bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSI-6 Early life programming of the bovine jejunum function in response to maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation
Authors: Craner Audrey J , Dahlen Carl R , Hurlbert Jennifer L , Menezes Ana Clara B , Banerjee Priyanka , Baumgaertner Friederike , Bochantin-Winders Kerri A , Amat Samat , Sedivec Kevin K , Swanson Kendall C , Da Diniz Wellison Jarles Silva 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Despite the increased appreciation of the involvement of maternal nutrition in fetal development, its effects on jejunum programming remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the impact of maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation throughout gestation on the differential gene expression and underlying biological pathways in the jejunum of neonatal calves. For this, beginning 60 d before breeding and continuing throughout gestation, crossbred Angus heifers (n = 14) were fed either a basal diet (CON; n = 7) or the basal diet plus 113 g•heifer-1•d-1 of VTM supplement (VTM; n = 7). All heifers were gestating female calves, which were euthanized 30 h after birth. Samples of jejunum mucosa were collected, stored at -80°C, then subjected to total RNA isolation and RNA sequencing. After quality control, the reads were mapped using STAR aligner and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using DESeq2. Maternal VTM supplementation did not affect calf organ mass, including jejunum weight. However, high-resolution respirometry analysis revealed greater mitochondrial efficiency in jejunum of calves from VTM supplemented dams. Additionally, we identified 528 DEGs between the VTM and CON calves (P-value ≤ 0.05 and |log2FC| &gt; 0.5). Among them, the genes IGFBP2 and IGFBP6, which are key genes in insulin pathway and involved in regulation of insulin-like growth factors (IGF), IGF transport, and uptake, were upregulated in the VTM group. Additional pathways were identified using ShinyGO, which included the pancreatic secretion pathway, over-represented by genes such as PLCB1, CCK, and SLC26A3. The gene PLCB1 has been associated with feed efficiency, growth, and carcass traits in multiple species. Likewise, the SLC26A3 gene encodes a key intestinal chloride anion exchanger associated with enhanced feed efficiency in cattle. Genes encoding signaling molecules involved with immune response, T cell activation, and defense response were also among the DEGs upregulated in the VTM calves, including the TNFSF18 and TNFRSF4 genes. Our findings suggest that maternal prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementation throughout gestation affects the expression of genes involved in the jejunum function of offspring at a neonatal time point. The long-term consequences of these changes, however, warrant further investigation.
PSIII-1 The effects of maternal diet on ram lamb reproductive characteristics
Authors: Barnello Nicholas M , Tillquist Nicole M , Reiter Amanda S , Kawaida Mia Y , Gately Rachael E , Voggu Santhi Priya , Carter Rachel E , Jiang Zongliang C , Zinn Steven A , Reed Sarah A , Govoni Kristen E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Maternal nutrition during gestation and resulting impacts on ram reproduction and epigenetics are poorly understood. We previously reported altered mRNA and epigenetic markers in F1 ram sperm due to poor maternal diet (restricted- and over-feeding) during gestation, yet the multigenerational effects on ram reproduction are unexplored. We hypothesized that F2 offspring born from restricted- and over-fed granddams would exhibit altered reproductive characteristics, and F1 and F2 offspring would display altered circulating concentrations of reproductive hormones. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of poor maternal diet on 1) the reproductive function of F2 ram offspring, and 2) key reproductive hormones in F1 and F2 offspring. To evaluate these objectives, multiparous Dorset ewes (F0, n = 46) were fed 100% (CON), 60% (RES), or 140% (OVER) of National Research Council requirements from d 30 of gestation through parturition and a control diet during lactation. Offspring are identified as CON-F1 (n = 10 ewes; 12 rams), RES-F1 (n = 13 ewes; 21 rams), and OVER-F1 (n = 16 ewes; 15 rams). The F1 ewes (n = 37) were maintained on a control diet throughout and were bred between 16 and 19 mo of age to establish the F2 generation. Resulting male offspring are referred to as CON-F2 (n = 6 rams), RES-F2 (n = 13 rams), and OVER-F2 (n = 9 rams) in correspondence to the diets of the granddam. Semen samples of F2 rams were collected via electroejaculation at d 248.4 ± 0.36 (collection 1) and d 255.4 ± 0.36 (collection 2). Semen quality (volume, pH, sperm motility, and sperm concentration) was evaluated at both collections using mCASA; iSperm, Aidmics Biotechnology Co., LTD. Scrotal circumference was measured at collection 2. Sperm morphology was determined by contrast microscopy. Testosterone (T) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured in F1 and F2 serum samples collected at d 256 ± 0.13 using commercially available kits. Data were analyzed using R Studio with P ≤ 0.05 considered significant and 0.05 &lt; P ≤ 0.10 considered a tendency. An effect of granddam diet was not observed for F2 ram semen volume, pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, scrotal circumference, nor histological sperm morphology (P ≥ 0.25). An effect of F0 diet was not observed for F1 or F2 offspring serum concentrations of T and FSH (P ≥ 0.28). In our model, F0 diet during gestation did not affect F2 male offspring sperm quality or circulating T and FSH in F1 and F2 generations. However, based on our previous reports that F0 diet altered F1 sperm epigenome, there may be an impact of maternal diet on epigenetic inheritance which warrants further exploration.
PSIII-19 Effects of insemination time and semen sorting on conception rate to AI in beef cattle
Authors: Purvis Tyler A , Crites Benjamin , Arnett Aaron , Vanzant Eric A , Anderson Les H 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Sex-sorted semen can provide an opportunity for beef cattle producers to reach production goals by targeting sex-specific calving. Previous research in dairy cattle suggested that conception rate to AI (CRAI) increases if insemination occurs late with respect to estrus. The objective of this study was to determine if CRAI differed between sex-sorted (SS) and conventional (CON) semen based on the timing of insemination. We hypothesized that CRAI would be impacted by semen sorting and may vary over time. Both male (n = 621) and female (n = 262) sex-sorted and non-sorted conventional semen (n = 232) from two different AI companies were used. From 2017 to 2021, 1,115 inseminations occurred on a single beef cow-calf operation (n = 247 females), performed by one inseminator. Inseminations occurred at various timepoints following estrous detection. The precise time of onset of estrus was determined using an ear-tag sensor (CowManager SensOor, Agis Automastering BV, Harmelen, the Netherlands). Based on previous research, CowManager precisely and accurately determines the onset of estrus in cattle. The inseminator was instructed to breed randomly from 0 to 24 h after an estrus alert was received by CowManager and during normal hours of operation to replicate a commercial operation. CRAI was determined by rectal palpation performed by a single technician approximately 60 d following AI for females that did not return to estrus and was validated by subsequent calving date. Data were analyzed with the GLM procedure of SAS (v.9.4, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). To aid in analysis, insemination times following estrous detection were grouped into six categories: less than 8 h (&lt; 8), 8 to 11 h (8-11), 12 to 15 h (12-15), 16 to 19 h (16-19), 20 to 23 h (20-23), and greater than 24 h (&gt;24). CRAI was less (P &lt; 0.05) for SS (59%) than CON (68%) semen. No difference was observed (P &gt; 0.1) between SS male (58%) vs SS female (62%) semen. Time affected CRAI (P &lt; 0.05) as fewer females conceived when inseminated late (&gt; 24h) than at any other time regardless of semen sorting. Time also impacted (P &lt;.05) CRAI for all sex-sorted semen. More (P &lt; 0.05) females conceived early (&lt; 8 h and 8 to 18 h) and fewer (P &lt; 0.05) females conceived when inseminated late (&gt; 24h) with respect to the onset of estrus. Although significant effects of semen sort and time were observed, no significant semen sort by time interaction (P &gt; 0.1) was observed. These data suggest that CRAI is less for females inseminated with sex-sorted semen than for those inseminated with conventional semen. Also, CRAI is similar for male- and female-sorted semen. The ability to AI with SS semen at similar timepoints as CON semen, could increase the adoption of SS semen and increase reproductive efficiency.
PSIII-24 Skeletal muscle antioxidant activity increases over time in beef steers and is greater in Angus compared with Brahman
Authors: Williams Brooke D , DiSilvestro Adrianna N , Wesolowski Lauren T , Semanchik Pier L , Simons Jessica L , Carson Chloey P , Earnhardt-San Audrey L , Riley David R , Perry George A , Long Charles R , Randel Ronald D , Welsh Thomas H , White-Springer Sarah H 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Various managerial, nutritional, and environmental stressors may cause excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals which can damage cells and tissues, referred to as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may impair beef cattle growth performance and product quality. Antioxidant enzymes are important in mitigating increased ROS to prevent oxidative stress, yet little is known about skeletal muscle antioxidant status in beef cattle of different breeds, ages and temperaments. We aimed to test the hypotheses that activities of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in skeletal muscle would be greater in 1) Angus compared with Brahman steers; 2) longissimus thoracis (LT) compared with trapezius (TRAP) muscles; and 3) calm compared with temperamental animals. Brahman and Angus steers were classified as either calm (n = 13 Angus, n = 12 Brahman), intermediate (n = 11 Angus, n = 10 Brahman), or temperamental (n = 12 Angus, n = 12 Brahman) based on their pen score and exit velocity at weaning. Samples were collected from the LT and TRAP muscles of the steers at 10, 13, and 18 mo of age. Commercial assay kits were used to determine muscle GPx and SOD activities (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI). Data were analyzed using linear models in SAS v9.4 with breed, age, temperament, breed × temperament, breed × muscle, and breed × age as fixed effects. Age was included as a repeated effect with animal within breed as the subject. Across muscle groups, Angus had greater GPx and SOD activities than Brahman (P &lt; 0.0001). Additionally, GPx activity increased in both Angus and Brahman steers from 10 to 18 mo (P &lt; 0.0001). In both breeds, the TRAP muscle had greater GPx activity than LT muscle (P &lt; 0.0001). Brahman TRAP muscle also had greater SOD activity than Brahman LT muscle (P &lt; 0.0001) but SOD activity was similar between muscle groups in Angus steers. Neither GPx nor SOD activity differed by temperament group in either breed or muscle group. These data suggest differences in skeletal muscle antioxidant status between Angus and Brahman steers which may mitigate oxidative stress, impacting growth performance as well as product quality at harvest.
PSV-13 Betaine supplementation and nutrient restriction during gestation: Influences on growth in fetal sheep offspring
Authors: Voggu Santhi Priya , Tillquist Nicole M , Barnello Nicholas M , Reiter Amanda S , Kawaida Mia Y , Summers Cheyenne S , Reed Sarah A , Zinn Steven A , Govoni Kristen E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Restricted nutrition during gestation can reduce offspring productivity. Supplementation of betaine, a methyl donor, promotes fetal growth and liver function. We hypothesized that nutrient restriction during gestation impairs growth, including organ weights and muscle mass, while betaine supplementation would alleviate these negative effects. To determine if maternal betaine supplementation during gestation would improve growth of offspring of restricted-fed dams, multiparous Dorset ewes (n = 47) were estrus synchronized and bred to one of three rams. Ewes confirmed pregnant with twins (n = 32) and singletons (n = 15) were randomly assigned to one of four diets [100% NRC requirements (CON), 60% NRC (RES), CON+betaine (CON+BET; 2 g/d), and RES+BET] from d 30 to 130 of gestation. Among the twins, there were 27 males (CON-8, RES-5, CON+BET-5, and RES+BET-9) and 37 females (CON-8, RES-9, CON+BET-11, and RES+BET-9). Within singletons, there were 7 males (CON-2, RES-2, CON+BET-2, and RES+BET-1) and 8 females (CON-3, RES-1, CON+BET-1, and RES+BET-3). Dam body weight (BW) was measured weekly from d 30 to d 130 of gestation, and diet adjusted accordingly. Dams were euthanized at d 130 of gestation and fetal BW and tissue weights were collected. Data were analyzed using RStudio with P ≤ 0.05 considered significant and 0.05 &lt; P ≤ 0.10 as tendency. At d 130, dams carrying twin fetuses in the CON group were 11.3% and 19.1% heavier than RES and RES+BET dams, respectively (P ≤ 0.05), and CON+BET dams were 18.4% and 10.5% heavier than RES and BET+RES dams, respectively (P ≤ 0.07). However, dams with singletons showed no significant difference in BW (P ≥ 0.37). Regarding fetal BW for singletons, RES fetuses (3.80 ± 0.28kg) were lighter than CON (4.60 ± 0.21kg), CON+BET (4.72 ± 0.27kg), and RES+BET (4.59 ± 0.24kg; P ≤ 0.03). Whereas in twins, RES+BET fetuses (3.19 ± 0.11kg) were lighter than CON (3.68 ± 0.12kg), RES (3.73 ± 0.14kg), and CON+BET (3.60 ± 0.13kg; P ≤ 0.02). In all fetuses, the livers of male RES (28.0 ± 1.49g) and male RES+BET (27.7 ± 1.44g) tended to be heavier than those of female RES+BET (24.5 ± 1.19g; P ≤ 0.07). In terms of muscle mass, female CON+BET (9.33 ± 0.43g) fetuses tended to have greater longissimus muscle (LM) mass compared with female CON (8.30 ± 0.35; P = 0.06), whereas male RES (9.06 ± 0.44g) tended to have heavier LM than male CON+BET (8.02 ± 0.43g; P = 0.09). There were no observed effects of diet, fetal sex, or fetal number on the weights of heart, kidney, perirenal fat, pancreas, semitendinosus muscle, and triceps brachii muscle (P ≥ 0.11). These findings suggest that betaine supplementation may have a significant role in improving fetal BW in singleton pregnancies, with variable effects in twins. Additionally, betaine supplementation may have sex-specific effects on muscle development.
PSV-6 Effect of maternal undernutrition on gene expression related to immune system in spleen of Japanese Black (Wagyu) fetuses
Authors: Haginouchi Taketo , Zhang Yi , Nishino Daichi , Phomvisith Ouanh , Gotoh Takafumi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Underdevelopment in the fetal period increases the risk of disease in the neonatal period, and there are concerns about the effects on later growth and fattening. Previous studies have indicated that poor nutrition during gestation affects not only the development of skeletal muscle and liver, but also the formation of the thymus gland and spleen, which are involved in immunity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal undernutrition on gene expression related to the immunity of the spleen. Multiparous Wagyu cattle (n = 12) were randomly assigned to two nutrition groups: the control group (CON: 120% of Japanese feeding standard for beef cattle; n = 6) and the maternal undernutrition group (MUN: 60% of Japanese feeding standard for beef cattle; n = 6) from conception to d 260 of gestation. Fetuses (n = 12) were harvested from the maternal cows and fetal spleens were collected. Total RNA was extracted from each spleen to synthesize cDNA. The quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was carried out to investigate the expression of 17 target genes [CD4, CD8a, CD8b, CD19, CD21, CD79a, CD205, interferon (IFN) -γ, NFk-β, toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, interleukin (IL) 2, IL4, IL6, IL7, IL10, IL18, and IFI16) related to the immune system. Ribosomal protein S18 was used as an internal control. The specificity of PCR products was confirmed by analyzing the dissociation curves. Data were analyzed by student t-test or Welch’s t-test after the Smirnov-Grubbs test and F-test to remove outliers and compare variances. The expression of CD8a (P &lt; 0.1) and CD8b (P &lt; 0.1) related to Cytotoxic T cell tended to be less in MUN than in CON (Figure 1). Other immunological cell marker genes expression (CD4, CD19, CD21, CD79a, CD205) did not show any significant differences between CON and MUN (P &gt; 0.11). In genes related to immunological mechanisms (IFN-γ, NFk-β, TLR4, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL7, IL10, IL18, and IFI16), the expression of NFk-β was lless in MUN than in CON (P &lt; 0.05). NFk-β was reported to regulate more than 400 genes including immune function. In addition, the expression of IL10 was less in MUN than in CON (P &lt; 0.05). The cytokine of IL-10 has functions to suppress over-activated cytotoxic immunity by CD8+ T cell. These results might suggest that maternal undernutrition induces cytotoxic immune deactivation through NFk-β expression decline in the fetal spleen.
PSVI-19 Abundance of some cecal bacteria in Lohmann LSL lite pullets and hens fed omega-3 fatty acids and yeast bioactives in low or high spacing allowance
Authors: Waliaula Paul Kibaba , Kiarie Elijah , Diarra Moussa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Nutritional optimizations and rearing environment that meets welfare standards are prerequisite in the performance and health of laying hens. Rearing practices influence gastrointestinal development, microbiota, and immune function. However, little is known on the implications of rearing spacing allowance (SA) and feed ingredients on intestinal microbiota. We determined the abundance of selected cecal bacteria in pullets and hens in response to rearing SA and dietary omega-3 fatty acids (N-3 FA) and yeast bioactive (YB) from placement to 17 wk of age (woa). One-day old chicks (n = 2,632) were placed in cages in 2 SA of 24 cages each: High SA (HSA, 348 cm2/bird; ~50 birds/cage) and Low SA (LSA, 284 cm2/bird; ~68 birds/cage). Birds were fed corn and soybean-based diets (C), C + 3% co-extruded full fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (N-3 FA) and C + 0.05% YB processed with β-1,3-glucan hydrolase (YB). Birds were allocated to diets within SA according to 2 x 3 factorial design (n = 8 cage/treatment) and fed ad libitum. At 4 and 16 woa, 1 and 2 pullets/treatment respectively, were necropsied for ceca digesta from each cage and independently analyzed. At 18 woa, hens were placed in enriched cages based on rearing treatment identities in egg production facility and fed a commercial diet. At 35 woa, 18 hens per treatment were necropsied for ceca digesta samples and analyzed independently. Samples were analyzed for viable bacterial counts for E. coli, Enterococcus and Lactobacillus. Statistical analysis was performed by general linear mixed model procedures of SAS with diets, SA, sampling age and associated interactions as fixed factors, difference with P &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Comparison of log-transformed means (CFU/g) showed that diets and SA had no significant effect on cecal E. coli counts at 4, 8 and 35 woa (P &gt; 0.05; Table 1). However, at 16 woa the least E. coli counts was found in LSA (P &lt; 0.0001), with N-3-FA-fed and YB-fed pullets having fewer numbers (P = 0.007) than control-fed pullets. There was no interaction effects between diet and density for E. coli in all sampling wk (P &gt;0.05). No significant effect of SA or diets were observed at any sampling week for Enterococcus counts, except LSA had a tendency at 8 woa (P = 0.078). At 8 woa, the cecal Lactobacillus counts (P = 0.009) were less in LSA relative to HSA pullets. In conclusion, feeding of N3-FA or YB during rearing influenced cecal microbiota. Supplementation of YB seemed to promote growth of beneficial Lactobacillus, which is associated with strengthened immunity.
PSV-22 Effects of corn silage particle size on eating behavior, performance, and carcass traits in finishing beef heifers
Authors: da Costa Gabrielli , Dias Jr. Waldir , Domingues Edmilson , Ferreira Robson , Vaz Vinicius , Bernardes Thiago 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The potential for increasing the theoretical cut length (TCL) in corn silage has gained wide acceptance in the last decades, especially in dairy cattle diets. However, there is scarce knowledge on this topic in beef finishing diets. The hypothesis of this study was that rations of longer particle size would result in greater chewing activity and performance. Thus, our objective was to determine the effect of feeding corn silage of two particle sizes on eating behavior, blood parameters, fecal characteristics, and performance in beef heifers. A single cornfield was harvested in alternating strips to maintain similar conditions for treatments. Corn hybrid was harvested at 37.9 ± 1.6 % DM using a self-propelled forage harvester (Claas Jaguar 870 equipped with an orbis 600 head) set at 13 mm TCL and designated “conventional” particle size (CPS) or 24 mm TLC and designated “long” particle size (LPS). Roll gap of 2 mm was adopted for both TLC. The CPS and LPS had 9.56 ± 4.6% and 35.1 ± 4.8% of particles retained on the top screen (19 mm). The kernel processing score were 73.9 and 72.8% for CPS and LPS, respectively. Single-sourced Nellore heifers [n = 96; initial shrunk body weight (BW) = 248.3 ± 36.3 kg] were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (3 heifers per pen; 16 pen replicates per treatment). Treatments consisted of a finishing diet containing CPS or LPS. The diet was formulated using NASEM (2016) to provide an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.3 kg/d [19.5 % of corn silage, 39.1 % of high moisture corn (HMC), 26.3% of ground corn, 7.1 % of cotton meal, 3.95% of soybean meal, 0.85 % of urea, and 3.2 % of mineral mix; dry matter (DM) basis]. Heifers were adapted to the finishing diet over a 15-d period and fed for a total of 101 d. Feeding behavior was assessed on d 47 and 69. Fecal samples were collected on d 58 and 78. Ultrasound fat thickness and ribeye area, and blood samples were assessed on the day of shipping to slaughter. Statistical analysis of experimental data was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 and an α of 0.05 determined significance. No differences were obtained for initial BW, final BW, ADG, dressing, hot carcass, and carcass traits. Heifers consuming LPS had greater DM intake (2.59% of BW) than CPS diet (2.50% of BW). No effects were found for feed efficiency (gain to feed; G:F). Fecal characteristics (DM, starch, NDF, N, pH, and scoring) were not different between treatments. Regarding blood parameters, no differences were observed for creatine phosphokinase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Overall, corn silage with longer particle size fed to finishing heifers does not appreciably influence chewing, daily gain, or carcass parameters.