bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
52 Feeding Style and its Effect on Growth and Spatial Preference of Young Pigs
Authors: Sommer Kaitlyn , Senthill Pradeep , Joung Sangyun , Golden Rebecca , Dilger Ryan N 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this study we investigated the effects of feeding method on growth performance and spatial preference within the home-cages (HC) of young pigs. Pigs (n = 41 boars) were weaned at postnatal day (PND) 2, allotted to treatment controlling for litter and body weight (BW), and reared artificially over a 15-d period. Pigs were provided a nutritionally adequate milk replacer 20-h per day, dispensed in one of two ways: 1) ad libitum (continual access to milk replacer), and 2) prescribed [330 mL/kg of BW from PND 3-7 (week 1), and 357.5 mL/kg of BW from PND 8-18 (week 2)]. In addition to water in the reconstituted milk replacer, free choice access to water was provided throughout the study. Milk intake (i.e., disappearance) and BW were recorded daily, with pigs undergoing continuous video surveillance throughout the study. Video analysis of pigs (n = 6) was performed to establish time spent in each HC quadrant (Table 1). All data were analyzed via a 2-way ANOVA (feeding style vs. home-cage quadrant) using the MIXED procedure of SAS. During week 1, pigs in the ad libitum treatment had increased (P &lt; 0.05) average daily gain (219 g/d) and average daily milk intake (1,014 g/d) compared with the prescribed treatment (183 g/d and 794 g/d, respectively). This same effect continued in week 2 for average daily milk intake, with ad libitum-fed pigs consuming more (P &lt; 0.05) milk replacer (780 g/d) compared with prescribed-fed pigs (614 g/d). Ad libitum-fed pigs exhibited better (P &lt; 0.05) feed efficiency [i.e., reduced G:F ratio (0.22 and 0.19, respectively)] compared with prescribed-fed pigs (0.24 and 0.21, respectively) during both weeks 1 and 2. Over the entire 15-d feeding study, average daily gain (253 g/d) and milk intake-to-BW ratio (0.59) were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in the ad libitum treatment compared with prescribed feeding (206 g/d and 0.52, respectively). Video analysis of spatial preference within HC suggested pigs spent more (P = 0.08) time in quadrants 2 and 4 (33.6% and 35.5% of time recorded, respectively), likely due to proximity to the feeding bowl, compared with quadrant 3 (8.7% of time recorded) but this effect did not differ (P = 0.50) by feeding method. Overall, type of feeding style altered growth performance within young pigs and may impact the spatial preference of pigs within their home-cage environment.
41 Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Beef-Sired Steers Born to Holstein Dams
Authors: Basiel Bailey L , Felix Tara L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics of F1 beef × Holstein steers (n = 124) sired by commercially available Angus (n = 19 from 7 sires), Charolais (n = 79 from 3 sires), SimAngus (n = 16 from 3 sires), or Wagyu (n = 10 from 2 sires) bulls. Male calves born from May to August of 2021, were sourced from 8 Pennsylvania dairy herds. Steers were raised by a commercial calf grower until April of 2021 (10.5 ± 1.5 months of age). Steers were then moved to the PA Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Evaluation Center (LEC) and transitioned to a high-energy ration. Individual feed intake was monitored using the GrowSafe Feed Intake Monitoring System (Model 4000E, Vytelle, Calgary AB, Canada). Steers were slaughtered after 90, 118, or 153 days on feed at the LEC. Pulls were based on a combination of visual appraisal and body weight. Linear models of growth performance traits and carcass characteristics included the fixed effects of sire breed, herd of origin, and birthdate. Binomial models of USDA Quality Grades and Yield Grades included a fixed effect of sire breed. Angus-sired steers were heaviest at feedlot entry (P &lt; 0.01) and were on feed for the fewest days (P &lt; 0.01). Angus × Holstein steers were heavier at slaughter (P &lt; 0.01) than SimAngus and Wagyu-sired steers. Wagyu-sired steers had the least dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and carcass ADG (P &lt; 0.01) when compared with progeny of other sire breeds. No differences in gain to feed intake (G:F(; P = 0.90), back-calculated carcass G:F (P = 0.62), net energy of metabolism (P = 0.70) and net energy of gain (P = 0.70), nor hip height at harvest (P = 0.14) were detected between sire breeds. Wagyu × Holstein carcasses were the lightest (P &lt; 0.01) and had the least amount of backfat (P = 0.01). Dressing percentage tended to be least (P = 0.10) in Charolais × Holstein carcasses (60.5%) and greatest in SimAngus × Holstein carcasses (61.7%); carcasses from Angus and Wagyu-sired steers were intermediate and not different. About 84% of Angus × Holstein carcasses graded Choice while only 31% of SimAngus × Holstein carcasses graded Choice (P = 0.03). However, there were no differences in called marbling scores between sire breeds (P = 0.15). Charolais × Holstein tended to have the lowest proportion (4%) of Yield Grade 1 carcasses (P = 0.05). Angus-sired steers were on feed for the fewest days when compared with steers sired by other beef breeds. Wagyu × Holstein steers had reduced ADG, DMI, and subsequent carcass weight in comparison with compared steers of other sire breeds.
43 Impact of Pregnancy Status on the Transcriptome of Peripheral White Blood Cells
Authors: De Santos Jorge A Los , Andrade João Paulo N N , Iriarte Andres , Penagaricano Francisco , Parrish John J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Most embryo losses occur in the first trimester of pregnancy in cows, resulting in negative economic impact for dairy production systems. The current scientific paradigm implies the conceptus evades rejection by the maternal immune system. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the maternal immune response to the growing embryo have not been fully characterized. Hence, this study examined gene expression profiles of peripheral white blood cells (PWBC) from pregnant cows at 21 days after an embryo was transferred, (Bos taurus taurus), and cows that were treated equally but lost the embryo. We investigated the effect of pregnancy status on differential gene expression in PBMCs. We obtained and compared the total transcripts of PWBC from heifers that became pregnant at day 21 (N = 5) or failed to become pregnant after the embryo transfer (N = 5t). The total RNA transcripts, where an average of 96 % of the total reads were successfully mapped to the bovine reference genome. Each sample generates between 32 to 43 million reads. Sequencing data can be accessed by GEO with the accession number GSE210665. There was no need to remove samples in this study. Based on the length and abundance of the reads that cover the bovine genomic, we conclude that deep sequencing is suitable for the experiment outcome. A total of 13.167 genes were tested for differential expression by controlling the false discovery rate (FDR). A positive fold change denotes an overexpression and a negative fold change value a downregulation gene between treatments. After statistical analysis, 682 of these genes present a P-value smaller than 0.01, a total of 302 genes were upregulated, and 382 downregulated. The top 7 expression fold change top upregulated (logFC &gt; 2) genes were COL1A2, LOC100337213, H2AC18, HTRA1, MMP14, CD5L, and LOC100297044. The top 4 downregulated (logFC&lt; − 2) were ADAMDEC1, MYO1A, RPL39, and Histone H4. These data show differentially expressed genes associated with pregnancy status were both upregulated and downregulated as a response to early pregnancy, or a failure to become pregnant after embryo transfer. Our results show that these are key maternal genes for promoting tolerance allowing developing of the embryo. In summary, this study presented the genes related to positive regulation of inflammatory chemokine activity and immune defense response in the maternal PWBC.
55 The Effects of Dietary Net Energy Levels on Grow-Finish Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Market Gilts Managed with Improvest
Authors: Wang Yifei , Hansen Blaine , Pollmann Steve , Landero Jose Luis , Young Malachy , Bohrer Benjamin M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Improvest is a gonadotropin releasing factor (GnRF) analogue-diphtheria toxoid conjugate injection approved for temporary suppression of ovarian function and estrus in market gilts (Zoetis Canada Inc.). Study objectives were to determine the effects of three different net energy levels (LOW – 2.216 Mcal/kg, MID – 2.341 Mcal/kg, or HIGH – 2.466 Mcal/kg) during the grow-finish period on live performance and carcass characteristics of market gilts managed with Improvest (IMP) compared with market gilts not managed with Improvest (CON). The study consisted of 1,008 market gilts (average starting weight of 30.8 kg) in 48 pens (21 pigs/pen) with experimental treatments arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial design with main effects of Improvest (IMP or CON) and net energy level (LOW, MID, or HIGH). An equal number of pigs were marketed from each of the six treatment groups on day-83 (21.9% of the population), day-90 (21.9% of the population), day-97 (21.9% of the population), and day-104 (34.3% of the population) of the experiment. The weighted average for time post-second Improvest injection to marketing was 39.8 days. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED of SAS, with pen serving as the experimental unit, fixed effects of Improvest (IMP or CON), net energy level (LOW, MID, or HIGH) and their interaction, and a random effect of pen location. There were no significant interactions (P ≥ 0.20) for average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), Feed:Gain (F:G), hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage, backfat thickness, or predicted lean yield. However, IMP gilts consumed more feed (6.8% greater ADFI; P &lt; 0.01), grew faster (5.0% greater ADG; P &lt; 0.01), were less efficient (1.5% greater F:G; P &lt; 0.01), were heavier (3.5 kg HCW; P &lt; 0.01), and were fatter (1.9 mm greater backfat thickness and 0.9% less predicted lean yield; P &lt; 0.01) than CON gilts. No difference (P = 0.21) in carcass dressing percentage between IMP and CON gilts was detected (Table 1). There were significant effects (P &lt; 0.05) of net energy level for ADFI, ADG, F:G, HCW, and dressing percentage. Pigs fed LOW diets had the greatest ADFI, slightly less ADG, the least efficient F:G ratio, the lightest HCW, and reduced dressing percentage compared with HIGH (P &lt; 0.01). There were no differences (P &gt; 0.05) for backfat thickness or predicted lean yield among dietary energy level treatments. Overall, these data indicate that typical Improvest response levels were sustained at each of the net energy levels evaluated in this study (response levels for HCW of 2.6 kg for LOW, 3.4 kg for MID, and 4.5 kg for HIGH); however, consideration should still be provided to the known production impacts of low net energy diets when market gilts are managed with Improvest.
47 Feeding Pigs with Low Crude Protein Diets: Impact of Pig Manure Nitrogen Content on Biogas Production and Digestate Quality
Authors: Hickmann Felipe M W , Andretta Ines , Cappelaere Léa , Goyette Bernard , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre , Rajagopal Rajinikanth 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Lowering dietary crude protein levels is a nutritional strategy recognized to both decrease the use of high-impact feed ingredients and reduce nitrogen (N) excretion. Improved pig manure management practices can further mitigate the environmental impacts associated with pig production towards net-zero emissions. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising technology for transforming pig manure into energy as biogas and into bio-based fertilizers (i.e., digestate from AD). However, little is known about the effects of pig manure N content on AD. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of pig manure N content on biogas production and digestate quality through the AD of manure from pigs fed low crude protein diets. Three pig manure N concentrations were tested: T1 = 5873, T2 = 5421, and T3 = 5149 total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN, mg/L). Throughout 5 sequential fed-batch cycles (25 ± 4 days/cycle), biogas production and its composition (CH4, CO2, and H2S) were measured, while raw manure and weekly digestate samples were analyzed for total solids (TS, %), volatile solids (VS, %), pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD, mg/L), TKN, and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N, mg/L). In a temperature-controlled room (20 ± 1ºC), 6 digesters (3 treatments x 2 replicates) were operated as single-stage reactors to digest pig slurry (mixture of urine and feces, TS: 5.6%) inoculated with a liquid inoculum (TS: 2.3%) to improve manure-microbe interactions. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC MIXED with repeated measures and comparison of means through the Tukey test (SAS software). In addition, both correlation and regression analyses were performed with R to evaluate the relationship among variables. Decreasing pig manure N content showed a tendency to reduce biogas (-20% in T3 vs T1; P = 0.0782) and methane (-22% in T3 vs T1; P = 0.0576) production per cycle, as shown in Table 1. Regarding biogas composition, CH4/biogas and CH4/CO2 decreased with N content (-3 and -4% in T3 vs T1; P ≤ 0.0082). There were strong positive correlations between the N content of pig manure and the amount of NH3-N (linear: r = 0.94, R2 = 0.88) and TKN (linear: r = 0.90, R2 = 0.81) present in the digestate at the end of each cycle. These results suggest that a reduction in pig manure N content reduces biogas production and its quality (ratio of CH4 to CO2). This latter variable is important for biogas efficiency; thus, reducing crude protein in pig diets may impair the production of biogas in AD. However, a decreased N content may cause less emissions into the environment, but when using the digestate as fertilizer, it may not entirely fulfill the N requirements of fast-growing crops for a given application rate.
53 Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation During Gestation on Vitamin A Status of Beef Cows and Their Calves Managed in the Drylot
Authors: Speer Hannah , Wilke Karla , Drewnoski Mary E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cows fed diets consisting primarily of stored forages and concentrates may be at risk for vitamin A deficiency because these feedstuffs are low in β-carotene. Furthermore, dietary vitamin A concentrations of the cow during late gestation will affect vitamin A concentrations in colostrum, which calves rely on at birth to supply vitamin A. The objective of this study was to evaluate how level of vitamin A supplementation from mid-gestation to early lactation affected cow and subsequently, liver retinol concentrations of their calf. Multiparous beef cows (n = 54) were stratified by body condition score and previous source and assigned to pen (n = 9); 3 pens were assigned to each of the following treatments: current NASEM recommendation (31,000 IU/d; 1X), 3 times (93,000 IU/d; 3X), or 5 times (155,000 IU/d; 5X) the current NASEM recommendation for supplemental vitamin A. Cows were limit-fed a diet consisting of wheat straw, corn silage, and wet distillers grains. Liver biopsies were collected on cows 3 weeks before treatment initiation, d 40 and d 81 of supplementation, and both cows and calves were sampled 32 days post-calving (165 ± 22 d SD of supplementation). No differences (P=0.86) in initial cow liver retinol (mean 186 µg/g DM) were observed between treatments. A significant treatment × day interaction (P &lt; 0.01) was observed for cow liver retinol. On d 40, cows in 1X had liver retinol concentrations (178 µg/g DM) that were not different (P = 0.12) from 3X (213 µg/g DM) but less (P = 0.02) than 5X (241 µg/g DM), while 3X and 5X did not differ (P = 0.21). Liver retinol on d 81 was less (P &lt; 0.05) in 1X (189 µg/g DM) compared with 3X (334 µg/g DM) and 5X (412 µg/g DM), which did not differ (P = 0.20). For cow liver retinol post-calving, 1X (187 µg/g DM) was less (P&lt; 0.05) than 3X and 5X, and 3X (454 µg/g DM) was less (P&lt; 0.05) than 5X (674 µg/g DM). Liver retinol concentrations of 1X cows remained below adequate reference ranges (300–700 µg/g of DM) throughout the study, whereas 3X and 5X were increased into the adequate range by d 81. Calf liver retinol concentration also differed among treatments (P = 0.01), as calves of cows in 1X had less (P &lt; 0.05) liver concentrations than 3X and 5X calves which did not differ (P=0.12). Liver retinol concentrations considered adequate for calves at 32 days of age (100–350 µg/g of DM) were not observed in 1X calves (51 µg/g DM) but were observed in calves from 3X and 5X cows (119 and 165 µg/g DM, respectively). Supplementing cows with 93,000 IU/d of vitamin A for 165 days brought liver retinol concentrations of cows and their calves up within adequate reference ranges.
194 A Systems Approach to Deriving Carcass Value from Holstein x Simangus Cattle in an Accelerated Finishing Model
Authors: Schnurbusch Teagan , Brake Derek W , Petzel Emily A , Callahan Zachary D , Poock Scott E , Wiegand Bryon R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Crossbreeding dairy cows with beef sires has increased in the U.S. dairy industry. This beef x dairy mating results in dairy-beef which has altered the U.S. fed beef supply. The predominant mating has been Holstein x Angus, thus research was conducted to determine the effects of Holstein x SimAngus breeding on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fresh meat quality. Starting on d 1, Holstein steers (n = 9) and Holstein x SimAngus (HolSim) steers (n = 12) were fed once daily at 0830 h, until an end weight of 635 kg was reached. Holstein steers averaged 421 d and HolSim steers averaged 432 days on feed. Daily feed offered was delivered into a semi-autonomous feed monitoring system designed to measure individual animal intake and feeding behavior (GrowSafe System Ltd). Steer body weight was recorded every 28 d. Data collected were used to calculate dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). Steers were humanely slaughtered under USDA inspection, immediately following slaughter hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded and 48 h following slaughter, carcass length, body width, backfat thickness and area of the longissimus muscle (LM) was recorded. Strip loins were collected from each carcass and aged for 14 d. After aging, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and slice shear force (SSF) were determined. Remaining steaks were placed under retail display for 7 d. Objective color was measured after 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 d in retail display. No differences were observed for ADG and G:F between Holstein and HolSim steers (P &gt; 0.05). A tendency was observed for Holstein steers to have a greater DMI compared with HolSim steers (P = 0.0646). The HolSim steers had greater HCW and dressing percentages compared with Holstein steers (P &lt; 0.0001). The HolSim carcasses had shorter carcass lengths and body widths compared with Holstein carcasses (P = 0.0005). Holstein carcasses had less backfat compared with HolSim carcasses (P = 0.0034). The LM area was larger in HolSim carcasses (P &lt; 0.0001). No differences were observed for WBSF or SSF (P &gt; 0.05). Strip steaks from HolSim steers had less deoxymyoglobin and greater oxymyoglobin values on d 0 of retail (P &lt; 0.05). Strip steaks from HolSim steers had greater a* and saturation index values on d 7 in retail (P &lt; 0.05). Strip steaks from HolSim steers had decreased metmyoglobin values and greater oxymyoglobin values on d 7 in retail (P &lt; 0.05). Thus, indicating strip steaks from HolSim steers had increased red color. Growth performance data in this study confirm previous literature reported when comparing dairy x dairy to beef x dairy steers. Carcass and fresh meat data suggest that Holstein x SimAngus steers had improved yield production compared with Holstein steers without a loss in quality when steers were fed to a weight constant end point.
191 Recovery of Growth and Body Composition in 10-kg Pigs after a 6-Week Growth Attenuation by Ammonium Chloride Additions to Feed
Authors: Kokinos Brittney P , Budde Rachel A , Capdeville Mariola Grez , Amundson Laura A , Stevens Andrew W , Chavas Jean-Paul , Crenshaw Thomas D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This project aimed to develop nutritional strategies to reduce pig growth &gt; 50% for 2 to 6 weeks during crisis management. Previously growth was attenuated by 2.0% NH4Cl additions to hold growth (HG) diets. Compensatory growth was evident after withdrawal of NH4Cl. However, tissue composition was not quantified. The HG diets were formulated to reduce lysine, P, and K and increase Cl. Assumptions were that excess Cl interacts with limited K to create an “apparent” K deficiency, which limits protein accretion. The current experiment assessed body composition responses during recovery from HG diets with 2.0% NH4Cl (HGCL) by feeding control (Ctl) diets or Ctl diets fortified with 150% of lysine, P, and K requirements (+Lys+P+K). At 10 kg, 34 barrows were individually housed and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with free access to assigned diets and water throughout the trial. During the HG phase pigs were fed either Ctl or HGCL diets until 25 kg; 6 weeks for pigs fed HGCl diets. An additional diet was included to validate K and Cl interactions (0.29:1 K:Cl ratio) in growth attenuation. Potassium bicarbonate was added to the HGCl diet (HGCl+K) to restore a 1.26:1 K:Cl ratio. At 25 kg BW, pigs were fed either Ctl or +Lys+P+K diets until 45 kg body weight (BW). Pig, feed weights, and body composition derived from whole-body DXA scans during the hold (HG, 10 to 25 kg) and recovery (Rec, 25 to 45 kg) phases allowed calculations of BW gain, nutrient intake, and measurements of whole-body bone mineral, fat, and lean gain. Growth of pigs fed HGCl diets was reduced (P &lt; 0.01) by approximately 50% compared with Ctl pigs during the HG phase (Table 1). Pigs fed HGCl diets required 23 more days to grow from 10 to 25 kg. Similar reductions (P &lt; 0.01) in bone mineral and lean gain, but not fat gain, were detected in pigs fed HGCl diets during the HG phase. Addition of K to the HGCl diet partially restored gain, bone, and lean gain (P &lt; 0.01). Compensatory responses in weight, bone, fat, and lean gain were evident in HG pigs fed Ctl diets during Rec. Pigs previously fed HGCl diets compensated and only required 14 extra days to reach 45 kg compared with Ctl. Additions of lysine, P, and K allowed greater (P &lt; 0.01) compensation in BW, bone, and lean, but not fat gain over a 20 kg recovery phase. These results confirm a successful strategy to hold pigs during crisis management with potential benefits of compensatory growth and improved body composition during recovery. Whether the improved lean gain was attributed to the additional lysine, P, or K was not determined in this experiment.