bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSV-12 Evaluating the effect of lyoprotectants in preserving community structure and bacterial viability in the lyophilized fecal community of pigs
Authors: Oladele Paul , Johnson Timothy A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) stands as a potential method for enhancing pig health. FMT has progressed from the basic delivery of fresh stool, to lyophilized preparations which is beneficial for sample storage, but can damage bacterial cells. This has necessitated the need for lyoprotectants to preserve bacterial viability. However, the ideal lyoprotectant for retaining community structure and viability remains unclear. Furthermore, DNA-based microbial profiling methods such as 16S rRNA and metagenomics sequencing do not distinguish live and dead bacteria, prompting the need for other methods of distinguishing live and dead members of the bacterial community after lyophilization. PMA-seq (propidium monoazide treatment followed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) has been shown to differentiate between live and dead bacteria in microbial communities. To refine FMT in pigs, we sought to ascertain the impact of four lyoprotectants on bacterial viability and fecal microbiome structure. Fecal samples from six pigs were treated with mannitol, maltodextrin, trehalose, maltodextrin-trehalose mix (2.5% each) as lyoprotectants or left untreated. Lyophilized fecal samples underwent PMA treatment prior to 16S rRNA sequencing to capture the active community, and total and viable bacterial cells number were quantified. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze total and viable bacterial cells, and richness, while PERMANOVA was used to compare beta diversity. Results revealed no initial differences in total, viable bacteria, or community structure (P &gt; 0.05). However, untreated, and mannitol-treated groups showed significantly reduced total and viable bacterial cells post-lyophilization (P &lt; 0.01), unlike the other lyoprotectants (P &gt; 0.05). Mannitol and the untreated group also displayed decreased richness and beta diversity shifts (P &lt; 0.05). Overall, lyophilization with mannitol or no lyoprotectant notably impacted pig fecal microbiota community structure, while maltodextrin, trehalose, and maltodextrin-trehalose effectively preserved bacterial viability and structure.
PSV-8 Investigation of a haplotype and eQTL analysis of the LCORL-NCAPG locus associated with increased lean growth in beef cattle
Authors: Majeres Leif E , Dilger Anna C , Shike Daniel W , McCann Joshua C , Beever Jon E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Numerous studies have shown genetic variation at the LCORL-NCAPG locus is strongly associated with growth traits in beef cattle. However, a causative molecular variant has yet to be identified. To define all possible candidate variants, Charolais-sired calves (n = 34) were whole genome sequenced including 17 homozygous for a long-range haplotype associated with increased growth (QQ), and 17 homozygous for potential ancestral haplotypes for this region (qq). The Q haplotype was refined to an 814-kb region between chr6:37,199,897-38,014,080 and contained 218 variants not found in qq individuals. These variants include an insertion in an intron of NCAPG, a previously documented mutation in NCAPG (rs109570900), two coding sequence mutations in LCORL (rs109696064 and rs384548488), and 15 variants located within ATAC peaks that were predicted to affect transcription factor binding. Notably, rs384548488 is a frameshift variant likely resulting in loss of function for long isoforms of LCORL. To test the association of the coding sequence variants of LCORL with phenotype, 405 cattle from five populations were genotyped. The two variants were in complete linkage disequilibrium. Statistical analysis of the three populations that contained QQ animals revealed significant (P &lt; 0.05) associations with genotype and birth weight, body weight, carcass weight, hip height, and average daily gain. Additionally, an RNAseq analysis was performed using 22 of the Charolais-sired calves. This, in conjunction with the WGS data, was used to run an eQTL analysis, which revealed 256 genes whose expression were impacted by eQTL in the region (FDR &lt; 0.05). These findings affirm the link between this locus and growth in beef cattle and describe DNA variants that define the haplotype. However, further studies will be required to define the true causative mutation.
PSV-17 Disease surveillance in feedlot cattle via interactions with a novel cotton rope
Authors: Sundman Emiline R , Dewell Grant A , Dewell Renee D , Johnson Anna K , Millman Suzanne T 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Disease surveillance in feedlot cattle is vital for minimizing morbidity and mortality and maintaining cattle welfare. Hanging a novel cotton rope for disease surveillance is commonly used in pig production but is less developed for feedlot cattle. The aims of this study were to 1) inform future rope-based disease surveillance methods by describing sick and healthy feedlot cattle behavioral interactions with a novel rope, and 2) evaluate how cattle rope interactions vary with time, environment, and individual animal characteristics. Cotton ropes were hung in feedlot pens for three 30-min sessions over six non-consecutive summer days at two feedlots. At Feedlot 1, a rope was hung in one chronic pen and seven healthy pens, and the observation sessions were: Early Morning (0545 to 0700 h), Afternoon (1245 to 1300 h), and Evening (1845 to 2000 h). Three pens were observed on each of the six days; the chronic pen, one healthy “novel” pen with cattle that had no rope experience that changed daily, and one healthy “repeat” pen that was sampled over all observation periods. At Feedlot 2, the methods were altered slightly to focus on “repeat” pens during times when staff would be at the feedlot. A rope was hung in one chronic pen and one “repeat” healthy pen each day. The observation sessions were: Early Morning (0615 to 0645 h), Late Morning (1015 to 1045 h), and Afternoon (1315 to 1345 h). Direct continuous observation was used to record the number of rope-directed interactions (RDIs) performed by individual cattle. Results are presented descriptively as means ± SD. On d 1 in healthy pens at both feedlots, the average number of RDIs was 164 ± 72, and the Early Morning session was slightly more active than the two later sessions. The Chronic Pens at both feedlots were much less active, with only 3 and 10 RDIs on D 1 in Chronic Pens 1 and 2, respectively. The average number of unique cattle that performed at least 1 RDI in a healthy pen on d 1 was 23 ± 7, with an average of 11 ± 4.6 cattle performing an RDI in each 30-minute session. The Chronic Pens were less active, with only 2 and 3 unique cattle performing an RDI on d 1 in the Chronic Pens 1 and 2, respectively. Overall, in the Chronic Pens, the number of individual cattle RDIs varied greatly, with a few sick cattle performing the majority of RDIs. Healthy cattle RDIs varied with age, time of day, and temperature, and chronic cattle RDIs varied with disease status and proximity to death. These results indicate that there is potential value in these methods for disease surveillance, but that clear consideration for how environmental and individual animal characteristics impact RDIs is imperative for successful disease surveillance.
PSVI-15 Impact of breed composition on hair glucocorticoid levels in beef cattle after extended heat stress
Authors: Rojas Camila Santos , Haimerl Carly , Rafiq Fahad , Zayas Gabriel A , Titto Cristiane Gonçalves , Mateescu Raluca 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
More than one-half of the world’s cattle are maintained in hot environments, making heat stress a significant issue for the beef industry. Around $370 million is lost annually due to reduced performance due to heat stress, which has other detrimental impacts on cattle, such as decreased feed intake, fertility, and immune response. The assessment of hair glucocorticoids (hGC) serves as a valuable tool for evaluating chronic stress levels in beef cattle. Unlike traditional cortisol measurements, which provide only a glimpse of stress at a specific moment, hGCs offer a retrospective view of long-term stress exposure. This makes them particularly valuable for assessing chronic stress, which can profoundly impact animal health, welfare, and productivity. By quantifying hGC concentrations, we gain insights into the cumulative stress experienced by cattle over time, allowing for more comprehensive monitoring and management strategies. This study investigated the relationship between hGC concentrations and breed composition in beef cattle, specifically focusing on whether breed composition influences hGC concentrations after prolonged heat exposure. Animals from the University of Florida’s Multibreed Angus-Brahman herd were used. Hair samples were collected from 240 cows during the summer of 2017 and 2018, with breed compositions ranging from 100% Brahman to 100% Angus. Starting with a 4 mg hair sample, the hGC were extracted and analyzed with the Cortisol ELISA KIT (Neogen Corporation, Ayr, UK). An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the relationship between hGC concentration, breed composition, and batch effect. The results indicated a significant effect of breed composition on hGC concentration (P-value 0.01406). These findings suggest that breed composition influences chronic stress during prolonged periods of heat exposure. However, individual factors like thermotolerance, health status, and social stress may also have a role in chronic stress levels. To better understand these factors, future steps will involve comparing the hGC concentration results between thermotolerant and non-thermotolerant animals. This comparison will provide insights into the potential differences in stress responses between cattle breeds adapted to hot environments and those less tolerant to heat stress.
PSVI-6 Genomic determinants of the rumen microbiome and metabolome in Angus steers
Authors: Henniger Madison T , Rowan Troy N , Beever Jonathan E , Wells Jim E , Kuehn Larry A , Voy Brynn H , Mulon Pierre-Yves , Smith Joseph , Myer Phillip R 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The rumen microbiome provides approximately 70% of energy required for the ruminant host through fermentation byproducts. Due to microbial impacts on host health and productivity, several studies have associated microbiome and metabolome variation with important sustainability phenotypes, such as feed efficiency and methane emissions. Recent studies have indicated the microbial communities present in rumen fluid are under low-to-moderate host genetic control. However, microorganisms present on the rumen wall have been underrepresented in research, negating their unique role in host-microbiome interactions. Current studies investigating heritability of the rumen planktonic microorganisms are plagued by small sample sizes, high management and breed heterogeneity, and low resolution for classifying microbial communities. To determine the heritability of the rumen fluid and epithelium-associated microbiome and metabolome, Angus steers (n = 350) were enrolled in a 70-d feed efficiency trial, where real-time dry matter intake was measured. Body weights were collected throughout the trial to calculate average daily gain and residual feed intake. Mid-trial, a novel surgery method was used to swab the rumen wall to capture epithelium-associated microorganisms. On d 70, 50 mL of rumen fluid was obtained from steers using orogastric tubing for collection of planktonic microbial communities. Metagenomic DNA extracted from both rumen fluid and epimural samples was used for reduced representation sequencing to predict microbial features such as diversity, composition, and putative function. Genomic DNA isolated from whole blood was used to perform low-pass whole genome sequencing for use in downstream heritability estimates and variant association analyses. Many core microbial abundances are under low-to-moderate host genetic control (h2 &gt; 0.15; P &lt; 0.05); however, many microorganisms had low heritability estimates (h2 &lt; 0.10). Preliminary genome-wide associations studies are vastly underpowered to detect host genetic variants associated with microbial features, but data generated using the total number of animals will better refine these polymorphisms. Several key heritable metabolites were identified in amino acid metabolism pathways in rumen fluid (P &lt; 0.05). The rumen microbiome appears to act as a complex polygenic trait and incorporating microbial features into prediction models may improve feed efficiency estimations. Understanding host genetic control of the rumen microbiome and metabolome may empower downstream applications to enhance genomic and phenotypic predictions for feed efficiency and other sustainability traits in beef cattle.
PSVI-4 Impact of rotational ingredient supplements on canine GI health when exposed to rapid dietary change
Authors: Crowell Cierra N , Perry Erin B , Jenkins Eileen , Kaplan Daisy , Zoran Debra , Moore George , Darling Tracy , Davis Michael , Suchodolski Jan S 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Rotational feeding has been suggested in recent years as a method for improving “food boredom” in dogs. Some owners choose to add diversity to the canine diet for enrichment and potential cognitive benefits. However, little data are available on effects of rotational feeding strategies to gastrointestinal health, gut metabolites, and potential impacts to fecal consistency. The objective of this study was to understand the impact of rotational ingredient exposure on the ability of the dog to withstand an abrupt dietary change based on fecal pH, fecal dysbiosis index (DI), fecal score, calprotectin, and C-reactive protein (CrP). Labrador retrievers [n = 16; 1 to 3 yr of age; body condition scores (BCS) = 5 to 6] enrolled in detection dog training and receiving daily conditioning (exercise), were used in a 120-d study investigating the effects of an abrupt diet change on dogs with and without novel ingredient exposures. Study participants were assigned to one of two treatment groups. Control dogs (CON) received the basal diet and treatment dogs (ROT) received the basal diet along with the addition of rotating supplemental ingredients (2.5% total daily DM intake) over 90 d including oatmeal, blueberries, pumpkin, beef liver, salmon, and rabbit. All dogs were acclimated to the basal diet for 30 d, after which dogs in both groups were exposed to an abrupt (untransitioned) diet change [two meals (am and pm feeding)] on d 0, d 45, and d 90. Morning fecal samples at each timepoint were collected for three consecutive days and analyzed for fecal pH, DI, and calprotectin. Blood samples were collected 6 h following the AM dietary challenge and were used to measure CrP. Statistical analysis was performed using PROC MIXED and significance was set at 5%. Rotational ingredient supplemental did not impact DI (P = 0.0844). Similarly, fecal pH and calprotectin were unaffected by the addition of rotating ingredients (P = 0.7243; P = 0.9356, respectively). Fecal scores did not change by period (P = 0.0768) or by treatment (P = 0.9002). Values for CrP demonstrated no treatment effect on acute phase response (P = 0.8022). Markers of gastrointestinal health remained consistent, and tolerant, of rapid dietary change in both treatment groups. These findings suggest that the inclusion of rotational dietary ingredients may be well tolerated in healthy active canines, thus allowing owners to safely introduce diverse ingredients (at low levels) to the diet of their dog with minimum risk to health challenges.
PSVI-3 Finishing-based diets degradability of beef cows supplemented with a Bacillus-based probiotic
Authors: Limede Arnaldo C Cintra , Marques Rodrigo , Cruz Vinicius Alves , Ogg Makayla A , Cidrini Iorrano A , de Queiroz Amanda Caroliny Marques de Caroliny Marques , Cidrini Fernando , Farias Iasmin , Rodrigues Aline Naime Naime , Motter Alarissa , Cappellozza Bruno Ieda 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Probiotics, sometimes referred to as direct-fed microbials (DFM), are live microorganisms that, when given in sufficient quantities, confer health benefits to livestock animals. Research has indicated that probiotics based on Bacillus enhance the dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility of various feed sources, animal feed, and commercial total mixed rations (TMRs) in vitro. Given that, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation on nutrient degradability of commercial finishing-based diets. Ruminally fistulated Angus × Hereford cows (n = 15; 6.1 ± 1 yr of age; body weight = 658 ± 57) were used in complete randomized designs and housed in individual pens with water, and forage intake monitored daily. Treatments consisted of 1) 500 g of protein supplement (dry distillers grain + mineral mix) without probiotic (CON n = 8), and 2) 500 g of protein supplement + 3 g of a probiotic containing Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis (BOV; n = 7; 2.2 ×109 CFU of the mixture/g; Bovacillus, Novonesis, Hørsholm, Denmark). The experimental period lasted 33 d, consisting of 21 d of adaptation and 12 d of collection. From d 28 to 32, four different commercial finishing diets (4 g; Table 1) were fitted in Dracon bags and incubated in the rumen for 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in reverse order so that all bags were removed at the same time and immediately washed until clear water was obtained. After washing, the bags were dried at 56 ºC for 72 h to determine the dry matter. Subsequently, the NDF and ADF content was determined. A treatment effect was detected (P ≤ 0.05) for dry matter degradability in 3 out of 4 finishing-based diets used herein, which increased by approximately 4% in cows supplemented with BOV vs. CON. Supplementing beef cows with BOV also enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) neutral detergent fiber degradability by 12.1, 22.3, and 24.0% in finishing diets A, B, and C, but not D (P = 0.52), compared with CON cows, respectively (Table 2). Cows receiving BOV had greater (P = 0.04) acid detergent fiber degradability in finishing diet A and a tendency (P = 0.07) for finishing diet C compared with CON cows, whereas acid detergent fiber degradability was similar (P ≥ 0.13) among treatments for finishing diets B and D. In conclusion, Bacillus-based products could be used as a nutritional alternative tool to increase nutrient degradability of finishing-based diets.
PSVI-1 Supplemented milk replacer improves feed transition of dairy bull-calves
Authors: Adelusi Oludotun O , Casper David P , Anele Uchenna Y 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Neonatal calves are affected by pathogenic infections, compounded by stress, leading to enteric and respiratory disorders accounting for about 7.8% mortality rate and annual treatment costs exceeding $250 million. Federal restrictions on antibiotic use due antimicrobial resistance in humans has opened the door for viable alternatives like rumen enhancements which have been reported to aid the establishment of beneficial rumen flora leading to improved health and performance. It is hypothesized that nutritional formulation of milk replacers to help the calf prevent or cope with diarrhea can provide a leeway that will ensure better animal performance and transition to solid feed. The objective of study was to evaluate the performance of dairy bull-calves fed nutritionally supplemented milk replacers. Three milk replacers were tested with or without supplementation of metabolic enhancements (Control: no metabolic enhancer; Added: milk replacer with metabolic enhancer added at the time of mixing milk in shuttle; Composite: produced along with metabolic enhancer. Dairy bull-calves (n = 60; 2 to 5 d-old) were grouped into three treatments of milk replacers. The study lasted for 10 wk; 6 wk of milk-feeding and 4 wk of calf starter feeding. Body weights (BW) were taken on a weekly basis, while calf starter intake was measured daily and data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Calves fed milk replacer with composite metabolic enhancer recorded the greatest intake and final BW over the 10-wk period. Calves fed milk replacer with added metabolic enhancer at the point of milk mixing recorded the poorest data in terms of BW gain and final BW. Calves fed metabolic enhancer, either added or composite recorded a better weaning and transition to solid feed from milk feeding. Calves fed control milk replacer experienced a poor transition from milk feeding to solid feed. It is concluded that composited rumen metabolite enhancers in milk replacer supported greater starter intake, average daily gain and better transition of calves to solid feed, and is recommended for the feeding of neonatal calves.
PSIV-2 Gestational heat stress and its impact on placental weight, colostrum production, and milk production on Columbia-Rambouillet ewes
Authors: Fuentevilla Ela , Rios Andrea , Limesand Sean , Diaz Duarte E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Heat stress during pregnancy causes placental insufficiency and resduces fetal growth by reducing the oxygen and nutrients availability. In lactating production animals, heat stress during gestation lowers performance by decreasing milk yield and impairing reproduction. The study objectives were to understand the consequences of the exposure to warm environmental conditions during pregnancy on placental weight, colostrum production, and milk production of ewes utilizing heat chambers. Columbia-Rambouillet pregnant ewes with singletons (n = 11) were assigned to one of two environmental treatments: 1) heat stress (HS) or 2) thermoneutral (TN; 22°C) during mid-gestation (d 40 to 80) for a duration of 40 d. Heat stress consisted of 12 h at 40°C/55% humidity and 12 h at 35°C/45% humidity. Dry matter intake (DMI) and water intake (WI) were measured daily for both treatment groups. Feed and water were given ad libitum for HS ewes and TN ewes were pair fed to HS ewes for the entire duration of study. At lambing, the offspring were separated from dams. Measurements were taken of placental weight and colostrum production. The placental weights from HS ewes had a mean of 218 g compared with the placental weights of the TN group at a mean of 396 g (P &lt; 0.01). Colostrum was measured for the first 24 h post lambing. The mean colostrum production of TN was 718 mL and for the HS group it was 882 mL. The colostrum production differences between control and HS groups were nonsignificant. Following lambing, ewes were milked twice a day for a 21-d period to evaluate milk production. Daily milk production for HS ewes was a mean of 1.16 kg/d while the TN group ewes had a mean of 1.31 kg/d (P &lt; 0.01). Exposure of HS during mid-gestation had a significant impact on placental weight and 21-d milk production.