Condition Score Research Articles

PSI-8 Impact of feeding level on boars from selection to entering the boar stud on trainability and growth measurements

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if restricting feed in boars at selection impacts growth of boars or training for semen collection. Duroc boars (n = 25) randomly allotted at 6 mo of age to receive one of two levels of restricted feeding (1.8 kg/d, n = 12 or 2.72 kg/d, n = 13) of a corn-soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet NRC (2012) requirements. Diets were fed for 9 wk before training for semen collection where body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), flank-flank tape measurements, Knauer sow caliper, loin muscle depth, backfat depth, and scrotal width and length were collected every 3 wk. Training for semen collection was conducted 5 d/wk for 2 wk. Boars were given 10 min in the collection pen to successfully mount the dummy and start collection each training session. Training was scored on a scale of 1-5, 1 = no interest and 5 = successful collection. After three successful collections in a row, boars were considered fully trained. All boars had their first production collection on wk 12. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED and PROC FREQ chi-square in SAS 9.4 with boar serving as experimental unit. Weeks were analyzed individually and overall changes were evaluated. Significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a trend was observed at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Boars fed 2.72 kg/d had increased BW on wk 9 (P < 0.05) and wk 12 (163.6 kg vs 149.8 kg, SE = 2.17; P < 0.001), increased BW gain wk 1-9 (P < 0.01), wk 9-12 (P < 0.001), and overall (49.8 kg vs 34.4 kg, SE = 1.60; P < 0.0001). The 2.72 kg/d boars also had increased backfat depth on wk 9 (P < 0.01) and wk 12 (8.4 mm vs 7.5 mm, SE = 0.17; P < 0.001), larger caliper scores on wk 12 (P < 0.01), greater flank-flank distance on wk 9 (P < 0.01), and increased BCS on wk 12 (3.2 vs 2.7, SE = 0.14; P < 0.01). No differences were observed for loin muscle depth, or scrotal width and length. Feeding level did not affect trainability with approximately 92% of boars being trained at the end of the two-week period in both feeding levels. Boars fed 2.72 kg/d had increased semen volume (128 mL vs 81 mL, SE = 12.1; P < 0.01) on their first production collection on wk 12 with no effects on other semen quality parameters. Overall, feeding boars 1.8 kg/d for 12 weeks following selection resulted in lower body weight and composition measures indicating limit feeding boars at selection could be used to slow growth rates, potentially decreasing structural issues, and increasing longevity of growing boars in the boar stud, with no effects on training for semen collection. Future research is needed to investigate the long-term impacts of the degree of limit feeding growing boars following selection on lifetime semen quality and quantity. Keywords boar, management, nutrition

PSIII-5 Impact of multiple suckling of litters during lactation on pre-weaning piglet performance

Abstract Multiple suckling involves the grouping of sows and litters so that piglets can suckle from all sows in the group. This approach could potentially reduce pre-weaning mortality and increase weaning weight. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of multiple- compared with single-suckling (Piglets having access to only one sow) on piglet pre-weaning performance. The study was carried out in a commercial farrowing facility using a RCBD (35 blocks; total of 210 litters and 2950 piglets). Blocking factors were farrowing date, sow parity, body condition score, and number of functional teats. Two treatments were compared: 1) Control (sow and litter kept in an individual farrowing crate/pen); 2) Multiple Suckled (group of 3 sows in individual crates with piglets having access to all 3 sows). The Multiple Suckled treatment was created at 5 d after birth by removing the pen dividers between 3 adjacent farrowing pens with the sows remaining in the farrowing crates. The study started at d 5 after birth and ended at weaning (19 ± 2 d of age). Piglet weights were collected after cross-fostering and at the end of study; all piglet mortalities were recorded. Data were analyzed using the glmer and lmer functions of R 4.2.1. The model included the fixed effect of treatment and the random effect of block. Average piglet weight at the end of study (5.11 vs. 5.18 kg, respectively) and average daily gain from start to end of study (191.4 vs. 195.2 g/d, respectively) were similar (P > 0.05) for the Multiple Suckled and Control treatments (Table 1). There was no difference (P > 0.05) between the treatments for pre-weaning mortality. These results suggest that under the conditions of this study there was no benefit in piglet pre-weaning performance from multiple compared with single suckling of litters.

PSII-11 Achieving heavier piglet weights at weaning with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation under field conditions

Abstract The benefits of live yeast supplementation during both gestation and lactation on piglet performance, nutrient digestibility and immune status have been well reported. However, the application of live yeast to gestation diets in some commercial practices may not be warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding live yeast to lactating sows on piglet performance at weaning under field conditions. Before start of the study, a total of 268 Camborough L42 gestating sows were fed a restricted, commercial diet. From ≈112 d of gestation until weaning, sows were fed a commercial lactation mash diet with or without inclusion of live yeast (Vistacell, AB Vista, UK) at 1 kg/t. Piglets were cross-fostered within treatment to standardize piglet numbers on sows, and weaned at approximately 24 d. Body weights of piglets at weaning were collected from around 40% of sows. Data were statistically analyzed by Mixed Model using JMP Pro v.16.2 software (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC), with significance being accepted at P < 0.05. Treatment was included as a fixed factor in all models, with sow ID and piglet ID nested within treatment included as random variables for sow and piglet performance, respectively. The interaction between treatment and parity was also included in the model for sow performance. Sow parities of 4 and above were combined into one group. Proportional piglet body weights were assessed by non-parametric Wilcoxon Test. An interaction between treatment and parity was shown for average daily feed intake (ADFI), whereby parity-1 sows fed the control diet and parities-3 and -4 sows fed live yeast had greater feed intakes than parity-2 sows fed live yeast. Sow body weights and body condition scores at weaning were unaffected by treatment. Piglet body weights at processing, the number of piglets weaned and weaning ages were also unaffected by treatment. However, piglets from sows fed live yeast were significantly heavier (7.12 kg vs. 6.85 kg) at weaning than piglets from sows fed control diets (P < 0.01). In addition, the proportion of piglets at weaning with body weights of less than 7 kg tended to be fewer (45% vs. 55%), with a greater percentage of heavier (>7 kg) piglets, from sows supplemented with live yeast (P = 0.08). In conclusion, these findings indicate that supplementing live yeast solely to the lactating sow can promote growth of nursing piglets leading to improved piglet performance at weaning.

PSI-10 Combination of probiotic Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans in sow diets improves litter quality and piglet performance

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary two-strain probiotic on sows, and the subsequent effects on litter quality and piglet performance. The total trial duration was 32 d and started 7 d before farrowing. A total of 160 sows (DanBred x Duroc) were assigned into two dietary treatment groups (80 sows each), considering their body weight, body condition score, and parity (Ø 2.4). Sows in the control group received a basal pelleted diet lacking probiotic supplementation, whereas sows in the probiotic group received an identical diet but supplemented 7 d pre-partum and 25 d post-partum with a two-strain probiotic (total inclusion rate: 1.5 x 109 CFU/kg of feed, 0.3 x 109 CFU/kg CFU/kg of B. coagulans DSM 32016 and 1.2 x 109 CFU/kg of B. licheniformis DSM 33806) produced by Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsgesellschaft mbH, Germany. Within 24 h after birth, the litters of all sows in the trial were standardized to 13 piglets by removing weak and low weight individuals (≤ 0.7 kg). Cross-fostering was restricted to the experimental group. Data were subjected to t-Test or non-parametric Mann-Whitney-U-test, P ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results indicate a significant reduction of dead-born piglets (P = 0.01), increase of daily litter weight gain (P = 0.002), improvement of piglet weaning weight (P = 0.01), and increase of the total number of weaned piglets (P=0.001) in the probiotic group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the individual daily weight gain (P = 0.003) and final weight of piglets at weaning (P < 0.001) were significantly improved by probiotic supplementation. The body weight loss of sows and feed intake were not statistically different (Table 1). In conclusion, the probiotic combination of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans fed to sows improved litter quality and piglet performance.

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.

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 < 0.05 and a trend at 0.05 < 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 < 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 < 0.001), tape (FI*Week; P = 0.019), caliper (FI*Week; P = 0.012), BCS (FI*Week; P < 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.

17 Effect of branched-chain amino acids on lactating sow and piglet performance

Abstract Sows (n = 360 PIC 1050 and Genesus) were used to investigate the effect of various branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels on sow lactation and litter growth performance. Upon entering the farrowing room, sows were blocked by parity group (P0, P2, P3+) and randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments containing various levels of BCAA. Experimental diets were formulated to various standardized ileal digestible (SID) leucine, isoleucine, and valine levels by replacing cornstarch with L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine. Levels of the BCAA were expressed as ratios to SID lysine and were formulated at 114 or 180 for Leu, 56 or 64 for Ile, and 64 or 120 for Val. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric (3.23 Mcal ME/kg) and met or exceeded all other NRC (2012) essential amino acid and vitamin and mineral recommendations. Sow body weight (BW), backfat, and body condition score were recorded at the time of entry into the farrowing room and at the time of weaning. Piglet litter weights were recorded after cross-fostering and at weaning to determine litter growth rate. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with fixed effects of dietary treatment and parity group and a random effect of lactation group. The models were fit using R version 4.3.1 (R Core Team, 2023). The sow and her litter were the experimental unit, and results were considered significant if P ≤ 0.05 and a tendency if 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Sows nursed piglets for 21.3 d (P = 0.998). The mean parity by treatment ranged from 3.8 to 3.9 (P = 0.999). After farrowing, the mean estimated sow BW was 219 kg, with a range between treatments of 216 to 221 kg (P = 0.651). On average, sows gained 2.82% of their BW (P = 0.696) with an average daily feed intake (ADFI) of 8.75 kg/d (P = 0.932). However, as expected, sow Leu, Ile, Val, and total BCAA intakes were different across treatments (P ≤ 0.001). Sows entered the farrowing house with an average of 11.50 mm of backfat (P = 0.919) and lost 6.04% backfat through lactation (P = 0.667). Sows started the trial with an average of 14.1 piglets/sow (P = 0.967) and weaned 12.6 piglets per sow (P = 0.981) with a piglet average daily gain of 0.22 kg/d (P = 0.193) and a daily litter growth rate of 2.89 kg/d (P = 0.291). In conclusion, there was no evidence of an effect of the various leucine, isoleucine, and valine levels evaluated in this study on lactating sow and piglet performance.

Faecal egg counts in Australian pasture-based dairy herds

In Australian pastoral dairy systems, a variety of ‘routine’ anthelmintic programs are used in lactating cows varying from nil anthelmintic use to bi-annual application. Anthelmintic resistance has been repeatedly diagnosed on dairy farms and studies have indicated variable milk production benefits from anthelmintics internationally. We aimed to identify the predominant gastrointestinal parasites in recently calved dairy cows in south-west Victoria and examined the relationship between individual faecal egg counts (FEC) and other cow and management factors such as body condition score, age, and historical anthelmintic use. This study included 18 pasture-based dairy farms in south-west Victoria. FECs were measured in recently calved primiparous and multiparous cows. Individual FEC tests with a minimum detectable FEC of 2.5 eggs per gram of faeces (epg) and group larval cultures were completed. Farm management data and cow information was recorded for data analysis with the Jamovi statistical package. Overall, 35% of all cows had FEC ≥ 2.5 epg (26% of multiparous and 45% of primiparous). Ostertagi ostertagi was the predominant gastrointestinal nematode in all cohorts. Cooperia pectinata or C. punctata were also present in mixed infestations alongside C. oncophora. Multiparous cows in low body condition score post calving (<4) were more likely to have a FEC of >5 epg. Faecal egg counts at a minimum detectable FEC of 2.5 epg are effective indicators of parasitism in recently calved primiparous and poorly conditioned multiparous dairy cows. Increasing the test sensitivity (minimum detectable count) of FECs from 10 epg to 2.5 epg resulted in increasing the overall positive FEC rate from 15% to 35%. Further investigation of sensitive FECs and their relevance to production along with the timing and value of anthelmintic use in dairy cattle is warranted.

Abstract PO4-13-08: Mechanical conditioning (MeCo) score is higher in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) compared to primary tumors in early-stage breast cancer and even higher in metastases compared to CTCs in metastatic breast cancer

Abstract Background: The mechanical conditioning (MeCo) score is a gene expression signature that is acquired early by cancer cells in the primary breast tumor and is reflective of their responsiveness to matrix stiffness (fibrotic-like matrix rigidity). Further, chromatin remodeling in response to stiffness allows cancer cells to retain their aggressive features even in the absence of mechanical stimulation by the primary tumor microenvironment, for instance, during their dissemination through the circulation in metastasis. Importantly, patients who have high MeCo score tumors are at higher risk of developing metastatic breast cancer, compared to low MeCo scores (p&amp;lt; 0.0001; HR=2.2, 95%CI 1.7-2.7; Watson et al 2021, PMID: 34192535). Moreover, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with higher rate of metastatic dissemination, making CTC detection in the circulation of breast cancer patients a significant prognostic biomarker for breast cancer metastasis. Beyond their enumeration per blood volume units, specific prognostic features of CTCs are not fully explored. We sought to determine whether, compared to primary tumors, CTCs retain high MeCo scores and whether these scores are maintained during late-stage breast cancer in the metastatic sites. Methods: CTCs were isolated from peripheral blood of two patient cohorts: stage II-III breast cancer patients using immunomagnetic enrichment/FACS methodology (Lang et al 2018, PMID: 29868978) and of metastatic breast cancer patients using ANGLE Parsortix microfluidics system (Ring et al 2022, PMID: 35000083). Gene expression profiling using RNA-seq was performed in CTCs and in matching primary tumors (PT) and metastases (MET) for the early-stage and late-stage cohorts, respectively. A quantile normalization approach was used to allow comparison across cohorts. MeCo scores were computed for all samples as per Watson et al 2021. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was performed for comparison of MeCo scores from matching samples within each cohort; Mann-Whitney unpaired test was used to compared MeCo scores of CTCs across cohorts. Results: In 12 pairs of early-stage breast cancer patient CTCs and PT, MeCo scores of CTCs were significantly higher than their matched PTs (p=0.026). Furthermore, in 26 pairs of metastatic patient’s CTCs and MET, MeCo scores of METs were significantly higher than matching CTCs (p=0.0004). MeCo scores of CTCs were similar between early- and late-stage breast cancer despite differing CTC isolation strategies (epitope-dependent and microfluidics size gradient). 98% of genes in the MeCo score were present in the evaluable CTC, MET and PT samples. Conclusions: Our results show that the MeCo score is higher in CTCs compared to PTs and in METs compared to CTCs in early- and late-stage breast cancer, respectively. Therefore, the MeCo score is progressively higher throughout the metastatic cascade in breast cancer. These findings demonstrate that mechanical conditioning is retained during metastatic progression, even as cancer cells transition through the circulation where the initial induction by matrix stiffness is lost. Further, these findings support that cancer cells with higher MeCo scores are more competent with–and potentially selected for by–metastatic progression. Importantly, these findings provide a novel feature of CTCs, mechanical conditioning (MeCo), which is associated with higher capacity for metastasis. Further, since the CTC MeCo score is elevated even in early-stage breast cancer, it could provide, in addition to CTC enumeration, a potential prognostic tool to predict metastatic risk in breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Gus Mouneimne, Adam Watson, Adam Grant, Daniel Campo, Alexander Ring, Pushpinder Bains, Julie Lang. Mechanical conditioning (MeCo) score is higher in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) compared to primary tumors in early-stage breast cancer and even higher in metastases compared to CTCs in metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-13-08.

Assessment of testicular stiffness in fertile dogs with shear wave elastography techniques: a pilot study.

Ultrasound of the testes is important in the evaluation of breeding dogs, and recently advanced techniques such as Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) have been developed. This study focused on evaluation of normal testicular stiffness in healthy and fertile male dogs, employing both qualitative (2D-SWE) and quantitative (pSWE, 2D-SWE) techniques. Nineteen dogs of various medium-large breeds aged 3.39 ± 2.15 years, and with a history of successful reproduction were included after clinical, B-mode and Doppler ultrasound of testes and prostate, and semen macro and microscopic evaluations. pSWE involved square regions of interest (ROIs) placed at six different points in the testicular parenchyma, while 2D-SWE depicted stiffness with a color scale ranging from blue (soft) to red (stiff), allowing a subsequent quantification of stiffness by the application of 4 round ROIs. The results showed a mean Shear Wave Speed (SWS) of 2.15 ± 0.39 m/s using pSWE, with lower values above the mediastinum compared to below, and in the center of the testis compared to the cranial and caudal poles. 2D-SWE demonstrated a uniform blue pattern in the parenchyma, and a mean SWS of 1.65 ± 0.15 m/s. No significant differences were found between left and right testes, above and below the mediastinum, or among breeds. No correlations were observed between mean SWS and body condition score, age, testicular and prostatic volume. Weight was positively correlated with mean SWS only by 2D-SWE. By performing semen analysis and enrolling only healthy and fertile adult dogs, we ensured both structural and functional integrity of the testes. This pilot study represents a valuable baseline data for testicular stiffness by both pSWE and 2D-SWE with a Mindray US machine in medium-large sized healthy and fertile dogs, pointing out the potential role of SWE in the non-invasive fertility assessment and management of breeding dogs.

Comparative study of reproductive and estrus characteristics of sexed and conventional semen in crossbred cows under field conditions.

Sexed semen (SS), a reproductive biotechnology tool, can alter the sex ratio of offspring in bovines. This study elucidates a comparative analysis of estrus-related parameters influencing conception rate and pregnancy losses under field conditions between conventional and SS. In the present study, artificial insemination with (SS; n = 143) and conventional semen (CS; n = 143) was performed at spontaneous estrus, i.e., 16-18 h after the onset of estrus signs, to analyze their comparative evaluation in terms of conception rates in crossbred cows under field conditions. Different parameters such as age, parity, body condition score (BCS), estrus duration, inter-estrus interval (IEI), diameter of pre-ovulatory follicle (DPOF) at estrus, and cervical mucus properties (pH and spinnbarkeit [SBK]) were recorded for each cow. The first insemination conception rates for sexed and conventional semen were 55.24% and 63.63% whereas the overall conception rates were 49.14% and 57.37% on days 35 and 75 post-insemination, respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conception rates between sexed and CS inseminations were statistically significant (p < 0.01), whereas factors such as age, parity, BCS, DPOF, IEI), and SBK value exhibited no substantial variance (p > 0.05) for both types of semen straw. SS straws yielded a conception rate equivalent to CS straws, with estrus duration being the key factor affecting conception under field conditions.

Evaluation of a human peripheral blood NK humanized hIL-15 mouse model lacking murine Fc gamma receptors

Abstract Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) on residual murine immune cells can interact with human IgG-based therapeutics and confound preclinical results. This is critical for therapeutics with human NK cell mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) as their primary mode of action. We compared humanization, kinetics, and persistence of NK cell reconstitution in human IL-15-expressing mice with or without FcγRs using intraperitoneal (IP) or intravenous (IV) administration of cells from multiple donors. Methods: Negatively selected human NK cells were engrafted into hIL-15 NOG or FcResolv™ hIL-15 NOG (FcγR knockout) with identical protocols. Human reconstitution, immune profile and persistence was evaluated via serial blood sampling and terminal collections for blood, spleen, and bone marrow. Results: Human NK cell reconstitution and persistence was equivalent between strains. There was a significant difference in the overall chimerism in IV vs. IP administration (IV &amp;gt; IP). There was no significant difference in % body weight, body condition scores, morbidity or mortality across study duration. NK cell persistence and kinetics were consistent between strains, administration, and donors, with a peak at 4-5 WPE and persistence to 12+ WPE in the blood. The dominant circulating NK phenotype was CD56+CD16+. Conclusions: huNK-engrafted hIL-15 NOG and FcResolv hIL-15 NOG mice provide a 12+ week study window, with equivalent reconstitution, immune profiling and kinetics.

Colic incidence, risk factors, and therapeutic management in a working horse population in Tuban, Indonesia.

Colic is the primary problem affecting equestrian care worldwide. The primary cause of colic is digestive diseases; however, they can also affect organs from different systems in the abdominal region. In addition to a prior history of the disease and its treatment, risk factors may be assessed to determine the etiology of the disease in horses without or with a history of colic. This study aimed to present a summary of the incidence, risk factors, and medical procedures for colic in horses. Based on owner reports, 223 horses in Tuban, Indonesia, suspected of having colic were investigated. During the investigation of clinical parameters, investigators went door-to-door with interested horse owners to gather information about potential risk factors related to equine colic. Information on horses diagnosed with colic was obtained from the medical records of treatment. A Chi-square test was used to investigate the potential association between the risk factors, medical protocol, and the outcome of colic in horses. Of the 187 cases, spasmodic colic was the most common (48.13%), but 17 (9.09%) had no definitive diagnosis. Poor body condition scores (χ2 = 58.73; p < 0.001), wheat bran feeding (χ2 = 26.79; p < 0.001), concentrate (χ2 = 10.66; p < 0.01), less access to water (χ2 = 128.24; p < 0.001), recurrence of colic (χ2 = 85.64; p < 0.001), no deworming program (χ2 = 54.76; p < 0.001), the presence of gastrointestinal parasites (χ2 = 56.79; p < 0.001), stressed physical activity (χ2 = 28.53; p < 0.001), and summer season (χ2 = 7.83; p < 0.01) were the risk factors for colic. We further reported that 185 (98.93%) patients who received the following medical interventions recovered: injection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was necessary, Vitamin B complex (χ2 = 39.98; p < 0.001), fluid therapy (χ2 = 92.99; p < 0.001), and gastric intubation (χ2 = 4.09; p < 0.05). The importance of colic was demonstrated in 187 (83.86%) of the 223 horses investigated in Tuban, Indonesia, documented. In this study, recommendations for medical procedures when colic risk factors have been determined are presented.

Controlling the nutritional status score: a new tool for predicting postoperative mortality in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with endovascular aneurysm repair.

AAA is a fatal condition that commonly occurs during vascular surgery. Nutritional status exerts a significant influence on the prognosis of various pathological conditions Scores from the CONUT screening tool have been shown to predict outcomes of certain malignancies and chronic diseases. However, the ramifications of nutritional status on AAA patients undergoing EVAR have not been elucidated in prior studies. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the correlation between CONUT scores and postoperative prognostic outcomes in patients with AAA undergoing EVAR. This was a retrospective review of 177 AAA patients treated with EVAR from June 2018 to November 2019 in a single center. Patient characteristics, CONUT scores, and postoperative status were collected. These patients were stratified into groups A and B according to CONUT scores. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of the baseline characteristics between the two cohorts was conducted. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the autonomous predictors of mid-term mortality and complications, respectively. Compared with group A, patients in group B had higher midterm mortality (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that CONUT scores; respiratory diseases; stent types; preoperative Hb, CRP, PT, and Fb levels were risk factors for death. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CONUT score [HR, 1.276; 95% CI, 1.029-1.584; p = 0.027] was an independent risk factor for mortality. Logistic regression analysis showed that prior arterial disease, smoking, and D-dimer levels were risk factors, although multivariate analysis showed smoking (OR, 3.492; 95% CI, 1.426-8.553; p = 0.006) was an independent risk factor. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients in group B had shorter mid-term survival than those in group A (log-rank p < 0.001). Malnutrition was strongly associated with mid-term mortality in patients with infrarenal AAA treated with EVAR.

Factors influencing pregnancy rate and loss after laparoscopic artificial insemination with frozen-thawed semen in Lohi sheep under sub-tropical conditions.

This study evaluates factors influencing pregnancy rates per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss in Lohi ewes undergoing laparoscopic AI with frozen-thawed semen under sub-tropical conditions. Data from three experiments comprising ewes (n = 358) of mixed parity (nulliparous; NP and parous; P), various body condition score (BCS) and assigned to long-term (LTP, 11 days) and short-term (STP, 5 days) oestrus synchronization regimen across high breeding season (HBS) and low breeding season (LBS) were analysed. Laparoscopic insemination was conducted 54 h post-sponge removal. Pregnancy diagnosis and loss were evaluated on days 35 and 90 post-insemination via ultrasonography. Results showed parity significantly influenced P/AI, with nulliparous ewes achieving higher pregnancy ratios than parous ewes (p = .001). BCS significantly influenced P/AI (p < .05), with a quadratic relationship observed between BCS and season (BCS*BCS*Season; p = .07). Progestin treatment did not significantly influence the ratio of pregnant ewes (p = .07). Pregnancy losses were significantly higher during LBS than HBS (p < .05), irrespective of progestin treatment. In conclusion, parity and BCS significantly influenced P/AI, with BCS demonstrating a quadratic association with season. Ewes bred during LBS experienced higher pregnancy losses than HBS, irrespective of progestin treatment.

Body weight, body condition score, and morphometrics of donggala cattle in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

A study was carried out to investigate the body weight profiles, body condition and body morphometrics of Donggala cattle under smallholder farming conditions. The research was conducted in the northern and southern parts of Sigi district. The cattle samples were selected using accidental sampling within predetermined areas. The observed cattle were categorized based on age and sex. Measured variables included body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), body length (BL), chest circumference (CC), chest height (CH), chest width (CW), shoulder height (SH), hip height (HH) and hip width (HW). Research findings based on calf, young and adult age groups, as well as male and female sexes respectively. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the strength of relationships among variables and to identify the best predictors of Donggala cattle body weight. The correlation coefficients between variables ranged from 0.577 to 0.917, exhibiting a highly significant level of association (P<0.01). The body size variables that served as the best predictors of body weight varied across age categories. For calves, chest circumference (CC) and hip width (HW) were the optimal predictors; for young cattle, it was CC, chest height (CH), and HW; and for adult cattle, body length (BL), CC, CH, chest width (CW), and HW were significant predictors. Among the body size variables, chest circumference and hip width consistently demonstrated strong contributions to body weight across all age groups.

Thoracoscopic resection of lung masses is associated with excellent survival to discharge and good long-term outcomes.

To report and evaluate risk factors for conversion and perioperative and long-term outcomes in dogs undergoing thoracoscopic lung lobectomy for resection of lung masses. 61 client-owned dogs. This retrospective cohort study (June 11, 2008, to February 14, 2020) of data collected from medical records included signalment, results of diagnostic imaging, surgical technique, surgical and anesthesia time, mass location and size, hospitalization time, histopathologic findings, and long-term outcome. Follow-up was obtained from medical records and telephone contact with owners or referring veterinarians. Histopathology results were available for 60 of 61 tumors. Fifty-seven (95%) were considered primary lung tumors, of which 46 (81%) were carcinomas. Clean surgical margins were achieved in 46 of 52 (88%) dogs. Conversion from thoracoscopy to thoracoscopic-assisted or open surgery occurred in 16 of 61 (26%) dogs. Larger tumor diameter (≥ 5 cm) and lymphadenopathy detected by preoperative CT scan were significantly associated with increased risk of conversion. There was no association between conversion and patient weight, body condition score, and tumor location. All 61 dogs survived to discharge, and 56 of 57 were alive 1 month postoperatively. Median overall survival time was 311 days (95% CI, 224 to 570 days). Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy on preoperative CT scans was associated with shorter postoperative survival (P < .001). Patient age, tumor diameter, adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery, and incomplete margins were not associated with survival time. Dogs had high survival to discharge and good long-term prognosis following thoracoscopic lung lobectomy. However, larger tumor size and tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy may increase the likelihood of conversion.

Effects of High-protein and High-fiber Diets on Weight and Glucose Regulation in Spiny Mice (Acomys cahirinus).

Despite the long-term contributions of the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) to research, basic knowledge of appropriate nutrition is lacking for this species. In the wild, spiny mice eat a high-fiber, high-protein food source. In the research setting, spiny mice are prone to obesity that can lead to diabetes mellitus. Common dietary modifications for weight control in humans with diabetes mellitus consist of increased fiber and protein. We hypothesized that increasing the dietary protein or fiber of spiny mice would reduce weight gain and improve their glycemic control, whereas the combination of protein and fiber in the diet would achieve optimal weight management and glycemic control without diet-related pathologic changes. We randomly assigned cages of young adult spiny mice (n = 34) to one of 4 diets: high protein (HP), high fiber (HF), a combination of both high protein and high fiber (HPF), or the base (control) diet (BD). Over the 8-wk study, spiny mice given HF diets maintained baseline weights despite the elevated dietary protein. None of the diets altered blood glucose levels; all diet groups maintained mean blood glucose levels within normal ranges. Spiny mice seem particularly sensitive to changes within their environment, as seen by increased food waste and transient elevated blood glucose levels when the spiny mice were transitioned to novel diets. The short-term elevations in protein and fiber that we tested were well tolerated by spiny mice. Although HF was effective in controlling weight, the ideal percentage of fiber still needs to be determined. The combination diet (HPF) maintained weight and body condition scores and showed a nonsignificant elevation of blood glucose that warrants a longer diet trial before our recommending this specific combination.

Association between serum mineral levels and reproductive performance in primiparous dairy cows during the peripartum period.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has previously investigated whether the concentration of minerals is related to reproductive outcomes in primiparous cows. For this reason, two objectives were set in the present study: (i) to assess serum mineral levels, macrominerals, and trace elements during the transition period (period of high nutritional requirements) in primiparous cows, considering reproductive efficiency, and (ii) to address if the serum mineral levels of primiparous cows are related to reproductive efficiency. Blood samples were taken (i) one month before calving, (ii) one week before calving, (iii) one week postpartum, and (iv) one month postpartum. At the beginning and the end of the study, a body condition score (BCS) was assigned to each lactating cow with no clinical signs of disease. The difference between one month before and one month after calving was the body condition loss (ΔBCS). Optimal prepartum concentrations of K and Cl were associated with fewer days open and a shorter interval calving. Furthermore, macrominerals in the serum decreased immediately after calving (one week) but recovered at one month postpartum. In contrast, the highest concentration of trace elements was found at one week postpartum. Primiparous cows with higher postpartum Se, Mn, Co, and Mo concentrations exhibited better reproductive efficiency, and the concentrations of trace elements in serum were correlated with interval calving and the number of inseminations. Finally, primiparous cows with a greater ΔBCS (at least one point) in period 4 exhibited both a longer calving interval and a greater number of days open. In summary, this study showed, for the first time in primiparous cows, that the concentration of some serum minerals not only plays a crucial role during the transition period but is also related to crucial reproductive parameters, such as interval calving and days open.

Goat-CNN: A lightweight convolutional neural network for pose-independent body condition score estimation in goats

Modern livestock farming systems face the challenge of meeting the growing demand for dairy and meat products while ensuring the well-being of animals. Body Condition Scoring serves as a vital process for assessing the body reserves in animals, impacting their health, welfare, and productivity. However, traditional body condition score (BCS) evaluation methods via observation and palpation of specific anatomical regions are labor-intensive and subjective, hindering their widespread adoption. To address this issue, Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) techniques, particularly those involving Internet of Things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence (AI), have emerged as promising solutions. In this work, we explore the use of AI, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), to automate the assessment of BCS in goats utilizing imagery data. Our model was trained on 5000 images illustrating the dorsal view of the backside of goats achieving an overall accuracy of 97.94 % which was the highest compared to other popular deep learning architectures from literature (e.g. VGG16, ResNet34, ResNet50, DenseNet, GoogleNet). The proposed custom CNN model for goat-specific BCS estimation overcomes the limitations of manual sketching, providing automatic region identification for BCS assessment. Moreover, it is a lightweight model specifically designed for seamless integration with IoT devices, allowing for efficient on-board processing via cameras. The model's pose-independent nature and adaptability to environmental constraints make it a valuable tool for efficient and sustainable goat farming. This research advances the application of AI as a precision livestock farming tool, contributing to the reinforcement of the animal welfare and productivity, and supporting evidence-based decision-making processes to increase farms' resilience.