bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSIV-26 Development of a Controlled Exposure Particulate and Oxidative Radical Mask for Causality Experiments Investigating Smoke Exposure on Livestock Animals
Authors: Brody Tio , Franco Arturo Macias , Silva Aghata , Holton Graham , Mazza Pedro , Fonseca Mozart A 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Understanding and mapping the specific effects of smoke inhalation on cattle performance provides strategic insights for producers and policy makers to better prepare or adjust when faced with sporadic or even seasonal reductions in air quality. As of now, no current studies have attempted to investigate the effects of seasonal fires on performance and health adequately in livestock while addressing obvious confounding effects, controlling exposure, and examining fuel for differential oxidative radicals and particulate smoke. Herein, we propose the design of the first cost-effective controlled system for investigating smoke, particulate matter, and varied oxidative radicals through a pre-mixing chamber. The mask main body is constructed from 8” nominal diameter schedule 40 PVC pipe. The endcap was designed in an online CAD software to provide an interface for standard 2 ⅞” bulkhead fittings and was produced via additive manufacturing (3D printing). A silicone SCUBA neck seal was used to line the face orifice and is the component that directly contacts the animal’s nose and mouth. A neoprene rubber sheet and an insulation hose were used as padding under the silicone seal to help maintain an airtight connection and animal comfort when the mask is worn. Bulkhead fittings used provide 1 ½” female national pipe thread connection to allow for modular connection of inlet and outlet hoses, check valves for airflow isolation, filters, or any number of connections can be made via these gasket sealed fittings, making this platform extremely adaptable. In its shown configuration, 3D printed adapters were made to attach 4” suction hose to 2” socket union joints for quick connect/disconnect functionality. An inlet and outlet gas/smoke flow regulator are attached to a mixing chamber where particulate and chemical composition sensors are utilized to deliver the desired composition of smoke delivered to the animals. Negative pressure fans and pumps regulate the flow to the animals and are utilized for exposure of smoke in time-specific intervals. An additional fully 3D printed version enables the mask design to be lower in weight through regulation of the density of the internal matrix, and after an initial investment in the equipment also represents a cost-efficient approach to generating multiple masks. Understanding the effects of particulate and reactive oxidative molecules on livestock health and performance requires the study of a controlled exposure, the system presented herein represents a viable and cheap alternative for bettering a mechanistic model and understanding of the effects of smoke on animal health and performance. Ultimately, the proposed mask paired with currently available sensors permit for the controlled exposure of smoke particulate with different chemical compositions for accurate evaluation of prolonged exposure effects on livestock.
PSI-10 Prioritizing Fertility-Related Genes in Cattle Through Systems Genomics Data Integration
Authors: Kertz Nicholas C , Banerjee Priyanka , Afonso Juliana , Dyce Paul W W , Da Silva Diniz Wellison Jarles j 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Female fertility significantly affects the efficiency of cow-calf production. Despite the collective efforts to understand the complex regulation of reproductive traits, causative genes and/or mutations have yet to be reported. Using omics technologies, such as gene expression, may unveil potential regulatory mechanisms and provide opportunities that link genotype to phenotype. Among them, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) are a powerful tool to identify biological mechanisms and potential markers for improving fertility. This study aimed to identify eQTLs underlying fertility-related traits and their co-localization with previously annotated QTLs. RNA-Seq from uterine epithelial cells (GSE171577) from crossbreed cows (n = 18 non-pregnant – NP and n = 25 pregnant – P) were used for gene expression analysis and SNP calling. Raw data quality control was performed, and read mapping was carried out using STAR. Genes were normalized to counts per million (CPM) and then the CPM values were log2 transformed using edgeR. Next, uniquely mapped reads were used for variant detection using the GATK software. Significant eQTLs were compared with the Animal Genome cattle database (QTLdb) to identify overlapping QTL regions. After quality control, 43 samples, 203,404 SNPs, and 15,029 genes were used for eQTL analysis. Using an additive linear model from the Matrix eQTL R-package, we identified 3,989 cis- and 7,683 trans-eQTLs for 1,120 and 2,503 genes, respectively (FDR &lt; 0.05). A total of 50 cis-eQTLs were previously reported as differentially expressed genes, including CD37, CXCL3, PILRA, and PPP6R1 genes. The QTLs from QTLdb overlapping with our eQTLs were associated with traits such as age at puberty, conception rate, fertility index, and luteal activity (FDR &lt; 0.05). Additionally, QTLs for production traits, such as milk production and body weight gain, were over-represented by the eQTLs we have identified. Significant biological processes underlying cis-regulated genes retrieved from ShinyGO were related to antigen processing and presentation. Likewise, trans-eQTLs genes were involved with transcription cis-regulatory region binding and transcription regulator activity. Our study provides novel regulatory and potential causative genetic variants, biological pathways, and genes underlying fertility in cows. Annotation and co-localization of detected eQTLs retrieved genomic regions previously reported as QTLs for production and reproduction-related traits. Further investigation, however, is required to untangle the mechanisms modulating gene expression and its effects on fertility-related traits.
PSI-2 Evaluation of Sorghum Pericarp Varieties on Blood Parameters and Antioxidant Capacity in Healthy Adult Dogs
Authors: Bailey Katelyn , Alverenga Isabella Corsato , Aldrich Charles G G 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Ingredients that provide health benefits are popular in the pet food industry. Sorghum contains polyphenols which are found in the pericarp. These polyphenols may provide health benefits due to their antioxidant properties, which increase the benefit of sorghum in pet food. Few pet food studies have evaluated the antioxidant capacity of sorghum differing in pericarp color. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sorghum varieties on blood parameters and antioxidant capacity in dogs. Nutritionally complete experimental diets were extruded with a 50% inclusion of either rice, white sorghum A, burgundy sorghum, or white sorghum B. Twelve dogs were fed dietary treatments in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design consisting of 14-day periods. Three milliliters of blood were taken from each dog prior to starting the trial for baseline antioxidant capacity. At the end of each period, 3 mL of blood were taken from each dog and stored at -80°C until further analysis. Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profiles (Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, Manhattan, KS), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) was measured by kit in blood plasma. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with statistical analysis software (SAS version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with treatment and period as fixed effects and dog as a random effect. Red blood cell distribution width was greatest in dogs fed white sorghum A at 12.9% and least in dogs fed white sorghum B at 12.7% (P &lt; 0.05). The anion gap was highest for dogs fed the rice treatment at 24.6 mmol/L and lowest for dogs fed white sorghum A at 22.8 mmol/L (P &lt; 0.05). Cholesterol was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in dogs fed the rice treatment at 246.0 mg/dL compared with the three sorghum varieties (average, 225 mg/dL). Despite the few differences in blood parameters, all were within normal ranges for healthy dogs. There was no difference in plasma ORAC between treatments (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, sorghum resulted in normal blood profiles and did not alter plasma antioxidant capacity compared with the rice control when fed to dogs. If antioxidant potential is desired, a concentrated pericarp (bran) extract may be necessary.
PSIII-6 Impact of Aromatic Palatants on Equine Feeding Preferences
Authors: Crowell Cierra N , Handlos Grace , Perry Erin B , Discepolo Dakota R 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Although flavored palatants are commonly utilized in feed manufacturing, few data were available regarding the impact of aromatics on equine feeding preferences. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of aromatic palatants on feeding behaviors of lactating mares and nursing foals. Four quarter horse mare and nursing foal pairs were used in this paired preference test. Horses were group-housed with ad libitum access to pasture (cool season grass/legume mix), water and mineral salt. Pairings were tested for four consecutive days, with eighteen days off between each testing series, for a total trial of ten-weeks. Testing occurred from 1630-1730 h each day. Treatments were offered in false bottom pans constructed with twenty-four equally spaced openings (0.19 cm) and one (0.48 cm) central opening to allow odor permeation. Aromatic treatments, in powdered form (anise, apple, and peppermint), were placed within single use plastic containers nested underneath the feeding pans. Feed pans were spaced two inches apart and affixed to a flat, wooden platform with treatment location changed daily. Video was recorded and analyzed for first treatment investigated, consumed, and finished of pairs. Further analysis investigated the time spent consuming treatments and voluntary consumption of foals. Statistical analysis was performed (SAS for Academics, 2014, Cary, NC, USA) with significance set at 5%. The aromatic treatments utilized in this study yielded similar selective actions of mares for first investigated (P = 0.8472), consumed (P = 0.8472), and finished (P = 0.8166). Similarly, foal actions for first investigated (P = 0.5206), consumed (P = 0.5206), or finished (P = 0.1650) were not affected by aromatic treatments. There was a significant relationship between mare and foal first aromatic treatments investigated (P = 0.0415; R2 = -0.262) and consumed (P = 0.0415; R2 = -0.262) suggesting that different treatments were selected between the pairs (Table 6.2). A strong relationship was observed for first investigated and first consumed aromatic treatments of mares (P &lt; 0.0001; R2 = 1.00). However, foals were found to remain with the first investigated aromatic treatment for first consumed (P &lt; 0.0001; R2 = 1.00) and first finished treatments (P &lt; 0.0001; R2 = 1.00). The mean voluntary consumption of concentrate was unaffected by treatment (P = 0.6646) and no period effect was observed (P = 0.1854). Mean time spent consuming was also unaffected by treatments (P = 0.1003) with no period effect observed (P = 0.4903). Despite no differences in the amount consumed, there was a greater time spent consuming peppermint treatments (257.97 ± 103.03 seconds) compared with that of anise (148.85 ± 84.09 seconds) and apple treatments (139.23 ± 77.00 seconds).
PSIII-11 Effects of Inoculation of Alfalfa Hay with Pediococcus Pentosaceus and α-Amylase on Hay Temperature, Microbial Ecology, Nutrient Composition, and Feed Value
Authors: Kaplan Daisy , Bien Richard A , Embaby Mohammed , Skidmore Andy , Patterson Wade , Perry Erin B , AbuGhazaleh Amer , Bender Kelly , Nair Jayakrishnan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Haying in the Midwest is challenging, with excessive spring and early summer precipitation followed by unpredictable rain events throughout the growing months, forcing farmers to be innovative and resort to novel haying practices. High moisture haying with lactic acid bacterial (LAB) inoculants allows farmers to harvest earlier with less expenditure. This study examined how inoculating high-moisture alfalfa hay with Pediococcus pentosaceus and α-amylase (Magniva for Hay; Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Milwaukee, WI) affected hay temperature, microbial ecology, nutritional content, and feed value. Alfalfa was harvested at the late flowering stage and allowed to wilt in windrows for two days until the moisture level dropped to 20-25%, at which point half of the field was baled (20 bales) with the inoculant at 1.25 L ton-1, providing 1.0 × 106 cfu g-1 fresh forage of Pediococcus pentosaceus (NCIMB 12675) and 2.5 × 106 units of α-amylase (INOC). Uninoculated alfalfa baled at 15–18% moisture (20 bales) served as control (CON). The hay bales were stored under cover and sampled using a hay corer on days 0, 60, 120, and 180 to evaluate nutrient composition, microbial ecology, and feed value. Dallas Thermochron iButton sensors (Embedded Data Systems, Lawrenceburg, KY) were inserted into the center of hay bales during day 0 sampling (20 sensors per treatment) to measure the temperature every 4 h over 180 days. The core holes were air-tightened with alfalfa hay after installing the iButton sensors. SAS (SAS Institute Inc., 2012) mixed model technique was used to assess repeated measurements with treatment (T), day (D), and T × D effects. CON had greater LAB counts (log10 cfu g-1 DM) than INOC (7.45 vs. 7.11; P = 0.03) during storage. On days 0, 120, and 180 of storage, INOC had lower yeast counts (P &lt; 0.02) than CON (T × D interaction). INOC exhibited higher core temperatures (P &lt; 0.03) than CON on days 14, 21, and 28 of storage, peaking at 46.7°C on day 14. INOC reported lower DM than CON on days 60 and 120 of storage (P &lt; 0.03). INOC had a higher CP concentration (18.0 vs. 16.9; P &lt; 0.0001) than CON throughout storage. On days 60, 120, and 180 of storage, INOC had increased ADICP and NDICP (% DM) concentrations than CON (P &lt; 0.05). Results indicated that inoculation of high moisture alfalfa hay with LAB inoculants is a viable alternative for farmers in the Midwest severely impacted by unpredictable weather events due to global warming. Further studies will provide detailed information on nutrient degradability and utilization for livestock production.
PSV-9 Cold Exposure Impacts Dna Methylation Patterns of Genes in Cattle Sperm Involved in Early Embryonic and Bone Development
Authors: Hossain Md Nazmul , Gao Yao , Hatfield Michael J , de Avila Jeanene M , McClure Matthew C , Du Min 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications are indispensable for maintaining sperm quality, fertilization capacity, and embryonic and postnatal development. In mice, environmental factors, such as stress, nutrition, or exposure to the cold condition, have been demonstrated as factors that alter methylation marks of sperm that are passed to the subsequent generation through transgenerational inheritance and genomic imprinting. Breeding bulls from northern regions of the USA are exposed to extreme cold for 2 to 3 months during the winter; however, no single study has analyzed the consequences of this cold exposure on the methylation pattern of bull sperm, which constitutes a significant knowledge gap. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of cold exposure on the overall and gene-specific methylation status in sperm. We collected semen from 5 bulls during winter seasons after cold exposure and at normal temperatures during late spring. Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) was conducted to obtain the DNA methylation profile of these semen samples and to identify unique genes that have differentially methylated regions due to cold exposure (Figure 1). Cold exposure did not change the overall methylation level between the two groups but induced 438 Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that overlapped with promoters, introns, exons, intergenic regions, shores, and shelves of CpG island (CGI) in 186 unique genes. We also identified nine unique differentially methylated genes (DMGs) (Pax6, Macf1, Mest, Ubqln1, Smg9, Trappc9, Ctnnb1, Lsm4, Peg10) involved in embryonic development and nine unique DMGs (Prmt6, Nipal1, C21h15orf40, Slc37a3, Fam210a, Raly, Rgs3, Lmbr1, Gan) involved in osteogenesis (Table 1). DMRs were located in the promoter regions and introns of these genes which preferentially involve gene silencing and alternative splicing. Among the DMGs involved in embryonic development, Mest and Peg10 are two paternally imprinted genes where only the paternal allele expresses. Peg10, required for optimal placental growth and trophoblast proliferation, overlapped with a hypermethylated DMR in the promoter region. Mest, another paternally imprinted gene, the downregulation of which results in embryonic growth retardation, had hypermethylation in introns. Moreover, Methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) verified the methylation changes in the identified regions. It was the first study to investigate the effect of cold exposure on DNA methylation of cattle sperm and suggest its association with altered sperm DNA methylation profiles. Differential methylation appears to alter gene expression and affect early embryonic development, osteogenic activity, and overall offspring growth performance through the imprinting effects.
PSIV-7 Optimization of Indigestible Neutral and Acid Detergent Fiber Measurement Protocols
Authors: Griffin MacKenzie L , Proctor Jarret A , Long Nathan S , Smith Jason K , Gouvea Vinicius N , Perkins Tommy L , Beck Matthew R 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Dry matter digestibility (DMD) is a factor that impacts nutrient use efficiency and growth performance of beef cattle. Indigestible neutral (INDF) and acid detergent fiber (IADF) are internal markers commonly used to estimate DMD. The objective of this experiment was to optimize existing protocols for determination of INDF and IADF in feedlot rations and feces. This experiment implemented a 2×2×4 factorial arrangement with a starter or finisher diet, with or without a pepsin and HCl pre-digestion of the diets, and with four ruminal incubation lengths (72, 96, 120, or 288 h). The samples used in this experiment were from diets fed and total fecal collections obtained from 6 steers consuming the starter or finisher diet. Fecal and diet marker concentrations were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA with ruminally canulated steer (n = 2) as a random effect and diet, pre-digestion, marker, time, and possible interactions as fixed effects. A two-sided t-test was used to test if marker fecal recoveries differed from 100%. When diets were pre-digested, a plateau in dietary marker concentration was achieved, where concentrations of both markers were not different (P ≥ 0.10) when incubated for 120 h compared with 288 h. When diets were not predigested, the dietary content of both markers continued to decrease with increasing ruminal incubation length so that marker content of 120-h incubations were significantly greater (P &lt; 0.01) than 288-h incubations, except for IADF content of the finisher diet where the 120 and 288 h were not different (P = 0.77). The dietary content of INDF and IADF for samples that were not pre-digested and incubated for 288 h were not different (P ≥ 0.64) from the samples that were pre-digested and incubated for 120-h. For the INDF marker across both diets, fecal concentrations were lowest (P ≤ 0.01) when ruminally incubated for 288 h compared with all other ruminal incubation durations. The fecal concentrations of IADF were less (P &lt; 0.01) when incubated for 288 h compared with those incubated for 120 h for the starter diet, but only tended (P = 0.07) to be less at those same time points for the finisher diet. When pre-digestion was conducted, only 120-h ruminal incubations had fecal recoveries that were not different (P ≥ 0.26) from 100% for all markers and diet types. If a pre-digestion was not conducted, then only the 288 h length provided fecal recoveries that were not different (P ≥ 0.12) from 100% for all diets and markers. Based on these results, using a pepsin and HCl pre-digestion followed by a 120-h ruminal incubation shortens time requirements and provides acceptable measurements of INDF and IADF concentrations in feeds and feces. If pre-digestion of diet samples is not possible then a 288-h ruminal incubation length is required.
PSX-8 Effect of Feeding Additional Whey Protein to Senior Labrador Retrievers for Maintaining Lean Mass and Minimizing Inflammation
Authors: Coon Craig N , Timlin Claire , Fowler Jason , Mccracken Fiona 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We previously reported increases in lean mass and lean:fat ratio in senior Labrador Retrievers fed a commercial whey protein supplement after a 26-week trial with exercise regimen. Further work on this project examined the impacts of this supplement on immunity and inflammation. Thirty-six senior (&gt;7 yr) Labrador Retrievers received a basal diet meeting AAFCO crude protein (CP) requirements (45g/1,000 kcal, 18% CP on DM basis) and were randomly assigned to one of three supplements: 1) an additional 22.5 g CP/1,000 kcal (27% CP on DM basis) sourced from hydrolyzed pea protein isolate (Pea); 2) additional 22.5 g CP/1,000 kcal (27% CP on DM basis) sourced from whey protein (Whey; Hilmar Protelyze Pet; Hilmar, CA) or 3) poultry fat and sucrose to equalize calories but provide no additional CP (Control). All dogs participated in an exercise regimen consisting of twice weekly 2.2 km runs. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture at week 0 (baseline) and week 26 (end of trial) for analysis of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, NGF-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, VEGFA, and SCF) and immune cell proliferation. Cytokines were measured with Luminex MAGPIX analyzer. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from whole blood, plated, challenged with pokeweed mitogen. Proliferation was evaluated with a 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine proliferation assay kit. Gait analysis was evaluated at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, 16 and 26 using a Gait4Dogs pressure walkway (CIR Systems, Inc; Franklin, NJ). Gait data were processed to generate a FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index, calculated by the sum of the differences from the ideal scores for gait lameness score, total pressure index, step/stride ratio, and hind reach. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc adjustments. We observed increases in IL-12 (P = 0.004), MCP-1 (P = 0.04), VEGFA (P = 0.05), and SCF (P = 0.04) in Control vs Whey at week 26, with Pea intermediate. Spontaneous immune cell proliferation was less in both Pea and Whey compared with Control (P &lt; 0.01). Proliferation after challenge was less in Whey compared with Pea (P = 0.05), with Control intermediate. The FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index significantly increased after exercise in Control and Pea dogs, but not Whey (P &lt; 0.01). Scores of Control dogs remained increased compared with Whey dogs from weeks 4 to 26 (P &lt; 0.01). Dietary supplementation with whey protein at 1.5 x AAFCO minimum proved beneficial for Labrador Retrievers by maintaining more lean mass with improved lean/fat ratio, reduced inflammatory biomarkers, immune cell proliferation, and FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index after an exercise regimen when compared with seniors only consuming a 18% protein basal diet. Supplemental whey protein may better maintain senior dogs experiencing chronic inflammation from aging or disease.