bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
320 Liver Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Important Genes Involved in the Feed Efficiency of Lactating Cows Fed a High and Low Starch Diet
Authors: Dai Xiaoxia , Li Wenli , Fischer Amelie , Kalscheur Kenneth 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The objectives of this study were to identify different gene expression and metabolic pathways in the liver associated with feed efficiency of lactating cows fed high or low starch diets. Ten lactating cows were involved in a cross-over design experiment consisting of two 56-d treatment periods with 11-d diet adaptation fed either high starch (HS; 27% starch) or low starch (LS; 13% starch) diets. Feed efficiency, measured by residual feed intake (RFI), was estimated based on the difference between observed and expected metabolizable energy intake within each experimental period. The 3 highest RFI cows were considered high RFI (HRFI), the 3 lowest RFI cows were considered low (LRFI), and the remaining 4 cows were considered medium (MRFI) in each experimental period. Total RNA was used for next-generation RNA sequencing analysis. Raw reads were mapped to the cattle genome (UMD3.1) using STAR. Differential gene expression analysis was done using Cufflinks. We discovered 642 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HS and LS (FDR&lt; 0.05) with 240 genes upregulated and 402 genes downregulated for HS versus LS diet. Via gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis (FDR&lt; 0.05), these genes were enriched in 25 gene ontology (GO) pathways related to mitochondria components and 4 GO biological processes involved in peptide metabolism. There were 1427 DEGs impacted by RFI (FDR&lt; 0.05), of which 829 were upregulated, and 598 were downregulated in LRFI compared to HRFI. The 6 GO biological processes enriched by these genes were mainly related to organic substrate metabolism processing and carbon metabolism (FDR&lt; 0.05). Between the DEGs affected by diet and RFI, 522 DGEs were unique to diet and 1307 DEGs were unique to RFI. Our results suggested that genes contributing to different RFIs and the ones associated with the dietary starch treatment may impact distinct pathways. Further functional annotation of these genes may improve feed efficiency.
335 Evaluation of Hempseed Cake on Cattle Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Feeding Behavior in Finishing Diets
Authors: Winders Thomas , Serum Eric , Smith David J , Neville Bryan W , Mia Kafi , Amat Samat , Dahlen Carl R , Swanson Kendall C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
As cannabinoid production continues to increase, there is increasing interest in feeding byproducts of industrial hemp production to livestock. An experiment using crossbred heifers (n = 31; initial BW= 494 kg, SE = 10) was conducted to determine the effects of feeding hempseed cake in a corn-based finishing diet (10% forage) formulated to meet or exceed ruminally degradable and metabolizable protein requirements on growth, performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior. Heifers were assigned randomly to one of two treatments: 1.) diet containing 20% dried distillers grains plus solubles (CON, n = 16), or 2.) diet containing 20% hempseed cake (HEMP, n = 15) on a dry-matter basis. Cattle were housed in two pens, had ad-libitum access to feed and water, and individual intakes and feeding behavior were captured using the Insentec BV feeding system across the feeding period (111 d). Final BW was not different (P = 0.28) between CON (696 kg, SE = 12) and HEMP (683 kg, SE = 12) heifers. Dry matter intake was not different between treatments (P = 0.99), while CON cattle had improved ADG and feed efficiency (G:F; P ≤ 0.04) compared to HEMP cattle. Carcass characteristics were not different (P ≥ 0.20) between treatments for all parameters measured. Control and HEMP cattle were not different (P ≥ 0.34) for number of meals, time spent eating, number of visits to the bunk per day, meal size, or eating rate. Feeding hempseed cake reduced ADG and G:F while having no effect on other performance measures, carcass characteristics, or feeding behavior. Overall, these data suggest hempseed cake could be a viable alternative feed source for ruminants depending on availability and cost. Further understanding of hempseed cakes’ nutrient utilization is critical to determining this products viability as a feedstuff for cattle.
333 Assessment of Spent Hemp Biomass as a Potential Feedstuff in Ruminant Diets
Authors: Parker Nathan , Ford Hunter , Bionaz Massimo , Trevisi Erminio , Ates Serkan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp (Cannabis sativa) from the Controlled Substances Act, classifying it as an agricultural product. The process of cannabidiol extraction from hemp yields large quantities of spent hemp biomass (SHB) that may potentially be included in animal diets. However, the use of SHB in animal diets has not been approved by FDA yet since its effect on animal health, production and product quality is still unknown. Thus, a feeding study was carried out to investigate the effects of varying levels of SHB and a four-week withdrawal period on feed intake and liveweight gains of weaned lambs. A total of 35 weaned, male Polypay lambs kept in single pens were randomly assigned to five feeding treatments (n=7) and fed diets containing either no SHB (CON) or SHB at 10% (LH1) or 20% (HH1) for 4 weeks with 4 weeks withdrawal from SHB, or SHB at 10 (LH2) or 20% (HH2) for 8 weeks. The nutritive analysis of the SHB indicated a high-quality feed, with 20% (DM) crude protein and 27% NDF. Dry matter (DM) intake of lambs was negatively affected by 20% SHB during the first period. In the second period, DM intake was larger in lambs fed 10% SHB vs. CON, with the largest feed intake observed in HH1 lambs. In contrast, none of the performance data, including liveweight gains, were different across the groups and periods. Feeding 20% SHB decreased plasma cholesterol, NEFA, BHBA, Ca, and Cl and increased urea and Mg, while 10% SHB increased glucose, cholesterol, and NEFA. Our findings indicated that 10% SHB can be included in ruminant diets without causing any detrimental effect on performance with a possible positive effect on feed intake. The long-term feeding of 20% SHB strongly affects the metabolism.
344 Replacing a High-roughage Receiving Diet with a High-energy Finishing Diet Improved Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency with No Impact on Health of High-risk Newly-received Calves
Authors: Crawford David M , Richeson John , Perkins Thomas L , Samuelson Kendall L 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This study evaluated impacts of feeding a finishing diet throughout both the receiving and finishing period compared to a receiving diet with adaptation to the finishing diet on health, performance, ruminal pH, and rumination of high-risk feedlot cattle. Five truck-load blocks of steers and bulls (n = 400) were used in a generalized complete block design and assigned to receive: 1) finishing diet for the entire feeding period (FIN) or 2) receiving diet for the first 56 d, followed by transition to the finishing diet (REC). All cattle were consuming the same diet on d 74. A subset of cattle (n = 48) were randomly selected to quantify ruminal pH, temperature, and rumination time. Ultrasounds were completed on d 0, 74, and 146 to determine fat thickness. Cattle fed REC had greater (treatment × day; P &lt; 0.01) DMI from d 1 to 67 but less DMI from d 74 to 82, and DMI did not differ from d 83 to 174. Energy intake (treatment × day; P &lt; 0.01) was greater for FIN from d 14 to 75. Cattle consuming FIN had greater (P ≤ 0.01) ADG and BW and improved (P &lt; 0.01) gain:feed from day 0 to 74. At d 174, BW of FIN was 9.6 kg greater (P = 0.02). On d 74, FIN had greater (P ≤ 0.05) fat thickness but did not differ (P ≥ 0.61) at d 146. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.31) in health outcomes. Ruminal pH (treatment × day; P &lt; 0.01) was greater for FIN on d 2 and 61, and rumination time was less (P &lt; 0.01) for FIN from d 0 to 28. Overall, these results suggest providing a finishing diet to high-risk calves upon arrival may be a viable alternative to a traditional receiving diet.
338 Nitrogen Use Efficiency Is Proportionally More Improved When Young Bulls Are Ranked on Residual Body Gain Rather Than on Residual Feed Intake
Authors: Lopez Pablo Guarnido , Marty Isabelle Ortigues , Gonzalo Cantalapiedra-Hijar 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Animals with superior feed efficiency (FE) may also have an improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), which would be beneficial to economic profitability while reducing environmental impacts. When genetically selecting animals on FE, it is preferable to use residual traits [e.g. residual feed intake (RFI) or residual body gain (RG)] rather than ratios because of their predictable genetic outcomes. We studied the relationship of RFI and RG with NUE, estimated from the validated 15N abundance in plasma, across two contrasted diets based on corn or grass silages. We evaluated FE of 588 (half by diet) Charolais bulls (545 ± 57 kg BW) from 12 experimental cohorts (different farms and periods) over 200 days. Before the end of the FE test, plasma was sampled and analyzed for δ 15N. NUE was related to FE through simple-linear models with variables previously corrected for the cohort and diet effects. The models’ slopes were standardized according to FE deviation in order to compare the response of NUE to FE between indices. Higher NUE was related to higher FE (P &lt; 0.001), showing positive correlations with RG (r=-0.40) and negative with RFI (r=0.29). However, the standardized slope of NUE to RG was significantly higher (+28%; P &lt; 0.05) than that of NUE to RFI. This stronger NUE relation to RG compared to RFI could reflect a higher potential of RG animals to deposit N as compared to a more conservational N metabolism in RFI individuals. Regarding diets, and despite the correction of NUE and FE for this effect, the slopes of NUE to FE were numerically (P &gt; 0.05) higher (-16% and +36%; for RG and RFI) in corn-based diets, which agrees with superior NUE observed in corn-vs-grass diets. Results suggested that superior RG animals may present proportionally higher NUE than superior RFI animals, with even better results in corn-vs-grass diets.
357 Effect of Energy Supplementation on Growth, Health, and Carcass Traits of Pasture-raised Lambs
Authors: Grev Amanda M , Schoenian Susan , Semler Jeffery W , O’Brien Dahlia 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Energy is often the most limiting nutrient in pasture diets. The effect of energy supplementation on the growth, health, and carcass traits of pasture-raised lambs was investigated. Seventy-nine Katahdin ram lambs were delivered to the Western Maryland Research & Education Center on June 15. After an 11-d acclimation period, lambs were allocated to two treatment groups based on age, weight, birth type, and FEC. Lambs in the PASTURE group (n = 40) rotationally grazed 2 ha of high quality, mixed pasture for 102 d. Lambs in the SUPPL group (n = 39) grazed similar pastures and were hand-fed a daily energy supplement (450 g of whole barley). The groups were handled bi-weekly to determine body weights, FAMACHA©, BCS, and dag scores. Individual fecal samples were collected upon arrival and at two additional time points. Lambs were ultrasound scanned on Sept 25 to determine carcass traits. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05. ADG varied considerably among weigh periods. Standard deviations were typically quite large, indicating wide variation in individual performance. Overall, the SUPPL lambs had higher ADG (P &lt; 0.01), more backfat (P &lt; 0.03), and higher BCS (P &lt; 0.01) than the PASTURE lambs. There were no statistical differences in starting weight, ending weight, and loin depth. While internal parasites were not a problem during the study (only one lamb had a FAMACHA© score &gt;4), PASTURE lambs had lower FEC (P &lt; 0.05) on August 17 (240 ± 81 vs. 468 ± 80 epg). The value of additional gain (0.9 kg) would not have covered the cost of feed; however, four lambs were removed from the PASTURE group (due to death or failure to thrive) whereas only two lambs were removed from the SUPPL group. The study will be repeated in 2021 with similar lambs and protocol.
364 Blood Profile of Kiko Does Raised on Grass-legume-mixed Pastures vs. Sole-grass Pastures During Fall
Authors: Tiwari Anand , Karki Uma , Norwood Kendra , Johnson Ja’Nia , Karki Lila B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Goats raised in pastures dominated with perennial grasses in the southeast United States commonly show poor health and performance. Addition of legumes to grass pastures may improve nutrient content and enhance animal performance. However, how legume addition to pastures would impact blood profile in goats has not been documented well. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of legume-grass mixed pastures on the blood profile of Kiko does. The study was conducted in fall 2020 using 10 fenced plots (average plot size: 0.44 ha). Five plots were sown to southern peas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)-browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L. Nguyen) 50:50 mix) and remaining five plots to sole browntop millet. Nineteen Kiko does (initial age 15–16 months and live weight - 34 ± 1.4 kg) were divided into two uniform groups: Group 1 and Group 2. Does in Group 1 were allocated to legume-grass plots and Group 2 to sole grass plots; they were rotationally stocked in their respective plots for 87 days. Blood samples were collected on Day 1 before allowing them to their respective plots, Day 47, and Day 87. Samples were analyzed for different cellular and metabolic parameters. GLM procedure in SAS 9.4. was used to analyze the data. Group-1 does had higher level of basophil, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen, but lower level of globulin concentration was significantly higher in compared to Group 2 (P &lt; 0.05). Interaction effect of group and sampling date occurred for 21 variables (P &lt; 0.05). Results indicated that addition of legume forage in pastures can alter blood profile of grazing goats. Further investigation on the impact of mixing legumes with grass pastures on animal performance, economics, and soil health will be helpful to understand the holistic effect of legumes on animal agriculture.
363 Relationship Between Parasite Load and Performance in Goat Kids at Weaning and Early Post Weaning
Authors: Adeyemi James , Andries Kenneth , Clement Emily 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Goats are small ruminants that have enormous potential to boost the economy and be a major source of income especially to marginal farmers and landless laborers. A very common and economically important condition, which affects domestic livestock species worldwide, is Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism. Haemonchus contortus is the gastrointestinal parasite most common in small ruminants. To better understand the impact of GI parasitism, a study was conducted to research the relationship between parasite load and performance in goat kids at weaning and 60 d post-weaning. Fecal samples were collected at weaning and 60 d post-weaning and egg counts were performed using the modified McMasters technique. Data collected included weights, Fecal Egg Count at weaning, and at 60 d post-weaning. The average fecal egg count at weaning was 830 eggs per gram and 1103 eggs per gram 60 d post-weaning for H. contortus. Egg count at weaning was significantly related to weight at both weaning and 60 d post-weaning (P &lt; .0001 and P = .0003 respectively), but not to ADG (P &gt; .05). Fecal egg count at 60 d post-weaning was not significantly related to either weight or ADG (P &gt; .05). Egg counts at weaning and 60 days post-weaning were not related (P = .0708). The results indicate that early parasite infection can influence animal weights. The lack of a significant correlation between egg counts at weaning and 60 d post weaning indicates a need to evaluate parasite load at later ages in kids when selecting for resistance.
474 Comparison Between Copper Sulfate and Dicopper Oxide on Body Weight and Copper Accumulation on Growing Pigs
Authors: Blavi Laia , Solà-Oriol David , Monteiro Alessandra , Perez José Francisco , Stein Hans-Henrik H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
There are several Cu sources in the market that have different effects on pigs. We hypothesized that supplementing therapeutic doses of Cu(I)oxide (Cu2O) in diets for growing pigs improves body weight (BW), bone mineralization, and reduces Cu accumulation in liver than supplementing pigs with Cu sulfate (CuSO4). Two-hundred growing pigs (initial BW: 11.5 ± 0.98 kg) were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments. Dietary treatments included the negative control (NC) diet without Cu supplementation, and 4 diets in which 125 or 250 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO4 or Cu2O were added to the NC diet. The experiment was divided into 4 phases. Pig weights were recorded on d 1 and at the end of each phase. Eight pigs per treatment were sacrificed last d of phases 1 and 4 to obtain samples of liver, spleen, and the right metacarpal. Pigs fed diets containing 250 mg/kg of Cu2O had greater (P &lt; 0.05) BW at the end of phases 1 and 2 than pigs fed the NC diet, and tended (P &lt; 0.10) to have greater BW at the end of phases 3 and 4 than pigs fed the other diets. Copper accumulation in liver and spleen increased with Cu dose, but at the end of phase 1, pigs fed 250 mg/kg CuSO4 had greater (P &lt; 0.05) Cu concentration in liver and spleen than pigs fed 250 mg/kg Cu2O. Pigs fed diets containing 250 mg/kg Cu2O had greater (P &lt; 0.05) quantities of bone ash and greater (P &lt; 0.05) concentrations of Ca, P, and Cu in bone ash than pigs fed the NC diets or diets containing CuSO4. Therefore, supplementing diets for growing pigs with therapeutic doses of Cu2O improves BW and bone mineralization with less Cu accumulation in liver compared with pigs fed diets containing CuSO4.
487 Student Opinions on Insect-based Protein Sources Within Companion Animal and Human Diets
Authors: Ange-van Heugten Kimberly D , Aker Savannah , Barbour Hope , Horne Destiny 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The use of insect-based alternatives as protein sources for companion animal and human foods is a popular discussion area for university students. Many students are not familiar with industries that produce these protein sources or how they are included within diets. In the Spring 2021 semester, teaching assistants for Introduction to Companion Animals (ANS 105) and Companion Animal Management (ANS 400) surveyed students to determine their opinions on having their companion animals or themselves consume insect-based diets. The online survey required participants to watch one video and read one website briefly detailing the value of insect consumption. The survey focused on evaluating whether students in the freshman level ANS 105 class had different opinions on insect consumption from upperclassmen in ANS 400. ANS 105 enrollment was 50% animal science majors compared to 100% in ANS 400. When students were asked if they would consider feeding their companion animal an insect-based diet, the classes did not differ (P=0.843). For ANS 105 (n=96), 78 ± 4.2% would consider insect-based companion animal feeds versus 77±5.8% in ANS 400 (n=52). Similarly, the classes did not differ when asked if they would consider insect-based diet items for themselves (P=0.826). Only 42±5.0% of ANS 105 and 40±6.9% of ANS 400 would consider this option. However, student opinions differed (P=0.012) when asked if they would consider feeding their companion animal or themselves meat from domestic animals raised on insect-based diets. In ANS 105, 30±4.2% were less likely to purchase meat products raised with insect protein compared to traditional meats versus 12±5.8% in ANS 400. Students reported numerous reasons they were weary of insect protein including distaste, lack of research, perceived lack of nutrition, unknown GMO or organic status, and vegetarianism. Students within animal science classes would benefit from learning more about insect-based protein alternatives.
492 A New Approach to Teach Laboratory Sessions in an Online Environment to Undergraduate Introductory to Animal Sciences Course
Authors: Maquivar Martin G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, most of the universities across United States limited the amount of in person instruction. This brought a challenging situation in animal sciences courses that required laboratory sessions and hands-on experiences. There is not a real solution to replace the in-person labs, however several approaches can be implemented to overcome some of the challenges for laboratory sessions. Some of the on-line approaches implemented in an introductory class of Animal Sciences during the semester of spring and fall 2020 were live (synchronous) laboratory sessions (live interactions with animals, pre-recorded sessions of the laboratory session, and 360-degree videos of tours to the farms). The main objective of the present report is to assess the usefulness and feedback of these approaches to teach laboratory sessions to an undergraduate introductory animal science course. The official (Blue) university student responses in the course were used to determine the perception and feedback to these approaches. A total of 123 responses were recorded (Spring: 42/96, Fall: 81/174). Overall, no significant differences were observed in terms of the student perception. Overall, the responses were positive toward the laboratory sessions even in an online environment. During the spring semester 40/42 (95%), whereas in 72/81 (88%) strongly agree/mildly agree that labs help them to learn respectively. In terms of the videos used in class and labs, during the spring semester 35/41 (85%) and 68/81 (83%) strongly agree/mildly agree that labs help them to learn. In summary, the new reality due to COVID pandemic is very challenging for Animal Science courses that have laboratory sessions that involves hands-on experiences. Despite this, in conclusion some approaches can be implemented to still provide meaningful experiences to undergraduate students to support their learning and engagement in the introductory animal science course.