bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
163 Effects of pre- and post-partum supplementation of molasses/urea with or without methionine fortification on growth performance of primiparous cows and their offspring
Authors: Vedovatto Marcelo , Palmer Elizabeth , Ranches Juliana , Miranda Miguel , Gouvêa Vinícius , Arthington John , Vendramini João , Moriel Philipe 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The present study evaluated the performance of calves born from primiparous cows offered pre- and post-partum supplementation of sugarcane molasses/urea added or not with DL-methionine hydroxyl analog. On d 0 (~56 d before calving), 36 Brangus heifers were stratified by BW and BCS (345 ± 4.7 kg; 2 yr of age), and randomly allocated into 1 of 12 bahiagrass pastures (3 heifers and 1.2 ha/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (4 pastures/ treatment) and consisted of no supplementation (NOSUP) or supplementation of molasses/urea (7.2 kg DM/heifer/ wk; 75% TDN, 20% CP; DM basis) with (MOL+) or without (MOL-) fortification with 105 g/heifer/wk of methionine (Alimet, Novus International Inc., Romance, AR) from d 0 until all heifers within each pasture calved. Total weekly amount of molasses/urea (and methionine for MOL+ heifers) was divided by 2 and offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. After all cows calved, all pairs were fed 12.7 kg/cow/wk of molasses/urea (DM basis) and grazed a single bahiagrass pasture until calf early-weaning (d 147). Calves received a soybean hull-based supplement at 3.5% of BW (DM basis) and ad libitum stargrass hay from d 154 to 201. Calving date and cow BCS on d 44 did not differ between MOL+ and MOL- (P ≥ 0.50), but both groups calved at greater BCS than NOSUP cows (P ≤ 0.008). However, cow BCS on d 147 and pregnancy percentage on d 288 did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.27). Calf birth BW did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.21), but ADG from birth to d 201 was greater for MOL+ and MOL- vs. NOSUP calves (P ≤ 0.05). Therefore, pre- and post-partum supplementation of sugarcane molasses/urea improved cow BCS at calving and calf postnatal growth compared with no supplementation. Supplemental methionine did not further enhance cow and calf growth performance
173 The effects of Fescue EMTTM Mineral Defense on stocker heifer growth while grazing tall fescue
Authors: Taylor Anna R , Dew Randy , Bryan Ken , Pike J Nathan , Lock T Ryan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Previous research demonstrates grazing tall fescue can decrease reproductive performance and weight gain in cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate Fescue EMTTM Mineral Defense (Cargill Animal Nutrition, Minneapolis, MN) on summer weight gain in cattle grazing tall fescue pastures in SW Missouri. Heifers (n = 120; initial BW = 236 ± 2.5 kg) were stratified by weight to replicated tall fescue pastures to either a control mineral treatment or Fescue EMT™ Mineral Defense treatment. Forage availability was estimated weekly by ultrasonic sensor. Pasture samples were collected every 21 d and analyzed for ergovaline concentrations. Heifer weights and blood prolactin were measured throughout the trial. Average daily mineral consumption was calculated by mineral offered less residual. Data were analyzed on a pen-mean basis as a completely randomized design using JMP with 6 pens/ treatment and 10 heifers/pen. Prolactin was analyzed as Repeated Measures in JMP. Initial weights between treatments were not different (P > 0.05). Endophyte infection measured 75% or greater in all pastures. No differences were detected in pasture ergovaline (149 ± 19 µg/kg) or pasture availability (2,600 ± 150 kg/ha) between treatments (P > 0.20 at each sampling). Heifer ADG consuming Fescue EMT™ Mineral Defense compared to control mineral was greater at 0.28 kg versus 0.22 kg resulting in total gains of 21.8 kg versus 16.6 kg, respectively (P < 0.05). However, blood prolactin numerically decreased over time in both treatments. Results from this trial demonstrate a 31% improvement in weight gain for cattle consuming Fescue EMTTM Mineral Defense compared with cattle consuming a control mineral while grazing toxic tall fescue.
178 The Effect of Fleshing Ability on Cow and Calf Performance
Authors: Holder Amanda , Wiseman Aksel , McGee Adam , Lalman David , Andresen Claire 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Several factors influence the overall maintenance requirements of a mature beef cow including age, gain, lactation, pregnancy, and fleshing ability. However, limited research is available to distinguish what sets a hard-fleshing cow apart from an easy-fleshing cow. Cows that are hard-fleshing maintain a lower body condition score (BCS) throughout the year compared to easy-fleshing counterparts. The objectives of this experiment are to determine the differences in characteristics and production between cows classified as easy- vs. hard- fleshing. Characteristics of interest include feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, body weight changes, BCS changes, and other body composition measurements, as well as calf weaning weight. In this study, 24 spring-calving, mature Angus beef cows were classified as either hard-fleshing or easy-fleshing based on BCS and ultrasound measurements for back fat and rump fat. The intake study took place during the second trimester, cows were assigned to an easy- or hard-fleshing pen based on treatment where they remained for the entirety of the 45-day intake study. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Milk data collection began one month after calving with monthly milkings from May—August. There were no differences (P = 0.9) in DMI, although hard-fleshing cows had greater DMI calculated on a metabolic body weight basis (P = 0.05). There was a trend (P = 0.12) for hard-fleshing cows to wean heavier calves, although there was no difference in mean milk yield (P = 0.44). Body condition score was positively correlated with protein and carbohydrate content of milk with easy-fleshing cows having greater contents of both (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). Overall, an increase in BCS without an increase in DMI may be beneficial from a reproductive standpoint, though more research in this area is needed.
179 The effect of competition for an automated supplement feeder on supplement intake behavior of stocker steers
Authors: Husz Taylor C , Goad Carla , Reuter Ryan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Interest in automated, precision feeding equipment is increasing, and users need information about how to effectively use this new approach. Our objective was to determine the effect of competition for a feeding space at an automated supplement feeder on supplement intake behavior. Mixed breed beef steers (n = 128, initial BW = 257 ± 29.2 kg) were randomly assigned to 8 paddocks. One paddock (16 steers) was selected to have continuous access to the feeder for the duration of the 16-wk trial; this paddock was designated the “tester” paddock. The automated feeder consisted of a large bin that dispensed supplement into 4 feeding stations. Supplement dispense was triggered by the presence of an eligible animal’s RFID tag; each steer was limited to 0.50 kg supplement/d by the electronics of the feeder. Weekly, additional paddocks were commingled with the tester paddock to increase competition for the feeder, resulting in a stocking density from 4 to 32 steers per feeding station in various weeks. Approximately 30% of the steers did not voluntarily use the feeder; therefore effective competition was less than the study design. Supplement intake and GPS location were recorded for steers in the tester paddock, and averaged for each wk; week was the experimental unit (n = 16). Weekly mean supplement intake and time spent near the feeder were regressed on feeder stocking density. Tester steers consumed an average of 0.36 kg supplement/d. Competition for a feeder space numerically reduced (P = 0.15) supplement intake by 0.002 kg/d per steer of competition. Steers spent 6% of the time within 15 m of the feeder regardless of competition (P = 0.82). This data illustrates that in scenarios similar to these experimental conditions, the feeder can be stocked with at least 80 animals with minimal effects on supplement intake.
177 The effect of breeding system on voluntary forage consumption of beef cows
Authors: Andresen Claire , Holder Amanda , Gross Megan , Wiseman Aksel , McGee Adam , Lalman David 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Recent genetic trends in beef breeds suggest an imbalance in the selection of output and input traits. The inverse relationship between cow maintenance requirements with output traits such as growth and milk production may have ramifications on carrying costs of cows as well as feed intake of the cow herd. One method commonly used to maximize efficiency within a production system is to utilize a crossbreeding system to capitalize on breed complementarity. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of breeding system on forage intake and determine correlations between breeding system, dry matter intake, and maintenance requirements of beef cows. To do this, a 45-d feeding trial was conducted using 59 pregnant, non-lactating Angus (ANG; n = 32) and Hereford x Angus (HA; n = 27) cows similar in mature BW, growth, and milk potential. Animals were assigned to pen based on breed with four pen replicates per breed. Cows were housed in dry-lot pens equipped with shade, windbreaks, and feed bunks with free-choice access to clean water. A chopped hay ration (65% DM, 55.7% TDN, 7.8% CP) was provided ad libitum to determine forage intake. Daily intake tended to be lower (P = 0.06) for HA compared to ANG (134.25 g/kg MBW ANG; 125.37 g/kg MBW HA). There was no difference in BW at initiation or conclusion of the trial, however, HA sustained greater BCS throughout the duration of the study (P > 0.01). After accounting for differences in retained energy, there were no detectable differences in maintenance requirements (P = 0.11). Results of this study suggest lower forage intake of crossbred cattle and suggests potential differences in energy prioritization and partitioning between breeds.
190 Reduce Reuse ReRumen: Preservation method of rumen fluid collected from slaughtered cattle affects in vitro digestibility
Authors: Garcia Taylor J , Brady Jeffrey A , Guay Kimberly A , Muir James P , Smith William B 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Microbes and chemical constituents in the rumen fluid play an important role when re-establishing the rumen microbial population. Identification of a viable preservation method could have lasting implication of veterinary and research applications. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of preservation methods on rumen liquor. Twelve paunch samples were collected from slaughtered cattle at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Rumen content was collected from different locations within the rumen, strained through eight layers of cheesecloth, and divided into five 500-mL aliquots. Aliquots were randomly allocated to one of five preservation methods (freezing or lyophilisation) and preservative (glycerol; yes or no). A fresh control was maintained from each sample. Three reference feeds and two roughage sources were used in the batch culture procedure. Reference feeds were dried to a constant weight at 55°C and ground to pass through a 2-mm screen. Ground samples were subjected to batch culture in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) assays using each of the four ruminal fluids (plus the control) for digestibility estimates. Original samples and incubated residues were assayed for DM, CP, NDF, and ADF. Data were analyzed in a 2 × 2 + 1 augmented factorial design using GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in IVTD when using protein or energy feeds; however, there were differences in IVTD for all treatments for fiber concentrates and forage reference feeds. Despite lower degradation of feeds when frozen or lyophilized rumen fluid was used, preserved rumen fluid may be a viable option in the absence of fresh inoculum for veterinary and research applications
131 Milk yield of ewes fed with diets of different energy levels
Authors: Gallo Sarita Bonagurio , Junior Vanderlei Benetel , Santos Fernanda Ferreira dos , de Oliveira Mariluce Cardoso , Tedeschi Luis Orlindo 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
An adequate sheep milk production ensures survival and optimum lamb’s growth and development through the weaning. To evaluate the effects of different energy sources in the diet of ewes on their milk yield, an experiment was carried out at the Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering of USP, Brazil, using 56 pregnant ewes, Dorper and Santa Ines breeds, average live weight of 70 kg, randomly distributed in four treatments: control group (fed according to the 2007 NRC recommendation); and groups with 10% more energy with different sources (starch, ST; protected fat, PF; and chromium, Cr). Dry matter intake was approximately 3% of the live weight of the ewes, to all treatments, but the control group with intake of 2.1 Mcal EM/d and the other with 2.3 Mcal EM/d. Ewes were fed the experimental diets at the beginning (50 d) and end of the gestation (50 d). In the middle of the gestation (50 d) the sheep were fed according to the recommendation of the NRC (2007). At 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days post-lambing, the milk yield was assessed using an indirect method of double weighing the lambs (one weight before suckling, another weight after suckling). The ewe milk yield was analyzed using contrasts and statistical significance at 5% of probability. There was no statistical difference (P > 0.05) among the diets evaluated on milk yield of the ewe (0.42, 0.45, 0.38, 0.3, and 0.14 kg/d for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days of lactation). We concluded that milk yield of ewes receiving different levels and source of dietary energy did not differ. Additionally, the use of Cr or protected fat did not influence milk yield when added at 10% of the required energy for lactation. Acknowledgment to FAPESP (process 2017/20555–8).
202 In vitro digestibility of various browse species selected by goats over the growing season
Authors: Ryan Nikisha , Abrahamsen Frank W , Epps Briana , Mullenix Mary K , Heath John , Smith Ron , Gurung Nar 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Goats naturally prefer to consume browse species given the choice. Browsing away from the ground may help avoid internal parasites; however, goats cannot consume more than 50% of their diet as browse due to the prevalence of toxins in the browse species. The objective of this project was to determine in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of preferred browse species consumed by goats at Tuskegee University browsing demonstration site over the growing season. Three samples were collected from each of the 35 different browse species in April and July 2018. Samples consisted of leaves and edible twigs. Browse IVTD was determined according to the Van Soest et al. (1991) modification of the Tilley and Terry (1963) procedure using the Ankom Daisy II incubator system. Data were analyzed for the months of April and July utilizing the two-sample T-test of SYSTAT, Version 13. Browse IVTD values differed (Pteridium aquilinum (Brakenfern) to 94.7% in Phytolacca americana (pokeweed) while the July values ranged from 33.59% in Pteridium aquilinum to 88.5% for Morus rubra (Mulberry). Significant differences were also observed among browse species with regards to dry matter content. Dry matter content values ranged from 10.5 (Albizia julibrissin; White mimosa) to 81% (Prunus americana; American Plum) in April and 12.5 Phytolacca americana to 89% Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine) in July. Results showed natural variability in IVTD of various browse species throughout the growing season. Future experiments will analyze additional nutritive value parameters such as ADF, NDF, total digestible nutrients, and lignin values over three collection times (April, July, and October). The experiment will be continued for two additional years to provide meaningful results.
2 Biosensors - New Frontiers in Animal Welfare
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Glocalization and ecological pressures increase the risk of a biological incident of national significance in farmed animal health management, such as the emergence of a novel infectious agent and/or a global pandemic. An important strategy to monitor such an incident is to anticipate when and where it may occur to enable a timely and well-informed measurement as response. As agreed by researchers, industry experts and market watchers, the fourth revolution in agriculture has begun. Novel technologies such as Internet of Things, SMART Agriculture Initiative, Precision Agriculture, and development of apps for disease surveillance are emerging to drive efficiency. As such, rapid on-farm diagnostics of novel infectious agents and global pandemics using advanced diagnostic methods and tools, as Smart (Precision) Farming and Agricultural IoT (Internet of Things), is significant as part of the fourth agricultural revolution. This talk will discuss examples of innovations such as arrays of diagnostic platforms and wearables as nanosensors using biotechnology to detect 1) biomarker proteins; and 2) antibodies targeting specifically the proteins in multiple livestock sectors: dairy animals; poultry; and pork sectors to diagnose diseases and infections. With novel infectious agents and global pandemics on the rise in farmed livestock, it is imperative to develop detection tools that can predict when an incident is likely to occur, determine the exposed population, inform diagnosis and treatment decisions, and forecast the incident’s potential impact on human and animal populations. The amount of time farmers will have to spend on the farm to make decisions will be significantly reduced. With automated and rapid disease monitoring, farmers will be able to receive real-time information on their livestock, increasing both the efficiency and sustainability for farming and livestock production.
8 Effect of group size during the nursery period on wean-to-finish growth performance in a PRRS positive population of pigs
Authors: Harper Heath M , Schmitt Rachel , Ellis Michael , Shull Caleb M , Schwab Clint R 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
It is common commercial practice in wean-to-finish facilities to pin pigs in large groups during the nursery phase. The effect of overstocking on wean-to-finish performance has been studied; however, there is limited information on the effect of group size during the nursery period on overall growth performance, particularly in PRRS positive populations. This study was carried out using a RCBD (blocking factor date of start of test) to evaluate the effect of 3 nursery group size treatments (61, 79, and 96 pigs/pen) on wean-to-finish growth performance (from 6.0 ± 0.10 to 122.2 ±0.8kg BW) in a PRRS positive population. During the 7-wk nursery period, when the group-size treatments were applied, pigs were housed in mixed-sex pens; floor space for all treatments was 2.4ft2/pig. After the nursery period, pigs on all treatments were housed in groups of 34 at a floor space of 6.5ft2/pig. A total of 3,672 pigs in 12 replicates were used. Pen of pigs was the experimental unit; data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) with the model including fixed effect of group size treatment and random effects of block and replicate. During the period from weaning to wk 7 post-weaning, when the group size treatments were applied, growth rate and live weight was lower (P < 0.05) for the largest group size (96 pigs) than for the 2 smaller group sizes (61 and 79 pigs). However, subsequently from wk 7 to end of test and for the overall wean-to-finish growth performance was similar (P > 0.05) for the 3 group size treatments. This study showed that group size (at the same floor space) had an effect on growth performance in the nursery period but had no effect on overall wean-to-finish growth performance in PRRS positive pigs.
15 Factors affecting the sale price of bred heifers sold through Superior Livestock video auctions from 2010 through 2017
Authors: Smith Maggie J , McCabe Esther D , King Mike E , Fike Karol E , Hill Kevin L , Rogers Glenn M , Odde Kenneth G 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The objective was to evaluate potential factors influencing sale price of bred heifers sold through a video auction service. Descriptive characteristics of lots were obtained through a livestock video auction service. Data were available on 1,779 lots of bred heifers sold through video auctions from 2010 through 2017. Multiple regression with a backwards selection procedure was used to determine factors influencing sale price. Eleven factors were included in the original model. These were year, weight (linear and quadratic), region, breed description, weight variation, origin, frame score, flesh score, and size of lot (linear and quadratic). Size of lot (linear and quadratic) and weight (quadratic) did not affect sale price (P > 0.05) and therefore were not included in the final model. Breed description of the lots was characterized into five groups: English-English cross, English-Continental cross, Black Angus sired out of dams with no Brahman influence, Red Angus sired out of dams with no Brahman influence, and Brahman influenced. The United States was divided into five regions: West Coast, Rocky Mountain/North Central, South Central, South East, and Northeast, which was excluded from analysis due to few lots originating from this region. Lots of bred heifers sold for the lowest sale price (P < 0.05) in 2010 at $955/head (Table 1). In 2015, lots sold for the highest price (P < 0.05) compared with all other years ($2,725/head). Those lots originating from the Rocky Mountain/North Central region sold for the highest price (P < 0.05, $1,677/head). Red Angus sired lots sold for the highest price (P < 0.05, $1,711/head) compared with all other breed descriptions. There was an $85.00 increase in price for every 45.36 kg increase in weight. Understanding factors influencing sale price of bred heifers will allow producers to make more informed decisions.
24 Field experience and challenges facing sow production today, industry strategies
Authors: Ketchem Ronald T 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
I started in the swine industry in 1973 and served for the last 16 years as one of the owners of Swine Management Services (SMS), LLC. I have spent time in a lot of swine facilities of all sizes and ages, and I have seen lots of ideas tried and changes made both positive and negative. I feel that good sow data is your road map to monitoring farms and changes as they are made. SMS has created a company that takes sow reports, does the analysis, and sends written reports to the farm and management for review. SMS currently works with over 450,000 sows in the industry. The farm benchmarking program has 1.6+ million sows from 900+ farms in the United States, Canada, and Australia with data goes back 13 years. It compares farms based on pigs weaned / mated female / year with range of <18 to 34+ pigs. Top farms have figured out the need for quality labor, and they know that gilts are the key to the future—and they will make farrowing changes to improve day 1 care procedures to save more of those pigs. We now see farms with total born at 16+ pigs, pigs weaned per litter at 13+ pigs, pigs weighing 13+ pounds at 19 day weaning age, and sows after weaning coming back into heat in less than 5 days with 95+% breed by day 7. What are their bodies going through? I feel that the ability to manage and feed these high-producing females needs researching. Will that include a lot of work on the nutrition side, floors for sows in lose sows housing, and free stalls in lactation? Where is the trained labor needed coming from?