bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSIV-7 Effect of Biochar Supplementation in Beef Cattle Growing Diets on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Sperber Jessica L , Troyer Braden , Norman Mitch , McPhillips Levi J , Watson Andrea K , Erickson Galen E 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of feeding biochar in a growing diet on cattle performance, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Biochar was sourced from ponderosa pine wood waste (High Plains Biochar, Laramie, WY) and was 83% C with 426 m2/g surface area. Crossbred steers (n = 160; initial BW = 357 kg ± 44 kg) were utilized in a randomized block design (blocked by BW), steers assigned randomly to pen (n = 16), and pens assigned randomly to treatment. Two treatments were evaluated, a control (CON) without biochar (40% wheat straw, 40% corn silage, 15% modified distillers grains, 5% supplement) and the same diet with biochar included at 0.8% of diet dry matter replacing corn in the supplement (CHAR). Four pen replications per treatment were paired within BW block and rotated randomly through an emissions barn with two chambers (each treatment evaluated simultaneously) to capture average weekly CH4 and CO2 production. Pen was experimental unit and chamber was included as a fixed effect for emissions data. There were no statistical differences in performance outcomes between CHAR and CON steers (P ≥ 0.23). Numerically, average daily gain (ADG) was greater (P = 0.46) and dry matter intake (DMI) was lower (P = 0.23) for CHAR steers, resulting in a 2.8% improvement in feed efficiency for CHAR steers (P = 0.25). Emissions of CO2 and CH4 did not statistically differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.22). Numerically, CO2 and CH4 emissions were lower for CON compared to CHAR steers when reported as g per day (3.6% lower) or g per kg of DMI (2.4% lower). Based on the results from this study, there was no indication that feeding biochar, supplemented at 0.8% of diet, reduces GHG emissions in growing steers when compared to negative control.
PSIV-2 Evaluation of Relationship Between Feed Efficiency Traits and Energy Metabolism Using Comparative Slaughter Studies in Growing and Finishing Cattle
Authors: Lancaster Phillip A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
There is uncertainty whether feed efficiency traits are related to energetic efficiency. The objective of this study was to utilize comparative slaughter data to evaluate the relationships of feed efficiency traits with maintenance energy requirements (MEm) and efficiency of metabolizable energy (ME) use for maintenance (km) and gain (kg). Published data were compiled (31 studies, 214 treatment means) on metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and composition of empty body gain in growing cattle. Data analyses were performed using R statistical software considering each treatment mean as an independent experimental unit. Assuming fasting heat production (FHP) varies only due to empty body protein (EBP) composition, it was computed as 295 kcal/kg EBP.75. MEm, km, and kg were computed from the nonlinear relationship between heat production and MEI. Residual intake (lower is more efficient) was computed as the residual from linear regression of MEI on EBW and EBW gain (RMEI) or MEI on EBP, retained energy as protein and retained energy as fat (RMEIc). Residual gain (higher is more efficient) was computed as the residual from linear regression of EBW gain on EBW and MEI (REBG) or retained energy on EBP and MEI (RRE). MEI was positively correlated with RMEI (0.46) and RMEIc (0.44), and EBW gain was correlated with REBG (0.58) and RRE (0.39). FHP was correlated with RMEIc (-0.25). MEm was weakly correlated with RMEI (0.19), RMEIc (0.22), and REBG (-0.26), but strongly correlated with RRE (-0.51). km was moderately correlated with RMEI (-0.35), but strongly correlated with REBG (0.49), RMEIc (-0.59), and RRE (0.79). kg was strongly correlated with RMEI (-0.69), REBG (0.47), RMEIc (-0.89), and RRE (0.70). Correlations among feed efficiency traits were strong (&gt;±0.48). In conclusion, feed efficiency traits using retained energy as the dependent variable had stronger correlations with maintenance energy requirements than those using feed intake as the dependent variable.
PSVI-4 Efficacy of Medium Chain Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid-based Feed Additives as a Mitigation Strategy Against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Harrison O L , Nichols G E , Gebhardt J T , Jones Cassandra K , Woodworth Jason C , Dritz S S K , Bai J , Anderson J W , Porter E G , Sandberg F B , Singrey A C , Paulk Chad B 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that swine viruses can be transmitted via feed. Chemical feed additives have been suggested for the mitigation of these viruses in complete feed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available formaldehyde-based feed additive, medium chain fatty acid blend (MCFA), and commercially available fatty acid-based products for mitigation of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in a feed matrix. Treatments consisted of: 1) non-treated positive control, 2) 0.33% commercial formaldehyde-based product (Sal Curb; Kemin Industries, Inc.; Des Moines, IA), 3) 0.5% MCFA blend (1:1:1 ratio of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0, Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), 4) 0.25%, 5) 0.5%, or 6) 1% of commercial dry mono and diglyceride-based product (Furst Strike; Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL), 7) 0.25%, 8) 0.5%, or 9) 1% of commercial dry mono and diglyceride-based product (Furst Protect; Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL), 10) 0.25%, 11) 0.5%, or 12) 1% dry mono and diglyceride-based experimental product (Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL) with 3 replications/treatment. Treatments were applied to complete swine feed before inoculation with 106 TCID50/g of feed with PEDV or PRRSV. Post inoculation feed was held at ambient temperature for 24 h before being analyzed via qRT-PCR. The analyzed values represent the cycle threshold. Formaldehyde and MCFA decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the detectable RNA of PEDV and PRRSV compared to all other treatments. Furst Strike, Furst Protect, and the experimental product did not significantly impact detectability of PEDV or PRRSV RNA. In conclusion, MCFA and formaldehyde treatments are effective at reducing detection of RNA from PEDV and PRRSV in feed.
PSVI-6 Thresholds of Outdoor Temperatures on Fertility Measures of Different Parity Sows in Spanish Herds
Authors: Iida Ryosuke , Piñeiro Carlos , Koketsu Yuzo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
High temperature is one of the environmental factors which impair sow fertility such as weaning-to-first-mating interval (WMI) and farrowing rate especially in parity 1 sows. The objective of this study was to explore thresholds of temperature damaging fertility in different parity sows. Data of sows serviced from 2011 to 2016 in 142 herds were coordinated with daily maximum temperature (Tmax) from 31 weather stations close to the herds. A two-stage approach was used to determine the best fit model. In the first stage, means and their variance-covariance matrix in each degree Celsius were estimated by a mixed model. Then, piecewise models with a different breakpoint were fitted to the estimates by generalized least squares. Medians of WMI in parity 1 and 2 or higher sows were 5 and 4 days, respectively. Farrowing rates in different parity sows were 85.0–88.7%. The thresholds of mean Tmax during lactation leading to a prolonged WMI were 16 and 23–25°C for parity 1 and 2 higher sows, respectively. The 10°C increase in Tmax from the thresholds delayed WMI in parity 1 and 2 or higher sows by 0.62 and 0.46–0.49 days, respectively (P &lt; 0.01). Meanwhile, the thresholds of mean Tmax from 21 to 14 days before service leading to reductions in farrowing rate were 21, 19 and 21–22°C for parity 0, 1 and 2 or higher sows, respectively. As the Tmax increased by 10°C from the thresholds, farrowing rate in parity 0–1 and 2 or higher sows decreased by 2.9 and 2.2–2.6%, respectively (P &lt; 0.01). Lactating sows in parity 1 suffered from heat stress at a relatively low outdoor temperature. This implies that the temperature is warmer in lactating barns than in outdoor. We recommend changing thermostat set at barns in spring from those in winter in order to increase ventilation rates earlier.
PSI-2 Spices in Free-choice Mineral Offer Gain Advantages to Cattle on Tallgrass Native Range and Promise as Fly Control
Authors: Reeb Macie E , Farney Jaymelynn K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of two operational management systems for steer gains and fly control. The first strategy evaluated was pasture burn date of March (MAR) or April (APR). The second management strategy was fly control through feeding free-choice mineral with spices (SPICE) or without spices (CON). Eight pastures (n = 281 steers; initial weight 277.7 ± 25.2 kg) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial treatment structure. Steers were weighed individually, randomly assigned to treatment, and grazed for 85 days. Weekly 33% of steers per pasture were photographed and fly numbers counted. ADG was impacted by both burn date and mineral type (P = 0.01). Cattle on the APR-SPICE treatment had a greater ADG than MAR-SPICE and APR-CON with MAR-CON intermediate. Cattle on SPICE gained 4.5 kg (P = 0.12) more than cattle consuming CON mineral. Flies per steer were impacted by burn x mineral x week (P &lt; 0.001). In general, APR-SPICE steers had a greater number of flies weeks 8, 10, and 11 (P &lt; 0.05), corresponding to a time when mineral intake averaged 72% of the formulated intake. The MAR-SPICE steers consumed on average the formulated amount of mineral and through the entire grazing period had lower number of flies than APR-SPICE steers (P &lt; 0.05). The second largest ADG observed with the MAR-CON treatment may be attributed to lower fly numbers as this treatment had one extra week below economic threshold for horn flies. These results are somewhat inconclusive on pasture burn date, but show that the addition of spices to a free-choice complete mineral shows promise as a cost-effective method to increase gains in stocker steers on tallgrass native range. As a fly control method, the spices utilized in this study may be effective if intake is at formulated level.
Effect of Hair Coat Shedding Ability on Uterine Artery Hemodynamics in Angus Cattle
Authors: Burnett Randy H , Contreras-Correa Zully E , Messman Riley D , Midkiff Kirsten A , Lemley Caleb O , Smith Trent 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate winter hair coat shedding ability and its association with uterine artery hemodynamics. Fall calving, artificially inseminated purebred Angus females (n = 29) were observed once monthly by two trained technicians for winter hair coat shedding and given a visual hair shedding score of 1 to 5 with 1 indicating 100% shed, 2 = 75%, 3 = 50%, 4 = 25%, and 5 indicating 0% shedding of winter hair coat. Month of first shedding (MFS) was determined once a female reached an average hair shedding score of ≤ 3.5 from March until July of 2019 and 2020. Uterine artery blood flow (ABF) was determined using color Doppler ultrasonography at d 150, 180, 210, and 240 of gestation. Total uterine artery (summation of ipsilateral and contralateral arteries) and ipsilateral uterine ABF, diameter, resistance and pulsatility index (PI) were analyzed using repeated measures of the MIXED procedure of SAS with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Fixed effects included MFS, day, year, and the respected interactions with covariates of dam body weight, ambient temperature and order of cows ultrasonography examination considered as a random effect. No significant MFS by day of gestation interaction (P &gt; 0.32) was observed for total or ipsilateral ABF (P &gt; 0.23). A MFS by day of gestation (P &lt; 0.04) interaction was observed for both ipsilateral artery diameter and PI, in which females that shed by May had smaller artery diameter (0.74 vs. 0.85 cm) at day 180 of gestation and greater PI (P &lt; 0.02; 1.48 vs. 1.03) at day 150 of gestation compared to June. Shedding ability had an effect on ipsilateral uterine artery development and pulsatility during gestation, possibly affecting the amount of nutrients distributed to the prenatal fetus and subsequent birth weight of the calf from females that shed by May.
Body Condition Score for Monitoring the Performance and Health of Small Ruminants in Field Conditions
Authors: Karki Uma , Tiwari Anand , Norwood Kendra , Johnson Ja’Nia , Karki Lila B 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Frequent inspection and provision for necessary care are of prime importance for sustainable production and improving the wellbeing of small ruminants. Most small-ruminant farmers are small-scale, with limited resources, and do not have facilities needed for routine evaluation and intensive care of animals. The identification of a predictive variable of animal health and wellbeing would be useful for small ruminant management in field conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the relation of body condition score to other health parameters in meat goats and hair sheep. Performance data (live weight, body condition score (BCS – 1–5: 1- very thin, 5 - obese), and FAMACHA (a 5-color chart used to monitor anemic condition in small ruminants caused by barber pole worm; score - 1–5: 1–2- not anemic, 5 - extremely anemic) of meat goats (Kiko) and hair sheep (Katahdin and Katahdin-St. Croix cross) were collected from different grazing studies conducted from 2015 to 2020 (15) and similar data plus hoof condition (1–3: 1-good, no trimming required; 2 – trimming required; 3 – trimming and additional care required) collected from farmers’ field (6; animals in a herd/flock ranged from 15 to 65) in 2020 were used in this study. Data from each study and for each animal species were analyzed separately for correlation among the performance variables in SAS 9.4, with alpha value set at 0.05. Except for few data sets, correlations between BCS and FAMACHA were negative and significant (P &lt; 0.05) with correlation coefficient (r) ranging from -0.18 to -0.64. BCS was positively correlated with live weight (P &lt; 0.05, r = 0.15–0.76) in most of the studies. In one study, which also included fecal egg count for the quantification of gastrointestinal parasites along with other animal performance variables, BCS was negatively correlated with the total fecal egg count (P &lt; 0.0001, r=-0.38). BCS showed negative correlation with hoof score in goats (P &lt; 0.001, r=-0.33). Results show that BCS can be used as a predictor for small-ruminant health, especially in field conditions where other evaluation methods are not available.
Needs and Challenges Cattle Producers Face in Adapting Preconditioning Programs
Authors: Beck Paul , Robe Jeff , Lalman David , Zook Dana , New Marty , Ward Earl , Freking Brian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Identifying the producer’s needs and challenges is the first step to understanding what types of programs will benefit producers the greatest. In the cattle industry, participation in calf preconditioning programs have slowly increased over the last two decades as more sellers and buyers recognize the economic benefits. However, for a seller to receive maximum benefit when marketing their cattle requires planning and an understanding of the components that go into a preconditioning program. Surveys are a practical way to gain useful information to develop programming to educate on developing preconditioning protocols that best fits their operation. Following the 2019 Oklahoma Quality Beef Network (OQBN) VAC45 fall certified sales, a survey was distributed electronically and by postal mail to participating cattle producers. The survey examined a number of aspects associated with preconditioning calves, management practices, operation size, demographics, and obstacles producers face when preconditioning calves. Participation rate was approximately 56% out of the 126 OQBN producers surveyed. Of the respondents, 52% did so electronically. Program ear tags moved to online sales in 2019 and 98% of respondents found ordering online convenient. These results would indicate that the use of technology is an increasing component in the cattle industry by producers and leading the way to the development of more tech related tools. Smaller operations marketing 50 or fewer head (72%) are utilizing preconditioning programs the greatest. Still, the biggest challenge reported by producers preconditioning calves was the expense (59%) associated followed by availability of labor (22%) and facilities (13.5%). Thirty-two percent of respondents indicated 5% or less morbidity rate, and 13% of respondents experienced 10% or less mortality rate. Thirty-three percent of producers estimated 1lb. or less ADG. Developing resources concerning the costliest components of preconditioning may be most crucial and beneficial to the producer to achieve a successful program.
Integration of Virtual Programming into Beef Cattle Producer and Extension Agent Education
Authors: Edwards Ashley K , Faulk A Lee , Deshotel Vincent , Holmes Jason 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Field days and workshops are fundamental to fostering communication and demonstrating management techniques. However, when faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, Extension agents turned to alternative platforms for providing educational opportunities. In April 2020, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) agents hosted a live webinar entitled “Sustainability during Turbulent Markets” to bring beef cattle producers information on management strategies during a time of instability. This initial webinar included 41 live participants and an additional 40 views within one week of posting the recording. Event responses prompted creation of the Beef Brunch Educational Series, an online series designed to maintain engagement and allow agents to present timely management recommendations and industry news to producers. Live webinars occur at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Webinars are also recorded for online distribution through the LSU AgCenter website, LSU AgCenter-Livestock YouTube channel, and podcast platforms. Bi-weekly news updates are released on the same platforms. News updates feature weather and pasture conditions, market outlooks, management tips, events, and current industry topics. Webinar engagement on all platforms averages 233 viewers with a growth range of 81 to 859 since April. News updates average 87 views with a growth range of 29 to 270 participants. When asked, 85% of viewers strongly agreed or agreed that information learned in webinars would be applied to their operations. Extension agents utilize this program for professional development, with 75% strongly agreeing or agreeing that webinars increased confidence to apply presented knowledge and 70% stating they have or plan to incorporate news update content in their programming. Thus, increased views, positive feedback, and requests for more information illustrate relevance in continuing the Beef Brunch Educational Series beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and optimistically developing it into a leading informational source for beef cattle producers in Louisiana.
Extension Contribution to Anaplasmosis Surveillance in Arkansas: A Story of Collaboration
Authors: Ward Heidi M , Apple Gabriel L , Thomas Lauren R , Reif Kathryn E 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The emergence of resistant bacteria forced the medical and animal agriculture communities to rethink how antibiotics are used. In Arkansas, medicated feed is mostly used to treat or control Anaplasmosis in beef cattle herds. Bovine Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsial bacteria, Anaplasma marginale. This disease causes over $300 million in losses annually for the U.S. cattle industry. With beef cattle being the fifth largest agricultural commodity in Arkansas, it is important to know the prevalence of Anaplasmosis infection in the state. The project described is a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville campus, the University of Arkansas Extension, and the Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. Extension agents from 33 Arkansas counties were trained to recruit producers for the study and to coordinate sample collection. On the day of blood collection, Extension agents discussed the purpose of the project and appropriate disclosures with the producers. A total of 578 mature beef cattle were randomly selected from six geographical regions for sampling between the months of November 2019 and February 2020. Both whole blood and serum samples were collected from each animal. PCR testing was completed at the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine andcELISA testing was completed at the University of Arkansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Blood samples from 335 cattle (58.7%) were positive for Anaplasmosis on at least one test with the majority of animals testing positive (229; 68.4%) on both the cELISA and PCR tests. Rates of regional prevalence ranged from 36.7% to 93.8%. The overall results were discussed with Extension agents via Zoom prior to discussing results with individual producers. Data from this study were added to previous surveillance data collected by Kansas State University and will direct Extension education efforts pertaining to Anaplasmosis management in regional beef cattle herds.
Estimates of Genetic Variation for Angus Gestation Length
Authors: Gilleland Carson , Retallick Kelli J , Poole Daniel H , Peppmeier Zack , Knauer Mark 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate variance components for gestation length within the American Angus breed. Data (n = 148,649) from the American Angus Association, containing cattle born between 2000 to 2020, were used for the analysis. Based on a cow’s reproductive biology, gestation length records were determined acceptable if between 266 and 290 days (n = 114,857). Gestation length mean and standard deviation were 278.6 and 4.6 days, respectively. Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood (AIREML) was used to estimate variance components for the gestation length. A single trait animal model included random effects of direct and maternal additive genetic variance and fixed effects of dam age rounded to the nearest year, calf gender and contemporary group. Contemporary group was determined as herd, year of birth and season of birth combinations. Contemporary groups containing less than five animals were excluded from analysis. Phenotypic variance for gestation length was estimated at 18.9. Direct and maternal heritability estimates for gestation length were 0.59±0.01 and 0.10±0.01, respectively. Further analysis evaluated the fixed effects of year and dam age on gestation length. From 2000 to 2020, an increase in one year decreased (P &lt; 0.01) gestation length by 0.09 days. Gestation length differed (P &lt; 0.01) by age of dam. Gestation length LSMEANS for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 year old cows were 277.7, 278.6, 279.0, 279.2, 279.3, 279.5 and 279.6, respectively. Heritability estimates within Angus breed suggest gestation length has a high capacity for genetic change. Results suggest gestation length has decreased over the past two decades and is shorter in younger cows.