bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
135 Grand Challenges in Domestic Agricultural Animal Reproduction
Authors: Spencer Thomas E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The ASAS Public Policy Committee (PPC) provides updates of Grand Challenges (GCs) which clearly articulate research priorities while providing science-based information for shaping public policy and enhancing future funding for research and education programs in animal sciences (AS). Among the GCs is reproduction of domesticated animals (cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, horses, and aquatic species) that is integral to sustain and improve global competitiveness of U.S. animal agriculture, understand and resolve complex animal and human diseases, and advance fundamental research in sciences that are critical to understanding mechanisms of action and identify future targets for interventions. Historically, federal and state budgets have dwindled and funding for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) competitive grants programs remained relatively stagnant from 1985 through 2010. This shortage in critical financial support for basic and applied research, coupled with the underappreciated knowledge of the utility of non-rodent species for biomedical research, has hindered funding opportunities for research involving livestock and limited improvements in both animal agriculture and animal and human health. In 2010, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) established an interagency partnership to promote the use of agriculturally important animal species in basic and translational research relevant to both biomedicine and agriculture. The “Dual Purpose with Dual Benefit” program encouraged One Health approaches for comparative medicine studies that use farm animal models that mimic human developmental, physiological, and etiological processes to promote human and animal health, better understand disease origins, interspecies transmission and mitigation strategies, and improve efficiency of assisted reproduction technologies. This presentation will review the successes of the 9-year Dual Purpose effort and highlight opportunities for tackling GC research in reproduction of domesticated agricultural animals.
146 Specific Gravity as an Objective Assessment of Embryonic Viability to Improve Implantation Rates of Bovine Embryos
Authors: Richardson Katylyn J , Perkins Thomas L , Lust David G , Wells Cara W 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Assessment of embryo quality and viability has traditionally been based on morphological evaluation. However, morphological evaluation, though somewhat reliable, is subjective in nature and varies greatly depending upon the skill and experience of the evaluator. Although research has been conducted with the goal of identifying more accurate and objective methods of evaluation, the issue of repeatability and consistency in predicting the likelihood of a successful pregnancy remains. Previous research has proposed the ability to utilize specific gravity to predict developmental energy reserves based on embryonic weight, theoretically identifying those embryos with an increased chance of success following standard embryonic transfer. The objective of this study was to determine if specific gravity could accurately identify those embryos that were most likely to succeed in generating positive pregnancies. Bovine embryos (n = 20) were dropped through media in a specific gravity chamber. Utilizing an embryo tracking software program, researchers recorded the time elapsed as the embryos descended 1 cm through the media. Embryos were then transferred into recipient cattle, and pregnancy was detected via ultrasound approximately 40 days post transfer. Of the 20 embryos transferred, 12 resulted in positive pregnancies. Descent times of these positive pregnancies ranged from 25.96 to 90.27 seconds, with an average descent time of 59.72 seconds. An analysis of the relationship between descent time and pregnancy outcome showed no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05). Although there was no significance in the findings of this study, additional trials will be performed to thoroughly evaluate the potential of this technology as an objective measurement of embryonic viability.
152 Comparison of an Antioxidant Source and Antioxidant Plus BCAA on Athletic Performance and Post Exercise Recovery of Horses
Authors: Hess Tanja , Kent Emily , Casagrande Renan Regatieri , Levihn Christine , Romo Grace , Coloman Stephen J , Herkelman Kevin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Antioxidant supplementation has been shown to decrease post exercise oxidative stress but can lead to decreased post-exercise muscle protein synthesis. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the supplementation with a control feed with low antioxidant content (CONT) to a high antioxidant feed (AO), versus a high antioxidant and branched chain amino acid feed (BCAO) on post-exercise protein synthesis and oxidative stress. Our hypothesis is that supplementing AO with BCAO will reduce oxidative stress without hindering muscle protein synthesis. Eighteen mixed breed conditioned polo horses were assigned to one of the three treatments. All horses consumed CONT for 30 days and were then submitted to a lactate threshold test (LT). One hour after this and all LT, each group was assigned and given their treatments. LT were done at 15 and 30 days of supplementation. Blood was collected before, two and four hours after LT, and analyzed for oxidative stress based on glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde concentrations by ELISA. Muscle biopsies were taken before and 4 hours after LT and analyzed for the expression of protein synthesis by RT-PCR. Results were analyzed in a mixed model by ANOVA and compared by LSM. A reduction of oxidative stress was found over time (P &lt; 0.050) with no treatment effect (P &gt;0.50). An upregulation of protein synthesis after exercise was found for muscle primers CD36, CPT1, DK4, MyF5, and Myogenin (P &lt; 0.050). There was a treatment by time effect for MyoD (P = 0.027), where AO was upregulated the most after exercise compared to BCAO and CONT. DK4 had a treatment by time effect trend (P = 0.073), where AO and BCAO were upregulated and CONT was unchanged after exercise. This study demonstrated post exercise muscle synthesis with no advantage of AO plus BCAO compared to AO.
144 The Epidemiology of Hoof-related Lameness in Western Canadian Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Erickson Sarah E , Jelinski Murray , Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen S , Booker Calvin , Janzen Eugene 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The epidemiology of hoof-related lameness (HRL) in western Canadian feedlots, with a focus on digital dermatitis (DD), was described and analyzed to help inform recommendations on lameness control and prevention in western Canadian feedlot cattle. The retrospective data in this study were accessed from 28 western Canadian feedlots that placed cattle in 2014–2018, inclusive. The total population for this study was 1,796,176 cattle, with an annual placement average of 12,830 cattle per feedlot. These data were accessed through iFHMS Consolidated Database, provided by Feedlot Health Management Services by TELUS Agriculture, and manipulated using Microsoft® Office Access 365 ProPlus and Microsoft® Office Excel 365 ProPlus. Epidemiological analyses determined that lameness accounts for 25.7% of all treatments in western Canadian feedlots. Of those treatments, 71.7% are localized to the hoof, corresponding to 18.6% of all treatments. The most common HRL diseases are infectious bovine pododermatitis [foot rot (FR)]; digital dermatitis (DD), also known as hairy-heel wart or strawberry foot rot; and toe-tip necrosis syndrome (TTNS). These diseases account for 89.6%, 7.9% and 2.4% of HRL, respectively. Between 2014 and 2018, HRL prevalence ranged between 1.93% and 3.09% of the population, with FR consistently having the highest prevalence and TTNS the lowest. HRL and DD were tested for their associations with several animal-level risk factors using © Ausvet 2021 Epitools software. The resultant crude, univariate odds ratio values, evaluated at 95% confidence, are summarized in Table 1. Based on this analysis, acquisition source has the largest influence on the odds of developing HRL and DD, followed by population size, and placement quarter. Using SAS® (Version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc, Cary, North Carolina) statistical software, these preliminary findings will be subjected to a multivariate statistical model, which will provide adjusted OR values and statistical significance for the data in this study.
161 Epigenetic Changes in Poultry Due to Reprogramming of the Gut Microbiota at an Early Stage of Embryonic Development
Authors: Dunislawska Aleksandra 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of the gene expression is an interaction of the external environment with the genetic information. They are potentially heritable changes in the gene expression which does not involve alteration in DNA sequence and can be triggered by microRNA activity and DNA methylation. MicroRNA is fraction of small RNA molecules that have a fundamental impact on gene expression. DNA methylation inhibits DNA transcription by addition of the methyl residues to the cysteine within the CpG islands of the gene promoters. These processes can be modulated by environmental factors, such as intestinal microbiota modification. In poultry, the microbiota can be reprogrammed using in ovo technology at an early stage of embryo development. The intestinal microbiota is therefore stimulated and rearranged by injecting bioactive substances into air chamber of eggs on the day 12 of incubation. We have proved that the administration of lactic acid bacteria strains and galactooligosaccharide in ovo is effective in modulating of the intestinal microbiota. The administration of bioactive compounds has been demonstrated to influence gene expression in immune, intestinal and metabolic tissues. However, it has been noticed that a significant part of genes is silenced. In our experiment after in ovo administration of the substances in different genotypes (chicken broiler and native Polish breed) the range of tissues was collected: liver, caecal tonsils, spleen. By performing the bioinformatic analysis of the expression microarray, silenced genes and active miRNAs were selected. Methylation was analysed using the global and MSP-qPCR method, and analysis of miRNA activity using miRCURY LNA PCR Systems. We confirmed that negative regulation of the gene expression have epigenetic character and its mechanism depends on the genotype and the substance administered in ovo. Epigenetic nature of research is new direction of host-microbiome interaction. Research was financed by grant UMO-2017/25/N/NZ9/01822 funded by National Science Centre (Poland).
177 Ad Libitum Consumption of a 1:1 Blend of inorganic:organic Se by Steers Grazing Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue Increases Serum Prolactin and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity, but Not Average Daily Gain
Authors: Webb Kelsie , Trotta Ronald J , Bridges Phillip , Matthews James 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
To test the hypothesis that average daily gain (ADG) and clinical parameters of steers grazing novel non-toxic (NTE) or toxic KY-31 (TE) endophyte-infected tall fescue would be improved by ad libitum intake of vitamin-mineral mixes (V-M) that contain 27 ppm Se as a 1:1 blend of SELPLEX:sodium selenite (MIX) vs sodium selenite (ISe), 32 TE-naïve beef steers depleted of Se were randomly assigned to ad libitum consumption ISe vs MIX for 35 d and fed enough of a NTE/alfalfa/grain diet to achieve 0.57 kg BW gain/d. Within Se-form treatments, 2 steers were randomly assigned to each of 4, 2-acre NTE (ISe = 316 ± 31 kg, MIX = 315 ± 22 kg) or TE (ISe = 316 ± 37 kg, MIX = 314 ± 39 kg) paddocks for 84 d and had ad libitum access to their respective V-M. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to assess effects of day, Se-form (ISe, MIX) and endophyte (NTE, TE) treatments, and their interactions. Whole blood Se decreased (P &lt; 0.01) 31% from d 0 to 84 and was 6.2% greater (P &lt; 0.01) for MIX steers. Serum prolactin decreased (P &lt; 0.01) 18% for NTE and 48% for TE steers from d 0 to 84 and was 17% greater (P = 0.01) for MIX vs. ISe TE steers. Alkaline phosphatase activity (AP) decreased (P &lt; 0.02) 27% from d 0 to 84 and was 15% greater (P &lt; 0.02) for MIX steers. Serum urea nitrogen increased (P &lt; 0.02) 8.2% from d 0 to 84 for TE but not NTE steers. Average daily gain (kg/d) was less (P &lt; 0.01) in TE (-0.18) vs NTE (0.09) steers. We conclude that the ad libitum intake of MIX ameliorated the negative effects of consuming TE on serum prolactin and AP but not ADG.
174 Forage Production and Nutritive Value of Alfalfa-bermudagrass Mixtures Managed Under Contrasting Defoliation Strategies in the Southeast US
Authors: da Silva Liliane Severino , Burt Justin C , Mullenix Mary K , Tucker Jennifer J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Incorporation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) into bermudagrass pastures improves forage quality and decreases the reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. The objective of this study was to determine forage mass (FM), nutritive value (NV), and botanical composition of ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa and ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrass (T85; Cynodon dactylon) mixtures managed under three defoliation strategies: 1) hay production (H), 2) grazing (G) or 3) dual-purpose (DP) use. The study was conducted in two locations (Headland, AL and Tifton, GA) using a randomized complete block design with two replicates. In spring 2020, grazed plots were divided in four strips and every 7-d, animals were rotated to a new strip and stocking rate was adjusted. Under DP, plots were grazed until mid-July, then forage was harvested in late August. For H plots, forage was harvested every 28 to 35-d. Forage samples were collected prior defoliation to determine FM and on grazed periods, pre- and post-grazing samples and disk meter measurements were collected. Nutritive value responses were determined using near-infrared spectroscopy. There was no effect of defoliation strategy on FM (P = 0.604; mean 3471 kg DM/ha). Greater FM (P = 0.002) was observed in July and August than June (3531 and 3976 vs 2905 kg DM ha-1, SE= 263). This response was associated with an up to 40% increase of T85 proportion in the mixture (P = 0.001). Alfalfa percentage was 78% greater for DP than G (P = 0.029). There were no differences among treatments for NV responses (P &gt; 0.05). Among defoliation periods, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations ranged from 14 to 22%, 45 to 58% and 28 to 35%, respectively. These preliminary results demonstrate multi-use options for this mixture in the region while aiming for increased forage nutritive value, and extended growing season, and sustainability of forage-livestock systems.
182 Economic Impact of Bale Grazing on Delayed Feedlot Entry Steer Performance, Carcass Measurement, and Net Return
Authors: Senturklu Songul , Landblom Douglas G , Paisley Steve 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Senturklu et al., (2018) defined merits of delayed feedlot entry while grazing in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS). In a three-year follow up study, yearling steers (n = 144) grazed either an ICLS or a native range system (NR). After 177.9 days, free-ranging ICLS and NR steers were fed cover crop hay bales 43.6 days to determine transition period bale-grazing on finishing performance, carcass measurements, and system net return. ICLS and NR gains did not differ (P = 0.24). ICLS 43.6-day bale grazing gain was greater (1.38 vs. 0.80 kg; P = 0.01). Feedlot arrival weight was greater for ICLS compared to NR (569.3 vs 530.1 kg; P = 0.04) and fed 95.7 days. Systems end weight (P = 0.19), gain (P = 0.57), ADG (P = 0.06), and gain cost (P = 0.71) did not differ. ICLS steer hot carcass weight (HCW: 444.8 vs. 419.2 kg; P = 0.03) and fat depth (1.35 vs. 1.17 cm; P = 0.04) were greater. NR steer dressing percent (62.48 vs. 61.83 %; P = 0.01) and muscling ratio to HCW (3.96 vs. 3.81 sq. cm.; P = 0.007) were greater. Choice quality grade did not differ (98.6 vs. 98.6; P = 1.00). Annual cow and steer winter feed cost were $752.00. ICLS grazing cost for NR was $115.30, pea-barley $74.98, unharvested corn $108.87, and cover crop $58.82 totaled $357.97 compared to $207.77 for the NR system. ICLS and NR steer bale and protein-energy supplement cost was $110.47 vs. 103.05, finishing cost $310.57 vs. 313.67 (P = 0.84), and total expense was lower for the NR system ($1531.01 vs. $1376.49). Carcass value was greater for the ICLS steers compared to NR steers ($2013.93 vs. $1921.67; P = 0.03). ICLS and NR systems’ net returns were ($482.92 vs. $545.18). NR system net return was $62.26 greater.
181 Effect of Application Rate of Sodium Lignosulfonate and Propionic Acid on DM Losses, Nutritional Composition, and Fungal Counts of High Moisture Alfalfa Hay Mini Bales
Authors: Killerby Marjorie A , Oppong Godloves M , Almeida Saulo T , Knight Colt W , Robinson Anna , Ames Kaycee , Ma Zhengxing , Annis Seanna , Wu Changqing , Romero Juan Jose J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Our objective was to evaluate the effects of application rate (AR) of sodium lignosulfonate and propionic acid on high moisture alfalfa hay spoilage during storage. Treatments (TRT) were sodium lignosulfonate (NaL) and Propionic Acid (PRP), which were applied at four AR: 0 (CON), 0.25, 0.5 and 1% (w/w fresh basis) to 20% bloom alfalfa hay (second cut) at 68.5% DM and packed into mini bales (10.3x10.8x13cm; 346kg fresh/m3). The treated bales were stored for 33 days in open-top insulation boxes in a room kept at 22°C. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design (5 blocks) with a 2 (TRT) x 4 (AR) factorial arrangement, and differences were declared at P ≤ 0.05. At day 0, no differences were observed for DM (68.5 ± 0.61 %), CP (23.2 ± 0.31% DM), and NDF (42.6 ± 0.66% DM), but NaL had more sugars than PRP (0.99 vs. 0.87 ± 0.66% DM) and PRP at 1% reduced mold counts vs. CON (4.71 vs. 4.97 ± 0.05 log cfu/fresh g). At day 33, DM losses were decreased by PRP at 0.5 and 1% (0.9), relative to CON (6.92) and to NaL (6.63 ± 1.13%). Both TRT decreased NDF at 0.25% (46.3) and furthermore at 1% (44.2) relative to CON (49.4), but overall PRP had lower NDF (45.2) than NaL (47.2± 0.81% DM). No differences were observed for sugars and CP. Visual moldiness (0–10) and mold counts were also decreased by PRP at 0.5% (2.4 and 5.30) and 1% (0 and 2.7) relative to CON (6.0 and 7.13) and NaL (5.85 ± 0.67 and 7.21 ± 0.31 log cfu/fresh g, respectively). In conclusion, NaL failed to prevent spoilage of high moisture hay while PRP was effective at doses &gt;0.5%.
187 Forage Agronomists Are Needed in Animal Science Departments
Authors: Looper Michael L , Jennings John A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Ruminants serve a valuable role in sustainable agricultural systems, specifically in the conversion of renewable resources from grasslands, pasture, and other by-products into edible human food. Recognizing forage and grasses are grown on 25% of arable land, suitable agronomic practices for grazing livestock are necessary to minimize water and soil erosion. Demographics of Animal Science students have changed over the last several years with more students from urban backgrounds and with interests other than traditional animal agriculture. This makes continued emphasis on education programs supporting the grazing livestock industry that much more important. However, for many reasons, universities place less emphasis on training Ph.D. students in forage agronomy. Based on an email survey of 10 land grant institutions, typically one M.S. student/yr and one Ph.D. student/3–4 yr graduates with an advanced degree in forage agronomy. Most departments have experienced dramatic budget reductions. Challenges with funding faculty positions outside of a department’s emphasis area typically results in the question “Should forage agronomy students be trained in Departments of Animal Science or Crop/Soils Science?” It could be argued that either department is the best fit. Forage agronomy requires training in the basics of plant and soil science, but the application of those sciences relate more to animal science and animal production than to traditional crop production such as cereal grains. Departments of Animal Science must communicate the meaningful context of forage agronomy in an active learning environment developing students’ ability to critically think and solve problems. Those providing technical expertise to livestock producers can no longer make recommendations based solely on production efficiency and profitability. Instead, best management practices must include the impact of grazing livestock on the environment. Cooperative agreements between departments should be discussed to adequately support student development in this critical subject matter.
197 Awardee Talk: Novel Management Strategies to Enhance Growth and Development of Feedlot Receiving Cattle
Authors: Cooke Reinaldo F 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Feedlot receiving is one of the most critical phases within the beef production cycle, when cattle are exposed to several stress and health challenges that impact their welfare and productivity. These stressors include weaning, road transport, and commingling with different animals, which elicit adrenocortical and acute-phase protein responses known to impair cattle immunocompetence and growth. Accordingly, incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is elevated during feedlot receiving, despite efforts to minimize stress and vaccination protocols against BRD pathogens. With increased restrictions regarding the use of feed-grade antimicrobials in livestock systems, our research group has focused on developing management systems that minimize stress and enhance performance and immunity of receiving cattle. By providing all vaccines against BRD pathogens prior to feedlot entry, our group reported increased (P ≤ 0.05) vaccine efficacy, body weight (BW) gain, feed efficiency, and reduced BRD incidence during the receiving period compared to on-arrival or delayed vaccination. Reducing the number of cattle sources within receiving pens, as a manner to alleviate commingling stress, reduced (P = 0.04) the number of antimicrobials needed for cattle diagnosed with BRD to regain health. Administration of a bovine appeasing substance (BAS) to beef cattle at weaning alleviated (P ≤ 0.05) the resultant acute-phase protein response, enhanced humoral immunity against BRD pathogens, and improved BW gain during a 6-wk postweaning period. Likewise, BAS administration to steers upon feedlot arrival facilitated (P ≤ 0.05) early detection of BRD signs and lessened the BRD recurrence upon first antimicrobial treatment, resulting in improved (P ≤ 0.05) BW gain and feed efficiency during a 45-d receiving period. Collective, vaccinating cattle against BRD prior to feedlot arrival, reducing the number of cattle sources within receiving pens, and the use of BAS during stressful events are favorable strategies to enhance performance and immunity of feedlot cattle.