bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
479 Pain control for the castration of newborn bull calves by elastration
Authors: Crevier Mariah , Haley Derek B , Rau Jeffrey , Gordon Jessica 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
All methods of castration are known to cause pain regardless of the method, or age of the animal. Our objective was to explore providing pain control for bull calves castrated by elastration prior to 1 wk of age. Singleton, bull calves (n = 85) born at the Ontario Beef Research Centre were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups at birth: a single dose of oral meloxicam at castration (1ORAL), a dose of oral meloxicam at castration and a second oral dose 1 wk later (2ORAL), a dose of injectable meloxicam at castration (1INJECT), not castrated (SHAM), or castrated without pain control (PAINFUL). Calves were treated within 48 h of birth and followed until weaning. All calves were observed 2 h/d for 13 different pain-associated behaviors (e.g., tail flicks, kicking, licking the scrotum) on the day of castration (d 0), as well as d 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9. To record general activity, from d -1 to d 14 each calf wore an Onset HOBO Pendant G Data Logger attached to one of their hind legs. Calves were weighed weekly until they were turned-out to pasture and thereafter weighed bi-weekly until weaning. Five behaviors were statistically significant between treatment groups. PAINFUL calves had roughly three times the rate of licking (P &gt; 0.05) compared with calves in 1ORAL, 2ORAL, and 1INJECT groups, and four times the rate of licking compared with SHAM calves. Additionally, PAINFUL calves had two times the rate of tail flicks (P &lt; 0.05) compared with meloxicam-treated calves, and five times the rate of tail flicks compared with SHAM calves. A treatment effect (P &lt; 0.05) was observed for standing time, with PAINFUL calves spending the least amount of time standing on average in a 24-h period. No statistical time differences were seen between the remaining treatment groups. No treatment or treatment*time interaction effects were observed for lying time. A tendency was seen for treatment effect on lying time (P = 0.0581), with PAINFUL calves spending the most time lying on average and having a significance difference compared with all other treatment groups (LSM &gt; 0.05). No treatment effect was seen for average daily gain up to wk 8, and for final weaning weights. Weight at time of castration was significant (P &lt; 0.05); however, calves were not blocked by BW when assigned to treatment. In conclusion, meloxicam-treated calves expressed decreased rates of pain-associated behaviors compared with PAINFUL calves, and BW did not differ at time of weaning. Our results provide evidence that calves castrated by elastration before 1 wk of age and received meloxicam, experience less pain.
435 Use of plant bioactives to improve the efficiency of rumen function
Authors: Durunna Obioha N , Gonzalez Emmanuel , Gzyl Katherine E , Oyedeji Oluwatobi , Cheang Iris , Kommadath Arun , Block Hushton , McAllister Tim A , Fong Leonard , Lardner H (Bart) A , Holman Devin B 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Plant bioactives, also known as phytogenics or phytobiotics, are secondary metabolites of plant origin that are deployed as host-defense mechanisms against predators or to enable them to be more competitive in their environment. These metabolites also regulate growth and reproductive functions in the plant. They can be grouped into three major classes: terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. Various studies have shown their worth in improving livestock production and health via insectifugal, organoleptic and enhanced rumen functions. Ruminants are critical to food security because they are able to convert poor-quality feed materials into nutritious products like meat. The rumen provides temporary storage of feed but serves the main function of digesting those complex materials through symbiotic relationships among prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms within the rumen vat. Antimicrobial resistance and other health or social license challenges have led researchers to find acceptable replacements that will not exacerbate the health and social issues in animals and humans. Plant bioactives appeal to producers because of the ‘natural’ brand and because they are usually certified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Anecdotal reports from input companies show an increased demand for mineral supplements infused with phytogenics. The complex chemical compositions of these products appear to make them less prone to developing resistance by microorganisms. Phytogenics research has been further catalyzed by government legislation that has banned the use of medically important antibiotics to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. Potential improvements in livestock productivity are associated with mechanisms such as enhanced nutrient utilization, increased digestibility, modified digestive secretions or altered microbial communities. These benefits contribute to the increasing use of these phytogenics by livestock producers to keep their animals healthy and productive while enhancing the profitability of their operations. We will examine the different bioactives and their applications in improving the efficiency of the rumen function. Some commercial products in the Canadian market will be presented. Other research trials showcasing their potential benefits to rumen health and general animal productivity will also be discussed.
432 Genomic strategies to improve the efficiency of rumen function
Authors: Guan Leluo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The rumen harbors a complex symbiotic microbiome (bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi and viruses), which degrades plant cell walls and ferments sugars to the volatile fatty acids that provide energy to host. Extensive recent research has revealed that variation in rumen microbiome composition and function can directly and in directly influence many phenotypes in cattle such as feed efficiency, methane emission, metabolic health, milk and meat quality. Such findings highlight the opportunity to intervene rumen microbiome for improved productivity, health and reduced environmental footprint. More and more evidence revealed the individualized rumen microbiome and host genetics could be one of the factors in colonizing of selective rumen microbiome. This presentation will focus on to date knowledge on “heritability” of rumen microbes and explore the opportunities to breed cattle with a desired rumen microbiome for improved feed efficiency and lower emission of greenhouse gases.
222 Validation of Brix for predicting sugar concentration of alfalfa and orchardgrass
Authors: Soder Kathy J , Billman Eric D , Horst Jeff , Hafla Aimee , Balk Kristi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Brix in predicting sugar concentrations in fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.; ALF) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.; OG) forages to be used as an inexpensive and rapid field-level assessment of relative energy in forages. In a 2-yr study, fresh forages samples from ALF and OG monoculture pastures in central Pennsylvania, U.S. were collected once monthly from May to September. Samples were immediately evaluated for Brix values with a hand-held digital refractometer, and the remaining biomass was frozen immediately with liquid N to halt cellular respiration. Samples were lyophilized and analyzed for individual sugars and wet chemistry nutritive analyses. Brix values were correlated with wet chemistry analyses using the PROC CORR procedure in SAS, with significance established at P &lt; 0.05. Brix was positively correlated (P &lt; 0.05) with total and individual sugars in ALF during late spring and late summer (0.49 to 0.93), but correlations were non-existent (P &gt; 0.05) or negative (-0.55 to -0.73; P &lt; 0.05) in mid-summer. Brix values had moderate to strong negative correlations (P &lt; 0.05) to NDF and ADF in ALF (-0.57 to -0.71). Conversely, Brix values did not correlate (P &gt; 0.05) to any notable sugar parameters in OG beyond the first sampling date (0.60 to 0.74; P &lt; 0.05). Brix was not correlated (P &gt; 0.05) to NDF and ADF in OG. In summary, Brix values did not consistently predict sugar concentrations in fresh ALF and OG forages. Because Brix measures dissolved solids in solution (not just sugars), Brix readings collected from crushed ALF or OG samples may be confounded by fibrous fractions found in the solution as well as decreased sugar concentrations compared with fruit crops. Brix accuracy may also be dependent on seasonal temperature patterns, plant growth stage, and daily weather patterns. Other solutions should be investigated that rapidly assess sugar profiles and nutritive values of fresh forages.
280 AntagomiR-22-3p Injection alters miRNA expression and muscle fiber type of intrauterine growth restricted lambs
Authors: Duckett Susan K , Greene Maslyn A , Udoka-Johnson Aliute N S , Worley Grayson , Klotz James L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
microRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that modulate muscle satellite cell proliferation. Previous research identified miR-22-3p as differentially expressed during ovine muscle development and in vitro experiments showed that antagomir-22-3p treatment enhanced satellite cell proliferation. The objective of this study was to test in vivo vascular injection of antagomir-22-3p in lateral saphenous vein on miRNA and HDAC family mRNA expression in intrauterine growth restricted lambs. Pregnant ewes (n = 18) with twins were either fed at 100% of NRC (CON) or nutrient restricted (60% NRC; NR) from gestational d 85 to parturition. On d 12 of age, NR lambs (n = 8) were randomly selected and given a systemic injection of antagomir-22-3p in the lateral saphenous vein of the right leg (MIR-NR). CON lambs (n = 8) were also randomly selected and given a sham injection of PBS in the lateral saphenous vein of the right leg (SHAM-CON). Antagomir-22-3p was reconstituted in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Injections were given for 3 consecutive days and lambs harvested 24 d later. Blood samples were collected from each lamb weekly to monitor miR-22-3p expression. Lambs were slaughtered 24 d after the first injection and muscle mass measured. Muscle samples were removed for miR-22-3p and mRNA expression of potential targets. Cell-free circulating RNA was isolated from blood samples and miR-22-3p expression examined over time. Cell-free circulating miR-22-3p expression was downregulated (P &lt; 0.05) for MIR-NR compared with SHAM-CON on d 14 after injection. On d 21 after injection, miR-22-3p expression in plasma tended (P = 0.08) to be down-regulated in MIR-NR compared with SHAM-CON. Lamb body weight and muscle weights at harvest were similar between MIR-NR and SHAM-CON treatments. In heart and semimembranosus (SM) muscles, expression of miR-22-3p was down-regulated (P &lt; 0.05) in MIR-NR compared with SHAM-CON. In the gastrocnemius and semitendinosus muscle, miR-22-3p expression was unchanged (P &gt; 0.05). The number of type I and IIa muscle fibers were greater (P &lt; 0.05) for MIR-NR than SHAM-CON. Muscle fiber area of Type I, IIa or IIx fibers did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) by treatment. The number of type IIx fibers did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between treatments. MIR-NR treatment appears to shift muscle fibers towards more oxidative metabolism and down-regulate HDAC-1, 3, and 11 and SIRT6 in SM. The systemic injection of antagomir-22-3P down-regulated miR-22-3p expression in circulation and in muscle tissues, which altered expression of HDAC/SIRT genes involved in muscle fiber type conversion and hypertrophy.
58 Awardee Talk: A decade of discovery in horse pasture utilization
Authors: Martinson Krishona 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Perennial cool-season grasses are the foundation of horse pastures in the North Central U.S. A majority of U.S. horses graze pastures as a way to encourage exercise and socialization, and to reduce feeding costs. However, other forages must be evaluated to help extend the grazing season and respond to emerging issues (e.g., floods and winter kill). This abstract summarizes the results of six individual grazing trials that aimed to evaluate forage yield, horse preference, forage nutritive value, and horse health parameters of perennial cool season grasses and alternative forages. Over 10 yr, multiple adult horses in good health grazed monocultures of perennial cool season grasses, annual cool season grasses, legumes, annual warm season grasses, and cover crops in replicated small plots designed in a randomized complete block. Yield was mechanically harvested, samples for forage nutritive value were hand harvested, and preference was visually assessed. Horses were allowed to rotationally graze forages using best management practices throughout multiple Minnesota growing seasons (May through October). Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were collected to determine the impact of certain forage species on horse health parameters. Data were analyzed using various procedures in SAS with P values ≤ 0.05. Forage yields varied greatly between forage types (P ≤ 0.05) and ranged from 13 to 2 Mgּ ha-1. Many forages that were higher yielding, were among the least preferred by horses, including orchardgrass, oat, alfalfa, sudangrass, radish, and turnip. The most preferred forages included Kentucky bluegrass, timothy, meadow fescue, annual ryegrass, winter wheat, red clover, white clover, teff, and berseem clover (P ≤ 0.05). Almost all forages had greater forage nutritive values that met or exceeded the nutritional needs of horses in maintenance. Many warm season grasses had inverted calcium to phosphorus ratios and increased nitrate-nitrogen content. While no consistent relationship was found, horse preference tended to be positively associated with crude protein and nonstructural carbohydrates. When evaluating health parameters, horses grazing teff, an annual warm season grass, had reduced average glucose, average insulin, and peak insulin compared with horses grazing perennial cool season grasses in the late fall (P ≤ 0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that strategic use of pasture forages can be used to help manage common horse health concerns (e.g., obesity and Equine Metabolic Syndrome). While perennial cool-season grasses will remain the foundation of horse pastures in the North Central U.S., this research identified other suitable forage alternatives. Placing a priority on the balance of forage yield and horse preference, annual ryegrass, alfalfa, teff, and berseem clover can be used as horse pasture forage alternatives to extend the grazing season, maximize yield, increase pasture nutritive value, help manage common horse health concerns, and when responding to emerging issues.
147 The ‘horse-side’ of host-microbe interactions and gastrointestinal homeostasis in the equine hindgut
Authors: Coleman Stephen J , Moss Cameron , Wilson Amber , Reed Kailee , Jennings Kaysie , Kunz Isabelle 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Homeostasis is a complex physiological process that enables biological systems to maintain balanced internal environments in response to internal and external stimuli. In the equine gastrointestinal (GI) tract, homeostasis involves a network of factors that regulate gene expression, maintain the integrity of the mucosal barrier, and modulate immune responses to pathogenic microorganisms while supporting commensal bacteria that provide benefits to the host (Figure 1). These factors work together and respond to changes in diet, environment, external stress, and challenges by infectious agents or toxins. Proper gastrointestinal function is dependent on maintaining homeostasis in the system, and the dynamic interactions between the microbial population (the microbiota) and the equine host are central to this equilibrium. The regulation and interplay between the equine host and GI microbiota are evident in the distribution of distinct microbial communities within the various compartments of the equine hindgut. The contributions of each compartment to digestive physiology and the overlap with various stages of microbial fermentation in the equine hindgut are well-researched. What remains to be documented is gene expression in tissues of the equine GI and the underlying role this might play in the processes of digestion, physiology, and homeostasis in the GI. To better understand the roles that host gene expression plays in the interactions with the microbiota, it is critical that we investigate gene expression in the different tissues along the intestinal tract. Protein-coding genes are crucial in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract. They direct the synthesis of various structural elements, molecular transporters, and digestive enzymes, which support digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut integrity. Non-coding genes also play an important role in regulating protein-coding gene expression, modulating immune responses, and maintaining gut barrier function. Moreover, there is evidence that non-coding transcripts regulate the composition of microbial communities in the GI tract. The presentation will focus on the current research and future directions for investigating protein-coding and non-coding gene expression to understand the mechanisms involved in the host-microbe interaction in the equine hindgut and their potential role in maintaining GI homeostasis.
77 Differences in carcass quality and meat quality between cattle of different breed types
Authors: Roholt Bryce W , Crump Zachary C , Stafford Chandler , Okamoto Lillian , Alberto Anthony F , Spurling Ryan A , Matarneh Sulaiman , Thornton-Kurth Kara J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Crossbreeding cattle in the beef industry is a common practice to improve production and increase profitability. Introducing Bos indicus (BI) genetics into cattle herds is one potential method to improve production, as they are able to withstand higher temperatures, are better adapted to nutritional stress, and consume less water than Bos taurus (BT) cattle. However, introduction of BI genetics is known to decrease both carcass and meat quality compared with those from BT cattle. As such, the objective of this study was to determine how crossbreeding commercial Angus cows with Santa Gertrudis bulls to incorporate BI genetics impacts carcass and meat quality of the resultant offspring. This study utilized 38 steers of two different breeds: Angus (AN; n = 29; 100% BT) or Santa Gertrudis influenced (SG; n = 9; 19% BI, 81% BT). All steers were fed the same typical ration and harvested at a commercial facility once industry average body weight and backfat standards were met. Hot carcass weight (HCW), ribeye area (REA), yield grade (YG), and marbling scores were collected at harvest. Individual loins were collected for meat quality analysis. Meat quality data were collected after 14 d of wet aging at 4˚C. Meat color data was collected on d 0, 3, and 7. Statistical analysis was done using the MIXED procedure of SAS to assess the main effect of breed. Color analysis was conducted with day as a repeated measure. Least squares means were separated using Tukey-Kramer adjustments. Angus cattle had an increased (P = 0.009) REA and tended to have a reduced (P = 0.06) YG than SG cattle. However, no differences (P ≥ 0.13) between breeds were observed in HCW or marbling score. Additionally, no differences (P ≥ 0.08) were observed in meat quality (pH, drip loss, cook loss, Warner-Bratzler Shear Force, or Texture Profile Analysis) between breeds. There was not a day x breed (P &gt; 0.65) or breed (P ≥ 0.57) effect for L*, a*, or b* color values. Day affected (P = 0.008) L*, a*, and b*, such that a* and b* both increased on d 3, then decreased on d 7, while L* increased on d 3 and remained consistent until d 7. These results are promising as they indicate there may not be differences in carcass quality and meat quality when utilizing this method to introduce BI genetics into a traditional BT production system. As such, this could be a useful tool in managing production systems in our beef herds. However, future research with a larger sample size will be necessary to gain more conclusive results.
78 Prolonged heat stress impact on molecular responses of skeletal muscle and growth performance in finishing beef steers
Authors: Eckhardt Erika P , Kim Jongkyoo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Rising temperatures significantly impact cattle production economically, reducing feed intake, efficiency, and growth, leading to substantial losses. Despite these known effects, there remains a paucity of data on the specific responses of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue to heat stress conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of prolonged heat stress on the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle growth and adipose tissue deposition and physiological response. Thirty-two predominantly Angus beef steers [initial average body weight (BW) = 364 ± 4.60 kg] were subject to a 28-d heat stress period. Steers were randomly allotted to one of two treatment groups (n = 16 steers/treatment) 1) Control (CON), exposed to outdoor environmental temperature-humidity index (THI) of 60; or 2) Heat Stress (HS), subject to THI of 70 to 80 for 8 h then returned to control treatment THI to simulate typical cooldown periods exhibited in instances of HS. Feed intakes were recorded daily, while BW was measured weekly prior to feed delivery. Biopsies of the skeletal muscle from the Longissimus muscle (LM) at the area of the 13th rib and adipose tissue from the subcutaneous fat of the flank region were performed on d 1, 14, and 28 for each individual steer and used for molecular analysis. For gene expression, a repeated measures ANOVA was utilized, acknowledging the individual animal as the experimental unit. The analysis of both gene expression over time and growth performance indicators was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA, with post-hoc analysis via Tukey’s test for specific comparisons. Data presentation includes the standard error of means, with an alpha (α) level set at 0.05 for determining statistical significance. Behavioral signs of heat stress, elevated respiratory rates, were observed with HS steers exhibiting a respiratory rate of 92.92 ± 24.79 breaths per minute (bpm) compared with 60.48 ± 14.94 bpm in CON steers (P &lt; 0.01). Heat stress decreased average daily gain (ADG) during d 0 to 7 (49.11%) and d 15 to 21 (59.14%) compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.01). Dry Matter Intake (DMI; P &gt; 0.1) and feed efficiency (P &gt; 0.1) were not altered in CON vs. HS steers. In skeletal muscle, on d 28 of exposure to heat stress, there was a significant overexpression of Heat Shock Protein (HSP) isoforms 20, 27, and 90 (P &lt; 0.05) relative to the control group, accompanied by increased Myf5 (P &lt; 0.05) gene expression. In adipose tissue, there was upregulation of PPARγ and SCD (P &lt; 0.05), both of which are implicated with adipose tissue differentiation and lipid deposition process. Our findings indicated that HS modifies the expression of genes associated with skeletal muscle growth and adipose tissue deposition, concurrently impairing overall animal growth predominantly through reduced feed intake.