bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
165 Randel Lecture: Androgen Excess Domestic Livestock Models—What can they Tell us About the Mechanisms Underlying Anovulation?
Authors: Cupp Andrea S , Abedal-Majed Mohamed , Summers Adam F , Bell Brooke , McFee Renee M , Kurz Scott , Hart Mariah , Davis John , Wood Jennifer 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Ovulatory disorders are a major factor in female infertility. Our laboratory has identified several populations of cows and a population of sheep that have excess androgen (High A4) in dominant follicles and ovarian cortex cultures in the US and in the Middle East with increased steroidogenic enzyme production in somatic cells. Within our research herd, the High A4 females have irregular estrous cycles where behavioral estrus and ovulation are not coupled and are often anovulatory. Follicular waves of growth, during the estrous cycle, are disrupted in High A4 cows with development of persistent follicles, and an absence of normal follicular-wave estrogen patterns in blood plasma compared with Controls. Increased ovarian cortex fibrosis, oxidative stress markers and plasma pro- inflammatory lipids were present in High A4 cows indicating increased inflammation. High A4 granulosa cells have altered gene transcripts indicating cell cycle arrest and expression of genes enriched in other somatic cell types resulting in altered cell identity. Furthermore, High A4 ovarian cortex cultures secrete increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and have reduced follicle progression to later stages supporting follicular arrest. Treatment of High A4 ovarian cortex cultures with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 165 suppressed excess steroids, fibrosis, pro-inflammatory cytokines and relieved follicular arrest. Concentrations of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) were greater in High A4 vs Controls in both follicular fluid and ovarian cortex culture media supporting that AMH could be a factor contributing to follicular arrest. Many of the characteristics of High A4 cows and sheep identified are similar to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. Thus, High A4 cow and sheep are excellent models to unravel androgen excess molecular mechanisms involved in follicular arrest and female infertility contributing to anovulation.
171 Effects of a Dietary Immuno-Modulator on Growth Performance in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Bonelli Kayla A , Niblett Richard T , Williams Kimberly A , Estienne Mark J 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Feed-grade antibiotics in pig production were used to not only treat and prevent disease, but to promote growth as well, with improvements in ADG of up to 16% and F:G of up to 6% in nursery pigs common. However, these uses may contribute to antibiotic-resistant microbes that negatively affect human and animal health, and the swine industry seeks alternatives. OmniGen-AF (Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ; OG), a blend of vitamins, minerals, and microbial ingredients is a dietary immuno-modulator used to support immune function and reduce the negative effects of stressors in dairy cattle. Weaning is inherently stressful to pigs. There are limited data, however, on the effects of OG on growth and well-being in swine. The objective was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with OG on growth performance in 21-day-old weaned pigs. Barrows (n = 36) and gilts (n = 36) were blocked by weight, and placed in sex-specific pens of three pigs each. Within blocks, pens were assigned to ad libitum access to OG (4 g/45.4 kg∙BW-1ּּּ ∙day-1) or control diets in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The factors consisted of sex and presence or absence of OG in the diets of a three-phase feeding regimen. There were 6 replicate pens per sex and dietary treatment combination. Compared with gilts, barrows were heavier (effect of sex, P &lt; 0.01), and across diets pigs showed an increase in BW during the 42-d trial (effect of day, P &lt; 0.01). There were no effects (P &gt; 0.10) of diet, or diet by sex on growth performance (ADG, 0.86 vs. 0.84 kg, SE = 0.05; ADFI, 1.42 vs. 1.41 kg, SE = 0.07; and, F:G, 1.66 vs. 1.69, SE = 0.03, for OG and CON, respectively). Fecal consistency scores (1 to 5; 1 = exceptionally firm, 5 = very loose and watery) were affected by day (P &lt; 0.01), increasing (P = 0.02) from day 0 (3.00 ± 0.07) to a peak on day 4 (3.29 ± 0.07), before decreasing to values on d 35 (3.00 ± 0.07) and 42 (3.00 ± 0.07) that were not different from values on day 0. There were no effects (P &gt; 0.32) of diet or sex on scores. No pig deaths occurred during the experiment. In this study, dietary supplementation with OG did not affect growth performance in pigs. The experiment, however, was conducted in a clean, highly managed University facility, and overall pig health appeared excellent as indicated by daily observations, fecal consistency scores, and no mortality occurring during the study. In this situation, it would be difficult to show a positive effect of a feed additive because the pigs were perhaps already performing at or near their genetic potential.
136 Relationship of Mature Beef Cows on an Unprocessed Hay Diet to Residual Intake and Greenhouse Gas Exchange During Gestation and Lactation
Authors: Moore Mikayla F , Briggs Emma A , Horton Kade , Lalman David 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare residual feed intake (RFI) and greenhouse gas exchange in mature beef cows during gestation and lactation when consuming an unprocessed, grass hay diet. Twenty-six mature Angus and Angus x Hereford cows (4.5 ± 0.0 yr) were used in two voluntary intake studies. Cows were evaluated during mid-gestation (GEST) and late lactation (LACT). Unprocessed grass hay (GEST = 8.73% CP and 59.25% TDN; LACT = 8.31% CP and 54.50% TDN) and a mineral mix were provided for ad libitum consumption. Individual animal feed intake data was collected for 52 d and 71 d for GEST and LACT respectively using SmartFeed intake units (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) and a stocking rate of 3 cows per feeder. An open-circuit, gas-quantification system (GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) was used to collect CH4 production for 9 days per pen for a minimum of 20 visits per cow. Hay intake averaged 13.8 ± 2.3 kg and 16.6 ± 2.0 kg during GEST and LACT, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient for hay intake among the two stages of production was 0.65 (P &lt; 0.01). Metabolic body weight, average daily gain, and ultrasound ribeye area explained 46% of the variation in GEST DMI (P &lt; 0.01), and milk yield, metabolic body weight, and average daily gain explained 64% of the variation in LACT DMI (P &lt; 0.01). Each one kg additional milk production resulted in 0.7 kg greater hay intake during LACT (P &lt; 0.01). There was a moderate correlation between GEST and LACT CH4 (r = 0.64) and a moderate correlation between CH4 production within each stage of production and DMI for that same stage of production (r = 0.58 and 0.63 for GEST and LACT, respectively). Hay intake was moderately correlated between stages of production although highly sensitive to milk yield.
133 Feeding Behavior of High-Risk Steers Newly Received for Backgrounding
Authors: Rahmel Logan W , D’Souza Genevieve M , Llarena Juan C , Durst Libby S , Karisch Brandi B , Daigle Courtney L , Russel Jason R , Harvey Kelsey M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
There is a need to understand the feeding behavior ontogeny of newly received high-risk steers. Understanding how calves learn to eat out of a bunk will facilitate the implementation of management practices that expedite this process and allow animal managers to exploit this information to monitor individual animal health. To address this knowledge gap, the feeding behavior of high-risk steers that were received for backgrounding was quantified and characterized using electronic feedbunks in this context. To create this paradigm, crossbred steers (n = 20) were purchased in two groups (Group: n = 64 steers; Group 2: n = 56 steers) from a local auction market, transported 800 km to the Prairie Research Unit in Prairie, MS, and immediately weighed (shrunk body weight, BW). Steers were purchased according to research unit space availability. Therefore, purchases occurred 133 days apart. The subsequent day, steers were ranked by shrunk BW (227 ±.3 kg) and allocated to 1 of 8 drylot pens (n = 8 steers/pen) with two GrowSafe automated feeding systems per pen. Steers were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum for a 28-day period and steer BW was recorded on d 0, 2, 6, 10, 13, 21 and 28. Daily feeding behavior [e.g., meal duration (sec), intake (g/d), meal frequency (count/d), bunk visit frequency (count/d), head down duration (sec), maximum non-feeding interval (NFI,s), ratio of head down duration to bunk visit duration)] were calculated using Meal Criterion Calculation Software. The impact of time on feeding behavior and performance was analyzed using a mixed linear model (PROC MIXED). To determine when steers had established consistent dry matter intake (DMI), consistency was defined as when the DMI of a steer remained within one standard deviation of the 7-day average DMI of the steer. Latency to first bunk attendance (d), first feed consumption, attainment of NEm requirement, and latency (d) to establish consistent feed intake levels were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model (PROC GLIMMIX) for binomial data. Steer BW increased across days (P &lt; 0.01), whereas average daily gain was.48 ± 0.4 kg/d. All feeding behaviors changed across days (P &lt; 0.01). Meal and bunk visit (duration and frequency), meal intake (mean and sum), head down duration, and maximum NFI increased over time. All steers visited the bunk and consumed their first meal by day 4 (P &lt; 0.01). All steers achieved NEm requirements by day11 (P &lt; 0.01). These results quantify the acclimation period of steers to a new environment and characterizes the learning and development of novel modes of eating. These results inform the development of behavioral expectations for newly received high-risk calves that can be used to monitor cattle health, understand cattle perception, and promote cattle welfare.
147 Effect of Elasticity Analysis on Beef Cattle Production Costs
Authors: Reis Beatriz Q , Bernardes Elaine , Gameiro Augusto , Silva Kaliu G , Sarturi Jhones 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The influence of major cost items on the total production cost of beef cattle during the growing phase was evaluated. A mathematical model assessing production inputs considering the cost of the items according to the Economic Theory was used. Costs were allocated into: A) variable costs, B) fixed costs, and C) factor income. A survey was carried-out in 2018 and 2019 with a rancher located in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) aiming to define the major technical indicators of production. The spot prices used in the current analysis refered to December 2019. The base-animal used during the growing phase represented the Nelore breed (Bos indicus), intact males and females (n = 34), separated into three lots according to the ranch of origin and sex. The initial averaging 195 ± 15 kg of live shrunk BW (body weight), and the average selling weight was 360 ± 15 kg shrunk BW. Two types of supplementations were offered during the year, the mineral was provided for 150 d, and protein supplementation was offered for 210 d. In the base scenario, the production cost was US$ 1.13/kg of animal. The fixed cost of the activity represents 23% of the total cost, in which capital depreciation, equipment maintenance, and labor represented 7.1%, 6.7%, and 5.9%, respectively. The variable cost of the activity represented 66.3% of total costs, in which cattle purchase price and feed costs represented 58.8% and 7.1%, respectively. These two factors, cattle purchase price, and feed costs, can be directly related to the success or failure of the system, thus also becoming good variables to be closely managed, justifying the importance of current elasticity analyses in such items. The price elasticity of items involving production cost variability in case a total expenditure cost of such items increased by 1% was hypothesized. The input costs that most represented the total cost were in order: 1) cattle purchase price, 2) feed, 3) capital depreciation, 4) labor, and 5) equipment maintenance. The cattle purchase price represented in the elasticity analysis as the most impactful factor, followed by equipment maintenance, feed, depreciation, and labor, at +0.54%, +0.11%, +0.07%, +0.07%, +0.05%, respectively. The cattle purchase price was the most related to the total cost. The increases of 1% in this variable caused variations of +0.54% of the total cost. It means the cost of production of 1 kg of beef cattle goes from US$ 1.13/kg to US$ 1.74/kg. In conclusion, the power of negotiation when buying and selling animals was the factor that can influence the most total costs of the cattle enterprise assessed.
149 Case Study: The Impact of a Fogging System on Dairy Cow Comfort in Cows Housed in a Barn with Tunnel Ventilation and an Automatic Milking System
Authors: Ceja Guadalupe , Paudyal Sushil , Spencer Jennifer , Piñeiro Juan M , Daigle Courtney L 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Fogging systems control microclimatic parameters of barns to provide immediate cooling to dairy cows during heat stress conditions. However, the benefits of implementing a fogging system to cow comfort behaviors have not been thoroughly investigated in lactating cows. Therefore, the objective of this case study was to evaluate cow comfort behaviors and milk productivity in cows managed in a tunnel-ventilated barn in a commercial dairy farm that uses an automatic milk system. Sixty Holstein lactating dairy cows (45-90 days in milk; DIM) were monitored and housed in group pens (6 pens; n = 10 cows/pen). Four weeks before the fogging system installation, cows had pedometers (IceQube, IceRobotics, Inc., United Kingdom) and SCR rumination collars (SCR by Allflex; Israel) placed for continuous daily activity and rumination levels monitoring, respectively. Productivity information was acquired using automatic robotic milking technology (Lely Astronaut A5; Iowa, United States), and all variables were measured until four weeks after fogger system installation. Activity behavior (lying duration, daily step count, and number of transitions) and productivity (daily milk yield and milk speed) were evaluated before (PRE; 20-day pre-installation period), during (DURING; 2-day period), and after fogger installation (POST; 35-day post-installation period). Data were analyzed using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4 with cow as the experimental unit and temperature-humidity index (THI) included in the model as a covariate. Overall, cows spent more time lying (P &lt; 0.01) in the POST period versus PRE and DURING. Cows performed fewer daily transitions between lying and standing (P &lt; 0.01) in the POST versus PRE period, but no differences were detected (P = 0.67) among the step counts observed PRE, DURING, and POST fogger installation. Average milk speed and average milk yield were decreased (P &lt; 0.01) in the POST period compared with the PRE and DURING periods. Temperature-humidity index significantly influenced (P &lt; 0.01) lying time but did not have an effect on any other variables measured. In summary, installation of a fogger system in a commercial tunnel-ventilated barn improved cow comfort behaviors in lactating cows managed with an automated robotic milking system but did not offer immediate production performance benefits.
122 Response of Ruminant Neutrophils on Fresh Filtered Garlic Preparation
Authors: Uzzaman Md Rasel , Pande Priyanka , Inupala Sree Navya , Jagana Sowmya , Worku Mulumebet 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fresh filtered garlic preparation on ruminant neutrophils in-vitro. Blood was collected from the jugular vein of clinically healthy female St Croix sheep (n = 3) and Boer x Spanish goats (n = 3) at NC A&T State University Farm. Neutrophils were isolated from 10 mL whole blood sample of each animal. Fresh filtered garlic were prepared to stimulate the neutrophils. Before treating the neutrophils, the total cell count was measured, and 1 million cells were taken for treatment. Total protein concentration at different dilution levels of fresh filtered garlic were analyzed using BCA assay for the volumetric determination of garlic to be used at 10 ug/mL concentration. Before and after treatment the total protein concentration in the neutrophil supernatant were also measured. RNA was extracted from treated and untreated neutrophils pellet using TRIZOL RNA Isolation Protocol. The pooled RNA of goat and sheep samples were used for cDNA synthesis followed by qPCR analysis of galectin (Galectin-1, -3, -9) gene modulation in relation to indicators of animal health and production. Due to treatment, the total protein concentrations were increased. The magnitude of galectin gene expression was also observed in both sheep and goat neutrophils treated with fresh filtered garlic preparation. Galectin-3 and -9 expression increased manifolds in both sheep and goat neutrophils as compared with the control (untreated neutrophils) whereas galectin-1 increased in goat but decreased in sheep neutrophils. These results indicate that garlic had no adverse effect and differentially modulated galectin secretion in vitro. Galectins regulate biologic functions, immunity and disease pathogenesis and can serve as biomarkers. Further studies are warranted to determine the health and production benefits of the observed galectin modulation using garlic in small & large ruminants.
123 Evaluating the Effect of Garlic on the Gut Health of Meat Goats
Authors: Jagana Sowmya , Inupala Sree Navya , Pande Priyanka , Uzzaman Md Rasel , Worku Mulumebet 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Animal production requires that disease-causing pathogens be effectively controlled. Gastrointestinal parasites are a severe threat to goat production. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of garlic extracts on fecal egg counts and gut microbiota in Twelve (n = 12) adult female clinically healthy BoerXSpanish goats were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group (n = 6) was drenched with a 10 mL garlic barrier and the control group (n = 6) was given sterile water for 30 days. Body weight, Body Condition Score, FAMACHA scores and fecal samples were collected on a weekly basis. Fecal samples were used for microbial DNA isolation and Egg per gram was evaluated using the Modified McMaster method. Microbial DNA was tested for Haemochus,6s, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species. All variables were assessed using SAS software at P ≤ 0.05. A significant decrease (P &lt; 0.037) was observed in the egg per gram in the goats treated with garlic. Treatment did not destroy Haemonchus, bifidobacteria and lactobacillus but reduced the total concentration and EPG. The reduction in the concentration of microbial DNA might be due to methanogens and coccidia. Garlic can be used as an alternative to antiparasitic drugs. It can be an economic and eco-friendly approach to modulating the gut microbiome in goats.
155 Rams Enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program have Improved Performance and Value in Ram Test Program
Authors: Weaver Andrew R , Wright Donald L , Greiner Scott P 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Genetic evaluation programs can provide valuable selection tools for sheep breeders. However, industry acceptance and utilization of these tools is still limited. The objective here was to evaluate the performance and value of rams enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) compared with those not enrolled during a ram test program. Rams (Katahdin = 16, Texel = 3) were delivered to the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center Ram Test on May 31. Rams were dewormed and rested for two weeks. On June 21, rams were given Haemonchus contortus L3 larvae adjusted for body weight (average = 5000 L3). FAMACHA scores and fecal egg counts (FEC) were monitored every two weeks until August 30. Rams were dewormed based on FAMACHA ≥ 3. The top 50% of rams, excluding any dewormed rams, based on the sale index [Sale Index = 0.50*(0.33*average daily gain ratio + 0.67*weight per day of age ratio) + 0.50*logFEC ratio] were sold at auction as breeding stock. Rams were classified as NSIP if enrolled. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Of the19 rams on test, 52% were NSIP. Thirteen rams required deworming during the test (38% of these were NSIP rams). Average sale index of NSIP rams tended to be greater than that of non-NSIP rams (101.4 vs. 98.3, P = 0.06). Of rams with sale index ≥ 100 (top 50%), a greater percentage of these rams were NSIP vs. non-NSIP (61% vs. 39%, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). When NSIP status was evaluated for the top 20% of rams (sale index ≥07), a greater percentage of these rams were also NSIP vs. non-NSIP (78% vs. 22%, respectively; P &lt; 0.01). Rams (n = 57) were sold on September 23 with an average sale price of $1,482. Rams enrolled in NSIP commanded greater prices than those not enrolled ($1,659 vs. $1,222, P &lt; 0.05). When sale price was regressed on sale index for NSIP and non-NSIP rams, R2 for NSIP rams was 0.19 compared with the R2 for non-NSIP rams of 0.76. Given the weaker relationship between price and sale index for NSIP rams, estimated breeding values (EBVs) were evaluated. NSIP rams with EBVs reported for post-weaning weight, post-weaning FEC, and Maternal Hair Index sold for greater prices than those rams missing one or all of these EBVs ($1,837 vs. $971, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). In summary, NSIP rams had greater performance (as indicated by sale index) and value compared with non-NSIP rams. For rams enrolled in NSIP, sale index was a poor predictor of value indicating buyers may be considering other factors besides sale index, such as EBVs, when purchasing NSIP rams.