bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
57 Impact of Cache Valley Virus in an Arkansas sheep flock
Authors: Burke Joan M , Wood Erin , Lee Charles , Carpenter Ann , Kojima Noah , Fagre Anna , Calvert Amanda , Thrasher Elisa , Martin Stacey , Staples Erin , Gould Carolyn 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cache Valley Virus (CVV) is an arbovirus transmitted between mosquitos and several vertebrate species, including small ruminants. Infections in adult sheep and goats is generally subclinical, but infection during pregnancy is a growing animal welfare issue as it can result in embryo or pregnancy loss, fetal malformation, and dystocia. Diagnosis in fetal tissue or neonates is made using serologic or molecular testing. Serologic diagnosis in the dam can indicate past infection but does not confirm CVV infection in the fetus. ARS first noted clinical signs of possible CVV during the Nov/Dec 2015 lambing; first seropositive dam was identified in Jan 2021. To estimate incidence of CVV infections among ewes bred from 2019-2023 and lambing in Jan/Feb (n = 185), adverse pregnancy outcome such as embryo loss, birth of dead, deformed, or weak lambs, were used as surrogate markers. The relationship of animal BW (ewes at breeding and post-breeding; lambs at birth and ~60 d of age), dam age, lamb outcome, and breeding year were compared by likely CVV infection status. To estimate seroprevalence in ewes and correlate serology results with pregnancy outcomes, serum was collected from ewes (n = 46) exposed to rams in Aug 2022 at 0 (first day of ram exposure) and ~60 d later. Tissue from aborted or dead lambs and serum from live lambs exhibiting signs of CVV (swollen joints, parrot mouth, deformities) were collected. Serum was screened for neutralizing antibodies using a CVV-specific plaque reduction neutralization test using a 50% cut-off (PRNT50). For this preliminary analysis, specimens with PRNT50 antibody titers ≥ 10 were considered positive. Tissue specimens were tested using bunyavirus and CVV RT-PCR. Data were analyzed by GLM (SAS). Using surrogate markers, an estimate of incidence of CVV during pregnancy was 26.5 ± 2.9% without year differences (P = 0.16) or age (yearling vs older ewes, P = 0.44). There was no association between CVV and dam BW (P &gt; 0.10), number of live+dead lambs born, but CVV possibly reduced number of live lambs by 18% (P = 0.02) and those weaned by 27% (P = 0.002). Live litter birth (CVV, P &lt; 0.001) and weaning BW (CVV × year, P = 0.04) were reduced by CVV. Of 42 ewes bred in Aug 2022, 9 (21%) had a positive titer in Aug (pre-pregnancy) indicating possible past infection, 3 (11%) seroconverted in Oct, indicating possible infection during pregnancy. Of those, 2 (6.7%) had adverse pregnancy outcomes, including one stillbirth with deformities that had a positive RT-PCR on kidney tissue. Further studies are needed to determine whether CVV is becoming more widely prevalent in small ruminants, as are new technologies for early detection and prevention.
61 Determining in vivo and in vitro predatory activity of Duddingtonia flagrans and interaction with dietary coccidiostat
Authors: Burke Joan M , Rohila Suman , Petersson Katherine , Kass Elizabeth , Vatta Adriano , Miller James E 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A nematode trapping fungus, Duddingtonia flagrans (Df), fed to sheep is useful for biocontrol of gastrointestinal nematodes on pasture. The objectives were: 1) validate methods to determine viability of a commercial source of Df before beginning research studies, and 2) examine the interaction between Df and dietary coccidiostat (as decoquinate). Methods: Study 1: In Jan 2023, weaned Katahdin lambs (97.3 ± 1.2 d of age; 19.5 ± 1.3 kg BW; packed cell volume of 26.5 ± 1.4 %), naturally infected with predominantly Haemonchus contortus (89%) and mean fecal egg count (FEC) of 6,860 ± 1,535 eggs/g, were randomly assigned to: 1) no Df (-g)/(FEC-g)×100]. Study 2: In Aug 2023, 7 mo old anthelmintic-treated ram lambs (FEC &lt; 50 egg/s; 51.6 ± 3.9 kg in BW) were fed grain supplement daily with decoquinate (Deccox; +C) or without (-C; n = 3/diet) on d -7 to 1, and, within diet, administered 3 g BioWorma/d in 6 gel capsules (+DF; n = 2/diet) or not (-DF; n = 1) on d -1 and -2. Fecal samples were collected on d 0 (2 g/plate + 300 L3 of H. contortus) and d 1 (6 g/plate + 1000 L3) and placed on water agar plates (n = 3/lamb) at 25°C. Trapping structures were visually assessed after 24, 48, and 144 h (6 d), and cultures Baermannized on d 7 for L3 recovery. Relative reduction was (x̅-DF-C-x̅+DF+C/ x̅-DF-C)×100%. Data for variables collected one time were analyzed by Proc GLM (SAS), and for those collected serially, a Proc Mixed with repeated measures. A 2×2 factorial was used in Study 2 and included treatments, day and interaction in model. Results: Study 1: As expected, L3 recovery was reduced (P = 0.005) in DF lambs by 67-78% relative to control. Study 2: DF formed loops and traps around L3 by d 6 and reduced L3 recovery on both days (P &lt; 0.001) without an interaction by decoquinate (P = 0.69). The L3 reduction relative to -DF-C was between 60.2-73.5%. The coccidiostat, decoquinate, can be added to the diet in the presence of BioWorma without antagonism. In conclusion, the in vitro studies allow detection of adverse issues with viability of Df and can reduce the number of animals needed for research studies.
65 Effect of post-weaning fecal egg count EBV on grazing ewe behavior after weaning
Authors: Vaughan Garrett T , Wright Lee L , Greiner Scott P , Bowdridge Scott A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Post weaning fecal egg count (PFEC) estimated breeding value (EBV) has been recently linked with improved immune competence and lamb survival to weaning, thus improving health though selection. Animal movement is also linked to animal health, however little is known about behavior differences in sheep with divergent PFEC EBV. Thirty Katahdin ewes were selected after weaning, from the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Where high PFEC ewes (EBV &gt; 172) and 15 low PFEC (EBV &lt; -84) were selected. Upon placement into pastures, ewes were fitted with Digitanimal GPS collars that measure GPS location every 15 min and store data on a micro SD card. Additional data collection included bi-weekly body weights, FAMACHA scores, body condition scores and fecal egg count. There was no difference in any physiological measurement in these ewes for the duration of this 4-week study. However, significant differences were observed between groups for daily distance traveled. On average, High-PFEC ewes traveled 4.52 km, where low ewes traveled only 4.16 km (P &lt; 0.0001). The average distance traveled between GPS signals (every 15 min) was 48.6 m for high ewes and 47.0 m for Low-PFEC ewes (P &lt; 0.0001). Interestingly, the time of day where maximum activity occurred (1506 h vs 1448 h; High and Low-PFEC respectively) was not different, nor was the distance those ewes traveled in that hour (522.6 vs 519.2 m). These data provide a preliminary snapshot of movement differences that occur between PFEC groups and may inform future studies to evaluate linkage between health and movement in grazing livestock.
73 Deworming to improve growth in early-weaned spring born hair sheep lambs
Authors: O'Brien Dahlia J , Wildeus Stephan A , Davis Javin , Robertson MacKenzie , Matthews Kwame 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In lambs, the stress of weaning and the lack of a fully developed immune system can increase susceptibility to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Lack of an effective GIN control strategy around this time can have a significant impact on lamb growth, productivity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of deworming at weaning on growth performance in hair sheep lambs. St. Croix (STX) and Barbados Blackbelly (BB) lambs used in the study were born on pasture, weaned at 60.2 ± 0.4 d of age, and transitioned in pens for 87 d post-weaning before turning out to pasture. After accounting for initial FAMACHA eyelid color score, breed, and birth type (single or multiple) at weaning, 54 STX (n = 32) and BB (n = 22) lambs weighing 11.7 ± 0.4 kg were dewormed (DEW) or not (CON) with a combination of levamisol (Prohibit; 8 mg/kg BW) moxidectin (Cydectin; 0.2 mg/kg BW) and albendazole (Valbazen; 7.5 mg/kg BW). To evaluate the effect of deworming treatment, BW and body condition scores (BCS; scale 1-5) were recorded at weaning and at end of transition to pasture. Blood and fecal samples were also collected for determination of packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC). Pooled treatment group feces (d 0 – 98) were collected and cultured to determine GIN genera at weaning. Data were analyzed using repeated measures in a mixed model, and FEC were log transformed prior to analysis. There was a mixed population of GIN at weaning averaging 65% and 35% for H. contortus and Tricostrongylus spp. At weaning, BCS, PCV, and FEC were similar between treatment groups and averaged 1.6 ± 0.07, 36.5 ± 0.6%, and 399 ± 54.4 epg, respectively. Combination deworming reduced FEC by 99%. At turnout, DEW lambs (2.3 ± 0.1) tended (P = 0.08) to have greater BCS than CON lambs (2.0 ± 0.1) and PCV was greater (P &lt; 0.001) in DEW versus CON lambs (37.2 ± 0.9 and 33.3 ± 0.8%, respectively). There was also a tendency (P = 0.09) for breed to influence BCS (2.3 ± 0.1 and 2.0 ± 0.1 for BB and STX, respectively). The FEC at turnout was not influenced by treatment or breed (496.7 ± 75.1 epg). Additionally, DEW lambs (131.8 ± 5.2) tended (P = 0.09) to grow faster than CON (119.9 ± 4.7 g/d) lambs, a difference more pronounced in STX DEW (g/d) than STX CON lambs (136 ± 6.1 vs 110 ± 6.5 g/d; P &lt; 0.05). Even though deworming tended to promote faster growth rates in lambs used in this study, alternative, more sustainable, parasite control strategies should be considered in the wake of increasing dewormer resistance.
72 Comparison of Myotonic, Kiko, and Spanish Sires for Meat Goat Doe-Kid Traits
Authors: Hayes Emily G , Meador Heather , Browning Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Myotonic goats are a small-framed heritage breed known for the condition myotonia congenita which causes a prolonged contraction of their muscles when startled. There is a potential for them to be utilized in commercial meat goat systems within the United States. This study evaluated the effect of Myotonic sires on kid preweaning and doe reproductive traits across a 2-yr period. Myotonic (n = 6) and Kiko (n = 5) sires were bred to a group of 72 Kiko-influenced does and produced 139 kids. Myotonic (n = 6) and Spanish (n = 4) sires were bred to a group of 53 Spanish-influenced does and produced 123 kids. Sire breed comparisons were made within doe group. Kids were weighed at birth and weaning (3 months of age). Within both doe groups, litter size affected (P &lt; 0.05) weaning weight but not birth weight, whereas kid sex influenced (P &lt; 0.05) both birth and weaning weights. Doe age affected (P &lt; 0.05) birth and weaning kid weights in the Kiko group but did not influence (P &gt; 0.05) kid weights within the Spanish group. Myotonic- and Kiko-sired kids did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) for birth (2.81 ± 0.11 vs 2.81 ± 0.11 kg, respectively) and weaning (16.43 ± 0.65 vs. 16.92 ± 0.61 kg, respectively) weights. Likewise, Myotonic- and Spanish-sired kids did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) for birth (2.66 ± 0.13 vs. 2.89 ± 0.13 kg, respectively) and weaning weights (14.96 ± 0.62 vs. 15.37 ± 0.61 kg, respectively). There was no effect (P &gt; 0.05) of sire breed on ADG and survivability among kids within either doe group. Doe age did not influence (P &gt; 0.05) litter weight at birth but did influence (P &lt; 0.05) litter weight at weaning within the Kiko group. Doe age had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on these litter traits within the Spanish group. Myotonic and Kiko sires did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) for birth (4.09 ± 0.25 vs. 4.43 ± 0.25 kg, respectively) and weaning (23.66 ± 1.51 vs. 23.69 ± 1.50 kg, respectively) litter weights. Litter weight at birth did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) for Myotonic and Spanish sires (4.09 ± 0.15 vs. 4.44 ± 0.15 kg, respectively). Myotonic sires produced lighter (P &lt; 0.05) litters at weaning than Spanish sires (21.10 ± 0.79 vs. 23.61 ± 0.92 kg). Service sire breed did not influence (P &gt; 0.05) litter size at birth and weaning nor kidding and weaning rates within either doe group. Sire breed did not consistently affect preweaning kid traits nor doe reproductive traits. Myotonic sires did not significantly reduce birth and weaning kid weights compared with Kiko and Spanish sires in this preliminary study.
107 Bacterial direct-fed microbial mixtures effects on beef cattle ruminal degradability kinetics
Authors: McLain DeAnja A , Sarturi Jhones O , Silva Kaliu G , Johnson Bradley J , Rodrigues Barbara , Goulais Marie , Pessoni Juliana , Reis Beatriz 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on beef cattle ruminal degradability were evaluated. Six ruminally cannulated beef steers (BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design and offered a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum intake during three, 28-d periods. Treatments were: 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A (L. animalis, P. freudenreichii; B. subtilis; and B. licheniformis), at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50 mg)/animal-daily minimum; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but with doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were approximately 30% greater than the minimum expected. Pre-dehydrated (55ºC for 72 h) diets and forage substrates were ground (2 mm) and placed into 10 × 20 cm (28 µm) nylon bags (8 and 5 g, as-is respectively). The diet-substrate included a mixture of (DM basis) steam-flaked corn (70%), alfalfa hay (10%), and wet corn gluten feed (20%). The forage-substrate was represented by ‘WW-B Dahl’ Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii). Substrate in-situ bags were placed within a nylon mesh (with weights) at the ruminal ventral sac, and reversely removed at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 20, 32, 48, 64, 72, and 96 h after feeding. Samples were removed, rinsed, and dehydrated for 72 h at 55oC. Residues were composited within period, steer, incubation-time, corrected for residual moisture and were used to fit a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS (animal = experimental unit). Steers offered Treat-A tended to show an increase on the rate of degradation of NDF (P = 0.15) and ADF (P = 0.10) fractions; increased (P &lt; 0.01) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B); and increased (P = 0.02) the effective degradable fraction of NDF (tendency for ADF, P = 0.08) at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% of the diet-substrate compared with Control, while tending to have a reduced rate of degradation for the overall DM (P = 0.06) and OM (P = 0.08) fractions. When the in-situ bags containing the forage-substrate were incubated, steers offered Treat-A showed an increased (P &lt; 0.01) lag time (T0) for hemicellulose compared with Control, while those offered Treat-B had a decreased (P = 0.02) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B) compared with Control. The effective degradable fraction for hemicellulose at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% tended (P = 0.09) to numerically increase for steers offered Treat-A compared with Control. The combination of bacteria in Treat-A enhanced the ruminal degradation of high-quality fiber components, as indicated by the improvements observed within the more degradable fractions from ingredients used in the diet and the forage substrates. Further assessment is warranted to investigate post-ruminal nutrient disappearance.
109 Effectiveness of Fenbendazole in growing Quarter Horses using the Quantitative Modified Wisconsin Technique
Authors: Lavergne Jamie , Leatherwood Jessica L , Gaulandri Cecilia , Pavel Lauren , Paris Brittany L , Carter Margaret M , Linne Paige , Moore Grace E , Arnold Carolyn E , Glass Kati G , Bradberry Amanda , Jones Trinette 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Anthelmintics are commonly used in the equine industry to reduce parasite load, but there is a growing concern about anthelmintic resistance, especially in young horses where there is limited information available. Twenty-four, 2-yr-old Quarter Horses (825 ± 21 d of age, initial BW 409 ± 6 kg, 12 fillies and 12 geldings) originating from a single herd were used in a 42-d study to investigate the effectiveness of a commercial anthelmintic (fenbendazole) on fecal egg counts (FEC), hypothesizing that there would be a decrease in FEC following anthelmintic administration. Horses were housed individually (3.7m × 11m) and offered ad libitum Coastal Bermudagrass hay and water and fed a pelleted concentrate offered at 0.75% (as-fed) of their BW. During the 42-d study, BW was obtained and BCS were assigned in 21-d intervals. Fenbendazole was administered orally on d 0 and 14 dosed on BW per manufacturer label. Fresh fecal samples were collected on d 0 and 14, before anthelmintic administration, and on d 28 and 42. Fecal egg floats were conducted using the Modified Wisconsin Method, and eggs per gram (EPG) were determined in duplicate. A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was calculated, beginning on d 14. Outliers were determined as values ± 2 standard deviations of the mean, and data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (v9.4) with the main effect of time. Horses increased in BW (P ≤ 0.01) over time, but BCS did not change (P = 0.25). Mean FEC increased over time (P ≤ 0.01), beginning on d 14, and remained increased to d 42 compared to baseline. However, there was a trend (P = 0.07) for mean FEC to be less on d 42 (189.70 ± 29 EPG) when compared with d 14 (251 ± 28 EPG). The calculated reduction of FEC were below the targeted 95% or greater and included d 14 (1.04%), d 28 (35%), and d 42 (41%). The increased shedding of eggs did not negatively impact BW or BCS. However, we reject the hypothesis since FEC increased following anthelmintic treatment, indicating the need for consistent monitoring of anthelmintic efficacy in young horses.
113 Investigation of differences in pregnancy associated glycoproteins due to different fetal parameters (sex and number) using commercial tests in multiparous ewes
Authors: Rogers Faith , Rhoades Jim R , Quail Lacey K , Rich Jerica J J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Pregnancy detection is an extremely valuable practice in animal production systems as it allows for identification of pregnant or nonpregnant females and thus contributes to informed management decisions. Unfortunately, blood pregnancy tests simply provide a yes or no answer to pregnancy status. Multiparous ewes (n = 20) at the Arkansas State University Teaching and Research Center were enrolled in a study to evaluate whether lamb number or sex would impact commercial blood pregnancy test results. Weekly blood samples were collected, for a total of 5 blood samples during the breeding season (11/14/22, 11/21/22, 11/28/22, 12/5/22, and 12/12/22) ewes were followed through lambing to determine lamb number and sex. Whole blood samples were centrifuged at 2,000 x g and plasma harvested and stored at -20 C until analysis for pregnancy associated glycoproteins was completed. Plasma samples were analyzed using two commercially available blood pregnancy tests, Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test (RV plate) and OnFarm Pregnancy Test (SNAP). The RV Plate is a 96-well ELISA test that is designed to be interpreted visually by comparison with the positive (PC) and negative (NC) control wells. The RV Plate and SNAP tests were completed, and results interpreted by two technicians blind to pregnancy status using a scoring system (0 = same or less color than NC; 1 = slightly more color than NC; 2 = slightly less color than PC; 3 = same or more color than PC; 0 and 1 = not pregnant, 2 and 3 = pregnant) or by manufacturer’s instructions (SNAP). Lambing revealed a total of 18 female lambs and 13 male lambs born to the 20 ewes, furthermore, there were 6 singleton, 11 twins, and 1 set of triplets. Total score count results from the RV Plate indicate that as gestational age increased the number of 3 scores increased (11/14/22 = zero scores of ‘3’; 12/12/22 = 55 scores of ‘3’), however, overall, there were no statistical differences in pregnancy status across ewes (P = 0.78). All SNAP test results were immediate and positive for pregnancy for all collections apart from one ewe, 9113, with a conception date of 10/19/22. Ewe 9113 SNAP test result for the first collection was “not pregnant”, and for the second collection date, a positive result did not appear until 5 min and 43 sec. Lambing revealed that 9113 had a singleton female lamb. Based on the present study, sex and number of lamb offspring could not be determined by commercial blood pregnancy tests. In the present study, the earliest confirmed pregnancy determined retrospectively by subtracting average ewe gestation length (152 d) from the lambing date was determined to be September 28th but blood sampling and testing for PAGs did not begin until November 14th, therefore, further studies are needed that initiate blood sampling sooner.