate than other fat depots, enhancement of intramuscular adipogenesis during the fetal stage may increase marbling deposition postnatally. Muscle fibers, adipocytes, and fibroblasts, which contribute to connective tissue formation, are derived from the same pool of mesenchymal stem (MS) cells. Depending on the insult suffered during intrauterine development, their commitment may shift from myogenic towards adipogenic/fibrogenic lineage. So far, most of the evidence in livestock animals has shown that maternal nutrition during gestation is the main factor that influences the mechanisms underlying the commitment of the MS cells. Although the majority of these studies have shown the consequences of maternal nutrition on myogenesis, adipogenesis, and fibrogenesis, the epigenetic markers that cause the programming of MS cells to undergo to one lineage or another needs to be further investigated.
160 Studies of Sperm DNA Methylation Variations and Their Potential Regulations on Production and Reproduction Traits in Cattle and Pigs
Authors: Yu Ying , Chen Siqian , Liu Shuli , Fang Lingzhao , Zhang Shengli 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Identification of inter-individual variations of sperm DNA methylation is very essential for elucidating phenotypic variation of reproduction and production traits. We had generated 28 sperm whole genome sequencing (WGBS) data from healthy individuals. We detected 46 variably methylated regions (VMRs) significantly (P &lt; 5.77 × 10−5) associated with reproduction traits. These significant VMRs were also co-localized (±10 kb) with genes related to sperm motility and reproduction, including ZFP36L1, CRISP2 and HGF. To further identify epigenomic markers associated with reproduction and production traits, we generated WGBS dada for a specific pair of monozygotic twin artificial insemination Holstein bulls with moderately different sperm qualities (Bull1 &gt; Bull2). We found 528 differentially methylated regions between the twin bulls, which spanned or overlapped with 309 differentially methylated genes (DMG). These DMG were particularly associated with reproduction, embryo development and the nervous system. To further obtain DNA methylation markers involved in the diversity of porcine reproduction and production traits due to long-term artificial selection, we profiled sperm DNA methylation of three commercial pig breeds--Duroc, Landrace and Large White. we found the hypomethylated regions (HMRs) were highly conserved among pig breeds, while 1040–1666 breed-specific HMRs were identified and associated with the QTLs of embryonic developmental and phenotypic changes. By integrating reduced representation bisulfite sequencing public data of pig testis, we further defined 1743 conservative HMRs between sperm and testis, which may play a role in spermatogenesis process. Overall, our studies demonstrated associations of sperm DNA methylation with bovine and porcine production and reproduction traits, highlighting the potential of epigenomic information in genomic improvement programs for livestock. (*: yuying@cau.edu.cn)
171 The Northeast Georgia Beef Cattle Short Course: An Eight-year Review
Authors: Blackwell Marrissa J , Lamm Alexa , Stewart R Lawton 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A study was conducted to assess the economic impact and knowledge retention of participants that attended the Northeast Georgia Beef Cattle Short course over an eight-year period. The course is an educational program hosted by the University of Georgia Extension Service that brings evidence-based science, technology, and economic and management strategies to Georgia beef cattle producers. The short course is taught annually, lasts a full day, and offers guest speakers and demonstrations from University of Georgia faculty and staff along with industry professionals. Non-formal feedback received from participants showcases its value and supports its continuation, but little is known about how the program impacts beef production in Georgia. The goal of the study was to quantify the long-term impact of the short course while developing an assessment tool that can be used to analyze and improve the course moving forward. Qualtrics was used to distribute a survey to 308 attendees of the short course to gather information on respondents’ role in the cattle industry, knowledge of the concepts taught, comfort level utilizing what was learned, and self-reported economic impact. The response rate was 22% for this study. 41% of respondents are retired individuals, 18% were involved in agricultural production and the remainder of participants represented outside professions. 14% of respondents reported that they believed the knowledge they gained during the short course allowed them to save or gain more than $20 per head. An additional 84% reported an economic impact up to $20/head. The most frequently reported source of cattle information was extension programs, at 17%. Based on these data, Extension has a significant impact on the Georgia cattle industry. In order to further develop the program, the recommendation is made that future courses can be developed to further build relationships with cattle producers and larger operations across the state.
178 Grazing Toxic Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue Alters Monocyte Abundance and White Blood Cell Expression of Prolactin and NF-kB Pathway Genes in Beef Steers
Authors: Winfrey Cecilia , Lindemann Merlin D , Matthews James 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The hypotheses tested were that (a) summer-long (84 d) grazing of endophyte-infected tall fescue (TE) would alter the count of circulating leukocytes (WBC) and WBC expression of key prolactin and NF-kB pathway genes and (b) that ad libitum intake of an 1:1 blend (MIX) sodium selenite (ISe) and SELPLEX vs ISe in a vitamin-mineral mix (V-M, 27 ppm Se) would ameliorate negative TE effects. Sixteen TE-naïve beef steers depleted of Se were randomly assigned to ad libitum consumption of ISe vs MIX for 35 d. Within Se-form treatments, 2 steers (ISe = 316±37 kg, MIX = 314±39 kg) were randomly assigned to graze each of 4, 2-acre TE paddocks for 84 d and had ad libitum access to their respective V-M. Paddock was the experimental unit (n = 4). The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to assess effect of grazing TE (d 0 vs 84), Se-form (ISe vs MIX), and their interaction on clinical parameters WBC, and relative mRNA content (RT-PCR) in blood. Whole blood Se was 24% greater (P &lt; 0.01) for MIX steers and decreased (P &lt; 0.01) 34% by d 84. Serum prolactin decreased 88% by d 84 and was 98% greater (P &lt; 0.01) for MIX steers on d 84. Monocytes decreased (P &lt; 0.01) 47% with TE and were 67% lower (P = 0.04) in MIX steers. Grazing of TE altered mRNA content of CISH, STA5B, PPIB, AGAP2, and SPRLR; and IL-8, RELA, NFKBIA, TLR, IKBKG, ZAP70, and LCK; of the prolactin (P ≤ 0.05) and NF-kB (P ≤ 0.04) pathways, respectively. In contrast, Se form had no effect (P ≥ 0.07) on mRNA content. Summer-long consumption of TE by steers altered monocyte numbers and expression of prolactin and NF-kB genes, but ad libitum intake of MIX Se forms did not ameliorate these effects.