bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
93 Feedlot Performance, Carcass Traits, and Feeder Calf Value of Beef × Holstein and Holstein Steers
Authors: Pimentel-Concepción Melanie , Jaborek Jerad , Schweihofer Jeannine P , Garmyn Andrea , McKendree Melissa , Bradford Barry J , Hentschl Arnold , Buskirk Daniel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Dairy producers are increasingly breeding their lower production cows to beef sires in hopes of increasing revenue over straightbred Holstein steers (HO). However, there are limited published data regarding feedlot finishing beef × Holstein crossbred steers (B×HO). Therefore, objectives of this study were to compare feedlot performance, carcass traits, and value of B×HO and HO. Steers were delivered to the Michigan State University Beef Center, Lansing, and after a 21-d adjustment, breed types (B×HO; n = 60 and HO; n = 60) were randomly allocated into 10 pens each. Initial weights (d 0) were 196.7 and 196.9 kg for B×HO and HO, respectively (P = 0.95). Steers remained on a growing diet until d 14 and then transitioned by d 28 to a finisher diet consisting of high moisture corn, corn silage, dried corn distillers grains with solubles, pelleted supplement with monensin, and limestone. The B×HO tended (P = 0.07) to have greater ADG (1.75 ± 0.02 vs. 1.70 ± 0.02 kg/d) compared with HO, but similar DMI (10.40 vs. 10.35 kg/d; P = 0.79). The B×HO had a greater G:F compared with HO (0.188 vs. 0.178; P = 0.02). There were no observed differences in morbidity (8.3 vs. 8.3%; P = 1.0) or mortality (1.7 vs. 1.7%; P = 1.0) for B×HO and HO, respectively. Cost of gain was similar for B×HO ($2.69/kg) when compared with HO ($2.76/kg; P = 0.14). Steers were harvested at a commercial abattoir on d 245 and 266 for B×HO and HO, respectively, after reaching an average empty body fat of 28.0% as determined by ultrasound. Following a 48-h chill, carcass data were collected. Although final live weight tended (P = 0.08) to be less for B×HO compared with HO (621.3 ± 11.5 vs. 634.8 ± 11.5 kg), carcass weights were similar between breed types (365.4 vs. 366.6 kg; P = 0.78). The B×HO had greater longissimus muscle area (87.8 vs. 73.1 cm2; P &lt; 0.01), greater backfat thickness (1.18 vs. 0.79 cm; P &lt; 0.01), and lesser USDA Yield Grade (2.9 vs. 3.2; P = 0.02) than HO. The B×HO and HO had similar marbling scores (Small26 vs. Small37; P = 0.63) and USDA Quality Grades (Low-Choice and greater, 52.7 vs. 59.3%; Mid-Choice and greater, 18.2 vs. 20.3%; and Low-Prime and greater, 3.6 vs. 1.7%; P &gt; 0.40). Based on abattoir plant prices in August 2022, carcass revenue was greater for B×HO ($1,911/carcass) when compared with HO ($1,765/carcass; P &lt; 0.01). Calculated breakeven feeder calf value was $212 greater for B×HO compared with HO ($700 vs. $488/steer; P &lt; 0.01). Overall, B×HO were more feed efficient and produced carcasses with greater yield, resulting in greater feeder calf value when compared with HO counterparts.
95 Predicting Live Body Weight of Beef Heifers Using 3D Imaging
Authors: Anderson Dalton J , Mulliniks J T , Condotta I C F S , Watson Andrea K , Xiong Y 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Accurately measuring body weight (BW) is of great importance for cow-calf producers in the United States, which can lead to better marketing and nutrient management decisions. Traditionally, BW has been recorded using a walk-over scale or approximated by visual observation. Recently, technology has come out that allows BW prediction using three-dimensional (3D) images. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of 3D imaging technology as a method to predict BW of beef heifers. Dorsal 3D images were collected on 69 Red Angus/Simmental yearling heifers. Heifers were approximately 12 mo of age that ranged from 282.1 to 440.0 kg of BW. For image collection, a depth camera (Kinect Azure, Microsoft) was placed above the animals, approximately 3 to 4 meters above the floor surface within the alley of a working facility. The image collection software was written in Python (version 3.8) programming language. For a high-quality image to be recorded, heifers needed to be handled in small groups and kept separate. Heifers also needed to have all four feet on the ground and no interference from other animals in the image. Corresponding scale-measured BW were also recorded for each animal concurrent with depth images collection. Heifers were limit fed and weighed in the morning before feeding for both scale measured BW and image collection. The depth images were analyzed using a customized program written in MATLAB (R2022a). Heifer dorsal projected volume was estimated by adding height pixel values that formed the heifer’s dorsal area, excluding the head region. Body weights were regressed from projected heifer body volumes extracted from the depth images, and then metabolic BW (MBW) was calculated using the 0.75 power adjustment of BW. Performance of the prediction model was analyzed using the coefficient of determination (R2) obtained from the regression of projected volume and actual scale BW and the standard error of the mean (SEM) of the predicted BW. Data were analyzed using the PROC REG and PROC CORR procedures in SAS (v9.4). Prediction of BW using image-extracted dorsal projected volume produced an R 2 = 0.89 and SEM = 3.3 kg. When analyzing the correlation of volume to BW, the Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.94 (P &lt; 0.0001) was obtained. Regression of projected volume to MBW produced an R 2 = 0.89 and SEM = 0.57 kg. Results show that this model demonstrates the ability to accurately predict BW using depth images projected dorsal volumes on yearling heifers. These results illustrate that 3D images can be used to accurately measure BW of growing heifers that may enhance the ability of cow-calf producers to pro-actively manage grazing livestock.
97 Effects of Creep Feed Duration in a Drylot System on Cow Performance and Reproduction as Well as Calf Performance Through Receiving
Authors: Pugh Lindsey M , Chapple Wesley P , Meteer William T , McCann Joshua C , Shike Daniel W 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The objectives were to determine effects of creep feed duration in drylot-housed, cow-calf system on cow performance and reproduction as well as calf performance through receiving phase. Spring-calving, Simmental × Angus cows (5 ± 2 yr; n = 72) were stratified by calf age (83 ± 14 d), sex, and body weight (BW; 130 ± 17 kg) and allotted to 12 pens with six cow-calf pairs per pen. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: calves fed commercial, pelleted creep feed (14% CP) for 105 d (105dCF) or final 21 d (21dCF) prior to weaning. Cow-calf pairs were housed on concrete drylots with open-front buildings for the pre-weaning period. Cows were limit fed at maintenance a total mixed ration. Ultrasound measurements for carcass composition of calves were collected on d 104. Calves were abruptly weaned on d 105 and transported 263 km to a feedlot for the receiving phase. Pen assignments remained for the 6-week receiving period. Calves had ab libitum access to a receiving ration that consisted of corn silage, modified wet distillers grains, grass hay, dry corn, and supplement. Reproduction data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and all other response variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.11) in cow BW, BCS, milk production, milk composition, or reproductive data. The 105dCF calves had greater (P ≤ 0.01) ADG from d 0 to 105 and BW than 21dCF (286 vs. 258 kg, respectively). The 105dCF calves had greater (P ≤ 0.01) longissimus muscle area, rib fat, and rump fat compared with 21dCF; however, intramuscular fat was not different (P = 0.20) between treatments. During the receiving phase, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.23) in dry matter intake. In the first 4 weeks of receiving there were no differences (P ≥ 0.73) in ADG; however, in the final 2 weeks 21dCF calves had greater (P = 0.02) ADG. The 21dCF calves had greater (P = 0.01) ADG during the overall receiving period. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.86) in gain to feed (G:F) for the first four weeks of receiving. The 21dCF calves had greater (P = 0.03) G:F for the final two weeks and tended to have greater (P = 0.08) G:F during overall receiving. However, the 21dCF calves (324 kg) were still lighter (P ≤ 0.01) BW than 105dCF (340 kg) at end of receiving. In conclusion, creep feed duration did not impact cow performance or reproduction. The 105dCF calves had increased ADG and BW for the pre-weaning period. Although the 21dCF calves had increased gain and feed efficiency at the end of receiving, the 105dCF calves remained the heavier for the duration of the experiment.
99 Heritability and Repeatability of Structural Foot and Leg Traits in Sheep
Authors: Gunes Hilal Yazar , Pickering Natalie K , Thomas Milton G G , Speidel Scott E , Enns R Mark 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Similar to other livestock species, sheep are subject to a range of structural faults that contribute to lameness and involuntary culling. Record-keeping in the sheep industry is generally sparse, particularly for structural traits; thus, the extent of the problem is ill-defined. Furthermore, the few studies centered on foot and leg structure have typically involved small numbers of animals measured only once. Consequently, estimates of heritability for pasterns, and for claw and hoof conformation scores in sheep are sparse in the literature, with little consideration of potential score changes across an animal’s lifetime. Using a large dataset of repeatedly-measured scores, our objective was to reliably estimate the heritability and repeatability of several foot and leg traits indicative of structural soundness. Pedigree and performance data on 28,300 commercial crossbreed ewes were supplied by Focus Genetics, Ltd., New Zealand. The subjective foot and leg scores were recorded multiple times from first lambing to culling, with as many as 5 sets of records collected on individual ewes. The conformation traits evaluated were overall foot and leg conformation, rear pastern angles, front pastern angles, rear claw and hoof shapes, and front claw and hoof shapes. We fitted a repeatability model with fixed effects of recording age, age of dam, birth rank, rearing rank, heterosis (as a covariate), and contemporary group defined as the combination of birth year, birth flock, and recording mob. Random effects were direct additive, permanent environment, and residual. Heritability estimates ranged between 0.05 ± 0.01 for front claw and hoof shape score to 0.18 ± 0.01 for front pastern angle score. The corresponding repeatability estimates ranged from 0.13 ± 0.01 to 0.30 ± 0.01. The heritabilities estimated in our study were very similar to those obtained by Sheep Improvement Ltd., New Zealand; their estimates varied from 0.06 to 0.20 for the same traits. Based on the low heritability and moderate repeatability for these traits, culling animals based on their first recorded structural foot and leg scores may be risky. However, through their incorporation into a designed breeding program, genetic selection offers a viable approach to improve structural soundness in sheep.
59 Dietary Fiber Source and Stage of Gestation Impact Water Balance and Fecal Physicochemical Properties of Sows
Authors: Crome Thomas A , Vahlenkamp Kyle , Giesemann Mark A , Petry Amy L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Providing soluble fiber in sow diets is known to increase satiety, reduce incidences of constipation, and decrease the rate of assisted farrowings due to its physicochemical properties. However, fiber sources commonly used in U.S. sow diets have negligible solubility and water holding capacity, but carbohydrases may improve these characteristics. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of soluble fiber from sugar beet pulp, insoluble fiber from corn DDGS, and carbohydrase supplementation on water balance and fecal physicochemical properties of sows at mid- and late-gestation. A total of 36 confirmed gestating sows (186 ± 4.6 kg BW) were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments on d 28 of gestation (n = 8) with factors of fiber type [insoluble (IF; 355 g/d) or soluble fiber (SF; 98 g/d)] and enzyme supplementation (Rovabio Advance P10; Adisseo, Antony, France). Diets were fed from d 28 to 109 of gestation at a feeding level of 2.1 kg (SID-Lys 11 g/d and 4.5 NE-Mcal/d). Two 8-d periods of metabolism collections took place on d 50-59 (mid-) and 99-108 (late-) of gestation. Fresh fecal samples were taken from each sow on d 1 of each collection period and water balance was measured from d 4-7. Daily water allowance was set at 80 mL/kg of BW per day. Data were analyzed as repeated records using a linear mixed model with block as a random effect, and fiber type, enzyme supplementation, and period and their interactions as fixed effects. Daily water allowance was used as a covariate where appropriate. No interactions were observed among the main effects (P &gt; 0.63), and there was no effect of enzyme supplementation on water balance or fecal physicochemical properties measured (P &gt; 0.13). Sows fed SF had an increase ratio of grams of water excreted per gram of fecal DM (1.73 vs 1.96 g/g; Fiber P = 0.002) and had 76.6% greater fecal water binding capacity than those fed IF (5.18 vs. 9.15; Fiber P = 0.044). Irrespective of diet, sows in late gestation excreted 14.9% more water per g of DM in their feces (Period P &lt; 0.001) and had increased fecal water binding capacity (5.02 vs 9.67%: Period P = 0.035). In late gestation, urine output increased by 30.5% (1182 vs 1543 mL/d; Period P=0.028) and estimated fecal moisture output increased by 12.3% (367 vs 412 mL/d; Period P = 0.015). Urine specific gravity increased by 0.6% in late gestation (1.00 vs 1.01 g/ml; Period P = 0.047). Sows fed SF had 22.3% less urine output (P = 0.045) but 21.8% more estimated fecal moisture output (P = 0.048). With decreased urine output and increased fecal moisture, these data suggest that there is a repartitioning of water, with greater water retention in the gastrointestinal tract of sows fed SF and during late gestation.
68 Impact of Increasing Levels of Hybrid Rye on Carcass Characteristics and Product Sensory Evaluation in Grow-Finish Pigs
Authors: Sullivan Caitlyn R , Thaler Robert C , Berg Kiah M , De Jong Jon A , Ward Joe P , Frahm Paul F , Boerboom Mike J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The objective of this trial was to determine the effects of hybrid rye (KWS Bono) inclusion rate on lean muscle deposition and product quality of grow-finish pigs. A total of 2,400 barrows and gilts (FAST x PIC 800, 44.9 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments. Diets were corn-soybean based with hybrid rye replacing either 0, 40, 70 or 100% of the corn in the diet. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the 2012 NRC requirements for all nutrients, and a five-phase feeding program was utilized (44.9 to 56.0, 56.0 to 69.0, 69.0 to 87.9, 87.9 to 107.5, and 107.5 to 111.6 kg). Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance measured at each phase change. Pigs were marketed across three events and (%) Yield, Hot Carcass Weight (HCW), Backfat (BF) and Iodine Value (IV) were measured at the procurement facility. Two primal sections (loins and bellies) were removed from 88 pigs (22/treatment) and sent to the KSU Meat Lab Facility to be cooked or smoked for a trained, sensory panel evaluation. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, with block as a random effect and pre-planned linear and quadratic contrast statements to analyze the inclusion of hybrid rye. Results indicate that increasing hybrid rye inclusion rate from 0 to 100% decreased (P &lt; 0.001) average market BW, % Yield, HCW, BF and IV all decreased (P &lt; 0.001) as hybrid rye inclusion rate increased (Table 1). The sensory measures for loin chops for Initial Juiciness, Sustained Juiciness, Myofibrillar Tenderness and Overall Tenderness decreased (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing hybrid rye. Connective Tissue Amount, Pork-Flavor Intensity and Off-Flavor Intensity were not affected (P &gt; 0.10) by dietary treatment. All bacon measures including Texture, Saltiness, Smoke Intensity, Bacon Flavor and Off Flavor were not affected by hybrid rye inclusion (P &gt; 0.10). In summary, while there was a reduction in HCW, BF, % Yield, IV and certain sensory values for loins as hybrid rye increased, there was no effect on any of the bacon variables measured. Therefore, depending on economics, hybrid rye can be an acceptable replacement for corn in finishing pig diets.
64 Determining the Phosphorus Release Curve for Sunphase HT Phytase from 250 to 2,000 FTU/kg in Nursery Pig Diets
Authors: Kim Ty , Gaffield Katelyn , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , Gebhardt Jordan T , Zhou Ying , Song Xuerong , Wu Xiuyi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A total of 280 pigs (DNA 241 × 600, initially 10.4 ± 0.24 kg BW) were used in a 21-day growth study to determine the available P (aP) release curve for Sunphase HT phytase (Wuhan Sunhy Biology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, P.R., China). At approximately 19 d of age, pigs were weaned, randomly allotted to pens, and fed common starter diets. On d 21 post-weaning, considered d 0 of the study, pigs were blocked by average pen body weight (BW) and randomly allotted to 1 of 7 dietary treatments with 5 pigs per pen and 8 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were derived from a single basal diet and ingredients including phytase, monocalcium P, limestone, and sand were added to create the treatment diets. Treatments included 3 diets containing increasing (0.11, 0.19, and 0.27% aP) inorganic P from monocalcium P, or 4 diets with increasing phytase (250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 FTU/kg) added to the diet formulated to 0.11% aP. All diets were corn-soybean meal-canola meal-based and were formulated to contain 1.24% SID Lys and an analyzed Ca:P ratio of 1.10:1. Before the beginning of the study, all pigs were fed a diet containing 0.11% aP for a 3-d period (d 18 to 21 post-weaning). At the conclusion of the study, 1 pig, closest to the mean weight of each pen, was euthanized and the right fibula, rib, and metacarpal were collected to determine bone ash and density. After cleaning, bones were submerged in ultra-purified water under vacuum for 4 h. Weights were then collected, and bone density was calculated. For bone ash, bones were placed in a drying oven at 105oC for 7 d and then ashed in a muffle furnace at 600oC for 24 h (Table 1). For the overall experimental period, feeding increasing levels of aP from inorganic P improved (linear, P ≤ 0.014) ADG, G:F, and final BW. Similarly, feeding increasing phytase increased (linear, P ≤ 0.011) ADG and final BW as well as improved (quadratic, P = 0.023) G:F. For fibula bone ash weight and percentage bone ash, rib bone ash weight and bone density, and all metacarpal bone properties, pigs fed increasing levels of aP from inorganic P exhibited a linear improvement (P ≤ 0.019), with a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.030) for fibula bone density and rib percentage ash. Additionally, pigs fed increasing phytase had increased (P &lt; 0.05) bone ash weight, percentage bone ash, and bone density in either a linear or quadratic fashion depending on the bone analyzed. The available P release curve generated for Sunphase HT phytase for percentage bone ash combining values from right fibula, rib, and metacarpal is: aP = (0.360 × FTU) ÷ (2,330.250 + FTU).
67 Effect of Different Dietary Protein Sources on Skeletal Muscle Growth Characteristics and Satellite Cell Mitotic Activity of Young Piglets
Authors: Sandoval Jorge L , Calderon Allan J , Leiva Samuel F , Anderson Brian L , Starkey Jessica D , Starkey Charles W 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The neonatal period in pigs is distinguished by rapid growth as a function of extensive protein synthesis. Muscle satellite cells also referred to as stem cells (SC) have an essential role in postnatal hypertrophic muscle growth by increasing myofibrillar protein synthesis potential through fusion with existing myofibers to increase the DNA template available for transcription of these important muscle proteins. Thus, the impact of protein sources and differences in their amino acid availability on SC-mediated hypertrophic growth over time in neonatal pigs is of interest. To evaluate how different dietary protein sources fed to young piglets affect muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), fiber density, and SC proliferative activity, a randomized complete block design experiment was conducted using piglets (n = 123) from 5 different farrowing groups. At birth, piglets were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments consisting of a control group and 3 liquid dietary treatments. The commercial milk replacer-based diets contained: whey only (MLK), MLK + spray dried plasma (SDP), and MLK + soy protein concentrate (SPC). After birth, all piglets were allowed to nurse at least 36-h on the sow to allow colostrum intake, assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments, transferred to Rescue Decks, and reared until tissue collection on d 6, 14, 19, and 25. The control group was left in the farrowing crate and nursed by the sow until sampling (SOW). On sampling day, pigs were injected with 5’-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label mitotically active cells. One-hour post-injection, pigs were euthanized and longissimus dorsi (LM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscle samples were collected for immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. Cell populations were classified as either mitotically inactive SC (MyoD+:BrdU-; Pax7+:BrdU-; MyoD+:Pax7+:BrdU-) or mitotically active SC (MyoD+:BrdU+; Pax7+:BrdU+; MyoD+:Pax7:BrdU+). Data were analyzed as a 2-way ANOVA using SAS V9.4 PROC GLIMMIX and means were separated using PDIFF at P ≤ 0.05. Tendencies were declared when 0.0501 &lt; P ≤ 0.10. At d 14 and 19, MLK-fed piglets had the least BWG (P ≤ 0.0810). On d 14 and 19, MLK-fed piglet LM fibers had the smallest CSA and greatest density (P ≤ 0.0459) though they were similar in fiber density to SOW piglets on d 14. The MLK-fed piglets exhibited the least density of Pax7+:BrdU+ SC in BF (P = 0.0185) and the greatest density of MyoD+ SC in LM (P = 0.0831) on d 6 as well as the greatest density of MyoD+ SC in LM (P = 0.0551) and proliferative MyoD+:BrdU+ SC in BF (P = 0.0799) on d 19, though these differences did not persist through d 25. Overall, these data indicate that supplementation of different dietary protein sources can impact satellite cell-mediated hypertrophic muscle growth of neonatal piglets though the mechanism will require further investigation.