Body Condition Research Articles

Morphological and molecular characterization of Eimeria haematopusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in an Australian Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) (Aves: Charadriiformes).

A novelEimeriaSchneider, 1875 species is described from an Australian pied oystercatcherHaematopus longirostrisVieillot, in Western Australia. The pied oystercatcher was admitted to the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (KWRC), Perth, Western Australia in a poor body condition, abrasion to its right hock and signs of partial delamination to its lower beak. Investigation into potential medical causes resulted in a faecal sample being collected and screened for gastrointestinal parasites. Unsporulated coccidian oocysts were initially observed in the faeces and identified asEimeriaupon sporulation. The sporulated oocysts (n= 20) are ellipsoidal, 20-21 × 12-13 μm in shape and have thick bi-layered walls which are c.2/3 of the total thickness. Micropyle is present, robust and protruding, and occasionally has a rounded polar body attached to the micropyle. Within the oocyst, a residuum, in addition, two to five polar granules are present. There are four ellipsoidal sporocysts 9-11×5-6 μm with flattened to half-moon shaped Stieda bodies. Sub-Stieda body and para-Stieda body are absent. The sporocysts contain sporocyst residuums composed of a few spherules scattered among the sporozoites. Within the sporozoites, anterior and posterior refractile bodies are present, but the nucleus is indiscernible. To further characterise the novelEimeriaspeciesfromH. longirostris, molecular analysis was conducted at the 18S ribosomal RNA locus, using PCR amplification and cloning. Two cloned sequences from the novelEimeriawere compared with those from otherEimeriaspp. with the highest genetic similarity of 97.6% and 97.2% from Clone 1 and 2, respectively withEimeria reichenowi(AB544308) from a hooded crane (Grus monachaTemminck) in Japan. Both sequences grouped in a clade with theEimeriaspp. isolated from wetland birds, which includeEimeria paludosa(KJ767187) from a dusky moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosaGould) in Western Australia,Eimeria reichenowi(AB544308) and Eimeria gruis (AB544336) both from hooded cranes. Based on the morphological and molecular data, thisEimeriasp. is a new species of coccidian parasite and is named Eimeria haematopusi n. sp. after its hostH. longirostris.

The evolution of the FARM Animal Care program: Trends, priority issues and opportunities for veterinarians

The FARM Program’s goal is to assist U.S. dairy farmers, par­ticipating cooperatives and processors in providing assurance to dairy buyers that U.S. dairy farmers care for their animals, workforce and land in a humane and ethical manner. Over 17,000 second-party evaluations and 480 third-party verifica­tions have been conducted on U.S. dairy farms under Version 4 of the animal care program. Though the majority of farms meet FARM standards, lack of a VCPR and herd health plan signed by the veterinarian in the past 12 months, missing/incomplete continuing education records for employees, not meeting the benchmark for broken tails, lack of pain control for disbud­ding, and incomplete drug treatment records are the most com­mon corrective actions. Overall, a high percentage of herds have met animal observation benchmarks (99% knee lesions, 98% body condition, 97% locomotion, 95% hock lesions, 91% hygiene, and 85% broken tails). Veterinarians are positioned as a critical resource in this program; they are not only needed to comply with program standards and when out of compliance, have a specific opportunity to consult, advise, guide and sup­port clients regarding the health and welfare of their herd.

Automated body length and body condition measurements of whales from drone videos for rapid assessment of population health

AbstractMonitoring body length and body condition of individuals helps determine overall population health and assess adaptation to environmental changes. Aerial photogrammetry from drone‐based videos is a valuable method for obtaining body length and body condition measurements of cetaceans. However, the laborious manual processing of drone‐based videos to select frames to measure animals ultimately delays assessment of population health and hinders conservation actions. Here, we apply deep learning methods to expedite the processing of drone‐based videos to improve efficiency of obtaining important morphological measurements of whales. We develop two user‐friendly models to automatically (1) detect and output frames containing whales from drone‐based videos (“DeteX”) and (2) extract body length and body condition measurements from input frames (“XtraX”). We use drone‐based videos of gray whales to compare manual versus automated measurements (n = 86). Our results show automated methods reduced processing times by one‐ninth, while achieving similar accuracy as manual measurements (mean coefficient of variation <5%). We also demonstrate how these methods are adaptable to other species and identify remaining challenges to help further improve automated measurements in the future. Importantly, these tools greatly speed up obtaining key morphological data while maintaining accuracy, which is critical for effectively monitoring population health.

Hourly Feeding Regime of Modern Genetics Lactating Sows: Enhancing Productive Performance, Welfare, and Piglet Growth in Smart Farm-Based Systems

Effective management of lactating sows significantly influences various aspects of swine production. This study compared the impact of an hourly feeding regime and a five-times-daily feeding regime on the productive performance, body condition, and welfare of lactating sows, as well as on the growth performance of their offspring. Twenty-eight lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were divided into two groups: Group 1 was fed five times a day, and Group 2 was fed according to an hourly regime. The data were analyzed using independent-samples T-tests and the Mann–Whitney U test using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2011, Version 9.3) software. An hourly feeding regime positively affected (p < 0.05) sows’ feed intake and body condition, significantly reducing the days from the weaning-to-estrus interval. Group 1 exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) reductions in backfat thickness (BFT) and body condition score (BCS) during the weaning period compared to Group 2. Additionally, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in regard to sow body weight loss, feed intake, piglet livability and mortality rate at weaning, sow index, and calculated milk yield. Feeding sows according to an hourly regime positively impacted their productive performance compared to those fed five times daily. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were recorded in regard to the total number of piglets born, live births, mummified piglets, stillbirths, piglet mortality, litter size at weaning, and sow feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the number of piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) was numerically higher in Group 2 (p > 0.05). The piglets from Group 2 had significantly higher (p < 0.05) weaning weights and exhibited lower feed intake, greater weight gain, improved average daily gain, and greater litter size weight gain than those from Group 1. Statistically, sows from Group 2 exhibited a higher frequency of standing (p < 0.05), which potentially contributed to the reduction in shoulder skin lesions in sows (p > 0.05). In conclusion, an hourly feeding regime could optimize sow productive performance, body condition, milk yield, welfare, and piglet growth in swine production.

Apparent digestibility and nutritional status of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) under human care.

Studing the nutritional needs and dietary habits of primates is essential to ensure their health and well-being. This includes the understanding of the use of nutrients and its correlation with health parameters. Diet and nutritional parameters of 13 captive capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) were assesed. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and nutrients were evaluated. Nutritional status was established based on body condition score (BCS) and muscle mass score (MMS). High apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) were observed for crude protein and ether extract, but low for minerals and crude fiber. The ADC of EE and CF were related to MMS, and the biochemical parameters did not correlate with the AD coefficients obtained in the group. The nutritional status of the animals remained inadequate in 84.6% of the individuals, suggesting a reformulation of the diet and nutritional management.

Stressors Inherent to Beef Cattle Management in the United States of America and the Resulting Impacts on Production Sustainability: A Review

Stressors are directly related to major events throughout the beef cattle production cycle. Understanding the impact stressors have on productive outcomes is critical for the efficient implementation of management strategies. Such stressors include environmental extremes, nutritional deprivation, and common management procedures. Environmental extremes such as thermal stress can disturb gestating cows’ normal physiological responses, hindering reproductive efficiency. Thermal stress during the breeding season can affect embryo development causing a decrease in conception rates, although adjusting the scheduling of breeding activities can minimize losses. Additionally, suboptimal nutrition may negatively impact reproductive performance if management strategies including modifying seasonal grazing practices are not implemented. As gestation progresses, nutrient requirements increase; thus, without appropriate dietary management, poor calf performance, the loss of the body condition score, and reduced reproductive performance may result. While weaning is a common management procedure, this event is another major stress within the production system. Applying efficient strategies such as creep feeding or two-step weaning to mitigate weaning stress can maximize production efficiency. This review will explore in-depth the stressors associated with production events in the beef cattle industry and give insight into researched management strategies targeting these stressors that will improve the sustainability of the production system.

Methane output across life stages in sheep, how it differs from lambs to adult ewes using portable accumulation chambers.

Methane (CH4) produced from enteric fermentation is a potent greenhouse gas produced by ruminant animals. Multiple measurements are required across life stages to develop an understanding of how CH4 output changes throughout the animal's lifetime. The objectives of the current study were to estimate CH4 output across life stages in sheep and to investigate the relationship between CH4 output and dry matter intake (DMI). Data were generated on a total of 266 female Suffolk and Texel animals. Methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) output, estimated using portable accumulation chambers, and DMI, estimated using the n-alkane technique outdoors and using individual penning indoors, were quantified across the animal's life stage; as lambs (< 12 months), nulliparous hoggets (12 to 24 months) and ewes (primiparous or greater; > 24 months). Ewes were further classified as pregnant, lactating and dry (non-pregnant and non-lactating). Multiple measurements were taken within and across life stages on the same animals. A linear mixed model was used to determine if CH4 and CO2 output differed across life stages and using a separate linear mixed model the factors associated with CH4 output within each life stage were also investigated. Methane, CO2 output and DMI differed by life stage (P<0.05), with lactating ewes producing the greatest amount of CH4 (25.99g CH4/day) and CO2 (1711.6g CO2/day), while also having the highest DMI (2.18kg dry matter/day). Methane output differed by live-weight of the animals across all life stages (P<0.001). As ewe body condition score increased CH4 output declined (P<0.05). Correlations between CH4 output measured across life stages ranged from 0.26 (SE 0.08; lambs and lactating ewes) to 0.59 (SE 0.06; hoggets and pregnant ewes), while correlations between CO2 output measured across life stages ranged from 0.12 (SE 0.06; lambs and hoggets) to 0.65 (SE 0.06; hoggets and lactating ewes). Dry matter intake was moderately correlated with CH4 (0.44; SE 0.04) and CO2 output (0.59; SE 0.03). Results from this study provide estimates of CH4 output across life stages in a pasture-based sheep production system and offer valuable information for the national inventory and the marginal abatement cost curve on the optimum time to target mitigation strategies.

The Study of Body Condition Score and Macro Minerals on Fertile and Repeat Breeding Cattle in Ngaglik Sub-District

Beef is a source of animal protein in demand by the Indonesians. The development of cattle breeding in Indonesia needs to grow. One factor that causes the stagnation of cattle breeding is reproductive disorders. A reproductive disorder that local farmers in Indonesia often find is repeat breeding. This study aimed to know the Body Condition Score (BCS), Sodium (Na), and Chloride (Cl) between fertile and repeat-breeding cattle. This study used ten Simmental-PO cattle, and the research was conducted in Ngaglik Sub-District, Sleman City, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. Cattle were divided into two groups, with five cattle in each group. Anamnesis examinations among farmers and reproduction records tests aimed to determine the fertile and repeat breeding cattle. Furthermore, body condition scoring is achieved by examining and palpating the costume and vertebrae. Blood samples were collected to determine the sodium and chlorine levels. Body Condition Score parameters among cattle were analyzed descriptively, and Na and Cl levels were analyzed using an independent T-test. The results of the BCS study on fertile cattle are 3,3 on average, and repeat breeding cattle are 2,5 on average. In addition, the results of the Na study on fertile cattle were 132.7±3.8, and repeat-breeding cattle were 131.6±2.5 (P&gt;0.05). The results of the Cl study on productive cattle were 91.7±3.0 and repeat-breeding cattle 89.3±4.7 (P&gt;0.05). The conclusion is that BCS is fertile range 2-3 and repeats breeding range 3-4. In conclusion, Na and Cl have no significant differences in productive and repeat-breeding cattle.

PSI-9 Relationship of body condition measures and boar reproductive performance

Abstract In the swine industry, boar nutritional requirements are not well characterized; thus, boars are typically fed to maintain a specific body condition score (BCS). Assessing body condition with subjective scoring can lead to over or underfeeding, which may have repercussions on sperm production and(or) quality. There are objective tools to assess body condition in live boars, like backfat (BF) thickness measured with real-time ultrasound, the Knauer caliper, and flank-to-flank (F2F) length. The relationship of sperm production and quality with BCS has not been reported in modern genetics and modern boar studs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of body condition measures with boar reproductive performance. Data collected in March 2023 on commercial boars (n = 147) included a BCS ranging from 2.25 to 3.5, ultrasound backfat (13.7 ± 4.37 mm) performed by a trained technician, body weight (BW; 222 ± 30.2 kg) estimated using heart girth and body length from poll to tailhead, F2F length (106.03 ± 5.94 cm) and Knauer caliper score (17.5 ± 2.37). Additional variables considered were boar genetic line, age, and collection frequency. Sperm production data (total motility, 92.1 ± 7.22%; concentration, 36.7 ± 12.10 mil/mL; ejaculate volume, 231.1 ± 73.72 mL; normal cells, 83.4 ± 11.27%) were obtained from the six collections immediately prior to body condition evaluation. Data were evaluated with the glmmTMB package of R Statistical Software using a generalized linear mixed model. There were no significant relationships between motility or ejaculate volume and boar body condition. Backfat depth was related to percentage of normal cells (P = 0.029) and inversely related to sperm concentration (P = 0.035). There was a tendency for boars with greater F2F to have greater sperm concentration (P = 0.090). Generally, the percentage of normal cells decreased with increasing BCS, though due to the low number of observations in the lower categories, only BCS 3.25 and BCS 3.5 boars were found to have a significant relationship with the trait (P = 0.004 and P = 0.022, respectively). Caliper measure was not related with any sperm parameters. While accessible tools are necessary for consistent management of boars, BF thickness measured by ultrasound was the only objective tool in this study with a significant relationship to any sperm parameters assessed. Measuring BF with ultrasound may not be practical for everyday use. More research should be done to further assess body condition measurements, objective measuring tools, and boar sperm production.

114 Effects of greater levels of soy protein and methionine on periparturient health of sows

Abstract Sow prolificacy in the U.S. continues to trend greater, as does sow mortality. Replacement of soy protein (SBM) in sow diets with corn and purified amino acids (AA), may impact the health of highly prolific sows. In 2015, Denmark increased recommendations for SID methionine (MET) to SID lysine (LYS), MET:LYS to 32%, NRC (2012) recommend 27%. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate SBM and MET at greater levels for their effects on markers of health in the peripartum and lactation periods. A total of 38 parity 1 to 3 females (PIC 1050) were utilized with a starting body weight (BW) of 223.4kg ± 13.0 SD. On d 85 of gestation, sows were allocated by BW and parity to one of four treatments: 1 - 30% SBM (30% of diet), 36% MET:LYS; 2 - 15% SBM, 36% MET:LYS; 3 - 30% SBM, 27% MET:LYS; 4 - 15% SBM, 27% MET:LYS. Sows were fed dietary treatments 28 d pre-farrow, according to BW, and ad libitum throughout lactation. Body condition by caliper (BCS), BW, and backfat (BF) were measured on d 0, 21, 2 d post-farrow, and weaning. Sows were assigned a farrowing ease score of 1 to 4 (1-easy to 4-difficult) based on duration, restless activity, savaging, and assistance required. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) were placed on a subset of sows (n = 12) on d 113 of gestation through 3 d post-farrow. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS with sow serving as the experimental unit. A planned t-test was performed on CGM glucose data. Two sows were removed during lactation. The combined effect of 30% SBM and 36% MET:LYS produced an average lactation BW loss of 0.3 kg, while the 15% SBM and 27% MET:LYS treatment, diets similar to NRC, lost an average of 18.1kg. Sows fed the 30% SBM diets had less lactation BW loss than 15% SBM (Table 1; P &amp;lt; 0.10). Sows fed 36% MET:LYS lost less BW than those fed 27% MET:LYS (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The 36% MET:LYS group also lost less backfat during lactation and had lower pre- and post-farrow body temperatures than 27% MET:LYS (P &amp;lt; 0.01 and P &amp;lt; 0.05, respectively). While no differences in blood glucose were observed, in sows with CGM, greater levels of SBM decreased interstitial glucose concentrations (P = 0.055). In conclusion, greater inclusion of SBM and increasing the MET:LYS ratio in sow diets may improve periparturient changes in body condition and health outcomes.

151 Use of a clay and algae-based decontaminant on sows naturally exposed to mycotoxins in gestation and lactation

Abstract Mycotoxin contamination in pig feed is a recurring problem leading to chronic exposure of the animals, even when mycotoxin levels are below official guidance (FDA, EFSA). Deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivates are among the main mycotoxins impacting pig production in the United States. This study evaluated the effect of a clay- and algae-based mycotoxin decontaminant on the reproductive performance of sows (n = 207) exposed to chronic natural mycotoxin contamination from 35 d of gestation to weaning. The level of mycotoxins in the feed was measured using LC-MS/MS. A mean contamination of 956 ppb DON, 125 ppb 15-o-acteyl-DON, 338 ppb fumonisins B1 + B2 and 62 ppb zearalenone was reported. Despite a comparable starting body weight (BW) between the control (without decontaminant) and test (with decontaminant) groups at allotment (P = 0.67), sows in the test group had a greater BW than the control sows at entry in farrowing (P &amp;lt; 0.01), and a body condition score of 0.12 points greater (P = 0.04). More live-born piglets were observed in supplemented sows than in control sows (+4%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), as well as a smaller proportion of mummified and stillborn piglets (-39%; P &amp;lt; 0.05 and -34%, P &amp;lt; 0.01, respectively). In contrast, the BW and growth of piglets before weaning did not differ between groups (P &amp;gt; 0.10). These results indicate that the tested decontaminant can improve the body condition and farrowing performance of mycotoxin-exposed sows at levels below current recommendations.

PSI-3 Effect of feed and water consumption patterns during the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows

Abstract There is sufficient evidence that adequate feed and water consumption during the lactation period positively influences sow body condition at weaning. Optimum body condition score after the lactation period decreases sow wean-to-estrus interval and non-productive sow days and promotes sow reproductive performance in the following reproductive cycle, in general. However, feed and water intake patterns have not been extensively studied in commercial sow research; thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feed and water consumption patterns in the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows. This trial was conducted in a commercial sow farm located in southwestern Minnesota in March 2023. Each lactation feeder was outfitted with a MealMeter 2.0 device (PigEasy, LLC, Templeton, IA), which uses a rotating feed dispenser to release feed ad libitum at the request of each sow. In addition, the MealMeter 2.0 device utilizes sensors to track the number of times feed and water were accessed at 15-min time intervals across the entire lactation period. Average daily feed (ADF) and water accessions (ADW) were summarized for each sow during the lactation period (n = 84 sows). Root mean squared error (RMSEF and RMSEW for feed and water accessions, respectively) was calculated from the residuals of the regression between days post-farrowing and ADF and ADW for each sow and was considered a measure of variation in feed and water accessions during the lactation period. Moreover, the number of days from weaning to the first estrus was recorded and defined as the wean-to-estrus interval (WTE). Due to the distribution of WTE, sows with a WTE ≤ 5 d and WTE &amp;gt; 5 d were separated into a binary classifier (0 = WTE ≤ 5 d and 1 = WTE &amp;gt; 5 d). The relationship between each feed and water measurement and WTE class was estimated using a logistic regression model fit with R Statistical Software. Average daily feed and water accessions were negatively associated with WTE class (P- = 0.07 and 0.04, respectively; Table 1), indicating that as feed and water accessions increase, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d decreases. In addition, RMSEF and RMSEW were also negatively associated with WTE class, which suggests that as the variation in each measure across the lactation period increases, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d is reduced. This result was not expected and, thus, requires further investigation. Nonetheless, results from this study suggest that the mean and variation of daily feed and water accessions are associated with WTE and sufficient consumption of nutrients during the lactation period is critical to reducing the number of days to first estrus in weaned sows.

PSV-17 Glycerol monolaurate improves litter performance and modifies milk composition when fed to lactating sows

Abstract Glycerol monolaurate (GML) has proven antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and additionally has been shown to increase milk immunoglobulins and improve gut health. However, limited information is available on how feeding GML to the sow prior and during lactation can influence the performance of the nursing pig. The objective of this study was to determine if feeding GML to sows would help maintain body condition, increase lauric acid in milk and improve litter performance. A total of 50 sows were randomly assigned to either a control feed or to a control feed with 1.5 kgs/mT of GML (LipoVital GL-90) 3 to 5 dbefore farrowing. Sow and litter performance was measured until weaning at 25 d. On d 1, piglets were cross-fostered within treatment and weighed. Creep feed was offered. Milk samples were taken from 5 randomly selected sows per treatment on d 3 and 25. Glycerol monolaurate had no effect on number of pigs born alive, born dead, stillborn, or number weaned (P &amp;gt; 0.20). No treatment differences (P &amp;gt; 0.20) were observed for sow feed intake, loss of backfat thickness or body weight losses during the study. Control piglets tended to consume more creep feed than GML piglets (P &amp;lt; 0.15). Starting body weight was less for GML piglets (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Despite the decreased starting body weight, weaning weight was not different between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.20). Using starting body weight as a covariate, total body weight gain tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.08) for GML piglets than the control piglets (5.01 kgs vs 4.89 kg, respectively). Glycerol monolaurate-fed pigs in the bottom quartile of starting body weights (&amp;lt; 1.3 kgs) numerically out gained their control counterparts (4.67 kgs vs 4.12 kgs). Milk from GML sows had 57% more lauric acid on d 3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and 124% more lauric acid at weaning compared with control sows (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, GML maintained sow body condition, increased the content of lauric acid in milk and improved piglet body weight gain, especially in lighter body weight piglets. The results from this study demonstrate the application of GML in commercial sow herds will be beneficial to both sow and litter.

20 Effects of a stabilized fish oil on boar semen quality when fed during summer months

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding a stabilized fish oil source to different genetic lines on boar semen quality. A total of 127 boars representing three genetic lines (PIC 337, PIC 800, and PIC L03; Hendersonville, TN) at a commercial boar stud were balanced by age, body condition, and previous semen quality and randomly allotted to one of two dietary treatments within genetic line. Boars were assigned to either receive Control; a daily top dress of 32g of corn starch; or Fish oil; a daily top dress of 32g of Salmate DHA+ (The Ballard Group, 2407 Ashland Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206 USA) to provide 2.38 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The top-dress supplementation was provided by placing it on top of the daily ration of feed for each individual boar on the floor once each day immediately after their feed has been delivered to them. Supplementation lasted for 16 wk from June-September, 2023 during which weekly semen collection was performed. Semen was evaluated at the stud for concentration and motility parameters using computer assisted semen analysis. Data was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with the lmer and glmer functions of R. Boar was the experimental unit, with dietary treatment, genetic line, and their interaction tested as fixed effects while age at collection served as a covariate. Boar nested within treatment combinations was used as a random effect to account for repeated measurements within the same boar. There was no evidence (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for dietary treatment by genetic line interaction for any response criteria (Table 1). There was no evidence of fish oil supplementation effects (P &amp;gt; 0.10) on semen volume, concentration, total sperm cells per ejaculate, percentage of accepted ejaculates, or number of doses produced per accepted ejaculate. There was no evidence of fish oil supplementation effects (P &amp;gt; 0.10) on percentage motile sperm cells, or percentage of proximal and distal droplets and abnormal tails. Line 800 boars had the least (P &amp;lt; 0.05) semen volume, but greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) sperm concentration, resulting in no evidence for differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) between the three genetic lines in total sperm cells per ejaculate. Line 03 boars had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) percentage of rejected ejaculates as well as decreased number of doses produced per accepted ejaculate (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with lines 337 and 800 boars. There was no evidence for differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) in sperm motility, proximal and distal droplets, or abnormal tails between the three genetic lines. In summary, maternal line boars had an increased proportion of rejected ejaculates per boar and a decreased number of doses produced compared with terminal line boars. Feeding a stabilized fish oil to provide 2.38 g of DHA did not improve semen during summer months.

286 Impact of feeding strategies on bodyweight and body condition in mature AI boars

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine how varying feeding strategies for boars impacts body weight (BW), backfat depth, loin muscle depth, Knauer caliper measurements, flank to flank tape measurement, body condition score (BCS), and scrotal width and length. This experiment was conducted over two 9-wk periods. Boars were weighed and measurements were taken every 3 wk during the study. Boars (n = 28; Acuity and Topig Norvsin) from two age groups (9 and 15 mo) and two genetic lines (maternal and terminal) were used during this experiment. Boars were blocked by breed and age and randomly allocated to receive one of the three feed intake (FI) levels of a corn-soybean meal-based diet (met NRC 2012 nutrient requirements) using the NRC (2012) maintenance equation [ME for maintenance = (100*kg BW0.75) + 15 kcal for sperm production]. Treatments were: HIGH (150% of maintenance, n = 9), MAIN (100% of maintenance, n = 10), LOW (80% of maintenance, n = 9) for the first 9-wk period. During the second 9-wk period remaining HIGH and LOW boars were crossed-over to opposite treatments (HIGH-LOW, n = 9; LOW-HIGH, n = 7) and maintenance remained unchanged (MAIN-MAIN, n = 8). Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. Boar was the experimental unit with main effects of feed intake and age, and week serving as a repeated measure. Significance was determined at P &amp;lt; 0.05 and a trend at 0.05 &amp;lt; P ≤ 0.10. Three-way interactions of FI*Age*Week were observed during the first 9-wk period. Young boars fed HIGH had a greater increase in BW (P = 0.002), caliper (P = 0.011), backfat depth (P = 0.003), BCS (P = 0.003), and scrotal width (P = 0.004) than old boars fed HIGH and young boars fed LOW had a greater reduction in these variables then old LOW boars. Boars fed LOW for the first 9-wk period had reduced scrotal length (P = 0.004), greater reduction in BW change (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and reduced tape change (P = 0.021) compared with HIGH and MAIN fed boars. Two-way interactions for the second 9-wk period were observed. HIGH-LOW fed boars had decreased BW (FI*Week; P &amp;lt; 0.001), tape (FI*Week; P = 0.019), caliper (FI*Week; P = 0.012), BCS (FI*Week; P &amp;lt; 0.001), and scrotal width (FI*Week; P = 0.047) while LOW-HIGH boars had increased measurements for these variables over time. Additional two-way interactions during the second 9-wk period included Tape (FI*Age; P = 0.046) and BCS (FI*Age; P = 0.028). Overall young boars had more adverse reactions to the varying feeding strategies than old boars, this included larger changes in BW and composition measures. Young and old boars fed MAIN level lost BW and condition indicating the equation for maintenance energy requirement is not accurate for modern genetics working boars. Future research is needed with varying ages and feed intakes in the boar stud to better understand the impacts of growth, development, and maintenance energy for the modern AI boar.

PS-1 An evaluation of sodium salicylate in the periparturient management of the sow

Abstract Mortality continues to trend higher in highly prolific sows in the U.S., with the periparturient period being the time of greatest loss (Eckberg, 2021). Sodium salicylate (NaSal) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) similar to aspirin, which is used to manage pre-eclampsia-related pregnancy complications in humans (Roberge et al. 2017). The objectives of this experiment were: 1) Collect farrowing data for scoring periparturient health; and 2) Evaluate the impact of NaSal on periparturient health and inflammation. A total of 47 parity 1 and 2 females (PIC 1050) were utilized with a starting body weight (BW) of 214.3kg ± 14.7 SD. Sows were blocked by BW on d 105 gestation and parity and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. The treatments were: control (CON) n = 23; or treatment (TRT) n = 24. TRT consisted of NaSal (Oral-Pro, Aurora Pharmaceutical, Northfield, MN) administered via water 3 d pre-farrow to 5 d post-farrow, with a target dose of 50 mg NaSal/kg BW. At d 106 of gestation and weaning, BW, back fat (BF), and body condition by caliper (BCS) were measured. Sows were assigned a farrowing ease score of 1-4 (1 - easy to 4 - extremely difficult) based on duration, restless activity, savaging, and assistance required. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS, with sow serving as the experimental unit and LSMeans testing for differences among means. Average farrowing duration for both groups was 335.5 min ± 144.2 SD. Farrowing ease score for all sows was assessed as a mean of 2.28 with 47% scored as difficult (Score 3 to 4). Treatment improved farrowing ease score (TRT avg: 1.9; CON avg 2.7; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and reduced savaging severity and frequency (TRT: 5 sows, 1 severe; CON: 8 sows, 7 severe; P &amp;lt; 0.05). TRT sows (24/24) successfully weaned litters compared with CON sows (20/23). All sows assigned a 1 or 2 score (25/25) weaned litters compared with sows assigned 3 or 4 (19/22). In conclusion, farrowing difficulty contributes to the need for greater care of highly prolific sows. Supplementation of NaSal during the periparturient period may improve farrowing ease and health outcomes.

61 Effects of botanical composition on grazing system management, forage quality, forage availability, and ewe performance

Abstract The objective was to compare the effects of two forage mixtures utilized in a rotational grazing system on ewe performance, forage quality, and forage availability. Dorset-Suffolk crossbred ewes [n = 48; body weight (BW) = 187 ± 20 kg] were stratified by BW, body condition score (BCS), and age, then allotted to six groups. Groups were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: forage mixture 1 (FM1; 47% orchard grass, 30% white clover, 14% brome grass, and 9% ryegrass) and forage mixture 2 (FM2; 44% ryegrass, 33% white clover, and 23% red clover). There were 18 paddocks (30.5 m x 22 m) for each treatment, each group was rotated between one of six paddocks; the rotation of each group was determined by the reduction of forage height to approximately 10 cm. Ewe BW and BCS were collected on d 0, 14, and 28. Forage heights were measured using meter sticks upon the groups entering and exiting each paddock. Forage heights were used to calculate forage availability, and the difference between pre-grazing and post-grazing forage availability was assumed to be forage disappearance. Five pre-grazing forage samples from each paddock were clipped at 10 cm using the forage square (0.0625 m²) to determine fiber content. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. No effects on ewe BW or BCS were observed (P = 0.4134) between treatments. Ewes grazing FM2 spent more time grazing each paddock (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared with ewes grazing FM1. Pre-grazing forage ground cover (P &amp;lt; 0.01) was greater in FM2 compared with FM1; however, grazed forage mass disappearance was not different (P = 0.44) between treatments. The NDF and ADF values were greater for FM1 than FM2 (P &amp;lt; 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) indicating that more forage is needed to meet ewe energy requirements. Results suggest that neither forage mixture had a significant impact on ewe BW or BCS; however, ewes grazing FM2 maintained themselves on a smaller land area during growing season, making it a more feasible option for rotational grazing management.

173 Assessing the impact of fiber and antioxidant supplementation during the periparturient period on gilt constipation, piglet viability, and body condition score

Abstract Fiber supplementation during the periparturient and lactation period is increasingly recognized for its potential to improve sow and litter performance. Yucca saponins and vitamin C have been shown to improve antioxidant status, reduce hypoxia and increase farrowing performance, but their interaction with fiber remains uncharted. The experimental objective was to evaluate fiber supplementation and its combination with yucca and vitamin C during the periparturient period of gilts on constipation status, body condition score, and farrowing performance. A total of 567 gilts were allotted to a randomized complete block design distributed across six farrowing rooms to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (n = 189/treatment). A subset of gilts from one farrowing room (n = 32/treatment) were selected for fecal sample collection. Dietary treatments included a control top dress targeting a daily intake of 277 g of total dietary fiber (TDF) using ground corn (CON); a top dress consisting of wheat middlings, beet pulp, soy hulls, rice hulls, ground corn, and a stimbiotic (Signis, AB Vista) targeting an intake of 440 g of TDF per d with 40 g being soluble fiber (FIB); and FIB with 680 mg of vitamin C and 2,500 mg of yucca (PLUS). A total of 454 g of the respective top dress was provided on top of lactation diet for a minimum of 3 d pre-farrow, and throughout lactation. Litter performance was collected throughout lactation. A daily constipation score (DCS) was assessed using a five-point scale from study initiation until 3 d post farrowing: 0 = absence of feces, 1 = dry and pellet shaped, 2 = between normal and dry, 3 = normal, soft, but formed, and 4 = wet, not firm. Caliper score (CS) was measured at loading and weaning employing a four-point caliper system: 0 = very thin, 1 = thin, 2 = ideal, and 3 = over conditioned. Litter viability was evaluated at 24- and 72-h post-farrowing using a predefined scale. Categorical data was analyzed using odd logistic regression with a model considering treatment and block as fixed effects. By d 3 of supplementation, there was a greater proportion of gilts fed FIB or PLUS, who had a DCS of 2 or 3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, when DCS was categorized as either constipated (0, 1) and not constipated (2, 3, 4), there were less incidences of constipation in FIB or PLUS treatments (P = 0.032). Treatment did not impact litter viability (24-h P = 0.917; 72-h P = 0.882). Similarly, CS distribution pre-farrowing and at weaning did not differ among treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.52). Gilts fed FIB and PLUS tended to wean more pigs per sow (86.9%, 88.6%, and 89.8% of pigs weaned for CON, FIB, and PLUS, respectively, P = 0.093), associated with reduced stillborn rate (P = 0.09) and pre-weaning mortality (P = 0.03). Collectively, increasing TDF during the periparturient and lactation period may aid in alleviating constipation and improve litter performance.

288 Effects of increasing water concentrations of oregano essential oil supplementation for lactating sows

Abstract The use of essential oils as a supplement for sows has gained attention in recent years to potentially improve sow and litter performance. Sows (n = 182; avg. lactation length = 19.8 d) were blocked by parity, genetics, estimated farrowing date, and randomly allotted to one of four treatments when entering the farrowing barn. Treatments included: control, 0 mL, (CON, n = 46), 31 mL (L-OEO, n = 45), 47 mL (M-OEO, n = 46), or 63 mL (H-OEO, n = 45) of oregano oil (OEO; Ecodiar Liquid, Nutrinae, Palo Alto, CA) per liter of dosing water with medicators set at 1:128 dilution. Sows were fed a corn-soybean meal-DDGS based lactation diet that met or exceeded NRC (2012) requirements. Sow body weight (BW) was recorded upon entry, 2 d post-farrowing, and weaning. Sow backfat depth (BF) and loin muscle depth (LD) ultrasound measurements, body condition score (BCS), and Knauer sow caliper measurements were collected upon entry and weaning. Sow average daily feed intake (ADFI) was recorded daily 1-wk post-farrowing, then weekly until weaning. Sow water intake was recorded daily (DWI). Individual piglet BW were recorded d 1, d 7, and weaning. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed procedure in SAS 9.4 with treatment and rep as fixed effects, parity class (P1, P2/P3, P4+) as a covariate, and individual sow as a random effect. Lactation length and number of piglets weaned were used as covariates for weaning data. Linear, quadratic, and cubic contrasts were analyzed among treatments. Litter scouring and medication rates were analyzed using chi-square analysis in the Proc Freq procedure in SAS 9.4. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and trend at 0.05 &amp;lt; P ≤ 0.10. Week 3 lactation sow ADFI increased for L-OEO and H-OEO treatments but decreased for M-OEO compared with CON sows (CON: 7.29 kg/d, L-OEO: 7.60 kg/d, M-OEO: 7.03 kg/d, H-OEO: 7.55 kg/d; cubic; P = 0.0427). No differences were observed among treatments in overall lactation ADFI, DWI, changes in BF, LD, BCS, and piglet and litter growth performance. Sow BW change tended to decline and then increased as OEO increased in the water (CON: -8.79 kg, L-OEO: -6.36 kg, M-OEO: -8.03 kg, H-OEO: -10.52 kg; quadratic, P = 0.0640). There was a cubic tendency for OEO supplementation to reduce loss of caliper measurement (CON: -1.91, L-OEO: -0.98, M-OEO: -1.68, H-OEO: -1.00; P = 0.0598). Percentage of piglets treated with medications for various health issues decreased in the H-OEO supplemented group compared with the L-OEO and M-OEO supplemented groups, with CON group being intermediate and not different (CON: 7.01%, L-OEO: 9.35%, M-OEO: 9.91%, H-OEO: 4.15%; P = 0.0322). Overall, there were no significant impacts of OEO supplementation on sow and litter performance in this study. Future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of OEO in health-challenged sows and litters and the long-term effects of OEO on piglets post-weaning.

283 Identification of new or existing risk factors associated with the development of sow pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract A survey was conducted between March and December of 2022 to examine the variation between farms that had high and low pelvic organ prolapse (POP) rate. The objective was to identify new or existing risk factors associated with the development of POP, which could open new avenues for further investigation. Sow farms (n = 53) across 26 production systems located in the US, Canada, and Mexico were used. Sampling of farms was not random. High and low POP systems were selected within each region as well as high and low POP farms within each system. Over 800 variables related to general farm information and management, performance traits, reproductive management, replacement gilt management, gestation and farrowing practices, labor and health management, and nutrition were collected during farm visits. To be included in the analysis, at least 70% of observations were needed for continuous variables with at least 10% of observation for each category for categorical variables. Univariable models were fitted to identify variables associated with annualized POP rate for 2021. Variables with P ≤ 0.10 were selected for further analysis, with 94 predictor variables selected for principal components analysis (PCA). A factor analysis of mixed data was conducted, and results were then fitted into a hierarchical clustering on PCA, which segregated the data into three clusters: 2 with low POP (2.5%) and 1 with high POP (6.1%) prevalence (low vs high P &amp;lt; 0.05). The resulting clusters explained 33.7% of the variability in annualized 2021 POP rate. Differences between clusters were evaluated by Kruskall-Wallis test for numerical variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. High POP cluster farms had greater total piglets born over the years, greater number of sows per worker, greater annual gestation feed usage, and a lower mean body condition score at 16 wk of gestation compared with low POP cluster farms. High POP cluster farms had a decreased proportion of farms using conventional artificial insemination, a greater proportion of farms utilizing cup waterers in gestation for sows in group housing and in farrowing, and greater proportion of farms with a routine sleeving practice. High POP cluster farms compared with low POP cluster farms had greater gestation distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) inclusion level (14.6% vs 4.0%, SE 3.02), greater levels of standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) P% (0.49% vs 0.39%, SE 0.014), narrower analyzed Ca to STTD P ratio (1.7 vs 2.2, SE 0.06), and lower phytase inclusion and release (0.16% vs 0.09%, SE 0.014). These variables were also the predictors with the greatest R2 values in the univariable models. These observations suggest further research is needed to evaluate the connection between dietary Ca and P and pelvic organ prolapse.