bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSVI-9 Effects of Mixing Prior to Automated Packaging in Extended Boar Semen
Authors: Suarez-Trujillo Aridany , Minton Amanda , Nicholls Griffin , Mills Kayla M , Stewart Kara R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
It is known that sperm cells will settle out of extender over time which could impact the concentration per dose within a batch. The objective of this study to investigate the effects of mixing prior to packaging on concentration of packaged insemination doses. At a commercial boar stud, three ejaculates were collected, extended, pooled and assigned to one of three treatment groups: pour-mix (PM) where ejaculates were immediately packaged after combining the three ejaculates, stir-mix (SM) where three ejaculates were combined and stirred thoroughly then packaged, or no mixing (NM) where pooled ejaculates were allowed to sit for 10 min then packaged. Semen was packaged with 35ml per tube creating ~350 individual doses of semen. Every fifth dose was labeled with consecutive numbers (~70/treatment) and overnighted to Purdue University. Concentration of each dose was determined using the NucleoCounter® SP-100TM. The entire study was repeated over 6 weeks. Within treatment, concentration did not differ among doses for the PM and SM treatments. However, NM doses were less concentrated (P&lt; 0.001) in doses &gt;300 compared to all others and doses 251–300 were less concentrated than doses 1 to 50. NM samples 1–250 averaged 36.12 million cells/ml whereas samples 251 to the end of the batch averaged 34.68 million/ml. This results in the last 20 doses having ~50.4 million less cells/dose. Across treatments, NM had lower concentrations (P=0.02) from doses &gt;200 compared to the SM treatment. PM appeared to be an intermediate as it was numerically lower than SM, but not statistically different from either NM or SM. The difference in concentrations between the NM and SM &gt;200 was 1.85 million/ml equaling 64.75 million fewer cells. Overall, allowing semen to settle and not mixing prior to packaging can result in 50–64 million cells fewer per dose in the last 50–100 doses packaged.
PSI-9 Evaluation of an Electronically-controlled Floor Cooling Pad on Semen Quality in Boars During Moderate Heat Stress
Authors: Hedrick Hailey M , Shirley Larissa K , Fields Tyler , Schinckel Allan P , Johnson Jay S , Stwalley Robert , Stewart Kara R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Heat stress (HS) decreases semen quality and production in boars. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the use of electronically-controlled cooling pads to reduce the negative effects of HS on semen quality. Boars (n=24) were randomly allotted to two treatment groups: boars housed on a non-functional cooling pad (CON) or pads flushing water every 8 minutes or when the pad reached 28.5°C (FLUSH). For 3 d, boars were subjected to cyclical HS (28 to 32°C; &gt;50% relative humidity). Semen was collected for 7 weeks (2 weeks prior to determine baseline semen parameters, the day after HS, and weekly for 4 weeks post HS), and evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphology, viability, and kinematic motion parameters. FLUSH boars had higher semen volumes compared to CON (P=0.011) without a corresponding increase in total sperm produced (P=0.852). Boars in FLUSH had higher motility in all weeks (87.0–90.8%) when compared to CON boars. FLUSH boars had higher motility starting in week 4 after HS compared to CON (P=0.017). No differences in progressive motility or kinematic motion parameters were found. There was a tendency for FLUSH boars to have a higher percent normal morphology compared to CON boars (83.1 vs 77.5%, P=0.083) resulting from decreased proximal and distal droplets in the FLUSH boars (P=0.029 and P=.0014, respectively). During week 2 post HS, there was a tendency for FLUSH boars to have a lower percentage of non-viable cells compared to all other weeks for FLUSH and CON boars (P=0.088). Cooling pads were effective at reducing the negative impacts of HS on semen volume, motility, and morphological abnormalities.
PSI-7 Evaluation of Form of Supplement with or Without Ionophore on Stocker Steer Performance While on Bromegrass
Authors: Malone Katie , Farney Jaymelynn K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Cattle producers have a wide variety of supplements available to increase gains, extend forage, and balance for forage deficiencies; however, this becomes challenging with determining the correct supplement for a specific operation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate form of supplementation with or without the addition of ionophore on cattle gains while grazing bromegrass during the summer. Growing steers (n = 72; initial weight 245 ± 22 kg) were used in a 2 x 2 + 2 factorial treatment and grazed 18 bromegrass pastures from March through August. Factors include base form of supplement at two levels [pressed block (Mintrate) or hand-fed 50:50 corn:DDG blend offered 3x weekly at 0.25% BW] and ionophore at two levels (Rumensin; none or 90 g/ton). Other treatments were liquid supplement (Mix30) and control (free-choice mineral). Cattle were weighed at beginning and end of 150 d grazing period and every 28 d, with carcass ultrasound on d 150. Data was analyzed with ProcMixed (SAS v. 9.4, Cary, NC) with pre-planned contrasts. Hand-fed supplemented steers had greater ADG than steers on free-choice supplements (P = 0.05). Between d 56 and d 140 on grass, hand-fed steers had greater ADG than steers on the block treatment with liquid supplemented steers being intermediate (P &lt; 0.10). Addition of ionophore did not result in differences in ADG (P = 0.43). There was not difference in ADG between steers that were supplemented or only received free-choice mineral (P = 0.48). Marbling score tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for control steers than all other supplemented. Backfat tended (P = 0.08) to be greater with hand-supplemented steers than steers on a free-choice supplement. Even though supplemented steers did not outperform non-supplemented steers during this project, there was gain advantages to hand-feeding supplement instead of a free-choice feed.
PSI-1 Assessment of Nursing Calf Feed Intake Equations in Predicting Calf Feed Intake
Authors: Buessing Zachary T , Davis M E , Tedeschi Luis O , White B J , Lancaster P A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Nutrition models are important in predicting animal growth; however, little research has focused on nursing calf performance submodels. This project’s objective was to determine the accuracy and precision of two equations to compute nursing calves’ feed intake. Data were collected on 394 nursing calves from 4 sets of cows (years 1953, 1959, 1964, 1974) of various breeds in which monthly milk yield and butterfat content, individual calf feed intake, and birth and weaning weights were measured during their first three lactations. Cows were milked at 14-d intervals to determine milk yield. The calf feed intake equations used to predict observed feed intake were Equation 9.1 (TED06; Tedeschi et al., 2006, In “Nutrient Digestion and Utilization in Farm Animals: Modeling Approaches”) and Equation 25 (TED09; Tedeschi and Fox, 2009, J. Anim. Sci. 87:3380). Peak milk was estimated from lactation yield using the NASEM (2016) milk yield equation. The average (SD) peak milk, calf ME intake (MEI) over a 240-day preweaning period, and weaning weight were 10.84 (5.64) kg/d, 1,286 (328.71) Mcal of ME, and 280.93 (46.70) kg, respectively. When compared to the observed calf feed intake, TED06 and TED09 had Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.19 and 0.59, respectively. The MEI mean biases were -355.3 and 190.7 Mcal of for TED06 and TED09, respectively, indicating a 27.6% over prediction and 14.8% under prediction, respectively. The RMSE and R2 from linear regression of observed on predicted values of calf MEI were 308.7 Mcal and 0.0365 for TED06, and 253.2 Mcal and 0.3514 for TED09, respectively. In conclusion, neither equation adequately predicted calf feed intake, but the TED09 equation was more accurate and precise than the TED06 equation. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of factors affecting feed intake of nursing calves to develop better prediction equations.
Evaluation of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes as a Surrogate for RNA-Seq Detection of Gene Expression in Stress Axis Tissues of Mature Brahman Cows
Authors: Earnhardt Audrey L , Baker Emilie C , Cilkiz Kubra Z , Riley David G , Ghaffari Noushin , Littlejohn Brittni P , Collins Haley C , Riggs Penny K , Long Charles R , Cardoso Rodolfo C , Randel Ron D , Welsh Thomas H 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Longitudinal studies of gene expression where sampling certain organ systems is precluded may become more feasible if a more accessible, representative biological sample could be identified. The objective of this study was to determine whether peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) could be an effective surrogate for assessing gene expression differences within neuroendocrine tissues that regulate stress responses. Specifically, leukocyte samples and stress axis tissues, including the paraventricular region of the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, adrenal cortex, and adrenal medulla were isolated from humanely slaughtered 5-yr-old Brahman cows (n = 8). RNA was extracted from each sample and gene expressions were calculated using bioinformatic approaches of RNA-Seq analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) between adrenal axis tissue RNA and PBL RNA were identified using the edgeR Package from Bioconductor, R. More than 3,000 DEGs were identified in each tissue relative to the PBLs. Overall, higher gene expression levels were observed in the hypothalamus vs PBL, while the remaining tissues had reduced expression compared to PBL (Table 1). Pearson correlation values were calculated from the mean normalized gene count in the PBL and tissues for genes (n = 17) important for stress response and metabolism to assess PBL as a possible surrogate for gene expression analyses (Table 2). Only two genes, oxytocin and 11β-hydroxylase, were positively correlated (P &lt; 0.05) between PBL and specific tissue gene expression. As typically observed among different cell types, gene expression differences exist between the PBL and various tissues of the HPA axis. Therefore, it remains to be determined if gene expression in the surrogate PBL will shift in a direction similar to that of specific adrenal axis tissue of mature Brahman cows exposed to stressors during key developmental periods.
Case Study: On-farm Demonstration for the Impact of Applied Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Carter Courtnie L , Rhinehart Justin D 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Demonstrating the implementation of, and results from, applied management technologies on privately held farms is an essential method for Extension educators. A commercial cow/calf herd, for which the management was being transitioned to a younger family member, was used for this multi-year demonstration. Beginning summer 2019, the cow herd was inventoried and evaluated, and a plan was put in place to improve profitability through enhanced reproductive management. Initial evaluation showed an overall pregnancy rate of 75.6% with a 153 d calving season for cows and breeding age heifers (n = 209). Non-pregnant and un-sound cattle were sold (n = 56). The average initial BCS was a 4.5 (1 to 9 scale). Estrus synchronization for natural service was utilized in the first breeding season (Fall 2019) to condense the subsequent calving season. Melengestrol acetate (MGA) was fed at a rate of 0.5 mg/head/d for 7 d and bulls introduced on he last day MGA was fed. Also in year 1, timed artificial Insemination was used to breed purchased (n = 37) and home raised (n = 18) replacement heifers. A group of pregnant cows ranging in age from 5 to 8 years (n = 47) were also purchased in year 1. Ultrasonography was used to detect pregnancy and estimate calving date on 30 d post AI, and 30 d post bull removal. Year 2 pregnancy rate was 93% for heifers and 88% for cows with a 131 d estimated calving interval for all cows and heifers (n = 255), with 94% expected to calve in the first 90 days. In summary, while it is difficult to eliminate year-over-year variables, a combination of culling strategy and estrus synchronization for both natural service and AI resulted in an increased proportion of cows and heifers calving earlier in the calving season, which is expected to improve marketing potential and profitability of the resulting calf crop. Condensing the calving interval provides opportunity to introduce additional reproductive management practices. Results from this demonstration will be incorporated into Extension educational curricula.
Availability and Management of Cotton Byproducts in North Carolina: A State Survey
Authors: Mullins Elizabeth P , Poore Matt H , Shaeffer April , Harmon Deidre D , Pickworth Carrie L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Whole cottonseed and cotton gin byproduct, also known as gin trash or cotton burrs, are known to be economical feed ingredients for beef cattle diets. There are several sources of information available to producers regarding the feeding of cotton byproducts; however, there is little information on the local supply chain and availability of these products. The objective was to survey cotton gins in North Carolina to determine how whole cottonseed and cotton gin byproduct are marketed. The 19-question survey was developed using Qualtrics survey software and emailed to all cotton gins in the state. Those who failed to respond to the weblink were contacted by phone. This resulted in a 73.5% response rate (n = 25 responses). Data were analyzed using the reporting feature of Qualtrics. On average, 7,716 metric tons of cottonseed and 1,523 metric tons of gin byproduct are produced per gin during a typical season. All respondents reported that the majority of their whole cottonseed is marketed out-of-state as livestock feed. All respondents reported that they either already sell or would consider selling cottonseed locally as cattle feed. In contrast, 78% of respondents reported that the majority of their gin byproduct stays in the state, with 40% being sold as cattle feed and the remaining 60% either being stockpiled and allowed to decompose on-site or used as compost. Of the respondents, 95% already sell gin byproduct locally as cattle feed or would consider doing so. The majority of respondents (92%) answered that they would like to be added to a directory to be distributed to cattle producers. This survey demonstrates that North Carolina cotton gins have cotton byproducts available and that they are interested in selling these locally to cattle producers.
Woodland Grazing: Untapped Resource to Increase Economic Benefits from Forestland
Authors: Karki Lila B , Karki Uma , Tiwari Anand 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The southeastern United States offers a tremendous opportunity for expanding woodland grazing technology for small ruminants in its almost 60 percent woodland. Like in many other states, Alabama alone has 23 million acres of woodland. Conversely, livestock owners face a daunting challenge to forage their animals for about seven lean months each year. Raising animals on concentrates, of course, is economically unfeasible for small-scale producers. Woodland grazing is an untapped practice that boosts economic, social, and environmental benefits to woodland owners. The objectives of this study were to diversify household cash flow for woodland owners and simultaneously promote forage-based livestock production systems. The study was conducted at Tuskegee University from 2017 to 2020 in 6 acres of woodland (southern pines and non-pine species). Meat goats (8 Wethers) and hair sheep (5 Rams) were grazed rotationally for 6 months (May–Oct.) until they consumed 50% of the available foliage. They were not fed any supplement feed while grazing in woodlands. The feeding cost was estimated using four scenarios: sack/pellet, hay, sack/pellet and hay, and woodland grazing holding health, management, minerals and water costs constant. Feeding cost was 58–204% lower, and labor cost was 50–100% less in woodland grazing compared to conventional feeding systems. Extrapolated data reveal that woodland owners may generate about $9,947.00 more cash flow annually from 50 acres with woodland grazing than without grazing. Moreover, the system approach strengthens knowledge, attitude, awareness, skill, and motivation of the family members and community as a percolation effect. Besides, the environmental benefits (controlling unwanted and invading species and aesthetic pleasure) increase the economic value. Results reveal that woodland grazing can open an enormous economic opportunity to all forestland owners by upholding annual cash flow while trees are growing and making the total returns from woodlands much higher than the monocropping-timber.
Development of Online Alfalfa Management Extension Education Resources Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: da Silva Liliane Severino , Mullenix Kim K , Dillard S Leanne L , Tucker Jennifer J , Thompson Gerry 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Extension programs used web-based resources but balanced those with in-person events for interpersonal connection with producers and for individuals with limited access to technology. In 2020, in-person Extension programs were cancelled or converted to online versions. This was the case for the ‘Alfalfa in the South’ (AITS) program, a collaboration between Auburn University (AU) and University of Georgia (UGA). Two online AITS programs were held (May and Sept) and are examples of rethinking traditional models and optimizing resources to prioritize our commitment to clientele. In its first program, the program content was delivered through 1) a series of webinars from AU, UGA and University of Florida (UF) Extension Specialists (n = 6 webinars) and a 1-h live roundtable discussion held through Zoom on May 13, 2020. The roundtable consisted of a moderator interacting with five panelists (faculty, Extension agents and producers) answering live questions from the audience (n = 45 participants). All content was archived by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) for later access using online resources. The second program occurred in Sept 2020 as a collaboration between AU, UF and UGA Specialists. This program included several pre-recorded short videos and e-publications on topics in establishment and management of alfalfa in the South. In 2020, the web-metrics gathered for the ACES webpage and Youtube channel across these programs sums over 3000 views of alfalfa resources. Similarly, engagement on the AL Beef and Forage Extension Facebook pages were over 3000 people. Although a traditional formal post-programming survey was not conducted with participants, an online survey was distributed simultaneously in the south region (n = 12 states) from May through December 2020 aiming to identify main challenges and limitations of alfalfa adoption. The results (n = 212 respondents) showed approximately 65% participants already invested time in learning about alfalfa using Extension online programs and resources available. This shows increased importance of online outreach as a tool to maintain relevance and connection with clientele.
Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to Document Vegetation Coverage Rate in Managed Grasslands Following a Historic River Flood
Authors: Gadberry Shane , Lawson Kevin , Jennings John , Simon Kenny 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Our objective was to document the vegetation coverage rate of grasslands impacted by a historic flood event that occurred May and June 2019 within the Arkansas river valley. Primary flooding within the observation area lasted 21 d with a maximum water depth of 3m above flood stage. Three cooperator fields were monitored. Aerial images were captured at 7, 14, 33, and 48 d following water recession. Geo-referenced images were captured at 76.2 m above ground level using an UAV fitted with an integrated camera and a secondary camera with a near infrared filter. Images were stitched and aligned prior to vegetation indexing. Two vegetation indices were calculated: green leaf index (GLI, using the integrated camera color bands) and normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI, using the secondary camera color bands). Image pixels were classified as green vegetation or non-vegetation based on a threshold for each processed image’s indices. The estimated proportion green vegetation was modeled as a dependent variable with day (post water recession) and index method as fixed covariates. A simplex regression model (simplexreg package for R) was chosen for analyzing longitudinal proportion data. Both day (P &lt; 0.001) and index method (P = 0.002) were significant with NDVI predicting less vegetation than GLI. The estimated daily coverage rate was 0.02 ± 0.003. Although fields achieved 90% coverage in 45 d, each cooperator experienced different outcomes in plant community. A d 48 field inventory indicated 38 to 77% undesirable species. The field with the greatest percentage undesirable species was covered with barnyardgrass. Assessment of residual statistics suggests NDVI likely under-estimated vegetation cover of this field on d 48. At inventory, this grass’ growth appeared very erect, with sufficient plant spacing that soil may have influenced NDVI more than GLI. These results demonstrate green vegetation coverage can be estimated without specialized UAV cameras. The UAV was helpful in that it accounted for the entire field at high resolution and images could be captured on cloudy days. Documented flood impacts will be useful in future events.
Determination of Blood Micromineral and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Values for White-tailed Deer
Authors: Greenwood Megan P , Kelley Stanley F , Beverly Marcy M , Urso Phil , Anderson Mark 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The current National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) for trace mineral and vitamin requirements for cervids are based on data collected from various small ruminant species. Lack of baseline requirements make diet formulation for high fenced, white-tailed deer (Odocoileis virginianus) herds particularly ambiguous. This study was to determine a baseline value for whole blood and serum micromineral and vitamin concentrations for white-tailed deer in an attempt to establish dietary requirements of trace minerals and vitamins. Open does (n = 226) were sampled using jugular venipuncture during fall breeding procedures. Captive-raised does housed at various high fenced ranches (n = 3) throughout Texas were used, each with unique management strategies. Blood samples were analyzed for micromineral levels (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn) and fat-soluble metabolites (vitamin A, vitamin E, and cholesterol). Age of the doe and ranch were used as main effects using the GLM procedure in. Sampled averages across all ranches were 6.26 ng/mL of Co, 1.05 µg/mL of Cu, 219.47 µg/mL of Fe, 4.40 ng/mL of Mn, 4.23 ng/mL of Mo, 172.32 ng/mL of Se, 0.54 µg/mL of Zn, 286.76 ng/mL of vitamin A, 1.80 µg/mL of vitamin E, and 79.27 of cholesterol. Micronutrient levels were not affected by age; however, least squared differences existed between the main effect ranch for Co (P &lt; 0.01), Cu (P &lt; 0.01), Fe (P &lt; 0.01), Mo (P &lt; 0.01), Mn (P &lt; 0.01), Se (P &lt; 0.01), Zn (P &lt; 0.01), vitamin E (P &lt; 0.01), and cholesterol (P = 0.038) in serum. There was an observed interaction of age and ranch for vitamin A (P = 0.038). Factors such as feed, forage, soil, genetics, and health management protocols could explain the broad range in values. The establishment of circulating blood micronutrient levels will serve as a baseline for future white-tailed deer nutrient requirement research and feed formulation.