bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
86 Assessment of sow hemoglobin concentration and its impact on farrowing duration
Authors: Sheffield Sydney L , McClellan Katlyn A , Levesque Crystal L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Prolonged farrowing duration may have detrimental effects on sows, leading to physical strain and potential complications post farrowing. Severe hypoxia experienced by piglets during farrowing can result in stillbirths or birth of weak piglets, increasing the likelihood of pre-weaning mortality. While the prevalence of anemia in sows has recently gained attention, the consequences of this condition are not yet well understood. Blood concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) has a role in oxygen carrying capacity and thus may influence the resilience of a sow during farrowing. Evaluating Hb in sows before farrowing could offer insights for improving sow welfare and reducing pre-weaning mortality. The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between sow Hb and farrowing duration. A total of 57 sows (n = 5, 6, 29, and 17 of parity 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) were monitored for Hb using a Hemocue Hb 201+ handheld Hb monitor where sow blood samples were collected before farrowing (on d 112) and between 40 and 48 h after farrowing (i.e., on d 2) from an ear vein using a 20 G needle. Sows were categorized as anemic (Hb &lt; 10 g/dL) or non-anemic (Hb ≥ 10 g/dL) based on their Hb at d 112. Among sows that were evaluated, 25 were classified as non-anemic- and 32 were classified as anemic. Surveillance cameras were employed to record the farrowing process for each sow, accompanied by human observation. The time of birth for each piglet was recorded to calculate average birthing interval. Within 12 h of birth, all piglets were weighed individually. Stillborn piglets were identified using a lung flotation test conducted within 1 h of birth. The correlation between sow Hb, farrowing duration, stillborn piglets, and total piglets born was evaluated using the PROC CORR procedure and Proc Mixed in SAS was used to test the effect of Hb category on farrowing duration with total piglets born as a covariate. A negative correlation was observed between pre-farrow Hb and farrowing duration (r = -0.62, P &lt; 0.0001). No correlation was observed between farrowing duration and total born (r = 0.22, P = 0.11). However, a significant weak correlation was found between farrowing duration and stillborn piglets (r = 0.32, P = 0.01). Anemic sows had prolonged farrowing duration (7.2 h ± 0.92 min, P = 0.0005) compared with non-anemic sows (3.5 h ± 0.88 min, P = 0.0005). There was no difference in litter size (16.41 ± 0.7 vs 16.3 ± 0.7) for anemic and non-anemic sows, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of sow Hb status at farrowing and indicate sows with decreased Hb may experience prolonged farrowing duration. Strategies to identify anemic sows before farrowing may reduce stillborn rate and improve sow resilience after farrowing.
94 Effects of orally administered Megasphaera elsdenii during finishing diet realimentation on feedlot steer fecal consistency, clinical depression, and rumination
Authors: Schoelerman Zachary , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K , Francis Forest L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the effects of oral administration of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (ME) during finishing diet realimentation on fecal consistency, clinical depression, and rumination of feedlot steers. Steers [n = 60; initial body weight (BW) = 591 kg ± 38 kg] were assigned to microbial supplement treatment in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were 1) no ME (CON); and 2) orally administered microbial supplement (1 x 1010 colony forming units ME/capsule; LP) immediately before diet reintroduction. Preceding study initiation, steers consumed a finishing diet with 88% concentrate [dry matter (DM) basis] primarily consisting of whole shelled corn and corn silage for 200 d. Steers were transported from a local feedyard 27 km and upon arrival offered ad libitum long stem hay. Forty-eight h after arrival, steers were reintroduced to a 90% concentrate (DM basis) finishing diet with consisting of dry-rolled corn, dried distiller’s grains plus solubles, liquid supplement, and wheat hay. The diet was introduced initially at 1.5% BW on 0 d, and daily delivery was increased until cattle reached their intake plateau at which point a slick bunk management system was employed. At initial processing, all steers received respiratory and clostridial vaccines and were fitted with wireless rumination tags to track daily rumination throughout the 42-d study. Fecal consistency (FCS) and clinical depression scores (CD) were collected starting 24 h after diet initiation, and subsequent collections occurred at 24 h intervals until 168 h. Fecal consistency was recorded on 20 random pen surface fecal samples and CD was recorded for individual steer. Categorical distributions for FCS and CD were analyzed with the Fisher’s Exact Test. Rumination data was analyzed as a linear mixed model with fixed effects of treatment, days on feed (DOF), and their interaction with a random effect of block and DOF as a repeated measure. For all analyses, P ≤ 0.05 was declared significant and 0.05 &gt; P ≤ 0.10 was considered a tendency. No difference (P ≥ 0.49) was observed for CD at all time points. Additionally, no difference (P ≥ 0.12) was observed for FCS at 24, 48, 72, 120, 144, and 168 h. Fecal consistency tended (P = 0.10) to differ at 96 h, with CON exhibiting a 67% decrease in FCS 1 and 2. No significant (P ≥ 0.78) treatment × DOF interaction was noted for daily minutes ruminating. A significant (P &lt; 0.01) DOF effect was realized for daily minutes ruminating. Minutes ruminating differed (P &lt; 0.01) between treatments, with CON steers ruminating 6% more minutes daily than LP steers. Oral administration of ME had minimal effects on FCS and CD and decreased daily rumination time in feedlot steers during finishing diet realimentation.
82 Relationships between performance traits and osteochondrosis of the hock in Standardbred racehorses
Authors: Frake Ella , Tate Nicole , McCoy Annette , McCue Molly 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Equine osteochondrosis (OC) is a developmental orthopedic disease that results in abnormal articular cartilage and often the formation of osteochondral bone chips (osteochondrosis dissecans). Standardbreds, a breed predominately used in harness racing, are prone to the development of OC. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between OC and key performance traits, fastest mile time, annual earnings, and consistency in race times over career, using a cohort of 347 North American Standardbred horses. Radiographic examination of the tarsi was previously performed to identify horses as OC-affected (n = 155) or healthy (n = 192). Performance data was acquired from the United States Trotting Association (USTA) detailing horse identification, performance, and lifetime race record. Linear mixed multiple regression models were constructed to evaluate the relationship between OC and performance. A total of 24 performance related variables (e.g., age, gait, track) were evaluated for inclusion in the model through subset variable selection and goodness of fit as determined by Schwarz’s Bayesian Information Criterion (SBC). Preliminary results indicate that healthy horses exhibit significantly faster mile times (P &lt; 0.001) compared with their OC-affected counterparts. However, no significant association was detected between OC status and annual earnings (P &gt; 0.2) or consistency in race times over career (P &gt; 0.2). Ongoing analyses are currently being conducted to assess additional predictors and performance variables for a potential association with osteochondrosis. This study emphasizes the importance of implementing effective strategies for OC management and improving breeding selection practices when producing offspring with desired performance characteristics.
PSII-7 Effect of endophyte-infected tall fescue on body weight, vital signs, and liver function of beef heifers
Authors: Takashe Joao Vitor G , Sallem Ahmed , Matthews Jackson , Shike Daniel W W , Braz Camila U 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Tall fescue was first introduced to the United States over 70 years ago. Since then, it has become the most common forage source for beef cattle in the Southeastern region of the US. Most tall fescue establishes a symbiotic relationship with a toxic fungal endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala), which contributes to the improved vigor of the plant due to acquired resistance to grazing, insects, heat, and drought. However, when consumed by cattle, it may cause fescue toxicosis, a condition characterized by reduced feed intake, body weight (BW) loss, vasoconstriction, and impaired reproductive performance in livestock species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endophyte-infected tall fescue consumption on growth performance and health-related traits in beef cattle. For this purpose, 24 Simmental x Angus heifers were divided into two dietary treatments, in which 12 heifers received endophyte-free tall fescue seeds (E-) and 12 heifers were fed with endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds (E+, 6,764 ppb of ergovaline) mixed with the diet for 45 d. The E+ heifers received a daily dose of 20 μg of ergovaline per kg of BW. The E- heifers received the same quantity of seeds as the E+ heifers. For each heifer, phenotypes related to growth (BW), vital signs (respiration rate [RR], and body temperature [TEMP]), and liver functions (serum albumin [ALB], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], gamma-glutamyltransferase [GGT], cholesterol [COL], bilirubin [BIL], and triglycerides [TRI]) were analyzed at the end of the experiment. Phenotypes were analyzed using a linear model in R with diet included as a fixed effect. For analysis of BW, the BW at the beginning of the trial was included in the model as a covariate. Results showed that COL and ALP were significantly less (P &lt; 0.05) in the E+ heifers compared with the E- (-32.92 ± 11.16 mg/dL and -32.33 ± 13.95 U/L, respectively). Conversely, E+ heifers had greater (P &lt; 0.05) BW, RR, TEMP, and AST when compared with E- heifers (-17.82 ± 5.12 kg, 25.83 ± 5.52 breaths/min, 0.56 ± 0.12 oC, and 5.83 ± 2.18 U/L, respectively). Measurements of ALB, BIL, GGT, and TRI were not different between E+ and E- heifers. Our results suggest that heifers consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue have compromised vital signs and metabolically altered liver, which may impair growth performance. This study increases our understanding of the biological mechanisms affected by the fescue toxin in beef cattle.
PSV-1 A comparison of Holstein-cross cattle and beef-cross cattle in terms of performance and carcass quality
Authors: Winebold Deedra M , Tollefson Rebecca L , Deaton Claire , King Adam , Case Riley , Robertson Joel , Church Emily R , Holder Amanda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Crossbreeding Holstein cows to beef sires has increased in popularity as a means to increase marketability of the dairy offspring. A large portion of these dairy-cross animals are offspring of Holstein cows and Angus bulls. The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass quality of 3 crossbred beef steers (Hereford x Angus) and 3 dairy x beef cross steers (Holstein x Angus). These animals had been a part of a previous study evaluating the additive effect of implanting strategy combined with inclusion of a beta-agonist and represent the three different treatments evaluated on that study with one dairy-cross and one beef-cross animal coming from each treatment. All steers were fed a mixed ration consisting of 30.0% rye silage, 28.0% DDGS, 30.0% rolled corn, 10.5% soybean meal, and 1.5% mineral supplement (22.0% CP, 2.90 Mcal ME/kg DM). Animals were fed daily at 0700 and 1700 and weighed weekly at 0630. For the duration of the trial, animals were housed in drylot pens with ad libitum access to feed and water and had shade structures in each pen. Following a 15-d adaptation period, feed intake was recorded for 45 d. Data were analyzed as a completely random design in SAS v9.4. The animals were evaluated in terms of growth and performance, carcass quality, and feed efficiency. There was no difference in intake for either treatment; however, beef-cross steers gained significantly more than their dairy-cross counterpart on the same diet. After the intake portion of the study was completed, all six chosen animals were slaughtered and evaluated for carcass quality. Following 14 d aging, samples from the ribeye area were collected from each animal and subjected to sensory analysis and other assessments of quality. Other than a numerical difference in marbling score between treatments, there were no statistical differences in meat quality between the two crosses indicating that dairy-cross animals are an important addition to the beef industry.
PSI-13 Digestible and metabolizable energy concentrations in soybean meal, fermented soybean meal, and soy protein concentrate fed to nursery pigs
Authors: Song Yoon Soo , Kim Beob Gyun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Accurate information of energy concentrations in protein supplements is critical in formulating diets for nursery pigs. Soybean products are widely used in nursery pig diets due to the high crude protein (CP) concentrations. The objective of the present study was to determine the digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in soybean meal (SBM, 48.5% CP), 3 sources of fermented SBM (FSBM-A, FSBM-B, and FSBM-C; 52.6% CP, 55.1% CP, and 49.8% CP, respectively), and soy protein concentrate (SPC, 58.4% CP) fed to nursery pigs. Twelve barrows with an initial body weight of 8.7 kg (standard deviation = 0.5) were individually housed in metabolism crates. A replicated 6 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 12 animals, 6 experimental diets, and 4 periods was employed. A basal diet contained 96.9% corn as the sole source of energy. The experimental diets were prepared by replacing the basal diet with SBM at 31%, FSBM-A at 27%, FSBM-B at 26%, FSBM-C at 29%, and SPC at 24%. Each period consisted of a 4-d adaptation period and a 4-d collection period. The marker-to-marker procedure was used for the quantitative collection of feces. Urine was collected for 96 h. The difference procedure was employed to calculate the DE and ME values of the soybean ingredients. Additionally, a 3-step in vitro assay was conducted to determine in vitro total tract disappearance of nutrients in the ingredients. The DE concentrations in FSBM-A (4,171 kcal/kg as-fed), FSBM-B (4,111 kcal/kg as-fed), FSBM-C (4,027 kcal/kg as-fed) and SPC (3,999 kcal/kg as-fed) were greater (P &lt; 0.05) than that in SBM (3,724 kcal/kg as-fed). The ME concentrations in FSBM-A (3,883 kcal/kg as-fed) and FSBM-B (3,841 kcal/kg as-fed) were greater (P &lt; 0.05) than that in SBM (3,528 kcal/kg as-fed) but did not differ from those in FSBM-C (3,728 kcal/kg as-fed) or SPC (3,767 kcal/kg as-fed). The DE:gross energy (GE) was greatest (P &lt; 0.05) in FSBM-B but lowest (P &lt; 0.05) in SBM with intermediate ratios for other 3 ingredients whereas the ME:GE and ME:DE were not different among the 5 ingredients. The in vitro total tract disappearance of dry matter and organic matter in SPC was less (P &lt; 0.05) than that in other ingredients. In conclusion, fermented soybean meal and soy protein concentrate contain greater energy concentrations compared with soybean meal.
PSI-18 Effects of heat treatment and multi-carbohydrase supplementation on the digestibility of phosphorus in field peas fed to growing pigs
Authors: Lee Jinyoung , Patterson Rob , Nyachoti Martin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Most plant-based feed ingredients contain about two-thirds of their total P as phytate. Mineral elements are chelated to phytate or entrapped in plant cell walls, and microbial or enzymatic breakdown of cell walls may be able to release entrapped P, thus leading to improvement of the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P in pigs. Heat treatment is one of the processing methods that improve the digestibility of fiber in various feedstuffs for pigs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of heat treatment and multi-carbohydrase supplementation on the ATTD and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in peas fed to growing pigs. A total of 18 pigs (23.9 ± 1.3 kg) were assigned to 1 of 3 diets in a completely randomized design to give 6 replicates per diet. Three experimental diets were formulated: 1) non-heated or 2) heat-treated (pelleted) peas as the sole source of P, and 3) heat-treated peas with multi-carbohydrase supplementation. Pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 12 d, including 7 d for adaptation and 5 d for total collection of feces. Pigs were offered their daily ration at 2.8 times their maintenance energy requirement. Samples of ingredients, diets, and feces were analyzed for dry matter, Ca, and P. Fecal samples were analyzed for mixed bacterial mass (MBM) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and replicate as random effect. An alpha level of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance and P ≤ 0.10 was considered a trend. Pigs fed the diet that contained heat-treated peas with carbohydrase supplementation tended to have greater (P &lt; 0.10) ATTD and STTD of P than pigs fed the diet containing heat-treated peas without enzyme. The values of STTD of P were 54.4, 47.3, and 55.0% for diets containing raw peas, heat-treated peas, and heat-treated peas with carbohydrase supplementation, respectively. Heat treatment and enzyme supplementation did not affect the ATTD of Ca in peas fed to growing pigs. No significant differences were observed in fecal MBM-P and VFA concentrations. In conclusion, carbohydrase supplementation tended to increase the digestibility of P in heat-treated peas fed to growing pigs, however, there was no difference in P digestibility between raw and heat-treated peas. Heat treatment and carbohydrase supplementation did not affect fecal MBM-P and VFA concentrations in growing pigs.
PSII-11 Achieving heavier piglet weights at weaning with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation under field conditions
Authors: Hiscocks Sophie , Cordero Gustavo , Merriman Laura A , Wilcock Pete , Leiva Samuel F , Rosero David S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The benefits of live yeast supplementation during both gestation and lactation on piglet performance, nutrient digestibility and immune status have been well reported. However, the application of live yeast to gestation diets in some commercial practices may not be warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding live yeast to lactating sows on piglet performance at weaning under field conditions. Before start of the study, a total of 268 Camborough L42 gestating sows were fed a restricted, commercial diet. From ≈112 d of gestation until weaning, sows were fed a commercial lactation mash diet with or without inclusion of live yeast (Vistacell, AB Vista, UK) at 1 kg/t. Piglets were cross-fostered within treatment to standardize piglet numbers on sows, and weaned at approximately 24 d. Body weights of piglets at weaning were collected from around 40% of sows. Data were statistically analyzed by Mixed Model using JMP Pro v.16.2 software (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC), with significance being accepted at P &lt; 0.05. Treatment was included as a fixed factor in all models, with sow ID and piglet ID nested within treatment included as random variables for sow and piglet performance, respectively. The interaction between treatment and parity was also included in the model for sow performance. Sow parities of 4 and above were combined into one group. Proportional piglet body weights were assessed by non-parametric Wilcoxon Test. An interaction between treatment and parity was shown for average daily feed intake (ADFI), whereby parity-1 sows fed the control diet and parities-3 and -4 sows fed live yeast had greater feed intakes than parity-2 sows fed live yeast. Sow body weights and body condition scores at weaning were unaffected by treatment. Piglet body weights at processing, the number of piglets weaned and weaning ages were also unaffected by treatment. However, piglets from sows fed live yeast were significantly heavier (7.12 kg vs. 6.85 kg) at weaning than piglets from sows fed control diets (P &lt; 0.01). In addition, the proportion of piglets at weaning with body weights of less than 7 kg tended to be fewer (45% vs. 55%), with a greater percentage of heavier (&gt;7 kg) piglets, from sows supplemented with live yeast (P = 0.08). In conclusion, these findings indicate that supplementing live yeast solely to the lactating sow can promote growth of nursing piglets leading to improved piglet performance at weaning.
PSII-13 Effects of benzoic acid, bromelain, adipic acid, and humic substance supplementation on nitrogen balance, urine pH, slurry pH, and manure odorous compounds in pigs
Authors: Yoo Seung B , Song Yoon Soo , Seo Siyoung , Kim Beob Gyun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of benzoic acid, bromelain, adipic acid, and humic substance supplementation on nitrogen balance, urinary pH, slurry pH, and manure odorous compounds in pigs. Fifteen barrows with an initial body weight of 37.9 kg (standard deviation = 4.1) were individually housed in metabolism crates. The animals were allocated to a triplicated 5 × 2 incomplete Latin square design with 15 animals, 5 experimental diets, and 2 periods. The basal diet mainly consisted of corn, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal. Four experimental diets were prepared by supplementing each additive at a concentration of 10 g/kg at the expense of corn starch to the basal diet. Each period consisted of a 4-d adaptation period and a 24-h collection period for slurry, followed by a 4-d collection period for feces and urine. On d 5, feces and urine were collected for 24 h, and the feces and urine were mixed in a ratio of fecal weight to urine weight at the end of the collection to obtain slurry samples. The fecal nitrogen (N) output was greatest (P &lt; 0.05) in pigs fed the diet supplemented with humic substances. The apparent total tract digestibility of N in pigs fed the humic substance diet was less (P &lt; 0.05) than other groups. The urinary pH in pigs fed the adipic acid diet was less (P &lt; 0.05) than that in other groups except the benzoic acid group. The slurry pH tended to differ among the treatment groups (P = 0.074) with the least value in pigs fed the adipic acid diet. The concentrations of indole in slurry (P = 0.084) and isovalerate in feces (P = 0.062) tended to differ among the groups with the least values in the pigs fed the humic substance diet. In conclusion, benzoic acid supplemented has the potential to increase N utilization in pigs, and adipic acid supplemented to pig diets can decrease urinary pH and slurry pH. Although benzoic acid and adipic acid have limited effects in reducing odorous compounds, humic substances have potential to reduce some odorous compounds.