bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
206 Effects of breed type and days on trial on feeding behavior in growing goats fed a total mixed diets using GrowSafe feeding technology
Authors: Kidane Negusse F , Irvin MerricK E , Foxworth William B , Carstens Gordon E , Horner Scott D , O’Reilly Keara 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of breed and days on trial (DOT) on feeding behavior traits in two breeds of growing goats. Nineteen female goats [n = 10 Alpine; n = 9 Spanish, with average initial ages of 360 d and 352 d, and body weight (BW) of 38.8 ± 2.8 kg and 35.5 ± 3.1 kg, respectively], were randomly assigned within the breed to one of two non-adjacent pens (5 goats/pen), each equipped with GrowSafe feed bunks. A pelletized total mixed ration (TMR) was fed twice per day and goats had ad libitum access to feed, water, and mineral block throughout the 84-d trial. Feeding behavior traits, including feed intake, bunk visit frequency (BVF), head-down duration (HDD), and dry matter intake (DMI) were collected daily using the GrowSafe feeding system. A 14-d interval was used to derive feed behavior traits of individual goats at 42, 56, 70, and 84 DOT. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures model with a fixed effect of breed, DOT as a repeated measure, and breed x DOT interaction with pen as a random effect. Alpine goats had greater (P &lt; 0.05) initial and final BW (37.6 kg and 51.7 kg, respectively) than Spanish goats (34.7 kg and 46.5 kg, respectively) although DMI (P = 0.10; 1.73 ± 0.31 and 1.39 ± 0.18 kg/d) did not differ. There was not a significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) between breeds for frequency of bunk visits (21.1 vs. 18.6) and bunk duration (P &gt; 0.05). Similarly, the effect of breed on DMI (27.1g/min vs. 22.8 g/min) was non-significant (P &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, breed did not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) affect HDD (31.3 min/d vs 31.9 min/d). However, there was a significant interaction (P &lt; 0.05) between breed and DOT for HDD. In addition, significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed due to the length of DOT for BVD, bunk visit duration, HDD, and eating rate (g/min). Our results suggest that Spanish goats tended to visit feed bunks more frequently per day and tended to consume less feed per visit than their counterpart Alpine goats, and the feeding behaviors of goats change with age. However, further research is warranted to determine changes in the feeding behavior of goats in different production cycles.
208 Assessment of a new oral neonatal supplement for lambs
Authors: Ralston Brenda J , Hanson Andrea M , Nagel Denis , Beaugrand Kendall , Schatz Crystal , Ross Joe , Olson Merle , Allan Nick 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate an easy to administer and economical oral nutritional supplement for neonatal lambs. Neonates are at risk of nutrient deficiencies because of maternal deficiencies, minimal body stores at birth and decreased nutritional intake. The pre-ruminant lamb relies solely on milk for adequate immunity and nutrition until they begin ingesting forages. Insufficiencies can lead to increased mortality and morbidity. However, deficiencies in the ewe are common due to variation in management, feeding and health protocols. A total of 10 lambs (5 sets of twins) were enrolled into the study. The lambs were divided into two groups (one twin from each set) received a treatment of an oral vitamin-mineral supplement (VitaFerst-Care) 3 mL and the control lambs a saline solution of 3 mL, all at 3 d of age (d0). Blood samples were collected, prior to, and again following supplementation (d 0, d 21) by jugular venipuncture. Vitamin A, vitamin E, iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) concentrations were determined in blood serum/plasma of the lambs by HPLC. Kidney and liver function markers were analyzed using HESKA DC5X veterinary analyzer to confirm the safety of the supplement. Variables tested included alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), glucose (GLU), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (T-BILI), albumin (ALB), phosphorus (PHOS), calcium (CA), cholesterol (CHOL), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). All lambs remained with their mothers. The average difference was calculated between d 21 and d 0 (baseline) for treated versus control animals for vitamin A, vitamin E, Se, and Fe. Significance was calculated using a two-tailed student’s t-test where P &lt; 0.10 between d 21 control and treated animals. Control animals had an average vitamin E plasma concentration of 1.168 + 0.355 ppm on d 21, whereas treated animals had an average of 1.547 + 0.559 ppm. Significance was calculated at P = 0.09. Vitamin A, Fe and Se concentrations did not reach significance. Kidney and liver panel checks for animals in each group were not concerning. Future studies should look at modifying first and second sampling timepoints to be closer together. Based on results in calves with a similar study design, shortening the time between treatment and second sampling would give a clearer picture of how the neonatal supplement influenced the nutritional status of the treatment versus control animals.
215 Tracking growth performance and insulin response on four-month-old maternal heat-stressed lambs
Authors: Rios Andrea P , Fuentevilla Ela , Diaz Duarte E , Limesand Sean 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Poor growth performance and metabolic disorders are prevalent problems in lambs exposed to maternal heat stress, specifically during the last mid-third of gestation. Columbia–Rambouillet crossbred lambs (n = 12) were immediately separated from their heat-stressed and non-stressed dam at lambing. The maternal heat stress exposure occurred during the last mid-third gestation and was for about 40 d (40 to 80 d). Lamb body weight (BW) was recorded daily for 4 mo. A glucose tolerance test was performed in mo 4 to evaluate glucose concentrations and insulin response. Maternal heat-stressed lamb (HS) presented reduced BW throughout the experimental time (P &lt; 0.05) than maternal thermoneutral lamb (TN; CN = 12.69 ± 0.29 kg and HS = 9.89 ± 0.29 kg). Glucose concentrations were similar between environmental conditions (P &gt; 0.05). Neither the insulin response presented a significance (P &gt; 0.05) between those lambs exposed to HS and TN conditions during gestation. Although maternal exposure to HS can affect performance of the offspring throughout life, metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance are not a problem at 4 mo. However, preliminary data showed that these same lambs at 8 mo old and 11 mo old show an irregular insulin response in maternal heat-stressed lambs that can persist throughout the life of the offspring.
214 Immuno-detection and stability of SARS-CoV-2 in milk from white-tailed deer
Authors: Raso Hannah , Smith Wraylyn , Tobar Lorena , Reddy Diya , Johnson Jenny , Biesemier Andrew , Harvey Rubin , Raso Dominic S , Finkielstein Carla V 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has expanded to species beyond humans, such as domestic and wild animals, underscoring zoonotic transmission and the urgency of epidemiological preparedness in light of spillovers. In humans, the humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is initially dominated by immunoglobulin (Ig) M and later by IgG and IgA isotypes, with IgA playing a role in mucosal protection. These neutralizing antibodies have been detected in a variety of human fluids, including saliva, respiratory secretions, serum, and breast milk. It is speculated that these antibodies serve to reduce the infectivity of human secretions and viral transmission, while also acting as a form of passive immunity. Thus, we asked whether this immune-protective mechanism is present in a common animal that is both wild and farmed, the white-tailed deer (WTD). We present previously unreported evidence of the existence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in serum and milk samples from six WTD harvested during the 2022 and 2023 hunting seasons in central Virginia, USA. Identification of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was conducted using species-independent qualitative lateral flow latex immunochromatography from three different commercial sources, as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three out of six WTD showed positive antibody signals for both serum and milk using all analytical methods. A fourth sample was positive only for serum, while another sample provided a positive result by ELISA but not lateral flow. The last sample tested negative. Breast milk from pre- and post-SARS-Cov-2-infected human volunteers was used to validate the studies. In addition, RT-qPCR targeting SARS-CoV-2 N, E, and S genes yield negative results in milk samples, further supporting previous studies in human milk that established the absence of viral particles in the fluid. Immunohistochemical analysis of WTD mammary tissue revealed a rare histiocyte positive for SARS-CoV-2, a result that more likely reflects a migration event stimulated by inflammation rather than actual infection. Lastly, in vitro stability studies were carried out in deer and human milk spiked with B.1.1, B.1.1.7, or BA.5 variants. Samples were maintained at room temperature, 37 °C, or 63 °C (pasteurization temperature) and collected at various times. The results showed that while B.1.1 and B.1.1.7 remained largely stable in human samples, they rapidly degraded in deer milk. All virus variants were eliminated from human and deer milk at 63 °C, albeit with different kinetics. These findings underscore the potential role of WTD as reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, emphasizing the importance of comprehending zoonotic transmission dynamics and viral variant stability. Such insights may have significant implications for informing public health interventions and surveillance strategies.
465 Comparative analysis of semantic segmentation and deep regression models with supervised pre-training for accurate prediction of pig body weight from video data: Insights from industry-scale datasets
Authors: Bi Ye , Xuan Jianhua , Huang Yijian , Morota Gota 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Accurate pig body weight (BW) measurement is essential for producers as it is related to pig growth, health, and marketing, yet conventional manual weighing methods are time-consuming and may cause potential stress to the animals. Although there is a growing trend towards the adoption of three-dimensional cameras coupled with computer vision techniques for pig BW estimation, their validation using industry-scale data are still limited. Among the prevailing methodologies, semantic segmentation and supervised pre-training regression are prominent models currently used. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: 1) to estimate pig BW from repeatedly measured video data obtained from a commercial setting, 2) to compare the performance of the two image analysis methods: thresholding segmentation and deep regression approaches, and 3) to evaluate the predictive ability of BW estimation models. An Intel RealSense D435 camera was installed in the commercial farm to collect top-view videos of 540 pigs biweekly at five different time points over three months. At the same time, manually measured BW records were collected using a digital weighing system. We used an automated video conversion pipeline and fine-tuned YOLOv8 to pre-process the raw depth videos. Subsequently, we acquired a total of 151,756 depth images and depth map files. Adaptive thresholding was applied to segment the pig body from the background. Four image-derived biometric features, including dorsal length, abdominal width, height, and volume, were estimated from the segmented images and fitted using ordinary least squares and random forest models. We applied transfer learning by initializing the weights of five deep learning models, including ResNet50, Xception, EfficientNetV2S, ConvNeXtBase, and Vision Transformer, with pre-trained weights from ImageNet. We then fine-tuned these models on the pig depth images. The last layer of each model was adapted to linear regression, enabling direct estimation of BW for each image without the need for additional image pre-processing steps. We employed random repeated subsampling cross-validation, dividing 80% of the pigs for training and 20% for testing, to evaluate prediction performance at each time point. The best prediction coefficients of determination and mean absolute percentage error for each time point were 0.76, 0.86, 0.90, 0.83, 0.90, and 4.57%, 3.76%, 3.01%, 3.41%, 4.84%, respectively. On average, the Xception model resulted in the best prediction coefficient of determination and mean absolute percentage error of 0.90 and 3.01%. Our results suggest that deep learning-based supervised learning models improve the prediction performance of pig BW from industry-scale depth video data.
338 Classroom mental wellness exercise improves wellness domains
Authors: Turner Kari K , Gonzalez John M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Poor mental health is a rising problem in undergraduate students, with anxiety and depression leading mental health issues. Insufficient or low physical activity, social isolation, and loneliness are among risk factors that predict mental health issues. Increased demand for already limited mental health resources such as counseling, combined with the stigma surrounding mental health has led to many issues going untreated. Mental health can be comprised of several domains such as academic, physical, emotional, financial, occupational, and stage of life. Improving individual domains will improve overall mental wellness. The objective of this study was to improve mental wellness in individual domains by discussing mental health and encouraging undergraduate students to reduce predictive factors and specifically focus on self-selected wellness domains. Following a 60-min classroom discussion in an animal science course on the prevalence of mental health issues and the common wellness domains (Academic, Emotional, Financial, Interpersonal, Occupational, Physical, and Stage of Life) students (n = 24) rated their current feeling of wellness in each domain on a Likert-scale of 0 (totally lacking) to 6 (completely fulfilled) in an anonymous Qualtrics survey. Strategies on improving the different wellness domains were then discussed, and students were placed into groups based on common domains they would like to improve, and the groups helped individual members identify semester personal goals. A class-wide social media group was formed, and students were given bonus points for posting pictures and texts of progression towards their goals. To encourage participation and support from group members, groups were awarded additional bonus points for having the greatest member activity. After 12 wk, students were given a post-course survey to rate their wellness domain fulfillments, as well as report the amount of time dedicated to improving the specific domains. Pre-and post-course wellness fulfillment ratings were compared using the Mann-Whitney-U Test in SPSS, and Spearman’s rho was used to determine correlations between post-fulfillment ratings and time dedicated to each domain. Fulfillment of Emotional and Physical increased following the exercise (P ≤ 0.016), and Academic tended to increase (P = 0.079). Time spent fulfilling a specific domain was positively correlated with the respective domain for Academic (P = 0.003), Emotional (P &lt; 0.001), Interpersonal (P = 0.006), Physical (P &lt; 0.001), and Stage of Life (P &lt; 0.001) and tended to be positively correlated (P = 0.084) for Occupational. There was no correlation between time spent fulfilling the Financial domain and Financial fulfillment score (P = 0.183). Employing open classroom discussions about mental health and encouraging students to become proactive in their strategies for improving specific mental wellness domains increases their feelings of fulfillment in those domains.
409 From Classroom to Careers: Using coursework to expand student career perspectives and preparedness in animal science
Authors: Abrams Amy 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Preparing students for careers in the animal science industry often requires a multifaceted approach and involves varying challenges depending on the resources available and student demographics of the academic program. Several factors that contribute to attrition from an animal science program or a lack of preparedness for employment in industry upon graduating include limited knowledge regarding career options, a resistance to learning about different career options, lack of confidence in their abilities, and misconceptions about different careers or skill requirements. The options available to address these issues will vary between academic programs depending on the programs size, financial support, degrees offered, and input from and access to industry partners. Despite diversity between programs, a shared approach to addressing gaps in career preparedness is through the incorporation of industry guided experiential learning practices in the classroom. By strategically integrating curriculum elements that highlight various sectors and specializations, educators can expose animal science students to a wide range of career paths, broaden their perspectives and encourage exploration of different pathways. The saying “you won’t know if it’s right until you try it”, can also apply to career choices. Many students do not have the opportunity to “try” different career options and will not be able to experience their chosen field until they graduate and begin working in industry. Incorporating case studies, guest lectures, related skill development, and industry presentations into coursework provides students with firsthand insights into the day-to-day responsibilities, skills required, challenges, and rewards associated with different career paths. Utilizing experiential learning aimed at career exploration and development not only enriches students’ educational experiences, but it can foster critical thinking and other attributes that are highly valued by industry employers. Furthermore, this coursework can be tailored to address emerging trends, evolving career opportunities, and current industry needs within the field of animal science. By bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, industry centered experiential learning practices equip students with the skills, knowledge, and motivation needed to be successful and meet the needs of industry employers.
284 The influence of growth promoting implants at weaning with different supplementations levels on growth performance and ovarian parameters in developing beef heifers
Authors: Andrews Taylor N , Scholljegerdes Eric J , Perry George A , Cox Shad H , Dunlap Richard L , Cooper Joyce Anne , Bedke Clayton , Gallacher Kristie L , Summers Adam F 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Administration of a pre-weaning growth promoting implant in beef heifers in Southwestern rangelands can improve growth; however, the effect of administering a second growth promoting implant after weaning on growth and ovarian parameters is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplement level when heifers were administered a second Synovex-C implant at weaning on growth and ovarian parameters. At 2 mo of age heifers (n = 30) were randomly assigned to receive one of three implant treatments: 1) non-implanted (CON), 2) Synovex-C implant at 2 mo of age (BIMP), or 3) Synovex-C implant at 2 and 8 mo of age (WIMP). At 8 mo heifers were randomly assigned to one of two supplement levels (High or Low); thus, creating six treatment groups: High CON (n = 5), Low CON (n = 5), High BIMP (n = 5), Low BIMP (n = 5), High WIMP (n = 5), and Low WIMP (n = 5); assigned in a complete randomized design with a 3 x 2 factorial. Heifers were individually fed supplement three times per week for 25 wk (High 1.26 kg·heifer⁻¹·d⁻¹and Low 0.68 kg·heifer⁻¹·d⁻¹of a 32% CP cube) with refusals weighed back after each feeding. Body weights (BW) were recorded biweekly and grouped in 4 periods (wk 0, 2 to 4, 6 to 14, and 16 to 25). At the end of the supplementation period heifers underwent bilateral ovariectomies. Body weight, height, and length of each ovary was recorded. Surface antral follicles were counted on both ovaries and recorded. Length of the largest follicle was recorded, and follicular fluid (FF) was collected for analysis of estradiol and progesterone concentrations. Ovarian and follicular measurements were analyzed using MIXED procedures in SAS. Average daily gain (ADG) and BW were analyzed as repeated measures using MIXED procedures in SAS. Supplement level × implant interaction tended to influence BW (P = 0.09). Period 4 had increased ADG compared with periods 2 and 3 (P &lt; 0.0001). High heifers had increased ovarian length compared with Low heifers (P = 0.03) and implant tended to increase ovarian length (P = 0.09) compared with CON. Supplement level tended to influence diameter of the largest follicle (P = 0.09). Progesterone FF concentrations tended to be reduced in High heifers compared with Low heifers (P = 0.09). In conclusion, administration of a second Synovex-C implant at weaning did not impact growth performance; however, supplement level tended to hinder follicular parameters.
286 Impact of rate of overwinter gain in March-born yearling range heifers on growth rates and reproductive performance
Authors: Crouch Josie , Mulliniks Travis , Musgrave Jacki A , McCarthy Kacie L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Our objective was to determine the impact of rate of overwinter gain in March-born yearling heifers on pre- and post-breeding growth rates and reproductive performance. Red Angus x Simmental crossbred beef heifers [n = 182; weaning body weight (BW) = 242 kg ± 23 kg] were utilized in a 3-yr study conducted at the University of Nebraska, Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) near Whitman, NE. Using 3-d BW averages collected in January, heifers were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) to achieve a low overwinter rate of gain at 0.34 kg/d (LO, n = 106), or 2) to achieve a high overwinter rate of gain at 0.68 kg/d (HI, n = 76). To achieve gains, heifers were managed together and had individual access to a dried distillers grain supplement via a C-lock Smart Feeder (Rapid City, SD). Each year, treatments were initiated in January and ended in May (111 ± 4 d). Heifer BW was collected at the start of trial (January), end of the trial (May), pre-breeding (May), pregnancy diagnosis (October), and pre-calving (February). Heifer body condition score (BCS) was collected at pregnancy diagnosis (October) and pre-calving (February; Yr 1 and 2). Before the breeding season, two blood samples were collected 10-d apart via coccygeal venipuncture to determine the percentage of heifers cycling. At breeding, HI-fed heifers had a greater (P &lt; 0.01) BW than LO-fed heifers (813 and 788 kg, respectively; Table 1). However, heifer BW at pregnancy diagnosis and pre-calving were not impacted (P ≥ 0.16) by supplemental treatment. Additionally, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.16) in BCS at pregnancy diagnosis and pre-calving among treatments. Furthermore, rate of gain did not influence (P ≥ 0.38) the percent pubertal prior to the breeding season, pregnancy rates, or the percent that calved in the first 21-d of the calving season. Moreover, rate of gain did not impact (P = 0.89) subsequent calf BW at birth. There was a significant treatment x year interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for subsequent calving date, where HI treatment heifers calved 7-d earlier than LO treatment heifers in Yr 1. This study implies that producers can develop heifers at a less overwinter rate of gain without impacting reproductive performance or subsequent calf birth weight.