bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
1 Use of the GreenFeed bait system to assist in measuring fecal output and digesta kinetics
Authors: Gunter Stacey , Friend Emalee J , Beck Matthew R , Moffet Corey A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
With increased use of automated feeders, like the bait dispenser on an automated head chamber system (AHCS; GreenFeed; C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD), more scientists are investigating ways to use this equipment. Scientist with the Agricultural Research Service initially conducted an experiment to determine if dosing titanium dioxide (TiO2) through an AHCS is an alternative to the traditional hand-fed dosing method for estimating fecal output (FO). The AHCS used had a 2-hopper bait dispensing system, where one hopper contained alfalfa pellets marked with 1% TiO2 and the other contained alfalfa pellets. During the morning (0800), hand-fed heifers received 32 g of TiO2-marked pellets, whereas AHCS-dosed heifers also received 32 g of marked pellets during their first visit each day. A two one-sided t-test indicated the FO estimates were similar (P = 0.04), but the AHCS dosed heifers had greater (P &lt; 0.01) variability; this difference in FO variability is probably due to the increased variability in dosing time (0615 ± 6.2 h). This research has highlighted the potential for dosing cattle with a marker through the AHCS, but conventional fecal marker methods assume steady-state concentration. Our research has shown that errors associated with external marker methods are not highly associated with analytical techniques but are most influenced by dose size and sampling inaccuracy. Hence, ad libitum use of an AHCS results in non-steady-state fecal concentrations. To determine whether reliable FO estimates could be obtained under conditions of irregular but known dose times, we designed 2 experiments where the steady-state assumptions were relaxed, and fit known time measured fecal concentrations to multi-dose digesta kinetics models to estimate FO. In these experiments we used individually penned, rumen fistulated Dexter steers and limit-fed a diet of hay and protein supplement. First, after a 7-d dietary acclimation, steers were given a dose of TiO2 through the rumen fistula and again on d 14, and over 120 h after each dose, 14 spaced fecal samples were collected. In Exp. 2, steers received the first of 6 daily doses, then on d 7 no dose, and on days 8 to 12 daily dosing resumed. Beginning on d 7, when dosing was skipped, fecal sampling began and over a 120-h period 14 fecal samples were collected. For Exp. 1, marker concentration data were fit to a G2 digesta kinetics model and for Exp. 2, concentration data were fit to a multi-dose G2 digesta kinetics model assuming identical digesta kinetics for each dose and the concentration over time as the sum of each pulse. Measured FO in Exp. 2 was 11% greater than the estimates obtained from fitting measured concentrations to multi-dose digesta kinetics models.
3 Measuring feed intake in cows
Authors: Lalman David L , Briggs Emma A , Talley Samuel R , Edens Jay , Beck Paul A , Foote Andrew P , Reuter Ryan R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In recent years, substantial progress has been made in understanding the sources of biological variation and genetic components of feed efficiency in growing animals consuming energy-dense mixed diets during the post-weaning phase. Much less is known about within-animal variation of feed efficiency for beef cows consuming moderate to low-quality forage diets common to most cow/calf production systems. Considerable evidence indicates the existence of a genetic by environment interaction for feed efficiency. Phenotype for feed intake and feed efficiency are most practically and cost effectively determined during the post-weaning growing stage. However, due to the additional nutrient sinks associated with gestation and lactation, and the cost, labor and technology required to measure economically relevant traits in mature cows, little is known about forage utilization efficiency in beef cows. The beef cow/calf segment of the industry represents, by far, the greatest opportunity to reduce beef production input costs and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. We reason that selection tools for feed intake and feed efficiency developed over the last 20 years are effective for the post-weaning growing and finishing phases, although only marginally effective for beef cows consuming unprocessed, moderate to low-quality forage. In this session, we will discuss challenges, opportunities, and experiences associated with measuring forage intake and recovered energy in beef cows.
51 A preliminary study of the effect of dietary cottonseed on the follicular reserve of does artificially infected with Haemonchus contortus.
Authors: Marchant Nicolas , Dlamini Notsile H , Kameni Serge L , Feugang Jean M , Rios Leyla 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Numerous studies have reported the negative effect of cottonseed gossypol on the ovarian reserve of the follicles, impairing female fertility. Injuries resulting in the depletion of primordial follicles can lead to permanent infertility. At birth, female mammals possess a fixed number of ovarian primordial follicles, which develop into primary, secondary, and antral follicles in a continuous and irreversible process. In this study, we evaluated the potential effects of dietary cottonseed gossypol in combination with parasitic infection on ovarian follicular reserve in meat goats. A total of 40 Boer x Spanish cross does were randomly subjected to cottonseed (CS) and parasite (P: Haemonchus contortus) in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of does (n = 8) per treatment groups (CS-/P-; CS+/P-; CS-/P+, and CS+/P+). Does were artificially infected with Haemonchus contortus for 2 d, and after 25 d, they began shedding parasite eggs. Thereafter, does were fed a hay diet supplemented with cottonseed (0.5% BW; CS+) or concentrate (CS-), to meet the nutritional requirements. Ten weeks later, animals were slaughtered, and ovaries of each treatment group (n = 4) were fixed with formalin and subjected to a standard procedure of histology staining (Periodic acid–Schiff and Hematoxylin counterstaining). Cuts of one left and one right ovary of two does were placed on microscope slides, and 48 slides were subjected to a microscope visualization (EVOS FL Auto; 20x magnification). Primordial follicles were classified as healthy (stained nucleus), unhealthy (pycnotic), and undetermined. Data were analyzed with ANOVA 1 and expressed as mean ± sem. P &lt; 0.05 indicates a significant difference. A total of 20,562 primordial follicles corresponding to 10,410 (50.6%) healthy; 3,729 (18.1%) unhealthy; and 6,909 (33.6%) undetermined were examined; of which 26%, 20%, 31%, and 23% of total primordial follicles belonged to the CS-/P-, CS-/P+, CS+/P-, and CS+/P+ treatment groups, respectively. A significantly (P &lt; 0.05) greater number of follicles were counted on left vs. right ovary sections (11,584 vs. 8,978) corresponding to 56.3% vs. 43.7% of total follicle counts. Averages of 121 ± 6 vs. 101±6 follicles were calculated per left and right ovary sections. Diets containing cottonseed (CS+/P-) increased the average number of follicles per ovary section, while parasite infections significantly (P &lt; 0.05; CS-/P+ and CS+/P+) decreased these numbers. Regardless of the treatment group, the proportions of healthy follicles remained comparable between treatment groups. We concluded that dietary cottonseed and parasitic infections inversely affect ovarian follicle reserve, while the proportions of healthy follicles were unaffected across treatment groups. Nevertheless, higher microscopic magnification is needed to better characterize the large proportion of undetermined follicles.
55 Evaluation of feed efficiency and feeding behavior in Katahdin lambs housed in a Vytelle Sense system
Authors: Valliere Nicole K , Wright Lee L , Weaver Andrew R , Bowdridge Scott A , Greiner Scott P 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Genetic selection focused on feed efficiency may prove to be valuable in reducing feed consumption costs and animal maintenance requirements without compromising growth. The Vytelle Sense system allows measurement of individual lamb DMI and varying feeding behaviors to identify feed efficient lambs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sire selection based on fecal egg count estimated breeding value (FEC EBV) on residual feed intake (RFI), gain:feed (G:F), and daily DMI. Katahdin ewes at the Virginia Tech Southwest Virginia Agricultural and Research Center (SWAREC) were mated to Katahdin rams (LowFEC: n = 4; HighFEC: n = 4) to divergently select for FEC EBV in their offspring (LowFEC: n = 36; HighFEC: n = 32). Post-weaning, lambs were fed a complete pellet (14% CP, 76% TDN) ad libitum in the Vytelle Sense system for 58 days. RFI was calculated as the difference between actual and expected DMI. DMI was predicted based on ADG and metabolic body size. Feeding duration per meal and DMI per meal were analyzed to determine feeding behavior. Statistical analyses were performed using PROC Mixed SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Sire FEC EBV type tended to have an effect on RFI (P = 0.06). Individual sire had a significant effect on RFI, G:F, and daily DMI (P &lt; 0.05). Sex did not impact RFI (P &gt; 0.10). Ram lambs had greater G:F values compared with ewes (0.32 vs. 0.26 kg; P &lt; 0.05). Rams had greater daily DMI compared with ewes (2.37 vs. 1.89 kg/d; P &lt; 0.05). Significance was detected between sires for meal duration (P &lt; 0.05). Ewe lambs exhibited greater meal duration compared with rams (237.3 vs. 203.4 s/meal; P &lt; 0.05). However, ewes had reduced DMI per meal compared with rams (0.29 vs. 0.34 kg/meal; P &lt; 0.05). Individual sire did not have an effect on meal DMI (P &gt; 0.10). To evaluate sire impact on RFI across multiple locations, LowFEC Katahdin rams (n = 2), mentioned previously, were bred to Katahdin ewes at the NC State University Upper Piedmont Research Station (UPRS) and the SWAREC. Genetic connectedness between locations allowed for comparisons of progeny performance. Post-weaning, UPRS lambs were fed a complete pellet (16% CP, 75% TDN) ad libitum in the Vytelle sense system for 45 d. Location did not impact RFI prediction for either sire (P &gt; 0.10). Variation between sires indicates potential sire impact on progeny feed efficiency and feeding behavior. Further studies are needed to evaluate sire RFI trends across multiple locations.
58 United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System Goat 2019 study: Distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes
Authors: Miller James E , Avery Ryan , Burke Joan M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
One objective of the United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System Goat 2019 study was to describe practices producers use to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and reduce anthelmintic resistance through the examination of anthelmintic treatment efficacy via fecal egg count reduction tests and fecal cultures. The fecal cultures were used to determine what GIN were present across the areas of the US included in the study (September 2019-April 2020). Bulk cultures were processed from 318 operations in 24 states and results were consolidated into 4 regions: Northwest (3 states, 34 operations), Northeast (9 states, 89 operations), Southeast (9 states, 132 operations) and Southwest (3 states, 63 operations). GIN identification included Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomumand Nematodirus. In addition to GIN, lungworm presence was also noted. Haemonchus were found on 18.6% of the operations (Northwest, 27.0%; Northeast, 13.1%; Southeast, 15.9% and Southwest, 29.2%). Trichostrongylus were found on 97.2% of the operations (Northwest, 100%; Northeast, 98%; Southeast, 97.0% and Southwest, 95.7%). Teladorsagia were found on 80.3% of the operations (Northwest, 97.1%; Northeast, 71.6%; Southeast, 88.6% and Southwest (75.7%). Oesophagostomum were found on 38.2% of the operations (Northwest, 73.1%; Northeast, 39.6%, Southeast, 46.4% and Southwest, 15.5%). Nematodiruswere found on 7% of the operations (Northwest, 7%; Northeast, 5.2%, Southeast, 20.8% and Southwest, 0%). Lungworms were found on 35.4% of the operations (Northwest, 69.1%; Northeast, 52.2%, Southeast, 33.4% and Southwest, 8.3%). Due to sampling logistics, fecal collection was conducted during autumn through early spring which may have influenced number of more pathogenic GIN. This study provided valuable insight into regional prevalence of GIN in goats. In depth analyses continues and will be forthcoming.
116 In-situ degradability of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) plant components in cattle
Authors: Lopez Alyssa , Fukuda Emma , Fruge Greyson , Drewery Merritt L 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills defined hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as an agricultural commodity and removed it from the controlled substances list, developing a pathway for commercialization and increasing interest in cultivating hemp in the United States. Demand for therapeutic, cannabinoid-based hemp products is increasing, and, as not all of the plant components are utilized for these products, there will likely be significant quantities of hemp by-products created. As these by-products are cellulosic, they may be marketed as livestock feed, especially for ruminant animals. There have been limited studies into hemp as cattle feed. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to determine the in-situ degradability of different hemp components in beef cattle. We conducted an in-situ trial with three ruminally cannulated steers (IACUC #8497) and 16 unique hemp samples: leaves, flower, stalk, or whole plant cultivated with four different seed inoculants. Samples were incubated in the rumen for 0, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h and replicated across each steer. After samples were removed, they were rinsed and analyzed for partial dry matter (DM), DM, organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP). Solubility fractions [immediately soluble (IS), potentially soluble (PS), and not soluble (NS)], rate of degradation (kd), and rumen degradability was determined for OM and CP. Rate of passage (kp) was set at 4.7%. As there were not differences across seed inoculant method, data were combined across plant components. For OM, the NS fraction was greatest for hemp stalks (12%) and least for leaves (7%). The PS fraction ranged 72-75% across plant components with the least value for stalks and greatest for leaves. Of the PS fraction, ruminal OM degradability was least for stalks (51%) and greatest for leaves (72%). For CP, the NS fraction of hemp stalks (16%) was greater than other fractions, which ranged from 6-8%. The PS fraction was approximately 76% for both whole plant and leaves, a vast majority of which (71-73%) was degradable, indicating these plant components provide a good source of rumen degradable protein. The IS fraction was greatest (20%) for hemp flower. Although hemp flower may be easily digested by ruminants, it does not have practical value because this plant component competes in the human market as the flower contains a high percentage of cannabinoids which have therapeutic properties. Ultimately, our data indicate that hemp leaves have nutritional and practical value as feed for beef cattle and that hemp stalks would likely not be well-utilized as a forage source. Before hemp can be integrated into the beef cattle industry as feed, additional research is required to determine the effects of feeding hemp on animal performance and evaluate uptake and retention of cannabinoids in body tissues.
112 In situ evaluation of multiple edible insects as feed for cattle
Authors: Dominguez Delila , Fukuda Emma , Rea Jay , Drewery Merritt L 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Livestock production is growing and intensifying in response to a growing population and associated food demands. Commercially reared insects have been positioned as a potential protein source for livestock due to their nutritional value and decreased environmental footprint as compared with conventional protein feeds. The American Association of Feed Officials (AAFCO) has issued a definition for black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as feed for certain livestock but has not yet authorized feeding BSFL to ruminants. Further, AAFCO has not provided a feed definition for other edible insects [e.g., mealworm larvae (MWL)], likely due to a lack of research evaluating the value of insects as feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate edible insect species as feed for cattle by determining in situ characteristics of multiple commercially reared species. This research was approved by Texas State University IACUC (#8693). Samples (n = 14) included five insect species [i.e., black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)], mealworm larvae (MWL), house cricket, grasshopper, and banded cricket] that were commercially reared on different feed inputs and with various processing parameters and BSFL frass, which is insect excreta. There were 6 samples of BSFL, two of MWL, and three of house crickets. Three ruminally cannulated steers were used and provided ad libitum hay and water. A 6-d trial period was performed including a 3-d adaptation and 3-d experimental incubation period. Samples incubated in the rumen at 7 timepoints in reverse order (0, 4, 6, 12, 14, 48, and 72 h). After incubation, residues were analyzed for partial dry matter (PDM), dry matter (DM), and organic matter (OM). Dry matter and OM were separated into immediately soluble (IS), potentially soluble (PS), and not soluble (NS) fractions. For DM, the average NS fraction was 6.2% with a range from 3.0 to 10.4%. The sample with the greatest NS fraction was grasshopper. Across samples, the average PS fraction was 74.5% with a range from 69.3 to 79.1%. The sample with the smallest PS fraction was BSFL frass whereas the sample with the greatest was BSFL. Multiple samples had a DM degradability &gt;85%. However, MWL and BSFL had fluctuating DM degradability across samples, likely due to variability among processing parameters. For OM fractionation, the average NS fraction was 5.7% with a range of 2.8 to 10.4%. Grasshopper had the greatest NS fraction. The average PS fraction was 74.9%; BSFL had the greatest PS fraction while frass had the least. Many samples had an OM degradability &gt;85% and frass had the greatest degradability (90.0%). There was great variability in OM degradability across house cricket samples, likely related to rearing diet. These findings indicate that BSFL and MWL have potential value as feed for cattle but there would be challenges associated with feeding crickets.
106 Advancing precision livestock management in the dairy industry: An early exploration of individual cow tracking using YOLOv5-Based computer vision
Authors: McGee Marcus , Clayton Cierra , Victory Abigail , Hardin Colby , Hudson Christopher 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Precision livestock management in the dairy industry holds promise for addressing the ability of future livestock producers to accurately track multiple health factors related to animal welfare and milk production. While there are significant challenges with integrating sensors into the dairy, a key challenge lies in accurately tracking individual cows across multiple sensors, allowing data correlation with health and milk records. The emergence of artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies provides a unique opportunity for livestock producers. The objective of this study is to examine the ability of computer-based vision using YOLOv5 to automatically detect and identify individual animals housed in a group setting. The study was conducted at the Joe Bearden Dairy Research Center, where lactating cows (seven Holstein-Friesian, three Jersey) were housed within a single pen of a freestall with sand bedding. Animals were managed in accordance with the standard operating procedure of the dairy. Video was captured in 4k resolution via a four camera closed caption media recording system. Cameras were placed at an angle in each corner of the pen providing multiple perspectives of each animal throughout the study. Initial training video data for the algorithm were generated through manual annotation from a single viewpoint for proof of concept. The video capture was segmented into a total of 3,241 frames, with a total of 84 frames manually annotated using open-source software and utilized for training data spanning 75 epochs. Eight images were used for validation. Transfer learning was applied using pretrained weights for the YOLOv5s model. The trained model achieved high precision (0.97) and recall (0.96) during validation. Notably, the F1-Confidence curve showcases a good F1 score of 0.96 at a confidence interval of 0.69. In conclusion, this preliminary work sets the stage for effective sensing and individual cow tracking, with far-reaching implications for dairy farming precision and productivity. While the trained model exhibited strong performance within the confines of its training data, challenges arise when presented with previously unseen angles of the animals, leading to potential identification errors. Moreover, the presence of sand beds occasionally obstructs clear views of the animals, introducing additional uncertainties. To address these challenges and enhance the robustness of the model, future work should incorporate images captured from additional camera viewpoints, ensuring a more comprehensive and reliable identification system for precision animal management in the dairy industry.