Kg Of BW Research Articles

Effect of polyhalite on urine pH, dry matter intake, blood calcium (Ca) concentration and urinary Ca output when fed to pregnant and non-lactating dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to determine urine pH, Ca concentrations in blood and urine, and dry matter intake (DMI) of non-lactating and pregnant cows consuming acidogenic diets containing polyhalite as an anionic salt during the prepartum period. Forty pregnant and non-lactating Holstein cows [739 ± 84 kg of BW and 22 ± 5 d before their expected calving date (ECD) at the beginning of the experiment], entering their second or greater lactation, were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with 10 replicates. The experimental diets included: a diet with no acidogenic product and high dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) that served as a negative control (CON; DCAD = 196 mEq/kg DM), a diet containing polyhalite and a neutral DCAD (NEU; DCAD = 7 mEq/kg DM), a diet containing polyhalite and a negative DCAD (NEG; DCAD = −172 mEq/kg DM), and a diet containing CaCl2 and a negative DCAD (CHL; DCAD = −167 mEq/kg DM). Urine pH decreased in cows consuming NEG (P < 0.01) and CHL (P < 0.01) diets but did not decrease in cows consuming CON (P < 0.96) and NEU (P < 0.99) diets. Despite some numerical differences, DMI did not differ among diets in the prepartum period (P = 0.11). Serum total Ca concentration did not differ among diets (P = 0.71), although serum total Ca concentration decreased the day of calving (P < 0.01), and this decrease was similar among diets (P = 0.51). The output of Ca in urine during the prepartum period was greater in cows consuming NEG and CHL diets than in cows consuming CON and NEU diets (P < 0.01). Neither DMI (P = 0.69), milk yield (P = 0.79), milk fat concentration (P = 0.70), nor milk protein concentration (P = 0.66) differed among diets in the post-partum period. In conclusion, an acidogenic diet (DCAD = −172 mEq/kg DM) that includes polyhalite as the anionic source decreases urine pH and increases urinary Ca output when fed to non-lactating and pregnant dairy cows.

PSII-9 Free amino acids in pre- and post-rigor muscles from beef cattle under induced oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide

Abstract This study examined the effects of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide on free amino acids in pre-and post-rigor muscles from beef heifers (n = 18). Cattle were supplemented with ground corn and soybean hulls to 310 to 456 kg of BW while grazing cool and warm-season pastures and were evaluated for preliminary oxidative markers; afterward, they were shipped and finished at a commercial feedlot in Iowa. Animals were blocked into three groups based on prior analysis of oxidative stress markers and two treatments of either 20 mg hydrogen peroxide/kg BW (OX, n = 9) or 10 mL of saline (CON, n = 9) were equally and randomly assigned to animals within each block. On the day before slaughter, the OX and CON treatments were administered intravenously through the jugular vein. Pre-rigor muscles were collected at the neck (splenius) during slaughter; whereas post-rigor muscles were collected at the anterior of the beef loins (longissimus lumborum) at 72 h postmortem. Free amino acids were extracted in phosphate buffer, derivatized by propyl chloroformate, and determined by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with treatment, muscle rigor, and their interaction as fixed effects. Twenty-seven amino acids were quantified and ornithine and glutamine were 0.03 and 2.99 mmole/kg greater in OX muscle than in CON muscle (P = 0.031 and 0.024, respectively). Ten amino acids, such as glutamine and glutamic acid, were greater in pre-rigor muscles (P ≤ 0.003); whereas eleven amino acids were greater in post-rigor muscles, such as ß-aminoisobutyric acid and histidine (P ≤ 0.039). No treatment × time interaction was found (P &amp;gt; 0.069). Both ornithine and glutamine have been reported to reduce oxidative stress. Postmortem metabolism also greatly influences free amino acid concentrations.

PSII-8 Free amino acids in blood plasma of beef cattle under induced oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide

Abstract This study examined the effects of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide on free amino acids in blood plasma from beef heifers (n = 18). Cattle were supplemented with ground corn and soybean hulls to 310 to 456 kg of BW while grazing cool and warm-season pastures and were evaluated for preliminary oxidative markers; afterward, they were shipped and finished at a commercial feedlot in Iowa. Animals were blocked into three groups based on principal component analysis of oxidative stress markers and two treatments of either 20 mg hydrogen peroxide/kg BW (OX, n = 9) or 10 mL of saline (CON, n = 9) were equally and randomly assigned to animals within each group. On the day before slaughter, the OX and CON treatments were administered intravenously through the jugular vein. Blood samples were collected immediately before and 90 min after treatment, centrifuged into plasma, aliquoted, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80°C. Free amino acids in plasma were derivatized by propyl chloroformate, extracted in isooctane, and determined by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with repeated measures with treatment, time, and their interaction as fixed effects. Twenty-seven amino acids were quantified and sarcosine concentration was 1.5 mM greater in OX plasma than in that of CON (P = 0.064). Leucine, threonine, proline, asparagine, methionine, and α-aminobutyric acid were greater pre-treatment (P ≤ 0.006); whereas cystine was greater at 90 min post-treatment (P = 0.019). Although the effects of hydrogen peroxide injection on free amino acids in blood plasma were minimal, an increase in sarcosine concentration has been reported as a marker of induced oxidative stress.

327 Effects of Inclusion of Amaferm on Animal Performance, Chewing Activity, and Nutrient Digestibility of Backgrounding Beef Heifers Fed Either a Sorghum Silage- or a Byproducts-based Diet

Abstract Eighty-four Angus crossbred heifers (13 ± 1 mo, 329.5 ± 61.92 kg of BW) were used in a generalized randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a feed additive inclusion under two growing diets. Factors included: 1) diet type (whole plant sorghum silage- or byproducts-based diet) and 2) feed additive inclusion [Amaferm (Aspergillus oryzae (extract)] included at 0 or 0.02% of the diet DM. This resulted in four treatments: sorghum-control (SC), sorghum-amaferm (SA), byproducts-control (BC) and byproducts-amaferm (BA). Heifers were housed in 12 pens (108 m2/pen; 7 heifers/ pen) equipped with GrowSafe technology, to measure individual dry matter intake (DMI). After a 14-d adaptation, BW was measured every 14 d, during 56 days, and chewing activity was monitored through collar-mounted HR-Tags (SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel). Apparent total tract digestibility was measured on 10 heifers per treatment after the 56-d performance period, using indigestible NDF as a marker. Heifers fed the byproducts diet had (P ≤ 0.01) greater DMI as % of BW (2.92 vs. 2.59%) and greater average daily gain (1.16 vs. 0.68 kg/d). Amaferm improved gain-to-feed ratio by 15% in the byproducts diet (P ≤ 0.05) but it had no effect in the sorghum silage diet (P = 0.59). Conversely, Amaferm inclusion increased apparent total tract organic matter digestibility in the sorghum silage diet (SC = 49.8 vs. SA = 55.9%; P ≤ 0.01), whereas reduced it in the byproducts diet (BC = 65.8 vs. BA = 61.7%; P ≤ 0.05). Heifers fed a sorghum silage-based diet had (P ≤ 0.01) 39 and 63% greater chewing in min/d and min/kg of DMI, respectively; however, chewing in min/kg of NDF intake was similar across diets (average 111.3 min/kg of NDF intake).

PSIX-6 Dietary crude protein modifies fecal microbial populations independent of feed efficiency status in dairy cows

Abstract Understanding the composition and structure of the fecal microbial community may provide insight into bacterial adaptation to dietary changes in cattle. The aim of this study was to determine relationships among the fecal microbiome, residual feed intake (RFI) and residual net energy intake (REI) with diets varying in crude protein (CP). Four Holstein lactating cows (806 ± 38 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments (LOW: 13.2% and BASE:16.6% CP) in a crossover design (2 periods of 18 d each). Cows were 260 ± 62 days in milk (DIM) and averaged 26.5 ± 12.0 kg milk yield (MY). Diets were formulated to meet animal needs. Individual feed intake measured by a Calan Gate system was used to calculate daily dry matter intake (DMI). BW, MY and milk components were also measured daily. A linear mixed model with repeated measurements over time was used to evaluate diet effect on DMI, MY, RFI and REI in SAS. Individual fecal samples were collected at the end of each period and extracted DNA was subject to 16S rRNA gene deep amplicon sequencing. Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) were obtained using ≥97% similarity (SILVA database) and microbial community structure was assessed using alpha and beta diversity measures. No significant differences in phenotypic variables evaluated were observed between treatments or periods. We identified 927 concordant OTU among all cows, with 505 novel OTU identified in BASE cows and 403 in LOW cows. Microbial community structure was similar between treatments and feed efficiency measures. One OTU class, Erysipelotrichi, increased in abundance (P = 0.014) in BASE compared to LOW treatment. Findings reflect previous literature in which Erysipelotrichi was associated with high energy or high fat diets. Although no differences were observed in the phenotypic measurements between treatments, metagenomics analyses indicated differences in specific fecal microbial abundance.

Mycotoxin deactivator improves performance, antioxidant status, and reduces oxidative stress in nursery pigs fed diets containing mycotoxins.

Ingestion of mycotoxins can result in many problems, including decreased growth rates and immune suppression. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the supplementation of a mycotoxin deactivator composed by adsorbent clay minerals; inactivated fermentation extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae; and blend of antioxidants, organic acids, and botanicals in diets containing added mycotoxins for nursery pigs on their performance and antioxidant status. Ninety pigs weaned with 24 d of age (7.12 ± 0.68 kg of BW) were used. Pigs were housed in pens of three animals each according to body weight, litter origin, and sex. The dietary treatments consisted of feeding the pigs with a standard control diet as negative control (NC; mycotoxin levels at accepted regulatory Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture standards; deoxynivalenol (DON): <100 μg/kg; zearalenone (ZEA): <20 μg/kg; fumonisins (FB): <1 mg/kg); the standard diet added with mycotoxins to reach a low contamination level is considered as positive low (PCL-; DON: 900 μg/kg; ZEA: 100 μg/kg; FB: 5,000 μg/kg) without deactivator; a positive low added the deactivator at an inclusion rate of 1 kg/ton (PCL+); the standard diet added with mycotoxins to reach a high contamination level is considered as positive high (PCH-; DON: 4,500 μg/kg; ZEA: 500 μg/kg; FB: 18,000 μg/kg) without the deactivator; and a positive high added the deactivator at an inclusion rate of 5 kg/ton (PCH+). Pigs were individually weighed at the beginning and at the end of each phase and feed intake recorded based on daily pen intake during the experiment. On days 7, 19, 34, and 43 post-weaning, blood samples were drawn for antioxidant analyses. Antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and total superoxide dismutase [TSOD]), vitamins [Vit A, E, and C], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were evaluated in erythrocyte and plasma samples. Pigs challenged with mycotoxins presented lower performance traits, decrease in the efficiency of central antioxidant systems (↓GPx, ↓TSOD, ↓Vit A, ↓Vit E, and ↓Vit C), and a higher oxidative damage to lipids (↑MDA) when compared with the control and deactivator-associated treatments. Our findings showed that the use of a mycotoxin deactivator can mitigate the negative impacts on performance and oxidative stress when animals are subjected to diets contaminated by different levels of mycotoxins.

Growth performance of Rambouillet sheep up to weaning age in an organized farm

Data and pedigree information obtained from 4,186 birth records of Rambouillet Sheep collected from the Government Sheep Breeding and Research Farm, Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir were analyzed. The objective was to evaluate the performance and to estimate the genetic parameters of growth performance traits of Rambouillet Sheep. The mean of BW, WW, ADG, WW0.75, and KR were 2.86±0.04 kg, 13.85±0.26 kg, 122.11±2.94 gm/day, 7.18±0.09 kg and 17.01±0.11, respectively. The coefficient of variations (CV%) of all these traits under study were low ranging from 9.48 to 25.39% indicating that the traits had low variability. The effect of year and season was highly significant and non-significant, respectively on all the traits under study. Effect of sex was significant on BW, WW, ADG and WW0.75. 0.15 kg, 0.26 kg, 1.22 gm/day and 0.10 kg for BW, WW, ADG and WW0.75, respectively was observed in favour of male lambs. The effect of birth type was significant on BE and WW only. The heritability estimates were moderate for all traits and the genetic correlations ranged from -0.11±0.12 (between BW and WW) to 0.96±0.01 (between ADG and WW0.75). The overall breeding values for BW, WW, ADG, WW0.75, and KR were 2.80±0.04 kg, 13.86±0.23 kg, 122.89±2.58 kg/gm, 7.18±0.07 kg and 17.11±0.10, respectively. All correlations were significant whereas the trends were non-significant. The study indicated existence of genetic variability which can be harvested through selection.

Comparison of injectable trace minerals vs. adjuvant on measures of innate and humoral immune responses of beef heifers

• Injectable trace minerals (ITM), adjuvant (ADJ) and saline did not impact calf growth • Haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin were greatest for ADJ but similar between SAL and ITM • ITM enhanced calf antibody titers but not to the extent as ADJ injection Previous studies reported heightened innate and humoral immune responses among cattle administered injectable trace minerals (ITM) concurrent to immunogen challenge, thus suggesting a potential adjuvant-like activity of ITM. To pursue this concept further, a two-year study was conducted at the Mountain Research Station (North Carolina State University, Waynesville) to evaluate immunological responses of Angus heifers (n = 22, 235 ± 18 kg of BW and 225 ± 4 d of age in yr 1; n = 36, 237 ± 6 kg of BW and 247 ± 5 d of age in yr 2). On d 0 (30 days after weaning), heifers were administered two 5-mL i.m. injections of porcine red blood cells (PRBC; Lampire Biological Laboratories, Pipersville, PA) solution (25% PRBC and 75% sterile PBS; Amresco, Solon, OH), concurrent to either a single 2.5-mL s.c. injection of sterile saline (SAL; 0.9% NaCl), a squalene-based oil-in-water adjuvant (ADJ; AddaVax; InvivoGen, Inc. San Diego, CA) that specifically induces a humoral immune response, or injectable trace minerals (ITM; MultiMin 90; MultiMin USA, Inc. Fort Collins, CO; 60, 10, 15 and 5 mg/mL of Zn, Mn, Cu and Se). During the 28-d study, heifers were offered tall fescue hay ( Lolium arundinacea ) and concentrate at 1.2 and 1.0% of BW (DM basis), respectively, blended with 114 g daily of a complete mineral mix. Shrunk BW was recorded on d 0 and 28 following 12 h of feed and water withdrawal. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 2, 7, 15, and 21 for determination of antibody titers against PRBC and plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. Liver biopsy samples were collected 1 mo prior to weaning and on d 15 after weaning for determination of trace mineral status. No differences were detected ( P ≥ 0.13) for BW change, ADG, G:F, or DMI. Liver Se concentrations on d 15 were greater ( P ≤ 0.01) for heifers receiving ITM compared to SAL and ADJ treatments. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations on d 2 were greatest for ADJ ( P < 0.0001) and did not differ between SAL and ITM heifers ( P ≥ 0.46). Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations on d 2 were greatest for ADJ ( P ≤ 0.04) and did not differ between SAL and ITM heifers ( P = 0.39). On d 7, plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin did not differ ( P = 0.37) between ADJ and ITM, were less for SAL vs. ADJ ( P = 0.005), and tended to differ ( P = 0.064) between ITM and SAL heifers. Serum PRBC titers were greatest for ADJ ( P ≤ 0.03) vs. SAL on d 7, 15, and 21 and ITM on d 7 ( P < 0.001). Serum PRBC titers did not differ between SAL and ITM on d 7 and 15 ( P ≥ 0.23), but were greater in ITM vs. SAL on d 21 ( P = 0.03). In summary, ITM prolonged the antibody titers against PRBC on d 21 compared to saline injection in mineral-adequate beef calves, but not as quickly or to the extent of ADJ injection.

Digestion characteristics and prediction of digestible energy and total digestible nutrients in beef cattle finishing diets containing traditional and by-product lipid sources

Our objective was to determine effects of supplemental fat sources on digestion and energy predictions in feedlot diets containing several lipid sources. Five ruminally fistulated steers (520 ± 41 kg of BW) were fed in a 5-period Latin square design. Dietary treatments included control (CORN) or 4 finishing diets containing (1) 4.8% added corn oil (OIL), (2) 4.8% beef tallow (TAL), (3) 25.5% corn condensed distillers solubles (CCDS), or (4) 56% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Total-tract OM digestibility was multiplied by dietary OM content to determine digested OM (DIGOM; % of DM). Measured dietary DE (Mcal/kg) was converted to TDN using 4.4 Mcal of DE/kg of TDN. The unsaturated-to-saturated total fatty acid ratio of omasal samples of steers fed WDGS was greater than that for other treatments ( P = 0.01). Apparent total-tract diet NDF digestibility was least for steers fed OIL ( P < 0.04). The difference between TDN (% of DM) and DIGOM (% of DM) increased ( P < 0.01) as dietary GE increased across treatments. These results suggest DIGOM (% of DM) does not relate to TDN (% of DM) on a consistent basis when high-fat by-products are used and that measured DE (Mcal/kg) is needed to predict performance. In finishing diets containing WDGS, additional DE is not accounted for when evaluating only DIGOM. Measuring DE content of diets used in digestion trials is important when trying to estimate feeding values.

English

This study investigated whether concurrent presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and histamine (HIS) have the potential to increase permeability of the ruminal epithelium at physiological pH and acidotic ruminal pH. Nine 2.5-year-old female lactating Saanen dairy goats (42.79 ± 5.61 kg of BW; Mean ± SD) were used as a ruminant model. ruminal epithelium of goats were collected and mounted in Ussing chambers on their mucosal side in different gradient buffer solutions (pH 7.4, 5.5 and 5.2) containing LPS (0, 30 and 60 KEU·mL-1) or HIS (0, 0.5 and 10 ng·mL-1). The rumen epithelial electrophysiological indexes, such as short-circuit (Isc), tissue conductance (Gt) and the permeability of marker molecules of different sizes (horseradish peroxidase, HRP and fluorescein 5(6)-isothiocyanate, FITC) from the mucosal to the serosal side, were measured. Both Isc and Gt were increased, accompanied by enhanced flux of FITC, with a decrease of mucosal pH (P &lt; 0.05). The addition of LPS at mucosal pH 5.2 significantly increased Isc, Gt and FITC flux rates and decreased potential difference (PD) (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the concurrent presence of LPS and HIS at both physiological and acidotic ruminal pH also significantly increased the permeability of ruminal epithelium asevidenced by increasing Isc, Gt and FITC flux rates and decreasing PD. In summary, our results have shown that concurrent presence of LPS 60 KEU‧mL-1 and HIS 10 ng‧mL-1 at mucosal pH 5.5 can increase the permeability of ruminal epithelium. The combination of low pH and both high LPS and HIS may increase vulnerability to aggravated rumen epithelial barrier dysfunction. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of leaves of cnestis ferruginea vahl ex DC. (Connaraceae) on alloxan-diabetic induced mice.

Abstract Background: Cnestis ferruginea is a plant species widely used in the traditional african medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activities of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Cnestis ferruginea (AECF) in diabetic mice. Methods: The mice were grouped into five groups of five animals per group: Group A was not induced with alloxan, Group B animals were induced but not treated, Group C animals were treated with 500 mg / kg of BW of metformin, Group D and E animals were treated with 100, 200 mg/kg BW of AECF respectively. The extracts were administered to the animals orally for 14 days. Fasting blood sugar was measured by a glucometer. Serum concentrations of hematological and biochemical parameters were measured by standard methods. Results: The animals administered with 100 and 200 mg/Kg B.W of extract showed highly significant decrease (P ˂ 0.0001) in blood sugar level compared to the untreated animals. The 100 mg / kg BW dose of AECF produce low significant decrease (P &lt;0.05) of total cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, AST, ALT, urea, levels of white blood cells, platelets, hematocrit. The 200 mg / kg BW dose of AECF produce in addition significant decrease (P &lt;0.01) of AST and urea. Conclusion: The 200 mg / kg dose of BW of AECF had a greater antidiabetic activity than the dose of 100 mg / kg BW. Keywords: Cnestis ferruginea; antidiabetic activity; alloxan; diabetes mellitus.

Short- and long-term effects of early life exposure to concentrate or hay on feed sorting and rumen fermentation

Feed sorting is a common issue on dairy farms. Cows prefer smaller grain particles over long forage particles, leading to increased volatile fatty acids (VFA) and consequently subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the short and long-term effects of early life exposure to different feed sources on feed sorting and rumen fermentation of calves. Forty newborn female Holstein calves were randomly assigned at birth (38.5 ± 2.4 kg of BW) to 1 of 2 treatments: (1) the provision of concentrate (CON) only or (2) provision of hay (HAY) only as the source of solid feed during the milk-feeding stage (d 1–56). Afterward, all calves were offered a total mixed ration until the end of the experiment (d 57–196). Calves were raised in individual hutches from d 1–70. The calves were then transferred into a heifer barn with pens and housed in pairs (2 calves/pen) as per the previous treatments. Rectal temperature, feed intake, body weight and body structural measurements were recorded throughout the study. Fresh feed and orts were sampled daily in the first two weeks (d 57–70) of feeding TMR and in the last week of the experiment (d 190–196) to analyze feed sorting behaviour. Rumen fluid samples were collected from d 14–190 for detecting VFA concentrations. Our findings showed that early feed exposure did not influence calf health and growth performance but affected feed sorting over a short period. Upon transition to the same mixed diet, differences were found in the sorting of different particle fractions between treatments. In the first two weeks (wk 9 and 10) after transition to TMR, calves exposed to concentrates early began to sort for fine particle and against the long particle fractions. In contrast, calves fed hay early sorted for the long particle and against the fine particle fractions, resulting in a higher preference for fine particle fractions (P < 0.01) and a lower preference for long particle fractions (P < 0.01) in calves fed concentrate early than those fed hay early. However, no carryover effects were observed, such that differences between treatments in sorting for long (P = 0.43) and fine (P = 0.45) particle fractions faded away by the last week (wk 28) of the experiment. All calves sorted for short and fine particle fractions and against long and medium particle fractions. Although the pattern of feed sorting initially differed between treatments, rumen fermentation parameters, such as total VFA (P = 0.54), acetate (P = 0.83), propionate (P = 0.21), butyrate (P = 0.20), were not altered once all calves transitioned to a total mixed ration. These results suggested that the feed familiarity established early in life would not affect diet selection and rumen fermentation in heifer later in life. Moreover, the effect of feeding a total mixed ration after transition could eventually override the effect of feeding concentrate or hay early in life.

Feeding fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed as potential appetite stimulant to newborn Holstein dairy calves: Effects on meal pattern, ingestive behavior, oro-sensorial preference, and feed sorting

This trial was performed to investigate the effects of feeding graded levels of fennel seed powder (FSP) on nutrient intake, meal and rumination patterns, chewing and sorting behaviors in newborn Holstein dairy calves. Forty-eight calves (27 males and 21 females; n = 16 per treatment group; 3 d of age; 36.3 ± 1.06 kg of BW; mean ± SE) were assigned randomly to receive incremental levels of FSP at 0.0 (FSP0), 1.5 (FSP1.5) or 3.0 g/d (FSP3) in milk (morning feeding; during the first month of study period) and then in the starter feed (as top-dressed; from d 31 until weaning). Calves were weaned on d 71 and remained in the study until d 81. Starter feed dry matter (DM) intake increased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and increased and tended to increase in FSP3 and FSP1.5 as compared with FSP0, respectively. Growth rate increased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and was greater in FSP supplemented calves than in control calves. Overall body weight but not feed conversion ratio was greater in FSP supplemented calves compared with FSP0. Oro-sensorial preferences were greater in FSP supplemented calves and it was also greater in FSP3 compared with FSP1.5. Sorting index decreased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and decreased in FSP3 compared with FSP0 for particles retained on the 2.36, 1.18, and 0.6 mm sieves and tended to decrease in FSP1.5 compared to FSP0 for particles retained on the 2.36 and 1.18 mm sieves with significant difference for particles retained on the 0.6 mm sieve. Sorting index increased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and increased and tended to increase in FSP3 and FSP1.5 compared with FSP0 for feed materials retained on the bottom pan, respectively. Irrespective of the amount of FSP fed, all calves sorted for particles retained on all studied sieves and against feed materials on the bottom pan. Starter feed DM intake from particles retained on all studied sieves (except for 4.75 mm sieve) and feed materials retained on the bottom pan increased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and increased in FSP supplemented calves compared with control calves. Calves fed FSP initiated to eat their first solid feed in a shorter timeframe after starter feed provision with no changes in first meal duration among treatment groups. Despite of linear increase in eating rate and meal size in FSP supplemented calves, meal and rumination patterns and time devoted to eating, ruminating, resting, drinking, standing, and lying were not affected by treatment; however, non-nutritive oral behaviors were linearly decreased with increasing amount of FSP and decreased and tended to decrease in FSP3 and FSP1.5 compared with FSP0, respectively. In general, feeding FSP shortened time-delay to initiate first solid feed consumption by increasing oro-sensorial preference of the feed, increased feed intake through increases in the rate of eating and thereby the meal size, decreased non-nutritive oral behaviors without affecting chewing behavior, and improved growth performance.

232 Effect of Beef-dairy Cross Breed Description on the Sale Price of Lots of Steer Calves Sold Through Superior Livestock Auction in 2020 Summer Video Sales

Abstract The objective was to determine the effect of beef-dairy cross breed description as compared to Holstein and beef breed descriptions on the sale price of steer calf lots sold through Superior Livestock Auction in 2020 summer video sales. Data were available on 589 lots of weaned steer calves sold via six video auctions during the summer of 2020. Steer lots from the Rocky Mountain/North Central and South Central regions were included in the analysis. All lot characteristics that could be accurately quantified or categorized were used to develop a multiple regression model that evaluated effects of independent factors on sale price using backwards selection. A value of P &amp;lt; 0.05 was used to maintain a factor in the final model. Based upon reported breed descriptions, lots were subsequently categorized into one of five breed groups: 1) English-English cross, 2) English-Continental cross, 3) Brahman influenced, 4) Holstein, and 5) Beef-dairy cross. The mean weight of weaned steer calves was 277.5 ± 60.1 kg. Among weaned steer calf lots, Holstein lots sold for the lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) sale price ($113.21/45.36 kg of BW;Table1). Beef-dairy cross lots sold for the second lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) sale price ($153.07/45.36 kg of BW), but were only $15.21/45.36 kg of BW below English-English cross. Brahman-influenced lots sold for the third lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) sale price ($160.30/45.36 kg of BW). English-Continental cross lots sold for the second greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) sale price at $164.01/45.36 kg of BW. English-English cross lots sold for the greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) sale price ($168.38/45.36 kg of BW) compared with all other breed descriptions. Beef-dairy cross steer calves were closer in value to beef combinations than to Holstein steer calves.

213 Increased Standardized Ileal Digestible Isoleucine to Lysine Ratio Improved Feed Efficiency in Pigs Fed Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles from 11 to 80 kg

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of dietary SID Ile to Lys ratio on the performance pigs from 11 to 80 kg of BW. A total of 1,092 pigs (initial BW = 11.1, SEM = 0.6 kg; 14 pens/treatment; 13 pigs/pen) were used in an 80d trial with a randomized complete block design. Dietary treatments were in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement containing 2 levels of DDGS (0 and 25%) and 3 levels of SID Ile/Lys (0.54, 0.58, and 0.62). Energy and nutrient levels of all treatments were formulated at equal levels that met or exceeded NRC (2012) requirements. The SID Ile/Lys ratio was controlled by crystalline Ile. The MIXED procedures of SAS 9.4 were employed for statistical analysis. Orthogonal contrasts were used to test for main effects of DDGS and SID Ile/Lys. In the results, formulating with 25% DDGS decreased FBW, ADG, and ADFI (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of growing pigs. The average FBW of treatments without and with 25% DDGS were 81.7 and 78.6 kg, respectively. The ADG of diets without and with DDGS were 0.88 vs 0.84 kg/d, respectively. The ADFI of treatments without DDGS were 1.85 kg/day, while the counterparts of treatments fed diets containing 25% DDGS were 1.79 kg/d. Feeding diets containing 25% DDGS tended to decrease Gain:Feed (0.477 vs. 0.472; P &amp;lt; 0.10). Increasing the level of SID Ile/Lys (from 0.54 to 0.62) linearly increased Gain:Feed in pigs fed diets containing 25% DDGS (0.467, 0.471, 0.477, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.05). In summary, this study demonstrated feeding diets containing 25% DDGS decreased the performance of growing pigs by reducing ADG and ADFI. Greater SID Ile/Lys in diets may help reduce the negative impact of DDGS diets in grow-finishing pigs by improving feed efficiency.

195 Does Feeding a Protease and Probiotic (Bacillus Subtilis) Combination (Syncra® SWI) Result in Improved Growth Performance and Mortality in a Commercial Wean-to-finish Swine Feeding Program?

Abstract The response to probiotics and enzymes is often documented in research facilities with a high degree of control and via pigs with no insults to health or feed intake. However, in commercial conditions, the response to feed additives promoting advanced gut health and improved digestion must be consistent and defined over a wide range of health statuses, stocking densities, feed intakes, environments, and diet formulations. The objective of this experiment was to determine if a combined feed protease and probiotic system (Syncra® SWI 201, DuPont, Wilmington, DE) would improve growth performance and mortality under commercial conditions. A total of 127,092 pigs (6.0 ± 0.1 kg; PIC 337 sired, Hendersonville, TN) from a sow farm producing porcine reproductive and respiratory virus and rotavirus positive weaned pigs were placed in 53 2,400-head commercial wean-to-finish barns that were alternated to 1 of 2 treatments (a control treatment without Syncra® SWI (SSWI) or with SSWI included at 72.6 g/ton of finished feed from 22.7 kg of BW to harvest) in a rolling allotment over a 12-month period. Pigs were on the experiment for an average of 162 ± 1.0 days (until harvest). Throughout the 12-month experimental period, diets (outside of the SSWI inclusion) could change in order to maximize return over feed costs. Data were analyzed using Proc MIXED (SAS 9.4; Cary, NC) with treatment as the main effect and barn as the experimental unit. Compared to the control, adding SSWI improved mortality by 1.9% and percent grade 1 marketed pigs by 2.2% (P ≤ 0.025). Compared to the control, SSWI did not improve ADG (control = 0.75 vs. SSWI = 0.78 kg) or gain:feed (control = 0.401 vs. SSWI = 0.396). In conclusion, the inclusion of the SSWI combined feed protease and probiotic system can improve mortality and grade 1 marketed pigs, but not growth performance under commercial conditions.

Effects of supplementation of dried distillers grains with solubles to beef steers grazing Coastal bermudagrass on performance on pasture and in feedlot, and carcass characteristics

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of varying levels of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) supplemented daily on the performance of beef stocker cattle grazing Coastal bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pastures. Steers (n = 127, 342 ± 5.6 kg of BW) were stratified by BW and breed type and randomly allocated to 9 pastures (1.3 ± 0.17 ha) during each summer of 2 yr (2014, 2015). Pastures were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 treatments, including 2 daily levels of a DDGS supplement (SUPP; 0.25 or 1% BW) and a nonsupplemented control (PAS) for 96 d in 2014 and 92 d in 2015. Steers were shipped approximately 700 km to a commercial feedlot for the finishing phase. Finally, animals were transported less than 100 km for slaughter at a commercial abattoir. Steer ADG on pasture tended to increase quadratically ( P = 0.06) from 0.67 kg/d from PAS to 1.01 kg/d from 1% BW SUPP. Gain per hectare increased linearly ( P < 0.01) from 450 kg of BW/ha from PAS to 555 kg of BW/ha from 0.25% BW SUPP and 952 kg of BW/ha from 1% BW SUPP. Increasing SUPP on pasture had no effect ( P = 0.22) on feedlot ADG or carcass traits ( P > 0.36). Supplementation of steers with 1% BW DDGS resulted in the most efficient management strategy.

Comparison of milk replacer composition and effects on growth and health of preruminant lambs, and health-associated costs of artificial rearing

This research evaluated the effects of 2 milk replacer (MR) formulations on lamb performance, morbidity, mortality, and antibiotic usage and health-associated costs of artificial lamb rearing. East-Friesian male lambs (n = 206; BW = 4.9 ± 0.24 kg; 2–5 d of age) were stratified by BW and age and randomly allocated to 1 of 8 pens per treatment (10–15 lambs/pen). Lambs were artificially reared on 1 of 2 commercially available MR formulations [MR1 (100% milk protein): 25.3% protein, 26.5% milk fat, 34.9% lactose; MR2 (milk protein + hydrolyzed wheat protein): 23% protein, 24.3% vegetable oil, 30.4% lactose]. The MR was offered ad libitum via automatic feeders, mixed on-demand at 230 g/L of MR at 37°C. Lambs had free access to grass hay throughout the study. Lamb BW was recorded on entry and weekly thereafter to determine ADG and the time taken to reach a minimum of 13.5 kg of BW. Individual animal health assessments were undertaken daily for the first 4 d and weekly thereafter, and any animal health issues were recorded. All animal health interventions including antibiotic use, mortality, and labor requirements for animal health and hygiene management were recorded. Lamb mortality was similar between MR1 and MR2 lambs (8 vs. 10%, P = 0.79). Overall, ADG was greater for MR1 than MR2 (mean ± SE: 296 ± 17.6 vs. 242 ± 17.7 g/d, P = 0.02). For lambs not treated with antibiotics, ADG was greater in MR1 versus MR2 lambs (331 ± 12.3 vs. 305 ± 13.5 g/d, P = 0.03) resulting in fewer days to reach a minimum of 13.5 kg of BW (target for weaning: 30 ± 1.3 vs. 33 ± 1.4 d, P = 0.03). Thus, the percentage of lambs that reached 13.5 kg without antibiotic treatment was greater in MR1 than in MR2 lambs (73 ± 4.4 vs. 48 ± 4.9%, P < 0.001). Overall, 4 times more lambs failed to reach 13.5 kg by the end of the study in MR2 than in MR1 (16 vs. 4%, P = 0.009) reflecting their 53 g/d lower ADG. A much lower incidence (range from 1.5 to 13 times) of animal health issues and associated antibiotic use was observed with MR1 compared with MR2 lambs. As a result, the costs associated with animal health interventions were greater for MR2 than for MR1 ($NZ17.2 vs. $NZ7.32 per head). Milk replacer formulation did not affect mortality rates; however, ADG was greater and morbidity, antibiotic use, and costs of animal health interventions were lower in lambs reared on a MR formulated from 100% milk proteins and fats compared with MR containing a combination of milk protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and vegetable oil.

Supplementation Effect of Oleuropein Extract Combined with Betaine, Magnesium, and Vitamin E on Pigs' Performance and Meat Quality Characteristics.

Simple SummaryOleuropein, betaine, magnesium, and vitamin E show antioxidant and/or metabolic effects on the organism that are reflected, in many cases, in performances and meat quality. This study evaluated whether the combination of these nutrients at two doses manifest different effects on the final product. Both combinations were enough to improve the oxidative status of pigs, although performances were not affected. However, the higher doses increased n-6 and n-3 PUFA in the triglycerides and free fatty acid fractions that resulted in meat that was more susceptible to oxidation.This study evaluates the effect of the dietary combination of oleuropein extract (1200 mg/kg) and betaine (1000 mg/kg), magnesium oxide (600 mg/kg), and α–tocopheryl acetate (400 mg/kg), or a half-dose of these compounds, on pigs’ performance, oxidative status, and meat quality characteristics (drip loss, TBARS, and texture and fatty acid profile of intramuscular fat). Sixty-six barrows and females were slaughtered at 120 kg of BW. Performance and carcass yield were not changed by treatments. The high-dose mixture resulted in higher serum ferric reducing/antioxidant power (p = 0.0026), lower glucose (p = 0.03) and a tendency to have lower serum TBARS (p = 0.07) when compared to control. Percentage of drip loss, moisture content, intramuscular fat, or texture parameters were not modified by dietary treatments. Pigs supplemented with the high-dose mixture had higher PUFA (p = 0.0001), n-6 (p = 0.0001), n-3 (p = 0.0095) and lower MUFA (p = 0.0064) in the neutral lipid fraction of intramuscular fat. Free PUFA, mainly n-3 fatty acids (p = 0.0009), were also higher in the meat of pigs fed the high-dose mixture compared with the others. A higher mobilization (neutral to free fatty acids hydrolysis) of n-3 and MUFA fatty acids in the muscle from pigs fed the high-dose mixture was observed. However, dietary mixture supplementation tended to increase MUFA (p = 0.056) and decrease the total PUFA (p = 0.0074) proportions in muscle polar lipids. This specific fatty acid composition of meat from pigs supplemented with the high-dose mixture could be responsible for the higher meat lipid oxidation observed in this group when compared to the other groups. Consequently, the low-dose mixture would be more adequate for maintaining the oxidative status of pigs and, meat lipid stability.

Use of schizochytrium spp. microalgae in suckling Holstein calves at different periods after birth

Calves are born immunologically immature and are highly susceptible to infectious diseases. For these reasons, suitable handling practices that favor health conditions and improve performance are necessary at this phase of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the inclusion of Schizochytrium sp. microalgae for Holstein calves at different ages would improve dry matter intake (DMI), performance and health. Twenty-four newborn Holstein calves (34.0 ± 1.5 kg of BW) were allocated in a completely randomized design and were individually housed over 45 days. Starter and ryegrass hay and water were offered separately and ad libitum after the third day of life. Calves were daily fed five liters of whole milk divided in two equal meals. Treatments were as follows: whole milk without addition of microalgae (CON); addition of 6 g of microalgae/day over 45 days (ENT); addition of 6 g of microalgae/day from the 15th day of life until weaning (A15); and addition of 6 g of microalgae/day from the 30th day of life until weaning (A30). Calves that received microalgae (ENT, A15 and A30) had greater intake of starter in grams per day (P = 0.01) and metabolic weight (P = 0.02), and they tended (P = 0.07) to increase total DMI when compared with CON, without a difference in terms of feed efficiency (P = 0.20). Higher weaning thoracic perimeter (P = 0.03) for supplemented animals were observed. Serum lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were reduced (P = 0.029 and P < 0.001, respectively) with the addition of microalgae, regardless of the time of supplementation. The inclusion of 6 gs of Schizochytrium spp. microalgae increased starter intake and reduced oxidative reactions regardless of supplementation time, which justifies microalgae supplementation only in the final 15 days of suckling.