bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
302 Microgreen and sprouted sorghum as ingredients in raw meat diets for healthy adult cats
Authors: Bailey Katelyn , Pezzali Julia Guazzelli , Cowan Jeremy , Aldrich Greg G 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Germination has the potential to naturally enhance the nutritional value of grains, enabling its inclusion in raw diets without compromising their raw status. Germinated sorghum may offer additional value compared with other grains as a sustainable, gluten-free and non-genetically modified option. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating two forms of germinated sorghum, sprouted and microgreens, into raw diets on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of macronutrients and energy, and fecal characteristics of adult cats. Four complete and balanced raw diets were formulated based on a basal ration (70%), comprised of whole raw chicken, vitamins and minerals, with the addition of sorghum (30%) in four different forms: raw (SR), cooked (boiled; SC), sprouted (SS), and microgreens (SM). Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonutritive; however, they were found to be slightly different in energy and protein content due to changes in nutrient composition during processing of the sorghum grain. Healthy adult shorthair cats [n = 11; 5.1 ± 1.0 kg, average body weight (BW)] were enrolled in an incomplete 4×4 Latin square design. Each experimental period consisted of a 5-d adaptation phase followed by a 5-d collection phase, during which total fecal collection and assessment of fecal score were performed. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with diet as fixed effect, and cat(square), square and period as random effects. One cat was removed from the study due to reasons unrelated to the treatments, while two cats refused to eat the SM diet. Cats fed the SM and SC diets exhibited less (P &lt; 0.05) wet fecal output compared to those fed the SS and SR. Fecal score was affected by diet (P &lt; 0.05), with loose stools (16.37%) observed in cats fed SS and both diarrhea (11.6%) and loose stools (20%) observed in those fed SR, which were absent in those fed the other treatments. Protein ATTD (average 90%) did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) among dietary treatments. Dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy ATTD were 3 to 6% greater (P &lt; 0.05) in cats fed the SC diet compared with those fed the other treatments; but digestibility coefficients remained within acceptable ranges (&gt; 80%). Fat ATTD was affected P &lt; 0.05) by diet, with cats fed SS having the greatest value and those fed the SC the least; however, the numerical differences (&lt; 2%) were unlikely to have biological relevance. In conclusion, the inclusion of microgreen and sprouted sorghum at 30% in raw meat cat diets did not improve the ATTD of energy and macronutrients compared with when sorghum was added in its raw form. Nevertheless, microgreen sorghum led to an improvement in fecal quality in cats compared with when sorghum was provided in its raw form.
159 The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for companion animals
Authors: Alvarenga Isabella Corsato 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid of the plant Cannabis sativa L. CBD is increasingly being explored as an alternative to conventional therapies to treat health disorders in dogs and cats. Mechanisms of action of CBD have been investigated mostly in rodents and in vitro and include interactions with cell receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ES). In companion animals, CBD is well tolerated at physiological doses. Some dog studies have found CBD to improve clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis, pruritus, and epilepsy. However, further studies are needed to conclude the therapeutic action of CBD for each of these conditions, as well as for decreasing anxiety and aggression in dogs and cats. In this presentation, we will summarize the available scientific evidence associated with the mechanisms of action of CBD as adjunct therapy for various health conditions, as well as its pharmacokinetics and tolerability in companion animals.
165 Characterizing protein quality with in vitro methodologies
Authors: Nosworthy Matthew 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Nutritional assessment of the quality of a protein source is a complex process with different requirements depending on the jurisdiction being discussed. The Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) is a growth measurement required in Canada, whereas the United States uses the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), which requires the determination of the amino acid profile and digestibility of the protein source. Notably both PER and PDCAAS are in vivo methods, necessitating the use of animals for measurement of growth and protein digestibility. Understandably there is significant interest from both industry and consumers to reduce reliance on animal experimentation for content claims. It is notable that outside of North America there are multiple examples of in vitro protein quality assessment. In Europe protein content claims are based on whether the protein content contributes &gt;12% of the total energy, and in Australia content claims begin at 5 g of protein per serving. As the use of in vitro techniques for protein quality assessment has not led to indices of protein malnutrition in Europe and Australia, should be possible to use in vitro techniques in methods such as PER and PDCAAS thereby removing the reliance on animal use for quality assessment in North America. This can be accomplished by using in vitro methods in the assessment of protein digestibility and relying on recent changes by Health Canada to allow for calculation of PER from PDCAAS values. This presentation will introduce how protein quality is calculated via PER/PDCAAS, and subsequently discuss modifications of these methods to incorporate in vitro techniques to generate values indicating their nutritional quality with positive correlations to in vivo data.
502 Cat and mouse: The effect of consuming four different diet formants (intact mice, raw, canned wet and kibble) on energy expended to consume a meal and immediately post-prandial in domestic cats
Authors: Gwynne Stephanie K , Boersma Kim , Bosch Guido , Beerda Bonne , Rankovic Alexandra , Seymour Dave J , Shoveller Anna K 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Cats are obligate carnivores; however, we feed them a variety of different diet formats without a clear understanding of feeding behavior and metabolism among diet formats. Whole-prey or raw diets may mimic a more natural diet and require more energy to consume. However, there is currently a dearth of literature examining feline energy expenditure (EE) during the consumption of and immediate post-prandial period when fed different diet formats. The present study aimed to investigate differences in the energetics of adult cats consuming four different diet formats in isocaloric offerings: raw intact mice, commercial raw, canned wet, and kibble diets. Adult neutered male cats [n = 12; body weight (BW) = 4.82 ± 0.164 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 replicated Latin square design and adapted to consuming each diet format before the initiation of the study. Following a 2-d adaptation period, cats were fed 25% of their daily caloric requirement (50.77 ± 1.549 kcal) in indirect calorimetry chambers in which VO2 and VCO2 exchange were measured. Energy expenditure (kcal/BW0.67 kg) was calculated for the consumption period, 15 min immediately post-prandial and 2 h post-prandial. Respiratory gases were measured for one fasted reading, followed by the first feeding. During each feeding, measurements were taken during the consumption period and 15 min post-prandial. For the following 2 h, respiratory gases were measured every 25 min for an additional 4 measures of respiratory gases. All data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model considering the effects of treatment, time and their interaction as fixed, and the effects of cat and period as random. A spatial power covariance structure was used to model repeated measures. Significance was considered at P &lt; 0.05 and Tukey’s post-hoc test was performed to separate means. Energy expenditure during consumption and 15 min post-prandial was similar among treatments, and EE for 15 min post-prandial was greater than EE during consumption (P &lt; 0.001). During the 2 h post-prandial, EE for the mice diet was greater than the kibble and canned wet diets (P &lt; 0.001), while EE for the raw diet was only greater than the kibble diet (P &lt; 0.001). Energy expenditure was similar between the kibble and canned wet diets (P = 0.919) and between the mice and raw diets (P = 0.598). Among all treatments and time periods, the mouse diet had the greatest mean EE. An increase in EE during the feeding period and post-prandial could benefit sedentary indoor cats who may be in positive energy balance. Feeding cats a naturalistic diet, such as intact mice or a raw diet, may increase activity levels and EE, but the longer-term effects of these feeding formats on energy balance need to be explored.
500 Effect of different iron sources on growth performance, gut health, and microbiota in nursery pigs
Authors: Cai Zhen , Jin Shunshun , Gong Joshua , Diarra Moussa , Nyachoti C Martin , Jendza Joshua , Yang Chengbo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of different iron sources, including iron polysaccharide complexes (SQM iron) and ferrous sulfate (FS) on growth performance, gut health, pathogenic bacteria load, colon fecal microbiota, and fecal iron concentration in nursery pigs. Nursery pigs (n = 320, TN70 cross, Topigs Norsvin Canada) weaned at 21 ± 2 d were randomly assigned to four treatments arranged in 2 x 2 factorial, with the factors being sanitation conditions (clean vs. dirty) and iron sources (SQM iron vs. FS, each at 100 mg iron/kg) to give 8 pens (10 piglets per pen) per treatment. Pigs were fed their respective diets in two phases over a 28-d period. Fecal scores, body weight (BW) and feed intake were recorded weekly. Iron content, gene expression of butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase and bisulfite reductase, and pathogenic bacteria counts were determined in fresh fecal samples collected on d 0, d 14, and d 21. On d 28, one pig randomly selected from each pen was euthanized to sample colon digesta for microbiota analysis and jejunal tissue and serum for gut integrity and permeability analysis. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test except for raw 16s sRNA sequences, which were processed using QIIME2 and analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test. Overall, from d 0 to14 SQM iron resulted in higher average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P &lt; 0.05). SQM iron resulted in higher fecal iron at d 21 and improved fecal scores at d 27 (P &lt; 0.05). SQM iron increased the relative abundance of fecal Campylobacter jejuni when comparing d 21 to d 0, and O157 E. Coli when comparing d 14 to d 0 (P &lt; 0.05). Ferrous sulfate resulted in greater changes in relative abundance of butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase and bisulfate reductase than the SQM iron treatment under clean conditions when comparing d 21 to d 0 (P &lt; 0.05). Dietary iron treatments did not significantly affect gastrointestinal integrity and permeability in jejunum and did not alter fecal microbiota composition on d 28. In conclusion, substituting 100 mg/kg added iron as FS with equal concentration of SQM iron improved ADG in the initial 2 wk and overall ADFI and promoted gut health indicators.
516 Effects of increasing hybrid rye silage as a replacement for barley silage for growing beef heifers
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Brattain Rebecca S , Wehrle Herman , Baron Vern , Ribeiro Gabriel O , Penner Gregory 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The objective of these studies was to evaluate effects of increasing hybrid rye silage (HRS; harvested at boot stage in Study 1 and soft-dough in Study 2) inclusion as a replacement for barley silage (BS; harvested at soft-dough stage) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, and growth performance of growing beef cattle. In Study 1, ruminally cannulated Hereford × Simmental heifers (n = 8) with an initial body weight (BW) of 519 ± 25.8 kg were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28-d periods including 21 d of dietary adaptation and 7 d of data and sample collection to assess DMI and ruminal fermentation. Treatments included a control diet (DM basis) that contained 59.62% BS, 38.60% barley grain, and 1.78% of a vitamin and mineral supplement. Hybrid rye silage replaced 33, 67, and 100% of the BS on a DM basis. In Study 2, steers (n = 384; BW = 343 ± 20.2 kg) were stratified by BW and allocated to 32 pens in a randomized complete block design over 2 yr (4 pens/treatment/yr) to evaluate DMI, growth, and gain:feed (G:F). Steers were fed similar diets as Study 1 for 84 d in both years. In Study 1, increasing HRS linearly (P &lt; 0.01) decreased DMI from 12.0 to 9.2 kg/d, and linearly increased (P = 0.02) water intake from 18.6 to 22.5 L/d. Increasing HRS linearly increased mean (P &lt; 0.01) and minimum ruminal pH (P &lt; 0.01). There was no effect of HRS inclusion on total short-chain fatty acid concentration (P = 0.46) in ruminal fluid, but the molar proportion of acetate linearly (P &lt; 0.01) increased while propionate and butyrate linearly decreased (P &lt; 0.01, and &lt; 0.01, respectively) with increasing HRS inclusion. Moreover, increasing HRS inclusion linearly increased the molar proportions of isobutyrate and valerate (P = 0.06, and &lt; 0.01, respectively) while caproate decreased linearly (P = 0.02). The ammonia-N concentration linearly increased with increasing HRS inclusion. In Study 2, DMI was 9.23, 9.10, 8.82, 8.08 kg/d (quadratic, P = 0.02) for diets containing 0, 33, 67, and 100% HRS, respectively. Likewise, ADG decreased (1.45, 1.36, 1.30, 1.08 kg/d; quadratic P &lt; 0.01) as HRS inclusion increased and G:F ratio decreased linearly (P &lt; 0.01) from 0.158 with 0% HRS to 0.134 g/kg when diets contained 100% HRS. Final BW was 462, 456, 450, and 432 kg when HRS was included at 0, 33, 67, and 100% of the silage, respectively (quadratic, P = 0.04). In conclusion, replacing BS with increasing proportions of HRS reduced DMI resulting in greater ruminal pH, altered molar proportions of individual SCFA, and reduced growth performance and G:F during the growing phase.
517 The effects of pellet starch concentration and allocation amount for Holstein cows in peak, mid, and late lactation in an automatic milking system
Authors: Dondé Sophia Cattleya , Schwank Anna J , DeVries Trevor , da Silva Renan C , Penner Gregory 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of pellet starch concentration and amount of pellet delivered in an automated milking system (AMS) on AMS pellet and partial mixed ration (PMR) intake, milk and milk component yield, and milking and feeding behavior for Holstein cows at different stages of lactation. Twenty-four Holstein cows at peak [n = 8; 85 ± 25.7 days in milk (DIM)], mid (n = 8; 185 ± 35.1 DIM) or late (n = 8; 290 ± 69.5 DIM) lactation (3 squares/DIM category), housed in a free-stall barn with a feed-first guided traffic flow AMS, were used. Treatments included low (LS; 24% DM) or high (HS; 34% DM) starch pellets that were provided at low (LA; 2 kg/d DM) or high (HA; 6 kg/d DM) quantities within replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each period lasted 21 d including 16 d of adaptation and 5 d of data and sample collection to evaluate feed intake and behavior, milking characteristics, milk and milk component yields. Pellet starch did not affect the amount of pellet consumed, but HA cows consumed more pellet than LA (4.3 vs. 1.8 kg/d; P &lt; 0.01). Relative to LA, HA had greater pellet refused in the AMS (P &lt; 0.01) and decreased PMR intake (P = 0.04). Total DMI was 1.3 kg/d greater for HA than LA cows (P = 0.05). Pellet starch and DIM did not affect PMR intake or DMI. Neither pellet starch nor allocation affected the number of PMR meals; however, LA increased PMR eating time by 20 min/d (P &lt; 0.01) and PMR meal length by 2 min/meal (P = 0.03). Milking frequency was not affected by pellet starch or DIM, but HA tended to increase total milking frequency (2.7 vs. 2.6 no/d; P = 0.06) over LA, with greater voluntary milkings (2.5 vs 2.3 no/d; P &lt; 0.01). Milk yield/visit and milking duration were not affected by pellet starch or allocation. Milk yield was not affected by pellet starch, or the amount allocated averaging 43.2, 41.3 and 43.2 kg/d for peak, mid, and late lactation cows (P ≥ 0.19). Compared with LS, HS decreased milk fat concentration (4.1 vs 3.9%; P &lt; 0.01) and providing the HA reduced milk fat concentration (4.1 vs 3.96%; P &lt; 0.01) when compared with LA; however, neither pellet starch nor allocation affected fat yield, averaging 1.67 kg/d (P ≥ 0.15). True protein yield was not affected. Cows fed the LA had greater milk urea nitrogen (14.8 mg/dL) relative to HA (14.3 mg/dL; P = 0.03). Increasing the amount of pellet allocated in the AMS reduced PMR intake, while increasing total DMI and resulted in greater amounts of pellet refusals by cows; however, greater amounts of pellet may increase attendance at the AMS without affecting milk or milk component yields. Starch concentration of the pellet had little effect on productivity.
510 Utilizing python programming for modern genetic evaluation systems
Authors: Lee Kristin , Ventura Ricardo V , Schenkel Flávio S , Cánovas Ángela , Vandervoort Gordon 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Advancements in agricultural data collection and methodologies for data analysis offer opportunities for beef cattle producers to improve herd genetics. Genetic evaluation systems (GES) can benefit from modern programming approaches to keep up with these advancements. Python, a fast-developing programming language with scientific computing libraries such as NumPy and SciPy, offers flexibility that allows for quick adoption of superior algorithms and new data sources, as well as easy maintenance of the software over the long-term. This study evaluated the use of Python (v3.12.1) for developing a GES capable of executing all the necessary functions expected of modern implementation of GES. A simulated dataset was generated with the R package AlphaSimR to mimic characteristics of the Angus beef cattle breed. The dataset included pedigree information, phenotypic data, and true breeding values (TBVs) for each animal. Phenotypic traits included birth weight (BWT), weaning gain (WG), and post-weaning gain (PWG), with a total of 976,400 animals simulated across 15 generations. The GES software was developed in house, and included components such as data import, pedigree and data preprocessing, calculating inbreeding, constructing the inverse of the numerator relationship matrix, solver initialization, estimation of breeding value, and writing results. The genetic evaluation employed pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and a multiple-trait animal model, using a preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration algorithm to solve the mixed model equations. Convergence was assessed using the residual vector norm divided by the right-hand-side norm, with a threshold to declare convergence set to 1x10-5. The software was run on a Linux server with an Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 6242 CPU @ 2.80GHz, 96 GB of RAM, and eight cores. Accuracy was measured using Pearson correlation coefficient between TBVs and estimated breeding values (EBVs). To benchmark computing time and solutions, the same dataset and model were input into a commonly used commercial GES, MiXBLUP (v3.0.1). The solver was the most time-consuming component of the GES, with a run time of 27 min. However, the application of multiprocessing reduced the run time by 72% to 8 min. The Pearson correlation coefficient between EBV and TBV was 0.86, 0.79, and 0.73 (P &lt; 0.01) for BWT, WG, and PWG, respectively. In contrast, MiXBLUP completed breeding value prediction in less than 1 min. The Pearson correlation coefficient between Python and MiXBLUP predictions was 1.0 (P &lt; 0.01). While Python is an ideal language for modern GES, further updates are necessary to optimize performance and operations. Future research will focus on refining computational algorithms, exploring parallel processing techniques, and enhancing user interfaces to ensure easy integration with industry practices.
515 Effects of Bacillus licheniformis HG76 on barrier function and inflammation in the intestinal epithelia cells and gut health of weaned piglets under enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 infection
Authors: Xu Haoxiang , Gong Joshua , Yu Hai , Yang Chengbo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 secretes enterotoxins and invades the small intestine, which damages the gut barrier function and stimulates the immune reactions characterized by inflammation. In the current study, the effects of B. licheniformis HG76 on gut health were evaluated with ETEC F4-induced IPEC-J2 cells and weaned piglets. The B. licheniformis HG76 was isolated from cecal contents of Rhode Island Red laying hens raised without using antibiotics. The results from the in vitro study showed that the ETEC F4 infection significantly induced IPEC-J2 cell death, and this effect was significantly attenuated by B. licheniformis HG76 treatment (P &lt; 0.05). The gene expressions of zona occludens (ZO1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were significantly increased during ETEC F4 infection with B. licheniformis HG76 treatment (P &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the ETEC F4 infection significantly increased the mRNA abundance of toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5) (P &lt; 0.05), but the B. licheniformis HG76 treatment alleviated this increase. For the in vivo study, 28 weaned piglets susceptible to ETEC F4 at 28 d of age were individually allotted to four experimental groups: NNC: unchallenged control group; NC: challenged control group; PC: antibiotic group (80 mg·kg-1 of avilamycin); and HG76: Bacillus group (1.0 × 109 CFU kg-1 diet of B. licheniformis HG76). The in vivo results showed during the post-challenge phase, ETEC F4 infection decreased average daily gain (ADG) and increased the severity of diarrhea at 44 h post-inoculum (hpi), respectively, in the NC group compared with the NNC group (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the infection decreased the villus height (VH) in the duodenum of pigs from the NC, PC and HG76 groups compared with the NNC group. The VH of jejunum and ileum in the pigs from the HG76 group were higher than other groups (P &lt; 0.05). There was an increase (P &lt; 0.05) of crypt depth (CD) in the jejunum and ileum of pigs from the HG76 group compared with those from the NNC group. The pigs in the NNC group had the greatest duodenal VH:CD ratio, but the least ileal VH:CD ratio among all the treatment groups. The Vmax value of sucrase in the HG76 group was greater than the NNC group (P &lt; 0.05). When compared with the NC group, the relative mRNA abundance of interleukin 6 (IL6) was increased in the PC group (P &lt; 0.05). In summary, these results suggest that B. licheniformis HG76 can protect the intestinal cells from ETEC F4 infection by inhibiting inflammation and maintaining barrier integrity, and the supplementation of B. licheniformis HG76 can improve the gut development and increase the digestive enzyme activity of ETEC F4 challenged piglets.