bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSII-3 Evaluation of a microneedle patch for the delivery of meloxicam in a veterinary application
Authors: Midkiff Kirsten A , Miranda-Muñoz Katherine , Cheek Robin A , Reynolds Jana L , Tsai Tsungcheng Cheng , Bear Misty , Kompalage Kushan Pamoda Kompale , Tucker Ryan , Coetzee Hans F , Kegley Beth B , Almodovar Jorge , Powell Jeremy G 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In the livestock industry, animals undergo painful procedures such as castration and these practices have received increased scrutiny and concern regarding animal welfare. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used to treat pain and inflammation in livestock. Novel administration routes such as transdermal drug delivery using polymeric biodegradable microneedle patches that are being developed to deliver drugs in a less stressful method. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate meloxicam plasma concentrations when drug was delivered using a microneedle patch. Nursing pigs (n = 7; body weight = 3.69 ± 1.12 kg) from 1 litter were stratified into 1 of 3 treatment groups. Treatments were: 1) 0.5 mg of meloxicam/kg of body weight via oral drench (n = 2; oral); 2) a patch devoid of meloxicam (n = 1; placebo); or 3) 2.5 mg of meloxicam/kg of body weight delivered via microneedle patch (n = 4; patch). During the study, pigs remained in the crate with the sow and littermates. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture for plasma analysis at 0, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h. An Estrotect Breeding Indicator strip was used to adhere the microneedle patch on the ear of the pigs. Briefly, the strip was cut to the size of the ear, a microneedle patch was placed at the center, and these were applied on the pinna of the ear after blood collection at 0 h. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) to assess the effects of treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05, with tendencies at 0.05 &lt; P ≤ 0.1. There was a treatment × time interaction (P = 0.0074), with the pigs that received oral meloxicam having greater meloxicam plasma concentrations at 8 h compared with pigs that received a placebo patch or a patch containing meloxicam (P &lt; 0.0001). There were no differences in plasma meloxicam concentrations between pigs receiving a placebo patch or a patch containing meloxicam (P = 0.9). Plasma levels of meloxicam were detectable but low in pigs that received a microneedle patch (0.91 ng/mL). Research is continuing to determine the ideal microneedle patch polymer and structure that would deliver meloxicam to achieve desired plasma concentrations.
PSII-2 Effect of piglet processing and castration on growth performance in feeder pigs
Authors: Church Emily R , Carpenter Benjamin , Privett Grady A , Holder Amanda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Early in life castration in swine is a common practice to improve muscle and fat deposition and avoid “boar taint”, which is caused by production of androsterone and skatole within the intact male. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of performing piglet processing and castration on the same day compared with a 2-d protocol processing on d 1 and castrating on d 7. To determine the effect of processing protocol on subsequent growth in piglets, 42 piglets were randomly assigned at birth to one of two processing protocols: d 3 processing (“early”) or d 1 and d 7 processing (late). For both castration dates, males were castrated using the open method of castration. A sterile scalpel blade was used to make two vertical cuts posterior to each testicle before complete removal of each testicle. Both male and female piglets were assigned to a processing protocol, but only male piglets underwent castration as a sterility procedure. Females on the same processing protocol were subject to similar processing methods and vaccinations but were not sterilized. Body weights were collected on all piglets at d 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 (weaning), and 56. For males, vocalization during the castration procedure was also recorded and analyzed along with growth and performance measures. At weaning (d 28), the early castrated barrows group weighed significantly more than the late castrated barrows; however, there were no significant differences in the body weight at weaning for the early group (males + females) as a whole compared with the late group (males + females) as a whole. This indicates that while males benefited from an early castration and were able to gain more body weight during the pre-weaning phase when processing occurred on d 3 rather than on d 1 and 7, females undergoing two processing dates gained less body weight between birth and weaning.
PSIII-3 Evaluation of remote detection of heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature for improved detection of bovine respiratory disease in high-risk receiving calves
Authors: Cheek Robin A , Kegley Beth B , Reynolds Jana L , Ijaz Scott , Midkiff Kirsten A , Powell Jeremy G 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the VetGuardian remote monitor to create data-driven detection of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) by identifying vital sign abnormalities for early disease detection. Male calves (n = 20, initial body weight = 213 ± 3 kg) were purchased from regional auction markets and shipped to the University of Arkansas Stocker Receiving Unit. Upon arrival, calves were weighed, branded, received an identification tag, vaccinated, dewormed, and bulls were castrated. On d 1, the remote sensor was used to monitor all calves while restrained in the chute system detecting their body temperatures, and heart and respiratory rates. The remote sensor was placed in 1 of 2 locations for recordings: 1) in front of chute to capture the head, or 2) on the side of chute capturing the torso. Each calf was assigned to a scan location (10 calves/scan location). For all calves, rectal temperatures were also recorded manually, and heart and respiratory rates were determined by thoracic auscultation. Before processing and for the following 28 d, cattle were observed daily for clinical BRD. If presenting symptoms of BRD and if rectal temperature was ≥ 40°C, cattle were deemed morbid and treated with an antibiotic according to a standard preplanned protocol. For any cattle that were examined for BRD the remote sensor was again used for a minimum of 5 min to compare with manual recordings. Statistical analyses were performed using the CORR, MIXED, and MEANS procedures of SAS 9.4 with sex as a random effect and individual calf specified as the subject. There was a positive correlation between manual recordings of rectal temperatures and remote recordings from the head (0.67; P = 0.04) and the side (0.88; P = 0.0008). Remote recordings did not correlate (P ≥ 0.21) with manual recordings for heart rates. However, there was a positive correlation (0.79; P = 0.01) between manual respiratory rates and the side scans, but no relationship (P = 0.16) between manually collected respiratory rates with head scans. LSMeans for temperature data collected manually or by the remote sensor at either location did not differ (P ≥ 0.34). LSMeans for heart rate differed between manual and remote measurements from either location (P ≤ 0.0008). Manual measurements for respiratory rate did not differ (P = 0.26) from remote recordings from the side; however, differed (P &lt; 0.0001) from recordings from the head. In conclusion, the VetGuardian remote sensor varied from manual recordings for heart rates, regardless of sensor location. Scan location had an influence on accuracy of respiratory rate recordings, and body temperature recordings from either location did not differ from manual measurements. Preliminary data should be used for further investigation of this remote sensor.
PSIII-4 Evaluating the variability of the dual sugar absorption test as a measure of intestinal permeability in pigs
Authors: White Cameron S , Greiner Laura L , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Dilger Ryan N 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The intestinal barrier of pigs can be compromised by many factors including health challenges, off-feed events, and environmental stressors. If dysregulated barrier function is caught early, proper treatment can be initiated to potentially prevent more severe complications to overall health. However, there are few procedures to measure intestinal function in pigs that are both validated, sensitive, and minimally invasive. In this research, the dual sugar test using lactulose and mannitol was conducted on a total of 534 pigs of varying age, sex, body weight (BW), and health status. Each pig received the same oral dose of 500 mg/kg body weight lactulose and 50 mg/kg BW mannitol, and blood was collected either 60 or 240 min following the dose. Plasma concentrations of lactulose and mannitol were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography using validated methods. The ratio of lactulose to mannitol absorption (L:M) served as the indicator of barrier function such that a larger L:M ratio was indicative of greater intestinal permeability. In these pigs, L:M ratios ranged from 0 to 6.96. The median L:M ratio was 0.41 while the average was 0.70, indicating that the distribution of the data was right skewed, influenced by 21.0% of pigs exhibiting a L:M of 0. Collecting blood sooner after oral gavage yielded better detectability as only 2.71% of L:M in pigs from the 60 min group was 0 compared with 43.5% from the 240 min group. Ostensibly, an L:M ratio of 0 is biologically relevant, but interpretation of such values is challenging both from statistical and biological perspectives. Intestinal barrier permeability, absorption kinetics between pigs, and delivery efficiency of the L:M solution may all affect lactulose absorption yielding a ratio of 0. In general, the data werewere highly variable, with a standard deviation of 0.95, so a regression analysis was performed to determine which factors may be influencing this variation. Neither a forward nor a backward elimination model determined any of the five explanatory variables (i.e., BW, timing of blood collection, health status, age, or sex) to be significant. Additional correlational analyses further confirmed that there were no significant interactions. Overall, it appears that these factors do not help to explain the variability in the L:M ratio. Further investigation is warranted to validate this process and understand the source and impact of L:M ratios equaling 0.
PSIII-2 Evaluation of medium-chain fatty acids on just-weaned piglet performance and diarrhea scores: A nursery trial
Authors: MEDINA Bertrand , Bussières Dan , Girard Ivan D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Weaning is one of the most stressful events for commercial pigs. The transition from mother’s milk (animal proteins) to a solid diet based on plant proteins, the reduction in lactose intake and the decline in HCl secretion by the digestive system of the piglet result in a sudden and significant increase in stomach pH as well as an increased risk of post-weaning diarrhea. The aim of this trial was to evaluate whether the use of a blend of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) on top-off conventional nursery diets would improve zootechnical performance and intestinal problems in just-weaned piglets. Piglets [n = 624, 21-d of age, 6.5 kg body weight (BW), (♂ Fast Duroc x ♀ Fast 275)] were housed in 26 pens of an experimental nursery. Each pen (24 pigs/pen, with a starting density of 3.0 ft2/pig) was equipped with a height-adjustable water sucker, a water bowl and fitted with a single feeder-bin. Females and males were allocated to each pen, according to 3 BW categories (heavy, medium, and light). During a 46-d period of trial, the piglets (13 replicated pens per treatment) were allotted to a conventional 5 phases feeding program with 2 kg/MT of chlortetracycline (22%) and 400 g/MT of tiamuline (1.78%; CON). These basal diets contained 2,500 ppm Zn in Phases #1, 2, and only 2,000 ppm Zn in phase #3. Phases #1 to 3 were also supplemented with Ca-butyrate (1 kg/MT) and a blend of protected acidifiers (1 kg/MT). The treated group consisted to the basal diet (CON) supplemented with a blend of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) at 1.0 or 0.75 kg/MT for Phases #1, 2,3 and Phases #4, 5, respectively and supplying of a proprietary blend of caprylic, capric, and lauric acids. Daily feed consumption, weekly pig pen BW, dead and removed pigs and daily diarrhea evaluation index were completed. Data are analyzed by an ANOVA model including treatment and pen as fixed and random effects, respectively. Pairwise comparisons were completed with a Chi-square test. The overall results are presented in Table 1. At the end of wk 2 and 3, animals receiving MCFAs had a better average daily gain (ADG; P &lt; 0.05) than CON. Therefore, at wk 2, 3 and 4, MCFAs animals BW were heavier than CON ones (P &lt; 0.05). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was not significantly different for the overall duration of the trial (P &gt; 0.05). However, at weeks 2 and 3, MCFAs piglets had a greater ADFI than CON ones (P &lt; 0.05). The daily diarrhea index of the MCFAs group was less than CON at wk 3 (P &lt; 0.05). In this trial, the significant improvement of diarrhea index on just-weaned MCFAs treated piglets could explain the significant better growth during the first 3 wk of nursery.
PSIII-1 Clinical benefits of an in-water essential oil blend on antibiotic-free pigs with post-weaning diarrhea: A field study
Authors: Greaves Gillian , LICHTY Clint , Wagner Ashley L , MEDINA Bertrand , Girard Ivan D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Post-weaning diarrhea can be costly for producers, especially in antibiotic free production flows (RWA), where the use of antimicrobials leads to a loss of valuable premiums on individual pigs. This field study examined the impact of an in-water essential oil blend on RWA pigs with post-weaning diarrhea using pen-level diarrhea scores, and percentages of diarrhea-related sick, fallback and removed pigs. A total of 3,598 pigs (~4 wk of age, mixed sex) in 73 pens from 2 RWA flows and 4 pig turns (2 turns per nursery barn) were enrolled. Sow sources were known to experiencing mild E. coli and/or rotavirus associated post-weaning diarrhea. In each barn, one-half of the pens were assigned to control (regular water) or treatment [AQUAGUTSWINE, at 250 mL/1000 L drinking water, a flavored liquid Vitamin C Supplement) designed by Probiotech International Inc. and supplying Star Anise, cinnamaldehyde oil blend and ascorbic acid (2,955 mg/kg)] for ~2 wk post weaning. Pen-level diarrhea was assessed every other day (scale from 0 to 4). Additionally, diarrhea-related sick pigs were assessed individually at the same time pen-level diarrhea was scored. In each pen, a pig was first identified as sick (sunken eyes, poor gut fill or lethargic/depressed) and then confirmed if it had diarrhea. Diarrhea-related fallbacks were assessed at the end of treatment (~2 wk post-weaning). A pig was considered fallback if it did not recover from its enteric problem (Previously marked as a diarrhea-related sick pig) by the end of the treatment. A diarrhea-related removal was a previously marked diarrhea-related sick pig that was removed from its pen. Mild post-weaning diarrhea related to E. coli and rotaviruses occurred in both flows. Overall, the VHP reduced pen-level diarrhea scores over time (1.2 vs 1.5, P &lt; 0.01), and percentages of diarrhea-related sick (10.9 vs 14.3%, P = 0.36), fallback (3.5 vs 4.6%, P = 0.10) and removed pigs (0.17 vs 0.30%, P = 0.12) compared with the control group. These first results suggested that AQUAGUTSWINE could be an aid in reducing clinical impact of mild post-weaning diarrhea caused by E. coli and rotavirus in RWA pigs.
PSIII-6 Tail damage caused by tail biting in growing-finishing pigs housed in two group sizes
Authors: Li Yuzhi , Archer Courtney , Hilbrands Adrienne , Schmidt Ty B , Mote Benny E , Johnston Lee J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Tail biting can compromise the welfare of pigs and cause economic losses for pork producers, but little is known about the development of tail biting and its resulting impact on pigs. In this study, we investigated victimization by tail biting and the resulting impacts on the welfare and performance of pigs housed in two group sizes. Pigs (n = 432, initial body weight = 22.0 ± 3.7 kg) with intact tails were housed in large (LG = 18 pigs/pen, 12 pens) or small groups (SG = 9 pigs/pen, 24 pens) in a barn with fully slatted floors for 14 wk until market weight (120.7 ± 11.8 kg). Floor space (0.76 m2/pig) and feeder space (4 feeder spaces/9 pigs) allowance were identical between group sizes, and pigs were stratified by initial body weight and sex across treatment pens. Growth performance, pig removal, and tail damage were monitored throughout the study. Tail damage was assessed for each pig weekly and during tail biting outbreaks, using a subjective scoring system (0 = no damage; 1 = healed lesions with small scabs; 2 = puncture wounds with visible blood; 3 = wounds with signs of infection; 4 = partial or total loss of the tail). The maximal tail score (MTS) each pig received every four weeks and over the entire 14 weeks was summarized. Pigs that received MTS of ≥ 2 were considered victimized by a tail biter. Data were analyzed using Glimmix procedure with logit function and FREQ procedure with chi-square and CMH test of SAS software. Compared with SG, LG had greater MTS during the initial 4 wk (1.1 vs. 0.8, chi-square = 17.9, df = 1; P &lt; 0.001) and reduced MTS during the last 2 wk (0.7 vs. 0.9, chi-square = 4.8, df = 1; P = 0.03), suggesting that tail damage declined as pigs grew in LG, but not in SG. The number of pigs removed for tail biting tended to be less and those removed for death and sickness tended to be greater in LG than in SG (chi-square = 7.4; df = 3; P = 0.06). Across group sizes, 68% of the removed pigs (n = 28) were victimized by tail biters (MTS ≥ 2). Between group sizes, there was no difference in time to first victimization or how often individual pigs were victimized throughout the study. Across group sizes, 45% of pigs were never victimized, but 22%, 16%, and 9% were victimized 1, 2, and 3 times, respectively. Eight percent of pigs were victimized more than three times, including 6% with MTS of 3 or 4. Pigs with MTS of 4 over the entire study period were three times more likely (odds ratios between 3.18 and 3.70; all P ≤ 0.03; Table 1) to have market weight lower than the average compared with other pigs. Based on these results, we suggest that management strategies should prevent multiple victimizations or tail loss to maintain pig welfare and performance.
PSIII-5 Impact of multiple suckling of litters during lactation on pre-weaning piglet performance
Authors: Gainey Noah , Shull Caleb M , Ellis Mike 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Multiple suckling involves the grouping of sows and litters so that piglets can suckle from all sows in the group. This approach could potentially reduce pre-weaning mortality and increase weaning weight. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of multiple- compared with single-suckling (Piglets having access to only one sow) on piglet pre-weaning performance. The study was carried out in a commercial farrowing facility using a RCBD (35 blocks; total of 210 litters and 2950 piglets). Blocking factors were farrowing date, sow parity, body condition score, and number of functional teats. Two treatments were compared: 1) Control (sow and litter kept in an individual farrowing crate/pen); 2) Multiple Suckled (group of 3 sows in individual crates with piglets having access to all 3 sows). The Multiple Suckled treatment was created at 5 d after birth by removing the pen dividers between 3 adjacent farrowing pens with the sows remaining in the farrowing crates. The study started at d 5 after birth and ended at weaning (19 ± 2 d of age). Piglet weights were collected after cross-fostering and at the end of study; all piglet mortalities were recorded. Data were analyzed using the glmer and lmer functions of R 4.2.1. The model included the fixed effect of treatment and the random effect of block. Average piglet weight at the end of study (5.11 vs. 5.18 kg, respectively) and average daily gain from start to end of study (191.4 vs. 195.2 g/d, respectively) were similar (P &gt; 0.05) for the Multiple Suckled and Control treatments (Table 1). There was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) between the treatments for pre-weaning mortality. These results suggest that under the conditions of this study there was no benefit in piglet pre-weaning performance from multiple compared with single suckling of litters.
PSII-8 Analysis of maternal influence on phenotypic ultrasound measurements of weaned Angus calves
Authors: Phelps Sarah L , Dahlke Garland , Reynolds Mary E , Culbertson Miranda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Ultrasound carcass data can be used to accurately estimate the body composition of beef cattle in comparison with a body composition score. Literature regarding the analysis of phenotypic carcass data has focused predominately on yearling or mature cattle with limited measurements on weaned calves. Therefore, the influence of the milking ability of the dam on body composition traits measured via carcass ultrasound is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate correlations between the maternal influence of the dam on the phenotypic ultrasound measurements of the calf. To quantify maternal influence, the expected progeny difference (EPD) for milk (MILK) of the dam was correlated to three ultrasound measurements of the calf: backfat thickness (BFAT), ribeye area (REA), and intramuscular fat (IMF). Ultrasound measurements were collected 1 wk after weaning on 104 purebred Angus heifer calves from the Iowa State University McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm located outside Chariton, Iowa. The average age and body weight for heifers were 187 d and 195 kg, respectively. The milk EPD of the dam was correlated to the ultrasound measurements taken on the calves. For each trait, Pearson’s correlations were calculated between the ultrasound traits of the calf to the dam’s milk EPD using R Statistical Software version 4.3.1. A small positive correlation was identified between MILK and REA (r = 0.28, P = 0.004). This suggests a weak phenotypic relationship between MILK and REA for weaned heifers. The correlation between MILK to BFAT and IMF was 0.10 (P = 0.318) and -0.05 (P = 0.619), respectively. These correlations were not significantly different from zero. This suggests the potential for milk production of the dam has little association with BFAT and IMF for weaned heifers. Although further research is needed, the results from this study indicate little to no relationship between milk EPD of the dam on ultrasound measures of the calf for BFAT, REA, and IMF.