bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
10 Free Amino Acids at Weaning in the Blood Plasma of Beef Heifers with Differing Reproductive Outcomes Following Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination
Authors: Mahoney Erin E , Dyce Paul W , Elmore Michelle F , Rodning Soren P 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The ability to accurately select reproductively efficient replacement heifers is critical to sustainable beef production. Previous studies used metabolomic assessment of blood plasma and found significant differences in several amino acids in poor performing and top performing replacement heifers. The objective of this study was to identify differences in plasma amino acid profiles, at weaning, in heifers with different pregnancy outcomes following estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI). At weaning, blood samples were collected from a group of replacement heifers (n = 47) and processed for plasma extraction. The heifers then underwent a fixed-time AI program at approximately 14 months of age followed by pregnancy status evaluation via ultrasound. Amino acid profiles were compared between heifers with differing reproductive outcomes following first service AI. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to generate amino acid profiles of the blood plasma collected at weaning. A total of twenty amino acid levels were analyzed for each heifer: histidine, asparagine, taurine, serine, glutamine, arginine, glycine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, threonine, alanine, proline, cystine, lysine, tyrosine, methionine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine. Of the twenty amino acids analyzed, two were significantly different between heifers that remained open compared to heifers that were pregnant following the AI. Histidine was significantly lower in heifers that remained open (n = 28, 40.89±1.56 µM/L, P &lt; 0.05) compared to those that were pregnant following AI (n = 19, 46.59 ±1.937 µM/L, P &lt; 0.05). Similarly, cystine was significantly lower in the heifers that remained open (n = 28, 7.87 ±2.05 µM/L, P &lt; 0.05) compared to those that were pregnant (n = 19, 9.54 ±2.59 µM/L, P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, histidine and cystine plasma levels were found to be significantly different, in the blood plasma of heifers at weaning with differing AI first service reproductive outcomes.
16 Beyond the Breeding Soundness Exam: The Evaluation of the Motility and Viability of Sperm Cells as Well as a Quantification and Evaluation of Mirna 26a-5p and Mirna 574, as Parameters of Bull Infertility
Authors: Ruemke Heather R , Runyan Cheyenne L , Waddell Jolena N , Roper David , Daigneault Brad , Poe Brant 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is an important tool for assisted reproductive techniques, nonetheless there are major factors associated with reduced longevity and poor survivability of cryopreserved sperm in the female reproductive tract. Several studies have focused on molecular markers associated with apoptosis, mitochondrial integrity and oxidative stress in cryopreserved sperm. Research indicates miRNA 26a-5p and miRNA-574 exhibit anti-inflammatory attributes in some cells, by downregulating the effects on specific genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of bovine semen, including a variety of breeds, post-thaw viability through kinetic screening using Computer Assisted Semen Evaluation (CASA). Cryopreserved semen samples from 5 bulls were thawed in a water bath (37.5°C for 35 s), then aliquoted in eppendorf tubes and initial CASA (Version 14 CEROS) measurements of total motility, progressive motility, and kinematic factors were assessed. Semen samples were placed in a heat block at 37.5 C for incubation for three 30-minute periods (30-minutes, 60-minutes, and 90-minutes) to measure thermoresistance and longevity to extrinsic factors influencing oxidative stress. After incubation periods 80 µL of each semen sample was screened on CASA. Data were analyzed using a Student-T in GraphPad Prism. Data are presented as LSMEANS and P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant and tendencies were considered at a P &gt; 0.05. Semen samples were clustered into subpopulation threshold-based on sperm velocity and linearity at each time point. Levels of miRNA-574 and miRNA-26a-5p were quantified using qPCR. No significant differences of miRNA-574 or miRNA-26a-5p were detected in semen at post-thaw. Incubation of semen for 30-minutes resulted in total motility decrease (P = 0.02) and progressive motility tended to decline (P = 0.06). None of the semen was viable past the first 30-minute period. These data suggest that there are limited differences in thermoresistance in sperm in a rapid stress test. However, further research needs to be conducted to evaluate the cells on aspects of viability and overall function.
21 Impact of Breed and Method of Semen Collection on Viability and Membrane Integrity of Goat Spermatozoa
Authors: Reese Tiffany-Briana , Kouakou Brou , Singh Mahipal , Schauston Miller , Moawad Adel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Goats have potential to be genetically improved for meat and milk. Artificial insemination is an important technique used to enhance genetic gain through dissemination of selected male traits. One reason for huge variability in fertility rates in goats is the semen quality, which is affected by breed, collection method, and freezing procedures. Here we investigated effect of breeds (Saanen versus Alpine) and semen collection methods (artificial vagina; AV versus electroejaculation; EE) on the quality of goat spermatozoa. Semen collected from Saanen and Alpine bucks by either AV or EE was evaluated for its color, consistency, and volume. Besides, sperm motility, concentrations, viability, abnormalities, and membrane integrity were assessed. At least three ejaculates were collected from each breed and data were analyzed by student t-test. Results showed that colors of samples collected from the two breeds were white to yellow and the consistency ranged from watery to creamy. Irrespective to the collection method, average volume of ejaculates was higher for Alpine than Saanen (1350 vs. 880 µl for AV and 1066 vs. 987.5 µl for EE). Sperm motility and concentrations were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in Alpine than Saanen semen for both methods. Within the same breed, these parameters were higher (P ≤ 0.05) for AV than EE. Percentage of viable spermatozoa was higher for Alpine than Saanen bucks (80.0% vs. 64.5% in AV) and (52.42% vs. 41.35% in EE). However, sperm abnormalities were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in Alpine semen. Sperm membrane integrity tended to be higher in Alpine semen. In conclusion, semen collected from Alpine bucks had higher quality than those obtained from Saanen ones. Furthermore, collection of semen by AV improved sperm motility and viability than EE in both breeds. These findings suggest that both breeds and method of semen collection could influence the viability and fertility of goat sperm.
9 Evaluating the Utility of Individual Cattle Brush Use Behavior as a Novel Behavioral Phenotype Regarding Productivity, Temperament, and Feeding Behavior of Bos Indicus Steers and Heifers Housed in Dry Lots
Authors: Lozada Claudia C , Daigle Courtney L , O'Reilly Keara , Carstens Gordon , Riley David G 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Little is understood about the relationships among environmental enrichment, temperament, productivity, and feeding behavior in cattle. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of divergent behavioral phenotypes for brush usage on temperament, productivity, and feeding behavior patterns in beef cattle. Four pens of Brahman cattle (n = 2 pens with 15 heifers/pen, and n = 2 pens with 19 steers/pen) were housed in dry lots each equipped with four electronic feedbunks (GrowSafe Systems). Animals were video recorded throughout an 85d commercial gain test. Video recordings were decoded on d 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 using continuous observations for 15 minutes every 30 minutes from 08:00 to 20:00 to determine the total daily brush usage for focal animals that were selected based on d -19 exit velocities. Exit velocity and body weight were measured on d -19, 0, 1, 25, 50, and 70 and feeding behavior was monitored daily using the GrowSafe 4000E system. Animals were classified within gender into one of three phenotypes (high, medium, and low brush usage) based on ±0.5SD from the brush usage mean. A General Linear Mixed Model (PROC GLIMMIX) with brush use phenotype, sex and the interaction of these as fixed effects and pen as random effect was used for data analysis. For high and medium brush use phenotypes, steers had greater final BW than heifers (P = 0.0005), while heifer and steer final body weight did not differ when brush usage was low. High brush use steers had greater ADG (P = 0.0002) than high and medium brush use heifers, and low brush use steers and heifers. This same pattern was observed for DMI (P = 0.0003). Heifers were more temperamental than steers (P = 0.0008), and high and medium brush use heifers had faster exit velocities than low brush use steers. These results suggest that monitoring animal’s pleasurable behavior (brush use), rather than fear response alone, may be a useful behavioral indicator of cattle productivity.
36 Inclusion of Different Sources of Ca Salts of Fatty Acids on Productive Responses of Finishing Cattle
Authors: Colombo Eduardo , Cooke Reinaldo F , Mackey Shea , Pickett Autumn , Zylberlicht Gabriel , Cappellozza Bruno , Batista Luis Fernando , Pohler Ky G , Brandão Alice 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This experiment (d -9 to d 148) evaluated productive responses of feedlot cattle consuming or not different sources of fatty acids (Nutricorp, Araras, SP, Brazil) during the finishing period. Bos taurus-influenced steers (n = 120) were ranked by initial body weight (BW; 410 ± 6 kg) on d -9 and allocated to 1 of 20 pens (6 steers/pen) equipped with Calan gate feeders (American Calan, Northwood, NH) for individual feed delivery. Steers within each pen were randomly assigned to receive a corn-based finishing diet containing or not (CON; n = 30) Ca salts of palm oil (PALM, n = 30), Ca salts of soybean oil (SB, n = 30), or a mixture of Ca salts of palm, soybean, and cottonseed oils (MIX, n = 30) at 2% of the diet (as-fed basis). Within each treatment, 12 steers were shipped to a packing plant on d 93 of the experiment, and the remaining steers on d 148 of the experiment. Steer shrunk BW was recorded on d -9 (initial), and final BW calculated as 63% of hot carcass weight. Initial and final BW were used to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Individual dry matter intake was calculated by measuring dietary weekly offer and refusals. Feed efficiency was measured using steer total body weight gain and total dry matter intake during the experiment. No differences were detected for initial BW (P = 0.99). Final BW, BW gain, and dry matter intake were all greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MIX, PALM and CON compared with SB. Feed efficiency was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MIX and PALM compared with SB, and also greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MIX compared with CON. Longissimus muscle area was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MIX and CON compared with PALM. Collectively, inclusion of MIX into a finishing diet increased performance and feed efficiency of feedlot cattle, whereas inclusion of SB was detrimental to these responses.
40 Ecosystem Services Provided by Grassland Ecosystems in Southeast USA
Authors: Dubeux José C , Garcia Liza 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Ecosystem services are benefits people obtain from ecosystems. They are categorized in provisioning (e.g., animal products, fiber, timber, fruits, pods), supporting (e.g., nutrient and water cycling, soil formation, photosynthesis), regulating (e.g., climate regulation, water purification, pollination), and aesthetic/cultural (e.g., recreation/ecotourism). Grasslands are one of the major agroecosystems in Southeast USA. They provide a multitude of ecosystem services (ES) in all these categories. Grassland management impacts its ability to deliver ES. Management practices such as grazing management, fertilizer application, and diversification of vegetation cover are key aspects to consider. Proper grazing management balancing herbage mass and livestock weight (i.e., herbage allowance) results in net soil C accumulation. In fact, grasslands are one of the most important sinks of soil C. Fertilizer application might have numerous roles in the delivery of ES, some of them beneficial and some others detrimental. Benefits of applying fertilizer include increasing primary productivity and, if accompanied by proper grazing management, can result in greater livestock performance. It may also help to decay recalcitrant litter from C4 grasses and enhance nutrient cycling. Detrimental effects include the use of fossil fuels during the manufacturing process and, if applied in large amounts, might lead to nitrate leaching and denitrification. Integrating forage legumes has potential to enhance the delivery of ES by adding N via biological N fixation, enhancing nutrient cycling, improving livestock gains, and providing a better habitat for pollinating insects. Diversifying functional groups and increasing species richness is a possible way to enhance resource utilization both in space and time, reducing the need for off-farm inputs and maintaining and/or enhancing productivity. Grasslands produce far more than beef and milk. They provide ES that benefit the entire society. Mechanisms to compensate landowners must be put in place to recognize the value they are providing for the entire society.
102 Effects of Cattle Removal Date on Forage Production and Steer Performance in Grazed Cover Crops
Authors: Carrell Russell C , Dillard Leanne L , Mullenix Kim , Gamble Audrey , Muntifering Russ B 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Grazing of cool-season cover crops has been shown to be a viable tool in extending the grazing season while mitigating environmental risks associated with row crop farming systems. Grazing cover crops is not novel, but most information available on this practice focuses on soil health as opposed to forage production and animal performance. The objective was to evaluate the effects of cattle removal date on steer performance, forage yield, and forage quality. Twelve 1.2-ha pastures were established in a forage mix consisting of ‘Cosaque’ oats (Avena strigose), ‘FL401’ cereal rye (Secale cereale), ‘AU Sunrise’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and ‘T-raptor’ brassica (Brassica napus ×B. rapa) and randomly allocated to be grazed through either mid-February (FEB), mid-March (MAR), or mid-April (APR) with an un-grazed control (CON). Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock with the exception of CON and allowed ad libitum grazing. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination of average daily gain (ADG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for average yield, NDF, ADF, and CP. All data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). The following data represents the first three years of a four-year project. Differences in yield were detected between CON and FEB (3,913 vs. 2,398 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.001), CON and MAR (3,913 vs. 1,908 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.001), and CON and APR (3,913 vs. 2,126 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.001). A difference in CP was detected between MAR and CON (13.36% vs. 11.78%; P &lt; 0.02). No differences were detected for ADG (1.2 kg/day, P = 0.56), NDF (52.48%, P = 0.99), or ADF (30.82%, P = 0.4) among treatments. These results indicate that grazing will reduce forage yield, but removal date of cattle will not further affect forage yield or steer average daily gain.
79 Prenatally Stressed Brahman Bulls Produced Embryos with Decreased Embryonic Development
Authors: Ketchum Jaclyn N , Drum Jessica N , Ortega M Sofia , Long Charles L , Welsh Thomas H , Randel Ronald D , Perry George A 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to determine if semen collected from prenatally stressed (PNS) Brahman bulls altered early embryonic development compared to control (CON) bulls. Prenatal stress was achieved by transporting Brahman dams for 2h on d60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 (±5d) of gestation. Semen collected from sexually mature male offspring born to transported (PNS; n=4) or non-transported (CON; n = 5) dams was used to fertilize abattoir derived cumulus oocytes complexes (n = 81-100/bull in 2 wells) in an in vitro setting to monitor early embryonic development. Fertilization took place for 18-20h (day 0). Then, putative zygotes were cultured for 8 days. Cleavage was recorded on d3, the number of 1, 2-6, 8-16, or 16-32 cell embryos was recorded on d5, and the number of blastocysts and degenerated embryos was recorded on d8. A subset of blastocysts from PNS (n = 12) or CON (n = 23) bulls were immunolabelled to differentiate inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE). Differences in early embryonic development and ICM:TE ratios were determined using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS (9.4) with well as a fixed effect. On d3, the percentage of oocytes that cleaved did not differ (P = 0.2660) between treatments. Treatment also had no effect on the percentage of 1 (P = 0.1622), 2-6 (P = 0.1138), 8-16 (P = 0.2722), or 16-32 (P = 0.5586) cell stage embryos on d5 nor the percent of degenerated embryos (P = 0.1130). However, the percentage of embryos that developed to a blastocyst by d8 differed (P = 0.0291) between treatments such that oocytes fertilized by sperm produced by PNS bulls (28%) were less likely to advance to the blastocyst stage compared to CON bulls (35%). The ICM:TE ratio did not differ (P = 0.6484) between treatments. Thus, PNS Brahman bulls do not have an obvious problem to fertilize but may produce sperm with epigenetic modifications that hinder blastocyst formation.
77 Factors Impacting Abundance of PAGs After Embryo Transfer in Beef Cattle
Authors: Quail Lacey K , Ketchum Jaclyn N , Epperson Kaitlin M , Zoca Saulo Menegatti , Andrews Taylor , Kline Adalaide C , Rich Jerica J J , Zezeski Abigail L , Ogg Makayla , Rhoades Jim R , Smith Michael F , Perry George A , Geary Thomas W 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine factors impacting abundance of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) after embryo transfer. Cows were synchronized using the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR® protocol and grouped by estrus expression 48h after prostaglandin (d0) [Estrual (PC): n = 198; Non-estrual: n = 406]. Non-estrual cows were administered GnRH and randomly assigned to Estradiol treatment (E2: n=202; 0.1mg estradiol 17-β) or no treatment (NC: n = 204). In vivo produced embryos were transferred on d7, with grade, stage, and flush balanced across treatments. Circulating concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were determined on d0 and d7, respectively. Abundance of PAGs was determined on d24 and d26. Cows that were pregnant on d30 were grouped by age (H: 2, C: &gt;2 years) and subjected to analysis. Correlations were analyzed using PROC CORR in SAS, while PAGs were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX with treatment, age, year, sire, and embryo grade and stage as fixed effects. Abundance of PAGs on d24 was influenced by treatment (P = 0.01; PC=0.75±0.09, E2=0.59±0.09, NC=0.56±0.08), age (P &lt; 0.01; H=0.75±0.09, C=0.52±0.08), year (P &lt; 0.0001; 2019=0.42±0.08, 2020=0.84±0.09), and sire (P = 0.02; A=0.49±0.12, B=0.62±0.09, C=0.47±0.11, D=0.77±0.08, E=0.83±0.21), but not embryo grade (P = 0.89) or stage (P = 0.40). There was a negative correlation between d0 estradiol and d24 PAGs (P &lt; 0.0001, r=-0.34), and a positive correlation between d7 progesterone and d24 PAGs (P &lt; 0.0001, r=0.36). On d26, PAGs tended to differ by treatment (P = 0.09; PC=2.43±0.20, E2=2.33±0.21, NC=2.03±0.20). Age (P = 0.02; H=2.48±0.22, C=2.05±0.16), and sire (P = 0.0007; B=2.01±0.20, D=2.52±0.17) influenced PAGs, but embryo grade (P = 0.33) and stage (P = 0.32) did not on d26. Sire was associated with PAGs, and presumably embryo attachment, but not pregnancy rate. Increased progesterone concentrations on d7 were correlated with earlier attachment as measured by PAGs. Estrus expression prior to d0 may enhance earlier attachment of the fetal/maternal interface, and supplemental estradiol on d0 may improve attachment by d26 when ovulation is induced. Funded by NIFA 2019-67015-29411.
119 Randel Lectureship: The Role of Maternal Nutrition in Developmental Programming Using a Sheep Model
Authors: Govoni Kristen E 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Appropriate nutrition during gestation is critical for optimal fetal development and life-long health. Poor nutrition during gestation, defined as excess or restricted nutrition, can lead to altered growth and metabolic dysregulation in the offspring. Using a sheep model, we have demonstrated that both restricted- and over-feeding alter offspring growth, impair muscle growth, increase fat accumulation, alter circulating growth and metabolic hormones, and alter mRNA expression of genes involved in myogenesis, lipogenesis, inflammation, and glycogen metabolism. More importantly, these negative impacts of poor maternal nutrition persist through adulthood, and can be passed to subsequent generations. Using omics approaches, we have begun to elucidate the mechanisms by which maternal diet impacts developmental programming and contributes to these persistent effects. In offspring from restricted-fed mothers, fetal liver and muscle morphology demonstrated impaired growth and alterations in key metabolites in methionine, betaine, and bile salt pathways. In offspring from both restricted- and over-fed mothers, global metabolomics demonstrated altered lipid and protein metabolism profiles. These changes in metabolites likely contribute to maternal programming of offspring growth and metabolism including efficiency of energy utilization. In addition to changes in key genes involved in growth, lipid accretion, and protein synthesis, preliminary studies suggest these persistent effects may be due to changes epigenetic regulation in offspring. Using the sheep model of both restricted- and over-feeding we, and others, have demonstrated that the negative effects of poor maternal nutrition affect multiple key metabolic tissues during fetal development and that these changes persist into maturity. Therefore, the focus of our current studies is to determine the multigenerational impacts of poor maternal nutrition on offspring growth and health and elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to these persistent changes.