bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
449 Comparative study on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of different varieties of guinea fowl
Authors: Sarker Md Sazedul Karim , Lisa N N , Faruque S , Rashid M A , Sharmin Farhana 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate productive, reproductive performance, carcass characteristics, chemical composition and meat quality of four varieties of guinea fowl. A total of 200 guinea fowls from White, Pearl, Lavender and Mixed varieties were reared in an intensive production system from 0 to 20 wk of age. Guinea fowl keets were reared provided with balanced recommended ration (Starter diet: ME 2,950 kcal/kg, CP 23% for initial 8 wk; Grower diet: ME 2,950 kcal/kg, CP 16% for 9 to 16 wk and Layer diet: ME 2,900 kcal/kg, CP 17% from 17 wk till the end of the laying period). There was no significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference found in body weight (BW) from 0 to 20 wk old guinea fowl. However, BW of Pearl variety was greater than other varieties numerically (Table 1). At adult age, a total of 40 birds (10 from each variety) were slaughtered according to standard method and carcasses were cut into parts. Weights were taken for all carcass parts. Proximate analysis and meat quality were performed on breast and thigh meat, as well as on abdominal fat of the studied guinea fowls. Carcass weight (930.33 ± 27.37 g), dressing percentage (67.6 ± 0.013%), breast weight (228.33 ± 13.68 g) and thigh weight (166.33 ± 6.69 g) of Pearl variety was significantly (P &lt; 0.001) greatest (Table 2). Measured abdominal fat (23 ± 0.13) was found to be significantly (P &lt; 0.001) greatest in Pearl variety. Furthermore, there was no significant difference found in crude protein among breast and thigh meat of different varieties. The ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) of breast (EE: 0.27, CF:0.33) and thigh meat (EE: 0.20, CF:0.33) of Lavender variety was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) less than other varieties (Table 3). In case of reproductive parameters, Pearl variety exhibited better egg fertility (65.72 ± 6.10) numerically and significantly greater (P &lt; 0.001) hatchability percentage (76.75 ± 3.88) than other varieties. Meat color values of all the varieties of guinea fowl found in this study are in line with the demands of poultry consumers (Table 4). Regarding water holding capacity (WHC) and drip loss (DL), there was no discernible difference (P &gt; 0.05). Considering all the parameters especially cooking loss (CL) and pH, there was a noticeable difference (P &lt; 0.05) in which the Lavender (CL: 24.81 ± 0.69, pH:6.12 ± 0.05) and White variety (CL: 25.35 ± 0.69, pH: 6.11 ± 0.05) performed better than the other varieties.
103 Integration of omics studies identifies molecular signatures associated with uterine function in beef cattle
Authors: Kertz Nicholas C , Banerjee Priyanka , Afonso Juliana , Dyce Paul W W , Da Diniz Wellison Jarles Silva 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Reproductive inefficiency is a major cause for economic loss in cattle operations. However, the mechanisms underlying their ethology are still unknown. Herein, we aimed to identify genes and genetic variants underlying the uterine function and their role in female fertility. To this end, we performed a multi-tiered approach to identify endometrial differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from beef heifers classified as fertile (n = 7) or sub-fertile (n = 5). Further, we used public RNA-Seq data from uterine luminal epithelial cells from beef cows (n = 43) to identify genetic variants affecting the expression of genes (expression quantitative trait loci - eQTLs) involved with pregnancy outcomes. We identified 798 DEGs underlying pathways important for pregnancy establishment, including inflammatory response and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling (P-value ≤ 0.01). Based on the eQTL mapping analysis, we identified 4,676 cis and 7,682 trans eQTLs (FDR ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, some of the eQTLs overlapped with 13 reproduction-related traits from the CattleQTLdb (FDR ≤ 0.05), including daughter pregnancy rate and non-return rate. Additionally, these eQTLs were modulating the expression of transcription factors and DEGs previously associated with pregnancy outcomes in beef cows. The integration of gene lists from both studies resulted in 16 common genes, including F2 and P2RX5. The F2 gene encodes for a coagulation factor that plays a role in smooth muscle contraction and is modulated by a unique family of GPCRs. The expression of purinergic receptors, such as P2RX5, have been proposed to be major facilitators of attachment and implantation through calcium ions. Functional over-representation analysis highlighted metabolism, immune response, and hormone (estrogen and GnRH) signaling pathways affected by eQTL-regulated genes (P-value &lt; 0.01). Immune cells and regulatory pregnancy hormones, such as interferon tau and progesterone, are tightly regulated by each other and work cooperatively. GPCR signaling involves key regulatory hormones of the estrous cycle, specifically GnRH, LH, and FSH. Improper immune cell signaling, cyclicity, hormonal signaling, and smooth muscle contractions all affect the endometrium function, with potential downstream effects on pregnancy establishment and fertility. Dysregulation of these signaling pathways due to genetic variants could have detrimental effects, ultimately leading to failed pregnancy. Our findings provide novel insights into the genetic basis of reproductive processes in beef cattle. The molecular features and over-represented pathways could be used for identification of potential biomarkers for predicting pregnancy success. However, the underlying causal mechanisms modulating the expression of uterine genes warrant further investigation.
388 Effects of maternal nutrient restriction during late gestation on pre-pubertal beef calf testis size and histology
Authors: Redifer Colby A , Wichman Lindsey G , Meyer Allison M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Fall-calving Hereford-SimAngus heifers [single-sired; body weight (BW): 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; body condition score (BCS): 5.4 ± 0.7] bred to a single sire were individually-fed 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of estimated metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to calving. Post-calving, all females were fed to meet lactational nutrient requirements until weaning. From d 1 to 147 of lactation, dams were individually fed chopped tall fescue hay and supplemented in Calan gates to constrain diets of calves to milk only. After d 147, dams and calves were managed as a group in drylots, and calves could access the tall fescue hay offered to their dams. Bull calves (CON; n = 8; NR; n = 9) were castrated at 176 ± 3 (SD) d of age to represent a later pre-pubertal growth stage that is indicative of post-pubertal testis size. The epididymis and pampiniform plexus were removed, and calipers were used to determine the length and perpendicular widths of each testis. Testis weight was recorded, and testis volume was determined by water displacement in a graduated cylinder. Testis parenchyma was fixed in neutral buffered formalin for histological analyses. Seminiferous tubule diameter was measured on perpendicular diameters of 40 randomly chosen tubules with a visibly round cross-section. Data were analyzed with late gestational nutritional plane and calving date as fixed effects. Birth weight of bull calves was not affected (P &gt; 0.99), but we previously reported that late gestational nutrient restriction decreased (P ≤ 0.04) milk production by 15% during the first 147 d of lactation. By d 63 of age, bull calves born to previously NR dams weighed less (P = 0.03) than bull calves born to CON dams. Body weight remained different (P ≤ 0.04) until castration, at which point bull calves born to previously NR dams weighed 14% less (P = 0.02) than bull calves born to CON dams. Average testis diameter was less (P = 0.03), and average testis length tended to be less (P = 0.07) for calves born to previously NR dams. Paired testes weight and volume were less (P ≤ 0.05) for calves born to previously NR dams, but testes weight relative to calf BW and average seminiferous tubule diameter were not affected (P ≥ 0.20) by late gestational nutritional plane. In the current study, pre-pubertal bull calves born to NR dams had decreased testis size, but it is difficult to delineate if this is a direct effect of gestational undernutrition on fetal development or its indirect effect on post-weaning development due to decreased milk production.
458 Advanced computing and information technology to address challenges in livestock production
Authors: Tulpan Dan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Advanced computing and information technology have a crucial role in addressing challenges in livestock production by offering innovative solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and animal welfare. These technologies rely on intelligent combinations of data analytics, Machine and Deep Learning (ML, DL), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics solutions. In livestock production, advanced computing facilitates the collection, management, and analysis of vast amounts of data generated from various sources such as sensors, wearable devices, and monitoring systems. This data can provide insights into animal behavior, health status, production, and environmental conditions, enabling farmers to make informed decisions in real-time. Machine learning algorithms can build data-driven models able to predict disease outbreaks, optimize feed formulations, and identify patterns for better breeding selection. IoT devices can monitor environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, and air quality, ensuring optimal conditions for animal comfort and health. Robotics technologies can automate tasks such as feeding, milking, and cleaning, reducing labor costs and improving efficiency. Additionally, advanced computing enables the development of virtual modelling and simulation tools to test different scenarios and optimize production processes without the need for extensive physical experimentation. This presentation will focus on various technical aspects and examples related to leveraging advanced computing and information technology such that livestock producers can enhance productivity, minimize resource wastage, and promote sustainable practices, ultimately leading to improved profitability and animal welfare in the industry.
60 Effects of a calcareous marine algae on dry matter intake, water intake, rumen temperature, rumen pH and average daily gain of grain-fed steers during a heat wave
Authors: Sammes Stephanie L , Gaughan John B , O’Connell Shane , Lees Angela 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
During summer, feedlot cattle are often subjected to multiple high heat load events which can cause heat stress and negatively impact on cattle performance and well-being. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different dietary buffering feeding strategies, on dry matter intake (DMI), water intake (WI), rumen temperature (TRUM), rumen pH and average daily gain (ADG) of grain-fed beef steers exposed to a simulated heat wave event. Angus steers [n = 12; body weight (BW) = 582 ± 8.92 kg] were housed within climate control rooms for 21 d and randomly allocated into one of three dietary treatments (4 steers/treatment): 1) Treatment 1 (T1), finisher diet; 2) Treatment 2 (T2), transitioned from finisher to heat load diet (HLD) on d 4 and fed HLD until d 16; 3) Treatment 3 (T3), fed finisher and supplemented with a calcareous marine algae (CMA; Acid Buffer, Celtic Sea Minerals) on d 4 until d 16. On d 17, T2 and T3 transitioned back to the finisher. Days were split into three phases consisting of i) d 0 to 6 [PI, Temperature Humidity Index (THI), THI 65-78]; ii) d 7 to 11 (PII, THI 83-87); iii) d 12 to 20 (PIII, THI 65-78). Data were analyzed using a repeated measures model, with a first order auto-regressive error structure, including fixed effects for treatment, phase, day and hour, with animal ID as a random effect. Body weight declined (P &lt; 0.005) during PII, with steers losing on average, 17.65 ± 3.06 kg BW/steer (T1), 12.30 ± 3.06 kg BW/steer (T2) and 16.20 ± 3.06 kg BW/steer (T3) at conclusion of PII, with muscle atrophy visually evident (Table 1). There were no effects (P ≥ 0.93) for treatment on ADG. During PII, DMI decreased (P &lt; 0.005), with T2 and T3 having &gt;2kg DMIּ steer-1ּ d-1 greater (P ≤ 0.006) DMI compared with T1. During PIII, T1 maintained decreased (P ≤ 0.001) DMI compared with T2 and T3. During PII, mean WI increased (P ≤ 0.05) for T1 and T3, although remained unchanged (P = 0.11) for T2, TRUM increased (P &lt; 0.0001), whilst range in TRUM decreased (P ≤ 0.01) for all TRT and rumen pH for T2 and T3 decreased (P ≤ 0.0003), whilst T1 tended (P ≥ 0.05) to decrease. Rumen pH diurnal rhythms were disrupted during PII, range in rumen pH also reduced (P &lt; 0.0001) for T1 and T3, remaining unchanged (P = 0.94) for T2. Mean rumen pH was lower (P ≤ 0.002) during PIII compared with PI for all treatments. Both T2 and T3 had a lower (P ≤ 0.05) range in rumen pH than T1 during PIII. Data from the current study suggest that feeding strategies to include CMA may aide in moderating DMI reductions observed during and post-heat stress periods, whilst also reducing the range in rumen pH during post-heat wave conditions when rumen dysfunction challenges may present.
64 Effects of alternative finishing methods on performance and carcass quality of beef feeder steers
Authors: Johnson Michelle , Gruber Cody , Shelton Cody , Jones Richard C , Gourley Grayson , Rivera Daniel , Vierck Kelly R , Rivera Daniel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
There has been an interest in directly locally marketing finished beef end products in Arkansas; however, most beef operations do not have the infrastructure to finish cattle conventionally. The objective of this study was to evaluate two non-traditional finishing methods (pasture-based with supplement) compared with a conventional finishing method on live performance and carcass quality of feeder steers. Crossbred beef steers (n = 63; 363.9 ± 28.7 kg) were blocked by body weight (BW) and assigned to pens (n = 3 steers/pen) with 7 pens randomly allocated to each treatment: conventional feedlot finishing diet with roughage included in the ration (FDLT); high starch supplement fed at 2 to 2.25% of BW with ad libitum access to bermudagrass pasture (STCH); or high by-product supplement fed at 2-2.25% of BW with ad libitum access to bermudagrass pasture (BYPD). Steers were fed their respective diets once daily and weighed on d 0, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, and 161. Once cattle reached their targeted endpoint, they were transported to and harvested at a commercial slaughter facility in Arkansas City, Kansas. Carcass data were collected including hot carcass weight (HCW), preliminary yield grade (PYG), yield grade (YG), quality grade (QG), dressing percentage (DP), and final carcass value. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX and MIXED (SAS 9.4); pen was the experimental unit, treatment was a fixed effect, and block was considered a random effect. Cattle fed FDLT and BYPD had a greater BW on d 84, 112, and 140 (P ≤ 0.02) and greater overall carcass-adjusted BW (P = 0.03) compared with STCH. Average daily gain (ADG) was greater on d 84 (P = 0.03) for FDLT compared with STCH and BYPD. Overall carcass-adjusted ADG tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for FDLT and BYPD compared with STCH. As expected, cattle fed FDLT had greater dry matter intake (DMI) compared with STCH and BYPD for the entire study (P ≤ 0.0005). Both STCH and BYPD had a more efficient feed-only feed conversion on d 28, 56, 112, 140, and 0-161 (P ≤ 0.05) and were more economical (P &lt; 0.0001) than FDLT. In this study, cattle fed BYPD were more profitable (P ≤ 0.04) compared with STCH and FDLT. Hot carcass weight tended (P = 0.13) to be greater and final carcass value (P = 0.01) was greater for BYPD and FDLT compared with STCH. No differences (P ≤ 0.78) were noted for PYG, YG, QG, or DP. Data from this study suggests feeding supplemental diets to beef cattle grazing pasture could successfully be used as an alternative finishing method without affecting carcass quality.
183 Comparison of presynchronization and OvSynch protocols following fixed-time breeding in lactating dairy cattle
Authors: SHAHZAD Abid Hussain , Blouch Raafia Safdar , Abbas Shaista , Muhammad Sayyed Aun , Anwar Irem , Abbas Ali , Abbas Mazhar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Current study was carried out to compare two presynch-OvSynch protocols with standard OvSynch protocol in postpartum Holstein dairy cattle. Postpartum cows (n = 473) were randomly divided into one of the three protocols: I) G7G-OvSynch (n = 159), cows were subjected to PGF2α followed by GnRH 48 h later. After 7 d post-GnRH injection, standard OvSynch protocol was introduced, II) G7GM-OvSynch (n = 162), cows were subjected to the same protocol as in group I) except one extra PGF2α at 12 h interval in Ovsynch part, and III) standard OvSynch protocol (n = 152). The progesterone (P4) profile was subjected to d 30 and d 60 post FTAI. Ovarian status was monitored at the 1st GnRH, PG, and 2nd GnRH injection of the breeding part. Pregnancy/ AI was diagnosed on d 30,60, and 90 post-FTAI, and pregnancy loss was also on d 60 and 90 post-FTAI. Pregnancy data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and plasma P4 profile by ANOVA using SAS. Ovulatory follicle diameter (mean ± SD) was 15.44 ± 1.24 in G7G-Ovsynch, 15.21 ± 1.36 in G7GM-OvSynch, and 14.90 ± 1.02 in OvSynch, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). Plasma P4 profile (ng/mL; Mean ± SD) on d 30 post TAI was 6.50 ± 1.39,7.01 ± 1.13 and in 6.49 ± 1.32 G7G-OvSynch, G7GM-Ovsynch and OvSynch groups, respectively (P = 0.09). On d 60 post TAI, P4 profile was recorded to be 7.75 ± 1.20, 7.58 ± 1.36 and 6.80 ± 0.96 in G7G-OvSynch, G7GM-OvSynch and OvSynch, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). P/AI on d 30 was 51.57% (83/159), 57.41% (93/162) and 42.76% (65/152) G7G-Ovsynch, G7GM-OvSynch, and OvSynch, respectively (P = 0.033). Similarly, AI on d 60 and d 90 post FTAI was 44.65% (1/159):51.85% (84/162), 38.16% (58/152): 43.40% (69/159) and 51.23% (83/162):36.18% (55/152) in G7G-Ovsynch, G7GM-OvSynch, and OvSynch protocols (P = 0.051: 0.027), respectively. Pregnancy loss on d 60 and d 90 post FTAI was 13.41%: 2.90%, 9.68%: 1.20% and 10.77%: 5.20% in G7G-Ovsynch, G7GM-OvSynch, and OvSynch, respectively (P = 0.73: 0.35). Although statistically non-significant (P = 0.56), overall pregnancy loss on d 90 post-FTAI was also numerically greater in the G7G-OvSynch (15.85%) protocol as compared with G7GM-OvSynch (10.75%) and OvSynch (15.38%). We concluded that the G7GM-OvSynch protocol has resulted in an increased P/AI, P4 profile in comparison with G7G-OvSynch and OvSynch. Similarly, pregnancy loss was also less in the G7GM-Ovsynch protocol, which makes it a protocol of choice for postpartum dairy cows.
184 Effects of cattle hide color and changing environmental conditions at northern latitudes on feeder cattle performance and behavior
Authors: Schlagel Katrina J , DelCurto-Wyffels Hannah , DelCurto Timothy , Van Emon Megan L , Boss Darrin L , Wyffels Sam 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
While suitable research has been done on the influence of climatic conditions on feeder cattle welfare, we have seen limited work done that assesses the relationship of hide color and cattle thermoregulation in response to extreme environmental changes, particularly of those seen at northern latitudes. Specifically, there is limited research on the effects of environmental stressors and cattle hide color on performance and intake. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate feeder cattle performance in response to environmental conditions and hide color. Angus-based yearling steers [n = 40; average body weight (BW) = 409.28 kg were stratified by BW and hide color (red, white, and black) and were randomized into 10 pens at the Northern Agricultural Research Center in Havre, MT. Steers were on trial from 20 February 2023 to 11 July 2023 (141 d) and fitted with an electronic ear tag and adapted to the Vytelle system (Vytelle, Lenexa, KS) for 14 d prior to the start of the study. All 10 pens consisted of two electronic feed bunks equipped with an antenna to detect animal presence, load cells to measure feed disappearance and wireless transfer to a data-acquisition computer. Finishing diet (8.6% CP, 75% TDN) consisted of 69% corn, 21% corn silage, 10% wheat straw, and 0.45 kgּ animal-1ּ d-1 of beef grower pellet with a fortified mineral and vitamin package. Initial and final unshrunk BW were obtained on two consecutive days and averaged. Every 28 d during the experiment, steers were weighed prior to feeding and a measurement of coat depth was taken. Animal surface temperature was recorded via a FLIR E5xt thermal imaging camera on the same day of every week at 0730 h (prior to feeding) and 1330 h (6 h post feeding), for 20 wk. There was no difference in hair depth between the white hided steers and other treatments (P ≥ 0.26). However, there was a treatment effect (P = 0.01) of hide color on cattle surface temperature, with black and red hided steers averaging 2.85°C greater than white hided steers. There was no effect of treatment on average daily gain (P = 0.55) averaging 1.34 kg/d. Additionally, there was no treatment effect on average daily intake (P = 0.36), averaging 10.76 kg per day. There was a treatment effect on gain to feed efficiency (P = 0.05); however, post hoc means separation analysis showed no difference between treatments. In summary, although there were treatment effects on animal surface temperature, they were not reflected in animal performance.
91 Awardee Talk: Using respiration calorimetry to estimate energy balance to estimate energy balance and methane emissions
Authors: Hales Kristin E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Understanding relationships between chemical components of the diet and methane production will allow nutritionists to develop formulation strategies to decrease methane emissions. Diets that produce acetate liberate hydrogen that can be used by methanogenic archaea to produce methane. Propionate is a hydrogen sink and diets that lead to increased propionate production decrease acetate and methane production. The objective was to evaluate relationships between methane emissions and dietary chemical components and feed intake using published databases and make diet formulation recommendations that could be used to decrease methane production in finishing beef cattle. A total of 263 treatment mean observations from respiration calorimetry studies with beef cattle and dairy steers and heifers were used to evaluate relationships between methane emissions, dietary chemical components, and feed intake. Among the chemical components evaluated, dietary neutral detergent fiber and starch were strongly related to methane yield. The relationship between dietary ether extract and methane yield was variable and there was no relationship between dietary crude protein concentration and methane yield. Additionally, the ratio of metabolizable energy relative to gross energy intake had a strong relationship to methane yield. Formulation strategies to increase dietary starch and decrease dietary neutral detergent fiber should allow the feedlot industry to decrease enteric methane production.