bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
177 Determining the Body Weight to Body Fat Conversion Factor for Angus, Charolais, and Brahman Growing Steers
Authors: Gonzalez Luciano A , Burgess Jillian , Imaz Augusto , Tedeschi Luis O 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The profitability of beef feedlot operations depends on accurately predicting the energy and nutrient requirements of the animal to optimize animal growth and carcass quality to meet market specifications. The composition of the gain (i.e., fat and protein) dictates the growth of the animal, and it is highly correlated with the body composition of the mature animal, assuming that the composition of body gain is constant for animals at the same maturity degree. Once the mature weight for a given body composition (i.e., fat) is known, the maturity degree can be estimated, and the equivalent body weight (EqBW) can be used to calculate energy requirements for growth. Several standard feeding systems and nutrition models use the adjusted final body weight (AFBW) at a known fat composition to estimate EqBW. The AFBW is the body weight (BW) at, usually, 28% empty body fat (EBF). Thus, AFBW can be estimated if a given empty BW (EBW) and composition are known, and an EBW-to-EBF factor is used to calculate AFBW from the current BW. Several nutrition models, including the Cattle Value Discovery System, have adopted the 14.26 kg of EBW for each % of EBF. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the amount of body mass deposited per change in body fat content of different breeds commonly used in Australia. We randomly allocated 30 Angus, 30 Brahman, and 29 Charolais into six slaughter groups (6 animals per breed per slaughter group) fed for up to 200 days. Internal organs and carcasses were dissected into physically separable fat, lean, and bones. When we regressed EBW on EBF, the overall regression yielded a slope of 11.2 ± 0.69 kg/%EBF [n = 89, r2 = 0.75, and root of the mean square error (RMSE) = 55.7 kg], likely not different from the 14.26 kg/% EBF. However, slopes were different among breeds (P &lt; 0.001), i.e., there was an interaction between breeds and EBF when the breed was added to the ordinary least-square mean regression as a classificatory variable. The slopes were 16.5 ± 0.84 kg/% for Charolais (n = 29, r2 = 0.933, RMSE = 33.2 kg), 13.2 ± 0.73 kg /% for Angus (n = 30, r2 = 0.921, RMSE = 34.4 kg), and 10.1 ± 1.06 kg/% for Brahman (n = 30, r2 = 0.765, RMSE = 38.3 kg). When we regressed the amount of EBF on EBW, we obtained 0.40, 0.58, and 0.52 kg EBF/kg EBW for Charolais, Angus and Brahman, respectively. This confirms that Charolais deposited less EBF per unit of gain compared with Angus and Brahman. Given the similarity between the 14.26 kg/% to the overall value of 11.2 kg/%, we recommend using the 14.26 EBW-to-EBF factor to estimate AFBW when the genetic group is unknown.
90 Leveraging the Potential of Molecular and Genetic Markers to Improve Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle
Authors: Lindholm-Perry Amanda 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Genetic and other molecular markers are powerful tools with the potential to improve livestock production traits, like feed efficiency. Feed efficiency is a complex biological trait mediated by many genes. Molecular based research, including transcriptome studies to evaluate gene expression profiles to determine the genes and pathways that contribute to feed efficiency in beef cattle have been widely performed over the last decade. Despite its widespread use, challenges remain in transcriptomic data analysis, in particular non-reproducibility of results between studies. These discrepancies exist for a number of reasons including small numbers of replicates, technical differences (e.g. sample preparation, sequencing platform), and biological differences (e.g., environmental, management, and genetic effects). Recent developments in technology and analytic tools provide an opportunity to integrate and synthesize the results of existing and future data. The potential to utilize these tools to have greater impact on feed efficiency will also be discussed. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
192 Evaluation of Textural Characteristics (Texture Profile Analysis and Shear force) on Commercial Training Pet Treats
Authors: Carrera Hilary , Romero Jorge , Berganza Ileana , Dunavant Justin , Abascal-Ponciano Gerardo A , Starkey Jessica D , Starkey Charles , Cho Sungeun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Characteristics like scent, flavor, and texture can impact pet treat acceptability. Pet owners rely on personal organoleptic preferences of texture to judge treat quality, and subsequently determine desire to purchase. However, quantitative textural data for commercially available pet treats is currently limited and hard to find since companies that normally measure textural parameters in their products typically keep that information for their own use. This information is important for further investigation regarding product development and sensory evaluation to determine pet preferences and purchasing decisions. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate different textural characteristics of commercially available training treats that serve as a reference to manufacture new pet food products. Six different commercial brands (brand 1, brand 2, brand 3, brand 4, brand 5, and brand 6) were randomly selected from local pet stores. A TA-HDplusC texture analyzer was used to conduct a texture profile analysis (TPA) using a TA-30 probe, while the shear force (SF) test was performed using a TA-42 45° angle chisel blade probe (n = 10 samples per test per product). Data were analyzed as a 1-way ANOVA using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS ver. 9.4 with mean separation with the PDIFF option at P ≤ 0.05. Significant differences of TPA and SF test parameters were observed among commercial brands of training treats except for chewiness which was similar among all brands. When products were subjected to the TPA test, brand 1 required the maximum force to deform the treats (P &lt; 0.001). Therefore, brands 1 and 2 had the greatest adhesion to the probe (P &lt; 0.001). For resilience, brands 1 and 2 had greater ability to regain the original form, but brand 2 was similar to brands 4 and 6 (P = 0.023). Brands 1 and 2 had cohesiveness values, but these were similar to brand 6 (P = 0.002). For springiness, brands 1, 2, and 6 had greater values (P = 0.0196), but brand 6 was similar to brands 4 and 5. However, brands 1, 2, and 6 had the greatest height recovered after compression among all brands (P = 0.020). Regarding the SF test, brand 2 were firmer and tougher than all other brands (P &lt; 0.001). Textural differences were observed among different training treats brands; however, treats from certain brands shared similar textural characteristics. Overall, brands 1 and 2 typically had the greater values for the textural parameters evaluated. Moreover, textural data on commercially available training treats was generated, so quantitative data of commercially available training treats can be used as a reference to manufacture new pet treats. Likewise, future consumer sensory panel research into preferred textural characteristics by pet owners is warranted.
193 Apparent Total Tract Nutrient Digestibility of Frozen Raw, Freeze-Dried Raw, Fresh, and Extruded Dog Foods and Their Effects on Fecal Characteristics and Metabolites of Adult Dogs
Authors: Geary Elizabeth L , Swanson Kelly S , Templeman James 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Various pet food diet formats are now available. Processing methods are known to impact nutrient digestibility and are thought to affect pet health but are poorly studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) of frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, fresh, and extruded dog foods and assess their effects on fecal characteristics, and fecal metabolites of healthy adult dogs. Ten healthy adult spayed female dogs were used in a replicated 5x5 Latin square study to test the following diets: Chicken and Barley Recipe [extruded diet; Hill’s Science Diet (EXT)], Chicken and White Rice Recipe [fresh diet; Just Food for Dogs (FRSH)], Chicken Formula [raw frozen diet; Primal (FRZN)], Chicken and Sorghum Hybrid Freeze-dried Formula [hybrid freeze-dried raw diet; Primal (HFD)], and Chicken Dinner Patties [raw freeze-dried diet; Stella & Chewy (FD)]. The experiment was composed of five 35-day periods. Total feces excreted during a 5-day total collection phase was frozen until analyses and ATTD calculations. On the first day of fecal collections, one fresh fecal sample was collected for measurement of pH, dry matter (DM) content, and bile acid (BA) and fermentative metabolite concentrations. Data were analyzed statistically by Mixed Models using SAS 9.4, with P &lt; 0.05 being significant. Widespread differences were noted among diets. Wet and DM fecal output was greater for EXT than other diets, and wet fecal output was greater for FRSH than FRZN, HFD, and FD. Protein ATTD was greater for FRZN and FD than other diets, and greater for HFD than FRSH and EXT. Fat ATTD was greater for HFD than FRZN and EXT, and less for EXT than other diets. Fecal pH was less in EXT and FRSH than other diets. Fecal scores were greater (looser) in EXT and FRSH than FRZN and FRZDR. Fecal DM% was greater in FD than other diets, and greater in FRZN and HFD than EXT and FRSH. In general, fecal short-chain fatty acids were highest in EXT, intermediate in FRSH and HFD, and least in FRZN and FD. Fecal branched-chain fatty acids were greatest in FDF, intermediate in EXT, FRZN, and FD, and least for FRSH. Fecal phenols and indoles were greatest in HYB and least in FRSH, with others being intermediate. Fecal primary BA were greater in FRSH than other diets, while fecal secondary BA were greater in FRZN than HFD, FRSH, and EXT, greater in FD than FRSH and EXT, and greater in HFD than FRSH. In summary, the diets tested were very different in regard to nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and fecal metabolites. More research is necessary to distinguish how ingredient source, diet processing, macronutrient composition, and other factors may contribute to these differences.
191 Apparent Total Tract Digestibility, Fecal Metabolites, and Feces Quality of Pulse-Based Vegan Dog Foods with Or Without Added Enzymes in Adult Dogs and Comparison to Digestibility from a Pig Model
Authors: Van Straten W P G , Shoveller Anna Kate K , Wang L F , Beltranena E , Vasanthan T , Zijlstra Ruurd T 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Consumer demand for vegetarian and vegan dog foods is increasing. These specialty diets may rely on alternative plant-based protein sources such as pulses and pulse protein concentrates instead of animal protein to meet amino acid (AA) requirements. Pulses such as field pea and lentil contain more protein than cereal grains, but also contain anti-nutritional factors (ANF) such as phytate and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) that have the potential to reduce nutrient digestibility. The objectives were 1) to determine if the addition of enzymes before or after extrusion would increase apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of pulse-based extruded vegan dog foods; and 2) to compare ATTD of nutrients and gross energy (GE) between dogs and growing pigs fed the same diets. Two formulations were created: low protein (Low) containing 24% crude protein (CP) including 35% field pea flour and 15% lentil flour, and high protein (High) containing 43% CP including 50% pea protein concentrate and 20% lentil protein concentrate. Each formulation was used to prepare 3 diets: control without enzymes (Con), with enzymes added before extrusion (P; X-115 single screw; Wenger, Sabetha, KS) or enzymes added after extrusion (A) for a total of 6 diets. The enzyme blend contained cellulase (480,000 or 510,000 U/kg of diet), xylanase (360,000 or 680,000 U/kg), protease (960,000 or 1,360,000 U/kg), and phytase (12,000 or 17,000 U/kg) for Low and High diets, respectively. Following extrusion, kibbles were ground and 0.5% TiO2 was added to diets. Ten mix breed adult dogs (1.5 - 2yrs; 21-29 kg BW) were fed in a 6 × 6 replicated incomplete Latin square with 10-d periods. Feces were collected during the last 4-d of each period. The ATTD of organic matter (OM) and CP ranged from 77.7 to 86.3% and 74.6 to 87.8%, respectively. The ATTD of OM, CP, crude fat, GE, and ash did not differ between A and Con diets. Feces concentrations of glucose, xylose, acetic and propionic acid was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for A than Con diets, indicating that enzymes hydrolyzed some IDF that was subsequently fermented by gut microbes. Addition of enzymes after extrusion increased (P &lt; 0.05) feces moisture by 1.5% causing loose stools. Addition of enzymes before extrusion reduced (P &lt; 0.05) ATTD of CP due to overheating during drying after wet enzyme processing. The ATTD of nutrients was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for pigs than dogs; Nevertheless, could be a good predictor (R2 = 0.74 - 0.87) for ATTD of OM, CP, and GE. In conclusion, enzyme addition after extrusion did not increase ATTD for the dogs but did impact feces metabolites and fecal quality. Finally, pigs are a good translational model for testing ATTD of dog foods.
203 The Effects of Daily Supplementation of Selected Probiotic and Postbiotic on the Microbiome of Adult Cats
Authors: de Souza Junior Sergio Miranda , de Godoy Maria R C 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Probiotics, defined as “live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” have been shown to beneficially affect health aspects, including body mass index, immune system modulation, and oxidative stress. There are still limited data on the microbiome and the probiotic effects in cats compared with humans. Looking into the feline microbiome could help us understand more about the gut health of these animals. This study was a complete randomized design with 36 cats [mean age = 4.98 1.97 yr; mean body condition score (BCS) = 6.33 1.08] divided into 3 treatments (n = 12/trt). Animals were fed a standard extruded commercial diet. The treatments used were control diet + placebo (maltodextrin carrier; CON), control diet + Probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis CECT8145; daily dosage: CFU/cat; PRO), and control diet + postbiotic (Heat-killed B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT8145; daily dosage: CFU/cat; POST). The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the effects of a selected probiotic and its heat-killed form on the feline microbiome. Fresh fecal samples were collected on days 0 and 90, DNA was extracted and sequenced using the method of ‘Whole Shotgun Sequencing’, abundance comparisons were carried out with the R limma voom package (3.48.3v) to find taxonomic groups and for pathway analysis, it was performed a differential abundance analysis at L3 between day 0 and 90 in each group and abundance comparisons between groups depending on time. Relative abundance of B. animalis increased (P &lt; 0.05) over time in cats in the PRO group, which suggests potential colonization of the B. animalis fed in the live form in the feline gut. Cats in the CON group had an increment abundance of metabolites involved in carbon metabolism pathways and amino acid biosynthesis when compared with PRO and POST, whilst there was a decrease in the abundance of membrane transport, biofilm formation, and bacterial motility pathways in the CON group. In conclusion, the use of the probiotic and postbiotic had a similar effect on the overall feline metabolism, although more studies are needed to determine if B. animalis subsp. Lactis CECT 8145 can induce beneficial outcomes to the feline microbiome.
207 Effect of Sodium Sulfate in Water and Dietary Bismuth Subsalicylate on Feed and Water Intake, Ruminal Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration, and Trace Mineral Status of Growing Beef Heifers
Authors: Evans Mikaela G , Campbell John R , Ribeiro Gabriel O , Henry Darren D H , Waldner Cheryl , Penner Greg B 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cattle consuming increased concentrations of sulfur (S) are at an increased risk for depletion of copper (Cu) and or S-induced polioencephalomalacia and there are limited mitigation strategies to alleviate risk for cattle consuming high sulfate water. This study evaluated the effects of feeding growing beef heifers bismuth subsalicylate (BSS; 0.0 vs. 0.4% DM basis) when provided water with a low (LS; 346 ± 13) or high (HS; 4,778 ± 263 mg/L) sulfate concentration on dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, ruminal hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration, and trace mineral status. Twenty-four beef heifers (221 ± 41 kg) were stratified based on initial liver copper concentrations collected 13 d before the start of the study, into a completely randomized block design using a high forage diet fed for 98 d. Feed and water intake (weekly), ruminal H2S concentration (d 42 and 91), and liver (pre-study and d 91) and serum trace mineral concentrations (d 1, 28, 56, and 91) were evaluated. Initial liver trace-mineral concentration was used as a covariate in the statistical model. Water intake tended to be reduced with the inclusion of BSS (P = 0.10) but was not affected by water sulfate (P = 0.40). Water sulfate and BSS did not affect DMI (P ≥ 0.89), but total S intake increased (P &lt; 0.01) from LS to HS (17.6 to 51.0 g/d) resulting in diets that contained 0.28 and 0.78% S (DM basis). Heifers consuming HS had 1.58 µg/mL more (P &lt; 0.01) ruminal H2S than LS. The inclusion of BSS reduced (P = 0.04) ruminal H2S concentration by 46%. Regardless of water sulfate concentration, heifers fed BSS had lesser liver Cu (average of 4.08 mg/kg) than heifers not provided BSS, and when not provided BSS, HS had lesser Cu than LS (42.2 vs. 58.3; sulfate × BSS, P = 0.02). Serum concentration of Cu did not differ over time for heifers not provided BSS; whereas heifers provided BSS had less serum Cu on d 91 than d 28 and 55 (BSS × time, P &lt; 0.01). The liver concentration of selenium (Se) was reduced (P &lt; 0.01) with BSS inclusion. The Se concentration in serum was not affected by sulfate, BSS, or time (P ≥ 0.16). Bismuth subsalicylate reduces ruminal H2S concentration, but depletes liver Cu and Se. Moreover, sulfate concentration in water does not appear to affect DMI or water intake but reduces liver Cu concentration.
229 Measuring the Effectiveness of Both Cognitive and Emotional Forms of Instructional Videos Related to the Beef Industry
Authors: Corbitt Katie , Locke Savannah , Hiltbrand Karen A , Shannon David , Rodning Soren P , Sawyer Jason T , Mulvaney Donald , Richburg Darcey 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
US citizenries are becoming detached from the animal agricultural industry, so what is the best way to bridge the knowledge gap? Results of studies have shown that video messaging could be a key factor in decreasing this gap. This study focused on assessing perceptions of young adults about animal agriculture as well as the effectiveness of emotional and cognitive videos featuring local farmers and experts in the industry to alter perception as well as develop and create trust for the beef industry. An invitation to participate was distributed to 10,000 students at Auburn University. Responses were stopped after receiving 500 complete responses. Participants were directed to a survey in Qualtrics. Participants were given a survey with 5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions over aspects of their opinions about animal welfare, diet/health of consumers of red meat and environment/sustainability of the beef industry. After viewing two videos, participants re-took the survey. Data were subjected to paired t-test statistical analysis using SPSS. Results showed the views of the participants about the beef industry improved by 82% after watching the videos. ATLAS was used to code negative and positive key words within open response questions. The emotional video had a greater impact (P &lt; 0.05) on participants perceptions with 190 people choosing that video. In contrast only 99 participants preferred the cognitively designed video. Compared with cognitive messaging, emotional video when used as communication modalities may serve to diminish the knowledge gap relationship between the public and the beef industry.
274 Xylanase Significantly Improves Feed Efficiency in High Fiber Diets
Authors: Metz Mickie , Chamberlin Dave , Remus Janet C , Rozeboom Garrett , Lewton Jaron , Kellesvig Leah M , Polniak Veronica I , Rozeboom Dale W 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Feed is the greatest expense in pig production and improving efficiency while utilizing lower priced ingredients can help ameliorate this cost. The objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of utilizing a xylanase enzyme (Danisco Xylanase, IFF) on growth performance of pigs fed high fiber diets. We hypothesized that feeding xylanase would improve G:F and ADG when added to a greater fiber diet. To test this hypothesis, 672 PIC 359 x Yorkshire pigs were randomly allotted to pens based on body weight at an average age of 20.8 ± 1.0 d. Pens were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: Control corn/soy diet (CON), Greater fiber diet (up to 40% dried distillers grains and 10% wheat middlings FIB), and Greater fiber diet plus xylanase (XYL). The CON and the FIB diets were formulated to contain the same net energy. In the XYL treatment, xylanase was added on top of the GF diet with no reformulation or energy release assigned to the xylanase. All pigs were weighed and feed disappearance was measured weekly to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Growth performance data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure in SAS with pen as the experimental unit. There were 17 pens per treatment for CON and FIB and 16 pens per treatment for the XYL treatment. To increase the number of replicates, the trial was conducted over 3 consecutive turns of pigs. Dietary treatment, repetition, week, and two-way interactions were fixed effects. Results were considered significantly different at P ≤ 0.05. In the 7-week nursery period, the pigs fed CON had increased ADG (CON: 0.52 kg/d, FIB: 0.48 kg/d, XYL: 0.48 kg/d) and ADFI (CON: 0.85 kg/d, 0.81 kg/d, 0.80 kg/d) when compared with FIB and XYL treatments (P ≤ 0.05). There were no differences in growth performance between the pigs fed FIB and the pigs fed XYL in the nursery phase. At the end of the nursery phase, pigs were randomly allotted within treatment to different cohorts in the growing finishing period. In the 12-wk growing finishing period, pigs fed FIB and XYL had decreased ADG compared with pigs fed Control diets (CON: 1.05 kg/d, FIB: 0.97 kg/d, XYL: 0.96 kg/d; P ≤ 0.05). In addition, pigs fed XYL diets had improved G:F when compared with both FIB and CON (CON: 0.402, FIB: 0.400, XYL: 0.414; P ≤ 0.05). This improvement in feed efficiency in the XYL treatment seemed to be driven by a significant reduction in ADFI (P ≤ 0.05), which suggests, adding xylanase to a diet without accounting for energy release, reduces overall feed intake and growing more efficiently, as expected with more available energy.