bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSI-13 The impact of divergent nutritional planes on systemic immune status in mature bulls
Authors: Hamilton Holly E , Shepherd Elizabeth , Zoca Saulo M , Dahlen Carl R , Snider Alexandria P , McLean Kyle J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Bull fertility is a major component of reproductive efficiency. One of the many factors influencing reproductive efficiency in bulls is nutrition. Improper nutrition influences physiological features, such as body weight (BW) and body condition scores (BCS), but also increases stress, which can alter the molecular composition of ejaculate. Following a breeding soundness exam and a 21-d dietary adjustment period, mature Angus bulls (n = 6) were randomly assigned to one of two nutritional planes for a 119-d period: 1) restriction (RES; targeted a 1.36 kg/d decrease in BW) or 2) maintenance (MNT; targeted to maintain BW). Body weight and BCS were evaluated every 14 d and feed amounts were adjusted to meet BW targets. On d 73 and 93, scrotal circumference and blood samples were collected for analysis. Serum samples were evaluated for an immunity score using the Nano Discovery D2Dx Immunity Test, that assesses samples for the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, cytokines, and complement. Statistical analyses were conducted using R Studio to determine the effects of day, nutritional plane, and the interaction of day Î nutritional plane on BW, BCS, scrotal circumference, and systemic immunity score. At the onset of treatments, all bulls had a greater (P = 0.008) BW (845.5 ± 17.0 kg) and BCS (6.3 ± 0.15) than on d 73 (BW = 757.2 ± 17.0 kg; BCS = 5.5 ± 0.15, respectively) or 93 (BW = 749.6 ± 17.0 kg; BCS = 5.3 ± 0.15, respectively). According to the experimental model design, the MNT bulls had a greater (P = 0.001) BCS (6.1 ± 0.12) compared with the RES bulls (5.3 ± 0.12) throughout treatment. Body weights were also influenced by treatment with MNT bulls (845.7 ± 13.9 kg) having a greater BW (P &gt; 0.001) compared with RES bulls (714.6 ± 13.9). Immunity scores were greater in the RES bulls (0.03 ± 0.003) compared with MNT bulls (0.003 ± 0.003). However, there was no effect of day or the interaction effect (P &gt; 0.05) on the systemic immunity score. There was also no effect of day, nutritional plane, or interaction on scrotal circumference (P &gt; 0.23). In conclusion, we observed nutritional planes to result in divergent BW and BCS and were influential on systemic immunity scores, which may lead to different seminal plasma compositions and reproductive outcomes. Further analyses are needed to elucidate the effects of paternal nutritional stress on the female uterine response after mating and reproductive efficiency. The authors would like to thank USDA-NIFA-AFRI (#2023-67015-39453) and USDA-NIFA Multi-State Project No. 1019048 for providing funding and support for this research. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
PSI-7 Creation of gene-edited pigs for functional analysis of growth hormone receptor promoters in swine
Authors: Denton Alicia N , Lucas Caroline G , Safranski Timothy J , Prather Randall S , Wells Kevin D , Restrepo Diana Canaveral , Lucy Matthew C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Growth hormone (GH; somatotropin) has a central role in animal growth, reproduction, and lactation. The biological actions of GH are dependent on the GH receptor (GHR) that is found in important target tissues such as liver, muscle, adipose tissue, and bone. It is widely accepted that GH is the primary hormone controlling animal growth and that its actions are mediated by the GHR. In humans, laboratory species, and farm animals there are two promoter complexes that control GHR expression. The first promoter complex (P1) controls the liver-specific inducible expression of the GHR1A mRNA. The second promoter complex (P2) controls the non-tissue specific constitutive expression of GHR1B mRNA. Despite the central role that GH and the GHR have in animal growth, the independent function of each promoter complex has not yet been tested in any species. The objective was to perform a germ-line deletion of each GHR promoter complex to test their function in a porcine model. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to delete the P1 and P2 promoter complexes in porcine fetal fibroblasts and cloned to create two independent lines for each promoter deletion. Adult animals that were heterozygous (het) for the GHRP1 and GHRP2 deletions were mated to create litters of +/+ (wildtype, WT), +/- (het), and -/- (knockout, KO) pigs for the respective promoters. An RTPCR of liver and muscle confirmed that deletion of GHRP1 and GHRP2 effectively knocked out GHR1A and GHR1B mRNA. Piglets were weighed at birth and approximately monthly until 2 (GHRP1) or 5 (GHRP2) mo of age. Piglets from the GHRP1 line were +/+ (n = 3), +/- (n = 10), and -/- (n = 2) across two litters. Birthweights (1.5 ± 0.1, 1.4 ± 0.1, and 1.5 ± 0.2 kg, respectively) and body weight (BW) at 2 mo of age (32.7 ± 2.9, 27.0 ± 1.6, and 27.0 ± 3.5 kg, respectively) were similar (P &gt; 0.10) for GHRP1 piglets. Piglets from the GHRP2 line were +/+ (n = 2), +/- (n = 6), and -/- (n = 9) across two litters. Birthweights were similar (1.4 ± 0.3, 1.3 ± 0.1, and 1.0 ± 0.1 kg, respectively) but GHRP2-/- pigs weighed less (P &lt; 0.01) at weaning compared with GHRP2+/+ or GHRP2+/- piglets (6.4 ± 0.8, 6.5 ± 0.4, and 4.5 ± 0.4 kg, respectively). Monthly BW for the GHRP2-/- piglets were less (P &lt; 0.001) when compared with GHRP2+/+ or GHRP2+/- piglets. At 5 mo of age, the GHRP2-/- piglets were approximately 50% of the BW of GHRP2+/+ or GHRP2+/- (89.6 ± 6.7, 89.6 ± 3.9, and 43.1 ± 3.2 kg, respectively). In conclusion, the deletion of GHRP2 (and GHR1B mRNA) had a profound effect on pig growth. The GHRP1 deletion (GHR1A mRNA) did not affect growth with the caveat that the GHRP1 litters had not reached maturity. This work was supported by USDA NIFA 2019-67015-29484.
PSI-24 Acute and chronic stress response following weaning and transportation in the average piglet
Authors: Turner Isabel , Smith Alyssa A , Rudy Kaylyn , Jeon Dayeon , Richert Brian T , Pasternak J Alex A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The American swine industry relies on a model where facilities for farrowing are often geographically isolated from those used later for wean-finish, which necessitates multiple coincident stressors including weaning, mixing, transportation and feed/water restriction. Previous studies indicate this combined stress reduces subsequent growth performance; however, the specific impact of each stressor on an average, objectively healthy piglet is not well understood, nor is the acute physiological response to this life event. The objective of this study was to determine the effect these stressors on thyroid function, intestinal health, and body weight (BW) in average, healthy pigs. In this study, a total population of 588 piglets were weighed the day prior to weaning and 230 piglets with the lowest Z-scores for BW were selected (5.74 ± 0.70 kg). Piglets (n = 70) were weaned directly into nursery pens and provided with feed and water, 70 were transported for 10 h with no access to feed and water, and 70 were grouped together into 2 large pens with no access to feed and water for an equivalent 8 h period. The remaining 20 piglets were not weaned and served as an unstressed control group. A total of 10 pigs from each group were euthanized at 32 and 56 h post-weaning for tissue sampling. Ileal villi height, crypt depth, and goblet cell numbers were measured, and no treatment effects observed (P &gt; 0.05). Serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were measured pre-treatment (t = 0), 24 h (t = 24), 48 h (t = 48), and immediately following euthanasia (t = 32 or 56 d). There were no significant differences in serum T3 among treatments at t = 0. At all-time points post stress event, control piglets had greater T3 concentrations compared with feed restricted (P &lt; 0.05) and transported (P &lt; 0.05) pigs. Weaned pigs at t = 32, t = 48, and t = 56 had decreased T3 concentrations (P &lt; 0.05) and weaned pigs tended (P = 0.0584) to have decreased t = 24 T3 concentrations compared with pigs remaining with the sow. The remaining pigs (n = 50) per weaning group were weighed weekly throughout the nursery phase and every 3 wk in the grow-finish phase to determine the impact of each stressor on growth. There was no significant effect of weaning treatment on BW at any time point (P &gt; 0.10). Carcass data including carcass weight, loin and backfat depths, and lean percentage were measured at time of slaughter with no significant differences found among groups (P &gt; 0.60). As no effect on growth weight or carcass characteristics were observed between treatment groups in average pigs, this suggests that it may be beneficial to transport average pigs the longest distance, while minimizing transport for pigs on either end of the weaning weight spectrum. Further research is needed to compare effects of weaning and transportation stressors on average and weight extremes of weaned pigs.
PSIII-21 Variation in mitochondrial genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation in cattle
Authors: Seier Lauren E , Batt Mackenzie C , Fuller Anna M , Yates Dustin T , Montooth Kristi , Petersen Jessica L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The mitochondrion is a maternally inherited organelle that produces approximately 90% of cellular energy. The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) consists of 13 genes that are critical components of oxidative phosphorylation. Identifying and understanding variation within this genome could elucidate differences in metabolic and physiological traits, specifically growth efficiency in cattle. Our aim is to identify how variation in the mitochondrial genome influences efficiency in beef cattle. Low-pass sequencing data (average 0.5X coverage of the autosomes) were collected (Neogen) from 49 animals within the UNL herd (composite Simmental, Red Angus, and Gelbvieh). The data were trimmed and mapped (BWA-MEM) to the ARS-UCD1.2 cattle genome. After variant impacts were predicted (Ensembl VEP) haplotype networks were created to visualize variation among samples. Over 60X coverage was achieved across the mitochondrial genome, on average. Excluding the D-loop, 62 variants were identified in the 49 animals: 2 tRNA, 6 rRNA, and 54 coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These 62 variants were encompassed in 23 unique haplotypes. Of the coding variants, 13 were nonsynonymous and found in the following genes encoding components of oxidative phosphorylation: ND1 (n = 3), ND2 (n = 1), ND3 (n = 1), ND4 (n = 1), ND5 (n = 1), ND6 (n = 3), COX3 (n = 2), and CYTB (n = 1). Nine unique haplotypes were present considering only nonsynonymous variants. Nonsynonymous mutations were identified in complex I genes (ND1-6), in the complex IV gene COX3, and in CYTB, which is involved in multiple processes including the electron transport chain. These data, from a closed herd at UNL, support that there is a great deal of mtDNA variation present among beef cattle for which to analyze the impact of mitochondrial genotype on animal efficiency. Performance data demonstrate variation in average daily gain (ADG) and residual feed intake (RFI) in this herd, with a mean ADG of 1.95 kg/d (SD = 0.23 kg/d) and a mean RFI of -0.11 kg (SD = 0.57 kg). Data on individual feed intake, growth rates, and carcass performance values will continue to be collected on all animals sequenced. Based upon these data we hypothesize that variation in the mitochondrial genome will be associated with altered complex I and IV activity. For a more comprehensive understanding of this variation, the sample size will be expanded to over 1,500 animals in the next 2 yr. Overall, from our initial analysis of the mitochondrial genomes from 49 animals, we have identified 62 variants that we anticipate will explain variation in cellular and growth efficiency.
PSIII-23 Identifying genes associated with the retinol biosynthesis pathway in corpora lutea of cyclic and pregnant gilts
Authors: Stuehr Matthew D , Poole Rebecca K , Wiegert Jeffrey , Hickman-Brown Kyle J , Bazer Fuller 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Improving reproductive performance (e.g., farrowing rate, litter size, pigs weaned) of commercial sows is crucial for sustainability of swine production. Good nutrition is essential to support high performing reproductive outputs. Vitamin A (retinol) is an essential fat-soluble vitamin with important roles in tissue development and reproduction. Previous studies in porcine luteal cells in vitro have shown that retinoids support corpus luteum (CL) function and stimulate progesterone (P4) secretion. The objective of this study is to identify the expression of genes associated with retinol biosynthesis pathway in CL of cyclic and pregnant gilts. Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire gilts (n = 37) free of physical, heath, or reproductive-related issues were housed in groups on solid concrete floors with ad libitum water access and fed 2.0 kg/d of a standard gestation diet formulated to meet micronutrient requirements. After breeding, gilts were euthanized and ovariohysterectomized during the preimplantation (d 11; n = 10), implantation (d 15; n = 10), mid gestation (d 60; n = 6), and late gestation (d 00; n = 6) stages of pregnancy, as well as cyclic gilts (d 15 of luteal phase; Cyclic;n = 5). Both ovaries of each gilt were separated from the uteri and CL count was recorded before storing at -80°C. Blood was collected concurrently, centrifuged at 2,500 x g for 25 min at 4°C, and resulting plasma was stored at -20°C. Plasma P4 concentration was quantified using a double-antibody RIA kit per manufacturer instructions. Mean relative expression of CL aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member 1A (ALDH1A1) was quantified by RT-qPCR. Statistical analyses for CL number and P4 concentrations were determined by PROC GLM in SAS 9.4 and gene expression comparison by day was determined by one-way ANOVA and Student’s t-test for pairwise comparison in JMP 17.0. There were no differences in CL number (15.7 ± 1.5; P &gt; 0.05) or P4 concentrations (17.3 ± 5.3 ng/mL; P &gt; 0.05) by day of pregnancy or between cyclic and pregnant gilts. The mean relative expression of ALDH1A1 was greater (P &lt; 0.001) between d 11 and Cyclic gilts and between d 11 and all other dys of pregnancy (P &lt; 0.01). However, there were no other statistical significances for ALDH1A1 between day of pregnancy or by pregnancy status (P &gt; 0.05). The greater mean relative expression of ALDH1A1 at D 11 of pregnancy could be evidence that retinoic acid has an important role in the porcine anti-luteolytic mechanism, which occurs around d 11 of pregnancy in pigs, and is crucial for the maintenance of pregnancy. Other genes associated with the retinol pathway like retinol binding protein 2 (RBP2), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), and alcohol dehydrogenase 1C (ADH1C) will be quantified by RT-qPCR to better understand the role of retinol biosynthesis in porcine CL function.
PSIII-20 The effects of vitamin E and/or C on parasite burden in hair sheep
Authors: Rojas-Reyes Jesus A , Blad Taya J , Wanguba Amy S , Bulosan Janae S , Odani Jenee S , Reichhardt Caleb C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance in flocks is an occurring issue for small ruminant producers due to increasing gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections. Prevalence of high virulence GINs decreases immunity and growth, therefore not making anthelmintics economically sustainable for producers. In this current research study, we examined the role of vitamins E and/or C supplemented to crossbred hair sheep (Dorper, Katahdin, Barbados crosses) on parasite burden over time. The hypothesis of this research was that supplementing vitamin E and/or C will work comparable to anthelmintic treatment to control GIN in hair sheep. Mature ewes (n = 30) were stratified based on FAMACHA score. Ewes were placed into one of five treatment groups: 1) no dewormer or vitamin treatment (CON; n = 6), 2) anthelmintic treatment (Levamed; 0.08mg/kg; Bimeda Animal Health, Schaumburg, IL; n = 6), 3) combination of vitamin E and vitamin C (Vitamin E300; 0.33IU/kg of body weight (BW) administered subcutaneously; Durvet Animal Health; Blue Springs, MI; Vitamin C; Orally drenched at 0.56 mL/kg of BW; Radix Laboratories; Eau Claire, WI; n = 6), 4) vitamin C (Vitamin C;0.56 ml/kg of BW; Radix Laboratories; Eau Claire, WI; n = 6), and 5) vitamin E (Vitamin E 300; 0.33 IU/kg of BW; Durvet Animal Health; n = 6). Growing lambs (n = 30) were also placed into the same treatment groups. Evaluation of vitamin supplementation was observed on individual time points from d 0, 14, 28, 56, and 77 from the sheep. Parameters collected include body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, packed cell volume (PCV), and fecal egg count (FEC). There was no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on BCS in either lamb or mature groups on any of the days within the trial. However, on d 56, there was a tendency for the FAMACHA score to be improved in the vitamin E lambs compared with the control lambs. Additionally, on d 56 for the mature group, there was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) that was observed within the Vit E+C group being less than the Dewormer and vitamin C groups. Treatments did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) packed cell volume (PCV) throughout the trial in either lamb or mature ewes. On d 14 of the trial, lambs receiving vitamin E and C, or the anthelmintic treatment had decreased (P ≤ 0.05) strongyle FEC compared with the control lambs. The preliminary data analyzed suggests that vitamin E and/or C may work similarly to pharmaceutical anthelmintics in hair sheep to combat GIN. However, more research is essential to confirm the viability that vitamins may work as a sustainable alternative.
PSIII-8 CRISPR editing of IGF2 and MSTN to enhance productivity
Authors: Finchum Rebecca H , Dilger Anna C , Beever Jonathan E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The ability to modify the genomes of livestock species has previously been limited by low efficiency and the high cost associated with reagents and the generation of edited live animals (e.g., via somatic cell nuclear transfer). However, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has shown promise by improving specificity and efficacy, while decreasing costs associated with reagent acquisition and potentially live animal production (e.g., via direct editing of embryos). Given these potential improvements there are still a limited number of well-characterized genes for targeting. Nonetheless, there are two genes where molecular variation in different species has shown highly significant effects on increased lean growth and reduced adiposity, insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and myostatin (MSTN). In pigs, a G-to-A substitution in intron 3 of IGF2 (g.3072G &gt;A) disrupts a conserved binding site for the transcriptional repressor ZBED6 allowing for increased postnatal IGF2 expression. This increased expression is associated with increased lean muscle yield and intramuscular fat deposition, while decreasing backfat. In livestock species other than the pig, numerous loss-of-function mutations in MSTN have been reported. MSTN is a known early regulator of myoblast differentiation, negatively regulating myoblast fusion into myotubes. This results in muscle hyperplasia causing the commonly referred to “double-muscling” phenotype. Animals of this phenotype have significantly increased skeletal muscle mass, improved feed conversion, and decreased fat deposition. These mutations have the potential to act synergistically as demonstrated by generation of a mouse line possessing both IGF2 overexpression and MSTN loss-of-function mutations. Within this line, wild-type (WT) mice have an average body weight (BW) of 19.64 ± 1.89 g at 11 wk of age. In comparison, IGF2 overexpression, MSTN loss-of-function, and the combination of both mutations have average BW of 23.54 ± 2.31 g, 26.14 ± 2.35 g, and 31.43 ± 2.39 g, respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). Based on these results in mice we have initiated editing of both genes in cattle. Two male fetal fibroblast cell lines were generated from d 75 fetuses from high genetic merit Angus matings. Four CRISPR guide RNAs have been designed for both genes and assayed for their in vitro cleavage efficiencies. All guide RNAs exceeded 60% cleavage efficiency. CRISPR/Cas9 ribonuclear protein complexes were electroporated into each cell line. Targeted modifications will be confirmed through sequencing, and successfully modified cell lines will undergo somatic cell nuclear transfer to produce live animals.
PSV-14 The effects of calcium cyanamide on greenhouse gases, ammonia emissions, and the microbiome of dairy cattle lagoon water
Authors: Rocha Alice , Morales Briana , Mashad Hamed El , Pan Yuee , Zhao Yongjing , Mitloehner Frank M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Dairy manure management is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in California. Aside from redesigning infrastructure to adopt alternative manure management systems, there are few options available to farmers to mitigate emissions without substantial financial investment. Calcium cyanamide, a new manure additive, showed significant reductions in GHG emissions when applied to fresh dairy cow slurry, but has not been tested on dairy lagoon water. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of calcium cyanamide on GHG and NH3 emissions and the microbiome of dairy lagoon water. Lagoon water was collected from a commercial dairy, and distributed into 12 stainless steel barrels. Three treatments (n = 4/treatment) of different doses of calcium cyanamide were tested: high (LW-HD; 1 kg/m3 lagoon water), low (LW-LD; 0.5 kg/m3 lagoon water), and control with no calcium cyanamide (LW-CONT; n = 4). Each barrel was sampled over two, 14-d periods, staggered to four barrels at a time, using OdoFlux chambers to monitor emissions for carbon dioxide (CO2,), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ammonia (NH3). Treatments LW-LD and LW-HD contained significantly more total solids, total nitrogen and total carbon compared with LW-CONT. There was also a significantly greater concentration of acetic acid in LW-LD and LW-HD treatments compared with LW-CONT. CO2 emissions in LW-LD and LW-HD were 2.96% and 12.03% less than LW-CONT. CH4 emissions in LW-LD and LW-HD were 80.9% and 85.13% less compared with LW-CONT. N2O emissions in LW-LD and LW-HD were 81.1% and 82.66% less than LW-CONT. However, NH3 fluxes were greater in LW-LD and LW-HD compared with LW-CONT by 65.26% and 65.73%, respectively. The microbiome of the lagoon water was also affected, with reductions in relative abundance of the Proteobacteria phylum responsible for nitrification in LW-LD and LW-HD and increases in the Firmicutes phylum containing acetogenic bacteria. Calcium cyanamide could inhibit methanogenesis by increasing acetogenic bacteria that compete with methanogens for fermentation substrates. Further research is needed to investigate the efficacy of calcium cyanamide in a commercial lagoon setting.