bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSIII-7 Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on total tract digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and plasma metabolome of beef steers fed a finishing diet
Authors: Dhungana Anjan , Odunfa Oluwaseun , Woods Daniel , Osterman Anthony , Ogunade Ibukun M , Yoon Ilkyu , Jiang Yun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) has been widely studied; however, its mode of action on high-concentrate diets has not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the impact of SCFP on total tract digestibility, fecal excretions of N, P, Zn, and Cu, rumen fermentation, and plasma metabolome of finishing beef steers. Ruminally cannulated Holstein steers [n = 8; body weight (BW) = 580 ± 29.2 kg] were enrolled in a crossover design study with 25-d treatment periods and a 24-d washout period. Steers were fed ad libitum a finishing diet consisting of 20% corn silage and 80% concentrate (on DM basis). Steers were blocked based on initial BW and randomly assigned to two treatments in period 1 and switched to the other treatment in period 2. The treatments were CON (Control, basal diet only) and SCFP (basal diet top-dressed with 12 gּ steer-1ּ ּ d-1 SCFP, NaturSafe, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Feed and fecal samples were collected during d 22 to 24 for determination of digestibility. Blood was collected before morning feeding on d 25. Plasma samples were analyzed for metabolome with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Rumen fluid was collected via the rumen cannula at 0, 4, 8, and 12 h post-morning feeding on d 25 and analyzed for pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and NH3-N. Performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4. Metabolomic data analysis was conducted with Metaboanalyst 6.0. Supplementing steers with SCFP reduced DMI (10.6 vs. 11.4 kg/d, P = 0.05) without affecting (P &gt; 0.05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, and digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber. Treatment did not affect (P &gt; 0.10) fecal excretions of N, P, Cu, and Zn. Feeding SCFP increased ruminal pH (6.29 vs. 6.01, P = 0.01), numerically reduced concentrations of NH3-N (5.01 vs 6.25 mM, P = 0.16), and total VFA (96.8 vs. 102.5 mM, P = 0.15). SCFP also reduced the ruminal molar proportion of butyrate (11.2 vs. 12.8 molar %, P = 0.01) and tended to increase those of isobutyrate (1.03 vs. 0.90, molar %, P = 0.06) and isovalerate (2.62 vs. 2.29, molar %, P = 0.10). Supplementation of SCFP enriched (P ≤ 0.05) purine metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and lysine degradation pathways in the plasma. Additionally, tryptophan metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism pathways tended to be enriched (0.05 &lt; P ≤ 0.10) by SCFP. Our findings indicate that feeding SCFP improved the ruminal pH of finishing cattle, which may be beneficial for preventing subacute ruminal acidosis in feedlot cattle. Additionally, SCFP enriched several important plasma nitrogen metabolism pathways, potentially associated with microbial nitrogen metabolism in the rumen, warranting further research.
PSIII-12 Dynamics of neonatal dairy calf behaviors and their association with early gut microbiota
Authors: Hawkins Jalyn G , Carpenter Shelby , Brett James , Hsu Chuan-yu , McGee Marcus , Smith Trent , Stone Amanda , Fan Peixin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The behavior of dairy cattle can be both an indicator and a determinant of their productivity and health. Additionally, animal behavior is also associated with their gastrointestinal microbiota through the bi-directional pathways of the gut-brain axis, influencing nutrient utilization and gut health. Few studies have looked at the dynamics of neonatal calf behaviors and their associations with early microbiota development. Therefore, the objective of this study is to observe feeding behaviors and activity of neonatal dairy calves and investigate its associations with the diversity and composition of early-stage gut microbiota. We used Holstein-Angus crossed calves (n = 25) raised in individual outdoor hutches and bucket-fed milk replacer twice daily. The number of milk exposures until calves were successfully bucket trained was recorded, along with milk consumption times during the AM feedings on d 7, 11, and 14. We also monitored the activity of the calves using HOBO Pendant G Data Logger accelerometers secured on the right hind leg of each calf to monitor standing and lying behavior from d 3 to d 13. Fecal samples were collected from the recto-anal junction of the calves at d 7 and 14 after birth and gut microbiota were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing on an Oxford Nanopore sequencer. The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was applied to evaluate effects of gender and birth weight on behavior and gut microbiota using RStudio 4.2.1. The Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) was used to determine the unique bacterial species for each behavioral group. The results revealed that there was no influence of sex or birth weight on bucket training or consumption time; however, male calves exhibited significantly increased total standing time compared with female calves. We found no significant difference in microbiota between fast-learning calves (one milk exposure; n = 3) and slow-learning calves (5 or more exposures; n = 3). We observed greater alpha diversity of slow drinking calves (top 25%; n = 6) compared with fast drinking calves (top 25%; n = 6) on d 7 (Chao1; P = 0.03). The LEfSe analysis identified Akkermansia muciniphilia to be more abundant in fast drinking calves, and Megasphaera elsdenii to be more abundant in slow drinking calves. Additionally, a trend of differing microbiota composition was observed between the most active and least active calves (n = 4 per group) on d 14 (Bray-Curtis; P = 0.1), and many Prevotella species were more abundant in the most active calves. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the gut-brain axis of neonatal dairy calves at the species-level and provides further insights into cognitive, consumptive, and active behaviors.
PSIII-17 Relationship of toll-like receptor abundance in the boar reproductive tract with dihydrotestosterone prior to attainment of puberty
Authors: Ognibene Olivia J , McAnally Brooke , Poole Rebecca K , Wiegert Jeffrey 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Fertile sperm production is crucial to the reproductive efficiency of swine operations; therefore, many factors impair quality semen production including hormonal imbalance and altered immune function. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors which recognize and protect their host against pathogenic microorganisms through the regulation of inflammatory pathways. Recent data from our lab demonstrated greater expression of TLR2 mRNAs in the testes compared with other reproductive tissues (e.g., epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate) of pre-pubertal boars, suggesting TLR2 may aid early-in-life testes function or development. Expression of TLRs in various tissues has been shown to be influenced by hormones in rodents and humans. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex steroid hormone and androgen that has a role in sexual development of males. However, little research has related TLRs with hormone concentration, which may help give insight to their physiological significance, particularly in the pre-pubertal male. Therefore, the objective of this project was to characterize relationships between expression of extracellular TLRs (TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR6) in the reproductive tissues (testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate) with DHT concentrations in pre-pubertal boars. Intact reproductive tracts of pre-pubertal crossbred boars (Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire; n = 4) were harvested at 2 mo of age and tissues were stored at –80°C for RT-qPCR analysis. From each boar, blood was collected postmortem and subsequent plasma samples stored at –20°C. Concentration of DHT in boar plasma was quantified using a competitive ELISA (MyBioSource, San Diego, CA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR6 mRNAs in the pre-pubertal boar tissues were quantified by RT-qPCR. Correlations of DHT concentration and TLR expression were calculated using Pearson Correlation within the PROC CORR function in SAS 9.4. The mean concentration of DHT was 9.32 ng/mL (range of 4.52 to 14.80 ng/mL). In the seminal vesicles, DHT concentration was significantly correlated with expression of both TLR2 (r = 0.95; P = 0.05) and TLR4 (r = 0.96; P = 0.04). In the testes, there was a tendency for a positive correlation between DHT concentration and expression of TLR2 mRNA (r = 0.92; P = 0.08). However, there were no correlations between DHT concentration and expression of any TLRs in the pre-pubertal boar epididymis or prostate (P &gt; 0.10). These results suggest a relationship between androgens and TLR expression, particularly TLR2 and TLR4 mRNAs, in specific reproductive tissues of the pre-pubertal boar. Additional work will investigate TLR expression and androgen concentration in the pubertal boar.
PSIII-6 Multi-sire artificial insemination of beef heifers in the Nebraska Sandhills effect on pregnancy rate compared with single-sire insemination
Authors: Christenson Dempster M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare pregnancy outcomes resulting from artificial insemination (AI) with multi-sire semen (MS) compared with single-sire semen (SS) in beef heifers. Another study observed pregnancy and paternity outcomes to sexed MS without a control treatment. In the first study, unrelated ABS Global Angus bulls (n = 3) were selected for AI to 441 (Yr 1) and 391 (Yr 2) Angus crossbred heifers. Heifers were synchronized with the melengestrol acetate – prostaglandin F2α timed-AI protocol. Conventional semen, from each bull, were labeled A, B, or C. Remaining semen was pooled in equal amounts to form conventional MS straws. Heifers were AI using alternating treatment of MS or SS: A, B, or C with one-half of inseminated heifers receiving either MS or SS. The GLIMMIX procedure in SAS 9.4 analyzed responses to treatments using the BIN distribution option and reported as LSMEANS. Contrasts and estimates analyzed responses between treatments. Ultrasound determined SS pregnancy rate averaged 60% (SS-A = 64%, SS-B = 58%, SS-C = 58%) and MS average 62% (P = 0.63). Paternity was determined in 57 MS calves and confirmed in 49 SS calves. In Yr 1, Bull A sired 7%, bull B sired 56%, and bull C sired 37%. Although bull A was much less successful than bull B or C, the values are not significantly different due to the small sample size (P = 0.11 and P = 0.24, respectively). Few conclusions can be made from the ongoing study, but it is hypothesized MS may improve consistency of pregnancy rate by equilibrating semen quality in herds subjected to timed AI. In the observational study, multiple 5-way cross bulls born from the ranch herd were selected for AI of 951 ± 41 heifers for 3 yr. Heifers were synchronized using the previously mentioned protocol with split-time AI. Unequal amounts of semen were collected, pooled, and sexed to favor heifer progeny at an expected ratio of 9:1. Semen from 2 to 4 random bulls were pooled making 3 to 4 MS groups each year. Heifers exhibiting estrus were administered sexed MS, but there was no control treatment. The observed ultrasound determined average pregnancy rate of heifers administered sexed MS was 65% (Yr 1), 75% (Yr 2), and 72% (Yr 3). Previous literature suggests average pregnancy rate to AI with sexed SS is 53%. Paternity testing in Yr 2 found semen contribution mirrored paternity ratios within some groups but the sire group with 2 bulls found one sired 15% and the other sired 85%. This study exemplified a viable method for AI that requires further research. Further research into semen quality of a single sire, and pooled semen could lead to optimization of fertilization among individuals within a herd.
PSIII-2 Exploring differential gene expression and pathways associated with pregnancy outcomes in beef heifers
Authors: Brown Tristan C , Banerjee Priyanka , Rodning Soren P , Dyce Paul W W , Da Diniz Wellison Jarles Silva 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Heifer fertility is a key factor in the success of beef production systems, as the reproductive performance of a heifer correlates with her stayability in the breeding herd. However, despite being reproductively mature and physically healthy, 5 to 15% of these heifers fail to conceive within a designated breeding season. The underlying physiological mechanisms preventing these heifers from achieving pregnancy remain elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and biological pathways associated with pregnancy outcomes in beef heifers. Angus-Simmental crossbred heifers were subjected to an estrus synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) program (7-d CO-Synch + CIDR) and blood samples were collected at the time of AI for isolation of peripheral white blood cells (PWBC). After pregnancy check, heifers were classified as pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP). Based on that, 6 animals per group were randomly selected for total RNA isolation from the PWBC samples, and genome-wide expression was measured through RNA sequencing. The RNA-Seq data were analyzed using an in-house bioinformatics pipeline, with filtered reads aligned to the Bos taurus reference genome using STAR. DEGs were identified using DESeq2, followed by functional analysis using ShinyGO. Our approach unveiled 230 DEGs, comprising 102 up and 128 downregulated genes in the NP group (P-value ≤ 0.05 and |log2FC| &gt; 0.5). Upregulated genes included those from the cytochrome P450 superfamily (CYP27B1 and CYP2U1). The genes SCML2, USIG2, and FBP1 were upregulated and have been associated with immune response and increased PWBC counts. This may be related to the over-representation of biological processes involved in cell division based on the upregulated genes. KEGG pathway over-representation analysis of DEGs retrieved allograft rejection, graft-versus-host disease, type I Diabetes Mellitus, insulin signaling pathway, and transcriptional misregulation of cancer. These pathways included genes such as BOLA-DQB, PRKAR1B, CALML4 and JUP, which were reported as downregulated during times of inflammatory response. Another downregulated gene was GZMB, which is needed for proper cell targeting during immune response. This finding may provide a link between immune function and early pregnancy failure. However, the relationship between the immune system and pregnancy warrants further investigation. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive performance in beef heifers and support previous studies associating immune function with pregnancy outcomes. These differentially expressed genes may be further explored as potential avenues for enhancing fertility in beef production systems.
PSIII-22 Downregulations in the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in a temporal model of in utero hypothyroidism
Authors: Smith Alyssa A , Rudy Kaylyn , Pasternak J Alex A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is responsible for mediating the effects of growth hormone, which has important roles in regulating fetal development and growth throughout gestation. Prior research suggests a relationship between thyroid hormones and activity of the IGF system; however, the temporal association of this interaction is not well understood. As a result, the objective of the current study was to better characterize temporal dysregulations in the IGF system occurring as a result of induced fetal hypothyroidism in a porcine model. To accomplish this, pregnant gilts (n = 24) were divided evenly into a control (CON) and methimazole (MMI) group. The MMI group was treated daily with 5 mg/kg of oral MMI, a potent antithyroid drug, while the CON received an equivalent sham carrier. The two groups were further subdivided into four timepoints (n = 3/group at each timepoint), with treatment in each group beginning at either d 34, 45, 55, or 65 of gestation. Treatment was continued for 21 d, and gilts were subsequently euthanized to allow for fetal sample collection at d 55, 66, 76, and 86, respectively. Blood samples were collected from the axillary artery of all fetuses (n = 340), and extensive sampling of fetal thyroid, liver (LVR), and kidney (KID) performed on a subset of 4 fetuses per litter (n = 96). Fetuses from the MMI group were confirmed hypothyroid by the presence of goitrous thyroid histology and significantly decreased circulating thyroxine concentrations relative to CON (P &lt; 0.001 for all timepoints). Following confirmation of fetal hypothyroidism, samples of LVR and KID were ground to a fine powder to allow for RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and analysis of gene expression by qPCR. Resultant Ct values were normalized within tissue based on the geometric mean of two stable reference genes, with fold changes calculated using the 2-∆∆Ct method. P-values were calculated within timepoint using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with the threshold for statistical significance P &lt; 0.05. IGF2, the major IGF present throughout gestation, was significantly upregulated at d 86 in KID only (P = 0.005). Many significant changes were observed in the expression of the IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), which modulate the activity of IGF1 and IGF2. In the LVR, both IGFBP1 and IGFBP3 were downregulated at d 76 (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002, respectively). Further, hepatic IGFBP2 was downregulated at all timepoints (P = 0.003, 0.028, &lt; 0.001, and &lt; 0.001, respectively), and hepatic IGFBP4 downregulated at d 66, 76, and 86 (P = 0.020, &lt; 0.001, and &lt; 0.001, respectively). These results indicate that fetal hypothyroidism impacts IGF function via downregulation of hepatic-derived IGFBPs. These changes in IGF activity may alter fetal growth and development, providing a possible explanation for the growth modulations observed in fetal hypothyroidism.
PSIII-16 Evaluating human injury risk during interactions with unhealthy Holstein cows
Authors: Melby Makenzie C , Austin Elena , Swain John , Irlbeck Nancy , Adams-Progar Amber 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the United States, the dairy industry has a greater-than-average injury rate on farms. Most injuries are caused by cattle during interactions with dairy workers. Researchers have shown that cow behavior is altered when a cow is unhealthy; however, no studies examined whether these altered behaviors are exhibited during human-cow interactions and how they may pose a risk to workers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the health status of dairy cows impacts the safety risk for dairy workers during human-dairy cow interactions. This study was conducted at Washington State University’s Knott Dairy Center in Pullman, WA. Data were collected during Fall 2023 and Winter 2024. Lactating, multiparous Holstein cows (n = 58) were enrolled in the study. Cow health status was determined using CowManager, an electronic ear tag that records activity and ear temperature and uses a proprietary algorithm to alert producers to sick cows. Unhealthy cows (n = 29) enrolled in the study were those whose health status was labelled as ‘suspicious’ by CowManager. A healthy counterpart, not labelled unhealthy but matched with a similar lactation number, reproductive status, and days in milk, was selected for each unhealthy cow. Two Brinno time-lapse video cameras were installed in the holding pen area, and video footage was continuously recorded during morning milkings. Enrolled cows and milkers were fitted with Polar H10 heart rate monitors, and heart rate data were collected while cows and milkers were in the holding pens. Video footage was observed, and behaviors were recorded according to an ethogram. The ethogram included cow behaviors and human behaviors related to low-risk or high-risk potential for human injury. Data were analyzed in SAS (SAS 9.4) using PROC GENMOD, PROC MIXED, and PROC CORR. Unhealthy cows tended to spend a greater percentage of time in the holding pen without a milker present (88 ± 4%) than healthy cows (75 ± 6%, P = 0.09), and milkers spent a greater percentage of their time engaging in high-force tactile (such as pushing) interactions with healthy cows (12 ± 4%) than with unhealthy cows (2 ± 1%, P = 0.08). These results indicate that there are possible risk level differences in interactions with healthy versus unhealthy dairy cows. This information will be used to educate dairy farm employees about these risk differences, with the intention of reducing the number of human injuries caused by interactions with unhealthy dairy cows.
PSIII-18 Effects of dietary exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on ruminal degradation kinetics of beef steers offered a high- and low-quality feedlot growing diets
Authors: Polepalle Bharathwaj , Sarturi Jhones O , Dos Reis Beatriz Q Queiroz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The post-consumption effects of dietary pre-treatment with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on the ruminal degradation kinetics of wheat hay when beef steers were offered high- and low-quality feedlot growing diets were evaluated. Ruminally cannulated crossbreed steers [n = 5; body weight (BW) = 520 ± 30 kg] were used in a 5 × 4 unbalanced Latin square design, in which a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used as follows: a) growing diet quality (high = HQ; and low = LQ); and b) enzyme inclusion (0 or 0.75 mL/kg of diet DM; ABVista, UK). Steers were offered diets to ad libitum intake during four periods. Pre-dehydrated (55 ºC for 72 h) wheat hay substrate was ground (2 mm) and placed into 10 × 20 cm (28 µm) nylon bags (5 g, as-is). Substrate in situ bags were placed within a nylon mesh (with weights) at the ruminal ventral sac and reversely removed at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 48, 72, and 96 h after feeding. Samples were removed, rinsed, and dehydrated for 72 h at 55 oC. Residues were composited within the period, steer, and incubation time, corrected for residual moisture, and were used to fit a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS and the Glimmix procedure of SAS used for the statistical analysis (animal = experimental unit). No interaction (P ≥ 0.35) diet × enzyme was observed for the ruminal effective degradability (ED) fractions of the substrate. Regardless of dietary type, steer consuming diets pre-treated with fibrolytic enzymes increased (P ≤ 0.05) the substrate ED for organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and hemicellulose (HEMI). No interaction (P ≥ 0.09) diet × enzyme was observed for the ruminal rate of degradation (kd) of any fraction. Steers offered feed pre-treated with fibrolytic enzymes, regardless of dietary type, increased the substrate ruminal rate of degradation (P ≤ 0.01) for OM and HEMI, while high-quality diets showed an increase kd for OM and HEMI compared with low-quality diets (P ≤ 0.03). An interaction (P = 0.03) diet × enzyme was observed for OM lag time, in which the enzyme decreased the lag time of the substrate on the high-quality diet, while increasing for steers consuming the low-quality diet. No interaction (P ≥ 0.14) diet × enzyme was observed for the lag time for NDF, ADF, and HEMI. Steers consuming grower diets pre-treated with fibrolytic enzymes had improved ruminal effective degradable fraction of wheat hay substrate, regardless of the grower diet quality offered to animals. A reduction in the lag time does not seem to be a probable cause for such an effect but rather an improvement in the rate of degradation of organic matter, especially hemicellulose.