bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PS-1 An Evaluation of Cow Age and Activity Traits During the Breeding Season to Assess the Effect on Pregnancy Status
Authors: Dubowsky Jason , McFarlane Zachary D , Abo-Ismail Mohammed , Field Catherine E 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate activity traits and its influence on pregnancy during the breeding season. In a 2-year study, crossbred Angus cows (n = 17) were randomly assigned to receive a Knight global positioning system (GPS) tracking collar. All cows were synchronized for fixed-timed artificial insemination (TAI) utilizing a 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Then, bulls were turned out with the cowherd 14-d after TAI for a 65-d breeding season. Cows were retrospectively classified in the following groups: (1) conception to TAI (n = 8), (2) Pregnant (n = 6), or (3) Open (n = 3). Cow activity traits were measured as total daily distance traveled, distance to water, and percentage of time spent near water and grazing challenging topography (i.e., &gt; 15% slope) were analyzed during the breeding season. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. The model included the main effect of cow age and year was used as a fixed effect. When testing the effect of pregnancy status and cow age on activity traits, these effects did not influence (P = 0.30) total daily distance traveled during the breeding season. Cow age had a significant (P = 0.03) effect on distance to water, wherein, younger cows traveled further from the water source when compared with older cows. Older cows tended (P = 0.08) to spend more time near the water source. Pregnancy status had no influence (P ≥ 0.25) on time spent near the water source nor distance to the water source. Pregnancy status and age had no impact (P ≥ 0.39) on the amount of time cows spent on challenging slopes. In this study, cow age had a stronger effect on cow grazing behavior during the breeding season when compared with pregnancy status. More data will be collected to validate results from the current study.
PS-2 Early Intrauterine Suppression of CXCL12-CXCR4 Alters Expression of Placental Inflammatory Profile at Mid-to-Late Gestation
Authors: Hughes Jillian M , Alderete Cael N , Ashley Ryan L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
A proper balance of inflammatory cytokines at the fetal-maternal interface is crucial for successful embryo implantation and placental formation. Chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and receptor CXCR4 are expressed by fetal and maternal placental tissues and implicated in cytokine synthesis. However, mechanisms controlling the axis and placental inflammatory profile are not well characterized. Using an in-vivo sheep model, we previously demonstrated suppressing CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling at the fetal-maternal interface during implantation yielded dysregulated production of inflammatory cytokines in the placenta. Our objective was to determine if disrupting the cytokine profile during implantation alters the placental inflammatory profile at mid-to-late gestation. Day 12 post-breeding, osmotic pumps were surgically installed in 37 ewes to deliver CXCR4 inhibitor (1.5X dose, n = 8; 1X dose, n = 8; 3X dose, n = 8) or saline (n = 13) into the uterine lumen ipsilateral to the corpus luteum for 14 days. On days 90 and 135 of gestation, placental tissues were collected; maternal (caruncle) and fetal (cotyledon) placenta components were then separated and analyzed. Real-time qPCR was used to measure gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon-γ (IFNγ), interleukin-12 (IL12), and anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). Gene expression for TGFβ from tissues ipsilateral to the pump on day 90 increased (P &lt; 0.03) in caruncles from 3x treated ewes compared to control ewes while IL10 mRNA decreased (P &lt; 0.02) in cotyledons from 1.5x compared to 3x treatment. Furthermore, analysis of day 135 1x treated ewes showed greater expression (P &lt; 0.03) of IL12 in caruncles ipsilateral compared to contralateral of the pump; meanwhile IL10 showed decreased expression (P &lt; 0.02) in cotyledons ipsilateral compared to contralateral of the pump. High levels of TGFβ, IFNγ (whose production is promoted by increased IL12), and TNF along with decreased levels of IL10 have been associated with preeclampsia in women. The changes in gene expressions of ovine immune cytokines with a disrupted CXCL12-CCR4 axis may be related to preeclamptic events. Ultimately, modulating CXCL12-induced actions is a novel approach to manipulating the fetal-maternal environment when most pregnancy losses occur and may reveal methods to improve reproductive success and fetal health in livestock.
PS-3 Effects of Feeding Rates on Diflubenzuron Efficacy Against Filth Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in Manure of Beef Heifers
Authors: Martin Emma C , Sanchez-Sandoval Ulises A , Ramirez Jovannah , Smythe Brandon G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The objective of the current study is to determine the effect of feeding rates on the efficacy of diflubenzuron against filth fly development in the manure of beef heifers. Twelve Angus × Hereford crossbred heifers (263 kg ± 16.2 kg BW) were used in a completely randomized design and heifers were assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the efficacy of diflubenzuron against horn flies Haematobia irritans (L.), stable flies Stomoxys calcitrans and house fly Musca domestica utilizing fecal bioassays. Treatments consisted of 2 insecticidal treatments [Diflubenzuron (DFB; 0.10 mg per kg BW) and no DFB (CNT)] in a factorial arrangement with 2 dietary fed regimens [1.5% BW alfalfa hay cubes and 3.0% BW alfalfa hay cubes]. All heifers receiving DFB treatments were dosed daily beginning on day 0 and continuing through day 7. Manure samples were collected daily prior to DFB offering and for 11 consecutive days. Efficacy calculations were developed utilizing standard filth fly fecal bioassays accounting for control performance. A treatment × day interaction (P ≤ 0.01) was observed for all species largely associated with the presence of DFB and associated with the on-set of efficacy (day 0–2) and wash out (day 8–10) of the product. Feeding regimen did not (P &gt; 0.05) influence DFB performance against any of the fly species evaluated. Formulations of DFB appear to handle a wide range of animal intake scenarios under controlled situations.
PS-4 Evaluating the Effects of Artificial Rainfall and Permethrin Resistance Status on the Efficacy of Common Pour-On Formulation Delivered to Beef Heifers in a Controlled Environment
Authors: Castro Dalila , Sanchez-Sandoval Ulises A , Ramirez Jovannah , Smythe Brandon G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The objective of this study is to determine the impact of rainfall on the duration of efficacy of a commercial pour-on against susceptible (SS) and permethrin resistant (PR) horn flies. Eighteen Angus-Hereford crossbred heifers (BW) were used in a completely randomized design with repeated measures to determine the efficacy and longevity of a permethrin-based pour-on. Animals were randomly assigned to one of two fly infestations (SS or PR) and within infestation to one of three rainfall regimens [no rain (NR), no rain with a pour-on (NP) treatment, and rain with a pour-on (RP) treatment]. All heifers were housed in outdoor roofed pens within the corresponding treatment group and animals with NP and RP groups were treated once on day 0 at the label rate. Once a week for four weeks all animals were placed into individual indoor screened rooms where the fly infestations were administered. Live fly counts were acquired 24 h following each infestation. Animal with RP received approximately 2.54 cm of artificially provided rainfall within 2 hours following each weakly horn fly count. A treatment × day x fly interaction (P &lt; 0.01) was observed. In general, NR groups maintained higher (P &lt; 0.05) populations of SS and PR for 22 and 8 days post-treatment, respectively. Regardless, of fly species, rainfall had no (P &gt; 0.05) influence on product efficacy. In conclusion, insecticide resistance status appears to be more influential than heavy rainfall in the longevity of permethrin-based pour-on products.
PSI-2 Disruption of CXCL12-CXCR4 Axis at Fetal-Maternal Interface During Implantation Alters Ovine Angiogenic Expression at Mid-to-Late Gestation
Authors: Wasson Megan E , Ashley Ryan L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Placental dysfunction originates during placental development, specifically the events of placentation. Vascularization is a key component of placentation due to its role in fetal-maternal exchange. Cytokines are regulators of placental development; signaling of chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor (CXCR4) drives placental vascularization. Utilizing an in vivo sheep model, we demonstrated that suppressing CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling at the fetal-maternal interface reduces placental vascularization. We hypothesized these negative impacts early in gestation would result in compromised placental development and vascularization at mid to late gestation. On day 12 post-breeding, osmotic pumps were surgically installed in 37 ewes and delivered either CXCR4 inhibitor (AMD3100) at 1x dose (n = 8),1.5X dose (n = 8), or 3X dose (n = 8) or saline (n = 13) into the uterine lumen ipsilateral to the corpus luteum for 14 days. On day 90 and day 135 placental tissues were collected and maternal (caruncle) and fetal (cotyledon) placenta components were separated and analyzed. Gene expression of angiogenic factors were analyzed using Real-time qPCR. Gene expression was significantly altered by AMD3100 treatment for the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (FLT-1 and KDR) primarily in day 90 placenta contralateral to the corpus luteum. Significant decreases in KDR were seen in 3x compared to control (P &lt; 0.03), 3x compared to 1.5x (P &lt; 0.008), and 3x contralateral compared to ipsilateral (P &lt; 0.01); however, FLT-1 significantly increased (P &lt; 0.02) from control to 1.5x. Day 90 caruncle tissue had significant increases in FLT-1 from control to 3x (0.02), 1.5x to 3x (P &lt; 0.03); however, 1.5x treatment FLT-1 significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.02) ipsilateral to contralateral. Fibroblast growth factor 2 increased in both contralateral 3x compared to control cotyledon (P &lt; 0.03) and caruncle (P &lt; 0.03). Our data underscore the importance of CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling during placentation and provide strong evidence that altering CXCR4-mediated signaling during early placentation induces enduring effects altering vascular development later in gestation. A greater understanding of CXCL12/CXCR4 functions may reveal methods to improve reproductive success and fetal health.
PSI-3 Heritability Estimates and Correlations Between Dry Matter Intake and Stayability
Authors: Hurst Caleb W , Enns R Mark , Speidel Scott E , Thomas Milton G , Giess Lane K 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine heritability and genetic correlation estimates between dry matter intake (DMI) and Stayability in Angus cattle originating from the John E. Rouse Beef Improvement Center. From the years 2015–2021, 640 steers were fed in confinement using a GrowSafe System® to measure individual DMI. The duration of feeding varied each year; however, mean test length was 49 ± 0.31 days with a 21-day warm-up period to allow for acclimation to the environment and ration. A bivariate animal model was used. Stayability was evaluated using a binary, probit threshold model while DMI was evaluated as a continuous trait. In addition to the 640 steers with intake, a total of 1,673 pedigree-related cows possessed a Stayability observation. Cows were awarded a ‘1’ if they maintained functionality within the herd for six years. Those not achieving the six-year threshold were given a ‘0’. Mean DMI calculated for the steers was 10.11 ± 0.12 kg/day while the mean for stayability was 0.59 ± .15 (59% of females in this study remained in the herd for at least six years). Fixed effects in the model included contemporary group and age. Contemporary groups were defined as year, pen and test duration for DMI. Contemporary groups for Stayability were solely the year of birth for a given cohort. Individual animal was included as a random effect for both Stayability and DMI to account for the direct genetic effects for both traits. A 3-generation pedigree file containing 3,421 angus influenced animals with 785 unique sires and 2,425 unique dams was used to link the steers to the cows in this study. Residual covariance between DMI and Stayability in this study was fixed at 0. The heritability estimate for DMI was 0.26 ± 0.12 making it moderately heritable with a phenotypic variance of 9.29 kg2 ± 0.55. The heritability estimate for Stayability was quite low 0.02 ± 0.39. The genetic correlation between DMI and Stayability determined by this model was 0.8211 ± 1.2. Though the heritability is low for Stayability, these results suggested that Angus cows that exhibit higher feed intake tend to have more longevity within the herd.
PSI-4 Investigation of a Naturally Occurring XX Male Bull
Authors: Angove Mitchell , Turner Zachary , Conley Alan , McNabb Brett R , Van Eenennaam Alison L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The Y chromosome–linked gene sex-determining region (SRY) is believed to be the master initiator of male sex determination in almost all eutherian mammals, functioning to upregulate expression of its direct target gene SRY-related HMG box–containing gene 9 (SOX9). XX maleness in humans is a rare syndrome with a frequency of 1 in 20,000–25,000 males. Approximately 90% of these cases carry some amount of the Y chromosome sequences due to an illegitimate recombination between X and Y chromosomes, where most of these cases have normal male genitalia. A more severe manifestation, the remaining 10% do not have any Y-chromosome sequences, and typically have ambiguous genitalia. In this study, we report a case of an infertile bull. Physical examination of this purebred Holstein bull showed a phenotypically androgynous animal with a normal penis, cryptorchidism (2 diminutive testicles, only one descended), and with a skeletal conformation and stance usually associated with female individuals. Lymphocytes from heparin sodium anticoagulated blood were cultured, harvested, and prepared according to conventional cell culture methods revealed a normal 60, XX karyotype with no numerical or structural chromosomal aberrations. PCR analyses were negative for the SRY gene, and positive for androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome. No sperm were found in seminal fluid collected in a routine breeding soundness exam at 17 months of age. The bull was slaughtered at 18 months of age, and its reproductive tract was collected. The testicle weighed 18.9 g (descended), and 42.4 g (abdominal). Neither testicle/epididymal unit was appropriate size or fully developed. Two very enlarged vesicular glands (43.36 g and 52.52 g, normally each ~ 20 g) were observed alongside what appeared to be uterine tissue. Histology showed no tubular grooves in the ampulla and an epididymis devoid of sperm. The development of a male phenotype in SRY-negative XX individuals suggests that in addition to SRY, there are autosomal or X-linked genes involved in the sex-determining pathway. In humans, a dose change of the SOX9 gene, loss of function mutations in the WNT4, FoxL2, and RSPO1 testicular suppressing genes, and genomic rearrangements within the regulatory region of the SRY-box transcription factor 3 (SOX3) gene have all been associated with XX male sex reversal. To investigate whether a mutation or genomic rearrangement was responsible for the male phenotype in the SRY-negative 60, XX bull, DNA was collected from the bull and his sire and dam for long-read trio sequencing. These data may provide evidence for either a loss of function mutation in a gene normally inhibiting testes formation in XX individuals, or a gain of function mutation in a gene downstream of SRY in the sex determining pathway.
PSI-5 Relationships of Feed Efficiency and Growth Estimated Breeding Values in Range Sheep
Authors: Schaub Daniel , Posbergh Christian 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
United States sheep producers have selected range sheep for larger post-weaning weights through estimated breeding values (EBVs) for the past forty years. This has led to producers perceiving more feed being required than historical averages. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between lamb growth estimated breeding values, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Eighty ewe lambs (40 Targhee and 40 Rambouillet) were weaned at four months of age and put onto a GrowsafeTM feeding system for a 42-day feeding trial with a 14-day adaption period. Ewe lambs were weighed weekly and at the beginning and end of the trial. Body weights, average daily gain (ADG), and daily feed intake measurements were used to calculate Residual Feed Intake (RFI). The ewe lambs’ post-weaning weight EBV was associated to feed intake, mid-trial metabolic body weight, and RFI. These experimental procedures were repeated in a second trial when the same ewes were yearlings and at maintenance. While post-weaning weight EBVs were predictive to dry matter intake (P &lt; 0.05), there was no relationship between post-weaning weight EBVs and RFI (P &gt; 0.05), this association was constant across both trials. A ewe’s post-weaning weight EBV was also predictive of mid-trial body weight in both trials (P &lt; 0.05). This suggests that while selection for higher post-weaning weight animals may increase sheep producers’ feed usage due to larger body size, feed efficiency is not associated with the post-weaning weight EBV. To investigate if the RFI measurements from the growth stage are predictive of maintenance requirements, we further compared the RFI, ADG, mid-trial body weights, and DMI measurements between the two trials. Growth RFI measurements were found not to be predictive of RFI in maintenance. Therefore, caution should be used when utilizing RFI from the growth phase as an indicator for feed efficiency in maintenance. Alternatively, we found that DMI from the growth stage was predictive of DMI of the maintenance stage (P &lt; 0.05). Ewes’ mid-trial body weight in the first trial was also predictive of the mid-trial body weight of the second trial (P &lt; 0.05). Mid-trial body weight was positively associated with DMI in both trials (P &lt; 0.05). Thus, the differences in ewe body weight were likely driving the differences seen in dry matter intake. Overall, our results suggest that range producer’s selection towards sheep with larger post weaning weight EBVs may be increasing ewe DMI due to increased body size but is not negatively affecting the ewe’s overall feed efficiency.
PSII-1 An Evaluation of a Nutrient Drench Administered to Calves at Arrival into the Feedlot on Subsequent Health Status and Assessment of Immune Status with a Rapid Immunity Test
Authors: Lowe Blane , Zheng Tianyu , Reinhardt Christopher , Branine Mark E 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
A functionally effective immune system is required to maintain health and resist disease challenges for cattle received into the feedlot. Transport is a primary stressor that can decrease trace mineral status and impair immune function. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate a trace mineral drench providing key supplemental trace minerals (Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) administered to cattle at arrival into the feedlot on subsequent health and morbidity and 2) application of a novel technology for assessing immune status in stressed calves at risk for respiratory disease (BRD). From October through December 2021, 20 loads of Angus x Holstein heifers (n=1,988; 218± 2.7 kg) were transported from a calf rearing facility in northwest OH to a commercial feedlot in southwest NE. At initial processing, calves were individually identified and weighed and were administered a common processing protocol. Based on individual ear tag number heifers were either provided no drench (even-numbered tags; CONTROL) or 45 mL of a supplemental nutrient drench (odd-numbered tags; Profusion™, Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN). Across 10 loads blood samples were collected from approximately 300 animals for subsequent measurement of humoral immunity status (D2Dx™; Nano Discovery Inc., Orlando, FL). Subsequent morbidity was monitored throughout the weeks following arrival. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed and Proc Glimmix with fixed effects of treatment and load with heifer as experimental unit. Morbidity status of each heifer was classified based on whether the animal was subsequently pulled and treated for a diagnosed disease. Initial BW did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.67); however, BW varied among loads (P ≤ 0.01) and was lower (P ≤ 0.01) in calves subsequently pulled and treated for BRD. Reported mortality from all causes was minimal and not analyzed. Respiratory disease was the primary cause of disease; however, incidence was not affected (P ≥ 0.55) by treatment (21.1% vs. 23.5% for CONTROL and PROFUSION, respectively). Time from arrival to first recorded treatment varied among loads (range: 4 – 35 d) with a mean and median value of 26 and 21 d respectively with no treatment effects. Measured D2Dx scores at initial processing did not differ (P ≥ 0.43) between heifers assigned to CONTROL or PROFUSION treatments; however, scores were different among loads (P ≤ 0.01). In heifers subsequently treated for BRD, initial D2Dx scores were approximately 23% lower (P ≤ 0.07; D2Dx score =0.0138) compared to non-BRD treated animals (D2Dx score = 0.0180). These results suggest that administration of PROFUSION at arrival may not have been optimum based on subsequent observed morbidity patterns and calves with lower D2Dx score at arrival may have a lower humoral immunity especially a lower Th-1 immunity and thereby be more susceptible for clinical BRD.