bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
82 Critical Comparison of Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and Cattle on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits: a Review
Authors: Rodas-Gonzalez Argenis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The multipurpose water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) has been exploited mostly for dairy purposes while being poorly utilized for meat production. However, in the marketplace, a prejudice exists against Buffalo carcasses due to most of the carcasses coming from animals at the end of their productive life on the dairy farm. Unfortunately, scarce literature establishes comparative biological endpoints between water buffaloes and cattle (Bos indicus or Bos taurus) as meat producers. Furthermore, the literature has not considered the effects of gender (i.e., male castration) for any interspecific comparison. Many unknown answers remain regarding Buffalo growth performance, carcass traits and composition with respect to cattle. Therefore, this review will discuss the pros and cons of water buffalo meat production with respect to cattle, particularly research carried out in tropical conditions, regarding the production traits indicated previously. In a few studies, water buffaloes have proven to be adaptable to tropical grazing conditions and have shown consistently faster body weight gains; but, under confinement conditions, water buffalo have shown a slower growth rate performance than cattle, requiring more days than cattle to reach a comparable body weight. Water buffaloes present heavier carcasses but ldecreased dressing percentages than cattle at different ages which are explained by their significantly greater body proportions of the head, hide and internal organs at the post-weaning ages than cattle. Additionally, under similar grazing or confinement conditions, water buffalo had abundant fat cover distribution and back fat thickness than cattle. Consequently, their carcasses yielded greater percentages of trimmed fat, with a reduced proportion of total cuts. Based on the observed growth and carcass traits, water buffalo offers a promising alternative for meat production, a specialty under tropical grazing conditions.
411 Awardee Talk: Fetal Programming and Molecular Characterization of the Skeletal Muscle Development in Ruminants
Authors: Costa Thais C , Gionbelli Mateus P 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Three experiments were developed aiming to investigate the effects of maternal nutrition on the skeletal muscle development and metabolism of the offspring. The first study was designed to evaluate the protein restriction during mid-gestation on the skeletal muscle growth of beef cattle offspring. Our results revealed that maternal protein restriction at this stage of gestation caused a decreased number of muscle fibers in the offspring. The second and third studies aimed to elucidate the effects of maternal feed restriction during different stages of gestation on the transcriptome and proteome profile in the skeletal muscle of the newborn. In these experiments, pregnant goats were feed-restricted (at 50% maintenance requirements) either during the first or second half of gestation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that feed restriction at first half of gestation upregulated genes involved with the maintenance of satellite cells, and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle of the newborn. On the other hand, restriction at the second half of gestation upregulated genes related with the balance of glucose metabolism, in addition to protective mechanisms against the oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle of the newborn. Through the proteomic analysis, we observed enriched biological processes (BP) and signaling pathways (SP) related with the energy-investment phase of glycolysis, in addition to the increase in the usage of glycogen and fatty acids storages in the skeletal muscle of the newborn due to feed restriction at the first half of gestation. We also observed that when feed restriction occurs at second half of gestation there is an enrichment in BP and SP associated with the energy-generation phase of glycolysis, and an enhancement in the biosynthesis of glutamine in skeletal muscle of the newborns. Overall, the results of these studies bring insights that help to develop nutritional strategies during early life development aiming to improve postnatal performance.
247 In Vitro Characterization of Equine Fore- and Midgut Digestion
Authors: Cargo-Froom Cara L , Nosworthy Matthew , Darani Priska , Cieslar Scott , Ellis Jen L 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Considerable advancements can be made in the field of equine nutrition and diet formulation, by improved feed characterization and the development of nutritional models, including in vitro models, to describe nutrient degradation. Methodologically, literature values for in vitro small intestine incubation times are widely variable ranging from 2 to 18 h. While some incubation times are selected to represent approximate mean retention times, conversely, insufficient in vitro incubation times and sampling time points could prohibit or result in inaccuracies characterizing nutrient degradability characteristics, ultimately affecting both degradability and digestion values and their use. The objective of this trial was to assess whether macronutrient degradability plateaus when digested for 2 h in a simulated gastric environment plus 8, 12, or 16 h in a simulated small intestinal environment. To replicate in vivo digestion, a pepsin-pancreatin approach was selected. The first step of this method replicates the gastric environment. Ten g of each test ingredient are weighed into beakers containing 60 mL hydrochloric acid (HCl; 0.1 M) and 0.4 g pepsin (~2,500 U/g) solution. Beakers are then covered and incubated for 2 h at 39 ℃ under constant stirring. One mL aliquots of the digestion liquid are sampled at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 60, 90 and 120 min after the start of the gastric simulation. Before replicating intestinal digestion, samples are neutralized with sodium hydroxide and the pH is increased to 7. The second step of this method replicates the small intestinal environment. Fifty mL of pancreatin-phosphate buffer (350 U/g protease, 6,000 FIP U/g lipase, 7,500 U/g amylase) is added to the beakers, which are then covered and incubated for either 8, 12, or 16 h at 39 ℃ under constant stirring. One mL aliquots of the digestion liquid are sampled at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 min and thereafter hourly up until the end of digestion (480, 720, or 960 min). Aliquot samples are analyzed for starch via a glucose assay, protein via o-phthalaldehyde assay, and lipids via gas chromatography. A model will is fit to the time point data to determine degradation rates and degradable fractions of the digested samples. Results from these analyses go beyond estimating gross nutrient and digestible nutrient values and inform on the rate of degradation of nutrients of equine feedstuffs and the impact of in vitro methodology. The resulting degradability values will be used in a mechanistic model of equine digestion which will inform precision feeding. Ultimately this will improve how we feed horses to reduce nutrient excretion into the environment and reduce the risk of metabolic conditions such as laminitis.
253 Understanding the Health Benefits of Feeding Treated Wheat Straw for Weanling Pigs
Authors: Polniak Veronica I , Lewton Jaron , Michael Medhat A , Thelen Kyan M , Moeser Adam J , Rozeboom Dale W 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to understand the growth and health benefits of including treated wheat straw in weanling pig diets. The first experiment evaluated feeding treated versus untreated wheat straw on young pig growth performance and localized immunological markers. One hundred and ninety-two (PIC 359 x Yorkshire) pigs were weaned at 26.8 ± 1.1 d old (8.3 ± 1.1 kg) and randomly allotted to 24 pens with 8 pigs per pen. Three dietary treatments were fed over a 28-d period, control (CON), control plus 5% untreated wheat straw (UWS), and control plus 5% treated wheat straw (TWS). Diets were formulated to meet or exceed all nutrient requirements of NRC, 2012. Growth performance data was recorded on a weekly basis. One pig per pen (equal number of males and females) was randomly selected for sacrifice and sample collection on d 28. The second experiment evaluated the impact of 5% dietary TWS on the local and systemic health of nursery pigs experiencing a vaccination-induced immune challenge. Twenty barrows (PIC 800 x Yorkshire) were weaned at 27.7 ± 0.75 d (8.6 ± 1.2 kg) and assigned to four pens, with 5 pigs per pen. A heavy and light-weight pen for each treatment (CON and TWS) resulted. All pigs were sacrificed for sample collection on d 42. In both experiments, before euthanasia, blood was collected to assess plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP) concentration. Upon sacrifice, segments of the distal ileum and ascending colon were removed to collect mucosal scrapings for the analysis of localized immunological markers interleukin (IL) 6 , IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In experiment one, overall ADG and ADFI were similar among treatments. Gain-to-feed ratio of TWS pigs was greater (P &lt; 0.05) than that of UWS pigs and tended to be greater (P = 0.07) than that of CON pigs (0.70, 0.67, and 0.68, respectively; SEM = 0.01). Both straw treatments decreased the expression of ileal and colonic mucosa IL-6, in addition with less expression of ileal IL-12. Plasma IgA concentrations in UWS pigs were greater than those in CON and TWS pigs (P &lt; 0.05). In experiment two, TWS pigs had greater gene expression of colonic TNF-α and IL-6 (P &lt; 0.05). Ileal gene or protein expression of markers did not differ, nor did amounts of plasma IgA or iFABP. Overall, feeding 5% treated wheat straw in the nursery pig diet does not negatively impact growth and results in increased feed efficiency. Nursery diets with 5% treated wheat straw can impact the expression of immune markers in the gut, but the question of how this is related to performance and overall health needs further elucidation.
282 Dynamics of Mitochondrial Adaptation and Energy Metabolism in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Response to Sustainable Diet and Temperature
Authors: Idenyi John N , Eya Jonathan , Adeyemi Abigeal , Hadimundeen Abdallah 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Impacts of plant-based ingredients and temperature regimens on energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in rainbow trout were investigated. Two hundred and eighty-eight fish weighing 45.6 ± 0.05 g (average ±SD) were evenly allocated to 24 tanks. For 150 days, fish were fed four isocaloric, isolipidic and isonitrogenous diets containing 40% crude protein and 20% crude lipid and formulated as 100 % animal-based protein (AP) and a blend of 50% fish oil (FO) and 50% camelina oil (CO), 100% AP and 100% CO, 100% plant-based protein (PP) and a blend of 50% FO and 50% CO or 100% PP and 100% CO at 14 or 18 °C twice daily. Main effect of diet or temperature, or diet x temperature interaction did not significantly affect percentage weight gain (PWG), condition factor (CF) or specific growth rate (SGR) (P &gt; 0.05), but diet significantly impacted both feed efficiency (FE) and feed intake (FI). Only temperature had a significant impact on whole-body ash content. Furthermore, temperature did not influence protein efficiency ratio (PER), lipid efficiency ratio (LER), protein productive value (PPV), energy productive value (EPV), and lipid productive value (LPV); however, diet had significant major effects on PER, LPV, and PPV (P &lt; 0.05). Temperature regimens induced increased activities of mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, IV, V, and citrate synthase in all tissues (liver, muscle and intestine). Similarly, dietary composition affected the same enzyme activities except complex III activity. Diet x temperature interaction impacted citrate synthase activity at 18 °C. Overall, comparing partial to full dietary substitution of FO with CO, partial dietary replacement showed similar effects on complex activities. Hence, aquaculture could economically benefit from a 40:20 plant protein/lipid dietary composition.
433 Leveraging Feed Technologies to Reduce Methane Emissions from Livestock
Authors: Place Sara E 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Multiple promising approaches to reducing enteric methane emissions from livestock have evolved over the past decade, including animal and feed management, dietary interventions, and feed additives. Explore methods and technologies that have potential to transform livestock production for broader and greater economic and environmental impacts, and the opportunities that lie ahead to propel conservation to the next level.
299 The Effectiveness of Subjective Fetal Aging as a Predictor of Calving Date
Authors: Richardson Katylyn J , Perkins Tommy L , Arnold Chelsea J , Cowey Garrett A , Walker Zoë P 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Fetal aging (FA) is an assisted reproductive technique in which fetal measurements collected via transrectal ultrasonography are used to estimate the day of gestation of a fetus. These estimations can then be used to generate calving date predictions, which allow producers to capitalize on the management of both pregnant and non-pregnant females to improve reproductive efficiency and profitability. Previous literature supports the accuracy of calving date predictions when fetometry is used to generate fetal age. However, there is little published research validating the accuracy of fetal aging based on technician evaluation of the fetus at the time of ultrasound. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of calving dates predicted with subjective FA compared with the accuracy of calving dates predicted using estrus detection methods (ED). Breeding cows (n = 130) ranging in both breed composition and parity were observed for visual signs of estrus twice daily from December 2021 through February 2022. Cattle were bred via natural service, and all observed signs of estrus and copulation were recorded and used to generate calving date predictions. Cattle were palpated for pregnancy via transrectal ultrasound in April 2022, at which time subjective estimations of fetal age were recorded by ultrasound technicians and used to generate calving date predictions. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4 with prediction method serving as the fixed effect. Of the cattle enrolled in this study, calving date predictions were generated from 91 cows using ED and 130 cows using FA. Data analysis indicated a strong positive correlation (Spearman) between FA calving date predictions compared with reported calving dates (r = 0.79, P ≤ 0.01), as compared with a moderately positive correlation between ED calving date predictions and reported calving dates (r = 0.59, P ≤ 0.01). When stratified according to estimated fetal age, analysis indicated a moderately positive correlation between FA calving date predictions and reported calving dates for short- (r = 0.58, P = 0.01) and mid- (r = 0.60, P ≤ 0.01) bred groups, and a weak positive correlation for the long-bred group (r = 0.17, P = 0.16). Data in this study indicates that FA calving date predictions were more accurate than ED calving date predictions. Further analysis will be conducted to quantify the economic value of FA as a method of calving date prediction for producers.
405 The Effects of Disease-Induced Inflammation on Reproductive Neuroendocrinology: Evidence from Sheep
Authors: Renwick Allison 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Reproduction is dictated by the cohesive functioning of the organs of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. As the name suggests, reproduction starts within the hypothalamus through the production and pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) followed by subsequent secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary and then steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in the gonads. Additionally, the HPG axis is tightly regulated by internal and external cues and, over the last twenty years, kisspeptin has been identified as a key modulator for reproduction through its stimulatory actions on GnRH neurons to secrete GnRH and subsequently LH. Growing evidence indicates that these kisspeptin expressing neurons are negatively affected by stressors (e.g., inflammation, social stress, metabolic stress) resulting in impaired reproduction. Inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin), a component of the cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli), is of particular interest due to its relationship with common livestock ailments, such as mastitis and metritis, and its suppression of GnRH and LH secretions. However, there is limited information about the influence disease-induced inflammation has on kisspeptin expressing neurons. In rats, acute endotoxin inflammation will cause about a 50% decrease in the number of kisspeptin immunopositive cells in the arcuate nucleus along with a suppression in LH secretion. In ewes, an acute dose will decrease the proportion of activated kisspeptin neurons in the ARC and POA. However, the mechanisms by which inflammation affects reproduction are not completely understood, especially in domestic livestock. Through a series of experiments, we aim to elucidate these mechanisms and effects of endotoxinemia in both an acute and a chronic model. To accomplish these goals, we administered endotoxin acutely to ewes. Overall, the suppression of LH secretion at the level of hypothalamus is possible, however, more research is required to further elucidate the mechanism. To evaluate a chronic model of systemic inflammation, we evaluated routes of endotoxin administration by randomly assigning twenty two castrated male sheep into one of five groups - control (CON), single acute IV dose (SAD; 400 ng/kg BW LPS) administered on Day 1, daily acute IV dose (DAD; 400 ng/kg BW LPS), daily increasing IV dose (DID; starting with 400 ng/kg BW LPS and increasing 20% each day), or steady subcutaneous dose (SSD; 20 µg/kg BW LPS over 24 hours), all administered during a one-week study period. Chronic inflammation, induced by a daily rising dose of IV administered LPS, suppresses LH secretion through effects on kisspeptin protein expression in the middle arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus of sheep. Taken together, systemic inflammation associated with infection and disease likely impairs reproduction in part through suppression of kisspeptin-expressing neurons.
303 Accuracy of the Smartscale In-Pen Weighing System
Authors: Harrison Meredith A , Zimmerman Scott 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The Beef Improvement Federation recommends repeated body weight (BW) measures in a 70-d test period for accurate assessment of average daily gain (ADG) in growing animals. In-pen automated scale systems enable daily monitoring of BW and ADG without the additional labor, time, and animal stress that is associated with recording static chute BW. The objective of the current study was to determine the utility of partial body weight (pBW) for estimating full BW and average daily gain (ADG) in growing steers. SmartScales (C-Lock Inc.) were positioned in front of water troughs and used to measure front-quarter pBW while animals were drinking. Partial body weight was used to estimate full BW using an internally developed slope-intercept equation. The dataset consisted of pBW, estimated BW, and recorded BW for 300 steers in a 50-d feed performance test. Single-day chute BW were recorded on days 14, 28, 35, and 50. Relationships and errors between estimated BW and recorded BW were evaluated. Individual animal ADG estimates were calculated and compared using estimated and recorded BW measurements. Steers in the study visited the water trough an average of 4.3 ± 2.6 times per day. On average, pBW explained 96.1% variation in recorded BW. Average predicted BW and recorded BW differed by 8.3 ± 6.4 kg, or 0.15 ± 3.0 %-units. Average daily gain calculated from pBW and recorded BW were strongly correlated (r = 0.83). On average, ADG calculated using pBW and recorded BW differed by 0.14 ± 0.12 kg, or 8.8 ± 8.0 %-units. Real-time pBW collected using in-pen weighing systems can be used to accurately estimate full BW and ADG.
317 Characterizing Foot and Leg Scores for Montana Registered Angus Cattle
Authors: Sitz Taylre , DelCurto Timothy , DelCurto-Wyffels Hannah , Van Emon Megan L , Wyffels Sam , Peterson Jeremiah , Hamilton Thomas , Retallick Kelli J , Tarpoff Esther , Garcia Andre , Kangas Kurt 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The objectives of this study were to increase the amount of phenotypic data available for enhancing the foot and claw EPDs of Montana sires and evaluate factors that could impact foot angle and claw set scores. Specifically, this study evaluated the interaction of sex and age on claw set and foot angle scores of front or hind legs. Researchers used the American Angus Association (AAA) Foot Scoring Guidelines to subjectively analyze claw set and foot angle on a series of Montana Angus herds, scoring a total of 4,723 cattle: 1,475 yearling bulls, 992 yearling heifers, 1,044 two- and three-year-old cows, and 1,212 cows that were four years of age and older. The AAA Foot Scoring Guidelines require breeders to score the combined “worst foot” for both the claw set and foot angle traits on a hard, flat surface. Yearling bulls had a 0.12 and 0.20 greater mean foot angle and claw set score compared with yearling heifers (P &lt; 0.01). The proportion of scores that differed from 5 (ideal foot score) were greater (P &lt; 0.01) for front feet as compared with hind feet, with 61.5 and 74.5% of the scores not equal to 5 being front feet issues for yearling heifers and bulls, respectively. Foot angle scores increased linearly (P &lt; 0.01) with advancing cow age, ranging from 5.15 to 5.80 for heifers versus cows 4 years and older, respectively. Likewise, claw set scores increased quadratically (P &lt; 0.01) as a function of cow age. The location of the “worst foot” also changed quadratically with age (P &lt; 0.01) with the majority of problem feet in two- and three-year old cows and cows 4 years and older being hind feet issues (70.5 and 77.1%, respectively). The proportion of foot angle and claw set scores not equal to 5 also increased quadratically with age (P &lt; 0.01) with heifers having the lowest proportion of scores not equal to 5 (15.8 and 31.7%, respectively) compared with 4 year and older cows (66.0 and 68.0%, respectively). In analysis of progeny of sire lines, the range between the progeny of the sire line with the greatest foot angle score and that of the least was 0.60 for foot angle. Likewise, for claw set, a similar range 0.57 was observed. Sire lines did have an effect on progeny claw set (P &lt; 0.05) and foot angle scores (P &lt; 0.05), as well as variation of progeny foot scores. In summary, progress is being made by utilizing the AAA foot scoring guidelines, as well as foot angle and claw set EPDs. Additional improvements may be possible with continued model refinement and improvements with scoring guidelines specific to age and sex effects.