bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
151 Microbial inoculant effects on cool- and warm-season grass silage
Authors: Vendramini Joao M B , Moriel Philipe 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Silage has been the preferred method of forage conservation in many regions of the world, primarily due to frequent rainfall during the period of maximum forage growth and limited opportunities to preserve forage as hay. Corn and sorghum are the main forages conserved as silage, but cultivation of annual summer crops is costly and may be risky due to variable climactic conditions. Therefore, livestock producers have relied on perennial grasses as a source of forage for conservation as silage. However, most grasses have undesirable characteristics that reduce the potential of achieving satisfactory fermentation and conservation, such as limited dry matter concentration, and morphological and chemical characteristics. Several management practices have been developed with the objective of improving grass silage fermentation and nutritive value, and microbial inoculants have been among the most used management practices. Nonetheless, most microbial inoculants have been tested and developed for corn silage and later recommended to grass silage with limited scientific evidence for the efficacy of the specific inoculant. The most used grasses as forages are divided into cool- (C3) and warm-season (C4) perennial grasses with notorious differences between them. Cool-season grasses have greater water-soluble carbohydrates and lesser structural carbohydrates concentrations than warm-season perennial grasses, which are desirable traits for better silage fermentation and positive microbial inoculant effects. Warm-season perennial grasses have greater accumulation of starch as non-structural carbohydrate, which does not directly contribute to silage fermentation. In addition to the limitations mentioned previously, warm-season perennial grasses have decreased dry matter concentration and nutritive value, reducing the likelihood of achieving desirable fermentation. A literature review was conducted to evaluate the effects of microbial inoculant on nutritive value and fermentation characteristics (pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and ammonia concentrations) of grass silage. In addition, the effect of different microbial inoculants (homofermentative vs. heterofermentative) was evaluated. Lastly, results from current research projects testing the effects of microbial inoculants on silage microbiome and gas production were presented.
153 Use of probiotics in feedlot diets
Authors: Engle Terry E , Schutz Jennifer , Cappellozza Bruno Ieda 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization classifies probiotics as live microorganisms that have health benefits when fed to animals. While the original purpose of probiotic use in beef cattle was to enhance rumen health and to establish a healthy gastrointestinal tract microflora in young calves, probiotic use in finishing cattle has been steadily increasing. The reason for this increase in use of probiotics in feedlot cattle diets is primarily due to public health concern with antimicrobial resistance from the use of antimicrobial technologies in feedlot cattle diets to improve performance and reduce the incidence of disease. Feedlot cattle consuming high concentrate diets for extended periods of time can experience shifts in rumen microflora that may be detrimental to rumen health which can impact overall animal performance. There are several different strains of probiotics (e.g., lactic acid producing, lactic acid utilizing bacteria,) that can function to optimize the microbial populations within the gastrointestinal tract to improve gut health. With improved gut health, improvements in nutrient digestion, absorption, immune function, and barrier function are possible. Several recent experiments supplementing feedlot cattle with probiotics have reported improved ADF digestibility, increased ruminal pH, improved ruminal lactic acid clearance, inhibited C. perfringens Types A and C growth in vitro, increased red blood cell superoxide dismutase activity, and improved average daily gains during certain portions of the feeding period. However, other probiotic supplementation experiments have not observed improvements in growth and health responses in feedlot cattle. The reason for the discrepancies between the experiments may be due to differences in animal production scenarios, the ingredient and nutrient composition of the basal diet, dosage of the probiotic, and the bacterial composition of the probiotic. Future research investigating the impact of individual strains of probiotics and combinations of different probiotic bacteria is warranted.
207 Efficacy of sheep and goats during intensive grazing for the control of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Authors: Spurling Ryan A , Olsen Brandi L , Stroud Sarah K , Thacker Eric T , Thornton-Kurth Kara J , Hill Shane A , Page Chad M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Sheep and goats prefer forbs and browse, respectively, which make them ideal for targeted grazing of weeds. However, this grazing may negatively affect sheep and goat performance. The objectives of the study were to monitor the effects of intensive grazing on sheep and goat performance and forage selection, as well as reduce Convolvulus arvensis. To do this, sheep [n = 40; average body weight (BW) 74 kg ± 1.45 kg] and goats (n = 40; average BW 45 kg ± 1.45 kg) grazed six paddocks, each an acre in size, on a wildlife refuge area managed by the Utah DNR near Richmond, Utah. The flock was in each paddock for 3.5 to 4 d. Paddock rotation corresponded with the amount of forage in each plot. Sixteen ground coverage measurements/day, split between morning and night, were taken. Measurements estimated percentages of ground cover, litter cover, and bare ground. Bite counts were taken at dusk and dawn to record the number of weedy forb, grass, native forb, and shrub bites. One ewe or doe was randomly observed for 5 min, then the observer would randomly select another ewe or doe until 4 does and 4 ewes were sampled. Body weights and body condition scores (BCS) of ewes and does were taken at d 0 and 22. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with main effects of species and days on pasture was used to analyze ground cover, bite counts, weight, and BCS with paddock as the random variable. Bare ground increased (P = 0.006) by day in each paddock. Both ground and litter cover decreased over time in each paddock (P &lt; 0.05). There was no difference (P &gt; 0.10) in number of bites of native forbs or grasses between sheep and goats. A species × day effect (P = 0.02) occurred where sheep consistently had 20 more bites of weedy forbs than goats, except for at d 12 where goats took 27 more bites of weedy forbs than sheep. Goats consumed an average of 10 bites more (P = 0.03) shrubs than sheep. Consumption of grasses increased (P = 0.006) in each pasture between d 0 and 22, but no species difference (P = 0.80) was observed. There was a day effect where both species lost 3.6 kg between d 0 and 22 (P = 0.22) which represented 5% of sheep and 8% of goat BW from the start of the trial; however, body condition score increased (P &lt; 0.05) by one-half a score on a 5-point scale between d 0 and 22 in both species. The results of this study indicate that sheep will graze more field bindweed than goats. Sheep and goats in this grazing system may see some losses in productivity, therefore stage of production and supplementation strategy should be considered to optimize rangeland health and minimize negative effects on animal performance.
209 Prevalence of subclinical selenium deficiency in Oregon grazing sheep using whole blood analysis
Authors: Hasan Daniella , Bionaz Massimo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to understand the status of microminerals in sheep across the state of Oregon and determine the association with management, including dietary supplementation, with major focus on Se, as Oregon is a region considered low in soil Se. Fifty-five sheep farms encompassing &gt;70% of the counties in Oregon were enrolled in this study, and tentatively, 10% of the ewes in the flock were selected (but not fewer than 3 and not more than 10 ewes). To be enrolled, ewes must have been dry (non-lactating), fed a local forage diet for the last 3 consecutive months, be between the ages of 2 and yr old, have lambed at least once before, have a body condition score between 2 and 4 on a 5-point scale, and observably healthy. A questionnaire regarding rearing practices, mineral supplementation protocol, and observed health or production deficits was sent to the producers. Whole blood (3 mL) was collected in a royal blue trace mineral-free tube from each animal and digested in concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, then diluted in distilled water, and analyzed via ICP-MS. Commercial standards were used to calibrate the ICP-MS for &gt;14 microminerals and heavy metals including Se. Data were normalized using Indium as an internal standard before quantification using the standard curve. Available normal reference ranges for whole blood for all minerals were identified using published literature. For Se in whole blood, normal ranges were defined as 120 to 350 ng/mL. Intra and inter-flock variance was plotted, and the proportion of animals in each farm below or above the normal range was quantified. Interflock spread was between 8 and 519 ng/mL with a median of 211 ng/mL. Forty-seven percent of farms had at least one deficient animal. Results indicated that subclinical Se deficiency (&lt; 120 ng/mL without reported production deficits) was prevalent in forage-fed dry ewes even when mineral supplements were offered ad-lib. Overall, these findings indicate a need to screen for Se deficiency to evaluate the efficacy of the mineral supplementation protocol.
211 United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System Goat 2019 study: Regional prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms in the United States
Authors: Miller James , Avery Ryan , Urie Natalie , Branan Matthew , Burke Joan M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
One objective of the United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System Goat 2019 study (September 2019-April 2020) was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and lungworm infection in goats across the US. Feces were collected from 5,176 animals on 318 operations in 24 states and results were consolidated into 4 regions: Northwest (3 states, 34 operations), Northeast (9 states, 89 operations), Southeast (9 states, 132 operations) and Southwest (3 states, 63 operations). Feces from each operation were mixed and cultured to allow eggs to hatch and develop, The Baermann technique was used to recover infective third-stage larvae from cultures. GIN identification included Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum and Nematodirus. Lungworm (Muellerius/Protostrongylus) first-stage larval presence was also noted. Frequencies were calculated and Haemonchus were found on 18.6 ± 3.5 % of the operations (Northwest, 27.0 ± 16.5 %; Northeast, 13.1 ± 4.7 %; Southeast, 15.9 ± 5.1 % and Southwest, 29.2 ± 9.4) %); Trichostrongylus on 97.2 ± 1.4 % of the operations (Northwest, 100 %; Northeast, 98±1.1 %; Southeast, 97.0 ± 2.2 % and Southwest, 95.7±4.2 %); Teladorsagia on 80.3 ± 4.0% of the operations (Northwest, 97.1 ± 2.4%; Northeast, 71.6 ± 9.1%; Southeast, 88.6 ± 4.6% and Southwest, 75.7 ± 7.3%); Oesophagostomum on 38.2 ± 4.3% of the operations (Northwest, 73.1 ± 9.2%; Northeast, 39.6 ± 7.1 %, Southeast, 46.4 ± 8.2% and Southwest, 15.5 ± 6.0%); Nematodirus on 7 ± 2.6 % of the operations (Northwest, 7 ± 5.1%; Northeast, 5.2 ± 4.7 %, Southeast, 0 % and Southwest, 20.8 ± 8.6 %); and lungworms on 35.4 ± 4.2 % of the operations (Northwest, 69.1 ± 9.8 %; Northeast, 52.2 ± 9.1 %, Southeast, 33.4±6.9% and Southwest, 8.3±3.3%). Results indicated that Trichostrongylus was the most prevalent followed by Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum, lungworms, Haemonchus and Nematodirus. Prevalence of all GIN and lungworms were similar within regions except Nematodirus and lungworms, which were less in the southeast and southwest, respectively. Due to project seasonal timing and sampling logistics, fecal collection was conducted from fall through early spring which may have influenced prevalence, specifically the most pathogenic GIN, Haemonchus. This study provided valuable insight into USA regional prevalence of GIN and lungworms in goats.
213 Lipopolysaccharide-induced alterations in the liver metabolome of St. Croix and Suffolk sheep
Authors: Johnson Samanthia R , Bentley Kelsey L , Bowdridge Scott , Ogunade Ibukun M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The development of resistance in parasites due to overuse of anthelmintics has resulted in a marked decrease in the efficacy of these drug classes. Recent research efforts have focused on exploring alternatives such as selection for parasite-resistant breeds with the implication that immunocompetence may align with parasite resistance. Two breeds that are often investigated are the St. Croix (STC), a resistant hair breed, and Suffolk (SUF), a susceptible wool breed sheep. The liver has a vital role in metabolism in the body and metabolizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which triggers whole body response through the production of appropriate metabolites, cytokines and immune cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the breed differences in liver metabolome of sheep, with divergent resistance to parasites, in response to LPS. Both STC and SUF sheep (n = 9/breed) were challenged with LPS, intravenously and liver biopsies were collected prior to challenge (HR0), 2 h post-challenge (HR2) and 6 h post-challenge (HR6). Liver tissue samples were subjected to quantitative untargeted metabolome analysis using chemical isotope labelling/ liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry. A total of 874 metabolites were detected and identified. Metabolomics also revealed that 8 pathways (pyrimidine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, beta-Alanine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, folate biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism and glutathione metabolism) were altered (P ≤ 0.05) between STC and SUF sheep prior to LPS challenge. A total of 10 pathways (folate biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, thiamine metabolism and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis) were altered (P ≤ 0.05) between STC and SUF sheep at HR 2. Only 2 pathways (glycerophospholipid metabolism and purine metabolism) were altered (P ≤ 0.05) between STC and SUF sheep at HR 6. Results highlight the metabolic differences that exist between breeds as well as indicate the significance of amino acid metabolisms that drive cell proliferation, oxidative stress amelioration and inflammation in response to LPS.
470 Reducing crude protein levels with amino acid supplementation in the finishing diets of heavy Duroc sire line pigs: Effects on growth performance and nitrogen balance in males and females
Authors: de Almeida André M , Alvarez-Rodriguez Javier , Latorre Maria-Angeles 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Nutrition represents 70% of pig production costs, particularly protein; then, decreasing protein costs is of capital importance. Reducing crude protein (CP) contents to levels below recommended whilst supplementing with amino acids (AAs) is an interesting strategy to reduce costs without decreasing production performances with environmental benefits. It has been conducted essentially in lean genotypes during the growth stage. Few studies address heavy genotypes or differences between males and females during the finishing period. Our objective is to study productive performances of heavy [Duroc X (Landrace X Large-White)] male and female pigs during the finishing stage under a 2% CP reduction with crystalline AA supplementation, hypothesizing that both sexes will equally be affected. In total, 60 males and 60 females were used. At 9 wk of age, animals were allotted in split-sex pens (6 pigs/pen, 0.9 m2/animal) with water and dry feed ad libitum. At 15 wk of age, when pigs weighed an average of 68 kg, two isoenergetic diets with different CP levels were provided (145 and 125 g CP/kg, control and low-CP) during the last 42 d of fattening, under the ideal protein concept. In the low-CP diet, crystalline AAs were added. Feed intake was measured daily, and animals were weighed every 3 wk to calculate average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and N balance on d 21 and 42. Data were analyzed using the simple least squares models that included dietary treatment and sex and their interaction as fixed effects with the pen as the experimental unit. At d 21, animals weighed 90 to 95 kg with males being 5 to 6 % heavier (P &lt; 0.01). No significant differences were recorded regarding diet. The same difference (P &lt; 0.001) was recorded at day 42, with males (119-122 kg) being 7.25% heavier than females in both treatments. Males had 16% higher ADGs than females in both treatments (P &lt; 0.0001) No differences were recorded for ADFI as a consequence of sex for both diets. FCRs were higher in females of both nutritional treatments (P &lt; 0.0001). Retained N was 22% greater in males than in females for both dietary treatments. The N efficiency was greater in Low CP males by comparison with low CP females and control males, whereas control CP females had decreased N efficiency compared with all other experimental groups. Results demonstrate that the 20g/kg CP reduction supplemented with AAs can efficiently be used in heavy Duroc sire line genotypes during the finishing phase without a decrease in production parameters with females having poorer growth performances than males, whereas N efficiency was impaired when females had no limiting dietary CP.
469 Reducing crude protein levels with amino acid supplementation in the finishing diets of heavy Duroc sire line pigs: Effects on carcass and meat traits in males and females
Authors: de Almeida André M , Ripoll Guillermo , Latorre Maria-Angeles , Alvarez-Rodriguez Javier 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Nutrition represents 70% of pig production costs, particularly protein; therefore, decreasing protein costs is of capital importance. Reducing crude protein (CP) contents to levels below recommended whilst supplementing with amino acids (AAs) is an interesting strategy to reduce costs without decreasing production performances. It has been conducted essentially in lean genotypes during the growth stage. Few studies address heavy genotypes or sex differences during the finishing period. Our objective is to study carcass and meat (loin) traits of heavy [Duroc X (Landrace X Large-White)] male and female pigs during the finishing stage under a 2% CP reduction with crystalline AA supplementation, hypothesizing that both sexes will be affected equally. In total, 60 males and 60 females, 9 wk old animals were used and allotted in split-sex pens (6 pigs/pen) with water and dry feed ad libitum. At 15 wk of age, when pigs weighed an average of 68 kg, two isoenergetic diets with different CP levels were provided (145 and 125 g CP/kg, control and low-CP) during the last 42 d of fattening. In the low-CP diet, crystalline AAs were added. On last day of the trial, animals weighed 116.5 kg on average and were slaughtered. Hot carcass weights and yields, ham fat thickness, lean meat percentage and boar taint by human nose scoring were determined. Loin samples (one per pen) were used to determine thawing losses, pH, color, Texture Profile Analysis (TPA: hardness, cohesiveness, springiness) and chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein, collagen, fat, and saturated fat). Data were analyzed using the simple least squares models that included dietary treatment and sex and their interaction as fixed effects with the pen as the experimental unit. Carcass weights were greater in control males than in females (91.2 vs 85.7 kg; P &lt; 0.05). No effect of sex or diet was detected on carcass yields, lean contents or ham subcutaneous fat thickness. There was a great impact of sex for loin subcutaneous fat thickness, with males having 7 to 8% greater values in both dietary treatments (P = 0.011). Low-CP females had a greater percentage of carcasses of greater lean content compared with the three other groups (P &lt; 0.05). Boar taint, carcass pH, color traits, chemical analysis and TPA did not differ across diets. A strong dietary influence was noticeable with animals of both sexes in the Low-CP diets having greater fat and saturated fat contents than animals in the control groups (P = 0.02). In conclusion, the 20g/kg CP reduction supplemented with AAs can efficiently be used in heavy Duroc sire line genotype during the finishing phase without leading to major impairments in carcass or meat traits, regardless of sex.
468 Maternal resilience to gestational social stress impacts growth and behavior of suckling pigs
Authors: Luttman Andrea M , Siegford Janice M , Raney Nancy E , Ernst Catherine W 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Social stress during gestation has been demonstrated to influence piglet health, growth, and behavior. This study aimed to classify pigs exhibiting resilience or vulnerability to gestational social stress using salivary cortisol and characterize differences in their piglets during lactation. At 30 d of gestation, 40 gilts and first parity purebred Yorkshire pigs were socially mixed in group pens (n = 8/pen). Saliva was collected at 1200 h each day at -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +7d relative to social mixing. Salivary cortisol pattern was used to identify 6 females whose salivary cortisol concentrations returned to baseline as stress resilient (SR) and 6 females whose salivary cortisol concentrations remained increased as stress vulnerable (SV). After farrowing, all piglets of the 12 SR and SV sows had birth weight, weaning weight, and pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG) recorded. At approximately 3 wk of age (18 ± 2d), piglets underwent a novel object test (NOT) by lowering a novel object into each farrowing crate and capturing continuous overhead video recording for 10 min. Videos were manually decoded for each piglet to identify three behavioral measures: latency to touch the object, total time spent interacting with the object, and number of object touches. At 1 d pre-weaning (24 ± 4 d) total skin lesions were recorded for each piglet. All data were analyzed using linear mixed models correcting for sow parity (1 or 2), sex, body weight, age, and litter. Birth weights did not differ between those born to SR or SV sows (SR: 1.3 ± 0.1 kg, SV: 1.3 ± 0.1kg, P = 0.668). However, suckling piglets born to SR sows had significantly greater ADG compared with those born to SV sows (SR: 183 ± 4 g/d, SV: 168 ± 4 g/d, P = 0.010) resulting in significantly greater weaning weights (SR: 5.7 ± 0.1kg, SV: 5.5 ± 0.1kg, P = 6.7e-09). We detected no differences in any of the NOT measures. At the end of lactation, offspring born to SR sows tended to have fewer skin lesions than those born to SV sows (SR: 0.73 ± 0.12, SV: 1.32 ± 0.12, P = 0.065). These results suggest that maternal resilience to gestational social stress is associated with improved suckling pig growth performance and reduced intra-litter aggression.