bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
508 Effects of starch content of the concentrate on growth performance, temperament and carcass traits of finishing bison
Authors: de Almeida Maite , Lopez-Campos Oscar , Prieto Nuria , Penner Gregory , Ribeiro Gabriel O , Moya Diego 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Yearling bison bulls [n = 48; commercial Wood × Plains, 435 ± 13.4 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a 156-d feeding trial to evaluate the effects of the starch content in the concentrate on growth performance, gain-to-feed ratio (GF), temperament, and carcass traits. Bison were homogenously distributed into 12 pens (4 bulls/pen) based on BW, and each pen randomly assigned (n = 6) to receive either a high-starch (HS; 51.4% dry matter basis, DM), or moderate-starch (MS; 25.8% DM) concentrate, alongside free access to water and grass hay bales. The amount of feed delivered to each pen and orts were recorded to estimate dry matter intake (DMI) for each ingredient. Bison were weighed on d 1, 28, 60, 116, and 156 to monitor average daily gain (ADG) and GF. When handled for weighing, exit speed from the chute was determined as a measure of their temperament. On d 156, bison were transported to a slaughterhouse where back fat thickness, carcass grade, and ribeye area were determined. The HS bison bulls had reduced DMI for both grass hay (P = 0.04) and concentrate (P &lt; 0.01) compared with MS. The HS bulls had a greater (P &lt; 0.01) chute exit speed than MS. Both MS and HS had similar (P &gt; 0.10) final BW, ADG, GF, and proportion of hay and concentrate inclusion in the diet. Back fat thickness, ribeye area, and proportion of carcass grades were not different (P &gt; 0.10) between MS and HS. These findings suggest that finishing bison bulls reduced their feed intake in response to a high percentage of starch in the concentrate, without affecting growth performance, GF, or carcass traits indicative of fat and muscle deposition, but with HS causing a more excitable temperament profile, typically associated to chronic stress.
501 The effect of dietary camelina, flaxseed, and canola oil supplementation on skin fatty acid profile, inflammation and immune responses in healthy adult horses
Authors: Hartwig Samantha , Burron Scarlett , Richards Taylor , Rankovic Alexandra , Ma David W L , Pearson Wendy , Ellis Jennifer L , Seymour Dave J , Shoveller Anna K 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
As n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) have pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively, supplemental oils have the potential to impact inflammation, the immune response, and skin and coat health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of camelina (CAM), in comparison to canola (OLA) and flaxseed (FLX) oil on the skin FA profile, inflammation, and the immune response in horses. Horses [n = 24; 14.2 ± 4.8 yr; 518 ± 63 kg body weight (BW)] were acclimated to sunflower oil over 4 wk. Groups were balanced by location, age, weight, sex, and breed and randomly assigned one of the three treatments (CAM, OLA, FLX). Horses were fed their assigned oil at a dose of 0.37 g/kg BW for 16 wk. Skin samples were collected on wk 16, and the skin FA composition was analyzed by gas chromatography. On wk 10 and 12, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was administered intramuscularly to each horse to stimulate a systemic immune response. Blood was collected on wk 14 and 16 for the evaluation of plasma KLH immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations using a modified ELISA protocol and results were presented as optical density units. On wk 12, after the first KLH injection, a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) test was performed by intradermally injecting KLH and the area of swelling was measured using the software ImageJ at 0.5-, 1-, 8-, 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-h post-injection. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS considering the effects of treatment, time, and their interaction as fixed, and the effects of horse and location as random. Repeated measures on horses were modelled using a spatial power covariance structure. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and when fixed effects were significant, means were separated using Tukey-Kramer adjustments. Immune and inflammatory responses were produced by the KLH injections; however, there were no differences among treatment groups regarding KLH antibody and DTH response (P &gt; 0.44). The percentages of palmitic (P = 0.02) and stearic acid (P = 0.03) in the skin at wk 16 were greater in FLX as compared with CAM but neither differed from the OLA. The percentage of linoleic acid (P = 0.01) was greater in CAM than OLA but neither differed from FLX at wk 16. The percentage of all other FA was similar among treatment groups (P &gt; 0.06). These results suggest that CAM is comparable to FLX and OLA regarding support of an immune and inflammatory response, and the oil FA composition was not reflected in the skin FA profile after feeding for 16 wk as hypothesized. In conclusion, at the dose provided, CAM supports a similar immune and inflammatory response to KLH as FLX and OLA; however, the lack of incorporation of FA from the diet into the skin should be further explored.
507 Effects of simple and complex polycrop mixtures on forage yield and quality, beef cow performance, and methane emissions
Authors: Robinson Shelby M , Ribeiro Gabriel O , Larson Kathy A , Lardner H (Bart) A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Polycrop mixtures are of increasing interest to western Canadian beef producers as alternative forages for grazing as they may promote plant biodiversity and nutritive value. This 2-yr study evaluated the effects of swath grazing either simple or complex polycrop mixtures on forage yield and quality, beef cow performance, and methane emissions. Forage treatments included 1) CDC Haymaker oat (Avena sativa; Control); 2) CDC Haymaker oat, Goliath brassica (Brassica napus), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), CDC Jasper pea (Pisum sativum; Simple); and 3) CDC Haymaker oat, Goliath brassica, hairy vetch, CDC Jasper pea, CDC Maverick barley (Hordeum vulgare), Red proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), Teff grass (Eragrostis tef) and Choice chicory (Cichorium intybus; Complex). Dry pregnant beef cows [n = 90; body weight (BW) = 607.2 ± 32.3 kg; body condition score (BCS) = 2.9 ± 0.06] blocked by BW were randomly allocated to 1 of 9 paddocks (10 cows/paddock). Paddocks were randomly assigned 1 of 3 replicated (n = 3) systems. Cow BCS was measured at start (SOT) and end (EOT) of trial. Cow BW was recorded on 2 consecutive days at the SOT and EOT, and every 21 d during trial. Cows grazed for an average of 52 d from October to December (Control 51 ± 9.07 d; Simple 54 ± 9.20 d; Complex 53 ± 12.41 d). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized block design using the mixed model of SAS (9.4). Year and paddock were included as a random effect. Forage dry matter yield (DMY) was similar (P = 0.44) among Control (4,369 kg/ha), Simple (4,053 kg/ha), and Complex (4,245 kg/ha) treatments. Start of trial forage crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) did not differ (P = 0.18 and P = 0.14) among treatments (Control 13.3% CP and 74.4% TDN; Simple 14.76% CP and 71.51% TDN; Complex 14.95% CP and 74.46% TDN). End of trial forage CP and TDN did not differ (P = 0.57 and P = 0.20) among treatments (Control 13.9% CP and 69.5% TDN; Simple 13.9% CP and 69.9% TDN; Complex 13.2% CP and 72.4% TDN). Cow BCS and average daily gain did not differ among forage treatments (P = 0.60 and P = 0.45, respectively). Cow dry matter intake (DMI) was similar (P = 0.19) among treatments (Control 11.13 kg/d; Simple 9.74 kg/d; Complex 9.96 kg/d). Methane emissions were greatest (P = 0.04) for cows grazing Simple (28.7 CH4 g/kg DMI) and Complex treatments (28.2 CH4 g/kg DMI) compared with monoculture oat treatment (22.6 CH4 g/kg DMI). Study results suggest that simple or complex polycrop mixtures may be used as forage alternatives to a monoculture oat grazing system as they produce adequate biomass and had nutritive value suitable for gestating beef cows.
505 Utilizing porcine hepatocyte cultures to test the effect of short chain fatty acids on androstenone metabolism
Authors: Lawson Austin J , Bone Christine , Squires E James 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Boar taint is an off-putting odor found in the meat of entire male pigs due to the accumulation of androstenone and skatole in the fat. Development of boar taint is dependent on the balance between the rate of synthesis and metabolism of these compounds. Prior studies have shown that feed ingredients high in fermentable carbohydrates, including chicory root, sugar beet pulp, and Jerusalem artichoke decreased the synthesis of skatole in the hindgut and altered the metabolism in the liver, resulting in a skatole concentrations comparable with castrated males. However, the mechanism of how these dietary fermentable carbohydrates affect liver metabolism is not well understood. Metabolism of boar taint compounds takes place in a two-phase process, regulated by various enzymes and cytochrome families. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced from the microbial fermentation of fiber and have been shown to have regulatory effects on histone deacetylases and gene expression in humans, providing a potential mechanism in which feed high in dietary fiber reduces boar taint. The purpose of this study was to assess if SCFA directly affect the metabolism of androstenone in liver hepatocytes. Primary hepatocytes were isolated from the liver of 6 [(Yorkshire x Landrace) x Duroc] boars weighing around 90 kg. Cells were treated in triplicate with acetate, butyrate, propionate, and various combinations for 24 h to alter gene expression. Two sets of wells acted as a control, not being treated with SCFAs. The cells were then incubated with androstenone for 3 h, and media was extracted, and metabolite production was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of treatments were using a one-way ANOVA with a Dunnet’s adjustment for multiple comparisons to a control. Results showed the combined acetate, butyrate, and propionate treatment had the greatest effect on androstenone glucuronide production when compared with the control, resulting in significant increases (P &lt; 0.05) ranging from 82 ± 1.6% to 1 ± 2.4% in individual boars. Other treatments had a similar effect, significantly increasing the production of androstenone glucuronide but to a lesser degree. Butyrate increased production ranging from 40 ± 2.2% to 5±1.5% (P &lt; 0.05), propionate from 38 ± 3.6% to 3 ± 2.6% (P &lt; 0.05), acetate and butyrate from 61±3.9% to 1 ± 2.8% (P &lt; 0.05), acetate and propionate from 70±3.5% to 5±1.7% (P &lt; 0.05), and butyrate and propionate from 82 ± 2.5% to 4 ± 1.1% (P &lt; 0.05) when compared with the control. In conclusion, this trial provided evidence that SCFAs produced by the microbial fermentation of fiber can significantly increase hepatic androstenone metabolism in some animals, with a wide range in these effects among individual boars. Future research will involve assessing the effects of SCFAs on hepatic skatole metabolism.
499 Effect of adding plant extracted hydrolysable tanning and saponin combination to prairie blend pelleted feed products on accumulative gas production kinetics and methane emission in ruminant systems
Authors: Hidayat Taufiq , Rodríguez Espinosa María E , Lardner H (Bart) A , Newkirk Rex N , Yu Peiqiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The objectives of this study were to study the effect of adding plant extracted hydrolysable tanning (HT) and saponin (S) combination as a combined phytochemical feed additive (HTS) on in vitro accumulative gas production kinetics and methane (CH4) emission of blend pelleted feed products in ruminant systems. Four combination levels [0 (control), 1.5 (1% HT + 0.5% S), 3 (2% HT + 1%S), 4.5 (3% HT + 1.5% S)] were added to canola meal and pea mixtures with two different ratios (CMP1: 50:50; CMP2: 70:30) which were used to make Prairie blend pellet feed products. The accumulative gas production kinetics and CH4 were determined using in vitro systems. The ruminal fluid was obtained from rumen fistulated lactation dairy cows. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with the HTS level as a fixed effect and in vitro run with fistulated animals as a random effect. The data were analyzed using SAS Mixed Procedure. Polynomial contract was used to determine linear and quadratic relationship. The results showed that adding HTS level linearly reduced asymptotic production a) from 110.5 to 82.7 mL/g DM (P = 0.043) and average production at one-half of asymptotic production (AP) from 11.9 to 9.5 mL (P = 0.069) without significantly affecting gas production fractional rate (c, %/h) with an average of 0.58 ± 0.49 %/h and lag time with an average of 1.95 ± 0.50 h. As to CH4 emission at different incubation times, the result showed that at short incubation times (2 h, 4 h, 12 h), adding HTS had numerically reduced methane emission (CH4) from 2.77 to 0.98 mL/g (at 2 h) and 4.39 to 1.38 mL/g (at 4 h). with increasing HTS level, CH4 was significantly quadratically reduced (P = 0.028) at 12 h incubation time from 8.31 to 5.76 mL/g. After long incubation (24 h), adding HTS did not have significant impact on CH4. In conclusion, adding HTS to prairie blend pellet feed products significantly affected gas production kinetics (the asymptotic production and average production at one-half of asymptotic production). Adding HTS had an increased potential to decrease CH4 emission at short incubation times.
503 Selection signatures in a prolific meat sheep breed
Authors: Rodrigues Julia L , Braga Larissa Graciano , Berry Donagh P , Buzanskas Marcos E , Munari Danísio P , Schenkel Flávio S 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In sheep meat production, prolificity is one of the main factors influencing economic profitability of a farm. Belclare sheep are used for meat production and have passed through intense selection pressure to high prolificity, leading them to have large litter sizes. This study aimed to identify selection signature regions and carry out functional analyses related to reproduction traits in the Belclare breed in contrast to a group of non-prolific meat breeds. A total of 50,166 biallelic SNPs from the Illumina OvineSNP50 genotyped in the Belclare breed (n = 2,377) and four meat breeds (Beltex, n = 146; Charollais, n = 1,477; Suffolk, n = 1,231 and Texel, n = 3,330). SNP filtering and quality control were performed within each breed using PLINK v1.9. Only SNPs on autosomal chromosomes with defined positions according to the sheep (Ovis aries) genome assembly OAR3.1 were analyzed. Samples and SNPs with a call rate below 95% were discarded, as well as SNPs with MAF below 1% and deviation of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with P-value ≤ 10-6. Imputation of missing genotypes and haplotype phasing were performed using BEAGLE v.3.3.2. After quality control, an average of 30,249 SNPs were further analyzed. Selection signature detection was performed by Cross-Population Extended Haplotype Homozygosity (XP-EHH) and Ratio of Site-specific Extended Haplotype Homozygosity between populations (Rsb), with the REHH v.3.2.2 software in R, using 100 kb non-overlapping windows with at least two markers per window. The top 1% windows with the greatest average values were considered regions under positive selection. Gene and QTL annotation were conducted with the GALLO R package. Gene and metabolic pathways enrichment (FDR&lt; 0.10) were performed with gprofiler2 software. A total of 67 genomic regions co-localized with 76 candidate genes and 65 QTLs were identified. The genes were enriched for 12 molecular function terms. Among the annotated genes, FSHR, INSL6, HSD17B12, and SGK1 were previously found to be related to reproduction traits. The enriched term follicle-stimulating hormone receptor activity was related to the FSHR gene. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has an important role in follicular development, and their concentrations are regulated by the FSH receptor (FSHR), which suggests that FSHR is also involved in prolificity of the ewe. The testes weight trait was detected in the reproductive QTL class, but no gene related to fertility was identified. The gene INSL6 is associated with spermatogenesis and sperm motility and, as Belclare rams are used to produce prolific replacements, it may have an important role in semen quality and prolificity, as increased semen quality might increase the chance of a successful fecundation. The identification of selection signatures highlights that the selection pressure left footprints in the Belclare breed genome related to reproduction, which may affect the litter sizes.
504 Relationship between vaginal microbiota and reproductive efficiency in dairy cows
Authors: Félix Santiago Erika J , Vega Manríquez Delia X , Hernández Milagros González , Sánchez Jorge Flores , Mendoza Andrea García , Rosales Nieto Cesar A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors determine the milk production of a dairy herd, which is affected by the reproductive efficiency of dairy farms. Infectious, nutritional, and management causes can negatively affect this efficiency. After parturition, dairy cows are sensible to clinical diseases since the physical barriers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva are compromised, allowing environmental bacteria to ascend, altering the vaginal microbiota. It is possible that the alteration of the microorganisms of the vaginal microbiota alters the response of circulating hormones related to a new conception and leads to repeat breeder cow syndrome. Repeat breeder cow (RBC) syndrome is considered when the cows have difficulties becoming pregnant after three or more attempts. This was investigated by associating the microorganisms of the vaginal microbiota with the circulating concentration of progesterone, glucose, and reproductive success in Holstein cows. We used 30 Holstein cows of similar body condition and parity (4th) assigned to two treatments based on their historical reproductive success. T-RBC with repeat breeder cow syndrome (n = 15), and T-control (CTL) without (n = 15). At insemination, we collected a vaginal mucosa sample from each cow. The samples were plated on blood agar and McConkey media under aerobiosis and micro-aerobiosis conditions. The isolated colonies were identified through Gram staining and specific biochemical tests to determine the genus and species of each bacterium. Blood samples were collected at insemination, d 5 post insemination, and every 2 d afterward for progesterone and glucose assay. Data for fertility were analyzed using PROC-GLIMMIX with a binomial distribution and logit link function. Data for progesterone and glucose were analyzed using MIXED effects and repetitive measures. Up to date, Bacillus, E coli, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Streptococcus, and Actinomyces have been isolated. Over time, circulating progesterone and glucose did not differ between treatments (P &gt; 0.05). To date, the fertility rate is similar between treatments (33%; P &gt; 0.05); however, the number of services per conception differed (T-RBC:6 vs T-CTL:1; P &lt; 0.001). The incidence of Bacillus (31% vs 7%; P &lt; 0.001), E. coli (45% vs 4%; P &lt; 0.001), and Staphylococcus (23% vs 9%; P &lt; 0.01) was greater in non-pregnant cows than in pregnant cows. The incidence of the rest of the isolated bacteria was similar between pregnant and non-pregnant cows (P &gt; 0.05). This study suggests that the vaginal microbiota in dairy cows can change according to the reproductive state of the cow. Our study was based on fourth-parity cows; however, more research is needed to elucidate if the same condition is presented in cows with different parity.
506 Residual feed intake and thermotolerance in grazing lactating first-calf beef heifers: Effects on metabolism, performance, rumen temperature, and activity behavior
Authors: Londono-Mendez Maria Camila , Lasso-Ramirez Sergio David , Ramirez-Sepulveda Vanesa , Fitzsimmons Carolyn J , Plastow Graham , bork Edward , Basarab John A , da Silva Gleise Medeiros 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Beef cattle have been selected for feed efficiency to reduce feeding costs and environmental impact, but there is a knowledge gap regarding residual feed intake (RFI) and thermotolerance in grazing beef females. Therefore, this study evaluated blood parameters, rumen temperature (RT), activity behavior, and performance of grazing lactating first-calf beef heifers with divergent RFI during summer. Crossbred beef heifers [n = 35; 432 ± 8.40 kg of body weight (BW) and 26 ± 1 mo of age] previously tested and classified for RFI as more (n = 17; LOW-RFI = -0.8 ± 0.214) or less efficient (n = 18; HIGH-RFI = 1.5 ± 0.220) were used in a completely randomized design, grazing continuously a single pasture during summer (June to August). An accelerometer-based sensor recorded lying, standing, and step counts, while RT was automatically recorded using a rumen bolus throughout the 64-d experimental period. Body weight and blood samples were collected on d 0, 13, 28, and 64, while body fat deposition was assessed via ultrasonography on 0, 13, 28, and 50 d. Plasma was analyzed for concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), free triiodothyronine (fT3), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and whole blood used to perform a complete blood cell count. Environmental conditions were assessed by calculating the Climate Comprehensive Index (CCI) using temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, and humidity from a weather station within 1 km of the pasture. The resulting CCI index categorized environmental stress from non-existent to imposing extreme danger risk. An RFI × day interaction was observed for NEFA (P = 0.08), with LOW-RFI showing greater concentrations vs. HIGH-RFI on a period classified as not imposing environmental stress. An effect of day (P &lt; 0.01) was detected for BUN, fT3, and HSP70. An RFI × hour (P = 0.02) interaction was detected for RT, where RT was greater from 1400 h to 0600 h in HIGH-RFI. White blood cell counts (P = 0.04) and mean corpuscular volumes were greater (P = 0.05), while plateletcrit was less (P = 0.01) in LOW-RFI. An RFI × day interaction was found for monocytes and monocytes% (P = 0.04), with greater concentrations 24-h after severe stress in HIGH-RFI. The HIGH-RFI tended to have greater RIB fat at d 50 (P = 0.06) despite no differences in gain or BW between groups (P ≥ 0.26). An interaction between RFI × hour (P &lt; 0.01) showed that HIGH-RFI had a greater number of steps and standing time and less lying time during the hottest hours of the day. In summary, this study revealed that RFI influenced physiological and behavioral reactions to environmental stress, favoring the more feed-efficient first-calf beef heifers.