bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
94 Smartphone integration in anemia detection for small ruminants with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Randall Reginald J , Pech-Cervantes Andres , van Wyk Jan , Panda Sudhanshu , Mahapatra Ajit , Morgan Eric , Stegall Kensley , Brown Davia , Manns Ethan , Saunders Shaylon , villa Andrea Rubio , Plummer Aniyah , Terrill Thomas H 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Anemia, often caused by internal parasites like Haemonchus contortus, presents significant health and productivity challenges for small ruminants. The primary goal of this study was to accurately distinguish between healthy and anemic goats using an image classification system focused on eye conjunctiva images. Over 5,000 eye conjunctiva images from 75 goats were collected at Fort Valley State University farms over a 3-mo period using smartphone cameras. These images were randomly divided into training (70%) and testing (30%) datasets, with each group containing five subfolders corresponding to FAMACHA scores of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithm was utilized for image analysis, incorporating data augmentation techniques such as Resize, RandomHorizontalFlip, RandomVerticalFlip, and RandomRotation. The CNN model was built on the Google Colaboratory platform using CUDA 11.2 and the PyTorch machine learning framework, incorporating three ConvNet layers. The model training used the Adam Optimizer with a slower learning rate of 0.001 and a weight decay of 0.0001 to prevent exploding gradient issues, alongside ReLU and the cross-entropy loss function over 1000 epochs. Results demonstrate that the CNN model was highly effective in classifying eye conjunctiva images of goats to detect anemia based on FAMACHA scores.
101 Effects of moderate exercise regimen on reproductive development of replacement beef heifers reared in drylots at a high stocking density
Authors: Pickett Autumn , Cooke Reinaldo F , Rahmel Logan W , Mackey Shea , Drewery Mason , Cordero Juan , Mackey Teegan , Daigle Courtney L , Martins Thiago , Harvey Kelsey M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This experiment evaluated growth and reproductive development of beef heifers reared at a high stocking density and provided with access to an exercise area. The experiment was replicated over 2 yr, with a total of 180 Angus × Brahman heifers. Each year, 90 heifers were ranked by age (264 ± 1 d) and body weight (BW; 200 ± 2 kg) on d 0, and assigned to a) 1 of 6 drylot pens (10 × 14 m pens; 10 heifers/pen) resulting in a stocking density of 14 m2/heifer (DENS), or b) 1 of 3 paddocks (2-ha paddocks; 10 heifers/paddock) resulting in a stocking density of 2,000 m2/heifer (CON). On d 15, 3 DENS pens were randomly selected and given access to an exercise area (DENS-EX) for 1 h three times weekly. Negligible forage was available for CON heifers, whereas all heifers received the same limit fed diet which averaged 13 kg/heifer daily of a corn-based diet. Heifer shrunk BW was recorded after 16 h of feed and water withdrawal on d -3 and 225 for BW gain calculation. Heifer temperament (chute score, exit velocity, and temperament score) were evaluated on d 0 and 225. Heifers were also fitted on d 0 with a pedometer behind their shoulder and an ear tag (CowManager, Select Sires, Plain City, OH) to record behavioral responses. Each week, pedometer results were recorded, and blood samples were collected for puberty evaluation via plasma progesterone. Heifers from CON had more (P &lt; 0.05) steps per week compared with DENS and DENS-EX (23,973, 6,706, and 12,354 steps/week, respectively; SEM = 1,247), and DENS-EX heifers had more (P &lt; 0.05) steps per week compared with DENS. Heifers from CON spent more (P &lt; 0.05) time ruminating and eating compared with DENS and DENS-EX. No treatment effects (P ≥ 0.91) were detected for heifer BW gain (0.820, 0.815, and 0.824 kg/d for CON, DENS, and DENS-EX, respectively; SEM = 0.016). Heifers from DENS had greater (P ≤ 0.05) exit velocity and temperament score on d 225 compared with DENS-EX and CON. Heifers from DENS experienced delayed puberty attainment (treatment x day; P &lt; 0.01) compared with DENS-EX and CON. A greater (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of CON heifers were pubertal by day 105 compared with DENS and DENS-EX (30.0, 11.6, and 15.0%, respectively; SEM = 6.5), whereas a greater (P &lt; 0.05) proportion of CON and DENS-EX heifers were pubertal by d 154 compared with DENS (61.7, 66.7, and 43.3%, respectively; SEM = 6.5). Results from this experiment demonstrate that providing heifers with an exercise area alleviated the negative effects associated with high stocking density on their reproductive development. This work is supported by the USDA-NIFA AFRI program (#2021-67015-34083).
5 Farm-level management practices in forage-based beef cattle systems and their influence on sustainability
Authors: Mullenix M Kim , Smith William B , Dillard Sandra L , Neto Jose D Pereira 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Sustainability is a ‘buzzword’ often used within and outside of the agriculture industry. Southeastern beef cow-calf and stocker operations often utilize management practices which embody the core definition of sustainability to improve land resource, economic, and social viability. In forage-based production systems, year-round management practices are generally viewed by the scientific community in terms of production and economic responses. However, the continual global shift in emphasis on sustainable practices creates an opportunity to view these practices through a different lens. Goals of grazing-based beef systems often include optimizing the number of grazing days per year, reducing hay and supplemental feeding period duration, and strategic supplementation during grazed forage availability gaps. Methods for increasing the grazing season length per year may include stockpiling, inclusion of multi-species mixtures, increasing species diversity on farm, and optimizing stocking strategies. Outside of associative effects of feed supplementation are potential ancillary benefits of supplementation on the plant-animal-soil interface. As an example, feed-through fertilization influences forage growth production responses and stocking density modulation in grazed beef cattle systems. The role of mineral supplementation and ionophore inclusion in beef cattle diets is well documented from an animal performance perspective, but to a lesser extent on how using these practices may influence forage or soil response variables. Stacking management practices may elicit positive animal performance responses, while potentially reducing outside inputs into the system. The question then becomes if this is economically viable compared with a more traditional forage-based system. From a research perspective, systems-level studies are more prevalent than in the past, but funding models require scientists to evolve and lead with the sustainability message rather than from a production viewpoint. Valuing management practices from an ecosystem services view is a potential area of opportunity for researchers, industry and farmers to highlight strengths of forage-based beef cattle production systems from a consumer perspective.
128 Impact of different levels of dark-cutting severity on the retail color and color stability of beef longissimus lumborum steaks
Authors: Harr Keayla M , Scott Madelyn , More Sunil , Mafi Gretchen G , Pfeiffer Morgan , Ramanathan Ranjith 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Dark-cutting beef is hallmarked by a dark red to almost purple color present within the interface of the ribeye between the 12th and 13th rib of the beef carcass. Yet, the shade or degree of darkness present within the ribeye can vary widely and have a substantial impact on the color and biochemical traits of the steaks. However, limited studies have compared color characteristics of different degrees of dark-cutting during retail display. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the visual degree of dark cutting at the time of grading on the retail color and color stability attributes of beef longissimus lumborum steaks. Beef strip loins (IMPS #180) were collected from two different Midwestern beef processors over the course of two collections. Strip loins (n = 8/treatment) were identified based on the degree of dark-cutting present within the ribeye to represent one-half dark, two-thirds dark, full dark, and a control of USDA Choice. At 48 to 60 h postmortem, loins were fabricated from the anterior end into 2.54 cm steaks and randomly assigned to retail display or d 0 lab analysis. Steaks designated for retail display were placed into Styrofoam trays and overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film, and placed into retail display in coffin style display cases under continuous lighting for 5 d. Steaks designated for d 0 analysis were evaluated for pH, bloom, oxygen consumption, and metmyoglobin reducing activity. All color measurements were taken using a HunterLab MiniScan EZ spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS at an α &lt; 0.05. Two-thirds and full dark-cutter steaks had a greater (P &lt; 0.05) pH than half and normal steaks on d 0. Moreover, full dark-cutter steaks had a decreased (P &lt; 0.05) bloomed L* value and were darker in color on d 0 than normal and half steaks. Full dark-cutter steaks had a greater (P &lt; 0.05) oxygen consumption and metmyoglobin reducing activity on d 0 than normal and half steaks. Full and two-third steaks had a decreased (P &lt; 0.05) a* value and were less red in color on d 0 of retail display than normal and half steaks. All degrees of dark-cutters had a reduced change in redness than USDA Choice steaks. These results indicate color stability activity can be dependent on the degree of dark-cutting, with full and two-thirds dark-cutters being similar in biochemical activity.
168 Evaluate the digestibility effects of alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures on beef cattle in the Deep South
Authors: Henson Mason , Zessin Peyton , Dillard Sandra L , Mullenix M Kim , Smith William B 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the Deep South, one of the hardest times of year for cattle producers is the summer due to extreme temperatures and low-quality perennial forages. Incorporating a high-quality crop like alfalfa (Medicago sativa) into forage mixtures could be economically advantageous; however, there is not much alfalfa produced in the Deep South. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effects of forage type on in vivo digestibility and nutrient balance in beef cattle systems. There was also an interest in differing conserved forage types, so we analyzed digestion dynamics influenced by various conserved forage types. Three treatments including bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay, alfalfa baleage, and alfalfa-bermudagrass baleage were supplied to four fistulated steers (average 412.34 kg +/- 41.25 kg) with a calculated daily forage allowance based on intake, body weight, and feed refusals. Each diet was allocated to one of three periods in which all four animals received the same diet due to potential feed spoilage. Each period had a 21-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d collection period to analyze total fecal excretion, feed intake, feed refusal, total urine output, and rumen fluid dynamics. Data were analyzed using R Core Team (2023) and the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). There were significant differences in dry matter digestibility (DMD) between diets (P &lt; 0.0015). We found that alfalfa-bermudagrass baleage had a 9% (+/- 0.058, 95% C.I.) less DMD than bermudagrass hay (P &lt; 0.0088) and alfalfa baleage had a 7% (+/- 0.058, 95% C.I.) greater DMD than bermudagrass hay (P &lt; 0.025). Results indicate that alfalfa baleage provides the most nutrient use efficiency when comparing alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures. There was no significant conserved forage effect potentially due to baleage quality and inadequate fermentation of the alfalfa-bermudagrass baleage. That said, there is still potential for beef cattle producers in the Deep South to diversify feeding strategies by using nutrient-rich forage additives like alfalfa and different conserved forage methods to increase digestibility, thus increasing returns in their operations.
165 Does supplementation of beef cattle impact the agronomy performance of tall fescue and bermudagrass pastures?
Authors: Farney Jaymelynn K , Warner Jason , Banks James , Yasuoka Junior , Pedriera Bruno 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In forage-based beef cattle systems, bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) stand as widely used forage species. The strategic supplementation of animals may reduce forage intake, thereby potentially affecting the agronomic performance of these grasses. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of beef cattle supplemental feeding on forage accumulation, forage mass, and nutritive value in tall fescue and bermudagrass pastures. Two studies were conducted where pregnant beef cows were supplemental fed 1% of BW on DM basis of corn silage daily (SUP) or received no supplemental feeding (free-choice mineral; NON). Trial 1: conducted on bermudagrass pastures (BERM) grazed from late May to early October. Experimental design for BERM was completely randomized design with 4 pastures per treatment (n = 3 cows/pasture; average 5 years of age; 550 ± 72 kg initial BW). Trial 2: conducted on fescue pastures (FES) with an experimental design of a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The two factors evaluated were fescue type [TOXIC (507 ppm ± 0.82 SEM ergot alkaloids; 92.5% endophyte infection)] or non-toxin-producing (NT; 5 ppm ± 2.50 SEM ergot alkaloids; 38.6% endophyte infection) and two levels of supplemental feeding (NON or SUP). There were 3 or 4 replications per fescue x supplemental feeding treatment (n = 15 pastures), stocked with 3 cows/pasture (average age 4.75 years; 558 ± 73 kg initial BW) and grazed from early May through November. Forage accumulation (FA) was estimated every 28 d using the paired-cage method (4 exclosure cages/pasture). On each exclusion period, the forage mass (FM) was estimated both inside and outside the cages through destructive sampling method and samples analyzed for forage quality. Pasture was experimental unit and repeated measures were included in analysis. Bermudagrass FM tended to be increased by 31% with SUP (P = 0.09; 774 kg/ha greater). Forage accumulation tended (P = 0.07) to be affected by feeding method x month. There was greater FA in June for SUP; however, there was greater FA for NON in July. SUP pastures had greater ADF (1% more; P = 0.01) and reduced TDN (1.5%; P &lt; 0.01) than NON. Forage mass tended to be 10% greater for TOXIC pastures (P = 0.09; 409 kg/ha more forage mass). Supplemental feeding on fescue did not impact FM (P = 0.74). Forage accumulation was not impacted by fescue type, feeding method, nor the interaction (P &gt; 0.30). Cows generally do not consume as much toxic fescue, thus more forage is available in pastures and supplemental feeding did not alter forage parameters. However, on a warm-season grass that is growing while supplemental feeding, forage availability was increased and maybe useful as method to increase stocking rates or as mitigation tool during drought.
161 Effects of Sericea Lespedeza Supplementation on Steers Grazing Wild-Type Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue
Authors: Poudel Sanjok , Pent Gabriel J , Fike John H , Harlow Brittany , Zeller Wayne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Fescue toxicosis poses a significant challenge to the United States beef industry, resulting in considerable economic losses. This syndrome arises from the consumption of tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceous) infected with the wild-type endophyte (WE; Epichloe coenophiala), which produces toxic alkaloids. The most effective solution for mitigating fescue toxicosis is renovating WE tall fescue pastures to novel endophyte-infected (NE) tall fescue. However, pasture renovation is costly and may not be feasible under certain conditions, with the economic profitability taking up to 3 yr. While the potential of condensed tannins (CTs) in specific leguminous forages to reduce the absorption of toxic alkaloids is recognized, their use as supplements remains underexplored. This study aims were to investigate the potential of CT-containing feed supplements, specifically sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) pellets, in reducing the post-ingestive effects of fescue toxicosis in steers. Over two summers,12 steers were assigned to either Schedonorus arundinaceous (LES) or LES mixed with polyethylene glycol (LES + PEG) as a positive control for 12 wk. Body weight, hair retention score, rectal and extremities temperatures, cortisol concentrations, and lumen area of caudal arteries were collected at 4-wk intervals. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effect ANOVA test in SAS Studio 3.5. Steers on the LES diet exhibited significantly less (P &lt; 0.05) hair retention scores compared with those on the LES + PEG diet. In 2021, steers on the LES diet showed greater (P = 0.0101) ADG, while in 2022, there was no difference (P = 0.9916) in ADG between the treatments. Steers on the LES diet displayed greater (P = 0.0332) tail skin temperatures and decreased (P &lt; 0.0001) rectal temperatures compared with those on the LES + PEG diet. Hair cortisol concentrations were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in steers on the LES + PEG diet than in those on the LES diet. Additionally, steers supplemented with the LES + PEG diet showed a 21.2% smaller caudal artery lumen area compared with those on the LES diet (P &lt; 0.01). These findings underscore the potential of CTs in reducing the post-ingestive effects of fescue toxicosis. However, further research is needed to explore the complex mechanisms underlying these effects, establish the long-term efficacy of such interventions, and extend the investigation to include a broader range of physiological parameters affecting livestock health and performance.
21 Ancylostoma caninum-derived neutrophil inhibitory factor impairs ovine neutrophil chemotaxis to Haemonchus contortus larval antigen in Suffolk but not St. Croix sheep
Authors: Teddleton Hannah G , Greiner Scott P , Bowdridge Scott A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Parasite-resistant St. Croix sheep (STC) generate a potent neutrophilic response to larval stages of Haemonchus contortus (Hc) as demonstrated by abomasal neutrophil infiltration as early as 3 days after infection. This phenomenon is delayed in parasite-susceptible Suffolk sheep (SUF) potentially contributing to larval establishment. An excretory/secretory (E/S) product, common to many helminths, is neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) which negatively affects neutrophil migration and activity. Due to differences in neutrophil accumulation between STC and SUF sheep, we hypothesized that Hc-NIF may inhibit migration of SUF and not STC neutrophils. To determine the concentration of NIF to use in subsequent experiments, neutrophils from STC and SUF were cultured with varying concentrations of Ancylostoma caninum-derived NIF (Ac-NIF) before exposure to larval Hc third-stage larval antigen (HcLA). Analysis of migration to stimuli revealed that the Ac-NIF concentration of 0.125 ug/mL yielded the greatest inhibition of migration towards HcLA between SUF and STC (8.70% and 11.64% migration, respectively; P = 0.0004).To test our hypothesis, neutrophils were cultured from STC and SUF sheep in the presence of Ancylostoma caninum-derived NIF (Ac-NIF) and measure chemotaxis to Interleukin-8 (IL-8), HcLA or Hc third-stage excretory/secretory (E/S) products. Neutrophils were isolated then incubated with Ac-NIF (0.125μg/mL) or complete media for 1 h. Neutrophils (1,000,000 cell/mL) were applied to cell migration inserts, and placed into a reservoir containing HcLA (20 μg/mL), E/S (20 μg/mL), IL-8 (50 ng/mL), or complete media. Migration plates were incubated (37°C, 5% CO2) for 24 h, after which, migrating cells were quantified using fluorescence. Ac-NIF inhibited SUF neutrophil migration towards IL-8 compared with STC (6.47% vs 9.95%, respectively; P = 0.0025). In response to HcLA alone, 64.0% of STC neutrophils migrated, while only 40.9% of SUF had the ability to migrate (P &lt; 0.001). Towards HcLA, Ac-NIF inhibited SUF neutrophil migration compared with STC (8.40% vs 13.8%, respectively) (P &lt; 0.001). Even more dramatically, in response to E/S products alone, only 24.3% of SUF neutrophils had the ability to migrate, while 76.4% of STC neutrophils migrated towards E/S (P &lt; 0.001). In response to E/S, only 1.52% of SUF Ac-NIF-treated neutrophils were able to migrate, while 23.27% of STC neutrophils migrated (P &lt; 0.001). Taken together, these data demonstrate that STC neutrophils are resistant to effects of neutrophil inhibition that is artificially applied or derived from HcE/S, which may explain breed differences in neutrophil migration in vivo.
18 Progesterone and insulin concentrations during pregnancy in slick and wild type-haired Holstein cows
Authors: Tirado-Colón Anayra I , Feliciano-Figueroa William D , Sánchez-Rodríguez Héctor L , Negrón-Pérez Veronica M , Jiménez-Cabán Esbal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In cattle, the presence of the SLICK gene has been associated with shorter calving intervals when exposed to tropical climates. However, the effects this genotype may have in terms of circulating hormones during pregnancy have not been reported. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine if reproductive hormones concentrations differ during the gestation between slick (SH) and wild type-haired (WT) cattle. Holstein heifers were estrus synchronized and inseminated during Winter (December) and Summer (June). A total of 13 SH and 8 WT Holstein heifers became pregnant and are included in the current study. Beginning on the day of insemination (d 0), blood samples were collected every 28 d. Commercially available ELISA kits were used to determine the plasma concentrations of bovine progesterone and insulin. The effects of hair coat genotype, season, day of pregnancy, and the respective interactions were tested by PROC Mixed in SAS. Day of pregnancy was utilized as a repeated measure for each animal. A significant season x day of pregnancy interaction (P &lt; 0.001) was observed for the plasma concentrations of progesterone. On gestational d 0, 28 and 56, progesterone concentrations were greater for heifers inseminated during the Winter (7.11 ± 0.50, 5.31 ± 0.51, 5.39 ± 0.49 ng/mL, for d 0, 28 and 56 of pregnancy, respectively) when compared with those inseminated during the Summer (3.04 ± 0.45, 3.17 ± 0.45, 3.21 ± 0.45 ng/mL, for d 0, 28 and 56 of pregnancy, respectively). For insulin, also a significant interaction of season x day of pregnancy was observed (P = 0.004). On d 112 of pregnancy, the concentrations of insulin were greater for heifers inseminated during Winter (0.337 ± 0.03 ng/mL) when compared with those inseminated during Summer (0.082 ± 0.08 ng/mL). No other significant interactions were observed. Neither differences in progesterone (P = 0.70; 3.7 ± 0.33 and 3.9 ± 0.25 ng/mL, for WT and SH, respectively) nor insulin (P = 0.46; 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.18 ± 0.01 ng/mL, for WT and SH, respectively) were observed between genotypes. Further research comparing other hormones during pregnancy may provide useful information between genotypes that may help to explain the better reproductive performance of SH dairy cows.