bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
59 Feeding behavior in divergent residual enteric methane emissions steers during the backgrounding and finishing phases
Authors: de Vargas Juan J , Manriquez Diego , Swenson Maya , Carvalho Pedro H V , Stackhouse-Lawson Kimberly R , Place Sara E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Enteric methane (CH4) is produced during the anaerobic fermentation of organic matter and represents an energy loss for ruminants. Diet and animal characteristics mainly determine CH4 emissions. However, there is limited information regarding the relationship between feeding behavior and CH4 emissions in growing steers consuming different diets. This experiment aimed to evaluate the feeding behavior of growing steers with divergent residual methane emissions (RCH4) during the backgrounding and finishing phases. Two hypotheses were evaluated: 1) the steers would not change the initial RCH4 classification when moving from backgrounding to finishing phases, and 2) steers with divergent RCH4 would show different feeding behavior. Angus steers (n = 60) were placed in two pens and were classified as high, medium, and low RCH4 during both phases. During the backgrounding phase, steers [209 ± 26 kg of initial body weight (BW)] were fed a total mixed ratio (TMR) with 46% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 0.86 Mcal/kg DM of net energy of gain (NEg) for 60 d. During the finishing phase, steers (517 ± 40 kg of initial BW) were fed a TMR with 16.8% NDF and 1.37 Mcal/kg DM of NEg for 80 d. Feed intake and gas flux were determined daily using Smartfeed and Greenfeed technology. Steers were weighed every 2 wk during each phase to determine average daily gain (ADG). The number of meals (NM), meal size (MS), time per meal (TM), intervals between meals (IM), and intake rate (IR) were calculated using 5 min as a meal criterion. Individual RCH4 classification rank during the backgrounding and finishing phases was analyzed using a chi-square test. Feeding behavior was analyzed using a mixed model with RCH4 classification and animal as fixed and random effects, respectively. No relation (P = 0.5) existed between individual RCH4 classification during the backgrounding and the subsequent RCH4 classification during the finishing phase. In either phase, feed intake or ADG was not different (P &gt; 0.05) among divergent RCH4 groups. Feeding behavior was not different (P &gt; 0.05) among RCH4 groups during the backgrounding phase, but MS and TM were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in steers with high RCH4 during the finishing phase. Steers classified as low RCH4 showed less CO2 and CH4 production and less O2 consumption than medium and high RCH4 in either phase. In conclusion, growing steers were re-ranked according to the RCH4 classification during the backgrounding and finishing phases. Animal performance was not related to RCH4 classification. However, steers with decreased RCH4 showed less MS during the finishing phase. Also, CO2 and CH4 were less in low RCH4 steers during both phases. Further work should be conducted to recognize differences in fermentation and metabolism of lower RCH4 steers for developing selection and management interventions.
62 Relationship between feed efficiency and reproductive measures in beef heifers
Authors: Hall John B , Bloomsburg Maggie K , Sprinkle Jim E , Stratton Sidney E , Glaze James B 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the influence of residual feed intake (RFI) classification on reproductive measures and pregnancy rates in beef heifers. During an 8-yr period, 1,090 heifers were tested for feed efficiency in 70-d trials using a GrowSafe system. Heifers had ad libitum access to water and diets designed to meet NRC requirements for 0.90 kg/d gain. Diets, fed as a total mixed ration, were 85% forage and 15% concentrate which included vitamin and mineral supplements. Heifers were weighed at weaning, the beginning of the RFI trial, at yearling, end of the RFI trial and at breeding. Residual feed intake values were calculated, and heifers were grouped into RFI categories of Average (AVG), Efficient (EFF) or Inefficient (INE). At 13 mo of age, reproductive tract scores (RTS) and pelvic areas were measured. In 5 of the years, heifers (n = 487) also had antral follicle counts (AFC) determined via transrectal ultrasonography. Heifers were estrous synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI) with AI bulls balanced across efficiency categories. Estrus response to synchronization was recorded at fixed-time AI. Pregnancy status and fetal age were determined via transrectal ultrasonography at 60 d and 100 d after AI. Records from 1,078 heifers were used in the analysis (AVG = 428; EFF = 317; INE = 333). Dry matter intake (DMI), body weights, average daily gain (ADG), RTS, and AFC were analyzed using Mixed procedures in SAS. Estrus response and pregnancy rates were evaluated using Logistic procedures. Differences among RFI categories (P &lt; 0.0001) were a result of differences in DMI (P &lt; 0.001) averaging 12.5, 11.5, and 10.2 kg/d (SE = 0.44 kg/d) for INE, AVG and EFF heifers, respectively. In addition, ADG was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for AVG compared with INE heifers. Prior to RFI classification, birth weight was less (P &lt; 0.03) in EFF compared with AVG heifers, and weaning weight (P &lt; 0.01) greater in EFF compared with AVG or INE heifers. However, yearling weight and breeding weight were similar (P = 0.60) across RFI category. Indicators of reproductive development, RTS (P = 0.24) and AFC (P = 0.79) were not different among RFI category. Estrus response to synchronization increased (P &lt; 0.04) for INE (77.3%) compared with AVG (69.1%) or EFF (70.1%) heifers. However, fixed-time AI and final pregnancy rates were similar (P &gt; 0.69) among RFI categories and averaged 54.7%, 54.5%, 52.7% and 89.7%, 88.8%, 87.8% for AVG, EFF and INE heifers, respectively. In conclusion, differences in feed efficiency as indicated by RFI had limited influence on measures of reproductive development in beef heifers and did not alter pregnancy rates. Therefore, placing emphasis on feed efficiency in developing beef heifers should not alter reproductive performance.
65 Metagenomic analysis of ensiled grocery food waste
Authors: Bumunang Emmanuel , Garcia-Rodriguez Vicky , Bukola Rhoda , Silva-Castro Vinicius , Zaheer Rahat , McAllister Tim A , Stanford Kim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Vegetables and fruits are the main sources of plant fiber, minerals, and vitamins essential for human health. However, commercially manufactured foods which are not consumed end up in landfills and contribute to economic losses as well as to methane emissions, a global warming gas. Besides recycling food waste (FW) as compost to reduce unsaleable vegetables and fruits intended for landfill, it can be ensiled as an alternative source for a sustainable livestock feed. Metagenomics is the analysis of genetic material purified directly from environmental samples by sequencing and enables taxonomic identification of the microbial communities present. This study aimed to evaluate the silage produced with different mixtures (fruit, vegetables, bread, and bakery products) of FW after 60 d to evaluate microbial community and functional diversity. The FW was ground to a particle size of 1 cm2 and three treatments in duplicates were obtained: control (refrigerated), sundried (exposed to sun) and passive-dried (inside the building). The DNA of the ensiled FW was extracted for two metagenomic sequencing approaches; specific regions sequencing including 16S rRNA (bacterial diversity), 18S rRNA (species differences in eukaryotes), internal transcribed spacer (ITS; for fungal classification) and shotgun sequencing. Specific coding region sequencing is more precise while shotgun sequencing can better identify the most abundant organisms. Therefore, we are using these two methods for comparative analysis and to enable us to capture the entire microbial community. Analysis of the metagenomic data are ongoing with the intention to characterize potential pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes within the ensiled FW to confirm that the ensiled FW is safe to feed to cattle. We are awaiting data for specific region sequencing. Overall, we expect to confirm if this approach is useful for silage analysis.
72 Environmental impacts associated with the removal of productivity enhancing technologies from three different post-weaning feed management strategies in Saskatchewan: A case study
Authors: Fortier Sydney , McAllister Tim A , Fulawka Deanne , Legesse Getahun , Mengistu Genet , Aboagye Isaac , Lardner H (Bart) A , Tenuta Mario , Ominski Kim H 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the use of productivity enhancing technologies (PETs) and post-weaning management on the environmental impacts of beef steers in western Canada. The PETs considered in the current study included ionophores (i.e., monensin, 33 ppm) and hormone implants (i.e., Ralgro, 36 mg zeranol). The production management systems considered were direct finishing (Heavy), confined backgrounding prior to finishing (Medium), and confined and pasture-based backgrounding prior to finishing (Light). The objectives were to model and compare environmental outcomes [greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), ammonia (NH3) emissions, land requirements and water use] using a whole-farm perspective and better understand the environmental footprint of the Canadian beef industry. Compared with natural steers, PETs led to a 10 to 13% reduction in GHG emissions (CO2e kgּ boneless beef-1), a 10 to 32% decrease in NH3 emissions (kg NH3ּּ kg boneless beef-1), a 9 to 22% reduction in land use (haּ kg boneless beef-1) and 12 to 25% decrease in water (m3ּ kg boneless beef-1) use. Direct finishing compared with backgrounded, and 2-stage backgrounded steers reduced GHG by 32% and 39% kg CO2eּ kg boneless beef-1, NH3 emissions by 36% and 52% kg NH3ּ kg boneless beef-1, land requirements by 25% and 73% haּ kg boneless beef-1 and water use by 18% and 51% m3ּ kg boneless beef-1, respectively. Varying post-weaning strategies allows producers to value-add (additional weight through backgrounding) and maximize the use of available feed (grazing). The full environmental impacts of removal of PETs from Canadian beef production must consider a whole-systems approach including economic viability, ecosystem services, as well as consumer demand and social acceptance.
70 Evaluation of nutritional monitoring techniques for beef cattle grazing Texas gulf coast rangelands
Authors: Dudak Jessica , Rodrigues Barbara , Carey Camille , Winkler Taylor , McCoy Christopher , Tolleson Douglas R 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Projecting grazing cattle performance based on forage quality is still a challenge for nutritional modeling and monitoring for livestock producers and researchers. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (FNIRS) in conjunction with the Nutritional Balance Analyzer (Nutbal) system as a grazing cattle nutrition tool. Commercially available FNIRS diet quality calibrations derived from diet chemistry and fecal spectra representing a diverse set of rangeland and forage types across the U.S. have successfully predicted cattle performance in multiple environments, but there have been location specific instances of poor results. This study evaluated diet crude protein (CP) and digestible organic matter (DOM) and subsequent projection of body condition/body weight change of rangeland beef cattle grazing three ranches in the gulf coast region of Texas from October 2022 to October 2023. Cattle used in this study ranged in age from 30 mo - old primiparous heifers to 78 mo - old mature cows maintained under a variety of management practices including different calving season (Spring or Fall), pasture rotation schedules, and supplementation with protein cubes or protein/ energy lick tubs. On each sampling date, a herd composite of 10 to 15 fresh individual fecal pats were collected to represent the pasture where cattle were currently grazing. Body condition scores (BCS) were recorded at each sampling event, every 4 to 6 wk. Projected body weight/BCS was derived from Nutbal. Differences in observed and predicted BCS were determined via paired T-test with significance at P &lt; 0.05. The herd with the greatest agreement (75%) between observed and predicted BCS (P &gt; 0.1), had BCS means of 5.15 ± 0.07 and 5.12 ± 0.14, respectively. In contrast, the herd with the least agreement (36%; P &lt; 0.01) had an observed BCS mean of 5.78 ± 0.10 and a mean FNIRS/Nutbal predicted BCS of 6.28 ±0.14. In conclusion, the FNIRS/Nutbal system as currently applied was able to satisfactorily predict grazing cattle herd performance in some ranches/herds of the gulf coast region. However, further investigation is necessary to address and understand the factors contributing to specific instances of disagreement between observed and predicted BCS. This information will be used to improve the performance of the FNIRS/Nutbal system.
186 Evaluating the interaction between divergent genomic selection for heat stress tolerance in the F1 generation and in utero heat stress on piglet growth performance following weaning and transport
Authors: Hernandez Rick O , Brito Luiz F , Byrd MaryKate H , Musa Jacob , Tiezzi Francesco , Maltecca Christian , Johnson Jay S 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In utero heat stress (IUHS) has long-term negative-effects on pigs during postnatal life. Specifically, IUHS pigs display greater stress responses following weaning and transport and have reduced growth performance among other issues. Although efforts have been made to mitigate IUHS through management and nutrition, the use of genomic selection to improve heat stress tolerance (TOL) in gestating sows and reduce the impacts of IUHS on developing offspring has not been extensively studied. Therefore, the study objective was to determine whether genomic selection for TOL or heat stress sensitivity (SEN) in F1 gilts would impact the postnatal growth performance of IUHS piglets following weaning and transport. We hypothesized that IUHS piglets derived from TOL gilts would have improved growth performance relative to IUHS piglets derived from SEN gilts, but that overall, IUHS piglets would have reduced growth performance when compared with IUTN piglets following weaning and transport. Twenty-eight TOL (n = 15) and SEN (n = 13) pregnant gilts were exposed to either thermoneutral (TN; 17 to 20ºC; n = 7 TOL and 6 SEN) or heat stress (HS; cycling 26 to 36ºC; n = 8 TOL and 7 SEN) conditions from d 6 to 70 of gestation, and then all gilts were exposed to TN conditions until farrowing. At weaning, mixed sex piglets were selected from each litter resulting in the following treatment combinations: TOL+ in utero thermoneutral (IUTN; n = 60), TOL+IUHS (n = 60), SEN+IUTN (n = 59), and SEN+IUHS (n = 58). Piglets were then transported for 12 h to simulate commercial conditions and then group housed in 40 nursery pens (n = 6 pigs/pen) for 5 wk. All pigs were fed a standard nursery diet containing primarily corn and soybean meal and feed and water were provided ad libitum. Body weights (BW) and feed disappearance were measured on d 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 post-weaning and transport and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and Gain:Feed. Data were analyzed in R using a generalized linear mixed model with pen as the experimental unit for ADFI and Gain:Feed, and individual piglet was the experimental unit for BW and ADG. Overall, IUHS piglets had a reduction (P &lt; 0.01) in ADG (6.3%), Gain:Feed (4.4%), and final BW (2.5%) when compared with IUTN piglets. Additionally, TOL piglets had an overall improvement (P &lt; 0.01) in ADG (6.0%), ADFI (13.6%), and final BW (3.9%), but a decrease in Gain:Feed (5.8%) when compared with SEN piglets. No genomic by in utero treatment effects were observed with any comparison. In conclusion, IUHS had a negative impact and selection for TOL had a generally positive impact on postnatal growth performance, but genomic selection for TOL or SEN did not interact with IUHS or IUTN in the F1 generation.
454 Evaluating the effects of grazing native rangeland on enteric emissions
Authors: Husmann Aletta L , Moreno Elias R Velasquez , Brennan Jameson R , Smith Zachary K , Olson Kenneth , Blair Amanda , Ehlert Krista , Wang Tong , Leffler Joshua , Wafula Walter , Parsons Ira L , Dotts Hadley , Guarnido-Lopez Pablo , Tedeschi Luis O , Menendez Hector M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Understanding beef cattle enteric emissions on extensive western U.S. rangeland systems is critical for implementing sustainable grazing practices that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These practices must also improve livestock and plant productivity and climate resiliency while maintaining or reducing production costs. However, enteric emissions of grazing cattle under different stocking rates and grazing management strategies are largely unknown for western U.S. rangelands. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the differences in enteric emissions of stocker steers grazing native rangeland. Yearling Angus steers (n = 127) were stratified by initial body weight (BW) to six groups, then randomly assigned to one of six pastures grazed from June to September 2023 at the South Dakota State University Cottonwood Field Station (Cottonwood, SD) as part of a long-term stocking rate trial (80+ yr). Each pasture was equipped with a GreenFeed (C-Lock Inc, Rapid City, SD) pasture system to measure individual animal CH4 and CO2 emissions for continuous grazing (CG) and rotational grazing (RG) strategies in three stocking rates (Light, Moderate, and Heavy, 0.32, 0.40, and 0.72 animal unit months, respectively) in a 2 x 3 factorial design. Differences in enteric emissions among stocking rate and grazing strategy were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model in R, using the lme4 package, with animal as a random effect, and a post-hoc contrast among treatments was assessed using the lsmeans package. Steer initial and final BW were similar (P &gt; 0.05) among treatments. For CH4 emissions, there was a significant interaction between stocking rate and grazing strategy (P &lt; 0.05). Specifically, CH4 emissions for moderate-RG (195 ± 4.3 g/d) were less than those from heavy-CG (221 ± 4.5 g/d) and light-RG (221 ± 4.7 g/d) over the study period (P &lt; 0.05). For CO2 emissions, light-CG steers respired greater CO2 emissions (6892 ± 101 g/d) than heavy-RG (6398 ± 107 g/d; P &lt; 0.05). All other treatment lsmeans were similar (P &gt; 0.05) and intermediate to these treatment effects. The assessment of GHG emission values for cattle grazing native rangeland is essential for informing climate mitigation strategies, improving animal efficiency, and understanding changes in GHG emissions over production phases and across animal classes.
94 Associative effects of two potent anti-methanogenic Moringa oleifera accessions mixed at various proportions on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane inhibition
Authors: Zeru Addisu Endalew , Imamu Abubeker Hassen , Apostolides Zeno , Tjelele Julius 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Moringa is an important anti-methanogenic plant with a potential to develop as multipurpose feed additives. Previous studies identified two potent accessions (accession 07633 designated as A3 and accession collected from Pretoria designated as A11) with high methane (CH4) inhibition characteristics. Two metabolite ion features (MIFs) 4.44_609.1462 and MIF 4.53_433.1112 were identified as bioactive MIFs associated with greater methane inhibition in Moringa accession A3 and A11, respectively. Two separate studies were conducted with an aim to name the MIF associated with methane inhibition and evaluate the benefit of mixing plant extract from A3 and A11 in different proportions to exploit their additive or synergistic effect in inhibiting CH4 emission. In study 1, software and online tools such as MS-DIAl, MS-FINDER, and the mass bank database were used to identify the MIF 4.44_609.1462 and MIF 4.53_433.1112, and the two MIFs were tentatively named as Hesperidin and Isovitexin, respectively (Figure 1). In study 2, the Moringa plant extracts from A3 and A11 were mixed in the following proportion A3100:A110, A380:A1120, A360:A1140, A350:A1150, A340:A1160, A320:A1180, and A30:A11100 proportions (A3:A11), and applied at a rate 50 mg/kg DM of Eragrostis curvula hay incubated in an Incoshake incubator to determine their effect on in vitro gas production and CH4, and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of the hay. In each incubation run, the sole or a mixture of the Moringa plant extract treatments were added to the test feed and incubated in 125 mL serum bottles with four replications per treatment, and the incubation was repeated for three runs. A Chi–square (☐2) test were used to determine the presence of an associative effect for mixtures combined at different proportion. Generally, the mixture resulted in less (P &lt; 0.05) CH4 volume, slightly improved or no effect on IVOMD, propionate concentration decreased acetate while increasing propionate concentration, with higher CH4 inhibition, and % CH4 inhibition was significantly greater when the two accessions were mixed in 50% proportion (Figure 2). Specifically, associative effects were recorded when the two accessions are mixed in 50% proportion in terms of greater CH4 inhibition, propionic acid concentration and total volatile fatty acid production (TVFA), as well as reduction in CH4 per unit TVFA and C2:C3 ratio (Table 1). Therefore a 50% binary cocktail of M. oleifera accession A3 and A11 (A350:A1150) plant extracts can be used as feed additive for CH4 inhibition without affecting the feed fermentation adversely when compared with the sole accession leaf extracts or other proportions of binary cocktails. Detailed mechanisms of action, however, need to be confirmed.
92 Utilizing buccal swabs as a substitute for ruminal fluid for characterizing the microbiome of Angus bulls
Authors: Dycus Madison M , Lamichhane Utsav , Lourenco Jeferson M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Gastrointestinal tract metagenomic sequencing has unveiled rumen microbiota influences on animal production and efficiency; however, ability to analyze the rumen non-invasively, amply, and cost-effectively is restricted, as specialized equipment is required to obtain ruminal samples. This study aimed to employ buccal swabs as a substitute for rumen sampling by exploiting rumination. Ruminal fluid contents and buccal swabs were collected from registered Angus bulls (n = 541) produced by five commercial feed testing centers located in Georgia, Iowa, and Montana. DNA was extracted and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to determine differences and similarities in microbial composition between the two sample types. Sequencing data were analyzed for taxonomic classification, and calculation of alpha and beta diversity indices. Microbial evenness (Pielou’s index), richness (number of amplicon sequence variants), and diversity (Shannon index) were all significantly greater (P &lt; 0.01) in the rumen, indicating distinct differences in alpha diversity between sample type. Beta diversity analysis (unweighted UniFrac distances) revealed the taxonomic profile of each sample type was also explicitly different (P &lt; 0.01). Both sample types were dominated by genera that are common members of each environment: Streptococcus in oral, and Prevotella in ruminal samples, and only three of the 30 most abundant genera for each sample type were shared in both environments. At the species level, only 33.1% out of 4,323 total microbial species occurred in both rumen and oral environments. Collectively, these results suggest substantial differences between oral and ruminal compartments, indicating that using the oral microbiome as a substitute for the rumen microbiome may not be a feasible strategy. Further research should be conducted to control for factors that could impact oral to rumen reflection, such as time since last feeding, rumination patterns, and water intake.