bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
222 Corn-expressed Phytase Modulates Serum Amino Acids and Proteomics Profiles in Nursery Pigs Fed with Low-protein, -calcium, and -phosphorous Diets
Authors: Shili Cedrick N N , Habibi Mohammad , Goodarzi Parniyan , Kiyimba Frank , Hartsen Steve , Broomhead Jonathan N , Ramanthan Ranjith , Pezeshki Adel 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Feeding pigs with very low-protein (VLP) and low-phosphorous (P) diets may be useful for decreasing the nutrients excretion to the environment; however, this practice negatively impacts the animals’ growth performance. A beneficial effect of corn-expressed phytase (CEP) on growth performance of pigs fed with VLP diets was shown by our group recently. Little is known whether this improvement is related with alterations in profile of blood proteins and amino acids (AA). The objective of this study was to investigate whether supplementation of VLP, low-calcium (Ca) and low-P diets with a CEP can influence the serum AA and proteomics profiles in pigs. Forty-eight weaned barrows were subjected into one of the following groups (n = 8/group) for 4 weeks: positive control (PC), negative control-reduced protein (NC), NC+low-dose CEP, i.e 2,000 FTU/kg (LD), NC+high-dose CEP, i.e. 4,000 FTU/kg (HD), LD with reduced Ca/P (LDR), and HD with reduced Ca/P (HDR). At week 4, blood samples were collected from all pigs. Compared to PC, NC reduced the serum leucine and phenylalanine concentrations; however, LD recovered their levels. Using trypsinolysis and mass spectrometry, 703 serum proteins were identified and quantified, wherein 25 were found to be differentially expressed among groups. Hierarchical clustering showed a clear separation in proteins identified among dietary groups. Compared to NC, 23 and 24 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in serum of LD and HD groups, respectively, with some important proteins in growth regulation such as SELENOP being upregulated and the IGFBP family being downregulated in these groups. A positive correlation was detected between growth and abundance of BGN, TLN1, PDLIM1 and COL1A2 that are involved in bone mineralization and muscle structure development. Thus, CEP improved the serum profile of some essential AA and affected the expression of proteins involved in regulation of growth in pigs fed with VLP diets.
221 Camelina Meal as an Alternative Ingredient in Growing-finishing Pig Diets
Authors: Hilbrands Adrienne , Li Yuzhi , Johnston Lee , Cox Ryan , Lazarus William , Martin Wayne , Forcella Franklin , Gesch Russ 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to determine the most effective inclusion rate of camelina meal (CM) in growing-finishing pig diets. Pigs (n = 192; 11 wk old), balanced for sex and initial weight, were assigned to 4 dietary treatments (6 pens/treatment; 8 pig/pen). Treatments consisted of a non-GMO corn-soybean meal-based control diet (CON), and CON containing 5% CM (5%CM), 10% (10%CM), or 15% (15%CM) camelina meal. Feed deliveries and pigs were weighed every other week to calculate ADG, ADFI, and Gain:Feed on a pen basis. Focal pigs (5/treatment) were harvested at 23 wk of age at the University of Minnesota abattoir for meat quality analysis (drip loss, pH, fat depth, belly firmness, loin marbling score, shelf life) and the remaining pigs were harvested at a commercial abattoir. Before harvest, real-time ultrasonic measurements of back fat depth and loin eye area were collected on all pigs. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix with dietary treatment as a fixed effect and pen as the experimental unit with data collected over time considered as repeated measures. Pigs fed CON diet consumed more feed than pigs fed CM diets (P = 0.002; Table 1). Pigs fed CON diet exhibited higher (P = 0.002) ADG than pigs consuming 10%CM and 15%CM diets. These differences resulted in heavier (P = 0.003) CON-fed pigs at marketing than 10%CM or 15%CM-fed pigs. There were no significant differences in Gain:Feed, any carcass or meat quality traits analyzed (data not shown). These results suggest that supplementing 5% CM in corn-soybean meal-based diets will not negatively influence growth performance, carcass traits, or meat quality of growing-finishing pigs.
238 Luteal Color Doppler Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Postpartum Bos Taurus Beef Cows
Authors: Holton Matthew P , Oosthuizen Nicky , de Melo Gabriela , Davis Dylan B , Stewart R Lawton , Pohler Ky G , Lamb G Cliff C , Fontes Pedro L 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of corpus luteum (CL) color doppler ultrasonography (CD) for early pregnancy diagnosis in Bos taurus beef cows and evaluate differences in CL blood perfusion among cows that experience late embryonic/early fetal mortality (LEM). Postpartum Bos taurus beef cows (n = 214) from three locations were exposed to a 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol followed by fixed-time artificial insemination (day 0). On days 20 and 22, B-mode and CD ultrasonography were performed to evaluate CL morphometries and blood perfusion, respectively. Cows were considered non-pregnant when CL area was &lt; 20 mm2 or estimated blood perfusion was ≤ 25%. Conventional ultrasonography on day 29 was utilized as the gold standard method. Pregnant cows had greater CL diameter, CL area, and CL volume when compared to non-pregnant cows on day 20 and 22 (P &lt; 0.001; Table 1). Additionally, percentage of central, peripheral, and total luteal blood perfusion, as well as the respective blood perfusion scores were greater (P &lt; 0.001) in pregnant compared with non-pregnant cows on both day 20 and 22. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value (PPV), negative predicted value (NPV), and accuracy for the CD on day 20 were 100, 74, 81, 100, and 88%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for CD on day 22 were 100, 86, 89, 100, and 93%, respectively. Pairwise comparison of receiver operating characteristics curve analysis indicated no differences between CD on days 20 and 22 (P = 0.12). No differences in luteal blood perfusion were observed on day 20 or 22 among cows that maintained pregnancies compared with LEM cows (P ≥ 0.27). In conclusion, CD successfully detected most non-pregnant cows (81 and 89% on day 20 and 22, respectively) and false negative results were absent (NPV = 100%).
235 Uterine Function During Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy Differs Due to Size of the Ovarian Reserve in Beef Heifers
Authors: Cushman Robert A , Rosasco Shelby , Epperson Kaitlin M , Northrop-Albrecht Emmalee J , Rich Jerica J , Chase Chadwick , Miles Jeremy R , Crouse Matthew S , Perry George A , Summers Adam , Snider Alexandria 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The relationship of ovarian reserve parameters to fertility in mammalian females continues to be debated. We demonstrated improved uterine function, creating an environment that is more supportive of early embryonic development in beef heifers with increased numbers of follicles. In the present study we hypothesized that timing of luteolysis differs between heifers with increased compared to heifers with diminished numbers of follicles. Angus heifers (n = 20/ group) were classified as low (14.7 ± 1.1) or high (32 ± 1.1) antral follicle number based on ovarian ultrasonography, and artificially inseminated (d0) following a Select Synch protocol. At d16 after insemination, heifers were slaughtered, and reproductive tracts collected. Tracts were flushed with 20 mL of physiological saline to determine pregnancy status by presence of a conceptus and endometrial samples from the horn ipsilateral to the CL were frozen for determination of transcript abundance. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to determine relative transcript abundance of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and interferon-stimulated gene-15 (ISG15) with glyceraldehyde-3-phospate dehydrogenase as the endogenous reference gene. Transcript abundance was analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with follicle group, pregnancy status and the interaction as fixed effects. Transcript abundance of ISG15 was greater in pregnant endometrium than non-pregnant endometrium (2.75 ± 0.25 vs 0.16 ± 0.22-fold; P &lt; 0.0001) with no influence of follicle group or the interaction. The interaction of follicle group and pregnancy status influenced OXTR transcript abundance (P = 0.06). Luteolytic mechanisms were activated in non-pregnant heifers with diminished numbers of follicles (1.46 ± 0.25-fold) and were not activated in pregnant heifers (0.06 ± 0.22-fold) or heifers with increased numbers of follicles that were not pregnant (0.32 ± 0.30-fold). These data indicate a wider window of recognition of pregnancy in beef heifers with increased numbers of ovarian follicles. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
239 Increased Preovulatory Estradiol Improves Pregnancy Success of Embryo Transfer in Beef Cows
Authors: Ketchum Jaclyn , Perry George A , Epperson Kaitlin M , Quail Lacey , Ogg Makayla , Zezeski Abigail L , Rich Jerica J , Zoca Saulo Menegatti , Kline Adalaide C , Andrews Taylor , Ortega M Sophia , Smith Michael F , Geary Tom W 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Preovulatory estradiol concentrations and expression of estrus have been associated with greater pregnancy rates in beef cattle following AI, thus an experiment was designed to determine if supplemental estradiol (E2) at GnRH-induced ovulation would improve pregnancy retention in postpartum beef cows after embryo transfer. Cows were synchronized with the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR® protocol. On d0 (48h post-prostaglandin) cows were grouped by estrual status (Estrual; n=198, nonestrual; n=406). Nonestrual cows were administered GnRH and randomly assigned to either no treatment (Control; n=204) or administration of 0.1 mg (IM) estradiol 17-β (Estradiol; n=202). In a preliminary study, 0.1 mg (IM) estradiol 17-β increased plasma estradiol (17.11±3.4 pg/mL; P &lt; 0.01) and remained elevated above baseline for approximately 8h compared to control (1.70±0.58 pg/mL). All cows received an in vivo produced embryo on d7. Embryos were matched by grade, stage, and flush across treatments. Pregnancy was classified on d30 by either plasma pregnancy-associated glycoproteins analysis (Year 1) or ultrasonography (Year 2). Plasma estradiol concentrations (d-2, d0h0, d0h2) were analyzed by PROC MIXED as repeated measures in SAS(9.4), while GLIMMIX procedures were used to analyze differences in pregnancy rates with treatment, group, year, and their interactions as fixed effects. There was a treatment by time interaction (P &lt; 0.001) in E2 concentration. There was no difference in plasma E2 concentrations on d0h0 (P &gt;0.30) between treatments. At d0h2, Estradiol cows (15.7±0.25 pg/mL) had greater plasma E2 compared to Estrual (4.0±0.13 pg/mL) or Control (3.4±0.25 pg/mL) cows (P &lt; 0.001), and Estrual cows had greater plasma E2 than Control cows (P = 0.02). Control cows had decreased (26%) pregnancy rates compared to both Estradiol (37%; P = 0.03) and Estrual (40%; P = 0.01) cows. Pregnancy rates did not differ (P = 0.51) between the Estrual and Estradiol cows. In conclusion, elevated preovulatory concentrations of estradiol are critical for improved pregnancy retention following embryo transfer.
249 Effects of Maternal Nutrient Restriction During Late Gestation on Uterine Blood Flow and Placental Size in the Primiparous Bovine Dam
Authors: Redifer Colby A , Wichman Lindsey G , Meyer Allison M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
To determine effects of late gestational maternal nutrient restriction (NR) on uteroplacental blood flow and placental growth, primiparous fall-calving crossbred beef heifers [BW: 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7] were individually-fed either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (n = 13) of energy and protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth during the last 120 days of gestation. Transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography of both uterine arteries was conducted pre-treatment and every 21 d during treatments. Placentas were split into ipsilateral and contralateral sides, dissected (cotyledonary vs. intercotyledonary), and dried. Data were analyzed with treatment, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P &lt; 0.25) as fixed effects. Uterine blood flow included day and treatment x day (repeated measures). Dam BW was less (P ≤ 0.01) from d 223 of gestation through parturition for NR dams, but calf BW was not affected (P = 0.72) by treatment. The interaction affected (P &lt; 0.01) heart rate, where NR dams had decreased heart rate after treatments began. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.20) uterine artery blood flow or hemodynamics, but all variables were affected (P ≤ 0.04) by day. Contralateral total and cotyledonary weights tended (P ≤ 0.09) to be greater and ipsilateral and total cotyledonary:intercotyledonary ratios were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for CON. Cotyledon number, cotyledon size, and total cotyledonary, intercotyledonary, and placental weight were not affected (P ≥ 0.15) by treatment. Relative to dam BW, uterine blood flow was not affected (P = 0.83), but relative placental weight tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in NR dams. In the current study, NR dams lost maternal BW during late gestation and had less contralateral placental growth, yet uterine blood flow was maintained and placental size relative to BW ensured fetal growth similar to CON offspring.
252 Impact of Pre- and Postnatal Nutritional Extremes on Tonic Secretion of Gonadotropins and Feedback Responsiveness to Estradiol in Sexually Mature Heifers
Authors: Garza Viviana , Kellerman Julie I , Maia Tatiane S , Cardoso Rodolfo C , Williams Gary L 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objectives were to test the hypotheses that nutritional extremes during prenatal development interact with postnatal nutrition during the juvenile period of heifers to impact 1) tonic secretion of gonadotropins, and 2) estradiol-17β (E2) negative and positive feedback responsiveness in adulthood. Heifers were selected from a larger population programmed nutritionally using a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of pre- and postnatal diets. Beginning at 90 days of pregnancy, Bos indicus-influenced cows (n = 95) were fed to achieve body condition scores (BCS; 1–9 scale) of 3–3.5 (L; thin), 5.5–6 (M; moderate), or 7.5–8 (H; obese) by onset of the third trimester and maintained thereafter. Heifer offspring were weaned at 3–3.5 months of age and assigned to either a low- (L; 0.5 kg/day) or high-gain (H; 1.0 kg/day) diet until 8 mo. of age, then fed a common diet until puberty. Heifers (n = 18; 6/grp) representing HH, MH and LL combinations were ovariectomized postpubertally (17.1 mo. of age) and received E2 replacement. In Exp. 1, blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals to evaluate pulsatile secretion of LH and FSH for 5.5 hours. In Exp. 2, heifers received E2 (2.4 ug/kg I.M.), with blood sampling at 30-min to 1-h intervals for 30 h. Heifers in the MH (1.25 ± 0.11 ng/mL) group tended (P &lt; 0.09) to have greater LH pulse amplitude compared to HH (0.91 ± 0.14 ng/mL) and LL (0.96 ± 0.09 ng/mL); otherwise, frequency, amplitude, and mean concentrations of LH and FSH did not differ among groups. Exogenous E2 (Exp. 2) suppressed (P &lt; 0.0001) mean plasma concentrations of LH and FSH equally among groups, then stimulated equivalent surges of LH beginning at 14 ± 0.02 h, with only two FSH surges detected. Neither pre- nor postnatal nutrition affected E2 negative or positive feedback in this study.
259 The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Mitigating the Effect of Heat Stress
Authors: Tesfaye Dawit 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Environmental heat stress negatively affects the fertility of dairy cows by disrupting reproductive processes spanning from follicular development to maternal recognition of pregnancy. Investigation of cellular level responses to stress would contribute to the understanding of the mechanism behind survival responses. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which carry biologically active signaling molecules, are reported to play a significant role in the cellular response to stress. They are produced by almost all types of cells and abundantly present in various biological fluids including follicular fluid, oviductal fluid, uterine fluids in vivo, and in spent culture media in vitro. Those EV-coupled molecular signals in biological fluids are indicative of the physiological status of the cells of their origin. This has been evidenced by the presence of EV-mediated miRNA signals in follicular fluid associated with the metabolic status of cows. Recent studies revealed the potential role of follicular fluid EVs in carrying molecular signals which can reverse or protect the damage incurred by heat stress in bovine oocytes. In addition to cellular defense responses (activation of HSP70 and HSP90, NRF2 and GRP78 & 94), bovine granulosa cells exposed to heat stress in vitro released EVs enriched with selected mRNA (HSP90 and SOD1) and miRNAs. Among others, miR-1246, miR-374a, and miR-2904 were found to be enriched in EVs released from granulosa cells exposed to thermal stress. Those miRNAs were found to regulate pathways related to heat and endoplasmic reticulum stress responses. The priming of recipient bovine granulosa cells by EVs derived from heat-stressed granulosa cells induced tolerance against recurrent heat stress. Collectively, EV-mediated molecular signals would provide another layer of cell-to-cell communication and deliver protective signals against oxidative stress to recipient cells. This would provide opportunities for future potential application of EVs in tackling oxidative stress-associated fertility problems in humans and animals.
263 Characterizing Vaginal Bacterial Community Composition in Brangus Heifers
Authors: Messman Riley D , Contreras-Correa Zully E , Paz Henry A , Lemley Caleb O 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The role of the reproductive tract microbiota is an emerging field receiving considerable attention in human research, whereby the vaginal microbiota has been characterized in relation to fertility, conception, pregnancy, and parturition. However, the acidic, Lactobaccillus dominated vaginal microbiota in humans contrasts the neutral, dynamic microbial environment characterized in cattle. Over the past few years, many postpartum studies in dairy cattle described a mechanism recently proposed in humans, the ascension of the vaginal microbiota into the uterine body at the onset of labor. Although bovine fetal sterility prior to parturition is under debate, the vaginal microbiota is an early contact for the neonate with microorganisms and inoculates the uterus during parturition. Thus, any changes occurring in the vaginal microbiota could have implications in dam and calf health; this, combined with ease of access, led to the current research focusing on the bovine vaginal microbiota. Characterization studies during the estrous cycle, gestation, and postpartum period have been performed, concluding the bovine vaginal microbiota is dynamic. However, due to the low abundance in the vaginal microbiota, the seemingly small taxonomic changes reported in these studies could be of great importance. Secondly, researchers have begun to evaluate the effect of exogenous and endogenous hormone concentrations on the vaginal microbiota. Little to no differences have been found except with exogenous melatonin supplementation. In pregnant heifers, exogenous melatonin altered the beta diversity of the vaginal tract by increasing aerobic bacteria present. Moreover, a study evaluating the effects of nutrient restriction on the vaginal microbiota found no taxonomic or structure differences. These findings have allowed researchers to target paucities, improve methodology, and realize the importance of the reproductive tract microbiota. In short, based on these studies, future research examining the role of the reproductive tract microbiota could uncover mechanisms vital to increasing reproductive performance.
258 W112 Reproductive Performance in Domestic Ruminants: 50 Years of accomplishment: a USDA-NIFA Multistate Research Project
Authors: Shipka Milan P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This symposium acknowledges the founders of W112 Reproductive Performance in Domestic Ruminants. The contributions they made laid foundation collaborative efforts that continued over the next half century. The W112 really began in 1969 as a rewritten project involving several Agricultural Experiment Stations. That original project was W-49, that had been in existence at least as early as 1958. Upon approval of the project renewal in early 1970, the project was renamed W112 Reproductive Performance in Domestic Ruminants. The list of names of participants is like a who’s who of reproductive physiologists, too long to enumerate here. Increasing knowledge of physiology and endocrinology were paramount during the early years. Development, improvement, and sharing of analytical techniques improved accuracy of results, safety of procedures, and knowledge to be gained from the research. Concurrently, mechanistic basic and applied studies involving oocyte development, ovulation, sperm development, fertilization, pregnancy, and parturition all brought new understanding of the reproductive biology of domestic species. A good deal of what we currently know of the reproductive biology of ruminant animals finds some basis in laboratories involved in W112 collaborations. The unique nature of these scientists resulted from their mutual respect. Many young scientists found mentors in W112 that assisted us in developing our own research programs. And the support has not ended with research collaboration. It has been common for project participants to share teaching resources and serve on graduate student committees for each other’s students, fostering future involvement in the project. The W112 began slightly more than 50 years ago. Those of us who have been part of this group share a hope that the multistate project named Reproductive Performance in Domestic Ruminants will still be meeting the same goals of collaboration and support among scientists working to further animal agriculture for another 50 years and more.
261 Effects of Dam Nutrition on Offspring Metabolism
Authors: Govoni Kristen E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Maternal diet during gestation is important for proper fetal growth and development. There is evidence that poor maternal nutrition (restricted- and over-feeding) can alter growth of the fetus with long-term consequences on postnatal growth and adult maintenance. Additionally, maternal diet can program offspring for altered metabolism which leads to increased fat deposition and likely reduced efficiency of production later in life. Using livestock models, we and others have demonstrated insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and increased adiposity in response to poor maternal nutrition. These systemic changes are likely due to altered metabolic regulation at the tissue level. Using a sheep model, we have evidence that poor maternal nutrition also alters key metabolic profiles in muscle and liver, key metabolic tissues, in offspring. Specifically, in offspring of restricted-fed ewes, similar profiles of amino acid (e.g. branched-chain amino acids, histidine, methionine) and lipid (e.g. triglycerides) metabolites were altered in blood, liver, and muscle. In the muscle of offspring from restricted- and over-fed ewes, lipid and protein metabolic profiles diverged between the two treatment groups. This demonstrates different mechanisms contributing to altered metabolism of offspring from ewes restricted- and over-fed during gestation. The similar changes in metabolic profiles at both the systemic and local level suggest complex mechanisms involved in metabolic dysregulation of offspring from poorly fed mothers, which likely contribute to life-long metabolic dysregulation and reduced efficiency of growth and product quality.