bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
183 Sow Location Within Farrowing Room Impacts Reproduction During Heat Stress
Authors: Knauer Mark , Peppmeier Zack , Leonard Suzanne M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the impact of sow location, within farrowing room, on reproduction during periods of heat stress. Data were collected on 1,866 sows at a 3,600-sow commercial farm in eastern North Carolina from May to August 2021. In the farrowing buildings, evaporative cool cell pads cooled the air entering the hallway. Cooled air, from the hallway, then entered the farrowing rooms through inlets at the front of the room and was pulled through the room by fans in the back of the farrowing room. For data analysis, each farrowing room was divided into four zones. Zone 1 included the sows at the front of the farrowing room near the inlets letting in cooled air. Zone 4 included sows at the back of the room where air exited the building through fans embedded within the wall. Zones 2 and 3 were intermediate. Each farrowing room on the farm housed between 18 and 36 sows. After farrowing, sows had ad libitum access to the lactation diet. Traits included piglet survival (number weaned ÷ total number born) the percentage of sows conceiving by 7 days after weaning, subsequent total number born, subsequent number born alive, subsequent stillborns, sow caliper score prefarrow, sow caliper score at weaning and sow caliper lactation loss. Results are shown in Table 1. Piglet survival was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for sows that farrowed at the front of the room near the cool air inlets. Similarly, litter weaning weight was heavier (P &lt; 0.05) near the cool air inlets relative to the back part of the farrowing room. The percentage of sows that conceived by 7 days after weaning, and farrowed, was linearly associated (P &lt; 0.05) with farrowing zone. Sows near the cool air inlets lost less (P &lt; 0.05) body condition and farrowed more (P &lt; 0.05) piglets in the subsequent litter relative to sows in the back of the farrowing room. Results showed sows that farrowed at the front of the farrowing room lost less body condition, had greater piglet survival, heavier litter weaning weights and were more likely to be rebred and conceive by 7 days after weaning relative to sows farrowing in the back of the farrowing room.
26 Effect of Monensin Inclusion on the Rumen Prokaryote Microbiome inBos Indicus andBos Taurus Steers Consuming Bermudagrass Hay
Authors: Giesey Jennifer , Brady Jeff A , Obayomi Olabiyi , Wickersham Tryon A , Mast Natasha L 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Monensin is a carboxylic polyether ionophore that has the ability to alter ruminal fermentation and microbial populations in the rumen. Current research shows monensin to have beneficial effects on feed efficiency, specifically, a reduction in average daily feed intake and an increase in gain. Ten ruminally cannulated steers [5 Bos indicus (BI), 5 Bos taurus (BT); 398 kg BW] were used to measure both the effects of monensin inclusion and subspecies’ differences when provided a forage-based diet (bermudagrass hay; 13.7% CP). Subspecies were concurrently subjected to a two period, two treatment crossover design. Each 70-day period, consisted of 20-days for treatment adaptation followed by 22-days for sample collection. Treatments included 0 (CON) or 200 (MON) mg·animal-1 monensin (Rumensin 90; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) fed daily within 0.91 kg dried distiller’s grains with solubles. A withdrawal period (28 days) was allowed before the second period, to prevent carryover effects of monensin. Rumen fluid was collected via suction strainer from the dorsal and ventral sacs of the rumen at feeding on day 42, then subsequently frozen for later analysis. Upon completion of the trial, rumen fluid was 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 by subspecies, facilitating identification of microbial community shifts resulting from the treatments. There was no significant interaction between monensin and subspecies (P = 0.42); however, effects of monensin (P ≤ 0.01) and subspecies (P = 0.04) did exist. Due to possible links to feed utilization and methane production, this alteration of rumen microbial communities in cattle is of great interest.
29 Impact of Extended Feeding Duration on Trained Panel Analysis of Locally Grown Beef
Authors: Neal Elizabeth S , Cheek Robin A , Gadberry Shane , Powell Jeremy G , Setyabrata Derico , Yancey Janeal W , Kegley Elizabeth B , Vierck Kelly R 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of increased finishing weights on trained panel analysis and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values of locally grown beef. Angus crossbred steers (n = 48) at an average weight of 340.9 kg were divided among two treatments: short-fed (SF) = 522.7 kg average final weight and long-fed (LF) = 613.6 kg average final weight to simulate a beef direct marketing operation. Cattle were split into two pens (n = 12 calves/treatment in each pen) and each pen had access to four automated feeders, which were filled as needed for ad libitum intake. Body weights were recorded at 28 d intervals throughout the finishing process to determine harvest dates and measure cattle performance. Finished steers were transported to a commercial processing facility. A strip loin was collected from the right side of each carcass approximately 48 hours following harvest. Strip loins were wet aged in the absence of light for 21 d, then cut into 2.54 cm steaks and frozen at -20° C until analysis. Sensory evaluations and WBSF were conducted as outlined by the AMSA Sensory Guidelines to evaluate the traits of juiciness, beef flavor intensity, off-flavor intensity, connective tissue amount, myofibrillar tenderness and overall tenderness. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with the fixed effect of final cattle weight and the random effect of panel session. Peak internal temperature was included in the model as a covariate. Statistical differences were determined with α ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were observed between 0.06 to 0.09. No differences were observed between treatment groups for initial or sustained juiciness, myofibrillar tenderness, connective tissue amount or overall tenderness (P ≥ 0.140). Steaks from LF cattle produced lower WBSF scores (P &lt; 0.05) compared with SF cattle. Additionally, steaks from LF cattle produced less off flavors (P = 0.05) than SF cattle. Long fed cattle steaks tended to have a greater beef intensity score (P = 0.08). These results indicate that while LF cattle produce more tender beef with more intense beef flavor and less off-flavors, SF cattle still provide a quality eating experience, with less feed input costs. However, if there are potential processing bottlenecks from reduced processing capacity, long fed cattle will also provide a high-quality eating experience as well.
113In Situ Digestive Kinetics of Four Bermudagrass Cultivars
Authors: Hines Abbigail R , Bergen Werner G , Mullenix Kim K , Dillard Leanne L , Callaway Todd R , Smith William B 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
While much effort has been devoted to both the characterization of ruminal fermentation dynamics and the evaluation of bermudagrass production, independently, there is a lack of information regarding ruminal digestive kinetics using beef cattle in southern forage systems. Thus, the objective of our study was to evaluate in situ digestive kinetics of four bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) cultivars in heifers consuming typical southern forages. (Coastal, Tifton 44, Tifton 85, and Russell). Ruminally fistulated heifers (n = 4) were assigned randomly to one of four bermudagrass cultivars (Coastal [COS], Russell [RUS], Tifton 44 [T44], or Tifton 85 [T85]) for four 30-d in vivo periods (21-d adaptation and 9-d collection). On d 31 of periods 2 and 3, an in-situ experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with a 3-factor factorial treatment structure. The first factor (n = 4) was diet consumed by the animal (described above). The second factor (n = 4) was the incubated forage (same cultivars as the in vivo experiment). The third factor was incubation timepoint (n = 19; 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h). Four in situ bags were incubated in each animal at each timepoint; two were used for NDF, ADF, and ADL, and two were used for CP determination. Data were analyzed using SAS v. 9.4. There was a decreased (P &lt; 0.05) potentially degradable fraction from COS (30.0%) compared with T85 (55.1%), T44 (48.1%), or RUS (47.1%). Similarly, COS presented the greatest (P &lt; 0.05) undegradable fraction (37.0%) and T85 the least (15.9%), with RUS and T44 intermediate (25.0 and 21.9%, respectively). There was no effect of bermudagrass cultivar, however, on the rate constant of digestion (0.94%/h; P = 0.26) or lag time (3.2 h; P = 0.38). A visual appraisal of the degradation curve suggests that the asymptote of digestion was not reached at the measured 168 h. Results are interpreted to mean that T44 is the preferable bermudagrass cultivar, followed by T85 and RUS, while COS is the least favorable. Further, given the lack of visible asymptote, we speculate that bermudagrass likely passes the rumen before full digestion is realized.
110 Improving Southern Bermudagrass Pastures with Alfalfa: An Evaluation of the Impacts of Alfalfa Establishment Timing and Crabgrass Competition
Authors: Whatley Kendall S , Oakes Renata N , Baxter Lisa L , Tucker Jennifer J 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Inclusion of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures improves nutritive value, increases grazing days, and reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is a very palatable warm-season annual grass with high nutritive value, prolific reseeding ability, and proclivity to volunteer in many southeastern pastures. Crabgrass is a common pest that requires pre-emergent herbicide technologies to control in alfalfa hayfields used to produce stored forage. However, in a grazing system, crabgrass could serve as a key component to a mixture aimed at increasing nutritive value and filling gaps in the grazing season. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of alfalfa establishment timing (fall vs. spring) in bermudagrass pastures in the Coastal Plains, and the resultant impact of crabgrass inclusion rather than removal in alfalfa bermudagrass mixed pastures on nutritive value, botanical composition, forage accumulation, alfalfa stand density and persistence. This on-going two-year study is being conducted in Tifton, GA using a randomized complete block design with 4 replications of the following 6 treatments: Fall Alfalfa + Summer Crabgrass, Fall Alfalfa, Spring Alfalfa + Summer Crabgrass, Spring Alfalfa, Bermudagrass + Synthetic Nitrogen, and Untreated Bermudagrass Control. Data were collected from plots on a 28 to 35-day interval to determine botanical composition, forage availability, and nutritive value. The projected impact of this research is three-fold; first, to identify how differing management strategies for restoring bermudagrass pastures are improved with inclusion of alfalfa. Second, it aims to quantify and support a recommended timing for planting alfalfa in the coastal plains, and third to estimate the impact of crabgrass inclusion in alfalfa bermudagrass systems. Data evaluation and statistical analysis is ongoing for this research and will be finalized in winter 2022.
66 Randel Lecture: Ensuring a Leading Role for USA Animal Protein in Our World’s Food Future
Authors: Britt Jack H 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Global population is expected to increase by 2.5 billion people by 2072 according to UN projections made recently. Africa will lead growth by adding.8 billion people to its continent (147% increase), and 45 of 50 global countries with greatest percentage growth will be in Africa. Europe’s population will decline by an estimated 100 million people (13% decline), Asia’s population will increase by 12%, and North and South America will increase about 20%. North and South America have 3- to 4-fold more cropland per capita than Africa, but East and South Asia have about one half as much as Africa. Coincidental with this growth in population, changes in climate will reduce yields of food crops in equatorial regions and in regions with shortages of water. Simultaneously, climate change will create an estimated 1.5 billion hectares of usable cropland that currently does not have a growing season sufficiently long to produce a crop, virtually all of this will be in northern Canada and Russia. Diets that include animal products feed more people than vegan-only diets, because essential amino acids and limiting nutrients are provided more efficiently through animal products. Among various diets, dairy and vegetable, egg and vegetable, and omnivore and vegetable diets can feed more people than vegan diets. Animal products must be produced efficiently and have limited detrimental impacts on environments and ecosystems. Currently, GHGs per unit of animal food are 7-fold greater in Africa than in North America and Europe, because yields per animal and output per hectare are up to 50-fold greater in Europe and North America. Two primary goals for the next 50 years are to improve outputs per animal and per hectare in poorly productive regions, and to produce affordable and acceptable animal products that can be exported to these regions from regions that have more land and produce products with low environmental impacts. A major challenge in improving productivity in African countries will be to alter cultural practices that are linked to inefficient production of animal products. Overeating is an issue in many countries, and it will be important for people in these regions to alter diets to reduce obesity and over-consumption of calories and protein. Historically, diets change over time, and during the last century there has been a significant increase in intake of plant-based products in the USA and other countries. Unfortunately, the primary plant-based products that make up more of our diet today are oils and sweeteners, both of which contribute to increased obesity. Thus, simply eating more plant-based products does not guarantee a healthier diet.
73 Comparison of GnRH Administration day in the 7 & 7 Synch Versus 8 & 6 Synch Protocol for Fixed-Timed Artificial Insemination in Beef Heifers
Authors: Schowe Clayton E , Weber Wyatt E , Kutz B R , Shoulders Benjamin P , Reynolds Jana L , Powell Jeremy G , Looney Charles R 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The study was conducted to identify effects of a decreased interval of progesterone on the ovulatory follicle before fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI) by altering the day of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH;00µg gonadorelin; Cystorelin) administration. Evaluation of the 7 & 7 Synch and altered estrous synchronization protocols was done using estrus expression (EE) and FTAI pregnancy rates (PR). Using frozen conventional Angus semen (Select Sires, Inc. Plain City, OH), Angus-cross heifers (n = 68) from the University of Arkansas beef cattle research unit near Fayetteville were stratified into two treatment groups by cyclicity status (CYC) and age. Cyclicity status was determined by using a reproductive tract score (RTS) taken one week prior to beginning synchronization. Scores ranged from 1-5, where RTS 1-3 were considered pre- or peripubertal while scores 4 and 5 were considered cycling. Heifers with a RTS of and 2 were culled prior to synchronization. Each treatment used a controlled internal drug releasing device (CIDR; Eazi-breed; 1.38g progesterone) inserted intravaginally on –14 d simultaneous to the administration of a prostaglandin F2α analogue (PGF; 500 µg cloprostenol sodium; Synchsure). In the first treatment (7 & 7), GnRH was administered on –7 d. In the second treatment (8 & 6), GnRH was administered on –6 d. Both treatments were then administered PGF simultaneous to CIDR removal on 0d, 72 ±h prior to FTAI and the administration of GnRH. Estrus expression was recorded at the time of FTAI using an Estrotect patch (Rockway Inc., Spring Valley, WI). Estrus expression was determined as a patch with 50% or more of the color rubbed off. On the contrary, a patch with less than 50% of the color rubbed off, was not. Pregnancy rates was determined via ultrasound on 58 d. Estrus expression and PR were analyzed by treatment using the GLIMMIX procedure on SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with CYC as a fixed effect for EE; CYC and EE as fixed effects for PR. Statistical differences were determined with α ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were observed between 0.06-0.1. There was an effect of CYC on EE (P = 0.001) and a tendency to affect PR (P = 0.088). There was no treatment effect on EE (P = 0.892) or PR (P = 0.708). In conclusion, the altered time of GnRH administration in the 7 & 7 synch at 72 ± hours did not affect EE or PR; however, research will continue to investigate adjusting length of time from PGF injection to FTAI to evaluate the effects.
93 Impact of Different Stressors on Physiological and Immunological Variables in Dairy Calves
Authors: Kohl Kesley B , Burdick Sanchez Nicole C , Broadway Rand P , Carroll Jeff A , Legako Jerrad A , Barker Samantha N , Dobbins Thomas , Bratcher Christy L , Loomas Kaitlyn 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different stressors on physiological and innate immune variables in weaned dairy calves. Dairy steers [n = 40;10 ±1.8 kg body weight (BW)] were transported to the Calf Building at the USDA-ARS Livestock Issues Research Unit where they were housed in individual pens in an environmentally controlled room. Calves had ad libitum access to water and a starter ration. At arrival, calves were randomly allotted to four treatment groups (n = 10/treatment): 1) Control, 2) Transport (transported in a livestock trailer for 4 h), 3) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; administered i.v. 0.10 µg /kg BW), 4) Vaccine (administered a Mannheimia Haemolyticatoxoid vaccine; OneShot, Zoetis). One day before application of stressors, indwelling jugular vein catheters and rectal temperature (RT) recording devices were placed in all calves. Whole blood was collected at -1, -0.5, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h relative to application of stressors for serum, plasma, and hematology. There was a treatment × time interaction (P ≤ 0.01) for all hematology parameters except for hemoglobin and platelets. Monocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, basophil, and white blood cell concentrations and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were reduced (P &lt; 0.02) in calves administered LPS compared with all other treatments. For calves administered the Vaccine treatment, white blood cell and neutrophil concentrations and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio increased (P &lt; 0.04) 4 h post-challenge compared with other treatments. There was a treatment × time interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for the change in RT relative to baseline values. The change in RT increased following administration of LPS and peaked at approximately 3 h post-challenge before decreasing to near baseline values. In contrast, RT began to increase 3 h post-challenge in calves administered the Vaccine treatment, where the greatest RT values were observed at 6 h post-challenge. There was a treatment x time interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for cortisol concentrations, where calves administered LPS produced the greatest increase in cortisol compared with all other treatments. There was a treatment x time interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1b (MIP-1b). Concentrations of TNF-a remained greater in LPS and Vaccine calves compared with Control and Transport calves while MIP-1b concentrations remained omcreased for calves administered LPS compared with the other treatments. Results from this study suggest that common challenges experienced by dairy calves differentially influence physiological and immunological variables in weaned dairy calves.
84 Puerto Rican Slick-Haired Holstein Cattle Exhibit Enhanced Mammary Gland Hemodynamics Compared with Their Wild-Type Haired Counterparts
Authors: Contreras-Correa Zully E , Sánchez-Rodríguez Héctor L , Muñiz-Colón Gladycia , Lemley Caleb O 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A mutation of the prolactin receptor gene (PRLR) results in cattle with short and sleek hair coat and superior thermoregulatory capacity when exposed to heat stress conditions. This mutation, which is present in Puerto Rican Holstein cattle (SLICK) results in decreased vaginal temperatures and increased milk yield (MY) compared with wild-type haired Holstein cattle (WT) under tropical conditions. The superior performance of SLICK Holstein cows has been considered multifactorial in nature and physiological differences between genotypes still need to be elucidated. Thereby, the objective was to compare the mammary gland hemodynamics and udder skin temperature between SLICK (n = 7) and WT (n = 7) Holstein cows during the summer as possible contributors to such physiological differences. Animals were selected for differences in MY (23.77±1.24 vs.19.74±1.24 kg, SLICK vs. WT, respectively; P = 0.041) and stratified by body weight (BW), lactation number, and days in milk (DIM). At 160±3 DIM, left and right pudendoepigastric arteries were assessed transrectally via Doppler ultrasonography and the udder skin temperature was determined using a thermal camera. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS with resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), diameter, total mammary blood flow (MBF), MBF relative to BW, and udder skin temperature as dependent variables and hair coat as the independent variable. The CORR procedure of SAS was used to determine the correlation between MY and MBF. Statistical significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were established at 0.05 ≤ P ≤ 0.10. The RI was less (P = 0.045) in SLICK Holsteins (0.56 ± 0.02) than WT (0.64 ± 0.02). The PI tended (P = 0.0589) to be less in SLICK Holsteins (0.94±0.07) compared with WT (1.15 ± 0.07). The average diameter of the left and right pudendoepigastric arteries was greater in the SLICK animals compared with WT (1.31 ± 0.07 vs..08±0.07 cm, respectively; P = 0.038). Total MBF was increased in SLICK cattle compared with WT (9.03 ± 1.11 vs. 5.14 ± 1.11 L/min; P = 0.0291). There was a tendency (P = 0.0577) for the MBF relative to BW to be greater in the SLICK Holsteins compared with the WT (16.75 ± 2.14 vs.0.38 ± 2.14 mL/min*kg). No differences were observed in udder skin temperature between SLICK and WT Holsteins (P ≥ 0.05). Lastly, a tendency for a positive correlation between MY and MBF was observed (r = 0.51, P = 0.066). In the current study, SLICK Holsteins had enhanced blood supply to the mammary gland which is indicative of greater amount of oxygen and nutrients available for milk synthesis. Therefore, the gene introgression of the PRLR mutation to a dairy herd may result in animals with superior physiological performance during heat stress conditions preventing economical losses in the dairy industry.