bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSVI-7 Snorna Dysregulated Expression and Potential Roles in Bovine Sub-Clinical Mastitis Due to Staphylococcus Chromogenes
Authors: Omonijo Faith A , Gagné David , Laterrière Mario , Ster Celine , Zhao Xin , Ibeagha-Awemu Eveline M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Staphylococcus chromogenes (SC), a frequent non-aureus staphylococcus on Canadian herds causes both clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis and contributes to large economic losses on Canadian farms. However, little research attention has been directed to uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying SC mastitis pathogenesis, including the roles of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). SnoRNAs function to regulate host ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) biogenesis and processing, and are known to have regulatory functions in several human diseases, but no study has examined their regulatory functions in bovine mastitis. To understand the regulatory roles of snoRNAs in cows with SC subclinical mastitis, the snoRNA transcriptome of milk somatic cells from three SC infected cows [positive for SC only, have high somatic cell counts (SCC ≥350,000 cells/mL) for ≥ 3 months consecutively, only one positive udder sampled], and four healthy cows [low SCC (&lt; 100,000 cells/mL) for ≥3 months consecutively, compositive sample of all quarters] was characterized by sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Among 232 known snoRNAs found in the samples, 33 were differentially expressed (DE; 14 downregulated and 19 upregulated; FDR &lt; 0.05). Out of these, SnoRA3/snoRA45 (upregulated) belongs to H/ACA snoRNA box type while SNORD14 (downregulated) belongs to C/D box snoRNA box type. According to RNAsnoop analysis, SnoRA3/snoRA45 interacted with 18S-1667 rRNA [minimum free energy (MFE) = -36Kcal/Mol] while SNORD14 interacted with 28S-3926 rRNA (MFE = -15.40Kcal/Mol). The observed strong MFE suggests that SnoRA3/snoRA45 and SNORD14 might potentially participate in rRNA modifications which could affect important functional sites of the ribosome with implications on the pathogenesis of bovine SC mastitis. SnoRA3/snoRA45 have been reported to guide site specific pseudouridylation of rRNA by upregulating the ribosomal pathway as well as have important roles in cell cycle progression in human. SNORD14 is expressed from the intron of its host gene RPS13, which is a ribosomal protein involved in protein biosynthesis. Also, SNORD14 has been shown to be potentially involved in intracellular protein transport and positive regulation of MAPK cascade. Our results suggest that the DE snoRNAs could potentially regulate the host rRNA biogenesis and processing in response to mastitis due to SC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report dysregulated snoRNA expression and potential involvement in bovine SC subclinical mastitis.
PSXII-25 Examining Relationships Between Residual Feed Intake Classification, Enteric Emissions, and Apparent Total Tract Digestibility in Yearling Beef Heifers
Authors: Acton Kortney , Duarte Marcio S , Swanson Kendall C , Ellis Jen L , Wood Katharine M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Improving feed efficiency in beef heifers may help reduce enteric emissions and improve economic returns for producers. The objective of this project is to assess the relationship between traditional residual feed intake (RFI) efficiency classification, enteric gas emissions, and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility in growing yearling heifers. Angus crossbred heifers (n = 74, BW = 408 ±27.1 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to pen groups. All heifers were fed a common haylage-based diet for ad libitum intake. Insentec feeding stations (Insentec B.V., Marknesse, The Netherlands) were used to measure individual feed intake and feeding behavior data. To measure enteric gas emissions of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2), heifer groups were rotated through pens with GreenFeed trailers (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA) weekly. Apparent total tract digestibility was determined by collecting fecal samples from each heifer every 9 h over three days, composited and dried at 65 °C for 96 h, and analyzed for nutrient values (A&L Canada Laboratories, London, ON, Canada). Nutrient digestibility was determined for each heifer using acid-insoluble ash (AIA) and undigestible neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) as internal markers. RFI was determined using a regression of midpoint BW and ADG and then heifers were ranked by RFI quartile group. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS, with efficiency quartile group as the fixed effect and pen as a random effect, comparisons between quartile groups were assessed with a Tukey test. As expected, efficient (least RFI) heifers had decreased dry matter intake (8.5 vs 10.1 ± 0.20 kg/d, P &lt; 0.01), less bunk visits (70 vs 112 ± 6 visits/day, P &lt; 0.01), spent greater time per visit (2.46 vs 1.31 ± 0.249 min/visit, P &lt; 0.01), and consumed more feed per visit (145 vs 104 ± 11.9 g DM/visit, P &lt; 0.03), which resulted in a faster eating rate (65 vs 98 ± 5.0 g DM/min, P &lt; 0.01), and produced decreased enteric CO2 emissions (7,653 vs 8,120 ±122.6 g/d, P = 0.05) compared with inefficient (greatest RFI) heifers. Additionally, when using AIA as the internal marker, efficient heifers showed greater digestibility of organic matter (89.8 vs 91.4 ± 0.49 %, P = 0.02) and NDF (20.2 vs 30.0 ± 2.66 %, P = 0.04) apparent total tract digestibility, while using uNDF as the internal marker showed no difference (P &gt; 0.20) between efficiency groups. These data indicate that more efficient yearling heifers consume less feed, have reduced enteric gas emissions, and have improved organic matter and NDF apparent total tract digestibility.
PSXII-21 Post-Weaning Impacts of Late Gestation Maternal Feed Restriction on the Calf Rumen Microbiome
Authors: Woodruff Kelly L , Williams Jordan D , Hummel Gwendolynn L , Lake Scott L , Cunningham-Hollinger Hannah C 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Maternal gestational nutrition is known to impact gut physiology and the gut microbiome of offspring early in life; however, it remains unknown if these changes persist later in life. We hypothesized that the impacts of maternal feed restriction in late gestating beef cows on early colonization of the calf gut would impact the rumen microbiome post-weaning. Our objective was to compare the post-weaning rumen microbiome of calves born with feed restricted dams and those born to dams with adequate nutrition. Starting roughly 60 d before expected calving, dams were stratified to either receive 100% of NRC requirements (CON) or 70% intake of NRC requirements (FR) through 28 d post-parturition. Pairs were then moved on to native grass until weaning. Rumen fluid was collected from the calves at the time of weaning (PRE) and after a 70 d backgrounding feed efficiency study (POST). Microbial DNA was isolated and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA was sequenced on the MiSeq platform. Data were analyzed within each time point using QIIME2. Maternal treatment had no impact on alpha diversity (Faith’s phylogeny, Shannon’s diversity, and Evenness) in the PRE group, but CON calves had greater (q = 0.05) evenness than FR calves in the POST samples. There were differences in composition between CON and FR in the PRE samples (unweighted unifrac q = 0.04; bray-curtis q = 0.03). No differences (q ≥ 0.14) in composition were found in the POST samples. These data indicate that at the time of weaning (PRE) differences in composition existed in CON vs. FR calves, specifically in the rare taxa, but the microbial composition converged by the end of the feeding trial. Interestingly, previous findings in our lab reported differences in alpha and beta diversity 28 d after birth in these calves. Together, these data indicate the potential for long-term impacts of maternal nutrition on the gut microbiome. This coupled with the previously published work where feed efficiency tended to differ between CON and FR, suggests that early perturbations during gestation may have had lasting impacts on gut physiology and subsequent performance in the presence of rumen microbial shifts.
PSIX-6 The Effects of Hydrolyzed Protein on Macronutrient Digestibility, Fecal Metabolites, Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers, and Skin and Coat Quality in Adult Dogs
Authors: Hsu Clare , Marx Fabio , Guldenpfennig Ryan , de Godoy Maria R C 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Research on protein hydrolysates has observed various properties and functionalities of these ingredients depending on the type of hydrolysate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydrolyzed chicken protein that was incorporated into diets on digestibility, gut health, skin and coat health, oxidative stress, and inflammation in healthy adult dogs. Five complete and balanced treatment diets were manufactured: 1) CONd: chicken meal diet; 2) 5% CLHd: 5% substitution of chicken liver hydrolysate of chicken meal diet; 3) CLHd: chicken liver hydrolysate diet; 4) 5% CHd: 5% substitution of chicken hydrolysate of chicken meal diet; and 5) CHd: chicken hydrolysate diet. A 5×5 Latin square design was used which included 10 neutered adult beagles. Each of the 5 periods consisted of a 7-d washout time and a 28-d treatment period. All diets were well accepted by the dogs. There was greater (P &lt; 0.05) fecal butyrate (226.8 μmol/g DMB) concentration as well as decreasedr isovalerate (6.8 μmol/g DMB), 4-ethylphenol (1.4 μmol/g DMB), and indole (0.7 μmol/g DMB) in dogs fed CLHd than CONd (149.3, 10.8, 2.5, and 1.5 μmol/g DMB, respectively). Doges fed CHd had greater (P &lt; 0.05) fecal immunoglobulin A concentration (2.86 mg/g) when compared with CLHd (0.91 mg/g); however, both groups were comparable to the control. There was no difference among groups in serum cytokine concentrations, serum oxidative stress biomarkers, or skin and coat health analyses (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, chicken protein hydrolysate could be incorporated into canine extruded diets as a comparable source of protein to traditional chicken meal. The test chicken protein hydrolysates may have potential to support gut health by modulating immune response and fermentative activity; however, more research is needed to confirm the effect.
PSVIII-9 Consumer Acceptance of Corn Fermented Protein Compared with Traditional Yeast and Dried Distillers Grain in Extruded Dog Food
Authors: Kim Hee Seong S , Kilburn-Kappeler Logan , Yang Gongshun , Koppel Kadri , Aldrich Charles G G 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Sustainability is one of the trending keywords in the pet food industry today. Utilizing protein-rich fermented co-products such as corn fermented protein (CFP) can promote sustainable pet food. However, co-product ingredients have been avoided in pet food due to negative consumer perception. Unlike traditional dried distillers grain, corn fermented protein (CFP) contains 50% protein due to a substantial yeast component, which may improve consumer perception. The objective was to evaluate the effect of CFP inclusion in dry dog food on consumer acceptance. Treatments included a control diet (CON, no fermented co-products), a brewer’s dried yeast diet (BDY, 3.5% brewer’s dried yeast), a distillers dried grains with solubles plus brewer’s dried yeast diet (DDGS+BDY, 17.5% DDGS + 2.5% brewer’s dried yeast), and a corn fermented protein diet (CFP, 17.5% corn fermented protein). The consumer acceptance data were collected from 104 dog owners who purchased dry dog food and feed their dogs during a central location test. Data were collected using RedJade software and analyzed by one-way ANOVA (Sensory XLStat package) to determine significant differences among overall appearance, color, aroma, and assumed dog liking. The effects were assessed using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference with significance at P &lt; 0.05. All treatments were equally liked (P &gt; 0.05) based on 9-point scale. More consumers showed liking in aroma for yeast containing treatments (CFP, n = 51; DDGS+BDY, n = 46; BDY, n = 45) than CON (n = 37). Consumer opinion of pet food ingredients were also evaluated. Chicken and salmon were considered most appropriate (&gt; 85%) by consumers, while brewer’s dried yeast, corn meal, yeast, and corn gluten meal were considered appropriate from less than 10% of consumers. The most inappropriate ingredients according to consumers were corn gluten meal (&gt;50%), corn meal, brewer’s yeast, dry yeast, and yeast. In conclusion, consumers liked the kibble that contained BDY, DDGS, or CFP at the same level as the control diet when evaluated based on sensory perceptions. However, there is a need to improve consumer perception of corn and yeast ingredients to promote sustainable pet foods.
PSVIII-15 Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product Influences Indicators of Gut Health and Function in Healthy Adult Cats
Authors: Norton Sharon A , Lin Ching-Yen , Naqvi S Ali , Chakrabarti Anirikh , Sardi Maria I , Franz Nolan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Compared with other species, the gastrointestinal influences of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) in cats are not well-characterized. In this study, SCFP (TruMune, Cargill, Inc.) was added to an extruded cat food to explore gut-related outcomes in healthy adult cats. Sixty-three cats (mean age = 6.3 ± 2.8 yr; mean BW = 4.4 ± 0.1 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate a base diet without SCFP (CON) or supplemented with 150 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUL) or 300 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUH). All cats were fed CON during a 21-d adaptation period and subsequently fed their respective diet from d 0 to d 42. Fecal samples were collected at d 0, d 21 and d 42 for analysis of fecal characteristics, fermentation end-products and shotgun metagenomics. A 5-d total fecal collection was performed from d 35 to d 39 for analysis of apparent nutrient digestibility. Data were analyzed using R v.4.1.2. Non-metagenomic data were analyzed using linear and generalized linear mixed models with lme4 and emmeans packages and metagenomic data were analyzed using phyloseq, vegan, lme4, LinDA and emmeans packages. Differences P &lt; 0.05 were considered significant and P &lt; 0.10 as trends after FDR correction. Fecal pH was higher (P = 0.01) for SCFP-supplemented cats vs CON and exhibited a positive linear dose response (P &lt; 0.05) at d 21 and d 42. Fecal score was higher (firmer; P = 0.05) for SCFP-supplemented cats vs CON at d 21 consistent with a linear decrease (P = 0.02) in the binary comparison of fecal moisture between CON vs SCFP-supplemented cats (P = 0.01) during total fecal collection. Fecal ammonia demonstrated a quadratic treatment dose response trend at d 21 (P = 0.09). Fecal butyrate decreased linearly with SCFP dose (P &lt; 0.001) and was less (P &lt; 0.05) for SCFP-supplemented than CON cats at d 21 and d 42. Total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) decreased linearly (P = 0.08) with SCFP dose and was less (P = 0.05) for SCFP-supplemented than CON cats at d 21. Species level alpha diversity decreased for CON (P = 0.04) but did not change in the TRUL and TRUH groups. Shannon diversity tended to increase in TRUH (P = 0.08) among a subset of 25 butyrate producers identified by the presence of butyrate pathway enzymes. Differential abundance of butyrate producers showed Acidaminococcus timonensis; CAG-83 sp900545495 and Megasphaera elsdenii decreased while Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum and Lawsonibacter 1402 linearly increased over time for TRUH cats (P &lt; 0.05). No differences in alpha diversity or abundance were detected for any other butyrate producing taxa in TRUH nor between CON and TRUL cats. These results suggest SCFP influences several gastrointestinal outcomes in adult cats including pathways associated with SCFA production, cross-feeding, and/or absorption.
PSII-19 A Satellite-Based Decision-Support Tool to Optimize Profitability and Environmental Stewardship of Cow-Calf Operations
Authors: Adams Jordan M , Fernandes Jr. Jalme , Fernandes Marcia , Reis Ricardo , Tedeschi Luis O 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Management strategies implemented in cow-calf operations are essential to capitalize on heavier feeder calves, but field data collection can restrict their practical application. A computer program to optimize weaning weight, profitability, and environmental sustainability of grazing cow-calf operations was developed by combining an existing mechanistic nutrition model with pasture biomass estimated using satellite images. Data from the Texas A&M University McGregor Research Center was used as a testbed for the computer model. Pasture forage data from 2016 to 2022 was collected via satellite imagery, and the predicted pasture biomass was adjusted based on third-party algorithms (Sigfarm Intelligence LLC). Nutrient requirements were estimated using the Ruminant Nutrition System (RNS), and a constant pasture nutritive value was obtained. The potential dry matter intake (DMI) was estimated from the initial herd size (input). Actual average weaning weight was used to predict cow milk yield and total metabolizable energy requirements, which was used to estimate the required DMI (DMR). The actual forage allowance was correlated to DMR, and we simulated the forage allowance to support increased DMI and, consequently, increased milk yield to achieve a targeted average weaning weight. Based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodology, environmental impact was evaluated from greenhouse gas emission estimates. Our simulations demonstrated that increasing the target weaning weight of a smaller herd with fewer mature cows (757 cows) would produce heavier calves, resulting in a 6% decrease in calf gain per pasture area. Nevertheless, the net income increased in scenarios with heavier weaned calves. The enhanced productivity with heavier weaned calves and fewer cows resulted in a lower carbon emission per kg of produced weaned calves. Based on our simulation, a herd size between 757 and 812 mature cows yielding calves weaned between 280 and 300 kg would be an optimal management strategy for the studied operation. This computer model provides the fundamental framework for a decision-support tool for producers to optimize their cow-calf operations while producing ideal weaned calves for feedlot operations.
PSIV-25 Investigating the Use of Cover Crop Inclusion and Preservation in Silages with Addition of Molasses, Homofermentative and Heterofermentative Bacterial Mixes
Authors: Brody Tio , Silva Aghata , Franco Arturo Macias , Holton Graham , Mazza Pedro , Field Alexa N , Fonseca Mozart A 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The use of cover crops in agriculture has had positive effects on soil health and sustainability. In the western US, utilizing cover crops for silage production provides many of the same soil health benefits while providing forage for ruminants, serving multiple sectors with the same water costs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of mixed grass and legume silage combined with different inoculants on silage quality and in vitro rumen fermentation. Four silage mixes (100% sorghum [0SB], 67% sorghum + 33% soybean [33SB], 33% sorghum + 67% soybean [67SB], and 100% soybean [100SB]) were prepared and 6 treatments were applied to each mix 1) homofermentative lactic acid producing bacteria (LB), 2) heterofermentative lactic and acetic acid producing bacteria (LB+), 3) molasses, 4) molasses and LB (MLB), 5) molasses and LB+ (MLB+), and 6) no inoculant (control). Silage mixes plus inoculants were made in triplicate, vacuum sealed in plastic bags, and ensiled for 60 days at 25°C. Once bags were opened, 200 mg air-dried of each silage treatment were incubated in 14 mL of buffering media and 4 mL of rumen inoculum. Each incubation spanned for 48 h with gas production measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48-h post-incubation. Total gas production (TGP), pH, ammonia and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were determined. Ammonia concentrations were greater when samples were inoculated with LB, and the least for MLB+ (P &lt; 0.05); however, no differences were observed between silage mixes (P &gt; 0.05). Total VFA concentrations were similar across treatments (P &gt; 0.05). However, butyrate was greater for 33SB silages mixes inoculated with MLB (P &gt; 0.05). Valerate concentration was greater for all treatments inoculated with molasses (P &lt; 0.001). Isobutyrate and Isovalerate concentrations were only different when comparing between silage concentrations, where 0SB silages had the greatest concentration (P &lt; 0.05). Although no differences were observed on TGP (P &gt; 0.05), pH of samples incubated with no inoculant, LB, and LB+ were higher than all samples inoculated with molasses (P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the use of mixed grass and legume silages with up to 33% soybean inclusion appears to be beneficial to ruminal fermentation. However, variable results might be produced depending on the inoculant used. The incorporation of these cover crop varietals and their subsequent inclusion in silos for livestock feed represents a viable and effective application for producers currently utilizing cover crops in their operations.
PSX-19 Does Housing Pigs with Access to a Ramp Alter Pig Behavior During the Nursery period?
Authors: Kasakamu Mary L , Young Jennifer M , Samuel Ryan S , Wagner Sarah A , Byrd Christopher J 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Previous work by our group has found that housing pigs with a ramp in the pen during only the nursery period increased the speed of trailer ramp loading at marketing. However, the presence of the ramp may also alter pig behavior during the nursery period. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ramp exposure affects pig behavior during the nursery period. We predicted that pigs exposed to a ramp would exhibit reduced aggressive behaviors, but similar eating, drinking, and postural behaviors during the nursery period compared with pigs not given access to a ramp. Two hundred four pigs (17 to 21 d of age) were placed in 8 pens (n = 24 to 27 pigs per pen) that were allocated to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) RAMP (n = 4 pens; standard commercial pen equipped with a ramp), or 2) CONTROL (n = 4 pens; standard commercial pen without a ramp). One day after placement (D1) and again 18 days later (D2), incidences of eating, drinking, aggressive, and postural (standing, lying) behaviors within each pen were collected for a period of 60 min at 0800, 1200, and 1600 h using a 5-min instantaneous scan sampling strategy. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS with treatment, experimental day (D1, D2), hour (0800, 1200, 1600 h), and all 2-way interactions as fixed effects. Pen was included as a random effect. No treatment differences (P &gt; 0.55) were detected for the evaluated behaviors. Greater incidences of eating were observed on D2 than on D1 (P &lt; 0.0001). There were fewer pigs drinking at 1600 h on D1 than all other time points (P &lt; 0.04) except for 1200 h on D1 (P = 0.64). There were also fewer pigs drinking at 1200 h on D1 than at 1600 h on D2 (P = 0.047). A greater incidence of aggressive behavior was observed at 0800 h on D1 compared with all other time points (P &lt; 0.01), with no other differences observed (P &gt; 0.40). Standing behavior was greater at 0800 h on D1 compared with all other time points (P &lt; 0.02) except for 1600 h on D2 (P = 0.42). There were also fewer incidences of standing at 1600 h on D1 than 0800 or 1200 h on D2 (P = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). Finally, there were more lying incidences at 1600 h on D1 than all other time points (P &lt; 0.02) except for 1200 h on D1 (P = 0.81). Taken together, eating, drinking, aggressive, and postural behaviors changed by experimental day and hour after weaning. However, pig behavior was not altered due to ramp exposure.