bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
166 Moo-vie Snacks: Evaluation of waste popcorn as a feedstuff in comparison with known livestock feeds
Authors: Bielamowicz Lauren P , Garcia Taylor J , Cherry Nichole M , Muir James P , Smith William B 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
While the use of by- or co-products can help offset the costs of feeding cattle, these feeds often increase in price with increased adoption. Therefore, discovery and characterization of novel feedstuffs could benefit the producer. Our objective was to evaluate the viability of waste popcorn (Zea mays L.) as a feedstuff in ruminant diets. This objective was addressed through a series of two experiments. In Exp. 1, storage stability of popcorn was evaluated. Popcorn was collected on consecutive weekdays in 2 wk from a local cinema. Samples (n = 10) were subdivided into 9 aliquots and subjected to storage, uncovered, for 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 35, 70, 105, and 140 d. Following the assigned storage time, samples were dried at 55°C to determine weight loss. Following open storage in a laboratory at approximately 24°C, popcorn gained (P < 0.05) between 2.6% (3 d) and 5.6% (105 d) of the original weight through moisture absorption. When dried, however, samples from any length of storage were within 1% of the original weight (P < 0.05). In Exp. 2, a composite sample of popcorn was used in comparison with cracked and steam-flaked corn (Zea mays L.), popped milo [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. bicolor], and rolled barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Samples were dried at 55°C, ground to pass through a 2-mm screen, and subjected to a batch-culture in vitro assay for digestibility estimates. In vitro true digestibility of popcorn (77.8%) was less (P < 0.05) than estimates for cracked corn (94.8%), popped milo (93.6%), steam-flaked corn (92.6%), or rolled barley (90.3%). From these results, we may conclude that, while popcorn is not as digestible as other commercial energy sources, it may represent a viable option in the arsenal of feed formulation.
172 Effect of energy and lasalocid supplementation on stocker cattle performance grazing winter-wheat pasture
Authors: Pickett Autumn , Gunter Stacey 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Wheat pasture is unique to the Southern Plains where income can be reaped from the grazed forage followed by a grain harvest. The performance by cattle grazing is excellent, but nitrogen intake is excessive, resulting in inefficient use. Highly digestible supplements that are low in protein have been shown to augment ADG and improve nitrogen utilization. At the Southern Plain Experimental Range near Fort Supply, OK, an experiment was conducted to examine a supplement high in digestible fiber at multiple level of intake with or without 66 g of lasalocid/tonne. Sixty-five steers (324 ± 0.52 kg) grazed 41-ha of irrigated wheat pasture for 64 d. The supplement (4-Square Stocker/Grower 14; 14% CP; Purina Animal Nutrition, Shoreview, MN) was placed in 1 of 2 SmartFeed Plus feeders (C-Lock, Inc., Rapid City, SD); 1 feeder with the control feed and the other contained lasalocid. Each feeder was programmed to allow maximum intakes of 1.2, 2.0, and 3.2 kg/d for 8 or 9 steers at each level. So, there were 24 non-supplemented, 21 energy supplemented, and 21 energy supplemented steers with lasalocid. Because steers had liberty to consume supplement at will and only limited by a maximum, actual supplement intakes were calculated for the grazing period and steer performances were regressed on supplement intakes. Each kilogram of supplement increased (P = 0.04) ADG by 73 g/d; however, lasalocid did not increase (P = 0.73) ADG (avg ADG = 1.7 kg). Total BW gain by each steer (kg) was increased (P = 0.04) 4.7 kg for each kilogram of supplement fed daily and again, lasalocid did not increase (P = 0.73) performance (avg total BW gain = 109 kg). Supplementation with a moderate CP feed increased the ADG of steers grazing winter-wheat pasture, but the addition of lasalocid showed no benefit in this experiment.
176 Weaning weight trends in the U.S. beef cattle industry
Authors: Andresen Claire , Lalman David , Goad Carla , Kriese-Anderson Lisa , Odde Kenneth , King Mike E 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize the trend over time for weaning BW in commercial cow/ calf operations in the U.S. beef cattle industry. The first data set contained weaning BW data from four enterprise analysis programs from 1991 to 2015. The second data set included mean forecasted delivery BW of sale lots of beef calves sold through Superior Livestock Auction (SLA) from 1995 to 2016. The SLA data were evaluated for two regions, North Central/Rocky Mountain region (NC) and South Central region (SC) and were restricted to sale dates and projected delivery dates approximating those associated with spring-calving operations. The third data set included mean actual and adjusted weaning BW of commercial cow/calf operations participating in the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (BCIA) from 1983 to 2017. Adjusted annual weaning BW reported from the American Angus Association and American International Charolais Association were used to evaluate trend over time for bull calves from 1995 to 2016. There was a significant linear increase (0.5 kg per yr; P = 0.01) for weaning BW reported by the Kansas Farm Management Association. Projected delivery BW for NC implanted and non-implanted calves increased (P < 0.01) and plateaued in 2006 and 2007, respectively. In contrast, projected delivery BW for non-weaned SC implanted and non-implanted calves increased (P < 0.01) linearly over time. Adjusted and unadjusted weaning BW reported to the Alabama BCIA increased until 1998 and 1995, respectively. The phenotypic trend for Angus and Charolais bulls was a polynomial regression equation (P < 0.01) with declining rate of change in weaning BW. Substantial variation in the trend over time for weaning BW in commercial cow/ calf operations exists within region and record program. Furthermore, weaning BW is substantially more variable in Southern states. Environmental limitations to continued progress in this trait are evident
188 Comparison of two software methods of fitting one- and two-compartment age-dependent digesta kinetics models
Authors: Moffet Corey A , Gunter Stacey 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Ruminant nutritionists fit digesta kinetics models to better understand processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Several software packages are available to fit one- and two-compartment, age-dependent digesta kinetics models to fecal marker concentration over time after giving a marker dose. We characterized repeatability and agreement for two programs (R and SAS) used to fit these models. We constructed 8100 datasets using a Monte-Carlo approach where errors were added to true marker concentrations for samples from 81 synthetic profiles representing different animal and diet combinations (100 datasets per profile). Datasets contained concentrations at 15 nominal times (from 0 to 120 hours after dosing). The two error sources were sampling time (uniform between -3 and 1 hours) and concentration measurement (normal with mean 0 and SD = 5 + 0.08CT, where CT is true concentration). The resulting datasets were fit to G2 and G2G1 models using both software and model parameters (K0, λ or λ1, K2, and τ) were used to calculate digesta kinetics parameters (particle passage rate, gastrointestinal DM fill, fecal DM output, gastrointestinal mean retention time, and rumen retention time). When fitting G2 models, all converged, but when fitting G2G1 model, 60 did not converge. The parameters were more repeatable from R than from SAS, but the ratios of repeatability to the mean was generally less than 10%. Bias and SD of differences between software packages were also small. The G2G1 models produced smaller bias and SD of differences than the G2 models. Bias and SD for digestion parameters between software were also small, however, G2G1 models had smaller biases and SD of differences than G2 models. Repeatability was better with R than with SAS, but mean differences were small; the G2G1 model was more repeatable than the G2 model, but differences between software were small for G2G1 models.
182 Environment enrichment reduces aggression and stereotypic behaviors in feedlot steers
Authors: Park Rachel M , Bova Rachel , Jennings Jenny S , Daigle Courtney L 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Feedlots provide limited environmental complexity to cattle-a highly curious and social species. In the absence of adequate stimulation, cattle may engage in aggressive or abnormal behaviors. Implementation of biologically appropriate and species specific environmental enrichment (EE) has the potential to enhance welfare of feedlot steers. The objective of this study was to identify behavioral differences between cattle exposed to EE compared to those without. Composite steers (n = 54) were assigned to one of two treatments 1) No enrichment (CON; n = 3 at 9 head/pen) and 2) BRUSH (cattle brush; n = 3 at 9 head/pen). Video recordings were decoded utilizing continuous observation for the frequency and duration of headbutting, mounting, kicking, bar licking, tongue rolling, allogrooming, and brush usage from 0800 to 1730 on d -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 relative to brush implementation. Impact of day, treatment and their interaction on cattle behavior was evaluated using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (PROC MIXED) in SAS. (BRUSH) steers spent less time bar licking (P = 0.023) and engaged in bar licking less frequency (P = 0.005) than CON throughout the duration of the study. Compared to CON, BRUSH steers performed fewer headbutts across the duration of the study (P = 0.004). Brush usage frequency (P = 0.0002) and duration (P = 0.008) was greatest on d 0 compared to all other research days. The frequency (P = 0.0006) and duration (P = 0.0002) of tongue rolling increased with research day. Similarly, the frequency (P = 0.0001) and duration (P = 0.002) of allogrooming increased over time, however, there was a decrease in allogrooming on d 64. Mounting frequency was impacted by research day and peaked at d 8 (P = 0.002). BRUSH cattle performed less stereotypic and aggressive behaviors suggesting that EE is beneficial for feedlot cattle welfare.
180 Impact of weaning strategy on calf performance, behavior, and activity
Authors: Ott Grace C , Freeman Sharon R , Poore Matthew H , Pickworth Carrie L 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Weaning is known to be the most stressful time in a beef calf’s post-natal life. Weaning stress may have long-term impacts on cattle performance. This study was conducted to determine differences in calf stress under three weaning strategies. Two hundred twenty-nine Angus or Angus-Simmental cross pairs at two locations were assigned to one of three weaning treatments: abrupt removal of the calf on d 0 (Abrupt, n = 77), fenceline contact for 7 d prior to removal of the calf on d 7 (Fence, n = 79), and abrupt removal of the calf on d 84 (Late, n = 73). Behavioral observations were conducted pre- and post-weaning, and total activity was measured prior to and after weaning using accelerometers placed on collars on five calves per treatment. Calf weights, hip heights, and body condition scores (BCS) were collected to evaluate calf performance post-weaning. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05 0.10) by timing or strategy of weaning. Total activity was greater (P < 0.05) in Abrupt than Fence on d 1 and d 2 post-wean (Abrupt 26772 and 22346 and Fence 22235 and 16691 relative activity units/hour, respectively). Calf activity was elevated (P < 0.05) on day of weaning until d 2 post-wean then returned to pre-wean level by d 3 for all treatments. Short-term differences in calf performance warrant further exploration of the possible long-term effects on heifer development and steer feedlot performance.
37 Carry-over effects of health management through the production chain
Authors: Thomson Daniel U 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The beef supply chain has many segments for live animals and beef products. Live cattle are sold from the ranch to the stocker to the feedlot and then to the packer. Animals get sick due to an overwhelming exposure to a pathogen or a suppressed immune system. Many times, disease infections can occur in one segment of the industry but not present clinically until the cattle are stressed during transfer to a subsequent beef production segment in the supply chain. These diseases can have an impact on cattle reproductive efficiency, performance efficiency, food safety, and economics due to decrease animal health. The lack of vaccination, biosecurity, and diagnostic surveillance can result in animals being exposed to disease causing pathogens on the ranch, during marketing, or after they arrive at the feedlot. New animals entering the herd can bring diseases into a cow/calf operation. Calves leaving a cow/calf operation can carry agents such as infectious bovine rhinotracheaitis, bovine viral diarrhea, Leptospira bacteria, bovine leukosis virus and other pathogens into the stocker, backgrounder, or feedlot operation. Commingling occurs routinely in auction markets and feedlots. We can decrease disease exposure through diagnostic monitoring, biosecurity, and proper vaccination programs. We can improve the functioning immune system through preparing cattle for market transfer through animal husbandry, nutrition, comfort, and more. Health management in the beef supply chain is dependent on decreasing disease exposure and decreasing stress in cattle.
39 Thoughts on the energetic efficiency of grazing cattle
Authors: Gunter Stacey , Moffet Corey A 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Energetic efficiency of cattle is a significant issue in the beef industry. Ruminant nutritionists have made strides in improving production efficiency, but we still see significant variation among individuals. A popular method for evaluating the cattle efficiency is selection based on residual feed intake. This method has some limitations because of mounting evidence that it has a genotype x environment interaction. Individuals deemed most efficient being fed in confinement are not most efficient when their environment is grazing. Hence, cattle efficiencies need to be evaluated in appropriate environments. Because it is impossible to directly measure DMI by grazing cattle, we need to develop proxies to assess the animal’s efficiency. By using experimental methods such as breath cloud analysis to provide individual estimates of total heat of production and known constants for retained energy in BW gain, we can calculate ME energy intake. However, we still lack the ability to measure DMI without the true digestibility of the grazed diet. The greatest energy expenditure is basal metabolism and if we are to decrease it, we will need to examine their body composition and protein-turnover rates. The rates of protein and fat deposition in the carcass affects an animal’s efficiency and ADG chiefly because of the higher energy density of fat. However, with great protein deposition, there also is a higher ME requirement for its maintenance because of the high protein turn-over rate. Energy expensed for protein turnover is approximately 23% of the total energy intake by average cattle. Management that decreases body protein turn-over rate probably would result in a decreased basal metabolism. The research needed to truly improve the energetic efficiency of grazing cattle will be time consuming and expensive, but for progress to be made it will be required.
43 Improved grazing system productivity, efficiency and sustainability through novel approaches
Authors: Neel James P S 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
A grazing system includes unique soil, plant, and animal attributes. Interactions between these entities will necessarily invoke reactions by the other players in the system. History shows us that manipulation of any one component of the system may or may not have negative ramifications on the system’s overall productivity and health. Novel approaches to improve nutrient use efficiency and product output from forage based livestock production systems are essential if we hope to provide high quality, nutrient dense, and high biological value livestock food products to an ever increasing world population. Furthermore, to ensure grazing systems’ health and sustainability these novel approaches must be evaluated for merit in a scientific and multidisciplinary manner. The Appalachian region is noted for its beautiful mountains, with farms generally containing a higher percentage of wooded area than pasture. If farm livestock productivity were to be increased, a novel approach was needed to bring woodlots into forage production. A long term research project was conducted at the Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center, in Beaver, WV, to determine how wooded areas could be transitioned into forage production systems in a sustainable manner. A multidisciplinary team was utilized to determine the implications of silvopasture development on soil and water quality, plant community response, and livestock productivity. Silvopasture was found to be a viable option for improving an Appalachian farm’s livestock productivity in an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable manner. Research is currently being conducted in central Oklahoma which evaluates methods of improving livestock productivity in a sustainable manner within native prairie livestock systems. This research is also team oriented, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional. Production oriented approaches include the use of novel management practices, and the determination of superior phenotypic and genotypic livestock traits. Findings and experiences related to both geographic locations are presented and discussed.
130 Growth and carcass characteristics of short-scrotum, ram, and wether lambs
Authors: Schoenian Susan , Semler Jeff , David Gordon , O’Brien Dahlia , Bennett Mary Beth , Anderson Chris 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Sixty male lambs (East Friesian x Lacaune) from a commercial sheep dairy were used to compare growth and carcass characteristics of short-scrotum (SS), ram (R), and wether (W) lambs. By d 10, every third single, twin, and triplet male was left entire (ram, n = 19), castrated (n = 24), or made short-scrotum (n = 17). After weaning and transport to the Western Maryland Research & Education Center, lambs were maintained as a single group on pasture, with supplemental feeding at 2–3% of BW. Lambs were weighed biweekly. Ultrasonic measurements were determined at d 102. The lambs were slaughtered at d 110. Growth and carcass data were analyzed using PROC GLM and carcass data correlations with PROC CORR. SS lambs had heavier final BW (53.5±1.0 kg) and higher ADG (0.25±0.001 kg/d) than W lambs (50.2±0.6 kg and 0.22±0.001 kg/d, respectively). R lambs were intermediate (51.6±1.0 kg and 0.23±0.001 kg/d, respectively). Sex did not influence ultrasonic backfat (BF), but there was a tendency to influence rib eye area (REA), with W lambs REA smaller than both R and SS lambs (P = 0.07). There was no influence of sex on dressing percentage, body wall thickness, REA, percent kidney and heart fat, leg conformation, or percent boneless closely trimmed retail cuts. There was a tendency (P = 0.10) for SS lambs to have heavier HCW (26.3±0.6 kg) compared to R (24.8±0.6 kg) and W lambs (24.7±0.25 kg). W lambs were fatter (P < 0.02), having greater BF (3.8 ± 0.6 mm) and yield grade (1.9 ± 0.1) than SS (3.0±0.6 mm and 1.6±0.1, respectively) and R lambs (2.8±0.6 mm and 1.5±0.1, respectively). There was strong correlation between ultrasonic and actual carcass measurements (r = 0.7, P < 0.0001), except for REA in SS lambs (r = 0.4; P = 0.1). Compared to W lambs, SS lambs had superior growth and produced leaner carcasses. The short-scrotum procedure may offer a viable alternative to castration.
134 Vegetation characteristics and diurnal periods influenced the landscape-use pattern of goats and sheep in woodlands
Authors: Bhattrai Shailes , Karki Uma , Poudel Sanjok 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Woodlands dominate the landcover in the Southeast and offer great opportunities for expanding small-ruminant grazing. However, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimizes the utilization of such vegetation. Managing the understory shrubs and non-target trees to lower heights may increase animals’ access to woodland vegetation and alter the landscape-use patterns of animals. The study objective was to determine the effect of vegetation height on the behavior and distribution of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams in woodlands. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4-ha each) containing southern pine and hardwood trees and numerous understory vegetation. The non-pine species were either cut to one of the heights from the ground level (0 m, 0.91 m, 1.52 m) or left uncut (control). Once the cut vegetation grew back and attained the full canopy, Kiko wethers (8, 48–50 months old, 72.8 ± 2.29 kg live weight) and Katahdin rams (5, 29–32 months old, 95.5 ± 4.31 kg live weight) were rotationally stocked in separate plots (3 plots each species), and their diurnal (dawn-dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns monitored when they were in each plot during the summer of 2018. Data were analyzed in Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test in R. Both wethers and rams visited the control treatment the least, rams grazed mostly in areas with short vegetation (0 m), and wethers visited more to areas with higher vegetation (1.52 m) than rams for feeding (P < 0.001), which was predominant during the post-midday period (3:00-dusk) (P < 0.0001). Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was the dominant diurnal behavior of both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), and predominant during the midday period (11 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) (P <0.05). Vegetation heights and diurnal period highly influenced animals’ behavior.
128 Relationship between anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and reproductive traits in ewes
Authors: Acharya Mohan , Howell Berlin , Burke Joan M , Rorie Rick 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Objective was to determine correlations between serum AMH and reproductive traits in ewes. Blood was collected at breeding from Katahdin ewes between 0.7 and 9 yr age in 2015 (n = 158) and 2017 (n = 233) for the analysis of serum AMH concentrations using different immunoassays (Equine and Ovine AMH in 2015 and Ovine AMH in 2017; AnshLab). Relationships between AMH and first exposure pregnancy rate (PR) to spring or fall breeding, number of lambs born to first lambing, age at first lambing (using lifetime records), and estimated breeding values (EBVs) for number of lambs born (NLB), number of lambs weaned (NLW), maternal weaning weight (MWT), weaning weight (WWT), and maternal index were determined. Correlations were determined using PROC CORR (SAS), and PROC GLM used with AMH or AMH quartile as dependent or independent variables, and season in models. Serum AMH or quartiles did not correlate with any reproductive trait. In 2017 but not 2015, AMH concentrations (P = 0.02) and quartiles (P = 0.04) were greater in ewes that became pregnant than nonpregnant ewes to first breeding. Ewes that were pregnant at a younger age had a higher WWT (P = 0.002), NLW (P = 0.04) and Index (P = 0.02), and more prolific ewes at first lambing had a higher NLB (P < 0.001), NLW (P < 0.001), and Index (P < 0.001), regardless of season of first breeding. Mean PR was -4.6 ± 3.8% and 68.4 ± 3.8% for spring and fall breeding (P < 0.001), resulting in older spring compared with fall bred ewes at first lambing (2.04 ± 0.08 vs. 1.52 ± 0.05 yr, P < 0.001). While AMH did not appear to consistently predict fertility in ewes, higher EBVs (NLB, NLW, Index) were associated with younger ewes and greater prolificacy at first lambing.