bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSXII-16 Evaluation of a Grade Ruler Approach for Yield Grading of Veal Carcasses
Authors: Lopez-Campos Oscar , Prieto Nuria , Marcoux Marcel , Thibault Catherine , Zawadski Sophie , Scott Haley 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction: yield estimations in carcass grading systems are important for the meat industry to assign value and sort carcasses for different market specifications. Previous studies in different species have reported yield estimations performed using anatomical linear measurements that segregate carcasses into grades or classes. However, veal carcasses are not currently segregated in terms of carcass yield performance and the Canadian veal industry is now discussing the option of implementing yield assessments for veal carcass grading purposes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a grade ruler approach to predict yield performance of veal carcasses for grading purposes. A total of ~300 (males and females) veal carcass sides representative of the current Canadian veal population (body weight: 127.5 to 189.2 kg; backfat: 0.5 to 20.7 mm) were use in the present study. Carcass sides were scanned using a Lunar iDXA unit to evaluate the content of total fat, lean and bone. Results and discussion: total carcass lean was mainly correlated with the hot carcass weight (r = 0.65), ¼ backfat thickness (r = -0.33) and rib eye area (REA: r = 0.58) at the 11th – 12th rib-eye location (P &lt; 0.05). Because the time to grade veal carcasses at the grading stand is limited and the efficiency of the grading tools (e.g., ruler) has to be maximized, the ¼ backfat thickness and the width and length of the ribeye were the main factors considered to develop a prediction equation. These continues variables (backfat thickness and REA) were then categorized assigning fat classes (1-10) in 2 mm increments and 4 muscle scores (small-large). The new equation developed for the estimation of lean yield incorporating the anatomical traits of muscle score and fat class showed a R2 of 0.62 and a root mean square error of 2.14 %. Based on this equation, a matrix of estimated lean meat yield percentage using the fat class and muscle score descriptors (Table 1) was developed for the implementation in a yield ruler. The results of the present study suggest that lean yield percentage from veal carcasses might be objectively and accurately predicted applying a yield ruler approach. This tool will facilitate the veal yield grading by just determining the fat class (at ¼ backfat thickness) and muscle score at the 11th – 12th rib location.
PSII-27 Inflammation- and Immunity-Associated Gene Expression in the Liver and Whole Blood of Crossbred Beef Cattle with Divergent Residual Feed Intake Phenotype
Authors: Taiwo Godstime A , Idowu Modoluwamu , Sidney Taylor S , Morenikeji Lanre , Ogunade Ibukun M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We investigated the inflammation- and immunity-associated gene expression in the liver and whole blood of crossbred beef cattle with divergent residual feed intake phenotype to identify relevant immune-related biological processes underpinning feed efficiency in beef cattle. Low-RFI beef steers (n = 8; RFI = - 1.93 kg/d) and high-RFI beef steers (n = 8; RFI = + 2.01kg/d) were selected from a group of 56 growing crossbred beef steers (average BW = 261 ± 18.5 kg) fed a high-forage total mixed ration after a 49-d performance testing period. At the end of the 49-d testing period, liver biopsies and blood samples were collected for total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. The mRNA expression of 84 genes each related to innate and adaptive immunity was analyzed using pathway-focused PCR-based arrays. The mRNA expressions of genes with fold change ≥ (-) 2.0 and FDR ≤ 0.05 in the blood and liver were determined to be differentially expressed. Out of the 84 immune genes analyzed, the expression of 8 genes in the blood and 20 genes in the liver were upregulated in low-RFI, compared with high-RFI steers. Gene ontology analysis of all the differentially expressed genes in the blood and liver revealed that pathways related to pattern recognition receptor activity, detection of lipopolysaccharide, detection of external biotic stimulus, positive regulation of phagocytosis, positive regulation of vitamin metabolic process, vascular endothelial growth factor production, positive regulation of epithelial tube formation and T-helper cell differentiation were enriched (FDR &lt; 0.05) in Low-RFI beef steers. These results suggest that low-RFI steers have a robust immune repertoire that is capable of prompt response to inflammatory stimuli. This prompt response to inflammation in the Low-RFI group may be characterized by greater protein turnover and increased epithelial cell differentiation, whereby an enhanced quantity of invariant natural killer T-cells and viability of natural killer cells could induce a quicker and more effective response to inflammatory stimuli and consequently contribute to more efficient partitioning of nutrients for growth in these animals.
PSIII-26 Effects of Diets Applied with Bokbunja (Rubus Coreanus Miquel) on Methane Emission and Growth Performances of Korean Native Steers (Hanwoo)
Authors: Lee Seongshin , Seong Pilnam , Lee Yookyung , Wi Jisoo , Kim Jungeun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The present study was conducted to demonstrate the effects of Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miquel) on enteric methane emission and growth performances of Korean native steers (Hanwoo). The experiment was conducted in a crossover design (2 periods × 2 treatments) with adaptation of diet and chambers for 2 wk and measurement of variables for 1wk. Four Hanwoo steers (average body weight = 460.8 ± 15.8 kg) were allocated to each open-circuit respiration chamber in the National Institute of Animal Science, Wanju, South Korea. The treatments were the following 1) diets (concentrate: mixed forage = 4:1) with no additives (CON), and 2) diets applied with 5% of Bokbunja (BOK; Table 1). Steers were fed based on 2% of body weight at 1000 and 1500 h. Blood and rumen fluid were collected after 4 h of the morning feeding on the last day of experimental period to analyze blood metabolites and rumen fermentation characteristics (Table 2). The methane emission yield of BOK decreased significantly compared with CON (21.2 vs. 23.7 g/kg of DMI; P = 0.027). Dry matter intake (DMI) between treatment groups had no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05), but the average daily gain (ADG) of BOK tended to decrease than CON (0.61 vs. 1.25 kg/day; P = 0.070). Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) tended (Table 3) to decrease in BOK compared with CON (119.7 vs. 130.2 mM/L; P = 0.080). The contents of blood metabolites had no significant differences between treatment groups (P &gt; 0.05; Table 4). In conclusion, diets applied with 5% of Bokbunja clearly decreased methane emission yield without negative effects on DMI and blood metabolites, however, there was still a possibility to decrease ADG and TVFA in steers.
PSVII-26 Effects of an Electrolyte Drinking Solution on Performance and Physiological Responses of Preconditioning Beef Calves
Authors: Ferreira Matheus F D L , Hernandez Gracia M P , Santos Aline R , Bohnert David W , Ranches Juliana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Weaning and transport are the major stressor events for beef cattle production. Strategies to mitigate weaning stress responses and promote quick recovery of homeostasis are always warranted to improve welfare and productivity of beef cattle. This study evaluated the effects of an electrolyte drinking solution on the performance and physiological responses of pre-conditioning beef calves. Forty Angus × Hereford steers [230.4 ± 4.8 kg body weight (BW), 195 ± 30 days of age] were sorted into 20 pens (2 calves/pen) immediately after weaning for a 45-d preconditioning period. Pens were randomly assigned to two treatments: 1) control: water; and 2) electrolyte solution: water and electrolyte drinking solution on one additional trough per pen. A total of 10% of the estimated daily water intake of calves was fortified with the electrolyte solution on the ratio of 31.6 g/L of water. The electrolyte composition contained calcium, phosphorus, salt, magnesium, potassium, and a mix of carbohydrates. Treatments were provided from d 1 to 14, and thereafter electrolyte supplementation was ceased. Assigning weaning as day 0, calf BW was recorded and blood samples were collected via jugular vein puncture into commercial heparinized vacuum tubes on d 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 44 of the experiment. Plasma samples were analyzed for haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and cortisol. Variables were analyzed considering pen as the experimental unit and pen(treatment) as a random effect. Blood parameters were evaluated as repeated measurements and effects of treatment, day, and treatment and day interaction were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Calves consumed 700 mL of electrolyte solution daily which consisted of 20% of the offered. No effects (P = 0.61) were observed on ADG (0.82 kg, SEM: 0.050) or final BW (P = 0.81; 267 kg SEM: 5.36). No differences in cortisol (P = 0.64; 2.30 ng/mL SEM: 0.147), ceruloplasmin (P = 0.29; 26.9 mg/mL SEM: 0.659) and haptoglobin (P = 0.57; 0.64 µg/mL SEM: 0.029) concentrations were observed. Electrolyte solution supplementation during preconditioning did not improve performance or influenced acute response markers of beef calves.
PSXIII-24 Effect of Inclusion of Hay and Concentrate Containing Monensin and Methionine on in Vitro Methane Production
Authors: Filho Edson Martins Ribeiro , Ferreira Reginaldo Nassar , Figueiredo Cibelle Borges , Nunes Gabriela Vitória Pinto , Ubeda Emanuely Zequim , Miranda Matheus Alves , Peron Hugo Jayme Matias Coelho 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of hay and Suplemento Total concentrate as a substitute for corn on gas production and methane concentration in vitro. The experiment was conducted under anaerobic conditions using bottles that simulate the ruminal environment (ANKOM Gas Pressure Monitor) containing artificial saliva, rumen liquid, and two g of substrates from each treatment: (MI) Control, 1.62 g of corn containing 9% of crude protein and 0.38 g of mineral mix and; (FMM) 1.02 g of Tifton 85 hay and 0.98 g of Suplemento Total concentrate (Suplemento Nutrição Animal) containing 13.5% of crude protein, 0.32% of monensin and 0.63% of methionine. Duplicate substrates and duplicate blanks were fermented for each treatment in two runs, with a total of four repetitions per treatment. The accumulated pressure resulting from the fermentation was measured automatically over 48 h using the Gas Monitor software connected to the ANKOM modules of each bottle. The conversion of the pressure to gas volume was calculated as follows: Volume (mL) = 2.3932 + 3.4053 × pressure (R2 = 0.9146; n = 1.151). At the end of each run, a gas sample was collected from each bottle to measure methane concentration using gas chromatography. To obtain the methane production for every 100 mL of gas produced, the total volume of methane produced was multiplied by 100 and divided by the total gas production. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at α = 0.05. Was observed 23.86% of increase in gas production (64.79 vs 80.25 mL, P = 0.0072), 45.53% reduction in total methane production (46.50 vs 25.33 mL, P &lt; 0.001), and 56.07% reduction in methane production for every 100 mL of gas produced (71.96 vs 31.61 mL, P &lt; 0.001) in the FMM treatment compared with the MM, respectively (Table 1). Improvement in the quality of the diet, as well as the use of monensin and methionine, increases the fermentation rate, which explains the increase in gas production. Linked to this, there is also a reduction in methane production by reducing the population of gram-positive bacteria, which are precursors of methanogenesis. Therefore, the inclusion of hay and Suplemento Total concentrate containing 0.32 percent of monensin and 0.63 percent of methionine in place of corn with mineral mixture increased gas production and reduced methane production in vitro.
PSXIII-19 Feeding One-Year Storage Sorghum Silage Base Diets: Effects of Grain Processing on Performance of Backgrounding Beef Cattle
Authors: Abdelhadi Leandro O , Mattioli Guillermo , DiLorenzo Nicolas 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of feeding a one-year stored sorghum silage (SS), grain processed or not at harvest, on ADG, DMI and feed efficiency (FE) of beef heifers. A total of 96 Angus heifers were used in a completely randomized design with 6 pens/treatment of 8 heifers per treatment. Mixed model of SAS was used, and the model included the fixed effect of treatment: SS processed (PRO) or not (NPR), with initial BW used as covariate. Significance was declared at P &lt; 0.05. A dual-purpose sorghum (ADV2450IG, Advanta seeds, Irving, TX) was harvested (Claas Jaguar 930, Harsewinkel, Germany) at the late-dough stage of grain maturity and PRO or NPR were obtained with a specific SS cracker (196 mm rolls of 125 teeth each, 40% speed differential, 1.1 mm roll gap). Each treatment was chopped at 15 mm theoretical length of cut and ensiled in polyethylene ag-bags (60 m long and 2.74 m diameter), for 388 d until starting the feeding trial. Two backgrounding diets containing (DM basis) 90.5% SS either PRO or NPR (31.4±1.4% grain content on average), 6.5% soybean meal (expeller) and 3% supplement (ROC90, Provimi, Argentina) were offered for a 12 d of adaptation and 60 d of experimental period. Diets were adjusted daily to a score of 0.5, using the SDSU 4-point bunk scoring system, and samples were taken for analyses. Initial, middle and final BW was measured, while DMI was calculated from differences between DM offered and refused within each pen (Table). In conclusion, feeding sorghum silage stored for 388 to 460 d, and either grain processed or not, resulted in similar ADG and FE when used as the base of the diet of backgrounding beef heifers.
PSII-6 Changes in Galectin Gene Expression and Secretion in Response to Gum Arabica Drench in Goats
Authors: Ahmed Yaser M , Uzzaman Md. Rasel , Worku Mulumebet 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Acacia senegal is part of the natural diet of goats. Gum Arabica (GA) is a water-soluble complex polysaccharide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory prebiotic, derived from Acacia Senegal. Its mechanism of action has not been defined. Galectins are secreted sugar-binding animal proteins involved in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. They function in microbe recognition and as regulators of inflammation. This study evaluated the effect of GA on Galectin transcription. Clinically healthy Boer X Spanish goats (n = 20) were randomly assigned to two groups of 10. Goats in the treatment group received 10 mL of GA in water daily for six weeks, controls received sterile water. Blood was collected weekly from the jugular vein using acid citrate dextrose as an anticoagulant. Subsequently, the blood was centrifuged to isolate the cells and plasma. Total RNA isolation was isolated from the cell pellet using Trizol (Sigma-Aldrich). The RNA concentration (ng/μL) and purity was assessed using a Nanodrop Spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific Inc). Galectin-1, -3 and -9 transcription was conducted using goat specific primers and housekeeping genes for real-time PCR. Fold changes were calculated using the Livak method. The Log2FC values for Galectin 1, 3, and 9 expressions were 12.47, 0.29, and 2.22 respectively. Thus, GA had varying effects on structurally distinct galectins. Galectin 1 gene (Lgals1) is an important modulator of the immune response and was highly induced. Changes in Galectin transcription can impact microbial recognition and immune activation for goat health. Further analyses are needed to evaluate the functional effects of GA for application as a prebiotic and immune modulator lain goat health.
PSII-7 Is Scrotal Ultrasound a Useful Tool in Ram Breeding Soundness examination?
Authors: Murphy Tom W , Freking Bradley A , Wildeus Stephan , Miles Jeremy R , Cushman Robert , Snider Alexandria P , Rempel Lea A 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Varicocele, a condition of abnormally dilated veins within the pampiniform plexus, is associated with reduced male fertility in several species but its frequency and impact in rams is not well documented. Semen was collected and pampiniform plexus ultrasound performed in early December during breeding soundness examinations (BSE) of mature Composite-IV rams over a three-year study. A portion of rams were evaluated in multiple years and data from a total of 129 collections on 90 rams were available for analyses. Semen parameters were estimated by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Imaging software was used to quantify the cross-sectional area of five vessels per testis and average areas of the left testis (AAL), right testis (AAR), and both testes (AAT) were calculated. The correlation between AAL and AAR measured on the same ram within a year was moderate and positive (0.51; P &lt; 0.001). However, correlations between AAL, AAR, and AAT measured on the same ram in consecutive years were not different from zero. Average vessel area was analyzed with fixed effects of testis side (AAL or AAR), year (2020, 2021, or 2022), ram age (2, 3, or ≥ 4 yr-old) and a random effect of ram. Across years, AAL was 23 to 25% greater than AAR and 16 to 18% greater in ≥ 4-yr-old than younger rams (P &lt; 0.01). Unilateral varicocele (UV) was diagnosed when AAL/AAR or AAR/AAL ratio exceeded 1.5 in a ram and, for rams sampled in multiple years, those diagnosed in one year were considered affected for all subsequent years. Within year, prevalence of UV ranged from 16 to 36%. Scrotal circumference (SC) and CASA parameters were analyzed with fixed effects of year, ram age, and UV status and a random effect of ram. Within 2- and 3-yr-olds, sperm from UV rams had lower motility than unaffected rams (42.1 ± 6.7% vs 62.2 ± 4.1% and 47.8 ± 7.4% vs 70.1 ± 4.7%, respectively; P ≤ 0.02) but no differences were observed within 4-yr-old rams. Across ages, sperm from UV rams had a lower percentage of normal than unaffected rams (91.5 ± 1.1% vs 94.3 ± 0.74%; P = 0.03). Sperm concentration, progressive motility, and SC were unaffected by UV status. Future studies will evaluate the effect UV status on siring capacity. Ultrasound methodologies previously refined to diagnose varicocele in boars helped identify sub-fertile rams that would not have been classified by routine BSE procedures. However, these methodologies would benefit from concurrent machine learning and software development to ensure imaging consistency across technicians and streamline procedures for real-time decision making. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
PSV-22 Productivity at Weaning of F1 Dorper X Pelibuey Ewes Carrying the Fecge Allele of the Ovine GDF9 Gene
Authors: Miranda-Carrazco Claudia I , Martínez-Quintana José A , Corral-Luna Agustín , Rodríguez-Almeida Felipe A 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The FecGE allele of the ovine GDF9 gene has been reported segregating in the Pelibuey hair type breed in México. Homozygous E/E ewes reproduce normally, in contrast to the sterility of homozygous ewes reported for other GDF9 variants. Thus, potential exists to cross homozygous and carrier Pelibuey ewes with meat type rams of low-prolificacy but well-adapted breeds to obtain F1 commercial flock ewes. The aim was to evaluate ewe productivity, as total lamb weight weaned (TWW), of FecGE carrier vs non-carrier F1 Dorper x Pelibuey ewes. Sixty one first lambing ewes (34 carrier and 27 non-carrier) equally served with two Texel rams were used. Management was under feedlot conditions. Genotyping was done by real time PCR (StepOnePlus) using the FAMACTTCAAACAGTTTCTTTTTMGBNFQ and VICTCAAACAGTGTCTTTTTMGBNFQ probes (Applied Biosystems). Type of birth (TB; twins vs single) and weaning (TW) were analyzed with PROC CATMOD of SAS. Fixed effects of ewe genotype (carrier vs non-carrier), contemporary group and ram of service were included in a logistic generalized linear model. Lamb weaning weights were adjusted to a common age of 75 d and by sex. Equivalent to male average birth lamb weight (ABW), average weaning lamb weight (AWW) and TWW per ewe were analyzed with PROC GLM of SAS. Carrier ewes had more twins (P &lt; 0.01) for TB (75 vs 19.4 %) and TW (58.8 vs 21.7 %) than non-carrier ewes. Equivalent to male ABW on carrier ewes was less (P &lt; 0.05; 3.17 ± 0.21 vs 3.97 ± 0.20 kg) than for non-carrier ewes but not difference (P &gt; 0.05) was observed for AWW (21.96 ± 0.85 vs 22.93 ± 0.90 kg). Ewe productivity, as indicated by TWW, was greater (P &lt; 0.05; 33.16 ± 1.78 vs 27.23 ± 1.88 kg) for FecGE carrier ewes than for the non-carrier ones. More research on this topic deserves further attention, especially under range conditions, with multiple parity ewes, different years and reproductive activity seasons, using a larger simple.
PSV-23 Characterization of Katahdin Lamb Carcasses in a Traditional Lamb Marketing Context
Authors: Phillips McKensie , Gifford Cody , Murphy Tom W , Freking Bradley A , Newman Courtney , Ritchie Clara , Stewart Whit C 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The Katahdin breed has grown in popularity in the US, but it is relatively unknown if their carcasses conform to expectations of the traditional commodity lamb industry. Purebred Katahdin wethers (n = 223) were sourced from the genetic reference flock at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center over two consecutive years. The flock is enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) and estimated breeding values (EBV) were available on standard production traits. Lambs were assigned to one of three groups per year based on body weight (BW) and fed a common finishing diet through harvest at similar end BW (51.3 ± 5.6 kg) but varying age (223.8 ± 32.2 d). Lambs were harvested at a commercial processor, hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded, dressing percentage (DP) was calculated, and carcasses were chilled for 24 h. Carcasses were then ribbed and 12th rib backfat thickness (BFT), and loin muscle area (LMA) were measured. Traits were analyzed in mixed models with fixed class effects of finishing group (6 levels) and rearing type (single or multiple), a linear covariate of harvest age, and a random effect of sire (n = 16). There were no differences in BW, HCW, BFT, and LMA between rearing types but lambs reared as multiples had greater DP than those reared as singles (P = 0.02; Table). End BW increased while DP decreased with lamb harvest age (P ≤ 0.03). Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated between traits including post-weaning weight (PWWT) NSIP EBV. There was a strong, positive correlation between HCW and BFT (0.52) and HCW and BWT (0.54; P &lt; 0.001). In contrast, HCW was only moderately correlated to LMA (0.35; P &lt; 0.001). The PWWT EBV is the best genetic predictor of post-weaning lamb growth and was moderately correlated with end BW (0.38), HCW (0.35), and LMA (0.35; P &lt; 0.001). Traditional markets prefer carcasses to be 29.5 – 36.3 kg HCW and &lt; 6.4 mm BFT; 91% and 51% of Katahdin carcasses were below the HCW and BFT thresholds, respectively. Katahdins are capable of producing lean carcasses that conform to packer ideals for BF when fed to harvest BW of the present study, which may reduce excess fat trimming during fabrication. However, HCW observed in the present study may suggest greater suitability for non-traditional (i.e., ethnic) markets. Lower correlations between carcass traits in Katahdin compared with past research in Western white-faced lambs may highlight important biological differences in growth and fat deposition among divergent breed types. Crossbreeding Katahdin ewes with terminal sire breeds and within breed selection will improve growth and carcass traits without exceeding HCW thresholds commonly reached in wool sheep but should be considered in tandem with other breeding objectives.