bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSVII-4 Genetic Parameters for Various Semen Quality and Reproductive Performance Traits in Nellore Cattle Including X Chromosome Markers
Authors: de Carvalho Felipe E , Ferraz José Bento S , Pedrosa Victor B , Eler Joanir P , de Mattos Elisangela C , Silva Marcio R , Guimaraes José Domingos , Bussiman Fernando , da Silva Barbara Conceição A , Araujo Andre C , Wen Hui , Mulim Henrique A , Rocha Artur Oliveira , Brito Luiz F F 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Estimating genetic parameters of male and female fertility and reproduction traits is essential for optimizing beef cattle breeding programs. In general, only markers located on autosomal chromosomes are used for genetic evaluations. Sex chromosomes tend to be excluded due to the compensation mechanism of dosage of genes linked to the X chromosome, which is the second largest chromosome in the cattle genome and harbors many genes potentially influencing these traits. Therefore, we estimated genomic-based variance components, including the X chromosome in the variance components analysis for female precocity, fertility, and andrological traits based on the single-step GBLUP procedure and Bayesian inference. The dataset consisted of ~120,000 records for the probability of pregnancy at 14 months (PP14), early rebreeding (REBA), and stability (STAY). From the breeding soundness exam (BSE) of bulls, 20,000 records were obtained for semen quality, andrological biometry, semen defects, and bull fitness (BULL_FIT). The pedigree contained 660,608 animals, where 11,012 animals were genotyped for 770,111 SNPs. All traits have reasonable additive genetic variation and are heritable, with a substantial contribution from the X chromosome, indicating that genetic progress for these traits is feasible. The heritability estimates (h2) explained by autosomal and X chromosome SNPs was low and low-to-moderate, respectively, for female reproductive performance traits, such as REBA [0.17 (auto); 0.07 (sex chr)], PP14 (0.42;0.05), and STAY (0.32;0.01). For male traits, the heritability estimates based on the autosomes and X chromosome, respectively, ranged from 0.02 to 0.04 and from 0.01 to 0.03 for semen quality traits; from 0.10 to 0.68 and from 0.02 to 0.07 for morphological traits; from 0.10 to 0.12 and from 0.01 to 0.02 for semen defects traits; for bull evaluation (BULL_FIT) were observed h2 for autosomes 0.18 and 0.10 for sexual chromosome X. The results observed in this study indicate a substantial contribution of the X chromosome on fertility and reproductive performance traits. These findings will serve as background information for designing breeding programs for genetically improving semen production and quality and reproductive performance in Nellore cattle.
PSXII-10 Development of a 70k Snp Genotyping Array for American Mink (Neogale vison)
Authors: Do Duy Ngoc , Karimi Karim , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Plastow Graham , Wang Zhiquan , Miar Younes 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Mink is an important fur animal species; however, little is known about the genomics of complex traits in mink. The development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array has accelerated genomics application in animal breeding by facilitating genotyping and associated analyses. The current project aimed to design a medium-density SNP array in American mink for genomic studies and selection in this species. For this purpose, whole genome sequence with 30x coverage was generated for 100 individuals from the Canadian Centre for Fur Animal Research (CCFAR) at the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture (Truro, NS, Canada) and Millbank Fur Farm (Rockwood, ON, Canada). Variant calling was done using Samtools and GATK pipelines. A total of 8,373,854 bi-allelic SNPs identified by both pipelines were used for an initial selection of 91K SNPs for submission to the Affymetrix scoring system. After filtering, 62,375 SNPs were selected for probe design and production of an Axiom Mink Genotyping Array 70K. This 70K SNP array was used to genotype 2,973 mink for validation. After quality control of genotypes, 47,159 SNPs were classified as high-resolution SNPs, and among them 24,237 were polymorphic. A preliminary genome-wide association study of 1,356 mink for body length at harvest identified a SNP (AX-647623051) significantly associated (P &lt; 1.26 × 10-5) with the trait. In conclusion, this 70K mink SNP array could be used for genomic studies and potentially as a starting point for genomic selection programs in American mink.
PSV-19 Supplementation of a Multi-Strain Probiotic Increases the Expression of Biomarkers of Immunity in Savannah X Spanish Goat Blood
Authors: Asiamah Emmanuel K , Mkunga Maxwell , Lohakare Jayant 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Probiotics are considered a safe, non-chemical alternative to antibiotics and have been shown to boost the host immune response of livestock. The present study investigated the effect of Gut Candy (GC), a multi-strain probiotic supplementation, on immune gene expression in Spanish X Savannah goats. Seven adult female Spanish X Savannah goats (n = 7) received a daily dose (28 g) of a GC (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, Propioni bacterium freudenreichii, and Aspergillus oryza) for 60 days. The control group received no probiotics (n = 7). Blood (10 mL) was collected aseptically from the jugular vein on days 0 and 60. Total RNA was extracted from whole blood, reverse transcribed to cDNA, and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed using specific primers for TLR2, TLR4, TNF-α, IL1B, IL10, and MPO. The fold changes (FC) in relative gene abundance were analyzed using Livak's method. β-actin and GAPDH were used as internal controls and for normalization. Fold changes (FC) were considered significant at -2 ≥ FC ≥ 2. After 60 days of GC supplementation, there was an increase in fold change in relative gene abundance in IL10 (FC = 3.66), TNF-α (FC = 11.7), IL1β (FC = 19.59), TLR4 (FC = 5.09), and MPO (FC = 2.05). GC also tended to increase the FC of TLR 2(FC = 1.86). The results from the study demonstrate that probiotic supplementation modulates the expression of immune genes in goats. Incorporating probiotics supplementation into the feed regimen of livestock could be beneficial to the animals' health and overall performance.
PSI-8 Effect of Monensin Withdrawal on the Rumen Prokaryote Microbiome in Bos Indicus and Bos Taurus Steers Consuming Bermudagrass Hay
Authors: Giesey Jennifer , Brady Jeff A , Obayomi Olabiyi , Wickersham Tryon A , Mast Natasha L 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Monensin, a carboxylic polyether ionophore, is commonly added to ruminant diets as a strategy for improving animal production by altering ruminal fermentation. However, research concerning the effect of monensin withdrawal is limited. Therefore, the effect of monensin withdrawal and the subspecies of cattle on the rumen prokaryote microbiome was evaluated using ruminally cannulated steers (5 Bos indicus, BI and 5 Bos taurus, BT; 398 kg BW) consuming bermudagrass hay (13.7% CP). Subspecies were concurrently subjected to a two period, two treatment crossover design. Each 70-d period consisted of a 42 d adaptation phase with treatments including 0 (CON) or 200 (MON) mg·animal-1 monensin (Rumensin 90; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) fed in 0.91 kg dried distillers grains with solubles daily. Withdrawal of monensin was then evaluated for a 28-d phase following adaptation. Rumen fluid was collected via suction strainer from the dorsal and ventral sacs of the rumen at feeding on d 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the withdrawal phase and frozen until further analysis. Upon completion of the trial, samples were thawed and analyzed for microbial populations using massively parallel sequencing. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to analyze and compare rumen prokaryotic microbes within treatment groups and subspecies. Sequences were processed using QIIME 2 (q2) version 2021.2 and imported into R v4.1 for statistical analysis and graphical displays. Bray Curtis-based principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) provided visualization of microbial community clustering by monensin treatment and subspecies, facilitating identification of microbial community shifts resulting from treatments or subspecies. No monensin×subspecies×day interaction (P = 0.96) was observed. However, an effect of monensin (P = 0.01), subspecies (P ≤ 0.01), and day (P = 0.017) on the microbiome was present. The changes in microbial density that were observed with monensin withdrawal help to provide insight into the mode of action of monensin and its impact on potential methane mitigation in cattle.
PSXII-19 Effects of Feeding Hybrid Rye Grain as a Replacement for Barley Grain on Feed Intake, Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Beef Cattle
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Carey Rachel E , Brattain Rebecca S , Wehrle Herman , Penner Greg B 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of increasing hybrid rye as a replacement for barley grain on feed intake, growth performance, and carcass characteristics for growing and finishing cattle. Commercial steers (n = 360) with an initial body weight (BW) of 348 ± 6.6 kg were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 24 pens (15 steers/pen) for growing (n = 8; 65 d) phase and re-randomized for the finishing (n = 6; 118 d) phase. The control diet (BCON) for the growing phase included 60.2% barley grain, 28.0% barley silage, 7.0% corn silage, 3.4% oat hulls, with the remainder as mineral, vitamins, and urea. Hybrid rye was then included by replacing 50 or 100% of the barley grain (DM basis). Treatments for the finishing phase included a control containing 10% hay, 85.2% barley grain, with the remainder coming from mineral and vitamins (FCON). Hybrid rye grain was included by replacing 33 (33R), 67 (67R), and 100% (100R) of the barley grain (DM basis). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for each phase independently with carcass data analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS version 9.4; SAS Institute, Inc. Cary, NC). There was no effect of hybrid rye inclusion on DMI or G:F during the growing phase, but ADG increased quadratically (P = 0.04) with 50% rye having the greatest value. During finishing, DMI decreased linearly as hybrid rye inclusion increased (P = 0.03). Average daily gain was quadratically affected (P = 0.03) with an initial increase from FCON to 33% rye followed by a decrease with increasing rye grain inclusion, but G:F was not affected (0.148 kg BW/kg DMI). There was no effect of hybrid rye inclusion on hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, back-fat thickness, ribeye area, marbling score, and yield score. Increasing the inclusion of hybrid rye quadratically (P &lt; 0.01) increased the proportion of severe liver abscesses with an average of 34.6% severely abscessed livers when hybrid rye grain was included compared with 11.1% for FCON. Partial replacement of barley grain with hybrid rye may improve ADG without affecting DMI or G:F during the growing phase. However, replacing barley grain in finishing diets with hybrid rye decreases DMI, increases risk for severe liver abscesses, but does not affect feed conversion suggesting hybrid rye could replace up to 33% of the barley grain.
PSIX-10 Influence of Graded Levels of Microbially Enhanced Protein on Nutrient Digestibility of Extruded Cat Foods
Authors: Chen Youhan , Aldrich Charles G G 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Pet food ingredients that bring extra nutrition and health benefits are much better accepted than being simply an economic choice by the manufacturer. Microbially enhanced protein (MEP) from soybeans is a fermented ingredient that is believed to promote nutrient utilization. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing levels of MEP on nutrient digestibility of extruded cat food. Four extruded dietary treatments differing by level of MEP in exchange for soybean meal (15%; SBM) at 5, 10 and 15% (5MEP, 10MEP and 15MEP, respectively) were randomly assigned to 12 individually housed adult domestic shorthair cats (6 castrated males and 6 spayed females) of similar age (0.9 ± 0.23 months) and body weight (4.35 ± 0.87). The study was designed as a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square with 9-day adaptation followed by 5-day total fecal collection for each period. Data were analyzed using a mixed model through SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with treatment as a fixed effect and square (i.e., replicate), period, and cat(square) as random effects. Treatment means were separated by Tukey’s test. The 15MEP increased fecal moisture content (P&lt;0.05) while 5MEP and 10MEP made no difference compared with SBM. No differences were observed for food intake, fecal dry matter output, fecal score, fecal pH or apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein or gross energy for MEPs compared with SBM. However, crude fat digestibility of cats fed 5MEP was lower (P&lt;0.05) than cats fed with10MEP and 15MEP but not different from cats fed with SBM. These results suggest that MEP did not have adverse effects on nutrient digestibility when added to extruded diets at up to 15% in healthy adult cats.
PSVIII-16 Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product Promotes Improved Preference and Consumption in Adult Cats Fed an Extruded Diet
Authors: Norton Sharon A , Lin Ching-Yen , Franz Nolan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) has been previously demonstrated to improve palatability when included in extruded dog food. The objective of this study was to quantify key indicators of palatability of a SCFP (TruMune, Cargill, Inc.) formulated at two levels versus a control in an extruded, complete and balanced adult cat maintenance cat food. The base diet (CON) was a chicken-based formula (32% crude protein;16% crude fat) and did not contain SCFP. The SCFP was added to the base diet to deliver 150 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUL) or 300 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUH). Three, 2-d studies were conducted each using 20 healthy adult cats (mean age = 8.4±4.3 yr; mean BW = 5.1±1.3 kg) to compare all diet combinations (CON vs TRUL, CON vs TRUH and TRUL vs TRUH). Five analyses were employed to describe differences between each of the dietary comparisons including an intake ratio of consumption using a Wilcox Signed Rank test and 2-way ANOVA to validate and test the assumption of a difference; overall and daily preference by first choice using X2 probability to determine significance and average daily consumption using a paired t-test. Differences P &lt; 0.05 were considered significant and P &lt; 0.10 as trends. Preference scoring by intake ratio to determine differences between preferences were assessed using a standard 2:1 consumption criteria that is an accepted indicator of a clear preference. Compared with CON, total food consumed was greater for TRUL (P = 0.016) and TRULH (P = 0.001), and greater for TRUL vs TRUH (P = 0.011). No difference in overall preference by first choice or daily preference by first choice were observed for TRUL vs CON, but a daily preference by first choice was exhibited for TRUH vs CON on d2 (P = 0.0.043). Daily preference by first choice did not differ between the two SCFP treatments, but overall preference by first choice was greater for TRUL vs TRUH (P = 0.005). Average daily consumption was higher on d1 for both TRUL (P = 0.006) and TRUH (P &lt; 0.0001) versus control but similar between treatments on d 2. Average daily consumption was not different between TRUL and TRUH on d1 but was greater for TRUL vs TRUH on d 2 (P = 0.028). Preference scoring by intake ratio revealed a 4:1 preference for TRUL vs CON, 10:1 for TRUH vs CON and an inestimable difference for TRUL vs TRUH with 5 cats preferring TRUL and no cats preferring TRUH. These studies show SCFP increases the palatability of an extruded cat food and that inclusion of 150 mg/kg BW may yield optimal palatability and preference outcomes.
PSVIII-24 Dietary Vitamin D Was Associated with Increased Circulating Vitamin D in Dogs with No Observable Adverse Effect Up to 9,992 Iu/Kg Dry Matter
Authors: Jewell Dennis E , Panickar Kiran S 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Adult dogs have been reported to benefit from circulating 25 (OH) vitamin D above 100 ng/mL to support optimal health. Although there is no consensus for optimum concentrations of circulating vitamin D it has been reported that circulating vitamin D is positively related to a reduced severity of disease, decreased disease risk, enhanced efficacy of treatment and overall positive disease outcome. This association does not prove causality. However, the positive effect of circulating vitamin D suggests that this relationship is not simply an association or a response to disease but reflects a causal supporting function of increased circulating vitamin D above that required for bone health. Understanding the relationship between dietary vitamin D and circulating vitamin D status is essential to progress in using dietary vitamin D to influence health and disease in the dog. Five groups of 8 adult dogs each were fed for 6 months according to AAFCO maintenance protocols to evaluate the influence of dietary vitamin D on circulating vitamin D concentrations and indices of health. Body weight was recorded, and blood samples taken before being fed treatment foods. After initiation of treatment foods, intake was measured daily, body weight was measured weekly, and blood samples were taken initially, after 85 days of feeding, and at the end of the study. The dry matter concentrations of vitamin D (IU/kg) were 796, 3,087, 5,511, 7,314, and 9,992 in approximately 4,000 kcal/kg foods. There were no clinical signs of either deficiency or excess vitamin D. Normal circulating concentrations of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, albumin, total calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were maintained in all groups. Circulating vitamin D increased in all groups except those consuming 796 IU/kg. All dogs consuming increased dietary vitamin D had increased concentrations of 25 (OH) D compared with the control group consuming 796 IU/kg. Concentration of calcium increased in all groups with no difference in calcium increase associated with dietary vitamin D. There was no difference in the change in concentration of parathyroid hormone or ionized calcium in response to treatment. Vitamin D increased in a linear and quadratic fashion in response to dietary vitamin D concentration. This resulted in all the dogs fed 5,511 IU/kg and above exceeding 100 ng/mL circulating 25 (OH) D. Dietary vitamin D was positively associated with increased circulating concentrations with no observable adverse effects in dietary concentrations up to 9,992 IU/kg dry matter. This allowed all dogs consuming 5,511 IU/kg and above to exceed the circulating concentration previously recommended for optimal health in dogs.
PSVIII-20 A Premium Dry Cat Food Enhances Digestibility and Gut Health in Cats Compared with a Grocery Dry Cat Food
Authors: Lin Ching-Yen , Daristotle Leighann , Franz Nolan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As the awareness of pet owners to the benefits of nutrition on pet health and wellness increases, pet owners are looking for foods that include high-quality ingredients and functional benefits. However, little research is available on cats comparing health measures when feeding premium foods vs basic cat foods. This study aimed to compare the effects of feeding a premium cat kibble diet (Blue Buffalo Tastefuls; BB) and a basic grocery cat kibble diet on digestibility, blood biomarkers, and fecal microbiome in healthy adult cats. Sixty cats (mean BW = 4.2 ± 0.8 kg; mean age = 4.3 ± 3.2 yr) were randomly selected to consume BB (n = 30) or grocery diet (n = 30) for 180 days. On days 0, 90, and 180, fresh fecal samples were collected for fecal microbiome and dysbiosis index analysis and blood samples were collected for measurements of complete blood count, serum chemistry, and serum biomarkers. A separate 10-day digestibility study was conducted using 14 cats (BB n = 7, grocery diet n = 7; mean BW = 3.8 ± 0.7 kg). Total fecal samples were collected from day 6 to day 10 for nutrient digestibility analysis. Protocols were approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee before the study. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Fecal scores were not changed (P &gt; 0.05) by diet. Greater (P &lt; 0.05) digestibility of protein, fat, and energy were observed in cats consuming BB. Although all blood cell count and blood chemistry values were within the reference ranges, measurements such as total protein, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly different (P &lt; 0.05) between diet groups. Greater (P &lt; 0.05) insulin-like growth factor-1 was observed in cats fed BB. Cats consuming BB had a lower (P &lt; 0.05) dysbiosis index (less dysbiotic microbiome) and a greater (P &lt; 0.05) bacterial species richness. Relative abundances of 28 bacterial genera were altered (P &lt; 0.05) by the diets, with greater abundances of Faecalibacterium, Megamonas, and Ruminococcus observed in cats fed BB. The data suggest that a premium dry cat food may elicit beneficial effects on digestibility and the GI microbiome of healthy adult cats.
PSVIII-A-2 How Does the Duration of Low Feed Intake Affect the Ruminant Gastrointestinal tract?
Authors: Lambert Koralie , Chagas Anne Clair , Burakowska Katarzyna , Hare Koryn S , Watanabe Daniel H M , Penner Greg B 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 5 and 10 d low feed intake (LF) on the ruminant gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Twelve rams and nine wethers were used in a randomized complete block design where they were blocked by castration status and BW. After 5 d of ad libitum feeding, lambs were either exposed to 0 (CON; 100% DMI; n = 7), 5 (LF5; 30% DMI; n = 7), or 10 d (LF10; 30% DMI; n = 7) of LF. At the end of the study, lambs were euthanized, the GIT was removed to determine the digesta and tissue weights by region and the weights of the liver, spleen, and kidneys were recorded. There were no castration × treatment interactions (P ≥ 0.32). Initial (P = 0.97) and final (P = 0.19) BW did not differ by treatment. The weight of the reticulo-ruminal tissue tended to be less (P = 0.06) for LF10 than CON, with LF5 being intermediate but not different. Ruminal digesta weight was not affected (P = 0.98). Omasal tissue weight did not differ among treatments (P = 0.24), but digesta weight tended (P = 0.07) to be greater for CON compared with LF10 and LF5. Abomasal tissue weight was reduced for LF10 (P = 0.04), with LF5 being intermediate but not different. Abomasal digesta weight was less for LF5 and LF10 than CON (P = 0.04). The weight of the duodenum tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for CON than LF10 and LF5, but digesta weight was not affected (P = 0.16). For the jejunum, tissue and digesta weight tended (P = 0.07) to be greater for CON than LF10, with LF5 being intermediate. The weight of the ileum tended to be the greatest for CON, intermediate for LF5, and the least for LF10 (P = 0.10), but digesta weight was not affected (P = 0.81). Cecal tissue weight was not affected by treatment (P = 0.89); whereas digesta weight was the greatest (P = 0.03) for LF10, the least for CON, and intermediate but not different for LF5. In contrast, colonic tissue weight was less for LF10 relative to LF5 and CON (P = 0.01) and digesta weight tended (P = 0.05) to be greater for CON than LF5 and LF10. Liver weight was reduced (P &lt; 0.01) for both LF5 and LF10 relative to CON, but kidney and spleen weights were not affected (P ≥ 0.33). This study indicates that exposing ruminants to LF rapidly reduces the weights for regions of the GIT and liver. These changes likely implicate a reduced absorptive capacity of the GIT and a lesser metabolic capacity of the liver.