bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
79 Evaluating the effects of increasing levels of sodium diformate on nursery pig performance
Authors: Becker Gracie , Gaffield Katelyn , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , Lohrmann Troy , Lückstädt Christian , Gebhardt Jordan T 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Organic acids, such as formic acid, are commonly used as acidifiers in swine diets. Forms of formic acid include salts of sodium, calcium, or potassium. Previous research has shown positive results using potassium diformate in swine diets including improved nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and altered gut microbiota. Additionally, recent data has shown increasing levels of sodium diformate improved growth performance in finishing pigs; however, additional data are needed in nursery pigs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing sodium diformate in nursery diets on growth performance. Weanling barrows [n = 360; DNA 200 × 400; initial body weight (BW) = 5.9 ± 0.06 kg] were used in a 38-d study. At weaning, pigs were randomly assigned to pens with 5 pigs per pen. Each pen was randomly allocated to 1 of 6 treatments in a completely randomized design with 12 replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were formulated to provide none, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80, 1.00, or 1.20% sodium diformate (Formi NDF, ADDCON, Nordic AS, Porsgrunn, Norway) at the expense of corn. Experimental diets were fed in 3 phases: phase 1 from weaning to d 9, phase 2 from d 9 to 24, and phase 3 from d 24 to 38. Feces was collected on d 9 and 24 from 3 pigs per pen to determine fecal dry matter (DM). All data were analyzed using a linear mixed model with treatment as a fixed effect and barn as a random intercept. Contrast statements were used to evaluate the linear and quadratic dose response to increasing sodium diformate inclusion. All statistical models were fit using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS version 9.4 (Cary, NC). From d 0 to 24 (phase 1 and 2), gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased (linear, P = 0.001) as sodium diformate increased in the diet (Table). However, sodium diformate did not affect (P &gt; 0.10) average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). From d 24 to 38 (phase 3), there was no evidence of differences (P &gt; 0.10) due to increasing sodium diformate for any growth response criteria. For the overall experimental period (d 0 to 38), increasing sodium diformate did not affect (P &gt; 0.10) ADG, ADFI, or G:F. Overall mortality was 0.8% and was not influenced (P &gt; 0.10) by treatment. There was no evidence for differences (P &gt; 0.10) in fecal DM on d 9. However, fecal DM decreased (linear, P &lt; 0.05; quadratic, P = 0.097) as sodium diformate increased in the diet on d 24 with pigs fed 0.40% sodium diformate having the greatest fecal DM. In conclusion, these data suggest increasing levels of sodium diformate has the potential to improve feed efficiency in the early nursey period but did not affect performance in the late nursery.
85 The influence of supplementing isolated or intact structural fiber on the physicochemical properties of digesta and fecal consistency of nursery pigs
Authors: Lloyd Alexis , Pace Bre , Cardona Erick Fuentes , Miller Hannah , Self Rachel , Murphy Isabella , Kellesvig Leah M , Metz Michaela , Petry Amy L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In human nutrition, functional fiber refers to isolated non-digestible carbohydrates with physiological roles, while structural fiber pertains to those that are intrinsic and intact in plants. Increasing dietary fiber in post-weaning pig diets has been shown to improve gastrointestinal health and alter fecal consistency. However, minimal research has been conducted on the role of supplementing isolated functional or structural fiber that are chemically insoluble in nursery diets. The experimental objective was to evaluate the effect of functional or structural insoluble fiber supplementation on the physicochemical properties of digesta and feces during the nursery period. A total of 256 newly weaned pigs were randomly assigned to one of four treatments across two replications with 4 pigs per pen and 16 pens per treatment for a 35-d study. The average initial pig body weight (BW) was 5.13 ± 0.65 kg and same sex pens were used and balanced across treatments. Dietary treatments consisted of a control nursery diet (PC), PC with 3% soy hulls (NC), PC with 2% isolated lignocellulose (ISO), and PC with 2% structural lignocellulose (STR). Treatments were fed across phase 1 (d 0-7) and phase 2 (d 7-21) diets, and a common diet was fed in phase 3 (d 21-35). On d 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, fresh fecal samples were collected to determine water binding capacity (WBC), water swelling capacity (WSC), and fecal dry matter (DM). Fecal scores were also evaluated using a predefined scale (1 = solid; 4 = liquid). On d 21, one pig per pen closest to the mean BW was necropsied, and ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta were collected. Continuous data were analyzed as a linear mixed model (PROC MIXED) with treatment, sex, and period as fixed effects, replicate as a random effect, and initial BW as a covariate where appropriate. Fecal scores were analyzed using a multinomial model in PROC GENMOD and FREQ. Pigs fed ISO and STR tended to have greater fecal DM (24.1%, 24.6%, 25.4%, and 26.29% for PC, NC, ISO, and STR, respectively; P = 0.071). There was a greater proportion of solid and semi-solid feces in pigs fed ISO (P = 0.039). Fecal WBC was greatest in pigs fed PC, with NC and ISO performing intermediately, and STR having the least (2.66, 2.55, 2.50, and 2.39 mL/g of DM for PC, NC, ISO, and STR, respectively; P = 0.071). Fecal WSC increased with time (P &lt; 0.001), but there was no impact of treatment (P = 0.983). Ileal digesta pH was decreased in NC and STR, relative to PC and ISO, (P = 0.007). There tended to be a similar response for cecal pH (P = 0.092). Pigs fed PC tended to have the greatest colonic WBC (P = 0.058). Collectively, supplementing isolated or structural lignocellulose can alter the physicochemical properties of nursery pig feces.
89 Evaluation of repeatability of anogenital distance measured with either a caliper or photogrammetry
Authors: Olalde Andres , Ewing Kylie P , McCann Joshua C , Shike Daniel W W 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The objective was to determine the repeatability of anogenital distance (AGD) measurements over time in growing heifers and evaluate the relationship of photogrammetric and caliper AGD measurements. Reproductive success is one of the most important determinants of profitability in the beef industry. However, fertility traits generally have low heritability, and there are few phenotypic traits that correlate to fertility in beef cattle. The AGD is the distance from the center of the rectum to the base of the clitoris. Recently, researchers in dairy cattle have reported a correlation between shorter AGD and improved fertility. In the published dairy research, AGD has been measured with the use of calipers. Photogrammetric measurement could be a quicker and safer way of taking the measurement and easier to implement on farm. Heifers (n = 153), either Angus or Hereford sired by commercial dams, were used in the analysis. Heifers were early weaned at 82 ± 7 d of age. Following weaning, heifers were managed in partially covered, dry lot pens and fed a moderate roughage growing diet. The heifers rotationally grazed predominantly tall fescue pastures beginning in April of 2023. Heifer AGD was evaluated monthly from June to September. Heifers weighed 210 ± 22 kg and 282 ± 6 d of age at the time of the first AGD measurements. Heifer body weight was collected monthly at time of AGD measurements. The heifers were restrained in a squeeze chute and had their tail held in a relaxed upright position and AGD was measured with a caliper. Immediately following caliper measurements, anogenital photographs were taken with an Iphone 14 plus. A white board with a forensic photomacrographic scale attached and the ear tag number recorded on the right corner was held adjacent to the vulva and was included in the photograph. Photographs were converted from HEIC to JPEG. A software program, Digitizer, was used to set the measurement scale using the forensic photomacrographic scale. The AGD was then digitally measured from the center of the rectum to the base of the clitoris. Repeatability of AGD and relationship of caliper and photogrammetric AGD were evaluated using the CORR procedure of SAS 9.4. Caliper AGD measurements were repeatable as all of the time points were moderately correlated (r ≥ 0.47; P ≤ 0.01) throughout the evaluation period. Photogrammetric AGD measurements were also repeatable as all of the time points were correlated (r ≥ 0.21; P ≤ 0.02) throughout the evaluation period. Photogrammetric AGD had a moderate correlation (r ≥ 0.44; P ≤ 0.01) with the caliper AGD measurements. In conclusion, AGD measurements were repeatable in growing heifers regardless of measurement method. Photogrammetric measurements may be a viable option for estimating AGD as they were strongly correlated to caliper measurements of AGD.
91 The effect of increasing oat groat levels on nursery pig performance, digesta pH, and fecal consistency and physicochemical properties in young pig diets
Authors: Pace Bre , Lloyd Alexis , Murphy Isabella , Miller Hannah , Petry Amy L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Post-weaning growth delay in pigs is a well-documented challenge associated with the stressors inherent in the weaning process. Oat-based dietary interventions have shown potential in improving fecal consistency, increasing feed intake, and improving feed efficiency. However, the direct effect of oat groats on the fecal physicochemical properties and dry matter (DM) is largely unknown. The experimental objective was to evaluate increasing inclusions of oat groats in young pig diets on pig performance, digesta pH, and fecal consistency and physicochemical properties. Newly weaned pigs (n = 128) with an initial body weight (BW) of 5.4 ± 0.27 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (n = 8 split sex pens) for a 35-d study. Dietary treatments consisted of 0%, 5%, 10% or 15% inclusion of oat groats at the expense of corn. Treatments were applied across 2 dietary phases and a common diet fed during phase 3: d 0-7 (phase 1), d 7-21 (phase 2), d 21-35 (phase 3). On d 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, pigs and feeders were weighed, pen fecal samples were collected, and fecal scores were evaluated using a 4-point scale (1 = solid, 2 = semi-solid, 3 = semi-liquid, 4 = liquid). Fresh fecal samples were analyzed for water binding capacity (WBC), and fecal DM. On d 14, one pig per pen closest to the mean BW was necropsied, and ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta pH were measured. Continuous data were analyzed as a linear mixed model (PROC MIXED) with treatment and period as fixed effects, and initial BW as a covariate where appropriate. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of increased inclusion. Fecal scores were analyzed using odd logistic regression. There was a linear increase in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) as oat groat inclusion increased from d 0-7 and d 7-14 (Linear P &lt; 0.05). However, from d 14 to 21, and d 21 to 35 there was no longer an impact of oat inclusion on ADG (P &gt; 0.782) or ADFI (P &gt; 0.405). Feed efficiency did not differ among treatments (P &gt; 0.71). Oat groat inclusion had no effect on fecal scores throughout the study (P = 0.743). However, fecal DM% increased as oat groat inclusion did on d 7 and 14 (Linear P &lt; 0.01), and fecal WBC tended to be increased in 5% and 10% oat groat diets (Diet; P = 0.063). Ileal and colonic pH did not differ among treatments, but cecal pH tended to be less in pigs fed 10 and 15% oat groats (P = 0.089). In conclusion, increasing oat groats in nursery diets increased ADFI, ADG, and altered fecal DM, but did not impact feed efficiency.
81 Effects of udder quarter location on colostrum yield, nutrients, and immunoglobulin G in beef heifers
Authors: Caple Jessalyn E , Rathert-Williams Abigail R , Redifer Colby A , McFadden Thomas B , Meyer Allison M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We hypothesized that colostrum total nutrients and immunoglobulin G (IgG) would not be affected by side of the udder, but that they would be greater in the rear versus the front half of the udder due to difference in volume of colostrum produced. Complete colostrum yield was collected individually from each quarter pre-suckling [40.5 ± 21.0 min (SD)] from fall-calving crossbred beef heifers (body weight = 472 ± 34 kg; body condition score (= 5.3 ± 0.4) that were either individually-fed 100% (control; n = 12) or 70% (nutrient restricted; n = 12) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements from d 160 of gestation to calving. Analysis of colostrum lactose, protein, triglycerides, and free glucose was performed using colorimetric assays on a UV-visible light microplate reader. Colostrum IgG was analyzed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Quarter yield, nutrient or IgG concentration, and total nutrients or IgG were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS with fixed effects of udder location, nutritional plane, and their interaction in the model. Nutritional plane was not part of the current objective, but was included to account for variation in colostrum yield due to nutrient restriction, as we have previously reported. Separate statistical comparisons were made between the front and rear quarters and between the right and left quarters of the udder, with each quarter considered a sampling unit within each experimental unit (half) for both analyses. The interaction of udder location × nutritional plane did not affect (P ≥ 0.11) any variable. Nutrient restriction decreased (P ≤ 0.03) colostrum yield, total lactose, and total free glucose compared with controls. Front quarters produced less volume (P &lt; 0.001; 36.2% of total); total lactose, protein, and free glucose (P ≤ 0.02; 34.3 to 43.3%); and total IgG (P &lt; 0.001; 33.7%) than rear quarters. Front quarters tended to produce less (P = 0.07; 43.3%) total triglycerides than rear quarters. Lactose concentration was 10.5% greater (P = 0.05) in front compared with rear quarters, but other nutrient or IgG concentrations were not affected (P ≥ 0.18). Udder side did not affect total volume (P = 0.78), total nutrients (P ≥ 0.36), or total IgG (P = 0.79). The left side represented 50.7% of the total volume and 50.1 to 53.4% of total nutrients and IgG produced. Concentration of nutrients and IgG also were not affected (P ≥ 0.31) by udder side. In conclusion, colostrum did not differ between udder sides, but, relative to front quarters, rear quarters produced greater nutrient and IgG yield due to greater colostrum volume with minimal differences in nutrient or IgG concentrations.
90 Evaluating water- and feed-based arginine supplementation on newly weaned pig growth and gastrointestinal health
Authors: Bohr Ayva , Hagen Chloe S , Haydon Keith D , Greiner Laura L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to assess the influence of arginine (Arg) supplementation in water and/or feed on the growth performance and gastrointestinal health of newly weaned pigs. Pigs (n = 240; PIC 337 Χ 1050, Genus, Henderson, TN) were randomly allocated into 80 mixed-sex test pens and subjected to a 2 Χ 4 factorial design, with two levels of Arg supplementation in water (0% or 8% stock, dosed through a 1:128 proportioner) for the first phase (d 0-7), and four dietary arginine levels (0.85, 0.95, 1.05, and 1.15 standardized ileal digestible (SID) Arg to Lysine (Lys) ratios for the first two phases (d 0-7 and 7-21). All treatments were provided a common diet (0.96 SID Arg:Lys) for the last phase d 21- 42. One pig per pen underwent a dual sugar absorption test of lactulose at 500 mg/kg and mannitol at 50 mg/kg of body weight (BW) via gastric tube on d 7 and 21, with blood plasma collected 4 h post-administration. The pig tested on d 7 was subsequently euthanized for intestinal tissue collection. Pen growth performance and feed disappearance were evaluated for 3 phases; d 0-7, 7-21, and 21-42. The statistical analysis utilized generalized linear mixed model methods (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC) with the main effects of SID Arg:Lys in the feed and Arg level within the water, and the interaction between the two. Pen was the experimental unit. Orthogonal contrasts were tested for the linear and quadratic effects of the diet. Growth performance during the 1st period exhibited variability, reflected by negative gain to feed ratio (G:F), caused by health challenges of Rotavirus A. Consequently, data were analyzed separately for each phase. Increasing dietary SID Arg:Lys caused a significant linear effect (improvement; P = 0.04) on final BW (18.47 and 21.90 kg, for 0.85 and 1.15 SID Arg:Lys, respectively). However, discernible differences between dietary treatments were not observed (P &gt; 0.1). Similarly, a trend (P = 0.09) suggested a linear impact of dietary SID Arg:Lys on average daily gain during the third phase (d 21-42). In terms of intestinal absorption and morphology, Arg supplementation, whether through water or diet, had no effect on lactulose and mannitol absorption on both d 7 and d 21, nor did it impact villous height, crypt depth, or the villi:crypt ratio in ileum tissues collected on d 7 post-weaning. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Arg increased final BW but had no clear impacts on intestinal health within the variables measured, potentially impacted by the rotavirus diagnosis in the first week post wean.
80 Substitution of dried distiller’s grains with soybean meal on beef cattle diets: Effects on ruminal ammonia and volatile fatty acid concentrations
Authors: Macholan Natasha L , Jardon Grace , Colombo Elissa , Smith Zachary K , Rusche Warren C , Menezes Ana Clara Baiao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substitution of dried distiller grains with soybean meal on beef cattle diets in ruminal ammonia and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Red Angus steers [n = 4; body weight (BW) = 360 ± 9 kg] with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas, were used in a 4 × 4 latin square. Diets (TMR) consisted of dry-rolled corn (70%), hay (10%), liquid supplement (5%), and test ingredients (15%). Treatments were [dry matter (DM) basis]: 1) 15.0% DDGS (CON); SBM in replacement of 50% of DDGS (SBM50); SBM in replacement of 75% of DDGS (SBM75), and SBM in replacement of 100% of DDGS (SBM100). Each period lasted 18-d, consisting of a 7-d diet adaptation followed by an 11-d collection period. Rumen fluid was collected at -2, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h post-feeding on d 16. Ruminal digesta was strained through two layers of cheesecloth and two 10-mL aliquots of ruminal fluid were collected and stored at −20°C until further analysis of ammonia and VFA concentrations. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment, sampling time, and their interaction as fixed effects, and animal and period as random effects. No treatment by day interactions (P ≥ 0.84) were observed for ammonia or VFA. Ammonia concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for SBM75 compared with SBM100 and CON, with intermediate values observed for SBM50 (Table 1). Moreover, ammonia was greater (P ≤ 0.01) at 0h compared with 6, 8, and 12h post-feeding. Acetate was greater (P ≤ 0.01) for SBM75 and SBM100 compared with CON and SBM50. Concentrations of propionate were greatest (P ≤ 0.01) for SBM100 and least for CON, with SBM50 and SBM75 being intermediate. Further, propionate was greater (P ≤ 0.01) at 16h compared with 0 and 2 h post-feeding, with all other times being intermediate. Isobutyrate was less (P ≤ 0.01) for CON than all other treatments, and greater concentrations (P ≤ 0.01) were observed at -2 compared with 14 and 16 h post-feeding. Butyrate was greatest (P ≤ 0.01) in SBM75, followed by CON and SBM50; SBM50 was similar to SBM100. Butyrate concentrations were similar -2 and 0 h post feeding, which were less (P ≤ 0.01) than all other times. Isovalerate was greater (P ≤ 0.01) for CON than SBM50 and SBM75, and similar to SBM100. Valerate was greatest (P ≤ 0.01) for SBM75 and SBM100 followed by SBM 50 and CON which had the least valerate value. Overall, our results show that SBM75 resulted in greater concentrations of ammonia, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and valerate compared with CON. These data suggest that 75% substitution of DDGS with SBM has the potential to optimize microbial fermentation. To complement these results, we are currently evaluating rumen protein degradation profiles and amino acid flow to small intestine.
88 Ruminal degradation profiles of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein of finishing diets with different levels of inclusion of dried distiller’s grains plus solubles and soybean meal
Authors: Moening Katherine M , Jardon Grace , Colombo Elissa , Smith Zachary K , Rusche Warren C , Menezes Ana Clara Baiao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the ruminal degradation profile of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) in concentrate-based diets with different levels of inclusion of dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal (SBM). Red Angus steers [n = 4; body weight (BW) = 360 ± 9 kg] with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas, were used in a 4 × 4 latin square. Diets (TMR) consisted of dry-rolled corn (70%), hay (10%), liquid supplement (5%), and test ingredients (15%). Treatments were (DM basis): 1) 15.0% DDGS (CON); SBM in replacement of 50% of DDGS (SBM50); SBM in replacement of 75% of DDGS (SBM75), and SBM in replacement of 100% of DDGS (SBM100). Each period lasted 18-d, consisting of a 7-d diet adaptation followed by an 11-d collection period. An in situ ruminal incubation of each TMR was performed from d 8 to 11 of each period. Ingredients were weighed separately, maintaining their proportion in the TMR. Air-dried TMR sample (6 g, 2 mm grind) was ruminally incubated in a nylon bag (Ankom, 10 × 20 cm) using the same steer from the in vivo study. Samples were incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h. The number of bags varied as a function of the incubation time to guarantee enough residual samples after incubation, where more bags per sample were incubated for the longer incubation times relative to the shorter incubation times (72 and 48 h, n = 5; 24 h, n = 4; 16 h, n = 3; 8 h and 4 h, n = 2; 2 h and 0 h, n = 1). DM, OM, and CP degradation were estimated by using the following model: Yt = a + b × (1 − e(−kd × t)), The NLIN procedure of SAS 9.4 was used and restricted and full models were compared by a likelihood ratio test. Rumen degradable protein (RDP) of each TMR was calculated as follows: RDP = a + b + [kd/(kd + kp)], where kp was 0.05 h−1). There were no differences (P ≥ 0.47) on the fractions a, b, and kd, or RDP (55%) between treatments for DM, OM, and CP. According to our analysis, approximately 13 h of incubation is necessary to accurately estimate the RDP content of the TMR. The NASEM (2016) adopts 35 and 75% of RDP for DDGS and SBM, respectively, based on fixed incubation time of 16 h. Most studies have evaluated degradation profiles of individual feed and not TMR; however, animals are fed complete diets, made up by feedstuff that vary in physical characteristics, nutrient composition, and consequently RDP. In this study, the similar degradation profiles between diets suggest that RDP of complete diets differs from that of individually assayed ingredients.