bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
365 Feeding Cattle – Optimal Days on Feed: Rates of change of economically important performance and carcass characteristics
Authors: Galyean Michael 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Feedlot research data from 7 experiments with beef steers, 6 experiments with beef heifers, and 2 experiments with Holstein steers, representing a total of 687 pen observations, were analyzed to determine the rate of change in selected performance and carcass measurements over extended feeding periods. All cattle were fed high-grain diets and managed under typical industry conditions. The 15 experiments included extended days on feed as a factor (steers: 0 to 62 d; heifers: 0 to 42 d; and Holsteins: 0 to 56 d), with several experiments including beta-agonist and implant program comparisons. Variables of interest were dry matter intake, average daily gain, final shrunk body weight, hot carcass weight, and measures of carcass fatness, yield, and quality. Beta-agonist and implant programs effects and their interaction with extended days on feed, as well as the overall rate of change in performance and carcass measurements with extended days on feed were evaluated using mixed-model statistical methods adjusting for random intercept effects of studies. Effects of zilpaterol or ractopamine and implant programs were consistent with the published literature, and for analyses across steer and heifer data, interactions between beta-agonist/implant program and extended days on feed were detected for only 2.5% of the variables evaluated. Slope values in the overall analyses for all 3 classes of cattle were generally significant (P ≤ 0.03 for 85% of the variables analyzed), reflecting increased final shrunk body weight and hot carcass weight, greater carcass fatness, and shifts toward higher quality and yield grades with extended days on feed. Producers marketing cattle on a carcass basis could use the slope data from these analyses to estimate changes in carcass weight along with potential premiums and discounts for use in economic projections.
12 Differences in pregnancy loss between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle
Authors: Mercadante Vitor R G , Vidlund Trinity , Pancini Stefania , Smith Damon , Moorey Sarah , Ealy Alan , Biase Fernando , Pohler Ky G , Lamb Cliff C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Infertility due to pregnancy loss is a major issue leading to economic losses in cow-calf beef production. Furthermore, undernutrition is linked to infertility in cattle and is of most concern during times of extended drought periods and ever-increasing feed costs, such as today. Approximately 30% of cattle in the U.S. contain a portion of their genetic background of Bos indicus origin, and approximately 40% of beef cows and 50% of the cow-calf producers in the country are located in the southern U.S. where Bos indicus cattle and their crosses are located. Our research group has investigated differences in fertility and conceptus development between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle and there is evidence for differences in embryonic development and pregnancy establishment processes between Bos taurus and Bos indicus. In similar studies performed in Brazil and in the U.S., d 15 Bos indicus embryos averaged at 2.4 cm in length, while Bos taurus d 15 embryos averaged 11.4 cm in length. In addition, we determined that cows containing primarily Bos taurus genetics had larger fetuses at d 53 of pregnancy than cows with at least 20% Bos indicus genetics. These differences highlight the importance of performing controlled studies with direct comparisons between the two subspecies. Recent findings from our group indicate that Bos indicus cattle have improved fertility and embryonic survival under nutritional restriction when compared with Bos taurus cattle. Angus embryo transfer recipients submitted to a 70% nutritional restriction have increased pregnancy failure compared with Angus recipients in a maintenance diet and Brangus recipients in both restricted and maintenance diets. In addition, embryo recipients in the restricted diet that received an Angus embryo experienced greater pregnancy failure than recipients in the restricted diet receiving Brangus embryos, regardless of the recipient breed. Collectively, our results indicate that the magnitude of the detrimental effect of nutrient restriction differs between Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle. Bos taurus genotype in both maternal and fetal systems decreased the probability of pregnancy when nutrient restriction was superimposed, indicating that Bos taurus cows were more susceptible to experience embryonic loss when exposed to the same negative plane of nutrition. There is a critical need to understand how the fetal-maternal crosstalk during early stages of pregnancy as well as the uterine environment differ between Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle.
9 Contributions of sire diet to pregnancy establishment in cattle
Authors: Fontes Pedro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The first weeks of pregnancy represent a pivotal period for pregnancy establishment and have considerable implications to fertility and beef production efficiency. While fertilization rates are considerably high in beef cattle, early embryonic mortality occurs in a large proportion of females between fertilization and the first pregnancy diagnosis. Most research efforts to address early pregnancy loss in cattle have focused on female-related factors that influence embryonic mortality. However, research from other animal models has shown that in addition to its genetic contributions, sperm-derived factors are involved in many post-fertilization events, such as syngamy, cleavage, and epigenetic regulation of the developing embryo. Large-scale field fertility studies have shown differences in pregnancy rates between sires with similar sperm parameters based on industry-standard semen analyses. However, few studies have investigated the paternal contributions to early embryonic development in cattle. In rodents, embryos sired from obese fathers had reduced cleavage and blastocyst development rates compared with embryos sired from control fathers. While bull over conditioning is a common phenotype observed in the beef industry, the impact of paternal nutrition on embryo and conceptus development remains poorly understood in cattle. Our group has recently evaluated the effect of paternal high energy diets on semen parameters and embryo development during in vitro embryo production. When compared with a control treatment, bulls exposed to a highly anabolic diet had similar sperm motility, but partially decreased semen quality based on computer-assisted sperm analyses and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, while a highly anabolic diet resulted in similar cleavage rates compared with a control diet, decreased blastocyst rates as a percentage of cleaved oocytes were observed in bulls fed a highly anabolic diet. These results corroborate with reports in other species; however, further research is required to better understand the contributions of paternal diets to conceptus development and pregnancy loss.
10 Awardee Talk: Pregnancy losses in Bos indicus-influenced cowherds
Authors: Cooke Reinaldo F , Vasconcelos Jose 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Pregnancy loss is recognized as a major reproductive challenge in beef cattle operations. Most pregnancy losses are associated with early embryonic mortality, but limited research evaluated pregnancy losses throughout the gestation period. Research is warranted to address this gap in knowledge, particularly fetal losses in Bos indicus-influenced females. This subspecies predominates in tropical regions of the planet, which contain more than 80% of the world’s cattle population and supply a major portion of the global demand for beef products. Our group recently evaluated pregnancy losses from d 30 of gestation to calving in 4,926 Nelore females assigned to an ovulation synchronization + fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. Pregnancy loss was greater (P &lt; 0.01) from d 60 to 150 of gestation (10.2%) compared with d 30 to 60 of gestation (6.0%) and with d 150 of gestation to calving (7.4%) and differed (P = 0.04) between these latter two periods. Pregnancy loss from d 30 to 60 of gestation did not differ (P = 0.26) among cow parities (nulliparous, primiparous, and multiparous), whereas total pregnancy losses (d 30 to calving) were greater (P &lt; 0.01) in precocious (28.4%) and conventional (27.1%) heifers compared with primiparous (16.4%) and multiparous (13.0%) cows. In a second experiment, pregnancy losses from fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) to calving were evaluated in 4,366 FTET events using Nelore × Angus recipient heifers. Pregnancy losses were greater (P &lt; 0.01) from FTET to d 32 of gestation compared with d 32 to 100 and with d 100 to calving (58.7, 39.5, and 36.7%, respectively), and did not differ (P = 0.56) between these latter periods. Recipients that lost the pregnancy from FTET to d 32 gained less (P &lt; 0.01) body condition score after FTET compared with recipients that maintained the pregnancy. Pregnancy losses from d 32 to calving were greater (P &lt; 0.01) in recipients reared in drylots and moved to pastures on d 32 compared with recipients reared on pasture. Collectively, these results provide novel information about pregnancy losses in Bos indicus females, with a substantial proportion of losses occurring as fetal mortality.
438 DNA methylation patterns and transcriptional regulation during pig fetal skeletal muscle development
Authors: Ernst Catherine W 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Fetal development is controlled by a complex cascade of highly regulated and coordinated gene expression patterns. Epigenetic mechanisms have important roles in regulating development and differentiation. Among such mechanisms, DNA methylation exhibits context-specific associations with gene expression and has been shown to be highly dynamic during developmental processes. We performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to assess DNA methylation in pig longissimus dorsi muscle at 41- and 70-d gestation (dg), as well as RNA- and small RNA-sequencing to identify coordinated changes in methylation and expression between myogenic stages. We identified 45,739 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between stages, and the majority (n = 34,232) were hypomethylated at 70 vs. 41 dg. Developmental DMRs exhibited feature-specific enrichment in gene regulatory regions, as well as in regions proximal to micro-RNAs (miRNAs) that have known roles in myogenesis. Integration of methylation and transcriptomic data revealed strong associations between differential gene methylation and transcript abundance. We surveyed myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) genes to determine if differential methylation was present in expected genomic regions. Within the MYF5 and MYF6 locus, MYF5 was significantly promoter-hypermethylated at 70 dg, whereas MYF6 was significantly hypomethylated upstream of its transcription start site. MYF5 is the earliest MRF to be expressed and primarily functions in myoblast proliferation and determination, while MYF6 functions in muscle cell differentiation. Thus, these patterns were consistent with expected downregulation of MYF5 and upregulation of MYF6 as muscle development progresses and demonstrate that differential methylation is evident at myogenic transcription factors. Differential miRNA methylation was significantly negatively correlated with abundance, and dynamic expression of assayed miRNAs persisted postnatally. Motif analysis revealed significant enrichment of myogenic regulatory factor motifs among hypomethylated regions, suggesting that DNA hypomethylation may function to increase accessibility of muscle-specific transcription factors. We also show that developmental DMRs are enriched for GWAS SNPs associated with muscle physiology and meat quality traits, demonstrating the potential for epigenetic processes to influence phenotypic diversity. Our results enhance understanding of DNA methylation dynamics in pig fetal skeletal muscle and reveal putative cis-regulatory elements governed by epigenetic processes during porcine myogenesis.
439 Bovine embryo epigenetic analysis according to periconceptional conditions and new information on postnatal phenotypes
Authors: Sirard Marc Andre A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the field of animal reproduction, the environment associated with gametes and embryos refers to the condition of the parents as well as conditions surrounding gametes and embryo in vivo or in vitro. This environment is now known to influence not only the functionality of the early embryo but potentially the future phenotype of the offspring. Using transcriptomic and epigenetic molecular analysis, and the bovine model, recent research has shown that both the female and the male metabolic status, for example age, can affect gene expression and gene programming in the embryo. Evidence demonstrates that milking cows losing body weight at the time of conception generates compromised embryos and offsprings with a unique metabolic signature. A similar phenomenon has been associated with different culture conditions and the IVF procedure. The general common consequence of these situations is an embryo behaving as “economy” mode where translation, cell division and ATP production is reduced, potentially to adapt to the perceived future environment. New epidemiologic studies in bovine to assess if these changes result in a different phenotype especially with animals created by IVF which shows consequences later in life.
296 Saccharomyces cerevisiae derived postbiotic modulates inflammatory response and gut microbiota in large breed dogs exposed to endurance exercise and transport stress
Authors: Timlin Claire L , McCracken Fiona B , Dickerson Sarah M , Skaggs Patrick M , Fowler Jason W , Jalukar Sangita , Coon Craid N 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Postbiotic supplements have been used in various livestock species to mitigate the negative effects of stress. This study aimed to determine if similar responses are seen in canine companion animals. We evaluated the effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) postbiotic supplement on inflammatory biomarkers, cortisol, and microbiota dysbiosis index in Labrador Retrievers exposed to exercise and transport stress. Dogs [n = 36; 3.52 ± 0.21 yr old and body weight (BW) = 27.6 ± 2.97 kg] were blocked by sex, age, and BW and assigned to receive 1 of 3 daily top-dressed treatments: 1) 15 g ground corn germ (Control, n = 12); 2) 7.5 g S. cerevisiae yeast postbiotic (Low, n = 12); or 3) 15 g of S. cerevisiae yeast postbiotic (High, n = 12). Dogs were given 1 wk to acclimate to treatments before beginning a 7-wk exercise regimen consisting of twice weekly 4.8 km guided runs. Dogs were exposed to a transportation stressor in wk 8. Fecal samples from d 0 and 56 were analyzed for calprotectin, calgranulin C (S100A12), α1-protease inhibitor, immunoglobulin A, and microbiota dysbiosis index. Blood was collected on d 0 and 63 for serum chemistries and complete blood counts. Blood collection was also performed prior to and 18 to 20 h after first and final runs of the exercise regimen for analysis of inflammatory cytokines. The Four Rivers Kennel (FRK) Gait Inflammation Index score was assessed prior to and 24 hours after the first and last exercise runs with the Gait4Dogs pressure mat system. Saliva cortisol was measured before and after transportation. Blood chemistry did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.19), but Control dogs had increased eosinophils (P = 0.01) and tended to have increased white blood cells (P = 0.08) and lymphocytes (P = 0.08) compared with dogs receiving postbiotic. Dogs fed Low dose had elevated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (P = 0.01) and maintained Interleukin (IL) -8 after the initial run (P = 0.03). Males in the Low group had increased IL-10 (P = 0.02). Fecal biomarkers and microbiota dysbiosis index score did not differ among treatments by d 56 (P ≥ 0.19). Blautia abundance was decreased in High (P = 0.04). Fusobacterium abundance tended to be reduced in High and increased in Control and Low (P = 0.07). Clostridium hiranonis tended to be greater in Low compared with Control (P = 0.07). The FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index scores decreased over time with acclimation to running (P &lt; 0.01). Saliva cortisol concentrations did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.20). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based postbiotic tested in this study has potential as a functional ingredient to modulate immune function, improve muscle recovery shortly after exercise and positively change diversity of the gut microbiome in canine companion animal diets.
293 Impact of black soldier fly larvae meal in a dry extruded food on nutritional quality and health in adult cats
Authors: Bosch Guido , Loureiro Bruna , Schokker Dirkjan , Kar Soumya , Sluczanowski Nicky 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Insects like the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL) have been proposed as protein-rich feed ingredients to support the growing demand for meat. The BSFL hold also promise for use as a protein source in pet foods and, as such, it has been studied for palatability, nutritional quality and health effects in dogs and cats. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including BSFL meal in a dry, extruded food on nutritional quality and health in healthy adult cats. Two similar compositions of dry, extruded foods were formulated to meet the FEDIAF nutrition guidelines for adult cats of which one was chicken meal-based (control, with 34.3% chicken meal) and the other BSFL meal-based (inclusion of 37.5% BSFL meal). BSFL meal contained 95.0% dry matter, 53.1% crude protein, 14.3% crude fat, 6.0% ash (Protix, Dongen, The Netherlands). Two groups of four cats were each fed one of the two foods for two 28-d periods in a crossover design, with sample collection during the last 7 d of each period. Cats were housed in groups of the same sex during the first 21 d of each period. Both foods were well-accepted by the cats. No health problems (including coat and skin condition) were noted throughout the study. Food type did not impact body weight (P = 0.850). Food intake was greater when cats were fed the BSFL-based food (P &lt; 0.001). Consistency scores of fresh feces were optimal and did not differ between the foods. Compared with the control food, the food with BSFL meal had decreased apparent fecal digestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, and gross energy (P &lt; 0.05) although all values were high. Digestibility values for acid-hydrolyzed fat were similar for both foods (P = 0.628). Diets resulted in changes in fermentation product concentrations, like fecal ammonia was less when cats fed this food compared with the control food (P &lt; 0.001), but the fecal concentrations of the short-chain fatty acids and biogenic amines were generally increased (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, reduced fecal bacterial diversity and affected bacterial relative abundance suggested that inclusion of BSFL meal steered the microbial composition in the distal gut of cats. It was observed increased relative abundance of bacteria genus considered beneficial for host health like Bifidobacterium (P &lt; 0.001) and Megasphaera (P &lt; 0.036); and inhibition of genus Negativibacillus and Lachnoclostridium (P &lt; 0.001), previously associated to digestive issues and negative for gut health. Overall, the data gathered in this study suggests that BSFL meal is an adequate alternative ingredient for extruded dry cat foods and may exert a prebiotic effect on intestinal microbiota.
299 Impact of antimicrobial bathing on canine dermal microbiota regrowth
Authors: Discepolo Dakota , Bender Kelly , Crowell Cierra N , Watson Adrian , Perry Erin B 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Recent public health concerns have heightened concerns regarding the potential for contact transfer of bacteria from dogs to humans. Pathogenic bacteria including strains of Staphylococcus are of specific concern and have raised the question regarding the use of antimicrobial based bathing methods for potential mitigation. Common veterinary antimicrobial cleansers such as chlorhexidine gluconate have been suggested as possible decontamination cleansers. Chlorhexidine gluconate bathing has been well studied in humans. However, its use beyond surgical preparation is not well examined in canines. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify the time frame associated with dermal microbial regrowth following an antimicrobial bath designed to mimic a decontamination procedure using chlorhexidine gluconate. Labrador Retrievers (n = 10) were assigned to treatment group (control = CON; chlorhexidine gluconate = CHX) and were bathed by a single trained technician using either water (CON) or chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX). Baths included the application of 280 mL of treatment (CON = water; CHX = 4% chlorhexidine diluted 1:4). Three dermal swabs were collected at the shoulder blades at baseline (prior to bathing) and across the following timepoints after the bathing procedure: 1 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h. Swab solutions were diluted to 108. All dilutions were plated on nutrient agar and incubated at 30° C for 44 to 50 h. Colony counts were measured to calculate final cells/mL concentration of samples. Mean concentration per timepoint for each canine was used for analysis using SAS on Demand with significance determined at P = 0.05. Mean concentration values over time compared with baseline were analyzed for effects of time, treatment group, and sex via PROC GLM between by within ANOVA. Time following bathing, treatment and sex significantly impacted bacterial regrowth (P &lt; 0.0001). Bacterial growth did not differ significantly until 24 h following bathing at which point the CON group regrowth began. Dogs in the CHX group had reduced regrowth through the 48 h following bathing and failed to completely recover by 48 h post bathing. Males had increased regrowth compared with females in both CHX and CON groups. These results indicate a surprising time delay associated with antimicrobial bathing. The antimicrobial effect of chlorhexidine gluconate was not fully evident until 24 h and had differing impacts based on sex in the studied canines. Future studies should examine these findings in larger research cohorts with different breeds to identify impacts associated with coat type, sex, and more frequent sampling intervals.