bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
287 Effects of crude glycerin supplementation of beef cattle grazing wheat pasture on forage intake and characteristics of rumen fermentation
Authors: Lucero Naomi , Soto-Navarro Sergio A , Campa-Madrid Sara E , Carrera Vinicio , Ropp Kate E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Crude glycerin (CG), mainly composed of glycerin, is a by-product of biodiesel production. Glycerin can be utilized as a substrate of gluconeogenesis by either rapid fermentation to propionate in the rumen or can be directly absorbed through the rumen epithelial wall, resulting in the conversion to glucose in the liver. Therefore, CG supplementation may increase the energy intake of cattle grazing wheat pasture. Ruminally cannulated Angus-crossbred cows [n = 9; 564.4 ±101.6 kg initial body weight (BW)] grazing wheat pasture were utilized in a split-plot design with the objective of evaluating the effects of CG supplementation and forage maturity on forage intake and rumen fermentation characteristics. Treatment was the main plot, and stage of forage maturity was the subplot. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and crude glycerin supplementation (SUP; 37.2% glycerin, DM basis) dosed at 0.11% BW (DM basis). Supplementation levels correspond to 5% of the diet, assuming forage intake of 2.2% of BW on a DM basis. The stages of wheat maturity pasture were March (MAR; vegetative stage) and April (APR; early reproductive stage). Cows grazed a single wheat pasture and were supplemented directly through the rumen cannula twice daily at 0700 and 1900 h. Forage intake in kg/d and as % of BW was greater (P = 0.04) for SUP than CON. Ruminal pH, ammonia, and VFA concentrations, as well as proportions of VFAs, were not affected by CG supplementation (P ≥ 0.34; Table 1). However, ruminal pH (5.77 and 5.99 ± 0.049) and ammonia concentration (0.67 and 3.37 ± 0.307 mM) were greater, while total VFA concentration (136.3 and 110.8 ± 5.23 mM) was less (P = 0.01) for APR compared with MAR. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate molar proportions, as well as acetate: propionate ratio, were not affected (P ≥ 0.27) by the stage of wheat pasture maturity. Results indicate that crude glycerin used as an ingredient in supplementation strategies for cattle grazing wheat pasture may increase cattle energy intake without negatively affecting forage intake and ruminal fermentation.
PSII-6 Tick infestation and its implications on health and welfare of cattle under pastoral system in Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Olufemi Mobolaji , Alabi Oyekemi S , Adeyanju Taiwo , Ajayi Mary-Ann 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The pastoral system is a predominant form of cattle production in Nigeria, characterized by extensive grazing on communal lands. However, this system is challenged by various factors, including tick infestation, which significantly affects cattle health and welfare hence this investigation which aims to provide an in-depth understanding of tick infestation in the context of Nigerian pastoral systems, emphasizing its impact on cattle health and welfare. The country harbors a diverse array of tick species that affect cattle. These ticks belong to different genera, including Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Hyalomma, among others. Each species has unique characteristics, life cycles, and host preferences, contributing to the complexity of tick infestation dynamics in pastoral settings. Tick infestation has numerous detrimental effects on cattle health. The direct effects include blood loss, anemia, skin damage due to feeding, and the transmission of pathogens that cause diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and theileriosis. Indirectly, tick infestation can lead to reduced productivity, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to other diseases. The welfare of cattle in Nigerian pastoral systems is significantly impacted by tick infestation. Infested cattle often exhibit signs of distress, including restlessness, reduced grazing activity, and altered behavior. Furthermore, the discomfort caused by tick bites can lead to chronic stress, compromising the overall welfare of the animals. Effective tick control is crucial for mitigating the impact of infestation on cattle health and welfare. Strategies such as acaricide application, pasture management, genetic selection for tick resistance cattle, and vaccination against tick-borne diseases are commonly used. Tick infestation presents a significant challenge to cattle production under the pastoral system in Nigeria. It not only impacts cattle health but also compromises their welfare. Addressing the issue of tick infestation requires a multifaceted approach that integrates effective control strategies with sustainable management practices. Further research is needed to develop tailored interventions that account for the unique characteristics of Nigerian pastoral systems, ultimately ensuring the well-being and productivity of cattle in these settings.
PSIII-29 Evaluating the efficacy of bioelectrical impedance analysis using machine learning models for the classification of parasitized goats
Authors: Terrill Thomas H , Siddique Aftab , Erukulla Tharun Tej , Batchu Phaneendra , Chelkapally Sai , Brown davia , Stegall Kensley , Kannan Govind , Mahapatra Ajit , Panda Sudhanshu , Morgan Eric , van Wyk Jan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Rapid identification and evaluation of animal health condition is one of the most important concerns when it comes to livestock productivity, particularly for small ruminants susceptible to infection from blood-feeding gastrointestinal nematodes, like Haemonchus contortus. The present study was designed to optimize the process of differentiating parasite infected goats from healthy goats. This study used male intact Spanish goats (n = 65), aiming to establish a proof of concept for the efficacy of bioelectrical impedance, specifically through the metrics of Resistance, and Reactance, in identifying the health status of goats. The research involved the development and comparative analysis of seven machine learning (ML) models, divided into four classification-based models and three regression models, to assess their capabilities in accurately classifying goats based on bioelectrical properties. The data for this study were gathered from live animals using CQR 3.0 (Sea food analytics), with measurements taken from both ear and tail ends to ensure comprehensive and reliable bioelectrical readings. Among the classification models evaluated, the Random Forest Classification model emerged as the most effective, demonstrating a validation accuracy of 71.8% and a testing accuracy of 77.1%. This was closely followed by the K-NN Classification model, which showed a promising testing accuracy of 86.7%. Conversely, the Support Vector Machines and Boosting Classification models displayed decreased accuracies, indicating variability in the performance of classification models in this context. The regression models, evaluated through metrics such as Mean Squared Error (MSE) and R-square, revealed the K-NN Regression model as the most proficient, with the least Test MSE of 0.13 and an R-square of 0.482. This suggests a moderate correlation and predictive capability in determining the health status of goats based on bioelectrical impedance measurements. The Decision Tree Regression and Support Vector Regressor models showed varying degrees of effectiveness, with the latter indicating a minimal R-square value, highlighting the challenges in applying regression models to this domain. The conducted proof of concept research not only underscores the potential of bioelectrical impedance analysis in veterinary diagnostics, but also opens avenues for further refinement of ML algorithms in classifying and predicting the health status of farm animals. The outcomes of this study could significantly influence management strategies for small ruminants, offering a non-invasive, rapid, and potentially cost-effective tool for early detection of parasitism, thereby enhancing animal welfare and productivity in the agricultural sector.
PSI-22 Evaluating colonization success of Bacteroidetes from different host origin in broiler chickens
Authors: Sharma Usha Sivakumar , Marcolla Camila S , Willing Benjamin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Current broiler production practices that aim to maximize biosecurity have limited chick exposure to beneficial microbes. Previous research highlights a notable disparity in Bacteroidetes abundance and taxonomy between birds reared under intensive and extensive systems. Building upon this, we hypothesized that Bacteroidetes strains populating intensively raised birds may originate from human sources, potentially leading to varied colonization efficiencies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the colonization patterns of diverse Bacteroidetes strains within the chicken gastrointestinal tract. One day-old broiler birds (n = 63) were raised in individually ventilated isolators accommodating 3 birds per cage. The chicks were subjected to inoculation either via oral gavage with 150 µL of glycerol stock containing 1x104 colony forming units (CFU)/mL; or spray method (2 mL per cage) using chicken-derived, human-derived, and a combination of Bacteroidetes strains. Notably, birds administered via oral gavage displayed an increase in body weight gain by d 07 compared with their counterparts treated via spray and the control group (P &lt; 0.01). Subsequent quantification of Bacteroidetes, Enterobacteriaceae, and total bacteria using qPCR revealed that oral gavage resulted in more successful Bacteroidetes colonization at d 14 (P &lt; 0.01). Moreover, discernible variations were noted in total bacterial abundance across treatment cohorts. It can be concluded that the method of inoculation appears to influence the initial colonization patterns of Bacteroidetes in the chicken gut, or that inoculation in the environment requires a higher dose. Amplicon sequencing that is underway will reveal the success of the Bacteroidetes from different host origin and the most successful strains of chicken origin. Overall, enhanced growth coincided with more successful Bacteroidetes colonization, identifying them as potential targets for enhanced broiler performance. Further investigation is warranted to determine if Bacteroidetes from different sources demonstrate varying colonization efficiencies.
PSI-2 Molecular mechanisms regulating feed efficiency and muscle growth in beef cattle
Authors: Ascolese Sophia , Myer Phillip R , Beever Jonathan E , Rowan Troy N , Moisa Sonia , Ault-Seay Taylor , Henniger Madison T 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Animals with greater feed efficiency use fewer resources to produce skeletal muscle, the primary product in beef production. As muscle represents approximately 50% of BW in beef cattle, efficient utilization of feed is interconnected with growth. However, little is known about molecular pathways interconnecting these two components of production. The overall objective of the study was to determine relationships between feed efficiency and growth at the molecular level in skeletal muscle of beef cattle. The specific objective of this study was to identify genes and pathways that are associated with variation in ADG, as an index of growth. We hypothesize that increased expression of genes involved in energy utilization are associated with greater ADG. Angus steers (n = 100) were enrolled in 70-d feed efficiency trials using the Vytelle GrowSafe 8000 individual feed intake monitoring system. Muscle samples (~ 500 ug) were collected via needle biopsy from the wing of the ileum between the axis and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae during the last 30 d of the trial. Samples were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C. Frozen tissue was pulverized and RNA extracted from ~ 50mg/sample using a commercial kit (zymoresearch.com). Quality was verified using Agilent 4200 Tapestation (agilent.com). Libraries were constructed using SMART Seq v4 3’ DE Kit. Libraries were assessed for quality and quantity, and subsequently pooled for sequencing using a Novaseq 6000 (illumina.com). STAR RNA-seq aligner was used to map the reads to the bovine genome (ARS-UCD_2.0). Animals were ranked according to ADG and grouped by 20th percentile; the first, third, and fifth groups were designated as “Very Low”, “Medium”, and “Very High”, respectively. Expression profiles between the groups were compared using DESeq2 in R (version 3.5). A total of 1,199 genes were identified as differentially expressed (fdr P-value &lt; 0.05). Gene sets were functionally annotated using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (david.ncifcrf.gov). Genes expressed at greater levels in Very High ADG steers were significantly enriched (fdr P -value &lt; 0.05) in Gene Ontology(GO) functions related to cellular metabolism (226 of 1199 genes). In addition, 92 genes in this set were associated with the KEGG pathway for VEGF/VEGFR-2 signaling, which regulates angiogenesis and has been associated with muscle growth. Genes expressed at greater levels in Very Low ADG steers were significantly enriched in GO terms related to proteasome degradation and mitophagy, both of which have been associated with muscle loss. In conclusion, these results support that variation in cellular metabolism contributes to variation in muscle growth, as reflected by ADG. They also highlight angiogenesis as a pathway that is worthy of further investigation for its role in beef cattle production.
PSI-20 Red clover as a functional feed: Effects on feed efficiency of finishing ram lambs
Authors: Ragsdale Macy E , Ely Donald G , Weinert-Nelson Jennifer R , Hamilton Tracy A , Purvis Katherine G , Jacobs Alayna A , Hamilton Matthew C , Jacks Whitney Leann , Davis Sydney , Bauman Amanda , Davis Brittany E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Red clover (RC) contains a secondary metabolite called biochanin A that has previously been demonstrated to increase body weight (BW) gain and feed efficiency (FE) while depressing dry matter intake (DMI) in ram lambs when incorporated at levels as low as 7.5% of a total high concentrate finishing diet. The objective of the study was to determine if decreased levels of RC hay supplementation would produce similar effects. It was hypothesized that RC supplementation at levels below 7.5% of the total diet would improve FE by decreasing DMI while subsequently increasing average daily gain (ADG). The study was repeated over 2 yr (2023 and 2024; n = 32 lambs yr-1). Individually-housed Polypay ram lambs (n = 64; age = 97.68 ± 1.15 d; initial BW = 32.21 ± 0.89 kg) were utilized in a randomized complete block design and fed one of four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets (85:15 concentrate:roughage ratio; n = 16 rams per diet): a control diet in which the roughage component (15.0% wt/wt of total diet) consisted of orchardgrass hay, 2.5%-RC (roughage: 2.5% RC; 12.5% orchardgrass wt/wt), 5.0%-RC (roughage: 5.0% RC; 10% orchardgrass wt/wt), and 7.5%-RC (roughage: 7.5% RC; 7.5% orchardgrass wt/wt). Study years were subdivided into periods for performance comparisons (period 1 = 0-21 d, period 2 = 21-42 d, total = 0-42 d). Lamb BW and feed intake were measured weekly. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED with repeated measures in SAS (v.9.4, SAS inst. Inc., Cary, NC). There were no differences in ADG across period 1 between treatments (P = 0.5). However, lambs fed 2.5% and 5% RC diets exhibited greater ADG when compared with lambs fed the control in period 2 (P = 0.03) and across the total study period (P = 0.09). The DMI was greatest in lambs on the control during period one (P =0.09), with no treatment effect during period 2 or across the total study period (P &gt; 0.1). Lambs fed the 2.5% and 5% RC treatments had greater FE during period 1 (P &lt; 0.05), while FE was greater in 2.5% and 7.5% RC treatments during period 2 compared with lambs on control (P &lt; 0.05). Although FE was numerically greater in all RC treatments versus the control across the full study period, this difference was not significant (P = 0.19). These results suggest that supplementing red clover at levels below 7.5% can promote BW gain and FE in ram lambs fed a high-concentrate finishing diet.
PSI-19 Functional rumen microbiological characteristics of conventionally versus artificially reared triplet Polypay lambs from birth to weaning
Authors: Purvis Katherine G , Weinert-Nelson Jennifer R , Ely Donald G , Flythe Michael D D , May John , Hamilton Tracy A , Ferrell Jessica L , Jacks Whitney Leann , Hamilton Matthew C , Davis Brittany E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Artificial rearing remains an integral practice in sheep production largely due to the unique prolificacy of ewes as opposed to other species. Research has demonstrated slower growth and reduced performance of lambs reared on milk replacer when compared with conventionally reared lambs, but little is known about the functional development of the rumen microbial community. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in functional rumen microbiological characteristics between conventionally (CR) and artificially (AR) reared lambs. We hypothesized that AR lambs would have slower rumen microbial community development than CR lambs, with consequent impacts on circulating metabolites. Polypay ewes (n = 9) bearing triplets were selected for the study. One lamb from each set was removed from the ewe 24 h after birth and placed on milk replacer. AR lambs were weaned on d 45 and CR lambs were weaned on d 60. A standard concentrate creep diet and alfalfa hay was made available ad libitum to both CR and AR lambs throughout the entire pre-weaning period. Rumen samples were collected via oral intubation and blood samples via jugular venipuncture on d 2 (blood only), 15, 45, and 60. Rumen bacterial functional guilds were enumerated via serial dilution and serum metabolites quantified via LC-MS. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS (v. 9.4, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). No differences between treatments were found for average daily gain (gּ d-1) over the pre-weaning period (P = 0.12). Cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen increased during the pre-weaning period (P &lt; 0.01), with proliferation noted for both treatments from d 15 to d 45 (P &lt; 0.05). However, the magnitude of this proliferation differed between pre-weaning management, with a 1,000-fold increase for CR lambs, but only a 10-fold increase for AR lambs from d 15 to d 45 (P &lt; 0.05). This resulted in a 100-fold difference between treatments on d 45 which persisted to d 60 (P &lt; 0.05). Circulating β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations also increased over the pre-weaning period (P &lt; 0.01), and were consistently less for AR (134.17 ± 15.04 mmolּ L-1) than CR lambs (209.21 ± 15.04 mmolּ L-1; P = 0.01). Conversely, circulating glucose decreased in both AR and CR lambs from d 2 to 60 (P = 0.06), with CR lambs having decreased concentrations detected on d 2 and 45 (P &lt; 0.05). These results indicate potential delays in rumen development of AR lambs, supported by the differences observed in rumen cellulolytics and circulating metabolites when compared with CR lambs. These results could suggest implications for impaired dietary utilization and subsequent growth of AR lambs post-weaning, especially those managed on high-forage diets.
PSI-14 Serum energy metabolite and mineral concentrations in a contemporary flock of Western white-faced ewes during the periparturient period
Authors: Laverell Dylan M , Murphy Tom W , Engle Terry E , Kersh Aaron J , Mills Joe B , Stewart Whit C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Ewe prolificacy and litter weight has increased in Western U.S. sheep flocks potentially leading to greater prevalence of metabolic dysfunction around the periparturient period. Thus, the objective of this research was to quantify serum energy metabolites and minerals in a flock of Rambouillet ewes. A total of 56 ewes [2 to 5 yr; 92.4 ± 0.56 kg body weight (BW] with an average litter size (NLB) of 1.84 ± 0.08 (single n = 15, 27%; twin n = 35, 62%; triplet n = 6, 11%) were evaluated. Blood was collected on d -21, -14, -7, 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 relative to parturition. Serum concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and minerals were quantified. Data were analyzed as repeated measures with fixed effects of ewe age (2 to 5 yr), sampling timepoint, NLB (1 or ≥ 2), and their interactions. There was a NLB x sampling timepoint interaction for serum Cl where multiple bearing ewes had greater concentration at d -14 (P = 0.03) and single bearing ewes had greater concentration on d -7 (P = 0.01; Figure 1). The NLB x ewe age interaction was significant for serum Fe where concentrations were greater for multiple than single bearing 4-yr-old ewes but greater for single than multiple bearing 5-yr-old ewes (Figure 1; P ≤ 0.05). As main effects (Table 1), 2-yr-old ewes had greater serum glucose than 4-yr-old ewes (P = 0.04), and 4-yr-old ewes had greater serum Ca than 3-yr-old ewes (P = 0.02). Multiple bearing ewes had had greater BHBA and NEFA (P ≤ 0.001) than single bearing ewes. Proportions of ewes within normal concentrations of key serum elements were glucose (single: 100%, multiple: 95%); BHBA (single: 100%, multiple: 49%); NEFA (single: 93%, multiple: 37%); and Ca (single: 100%, multiple: 100%). Serum BHBA and NEFA peaked at d 14, while serum K, Na, Co, Mn, and Mo peaked at d -21. Serum Se was least at d -21 and peaked at d 0. Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated between average serum metabolite concentrations before parturition (PRE; d -21, -14, -7) and after parturition (POST; d 7, 14, 21, 28; Table 2). A moderate positive correlation between PRE-Glucose and POST-Glucose (P = 0.03) and strong negative correlations between PRE-Glucose and PRE-BHBA and PRE-Glucose and PRE-NEFA were observed (P ≤ 0.001). Additionally, BHBA and NEFA were positively correlated within the PRE and POST timepoints (P &lt; 0.001). Ewe age and NLB drive metabolic demands during different timepoints in the periparturient period. Litter size does contribute to increased BHBA and NEFA, increasing the risk for pregnancy toxemia. Increased nutritional intervention of prolific, semi-extensively managed Western white-faced ewes should be considered to reduce the risk of metabolic stress.