bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSVI-24 Gene expression profiles of granulosa and peripheral white blood cells from fertile and sub-fertile beef heifers
Authors: Banerjee Priyanka , Da Diniz Wellison Jarles Silva , Dyce Paul W W 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Beef heifer fertility issues contribute to a major economic loss in the cow-calf production industry. Therefore, identifying beef heifers with superior genetic potential for improved fertility would increase profitability. This study aimed to identify differences in the transcriptome profiles from granulosa and peripheral white blood cells (pWBCs) of beef heifers with varying reproductive potential. For this, Angus-Simmental crossbred heifers were subjected to an estrus synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol (7-D CO-Synch + CIDR) followed by exposure for 60-d to a fertile bull. Depending on the presence or absence of conceptus 120 d post-AI, heifers were classified as fertile (pregnant by AI) or sub-fertile (non-pregnant by AI or bull-breeding). Pregnancies were terminated, and all animals in both groups (fertile, n = 8; and sub-fertile, n = 5) were cycling when the blood and ovaries were collected from each heifer. Total RNA was extracted from the pWBCs and granulosa cells and subjected to library preparation and sequencing on the Nova-Seq platform. The read counts were obtained after data quality control using FastQC v0.11.9 and MultiQC v1.12 and alignment to the Ensemble’s ARS UCD1.2 Bos taurus genome reference using STAR aligner v2.7.5. The filtered data were subjected to differential expression analysis using DESeq2. We identified 1,061 and 72 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with P-values ≤ 0.05 and absolute (log2 fold change) ≥ 0.5 from pWBC and granulosa, respectively. Notably, 12 targets including 9 protein coding genes (PLCL1, DNER, GNAS, CDH3, PER1, ITGA2B, CXCL12, ENSBTAG00000048613, ENSBTAG00000051519), bta-mir-2887-1, 5-8S-rRNA and U5 were found as DEGs in both the tissues. Based on a differential co-expression analysis using PCIT, we identified GNAS and DNER as hub genes in pWBC and the granulosa cells of the sub-fertile heifer group. The 12 shared genes were over-represented for pathways such as NF kappa B and chemokine signaling, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and platelet activation. Some of the identified genes have been previously associated with fertility, while others are novel. A detailed understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of the top genes and a follow-up study with a larger sample size at different time points could validate the candidates identified in this study for their role as potential therapeutic targets.
PSIX-2 Skin microbial compositions differ among dog body sites and are affected by dietary probiotics
Authors: Lin Ching-Yen , Daristotle Leighann , Frantz Nolan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The study aimed to characterize the skin microbiota across four distinct body sites and investigate the impact of dietary probiotics on the skin microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Healthy adult dogs [n = 60; mean age = 6.2 ± 2.8 yr; mean body weight (BW) = 13.1 ± 4.0 kg] were randomly assigned into three treatment groups and fed for 60 d: a control kibble diet (CON; n = 20; 29.0% crude protein, 10.1% crude fat, 9.9% crude fiber, 7.1% ash, as-fed), CON supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum 548 (CON-B; n = 20), or CON supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum 548 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 451 (CON-B-L; n = 20). All dogs were individually housed in a temperature- and humidity-controlled research facility. Protocols were approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee before the study. On d 60, skin swab samples were collected from the dorsal lumbar area, right axilla, right groin, and right ear concave pinnae of each dog using sterile swabs. These samples were placed into bead tubes and stored at -20°C until analysis. DNA extraction from skin swab samples was followed by sequencing the V4 region of 16S rRNA using Illumina sequencing on a MiSiq. Sequence data were processed through QIIME 2.0, and statistical analysis was performed using R 4.3.1. to test differences between body sites and diets, with a significance threshold set at P &lt; 0.05. The predominant bacterial phyla observed across all body sites were Actinobacteria (40 ± 21.7%), Firmicutes (31.2 ± 17.9 %), Proteobacteria (17.9 ± 13.3%), and Bacteroidetes (6.6 ± 6.1%). Additionally, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia were exclusive to the groin region. Considering data from all body sites, diets affected relative abundances of phyla and genera in dogs. At phylum level, dogs fed the CON-B diet displayed greater (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Actinobacteria compared with those on the CON diet. The CON-B diet also resulted in a greater (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Firmicutes than dogs on either the CON or CON-B-L diets. At genus level, dogs on the CON-B diet showed significantly greater (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Clostridium, Clostridiaceae unclassified, and Lachnospiraceae unclassified compared with the other diet groups. Dogs on the CON diet displayed a greater (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Dietzia compared with those on probiotic-supplemented diets. These findings underscore the variation in skin microbial composition across distinct body sites, contributing valuable data to limited information available on the skin microbiota of dogs. Moreover, consumption of probiotic influenced the skin microbial compositions in dogs, which warrant further studies to elucidate the relationship between probiotics, skin microbiota, and skin health in dogs.
PSIX-11 Effects of black soldier fly larvae on the serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of healthy adult cats
Authors: Oba Patrícia M , De La Guardia-Hidrogo Vanessa M , Mioto Julio , Adams Daniel , Swanson Kelly S 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) serve as an alternative protein source for pet food products. Even though BSFL are one of many insect species being added to dog foods and treats, knowledge of its effects in cats remains limited. Further investigations are imperative to delineate the effects of BSFL-based ingredients in cats. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of BSFL on serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of adult cats. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC prior to experimentation. Adult cats [n = 25; 17 females, 8 males; 6.28 ± 0.27 yr of age; 4.50 ± 0.18 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a completely randomized design. The study was composed of a 21-d baseline phase and a 70-d experimental phase. During the baseline phase, all cats were fed a control diet based on chicken meal (35% of diet). After baseline, cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets: control diet (n = 12) or BSFL-containing diet (20% whole BSFL meal and 24% chicken meal; n = 13). At baseline, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist. Breath samples were analyzed for volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), salivary pH was measured, and blood samples were collected for serum chemistry and hematology at baseline and after 35 d and 70 d on treatment. At baseline and after 70 d on treatment, fecal samples were scored and collected for pH, dry matter, and metabolite measurement. Gingivitis, plaque, and calculus scores were performed by a veterinary dentist after 70 d on treatment. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Diet, time, and diet*time interaction effects were tested, with P &lt; 0.05 being considered significant. Over time, VSC increased (P &lt; 0.0001) in all cats, but was unaffected by diet. Diet*time interactions were observed for fecal pH, fecal scores, and blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Blood cholesterol concentrations increased (P &lt; 0.05) over time in cats fed the control diet, but remained stable in cats fed the BSFL diet. The opposite effect was observed with blood triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations increased (P &lt; 0.05) in cats fed the BSFL diet over time, but were stable in cats fed the control diet. Cats consuming BSFL had reduced (P &lt; 0.05) fecal pH, dry matter content, and protein catabolite concentrations, but increased (P &lt; 0.05) fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and fecal scores. Overall, 20% BSFL dietary inclusion had comparable effects as chicken meal, suggesting that it will serve as a suitable replacement in cat foods.
PSIX-13 Methionine requirements across the life cycle of working Labrador Retrievers using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique
Authors: Dickerson Sarah M , Timlin Claire L , McCracken Fiona B , Fowler Jason W , Coon Craig N 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Methionine is a limiting amino acid in canine diets, but few requirement studies have been conducted across life stages in large-breed dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum requirement (MR) for methionine (Met) in Labrador retrievers at 4 life stages using the indicator amino acid (AA) oxidation (IAAO) technique. In total, 24 dogs were used: 6 puppies aged 10 to 14 wk, 6 puppies aged 14 wk to 9 mo, 6 adults aged 2 to 5 yr, and 6 seniors aged over 8 yr in feeding studies to evaluate the changing requirements of methionine (Met) as canines age. After 2-d adaptation to Met-adequate basal diet (Met = 0.56% dry matter), dogs underwent individual IAAO studies. In brief, all dogs were randomly fed one of six test diets with varying levels of Met ranging from deficient to sufficient (final Met content in experimental diets was 0.1982, 0.2386, 0.279, 0.49, 0.525, 0.56% dry matter, with indispensable amino acids formulated at 1.6x NRC values. Test diet was divided into 13 equal meals; at the 5th meal, a tracer amino acid was supplied (a bolus L-[1-13C]phenylalanine based on body weight was first given, followed by [1-13C]Phe doses every 30 min spanning a 4-h period), and breath samples were collected via respiration mask every 30 min. Total production of 13CO2 during isotopic steady state was determined by enrichment of 13CO2 in breath samples and total CO2 production measured via indirect calorimetry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Results for IRMS were converted to atom percent excess (APE) and analyzed using segmented linear regression. The Four Rivers mean and population requirements for Met were estimated to be 0.84 ± 0.05 g/1000 kcal (mean ± 2SD) for puppies 10 to 14 wk, 0.78 ± 0.16 g/1,000kcal (mean ± 2SD) for puppies 14 wk to -9 mo, 0.68 ± 0.19 g/1,000kcal (mean ± 2SD) for adults 2 to 5 yr, and 0.62 ± 0.17 g/1,000kcal (mean ± 2SD) for seniors. This research provides important information to assist in accurate formulation of diets that contain appropriate methionine for large breed dogs at all life stages.
PSIX-8 A multistrain probiotic modifies fecal microbial populations of healthy adult cats
Authors: Guevara Zubillaga Marcial A , Jørgensen Jens Noesgaard , Jørgensen Lisbeth , Alaverdova Lidiia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Probiotics can modulate the intestinal microbiota and benefit the host’s health, whereas environmental stressors can negatively impact the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), most commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, are well-known organisms with probiotic potential. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on the fecal microbial population of healthy Cats, after ingestion of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202. Thirty adult cats (15 male, 15 female; mean BW=3.39 kg; mean age=3.3 y) were enrolled in this placebo-controlled and blinded study. After a 7-d washout period, cats were allocated into two groups similar in terms of body weight, age, and sex. Cats were fed a complete dry extruded diet and at time 0 h on d-0 received orally 4 g of a placebo paste or probiotic paste corresponding to the target dose of 4x107 total CFU. Administration of the placebo or probiotic was repeated 12 h and 24 h after the first dose. Afterward, fecal scores were evaluated daily for 7 days. Fresh fecal samples were collected on days 0, 3, and 7 for microbial enumerations and fecal metabolite measurements. Fecal microbial count data did not conform to the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances, consequently, non-parametric tests were performed for comparisons. Fecal scores, dry matter, and metabolites were not different between groups. Fecal counts of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. were greater on both d-3 and d-7 (P &lt; 0.01) in cats that consumed probiotics. Fecal counts of both Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were fewer (P &lt; 0.05) in cats that consumed probiotics. In conclusion, the consumption by cats on d-0 of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202 modified the intestinal microbiota up to 7 days after consumption, as evidenced by the increase of lactic acid bacteria and the decrease of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens in feces.
PSIX-4 Standardized amino acid digestibility of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in extruded canine diets
Authors: Mioto Julio , Utterback Pamela L , Parsons Carl M , Madison Sean , Adolphe Jennifer , de Godoy Maria R C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The use of insects, such as black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM), as an alternative protein source for animal feed, including pet food, has gained attention due to their high nutritional value and sustainability attributes. The aims of the study were to determine the chemical composition and amino acid digestibility of canine diets using BSFL to partially or completely replace chicken meal (CM) at 15% or 30% inclusion using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Fifteen cecectomized roosters (n = 5 per treatment) were randomly assigned to the test diets: Control, 15% BSFLM, and 30% BSFLM. After 26 h of feed withdrawal, 20 g of substrates were crop-fed and excreta were collected for 48 h. Data were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed 9.4 with P ≤ 0.05 significance. The chemical composition was similar among all 3 dietary treatments. On average, the diets had similar macronutrient compositions: dry matter 92 to 93.7%, organic matter 89%, crude protein (CP) 26.7 to 28.4%, acid hydrolyzed fat 14.6%, total dietary fiber (TDF) 11.5 to 13.3%, and gross energy was 4.9 kcal/g. The slight variations in CP and TDF concentrations were due to the BSFLM. Additionally, all diets had similar concentrations of indispensable and dispensable amino acids. The standardized digestibility for all indispensable amino acids was above 75% for all dietary treatments, except histidine, lysine, and methionine + cysteine for the 30% BSFLM diet. The inclusion of BSFLM at both 15% or 30%, as a partial or full replacement of chicken by-product meal, did not negatively impact the chemical composition or amino acid digestibility of the experimental diets. Overall, this study highlighted the viability of BSFLM as an alternative and sustainable protein source in canine nutrition, indicating that extruded diets formulated with BSFLM as a partial or primary protein source can sustain adult dogs’ nutritional needs similarly to diets formulated with CM.
PSIX-3 Dental stick extrusion utilizing spray dried plasma
Authors: Campbell Joy , Henry Will 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Dental stick extrusion utilizes various ingredients to form the ideal texture and quality product. Alternative ingredients to enhance or impact texture, palatability and/or plaque removal can be useful to improve dental stick manufacturing. Spray dried plasma (SDP) is a consistent high protein ingredient commonly utilized in pet food for functional texture properties, enhancing palatability, and supporting overall health. Thus, the study objective was to evaluate how SDP inclusion with other ingredients impacts texture of extruded dental formulas. Three formulas were developed utilizing SDP to replace wheat starch (WS) or Arabic gum in the control formula. The formulas were: Control: WS and gum; SDP1: SDP and WS replacing gum; and SDP2: SDP replacing WS and gum. Dental sticks were made at the Extru-Tech technology testing center using a 525 single screw extruder with the product densification unit (PDU) removed and replaced with a mid-barrel valve and 3 cooling heads to cause densification. The sticks were manufactured as solid square sticks. Generally, a single screw with a PDU, or a traditional parallel-shaft twin screw is used to manufacture dental sticks. However, the equipment alterations used worked like a single screw with a PDU; thus, it would be expected that the results would translate to a traditional single screw configuration. Glycerin at 12% (% to dry feed rate) and chicken fat were added to the pre-conditioner at set rates to optimize expansion and product quality. Processing conditions were monitored and adjusted on the various formulations during production to optimize extrusion. Texture was measured on a TA.XT Plus utilizing an adjustable bridge with a rounded-end knife probe for a 3-point bend. Dental sticks of 8 cm in length were placed over the two bridge spans spaced 5 cm apart to measure maximum force (hardness) and work to peak force (work to break) to determine texture parameters. Ten dental sticks per treatment were analyzed. All formulas utilizing SDP were successful in producing dental sticks. No differences (P &gt; 0.05) were noted in force with SDP formulas compared with control. Work to peak was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in SDP formulas compared with control formula. Formulation matrix impacts results. In the current formulas, both Arabic gum and WS were altered in the formulas and depending on amount of SDP used similar texture was noted. In conclusion, SDP can be incorporated into dental stick formulas and utilized as a processing aide. Overall, depending on target hardness and ingredient matrix, SDP can be an alternative to various ingredients to maintain or improve product quality.
PSIX-6 Algal oil as an alternative source of docosahexaenoic acid in feline diets
Authors: Motsinger Laura A , Kalmbach Catherine , Fritsch Dale , Mwakatage Nasson , Hancock Leslie B 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The global demand for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation by humans and their necessity in companion animal foods has raised questions related to environmental sustainability and nutrient content of fish oil. The combination of reported diminishing EPA and DHA content in fish oil and the forecasting of a significant decline in global fish stocks over the next decade make it critical to consider alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce dependence on fish harvests. Cultured algal oil has been identified as a promising and viable alternative to fish-based oils. As such, the purpose of this study was to determine the inclusion level of algal oil in cat foods necessary to deliver the same serum concentrations of DHA provided from fish oil. Cats (n = 26) were first fed a control food formulated to avoid ingredients that contain long chain omega-3 fatty acids [ɑ-linolenic (ALA), EPA, and DHA] for 5 wk, to establish a baseline serum concentrations of these fatty acids. Cats were then randomized into two groups, and fed test foods containing either fish oil or algal oil in sequential increasing levels of DHA (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) for 5-wk periods each. Blood was analyzed for serum DHA and EPA concentrations after each of these feeding periods. A regression analysis was used to calculate a bioequivalence factor between fish oil and algal oil inclusion levels. There was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) in intake or body weight between cats consuming diets containing algal oil or fish oil. Analysis of serum fatty acid concentrations showed that increasing fish and algal oil had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on serum linolenic acid, ALA, or arachidonic acid; however, increasing fish and algal oil did have an effect on DHA such that serum DHA was increased at similar rates as fish oil (P = 0.050) and algal oil (P = 0.026) levels were increased in the diet. Although increasing levels of fish and algal oil both increased serum EPA concentrations (P &lt; 0.001), fish oil increased serum EPA to a greater extent than algal oil when fed at all levels. Overall, these data indicate that inclusion of algal oil is a good alternative dietary source of DHA, but less of EPA, and that algal oil will need to be added to the diet in higher concentrations to achieve similar serum EPA concentrations as fish oil.
PSIX-14 Circulating microRNAs associated with inflammation in aging canines
Authors: Tavener Selena K , Panickar Kiran S 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Aging is associated with ‘inflammaging’ which is characterized by systemic chronic low-grade inflammation. The increase in circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines contributes to adverse health conditions including chronic kidney disease, cancer, and cognitive dysfunction in aging canines. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which bind to the target mRNAs to reduce their function. Depending on the target mRNAs, the miRNAs act as post-transcriptional silencers of gene expression including pro-inflammatory genes. miRNAs can regulate inflammation at different times including the initiation and progression phases. We investigated the expression profiles of circulating miRNAs in blood, collected from healthy canines housed at Hill’s animal colony, in young (n = 6, 2 to 3 yr) and old (n = 6, 10 to 11 yr). Gene expression was assessed in blood collected in PAXgene RNA tubes using Qiagen’s miCURY LNA PCR array. Data were analyzed using the ΔΔCt method normalized to miR-191. There was a significant increase in the levels of miR182-5p in older dogs when compared with young (1.44-fold; P &lt; 0.05). Increased level of miR-182 has been reported in models of osteoarthritis in rodents. In addition, miR-182 is hypothesized to regulate inflammation by affecting FOXO3 production. Down regulation of FOXO3, a transcription factor, is implicated in several aging-related vascular diseases. There was an increase in miR-204-5p in older dogs (3.64-fold; P &lt; 0.05). miR-204 has been reported to downregulate TRPML1, a gene involved in mitochondrial autophagy which is important to preserve mitochondrial function in aging. Interestingly, miR-204-5p has also been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, the role of miR-204 in the aging process in canines is unclear. Genes that were significantly downregulated in older dogs include miR-181b (-1.60-fold) and miR-192-5p (-1.67 fold). Both miRNA-181b and miR-192 have tumor suppressor effects and downregulation of these miRNA may contribute to certain types of cancer including gastric tumors, gliomas, and pancreatic cancer. There was also a reduction in miR-146b in aging dogs compared with young (-1.36 fold, ns). As COX-2 and IL-1b can be negatively regulated by miR-146, an increase in inflammation is conceivable due to reduced levels of miR-146. Other miRNAs that were decreased more than 1.25-fold in aging dogs include miR-7, miR-15a, miR-17, miR-23a, miR-31, miR-103a, miR-133, miR-133b, miR-146b, miR-148a, miR-181a, miR-200b, miR-203a, miR-205, miR-210, miR-223, and miR-499a (all ns). Our results highlight, at the molecular level, the importance of profiling the circulating miRNAs that can affect inflammation in aging canines and are potential targets for nutritional intervention.