bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
22 Influence of Cell-Mediated Immune Response Classification on Performance of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cattle
Authors: Johnston Briana P , Oliveira Mauricio X S , Becker Carly A , Welsh Thomas H , Randel Ron D , Lemley Caleb O , Stone Amanda E , Littlejohn Brittni P 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the influence of cell-mediated immune response classification on performance of dairy cattle experiencing conditions of heat stress on pasture. On d 0, pregnant, lactating dairy cows (n = 27; 18 Holstein and 9 Jersey) received a subcutaneous sensitization dose of killed Candida albicans (CA; 0.5 mg) with Quil-A adjuvant (0.75 mg) in 2.5 mL of PBS. Tail skin fold thickness (SFT) was measured with a Harpenden caliper on d 14 immediately following an intradermal injection of killed CA (0.1 mg in 0.5 mL of PBS) in the right tail skin fold and a control injection (PBS) in the left tail skin fold. On d 15, change in SFT was measured and used to assign cell-mediated immune response classifications (CMIR) as High (HR; &gt;0.5 SD above the mean; n = 9), Intermediate (IR; within 0.5 SD above or below the mean; n = 10), or Low (LR; &gt;0.5 SD below the mean; n = 8). Cows from each CMIR were assigned to 1 of 3 environmental conditions (EC): No Abatement (no heat abatement provided; n = 9), Shade (portable shade structure; n = 9), or Sprinklers (polyvinyl chloride sprinkler system; n = 9) for a 38-d period (July 1, 2019 to August 8, 2019). Daily Milk Yield (DMY), Reticulorumen Temperature (RT), Heat Stress Score (HSS; 0 = respiration rate of &lt; 80 breaths/min to 4 = moribund, labored breathing), and instances of Mouth Open (MO), Tongue Out (TO), and Drool were recorded daily. Respiration rate (RR; breaths/min) was recorded 3 times/day (morning, midday, and late afternoon) and averaged on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday weekly. Body Condition Score (BCS; 1 = emaciated to 5 = obese) was recorded weekly. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS specific for repeated measures with CMIR, EC, Breed, Time and 2-way interactions as fixed effects and Pen as random. Low exhibited the lowest HSS and BCS, but the greatest MO and TO instances (P &lt; 0.02). High exhibited the greatest instances of Drool (P &lt; 0.02). Heat stress score, MO, and Drool were greatest in the No Abatement group (P &lt; 0.01). Respiration rate was greatest in the No Abatement and Shade groups relative to Sprinklers (P &lt; 0.01). Daily milk yield, RT, and Drool were increased whereas HSS and RR were decreased in Holstein relative to Jersey cows (P &lt; 0.01). Interactions (P &lt; 0.05) included: CMIR by EC for DMY, HSS, RR, MO, TO, and Drool; CMIR by Breed for RT, DMY, and BCS; EC by Breed for RT, DMY, HSS, and RR; and EC by Time for DMY, HSS, BCS, RR, MO, and TO. There was an effect of Time for all variables (P &lt; 0.05). Preliminary results suggest an influence of cell-mediated immune response classification on performance of dairy cattle experiencing conditions of heat stress and warrant future studies with an increased number of animals.
27 Bacterial Community Diversity in Fresh Extended Boar Semen
Authors: McAnally Brooke E , Smith Molly S , Wiegert Jeffrey G , Palanisamy Vignesh , Dass Sapna Chitlapilly , Poole Rebecca K 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Status of bacterial diversity within the male seminal microbiome has previously been linked to fertility status in mammals. However, minimal research has focused on the reproductive microbiome in boar semen. The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity of bacterial communities within fresh extended boar semen samples 1) between studs, 2) over 5 consecutive days, and 3) between pooled and single-sire doses. Eight single-sire (n = 4 per stud) and eight pooled (n = 4 per stud) fresh extended semen doses (80 mL) were obtained from two boar studs (A vs. B). Pooled doses were the composite of boars in single-sire doses. Doses were subsampled (16 mL) for 5 days post-collection. Negative controls remained unopened until the last day. Each day, 5 mL of each subsample were flash frozen and stored at -80°C for bacterial analysis targeting the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene for Illumina sequencing. Quality of all sequences was determined by FastQC before being processed for taxonomic analysis using the qiime2 pipeline. Alpha diversity (difference within sample metric) was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, whereas PERMANOVA was performed for beta diversity analysis (differences between sample metric). According to alpha diversity metrics, Chao1 (P &lt; 0.01) and Shannon’s index (P &lt; 0.01) indicated contrasts in diversity among all days and the negative controls. This was further confirmed with a pairwise comparison between individual groups, in which day 1 exhibited lower alpha diversity when compared with days 2, 3, 4, and 5 using Chao1 (P &lt; 0.01) and Shannon’s index (P &lt; 0.01). Interestingly, reduced diversity was observed for day 1 compared with the negative controls with Chao1 (57.4 ± 6.6 vs. 132.4 ± 22.1, P &lt; 0.01, Q &lt; 0.01; respectively) and Shannon’s index (4.8 ± 0.2 vs. 6.1 ± 0.3, P &lt; 0.01, Q &lt; 0.01; respectively). No differences between boar stud or sire-type were detected for alpha diversity metrics. For beta diversity analyses, both PCoA plots and PERMANOVA for weighted unifrac metric demonstrated no significant clustering between sampling days. However, distinctions between all days and negative controls were identified using PERMANOVA for unweighted unifrac metric. Specifically, differences were discovered between day 1 and days 3, 4, and 5 (P &lt; 0.01, Q &lt; 0.01). PERMANOVA for both weighted (P &lt; 0.01) and unweighted (P &lt; 0.01) unifrac metrics revealed distinct clustering by boar stud. However, there were no differences in beta diversity between pooled and single-sire samples for both weighted and unweighted unifrac metrics. Based on these results, bacterial diversity within a semen sample may be altered over time and could occur between boar stud operations. Additional studies analyzing the reproductive microbiome of semen could help improve the characterization of fertility status in boars.
17 Using Photobiomodulation to Improve Bovine Oocyte Maturation
Authors: Richey Kendall , Hersom Matt , Bridges William , Checura Celina M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Oocyte cytoplasmic maturation is critical in determining the success of subsequent embryo development. Bovine oocytes matured in vitro yield less embryonic development rates than in vivo matured oocytes and new strategies are needed to improve the culture system. It has been proposed that light in the red-to-near infrared optical region (~600-1000 nm) enhances cellular metabolic activity through activation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and has the potential to modify the oocyte metabolome. The objective of this work was to affect the cumulus-oocyte-complex metabolic state using photobiomodulation, aiming to enhance cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent embryonic development. A standardized in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol and commercial media (IVF Bioscience) were used. Briefly, bovine ovaries were obtained at a local slaughterhouse, cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected by aspiration of small (2-6 mm) follicles. Compacted COCs were cultured in in vitro maturation media (n = 50/well) and treated with no light (control); light (660-665nm) for 10 minutes at hour 16 from start of maturation (L-16), and light for 10 minutes at hour 20 from start of maturation (L-20). At hour 22 from start of maturation, COCs were fertilized by co-culture with bull spermatozoa (1x106 motile sperm/mL) for 18 hours, then subjected to cumulus cell removal. Presumptive zygotes were placed in in vitro culture media (IVC) for 48 hours when cleavage rate was assessed. Embryos with ≥ 8 cells were selected and placed in fresh IVC until evaluation of blastocyst rate at 168 and 192 hours from start of fertilization. The experiment was replicated 6 times. Blastocysts present at 168 hours from start of fertilization were fixed in 5% formalin, stained with Hoechst 33342, imaged with Cytation 1 (Agilent Technologies Inc.), and blastocyst cell number was counted using ImageJ software (ImageJ2 2.9.0) in 4 replicates. For statistical analysis, each well was considered as experimental unit in a model of repeated measures, main effects of time and treatment, blocked by replicate (Mixed procedure, SAS Institute Inc.). One-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the average cell number per well by group, blocked by replicate (JMP Pro 16.1.0). There was a significant (P &lt; 0.05) effect of treatment, replicate, and time for embryo development and there was a tendency (P = 0.6) for treatment effect on blastocyst cell number. Cleavage rates were 81.3 ± 2.5; 88.5 ± 2.5; 87.3 ± 2.5 % (LSM ± SEM), blastocyst rates were 49.1± 2.5; 49.3 ± 2.5; 51.6 ± 2.5 % and cell numbers were 159.9 ± 3.5; 149.3 ± 3.5; 164.0 ±3.5 for groups control, L-16, and L-20 respectively. The positive effect of photobiomodulation treatment on cleavage rate and blastocyst cell number suggests there is a window of sensitivity to 660-665nm light between 16 and 20 hours from start of maturation.
15 Search for Non-Genomic Markers as Puberty Predictors inBos Indicus Cattle
Authors: Campbell Meghan , Rocha Cecilia Constantino C , Cordeiro Andrey , Silva Felipe , Martins Thiago , Bennett Alexandra , Thrift Todd , Rezende Fernanda M , Mateescu Raluca G , Binelli Mario 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Brahman cattle are used for crossbreeding due to their maternal ability, heat, and parasite tolerance. Brahman displays delayed attainment of puberty compared with taurine breeds. The objective was to identify molecular markers in the blood of prepubertal heifers and bulls that predict early puberty attainment. We hypothesize that Brahmans that attains puberty have a blood metabolite signature that differs from animals that remain prepubertal. Plasma was collected 90 (-90d) and 30 (-30d) days prior to the beginning of the breeding season from 156 yearling Brahman heifers and 28 bulls. Animals were classified as pubertal (pub) or prepubertal (prepub) based on reproductive variables such as the reproductive tract score and pregnancy to insemination for heifers and scrotal circumference and semen quality for bulls. Plasma from 48 pub and 48 prepub heifers and 9 pub and 7 prepub bulls were submitted for quantitative mass spectrometry metabolomics analysis. There was a clear clustering of animals according to puberty status (orthogonal projections of latent structures discriminant analysis). Concentrations of the top three metabolites explaining clustering were analyzed by t-tests. As heifers approached maturity, there was a 3.03-, 11.76- and 2.08-fold change (P &lt; 0.0001) in the concentrations of PC ae C42:3, ProBetaine, and PC ae C42:2 measured at -30 vs. -90 days. Similarly, for bulls, concentrations of HipAcid, C4 and SM (OH) C24:1 were 1.52-, 1.53-, and 1.45-fold greater (P &lt; 0.0001), respectively. Comparing pub vs. prebub heifers on -90 d, there was a 1.26- (P &lt; 0.001), 0.62- (P &lt; 0.01) and 1.11-fold change (P &lt; 0.05) for hArg, Putrescine and AABA concentrations, respectively. Regarding bulls on -90 d, there was a 1.57- (P &lt; 0.01), 1.32- (P &lt; 0.03) and 1.15-fold change (P &lt; 0.03) for FA(18:1), FA(18:2) and DG(16:1_18:2) concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, we discovered potential markers for the prediction of puberty attainment based on plasma metabolomic signatures in Brahman.
19 Relationship Between pH in Vagina and a Successful Pregnancy in Small Ruminant Recipients
Authors: French Sarah-Jane , Runyan Cheyenne L , Cassens Andrew M , Roper David 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Reproductive efficiency and efficacy are key components of economic return in small ruminant production, therefore utilization of assisted reproductive technologies has increased. Despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies, pregnancy rates per embryo culture and transfer still remain low. The physio-chemical parameter of pH within the female reproductive tract and its potential implications in pregnancy success in caprine remains to be elucidated. The objective of this study was to evaluate vaginal pH and compare pregnancy rate for embryos produced in-vivo and in-vitro in goats. Spanish and Spanish Boer Cross females (n = 78) were estrous synchronized using a progesterone vaginal insert protocol and gonadotropin was administered at time of removal. Embryo grade and stage for conventional fresh embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilization were recorded. Vaginal pH was measured post transfer. At d 45 pregnancy status was determined via trans-abdominal ultrasonography. Successful embryo transfer (ET) was determined by kidding percentages. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA with a multiple linear regression model in GraphPad Prism 9.4. It was found that vaginal pH of females receiving cultured embryos did significantly predict pregnancy detection at d 45 and kidding (P = 0.02). However, the vaginal pH in females receiving fresh embryos had no effect of pregnancy and kidding rates (P = 0.451). While vaginal pH had a correlation with successful kidding of cultured embryos, further research is warranted to determine the relationship between physio-chemical parameters, environmental factors and pregnancy rates in goats.
40 Texel Genetics Increase Muscle Growth by Altering Satellite Cell Characteristics
Authors: Greene Maslyn A , Duckett Susan K 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The Texel breed is a double muscled breed of sheep that is commonly used as a terminal sire in meat-production. The increase in muscle mass is related to a single nucleotide polymorphism in the myostatin gene, a myokine that inhibits muscle growth. There is limited information on how postnatal skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy is altered in Texel lambs. Satellite cells or muscle stem cells have a major role in postnatal hypertrophy of muscle fibers. Satellite cells are generally found in a state of quiescence and must activate, proliferate, and differentiate to increase DNA content in myofibers during periods of postnatal muscle growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate muscle fiber hypertrophy and satellite cell proliferation and differentiation in lambs of two sire breeds, Texel or Suffolk. Male lambs of each sire breed (n = 4/sire breed/time) were harvested at d 2, 14, and 203 of age. Muscle samples were collected from the longissimus and snap frozen for examination of myofiber cross-sectional area by fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Another portion of the longissimus was used to isolate satellite cells for in vitro experiments to examine population number, proliferation, and differentiation capacity. Isolated satellite cells were counted, seeded for activation, and grown until colonies reached 80% confluence. Activated cells were seeded for a proliferation assay measuring DNA content daily for 6 days. Following proliferation, cells were differentiated for 4 days, and the number of differentiated nuclei were counted with fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Sire breed did not impact (P &lt; 0.05) the weight of the longissimus; however, muscle ribeye area tended (P &lt; 0.10) to be increased for Texel lambs compared with Suffolk lambs. In the early postnatal period, from d 2 to 14, longissimus mass increased (P &lt; 0.05) by 160%, and ribeye area increased by 100%. Between d 4 and 203 longissimus mass increased (P &lt; 0.05) by 350%, while longissimus area only increased by 100%. Muscle fiber cross sectional area expanded (P &lt; 0.05) from d 14 to 203 of age, and cross-sectional area was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for Texel than Suffolk lambs at d 203. Satellite cell populations per gram of tissue increased (P &lt; 0.05) between d 2 and 14 and decreased from d 14 to 203. The number of satellite cells that activated from quiescence was reduced (P &lt; 0.05) as animal age increased but was not impacted (P &gt; 0.05) by sire breed. Following activation, satellite cell proliferation capacity was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for Texel compared with Suffolk satellite cells. Differentiation capacity was not altered (P &gt; 0.05) by sire breed. Texel-sired lambs had larger longissimus cross-sectional muscle fiber area at d 203 of age than Suffolk. These changes appear to be related to greater proliferation of satellite cells, the stem cells of muscle, to enhance muscle fiber hypertrophy during postnatal growth.
45 Effects of Genomic Residual Feed Intake on Performance, Feed Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Holstein Heifers
Authors: O’Reilly Keara , Carstens Gordon , Johnson Jocelyn R , Deeb Nadar , Ross Pablo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the differences in performance, feed efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions in Holstein heifers with divergent genomic residual feed intake (RFIg). Holstein heifers (n = 55; initial BW = 351 ± 64 kg) were classified as either low RFIg (n = 29) or high RFIg (n = 26) based on RFIg values determined from their genomic breeding values (Ecofeed index, STgenetics). Heifers were blocked by RFIg, stratified by BW and assigned to 1 of 2 pens, each equipped with 4 electronic feedbunks (GrowSafe Systems), with 1 pen equipped with a GreenFeed real-time gaseous-exchange measurement system (GEM; C-Lock). Heifers were fed a corn-silage based total mixed ration twice daily. Individual dry matter intake (DMI) was collected for 84 d and BW measured weekly. Phenotypic residual feed intake (RFIp) was calculated as the residual from the regression of DMI on average daily gain (ADG) and mid-test BW0.75. As only 1 of the 2 pens had a GEM system, during the 84-day study heifers were rotated between the two pens at 14 day intervals resulting in each group of heifers having three 14-day gaseous exchange measurement periods. A time series analysis of gaseous exchange measurements, with a repeated measure of measurement period, fixed effect of RFIg class and random effect of pen was conducted. A mixed model with RFIg class as fixed effect and pen as a random effect was used for analysis of the other response variables. There were no differences in initial or final BW and ADG for heifers with divergent RFIg; however, the low RFIg heifers consumed 7.3% less (P &lt; 0.05) feed per day than their high RFIg counterparts. Consequently, low RFIg heifers exhibited a more favorable (P &lt; 0.05) RFIp, with a RFIp of -0.188 and 0.211 kg/d for low and high RFIg heifers, respectively. There were no RFIg class by measurement period interactions (P &gt; 0.10) for the greenhouse gas emissions measured. Low RFIg heifers had 7.7% less (P &lt; 0.05) methane emissions (g/d) and 6.1% less (P &lt; 0.05) carbon dioxide production (g/d) than their high RFIg counterparts. However, methane yield (g methane/kg DMI) was similar (P &gt; 0.05) for low and high RFIg heifers. These results indicate that selection for low RFIg has the potential to identify cattle with favorable feed efficiency phenotypes. Additionally, selection based on RFIg provides the opportunity to produce cattle with fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Further research is warranted into selection based on RFIg through genomic indexes to improve feed efficiency and mitigate the environmental impact of cattle production.
41 Effect of Finishing System on Growth, Efficiency, and Carcass Quality of Dairy × Beef Hybrids
Authors: Grote Ally J , Womack Addie , Farran Garrett , Robison Colton A , Beck Paul A , Wilson Blake K , Wistuba Troy , Schroeder Olivia N 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Our objective was to determine the effect of calf-fed or yearling finishing systems on the performance of dairy-beef crossbred steers. Dairy-beef hybrid steers were acquired from Land O’ Lakes Calf Milk Research Facility at Grey Summit, Missouri at 12-weeks of age and transported to Willard Sparks Beef Research Center (WSBRC). Upon arrival at WSBRC, steers were weighed, vaccinated, treated for parasites, and implanted with 36 mg of zeranol (Ralgro). Alternating groups of steers were placed either directly on finishing diets (FIN) or on high-quality pasture and supplementation for 5 to 6 mo before returning to WSBRC for finishing (GRW/FIN). Once GRW/FIN steers reached 312 ± 7 kg, the steers were returned to WSBRC, weighed, and processed. At WSBRC, steers within each finishing system were sorted by BW into 4 to 5 animal pens. Steers in FIN were re-implanted with Ralgro on d 56, Component TE-IS (80-mg trenbolone acetate,6-mg estradiol, and 29-mg tylosin tartrate; Elanco US, Greenfield, IN) on d 112, and Component TE-S (200-mg progesterone, 20-mg estradiol benzoate, 29-mg tylosin tartrate; Elanco) on d 224. Steers in GRW/FIN were implanted with Component TE-IS at the start of finishing, and Component TE-S on d 20. Steers in FIN were grown on successively greater energy growing diets through d 112, stepping up to a 20% roughage growing diet (18.4% CP and 2.4 Mcal NEg/kg from d 28 to 112. On d 112, FIN steers were transitioned to a finishing diet consisting of 12% roughage, 12% crude protein, and 1.3 Mcal NEg/kg. A final finishing diet (8% prairie hay, 20% Sweet Bran and 62% dry-rolled corn) was fed to FIN steers from d 224 to slaughter. Steers in GRW/FIN were stepped up to the finishing diet when they reached 407 ± 6 kg. Finishing diets for the final 28 d for FIN and GRW/FIN included ractopamine hydrochloride at a rate of 300 mg·steer-1·d-1. Initial and terminal BW were greater (P &lt; 0.01) in steers in the GRW/FIN finishing system. Body weight at reimplant was greater (P &lt; 0.01) for FIN. Steers in the GRW/FIN system were on feed for fewer (P &lt; 0.01) days compared with FIN steers. Average daily gain (ADG) and DMI (kg·steer-1·d-1) were greater (P &lt; 0.01) for GRW/FIN. Steers in GRW/FIN had a greater (P ≤ 0.02) feed:gain ratio than those placed directly into a finishing system. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.10) in USDA Yield Grade, marbling, ribeye area (REA), or back-fat thickness (BFT) between finishing systems. Steers in FIN had a greater (P &lt; 0.01) dressing percentage (DP) and lighter (P ≤ 0.01) hot carcass weight (HCW) than those for GRW/FIN. Finishing system has an impact on performance and efficiency of dairy-beef hybrid steers, but minimal impact on carcass quality.