bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSLBI-22 Identifying plasma metabolites influencing body weight in Salmonella challenged growing pigs: A machine learning approach
Authors: da Valini Graziela Alves Cunha , Hauschild Luciano , Remus Aline 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Body weight (BW) is an important component of pig productivity. Understanding the metabolic factors affecting growth rate is key to guiding nutritional strategies and bringing economic benefits to pig farms. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been used to capture patterns in large datasets and predict animal production traits based on integrated information of performance data and blood records. However, utilizing ML models and metabolomic profiling to predict BW of pigs in small datasets with challenged animals has yet to be reported. Therefore, this study investigated use of plasma metabolites in predicting BW of pigs at the growing stage. This simulation used data from gilts (n = 40; BW = 25.6 ± 2.3 kg) raised over a 28-d trial. Plasma samples and BW were collected on d 0, 14, and 28 after 8 h of fasting. Ninety plasma metabolites were identified and quantified from an untargeted metabolomics assay. The development dataset included 30, and the validation dataset contained 10 unique animals with repeated measures in time. The metabolites were log-transformed, Pareto-scaled and missing values were imputed using the minimum nonzero value method. The BW prediction model was performed in R with the caret package. The optimal hyper-parameter configuration for the random forest and neural network algorithms was evaluated based on repeated cross-validation. The final model was the random forest composed of 400 trees with 45 randomly selected predictors. Model accuracy was estimated on repeated cross-validation with 10-folds and 5 repeats and compared with the validation set based on the coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean squared error (RMSE), and Pearson correlation (r). The metabolites with greater contribution with variable importance score above 10 to the model development were extracted. Aiming to understand differences in BW categories, the model response was visualized with an alluvial diagram for the 3 variables with the greatest metabolite importance, and BW was classified as high, medium, and low. The main metabolites driving BW were lysine, oleic acid, aminomalonic acid, myo-inositol, and linoleic acid. The RMSE after cross-validation was 7.22 kg of BW (r = 0.70), and R2 = 0.39. For pigs with a high BW, the predicted BW was explained by generally less plasmatic concentrations of lysine, oleic acid, and aminomalonic acid. Lysine is the main amino acid for muscle protein accretion, whereas oleic acid is for energy substrate. Aminomalonic acid is a metabolite resulting from glycine metabolism and is important in reversing oxidative damage caused by pathogens. Therefore, decreased plasma lysine, amino malonic acid, and oleic acid may indicate faster growth and lean deposition, leading to heavier BW in pigs. Using random forests helped to connect the plasma dynamics to BW and is a promising avenue to understand the main drivers in BW of group-housed pigs.
PSLBI-2 Alberta lamb producers sheep/goat vegetation management accreditation course
Authors: Hanson Andrea M , Church Cailey B M , Markus Susan , McTaggart Aspen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Sheep and goats present land stewards with a unique opportunity to graze areas that cattle cannot access and by consuming plants that cattle find unpalatable. While Alberta has a thriving sheep industry and ranks third in Canadian sheep and lamb inventories, producers continue to seek new opportunities to improve land stewardship and better understand grazing animal management. Resources are limited for flock managers that provide the details necessary to successfully graze sheep or goats and maintain forage health under typical and novel circumstances. These typical and uncommon grazing situations include invasive weeds, solar farms, low-quality marginal lands, forests, inner city vegetation control, and powerline cut blocks. In partnership with Lakeland College, the Alberta Lamb Producers and the Alberta Goat Association obtained funding from Alberta Environment and Parks through their Rangeland Sustainability Program to develop a Sheep/Goat Vegetation Management Accreditation Course. In consultation with some knowledgeable Alberta sheep and goat producers, summer students developed a series of vegetation management modules for Alberta sheep and goat producers to learn best management practices for grazing forages under typical and unique situations. These modules form a vegetation management accreditation program. The modules include 1) Grazing Principles; 2) Grazing Forages – native and tame; 3) Stockmanship and Animal Welfare; 4) Building a Business Case; and 5) Unique Grazing – under solar panels, powerline cut blocks, meeting landscape goals and controlling invasive species, forest grazing, and urban grazing. The course will be offered through Lakeland College in the D2L continuing education platform after a group of sheep/goat producers have gone through the course and provided their feedback. The D2L platform will monitor the number of producers and landowners who complete the course to determine the effectiveness of the project. The modules will educate flock owners and serve as a go-to resource for comprehensive grazing and sheep/goat management under specific situations. Stakeholders requiring or offering vegetation management services using livestock would benefit from these resources for contract and partnership development purposes. The project engages land and animal stakeholders to balance and show both perspectives and needs related to vegetation management.
PSLBI-6 Unveiling the gut mycobiota of pasture- and conventionally raised pigs
Authors: Scott Carolyn , Ibe Angela , Gzyl Katherine E , Holman Devin B , Taheri Ahmad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The gut microbiome has a significant role in mammalian health, in pigs it is influenced by factors such as age, diet, stress, environmental conditions, and farming practices. Although studies of the pig gut microbiome typically focus on bacteria, fungal members are understudied although they may have important roles in pig gut health. The objective of this research was to characterize the mycobiota in gastrointestinal tract of swine raised under two very different production systems, either outdoors on pasture or indoors in a farrow-to-finish operation (conventional). Fecal samples were collected from nursery (n = 7) and growing-finishing (n = 17) pigs as well as from sows (n = 11) on each of these conventional and pasture farms. After DNA extraction, the universal fungal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region was PCR amplified and sequenced. A total of 353 fungal species spanning 234 genera and 6 phyla, were identified among all samples. Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes were found to be the relatively most abundant phyla, comprising 96% of the mycobiota. There were 56 fungal species (relative abundance ≥ 0.10%) identified as differentially abundant in the fecal mycobiota of conventionally vs. pasture-raised pigs. Of these, 11 fungal species were relatively more abundant in the conventional pigs and 45 species were enriched in the pasture pigs. Kazachstania slooffiae, Penicillium polonicum, and Vishniacozyma victoriae were most strongly associated with the pigs raised under a conventional system while Enterocarpus grenotii, Leucosporidium escuderoi, and Sagenomella oligospora were among those species linked with pasture-raised pigs. Furthermore, E. grenotii was not detected in any of the conventionally raised pigs and K. slooffiae was not identified in the pigs raised on pasture. Pasture-raised pigs had significantly greater richness (number of amplicon sequence variants) and diversity (inverse Simpson diversity) in their fecal mycobiota compared with conventionally raised pigs (P &lt; 0.05). Given these differences, it is therefore not surprising that the pigs raised under the two different systems had significantly different fungal community structures (R2 = 0.07, P &lt; 0.001). Overall, the large differences observed between the two groups of pigs are a result of differences in diet, environment, and management system. In addition to their grain-based diet, pasture-raised pigs have access to plants and soil which may enrich their gut mycobiota as observed in the present study.
PSLBI-26 Purebred-crossbred genetic parameters for sow pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Chen Ching-Yi , Knap Pieter , Bhatnagar Adria , Holl Justin W , Tsuruta Shogo , Lourenco Daniela , Misztal Ignacy 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The incidence rate of sow pelvic organ prolapses (vaginal, uterine, or rectal) has increased in recent years. Using a relatively large dataset, this study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters for sow pelvic organ prolapse in purebred and crossbred sow herds. Data were collected from 2018 to 2023 in 32 purebred and 8 crossbred farms, including records from 75,162 purebred sows of a single maternal line and 18,988 two-way crossbred commercial sows. Pelvic organ prolapse was categorized as either normal or prolapsed at the individual sow level, with average incidence rates of 1.81% and 3.93% for purebred and crossbred, respectively. Prolapses in purebred and crossbred were considered two different traits in the model. The bivariate model included fixed effects of parity group and region, and random effects of contemporary group, additive genetic and residual. The contemporary group was defined as the farm, mating year, and month at the first parity. Genetic parameters were estimated using BLUPF90+ with the AIREML option. Heritability estimates were 0.09 for purebreds and 0.11 for crossbreds, with a genetic correlation of 0.83. Results suggested that selection strategies aimed at reducing prolapse incidence in purebred herds will also benefit crossbred sow herds. Due to the low heritability, reducing the incidence of prolapse will have to rely on genetic improvement and enhanced animal management strategies.
PSLBI-23 Effects of peri-castration pain management strategies on feed and water intake, performance, and blood cortisol concentrations of weaned beef steers
Authors: Brandner Andrea K , Wright Cody , Menezes Ana Clara B 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objectives of this study were to identify if pain management strategies at the time of castration impact feed and water intake, performance, or blood cortisol concentrations in weaned beef steers. Black Angus and Simmental Angus cross bulls [n = 30; average age = 8 ± 1 mo, average body weight (BW) = 272 ± 45.5 kg] were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 1) Control (CON; n = 10 bulls), castrated via banding; 2) Analgesic (M; n = 10 bulls), received an analgesic (meloxicam; 1 mg/kg BW) immediately after banding; or 3) Anesthetic + analgesic (ML; n = 10 bulls), received an intra-scrotal and intra-cord anesthetic (total lidocaine 15 to 20 mL + 10% sodium bicarbonate) injection immediately prior to banding and an analgesic (meloxicam; 1 mg/kg BW) immediately after banding. Blood collections to measure blood cortisol concentrations were taken on d -7, -0, +0 (day of castration pre- and post-procedure, respectively), 1, and 8. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment, day, and their interaction as fixed effects and animal as a random effect. While administering analgesics or anesthetics may reduce discomfort, the results of this study showed that these pain management practices do not significantly impact (P ≥ 0.07) on feed (CON = 7.41 ± 0.27 kg; M = 7.72 ± 0.27 kg; ML = 8.06 ± 0.27 kg) and water intake (CON = 20.90 ± 0.69 kg; M = 23.04 ± 0.69 kg; ML = 22.58 ± 0.69 kg), performance (CON = 345.40 ± 12.09 kg; M = 356.97 ± 12.09 kg; ML = 331.93 ± 12.09 kg), or blood cortisol concentrations (CON = 1.01 ± 0.19 ug/Dl; M = 1.19 ± 0.19 ug/Dl; ML = 1.38 ± 0.19 ug/DL). These data indicate that peri-castration pain management strategies can be adopted at the producers’ managerial discretion.
PSLBII-12 Cloning and analysis of target-specific CRISPR RNA and screening primers to create β-lactoglobulin knock-out goat fibroblast cell lines for nuclear transfer
Authors: Singh Mahipal 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Goat milk and meat are primary or additional source of income for small farmers in large parts of the world. Goat farming is increasing in southeastern United States, due to influx of ethnic populations. Goat milk is rich in health promoting nutrients compared with other livestock milk; however, its consumption results in allergenicity in humans due to presence of β-lactoglobulin protein in milk. Although some efforts have been made to eliminate allergenicity by modifying β-lactoglobulin gene, especially in Chinese goats, more research is needed to make it a reality. The objective of this study was to design, clone and characterize CRISPR RNA (crRNA) in a plasmid vector containing Cas 9 expression cassette as well as design and analyze PCR primers for efficient screening of edited genomes as a prelude to create and analyze β-lactoglobulin knock-out goats. Three crRNAs, two from exon 1 and one from exon 2 of goat β-lactoglobulin gene with 5 base hangovers were designed and cloned individually in GeneArt CRISPR Nuclease plasmid Vector. Sequence analysis of selected plasmid clones using U 6 promoter primer, upstream of the crRNA insert, confirmed that at least 3 clones of each crRNA had the right sequence. Additionally, 4 sets (forward and reverse) of primers to amplify 4 loci in β-lactoglobulin gene flanking the crRNA sequences in goat genome were designed. PCR amplification using genomic DNA isolated from goat blood as well as goat skin fibroblasts (GSF) confirmed expected single bands of 655, 812, 502 and 437 bps with respective primer sets. Transfection of 3 crRNA clones in GSF cells and their analysis for site-specific genome modification is in progress. In conclusion, we have designed, cloned, and tested crRNA in a plasmid vector along with 4 sets of PCR primers to screen for edited genomes which will be useful to create β-lactoglobulin edited goats to eliminate milk allergenicity.
PSLBII-23 Effects of alternative production systems on growth and circulating blood profiles in Berkshire grower pigs
Authors: Hollomon Nina , Coble Derrick J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this study, we compared the growth performance and circulating blood profiles of Berkshire grower pigs maintained in two different alternative swine production systems, the dry-lot production system, and the hoop structure production system. This study was conducted during a 75-d period spanning from May to July at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Swine Facility in Greensboro, N.C. Protein expression profiles associated with growth (FGF-19, PDGF-BB, IGF-1), feed intake (CCK), stress (cortisol) and the ability to handle oxidative stress (T-AOC) were analyzed in blood plasma obtained from 24 Berkshire nursery/grower pigs. Berkshire pigs (n = 12) were managed in a 12.19 m x 18.28 m hoop structure with the end walls removed for ventilation and a straw deep bedding system. Twelve additional Berkshire nursery/grower pigs were managed in a 0.08-ha dry-lot. These animals were provided with a canopy for shade and a wallowing area for evaporative cooling. All animals were provided with ad libitum ration and water. Individual body weights (BW) and blood samples were collected at 25-d intervals throughout the 75-d trial, culminating in three different time points. Plasma was isolated from the blood samples and used for ELISA and colorimetric assays. The BioTek 800 TS absorbance reader and Gen5 Microplate Reader and Imager software (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, CA) were used to obtain and calculate the optical densities of the plasma samples, respectively. The data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA feature of JMP 17.2.0 software (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with production system and growth period considered fixed variables, while either growth rate or protein concentration were considered as the response variable. There were four significant treatment effects observed (P &lt; 0.05). Significantly greater concentrations of IGF-1, CCK, and T-AOC were detected in the plasma collected from Berkshire pigs managed in the dry-lot. Whereas those managed in the hoop structure production system had heavier BW. The results show that exposing pigs to higher temperatures can reduce feed intake and growth rates. However, this same stress elicits the release of hormones that promote growth, while enhancing the total antioxidant capacity in these animals. The results support the adoption of the hoop structure production system over the dry-lot production system when managing swine in regions that experience higher temperatures.
PSLBII-24 Effects of maintaining Berkshire grower pigs in alternative production systems on circulating cytokine profiles
Authors: Hollomon Nina , Coble Derrick J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this study, we compared the cytokine profiles in the blood plasma of Berkshire grower pigs maintained in two different alternative swine production systems, the dry-lot production system and the hoop structure production system. This study was conducted during a 75-d period spanning from May to July at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Swine Facility in Greensboro, N.C. Cytokine profiles associated with the pro-inflammatory immune response [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α] and the anti-inflammatory immune response (IL-4, IL-10) were analyzed in blood plasma obtained from Berkshire grower pigs (n = 24). Berkshire pigs (n = 12) were managed in a 12.19 m x 18.28 m hoop structure with the end walls raised for ventilation and a straw deep bedding system. Twelve additional Berkshire pigs were managed in a 0.08-ha dry-lot. These animals were provided with a canopy for shading and a wallowing area for evaporative cooling. All animals were provided with ad libitum ration and water. Blood samples were collected at 25-d intervals throughout the 75-d trial, culminating in three different time points. Plasma was isolated from the blood samples and used for ELISA and colorimetric assays. The BioTek 800 TS absorbance reader and Gen5 Microplate Reader and Imager software (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, CA) were used to obtain and calculate the optical densities of the plasma samples, respectively. In turn, the standard curve was used to obtain the correlated protein concentrations. The data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA feature of the JMP 17.2.0 statistical software (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with production system and growth period considered as fixed variables, while protein concentration was considered the response variable. There were four significant treatment effects observed (P &lt; 0.05). Significantly greater concentrations of IL-1β and IL-10 protein were detected in the plasma collected from Berkshire pigs managed in the dry-lot. Averaged across both production systems, there were greater concentrations of IL-1β and IL-10 protein detected in the blood plasma collected in growth period 1 compared with samples collected in growth periods 1 and 2. The results suggest that exposing Berkshire grower pigs to elevated temperatures during the summer elicits a dynamic immune response that favors an inflammatory response designed to destroy damaged tissues, followed by an anti-inflammatory response designed to promote tissue repair.
PSLBII-30 The effect of different soybean meal batches and protease supplementation on nutrient utilization by broiler chickens
Authors: Vieira Vivian , de Dias Isabella C , Doi Ana C B , Deda Guilherme F , Pereira Ítalo S R , de Neta Suzete P M , Felix Ananda P , Maiorka Alex 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Soybean meal (SBM) is the major protein source in broiler chicken diets. However, the thermal processing of SBM may have an impact on its protein quality, reducing its solubility when over-processed. In this context, the use of exogenous protease may reduce the negative effects that the over-processing of SBM may have on protein digestibility in broiler chickens. The present study investigated two batches of SBM in broiler chicken diets supplemented or not with protease. One-d-old male Cobb 500 (n = 360) were randomly distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (SBM batches: A and B; Protease inclusion: 0 and 50 g/t of diet). SBM protein quality was evaluated through crude protein (CP), KOH solubility, and urease activity test (UA) in batches A and B. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the structural organization of particles from SBM A and B. On d 26, ileal digesta content was collected from 6 broiler chickens that were euthanized to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ileal digestible energy (IDE). Data obtained were submitted to ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey test with a significance declared of 5% using the GLM procedure on R Software. Protein quality assessment demonstrated KOH solubility of 85% and 75% for SBM from batches A and B, respectively. For UA analysis, SBM batch A presented 0.09 and batch B of 0.01 mg N/g (Table 1). Microscopy images emphasized visual differences in particles from batches A and B. In SBM particles from batch A, disorganized cluster structures and asymmetric pores were observed, whereas in the SBM particles from batch B, insignificant pores and large cluster aggregates were visualized in a denser structure (Figure 1). The SBM batch B presented decreased AID of DM, CP, and IDE (P &lt; 0.05). Protease supplementation improved the AID of CP (P &lt; 0.05) in broilers at 26 d of age, regardless of SBM batches, but no effect was observed for DM and IDE (P &gt; 0.05; Table 2). In conclusion, SBM from batch A had greater values of KOH solubility and UA, suggesting an appropriate thermal process, and ensuring protein quality, which is demonstrated through improvement in nutrient utilization by broiler chickens. The use of 50 g of exogenous protease per t of diet improved the ileal digestibility of CP, regardless of SBM batches.