Pen Score Research Articles

195 Incidence of porcine ear necrosis in nursery pigs under commercial conditions is reduced with stimbiotic

Abstract Three studies were conducted to evaluate the potential benefit of a stimbiotic on porcine ear necrosis and the fecal microbiome in nursery pigs. In experiment 1, 600 mixed-sex piglets were randomly placed in 20 pens with 30 pigs/pen (n = 10). The pigs were fed a common wheat and barley-based nursery diet (CON) or CON with stimbiotic (Signis, 0.15g/kg; STB). Incidence of ear necrosis was recorded on individual animals at 28 d post-weaning. Mortality was analyzed using ANOVA and PEN was evaluated using a chi-square test. In experiment 2, a total of 65,200 pigs were placed on trial in 8 nursery barns. Treatments were assigned to a quadrant within each barn (n = 8). Newly weaned pigs were fed a common corn-soy nursery diet (CON) or CON with stimbiotic (Signis, 0.1g/kg; STB). Ear necrosis was classified as either: 1) nominal lesions or 2) moderate to severe lesions and was recorded at 1, 3, and 5 wk post weaning. Mortality and injectable treatments were recorded. Mortality data were analyzed using a binomial regression. A Poisson regression was used to analyze the incidence of PEN and injectable treatment rate with the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of sow farm, site, and barn. In experiment 3, a total of 47,200 pigs in 10 nursery barns were randomly assigned to either a standard nursery diet (CON) or CON with stimbiotic (Signis, 0.1 g•kg-1•ton-1; STB). Mortality was recorded throughout the 6-wk trial and PEN score was recorded at d 42. Fecal samples were collected on 7, 21, and 42 d post-weaning for 16S rRNA sequencing and predictive metabolic function analysis. In experiment 1, no differences in mortality were observed (P > 0.10). A total of 156 pigs in the CON fed group developed PEN, whereas only 27 pigs in the STB group developed PEN (52% vs. 9%; P < 0.01). In experiment 2, there was no difference among treatments for mortality. Pigs fed the STB treatment required 15% fewer injectable treatments than pigs fed the control (P < 0.05). No differences of PEN were observed in wk 1 and 3; however, at 5 wk post-weaning, incidence of PEN was 23% less in pigs fed the STB the the control fed pigs (P < 0.05). In experiment 3, the pigs fed STB had decreased incidence of ear necrosis (3.09% vs 4.08%; P < 0.05) and mortality (2.42% vs 2.86%; P < 0.05), overall reducing PEN and mortality by 32% and 18%, respectively. The fecal microbiome of pigs fed CON was associated with the chondroitin sulfate degradation pathway, an important component of cartilage. In conclusion, feeding a stimbiotic appears to be beneficial in nursery pigs to help alleviate challenges with PEN, which is potentially driven by a beneficial shift in the pig’s microbiome.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Three Interventions on Mineralization of Young Permanent Teeth Using DIAGNOdent™ Pen: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The occurrence of dental caries is influenced by the interplay of host factors, microbial factors, and environment factors collectively forming the epidemiological triad of dental caries. Modification of the caries epidemiological triad limits the caries progression by shifting the equilibrium toward re-mineralization. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary sugar intake modification, plaque control measures, and fluoride toothpaste on the mineralization of enamel using DIAGNOdent™ pen scores. Methodology: 108 children aged 13–15 years, qualified the preset inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly allocated into one among the three interventional groups such as Group 1: Diet counseling; Group 2: Educational intervention of toothbrushing and oral rinsing; and Group 3: Fluoride toothpaste. The sugar scores from 1 week’s diet history, plaque index scores, the weight of the fluoride toothpaste, and DIAGNOdent™ pen scores were recorded at the baseline visit and subsequently at 6- and 12-week intervals. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square, repeated measure analysis of variance, and Tukey’s post hoc tests to determine the relationship between the variables. Results: The percentage reduction in DIAGNOdent pen score at 12-week time interval in Group 1 was 25.37%, Group 2 was 6.77%, and Group 3 was 13.37%. Intergroup comparison revealed that Group 1 showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) as compared to Group 2 and Group 3, but Group 2 was as effective as Group 3 in teeth remineralization. Conclusion: the results suggest that among the abovementioned interventions, the dietary sugar restriction group is related to improved mineralization when compared to the instructed toothbrushing, oral rinsing, and fluoride toothpaste groups.

Porcine ear necrosis is associated with social behaviours in weaned piglets

BackgroundPorcine ear necrosis (PEN) is a worldwide health issue and its aetiology is still unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and the severity of PEN in a commercial farm, associated with pig behaviour and health biomarkers measures.On two consecutive batches, PEN prevalence was determined at the pen level. PEN scores, blood haptoglobin concentration and oxidative status were measured on two pigs per pen (n = 48 pens) 9, 30 and 50 days (D) after arrival to the post-weaning unit. Social nosing, oral manipulation and aggression of pen mates and exploration of enrichment materials were observed on two to three pigs per pen twice a week from D9 to D50.ResultsAt the pen level, the higher the time spent nosing pen mates, the lower the percentage of pigs affected by PEN during both the early and the late post-weaning periods (P < 0.002) and, in the opposite, the higher the time spent orally manipulating pen mates during the late post-weaning period, the higher the percentage of affected pigs (P = 0.03). At the pig level, the higher the increase in hydroperoxides and haptoglobin during the early post-weaning period, the higher the PEN scores on D30 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study suggests that a high incidence of social nosing, which can be an indicator of good social cohesion in a group, was significantly associated with less frequent lesions of PEN. In opposite, high incidence of oral manipulation of pen mates may increase the percentage of PEN-affected pigs. According to these observations, PEN is a multifactorial condition which may have social causes among others.

Analysis of nonsynonymous SNPs in candidate genes that influence bovine temperament and evaluation of their effect in Brahman cattle.

Temperament is an important production trait in cattle and multiple strategies had been developed to generate molecular markers to assist animal selection. As nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms are markers with the potential to affect gene functions, they could be useful to predict phenotypic effects. Genetic selection of less stress-responsive, temperamental animals is desirable from an economic and welfare point of view. Two nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in HTR1B and SLC18A2 candidate genes for temperament were analyzed in silico to determine their effects on protein structure. Those nsSNPs allowing changes in proteins were selected for a temperament association analysis in a Brahman population. Transversion effects on protein structure were evaluated in silico for each amino acid change model, revealing structural changes in the proteins of the HTR1B and SLC18A2 genes. The selected nsSNPs were genotyped in a Brahman population (n = 138), and their genotypic effects on three temperament traits were analyzed: exit velocity, pen score, and temperament score. Only the SNP rs209984404-HTR1B (C/A) showed a significant association (P = 0.0144) with pen score. The heterozygous genotype showed a pen score value 1.17 points lower than that of the homozygous CC genotype. The results showed that in silico analysis could direct the selection of nsSNPs with the potential to change the protein. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms causing structural changes and reduced protein stability were identified. Only rs209984404-HTR1B shows that the allele affecting protein stability was associated with the genotype linked to docility in cattle.

Treatment of shallow and deep white spot lesions with three different mouthwashes evaluated by laser fluorescence (an in vitro study)

This research aims to find how three different types of mouthwashes affect the depth of artificial white spot lesions. Teeth with various depths of white spot lesions were immersed in either splat mouthwash, Biorepair mouthwash, Sensodyne mouthwash, or artificial saliva (control)twice daily for one minute for 4 weeks and 8 weeks at 37°C. After this immersion procedure, lesion depth was measured using a diagnosed pen score. A one-way analysis of variance, Dunnett T3 and Tukey's post hoc α = .05 were used to analyze the testing data. Splat mouthwash enhanced the WSL remineralization and made the lowest ΔF compared with other mouthwashes in shallow and deep enamel after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. In the repair groups, after 4 weeks of treatment, significant recovery was observed in shallow enamel. Further improvement in shallow WSL after 8 weeks of treatment with biorepair mouthwash was observed compared to Sensodyne and the control group. Splat mouthwash is more effective than other mouthwashes in remineralizing two depths of WSLs at different time points. Keywords: DIAGNOdent pen, Shallow enamel, Deep enamel, white spot lesion.

Calm Hu Sheep Have a Different Microbiome Profile and Higher Energy Utilization Efficiency Than Nervous Hu Sheep

In sheep, temperament is known to affect animal welfare and the quality of animal products. While the composition of the gut microbiota is different between depressed patients and healthy human patients, in sheep, the influence of temperament on ruminal microbial species and abundance remains unknown. This study investigated the effects of temperament on parameters of rumen fermentation and microbial composition of rumen contents of Hu ram lambs. Using the pen score test, 6 lambs that scored 2 points or below (calm) and 6 lambs that scored 4 points or more (nervous) were selected from 100 ram lambs. The sheep were fed a standard diet for 60 days and rumen samples were collected at slaughter. The concentrations of propionic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and the ammonia nitrogen concentration were different between the calm and the nervous groups (p &lt; 0.05). At the phylum level, there were significant differences in Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, and Spirochetes (p &lt; 0.05); and at the genus level, there were significant differences in the Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Treponema 2, Fibrobacter, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-003 (p &lt; 0.05). The present study suggests that differences in the rumen microbiota between the calm group and the nervous group could have an impact on the metabolism of carbohydrates and polysaccharides and explain why Calm Hu sheep have a higher energy utilization efficiency than nervous Hu sheep. More studies are needed to further understand the effect of temperament on specific pathways of the rumen microbiota.

PSIII-A-12 Longissimus Thoracis Mitochondrial Capacities and Temperament of Stocker Calves are Related to Meat Quality at Harvest in Brahman but not in Angus Cattle

Abstract Brahman cattle reportedly have decreased meat quality compared to Angus but little is known about the cellular mechanisms driving this difference. We hypothesized that live animal skeletal muscle mitochondria would be related to meat quality. Trapezius and longissimus thoracis (LT) samples were collected from 10-mo-old Angus and Brahman steers designated as calm, intermediate, or temperamental (n=12/group/breed) based on pen score and exit velocity at weaning. Samples were analyzed for citrate synthase (CS) and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activities as markers of mitochondrial volume density and function. Calm and temperamental LT samples were also analyzed for oxidative phosphorylation (P) and electron transfer (E) capacities via high-resolution respirometry. At approximately 14.5-mo-old, steers were placed in pens and fed ad libitum. After at least 120 d on feed, animals were harvested and 13th rib LT samples were collected, vacuum packaged, aged 14d, frozen, then subjected to Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF). Impacts of temperament and breed on WBSF were determined using mixed linear models with breed, temperament, and breed × temperament as fixed effects. Relationships between mitochondrial variables and WBSF were determined using Pearson’s Correlations. Regardless of temperament, WBSF was greater in Brahman than Angus steers (P&amp;lt; 0.0001). Temperament did not impact WBSF in Angus but temperamental Brahman had greater WBSF than both calm and intermediate Brahman (P≤0.01). CS and CCO activities at 10 mo of age were not correlated with WBSF. However, Brahman LT intrinsic (relative to CS) P with complex I (PCI), maximal P with complexes I and II (PCI+II), maximal E with complexes I and II (ECI+II), and E with complex II only (ECII) were positively correlated with WBSF (P≤0.05) while no LT mitochondrial capacity measures correlated with WBSF in Angus. These data may shed light on differences in skeletal muscle energetics leading to decreased meat quality in temperamental Brahman steers.

Effect of calcium fluoride nanoparticles in prevention of demineralization during orthodontic fixed appliance treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

White spot lesions (WSLs) are the most common complications of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. To evaluate the effectiveness of calcium fluoride nanoparticles-containing orthodontic primer (nCaF2-primer) in preventing the incidence of WSLs during orthodontic treatment. Single-centre, double-blinded, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial. The sample involved 31 orthodontic patients (≥12 years). Participants were recruited using a simple nonstratified randomization. Data collection, measurements, and analysis were performed blindly. Outcome measures included comparing the effect of nCaF2-primer with control primer (Transbond) regarding the degree of demineralization (DIAGNOdent pen), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) bacterial counting [real-time polymerase chain reaction device (PCR)], and WSLs incidence (pre- and post-operative photographs). The measurements were performed before bonding, 1, 3, and 6 months after bonding and after appliance removal. A two-way repeated measure analysis of variance test (for DIAGNOdent pen scores), and Wilcoxon signed-rank test (for the difference between bacterial counting and WSLs incidence) were used (P < 0.05). Thirty-one patients were recruited and randomized (mean age 17.9 ± 2.45 years). For the primary outcome (DIAGNOdent pen scores) and secondary outcome of S. mutans counting: 31 patients (310 teeth for each group) were included in scoring at T1 and T3, and 30 patients (300 teeth) were included at T6. While for the photographic scores, 26 patients were included after bracket bonding. The demineralization scores showed significant differences at all-time intervals within the 6 months after bracket bonding which was more noticeable after the first month. There was a significant difference in bacterial count between the two primer groups at the T1 only. Regarding photographic scores, there were no significant differences in the WSLs incidence between the two primers groups after brackets removal. No harm was detected during treatment, except the usual pain/gingival irritation. nCaF2-primer effectively decreased demineralization scores within the 6 months after bracket bonding. Moreover, it significantly reduced S. mutans colonization after the first month. However, the tested primer did not have an extra advantage in preventing WSLs development at the clinical level after appliance removal. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 8 May 2021 (registration number: NCT04994314).

Cattle acclimate more substantially to repeated handling when confined individually in a pen than when assessed as a group.

Chute (CS) and exit (ES) scores are common subjective methods used to evaluate temperament in cattle production systems. A pen test, which allows behavior to be observed in a non-restrained setting, may also be an effective method to evaluate temperament by allowing more variation among animals to be expressed. The merit of pen scores in assisting producers in evaluating temperament is equivocal. The objectives of this study were to validate the usefulness of a pen score in delineating temperamental cattle and to determine whether these behavioral scores change under repeated and routine management. Over 3 consecutive years, a factorial design of two measurement protocols (frequent [F], infrequent [IN]) and three recording periods was used. The F measurements were collected over 3 consecutive days and IN measurements only on day 1 within a recording period. Each year, 20 mostly Angus commercial Bos taurus heifers were randomly assigned to each protocol. Behavior was measured using a CS, ES, and exit velocity. Body temperature and heart rate also were recorded. A fecal and blood sample were collected and analyzed for levels of various metabolites including glucose concentration and serum cortisol. Following routine handling, each heifers’ response to 30 s of exposure to a human stressor was recorded both individually and in groups of four. An individual (IPS) and group (GPS) pen scores were assigned from 1 (docile) to 6 (aggressive). For all heifers, protocol, event, and their interaction, were compared on the first day of an event. For F heifers, event and day within event were instead used. Body weight was included as a covariate, with sire and year fitted as random effects. Reliability of IPS and GPS were determined using a kappa (K) coefficient. Both IPS and GPS were reliably assigned (K = 0.64 and 0.44 for IPS and GPS, respectively) and positively correlated with body temperature, heart rate, glucose, and serum cortisol (r = 0.28 to 0.37). Furthermore, F heifers acclimated to repeated handling in an individual pen setting (P < 0.05) while acclimation to handling within groups was not evident (P > 0.14). IPS provides a reliable evaluation of temperament in a non-restrained setting that is indicative of an animal’s response to stress and may be useful when attempting to make phenotypic selection decisions. However, temperamental heifers became calmer with repeated gentle handling.

189 What’s in a step? Evaluating the interrelationship between productivity and cattle behavior during a series of temperament tests

Abstract To better understand the relationships among productivity, behavior, and emotion, in the context of Panksepps’ emotional circuits (FEAR, RAGE, PANIC, SEEKING), Bos indicus influence yearling steer behavior (n = 32) was quantified during a series of temperament evaluations. Exit velocities (EV) and chute scores (CS) were recorded at weaning. Starting three months post-weaning, ADG was measured across a 28-d period prior to testing commencement. Pen Scores (PS) from all steers were taken at the end of the 28-d period. Steers were video recorded during an Open Field Test (OFT), an Individual Startle Test (IST), a Group Startle Test (GST), and during a Bovine Zero Maze (BZM) evaluations, and the number of steps performed during each test recorded. Steers experienced each test twice, in random order, across a 50 day period with a 5-day minimum washout period between tests. Repeatability (Pearson’s correlation; PROC CORR), validity (relative to ADG; PROC REG), and reliability (Chronbach’s alpha; PROC CORR) were evaluated for PS, EV, CS, and the number of steps performed in the OFT, IST, GST, and BZM. Correlations among ADG, PS, EV, and CS illustrated that as ADG increased, EV (FEAR; R = -0.41; P = 0.02) and PS (PANIC; R = -0.42; P = 0.02) decreased. No relationship was observed between ADG and CS (RAGE). A positive relationship (R = 0.45; P = 0.01) was observed between PS (PANIC) and EV (FEAR). No relationship was observed between CS (RAGE) and EV nor between CS (RAGE) and PS (PANIC). The data separated (PROC VARCLUS) into the three primary clusters (FEAR, RAGE, and PANIC/SEEKING). The number of steps in the GST (FEAR) clustered with ADG and EV (FEAR). The number of steps in the BZM (PANIC/SEEKING), OFT (PANIC/SEEKING), and IST (PANIC/SEEKING) clustered together. Chute score (RAGE) did not cluster with any of the other variables. A model was developed to illustrate these relationships. CS, PS, and EV may be straightforward approaches to evaluating multiple components of temperament.

86 Evaluation of the effect of prenatal transportation stress on endocrine and immune tissues of neonatal Brahman calves

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate whether prenatal transportation stress (PNS) affects the weight of endocrine and immune tissues of calves. Mature Brahman cows inseminated to a single Brahman sire in 2018 were assigned to be either Control (n = 35; not transported) or PNS (n = 37; 2 h of transportation at 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 ± 5 d of gestation). Of the calves born in 2019, 16 Control (8 bulls and 8 heifers) and 16 PNS (8 bulls and 8 heifers) calves were studied. Pen score, body weight, and blood samples were obtained from calves at 25 ± 2 d of age. At that time, calves were euthanized by barbiturate overdose in order to collect tissues (brain, pituitary and adrenal glands, spleen and thymus). Tissues were trimmed and weighed. Serum cortisol was determined by RIA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, GLM, and CORR procedures of SAS with body weight at sample collection as a covariate. Whole pituitary weight tended (P = 0.08) to be greater in females compared to males, whereas anterior pituitary weight tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in PNS. Whole brain weight was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in males. The interaction of treatment and sex on whole brain weight of PNS tended (P = 0.09) to fall between that of the Control females and Control males. Whole pituitary weight was positively correlated with total adrenal weight (r = 0.32; P = 0.08). Total thymus weight positively correlated with whole brain and total adrenal weight (r = 0.43 and 0.41, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Serum cortisol was negatively correlated with spleen weight and total immune tissue weight (r = -0.37 and -0.38, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Results suggest next steps should include a closer look at function of immune tissues by studying PNS effect on thymus response to immunization.

The Use of Traditional Fear Tests to Evaluate Different Emotional Circuits in Cattle

Animal temperament is complex and has implications for productivity and economic profitability. Quantifying an animal's response to differing stimuli may facilitate breeding selections and identify animals that are better suited to specific management strategies. Multiple tests have been developed to evaluate cattle temperament (e.g., exit velocity, chute score, pen score, open field test, startle test, bovine zero maze), but each of these tests evaluates the animal's response to different stimuli (e.g., isolation, novel environment, startle, willingness to enter an enclosed area). Cattle temperament has been observed to be relatively stable over time. However, the evaluation of temperament has the potential to be influenced by current conditions, previous experiences, and observer bias. Many of these temperament tests have been improperly categorized as fear tests and have also been criticized for being subjective. This paper provides a framework for standardizing behavioral tests for cattle and suggests that these different evaluations assess different aspects of the animal's overall temperament.

STUDI TEMPERAMEN SAPI BALI BERTANDUK DAN TIDAK BERTANDUK (Study on the Temperament of Polled and Horned Bali Cattle)

This study was aimed to determine the nature of the differences in temperament of horned and polled Bali cattle. The research was conducted in February-March 2018 in Maiwa Ranch/Maiwa Breeding Center (MBC) Enrekang regency. The research used 25 heads of Bali Cattle, 19 heads of horned Bali cattle and 6 heads of Bali polled. Temperament test data was analyzed by descriptive and cortisol levels were analyzed using T-test statistical analysis, temperance, and cortisol level test results. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis. The results of this study indicated that according to the temperament tests parameters (pen score, chute score, chute exit velocity), Bali polled were tamer than Bali horned cattle. Cortisol levels of Bali polled also observed lower than the horned Bali cattle

304 Transgenerational influence of prenatal stress on temperament, birth weight, and weaning weight of Brahman calves

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the transgenerational influence of prenatal transportation stress (PNS) on temperament, birth weight, and weaning weight in Brahman calves. Dams were derived from multiparous cows that were transported for 2 h at 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 d of gestation (n = 48) or maintained as Controls (n = 48). Heifers born to Transported or Control cows were followed through maturity and their calves (n = 79; 35 calves born to Control dams and 44 to PNS dams) studied across multiple years. Calf birth and weaning weights were recorded. Calf temperament at weaning was evaluated utilizing pen score (PS; 1=calm and 5=excitable), exit velocity (EV; m/sec), and temperament score (TS; (PS+EV)/2). Data were analyzed using mixed linear models. Fixed effects included dam treatment, calf sex, and birth season nested within birth year (season nested within year was identified as an efficient parameterization). Calf sire was a random effect. Birth weight was not affected by dam treatment, calf sex, or season nested within year (P &amp;gt; 0.1). Weaning weight was greater in males than females (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Weaning weight was affected by season nested within year (P &amp;lt; 0.01). DOA at weaning was a covariate for weaning weight (0.74±0.09 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01), but not PS, EV, or TS (P &amp;lt; 0.1). Weaning weight was not affected by dam treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.1). TS was affected by season nested within year (P = 0.04) but not dam treatment or calf sex (P &amp;gt; 0.1). EV was not affected by dam treatment, calf sex, or season nested within year (P &amp;gt; 0.1). PS was affected by season nested within year (P &amp;lt; 0.01) but not calf sex (P &amp;gt; 0.1). Calves born to PNS dams had greater (P = 0.02) PS than calves born to Controls (3.17±0.20 and 2.58±0.22, respectively). There was a transgenerational influence of PNS on temperament but not birth or weaning weight.

157 The relationship of weaning stress, sex and temperament on fecal microbiota and metabolites in Brahman calves

Abstract The relationship of weaning stress on fecal microbiota and serum and fecal metabolites of calm and temperamental 6-month-old Brahman bulls and heifers was studied. Temperament score (average of pen score and exit velocity) was used to classify calf temperament. Rectal fecal samples and jugular blood samples were collected from 10 calm and 10 temperamental calves (5 bulls and 5 heifers of each temperament) at weaning and d 4 after weaning. Fecal bacterial DNA was used to characterize microbiota by Illumina sequencing, MiSeq, QIIME, UniFrac, and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) methods. Serum and fecal samples were used to characterize metabolites by untargeted GC-TOF mass spectrometry, ChromaTOF, and BinBase methods. Univariate analysis (alpha value for the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test = 0.05, FDR = 0.1) was used to determine differentially abundant microbial taxa and metabolites. Serum cortisol concentration was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in temperamental than in calm calves. Serum cortisol was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in heifers than bulls. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) plot showed 71 and 31 bacterial taxa were differentially enriched between day and sex at d 4, respectively; and 51 unknown and 9 known fecal metabolites were differentially enriched between day and sex at d 4, respectively. Abundance of metabolites of neuroactive compounds in fecal and serum samples varied by weaning, sex and temperament. Specifically, by d 4 5-aminovaleric acid, 5-methoxytryptamine, adenosine, capric acid, glutamic acid, tyramine, and 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were enriched (P &lt; 0.05) in feces. By d 4 metabolites associated with lipolysis were differentially enriched in serum. Energy related metabolites (glycerol-3-galactoside, glucose and trehalose) were enriched (P &lt; 0.05) in serum of temperamental relative to calm calves. Serum GABA was differentially enriched (P &lt; 0.05) in heifers relative to bulls. The presence of microbiota taxa and metabolites associated with behavior and energy homeostasis were differentially affected by calf sex, temperament, and weaning stress.

Influence of genetic markers on the feeding behavior of yearling bulls

Background: The search for gene and marker effects on economically important traits is aimed not only to understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits but also to applying the information to breeding schemes. Objective: To analyze the effect of two temperament-related SNPs (rs109576799 located in the DRD3 gene, and rs43696138 in the HTR2A gene) on feeding performance of Mexican beef cattle. Methods: One hundred and thirty-six young beef bulls were included in a centralized feed efficiency performance test based on residual feed intake (RFI), with 20 d for adaptation and 70 d of feed efficiency testing. In addition to feeding traits, temperament was assessed at the beginning of the trial using pen score (PS) and exit velocity (EV). All animals were genotyped with two markers located in the HTR2A and DRD3 genes, and an association analysis was conducted between these genotypes and the measured traits. Results: For Brangus breed, a significant association was obtained between average daily gain (ADG; p=0.019), and the rs43696138 marker, resulting in higher gains for homozygous genotype GG (1.69 ± 0.04 kg), when compared to the heterozygous genotype GA (1.54 ± 0.04 kg). Conclusion: The previously reported association of these markers with temperament was not confirmed in the evaluated breeds; however, the rs43696138 marker showed an effect on a feeding performance trait. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of this and other markers on both RFI and temperament.

Use of random regression to estimate genetic parameters of temperament across an age continuum in a crossbred cattle population.

The objective was to estimate genetic parameters of temperament in beef cattle across an age continuum. The population consisted predominantly of Brahman-British crossbred cattle. Temperament was quantified by 1) pen score (PS), the reaction of a calf to a single experienced evaluator on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = calm, 5 = excitable); 2) exit velocity (EV), the rate (m/s) at which a calf traveled 1.83 m upon exiting a squeeze chute; and 3) temperament score (TS), the numerical average of PS and EV. Covariates included days of age and proportion of Bos indicus in the calf and dam. Random regression models included the fixed effects determined from the repeated measures models, except for calf age. Likelihood ratio tests were used to determine the most appropriate random structures. In repeated measures models, the proportion of B. indicus in the calf was positively related with each calf temperament trait (0.41 ± 0.20, 0.85 ± 0.21, and 0.57 ± 0.18 for PS, EV, and TS, respectively; P < 0.01). There was an effect of contemporary group (combinations of season, year of birth, and management group) and dam age (P < 0.001) in all models. From repeated records analyses, estimates of heritability (h2) were 0.34 ± 0.04, 0.31 ± 0.04, and 0.39 ± 0.04, while estimates of permanent environmental variance as a proportion of the phenotypic variance (c2) were 0.30 ± 0.04, 0.31 ± 0.03, and 0.34 ± 0.04 for PS, EV, and TS, respectively. Quadratic additive genetic random regressions on Legendre polynomials of age were significant for all traits. Quadratic permanent environmental random regressions were significant for PS and TS, but linear permanent environmental random regressions were significant for EV. Random regression results suggested that these components change across the age dimension of these data. There appeared to be an increasing influence of permanent environmental effects and decreasing influence of additive genetic effects corresponding to increasing calf age for EV, and to a lesser extent for TS. Inherited temperament may be overcome by accumulating environmental stimuli with increases in age, especially after weaning.

The efficacy of resin infiltrate on the treatment of white spot lesions and developmental opacities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in opacities by applying resin infiltrate to developmental enamel opacities and applying resin infiltrate or fluoride varnish to white spot lesions (WSLs). A total of 132 teeth with WSLs and developmental enamel opacities were included in the study. WSLs were treated with resin infiltrate (Group 1) and fluoride varnish (Group 2), and developmental enamel opacities were treated with only resin infiltrate (Group 3). Lesions were evaluated in accordance with International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) criteria and DIAGNOdent Pen scores before applying the material (T0), just after the application (T1), and after 1 month (T2) and 3 months (T3). A significant decrease in DIAGNOdent Pen scores was observed in all the groups and the most important decrease was seen in Group 2 (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in ICDAS II scores was observed in Groups 2 and 3 (T0-T1) and Group 1 (T1-T2) (P < 0.05). DIAGNOdent pen scores decreased and the lesion was partially masked after resin infiltrate was applied to treat developmental enamel opacities; the resin infiltrate application, however, was more successful than fluoride varnish on WSLs. Treating WSLs with resin infiltrate was a good option due to shorter term esthetic recovery and high patient satisfaction.

Evaluation of tropically adapted straightbred and crossbred beef cattle: Cortisol concentration and measures of temperament at weaning and transport.

The objective of this research was to evaluate circulating concentrations of plasma cortisol and measures of temperament at weaning in calves (steers and heifers) and at transport in steers. Calves ( = 993) were produced from a 3-breed diallel mating design that included calves from 3 consecutive years. Breed types of calves were straightbred Angus (A), Brahman (B), and Romosinuano (R) and all F crossbred combinations (AB, BA, AR, RA, BR, and RB). At weaning (d 0) and at 24 and 72 h after weaning, blood was sampled from calves and the plasma was stored for later cortisol assay. Additionally, at each of these times, temperament was assessed as chute score, exit velocity, and pen score. About 1 mo later, steer calves ( = 471) were sampled before shipment, at arrival, and at 24 h, 72 h, 2 wk, and 4 wk after shipment (2,025 km; Brooksville, FL, to El Reno, OK). At each of these sampling times, blood was collected and plasma was stored for subsequent cortisol assay and temperament was assessed by measurement of exit velocity. At both weaning and transport, plasma concentrations of cortisol did not significantly differ ( > 0.05) among straightbreds or among crossbreds. Significant ( < 0.05) positive genetic effects were observed for plasma concentration of cortisol at weaning (heterosis for BA and direct Romosinuano effect) and transport (heterosis for RA, BR, and BA; direct Romosinuano effect; and maternal Angus effect). Assessment of temperament using the objective measurement of exit velocity or the subjective measures of chute score or pen score (1 [lowest] to 5 [highest excitability] scale, based on behavior in chute and behavior in pen with human observer, respectively) generally provided similar results: Brahman was higher than Brahman crosses, which were higher than Angus, Romosinuano, and their reciprocal crosses. For exit velocity, however, Brahman did not differ from Brahman crosses and Angus did not differ from Romosinuano or Brahman crosses. At transport, sire breed and dam breed affected exit velocity of steers, with higher ( < 0.05) estimates for Brahman than for Romosinuano or Angus. These data suggest that weaned calves and shipped steers of various breed types show a similar response to stressors in cortisol concentration. In contrast, in assessing temperament or behavioral response to humans, Romosinuano and Angus had better temperaments and were less excitable than Brahman.

Efficacy of fluoride varnish for prevention of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances: A systematic review study

Background: White spot lesions (WSLs) are a problem commonly found in patients who use orthodontic devices. Fluoride varnish can reduce WSLs during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of fluoride varnish compared with other agents for preventing WSLs during orthodontic treatment.&#x0D; Methods: Studies were searched from four databases- PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library- from January 1980 to May 2017; only studies with English abstracts were included.&#x0D; Results: Out of 432 studies searched from the databases, 33 studies were evaluated for eligibility. Of the 33 studies, 19 were excluded with reasons and 14 studies were included in the systematic review. Parameters of WSLs (decalcification score, prevalence, incidence, progression score, ΔQ and ΔZ and DiagnoDent (DD) pen score) were compared for the various treatments.&#x0D; Conclusions: Although there were some limitations for this systematic review study, the review showed that fluoride varnish combined with chlorhexidine (CHX) may be a good treatment for WSLs after orthodontic treatment, especially for a 6-month period, and that resin infiltration might also be effective for preventing WSLs. More studies are needed to further investigate these observations.