SAS PROC Research Articles

Effects of Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility and Fecal Characteristics, Metabolites, and Microbiota of Healthy Adult Dogs.

Gastrointestinal and stool quality issues are common in companion animals. In addition to dietary fibers and prebiotics, the consumption of live microorganisms may be used to support the gastrointestinal health of pets. Spore-forming Bacillus species are gaining interest due to their viability during processing, storage, and within the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of B. subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 supplementation on dietary apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Twelve healthy adult beagle dogs (6 ± 1.14 yr; 8.71 ± 0.91kg body weight) were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design. Dogs were fed to maintain body weight and allotted to one of three treatments each experimental period (n=12/treatment): Control [kibble diet + placebo (1.25g of maltodextrin)], Low [kibble diet + 1×109 colony-forming units (CFU)/day of B. subtilis], and High (kibble diet + 5×109 CFU/day of B. subtilis). Each experimental period was composed of a 22-day adaptation phase, 5-day fecal collection phase, and one day for blood collection. Fecal microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P<0.05 being considered significant. B. subtilis supplementation tended to decrease (P<0.10) apparent total tract dry matter, organic matter, and energy digestibilities, but did not influence food or energy intake, fecal output, and apparent total tract protein or fat digestibilities. Most serum metabolites, hematology, fecal characteristics, and fecal bacterial alpha and beta diversity indices were not affected. Fecal dysbiosis index tended to be affected and fecal Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Blautia abundances were lower (P<0.05) in dogs allotted to the Low treatment. These data suggest that daily supplementation of up to 5×109 CFU/day of B. subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 is safe and does not affect markers of general health and fecal characteristics of healthy dogs, warranting further exploration.

Comparative Analyses of the Poisson-Exponential-Gamma to Selected Discrete Distributions with Applications Some

In this paper, we compare results arising from implementing the new Poisson-Exponential-Gamma distribution (PEG) to other competing two-parameter distributions such as the generalized Poisson Lindley (GPL), the Poisson generalized Lindley (PGL), the Negative binomial (NB) and several others to several frequency data sets exhibiting different characteristics and data with covariates exhibiting over-or-under dispersion. In all, we show that the PEG does not perform better than most existing distributions. We also demonstrate the equivalence of the GPL and the PGL (the latter being a re-parameterized version of the former). We further show that the New Poisson generalized Lindley (NGPL) distribution is also equivalent to the two-parameter discrete Lindley (TDL) distribution and that in some cases, these two degenerate to the one-parameter geometric distribution (GD). Our results here indicate the limitations of the PEG especially to under-dispersed data. For very strong over-dispersed data, the NB, the New logarithmic distribution (NLD), the New Geometric Discrete Pareto Distribution (NGDP) or the discreteWeibull(DW) perform much better. SAS PROC NLMIXED is employed in our estimation. Adjusted group X2 as well as Wald’s test statistics were computed using estimated theoretical means and variances.

Whole stillage inclusion level influences in vitro fiber digestibility and ruminal fermentation of tall fescue hay.

With the growing bourbon industry in the southeastern U.S. leading to increased production of liquid distillery byproducts, there is a pressing need to explore sustainable uses for whole stillage [containing residual grain (corn, rye, malted barley) and liquid after ethanol separation] in livestock nutrition. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of increasing whole stillage inclusion on the in vitro fiber digestibility and ruminal fermentation of tall fescue hay. Ruminal contents were obtained from two ruminally-cannulated Angus × Holstein steers (390 ± 4.49kg BW) fed a basal diet consisting of 90% tall fescue hay and 10% cracked corn. Whole stillage was obtained from a local distillery, homogenized, and replaced water in the Goering and Van Soest buffer preparation at 0.00%, 9.06%, 18.1%, or 36.3% on a v/v basis to simulate ruminal fill of whole stillage under practical conditions. Tall fescue hay was used as the substrate and vessels were incubated for 48h. Results were analyzed with the GLM procedure of SAS using polynomial contrast statements for statistical comparison. Increasing whole stillage inclusion linearly decreased (P = 0.002) apparent DM digestibility, with the lowest (quadratic: P = 0.03) coefficients for true DM and NDF digestibility occurring at 36.3% whole stillage inclusion. The rate and extent of gas production, methane production, and total VFA concentration increased (P < 0.05) with increasing whole stillage inclusion. The final pH of the fermentation media linearly decreased (P < 0.001) with increasing whole stillage inclusion. The molar acetate, valerate, isovalerate, and isobutyrate proportions decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing whole stillage inclusion. The molar propionate proportion responded quadratically (P < 0.01), with the peak proportion occurring at 36.3% whole stillage inclusion. Increasing whole stillage inclusion linearly decreased (P < 0.001) the viable number of cellulolytic and 2-deoxyglucose-resistant cellulolytic bacteria in the fermentation media. Peptide- and amino acid-utilizing bacteria increased linearly (P < 0.001) and hyper-ammonia-producing bacterial concentration peaked (quadratic: P = 0.05) at 36.3% whole stillage inclusion. Increasing whole stillage inclusion in the in vitro ruminal media demonstrated negative effects on the fermentation of tall fescue hay, as indicated by decreased NDF disappearance, cellulolytic bacteria, pH, and branched-chain VFA proportions.

Effect of multispecies fungal extract supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and the rumen microbiome composition of beef cattle fed forage-based diets.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a multispecies fungal extract (MFE) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fermentation characteristics, and rumen microbiome composition of beef cattle fed forage-based diets. For experiment 1, ruminally cannulated Angus × SimAngus cows (n = 4; body weight [BW] = 569 ± 21kg) were used in a randomized crossover design with two 21-d study periods and a 23-d washout period to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of an MFE on in situ digestion, ruminal fermentation, and the composition of the rumen microbiome. Treatments consisted of a forage-based diet with or without the inclusion of a MFE. Rumen samples were collected on days 5, 10, and 20. Experiment 2 evaluated different inclusion rates of the MFE in a randomized complete block design using Angus × SimAngus-crossbred steers (n = 80; BW = 370 ± 44kg). Steers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to one of four treatments (2 pens/treatment): diet with no MFE, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.08% of the MFE (dry matter [DM] basis). Steers were fed a forage-based diet for 122 d. Subsets of 10 steers/treatment were randomly selected for the determination of ATTD on d 20, 40, and 60. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. In exp 1, adding the MFE to the diet tended to increase the ruminal disappearance rate of the DM on day 10 (P = 0.06). No interactions or treatment effects were observed for the short-chain fatty acid profile of the rumen fluid (P ≥ 0.13). Metagenomic analysis of the rumen microbiome showed an MFE × d interaction for the Fibrobacter genus (P = 0.01), which on day 20 was less abundant in the rumen of cows fed the MFE. In exp 2, steers supplemented with 0.04% of MFE had a lower average daily gain and were lighter at the end of the experiment (cubic, P ≤ 0.04) compared to steers supplemented with 0.02% MFE. Steers fed the diet with 0.02% of MFE had the greatest gain-to-feed ratio among the MFE-supplemented groups (cubic, P < 0.01). Dietary inclusion of the MFE increased neutral detergent fiber digestibility (linear, P = 0.05). Steers supplemented with 0.04% of MFE had the greatest acid detergent fiber digestibility among treatments (quadratic, P = 0.03). Collectively, results showed that ruminal disappearance rate and digestibility of forage-based diets increased due to MFE supplementation, but did not translate into growth performance improvements or beneficially alter rumen fermentation.

Seasonal effects on growth, digestibility, and metabolism of preweaned dairy calves in the Southeastern United States.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate seasonal effects on growth, digestibility, and metabolism of dairy calves in Georgia. Holstein calves (n = 48/season) were enrolled at 7 d of age (DOA) from June to Aug (defined as summer, BW = 40 ± 4 kg) and from Nov to Jan (defined as winter, BW = 42 ± 4 kg). Similar general management and feeding practices were applied to calves in both seasons. Calves were housed in individual polyethylene hutches with sand bedding. Starting at 2 DOA, calves were fed a milk replacer (MR) containing 26% protein and 17% fat (0.65 or 0.76 kg of DM/day and mixed with warm water to reach 12.5% solid) and calf starter (CS) was offered ad libitum. Weaning began at 43 DOA by reducing MR 50% until 49 DOA when MR feeding ceased. Calves remained enrolled until 63 DOA. Calf starter intake was recorded daily. Ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded hourly. Rectal temperature and respiration rate were assessed 3 × /wk and BW measured weekly. Blood was collected to analyze metabolites and insulin at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, and 63 DOA. The apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients was measured during both the pre- (14.9 - 17.9 DOA) and postweaning (51.0 - 54.0 DOA) periods. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze repeated measures data. Season, time and their interactions were included as the fixed effects. The CV of hourly AT or RH within a day was calculated as a proxy of within-day variation. The CV of daily average AT or RH within a week was used as the proxy of day-to-day variation. Linear regression analysis between ADG and environmental parameters was performed using GLM procedure. Summer months had greater AT (27 vs. 13°C) but similar RH (83 vs. 81%) relative to winter months, respectively. Rectal temperature and respiration rate were higher during the summer compared with winter. Season had no effect on CS intake before weaning, but summer calves had greater CS intake at 9 wk of age compared with winter calves. No seasonal effect was observed for BW, but summer calves had greater ADG at 3, 5, and 9 wk of age. A negative relationship (r2 = 0.11) between preweaning ADG and within-day AT variation was observed during winter whereas during the summer day-to-day AT variation was negatively associated with preweaning ADG (r2 = 0.06). Compared with calves raised during winter, calves in summer had lower apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, OM and CP during the preweaning period. Further, summer calves had lower circulating glucose before and after weaning and lower blood BHB concentrations following weaning compared with calves raised in winter. In conclusion, in Georgia, the within-day and day-to-day AT variations affect preweaned calf growth, and calves raised during summer had lower nutrient digestibility and altered metabolism relative to calves raised in winter.

Modulating Role of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Meal on Spermatogenic and Steroidogenic Functions of West African Dwarf Bucks Testis

Vernonia amygdalina has a unique nutritional and phytochemical property with numerous physiological, biochemical and morphological benefits due to its anti-oxidative and anti-helminthic properties. This study evaluated the effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on follicle stimulating (FSH), luteinizing hormones (LH) and testosterone regulation of seminal characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Twenty-four (24) WAD bucks were randomly assigned to four treatments (A, B, C and D) in a completely randomized design for a nutritional trial of eight weeks. Animals were given diets containing 0, 20, 30 and 40g VALM/kg feed. Animals were weighed and blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and subsequently forth-nightly before the end of the experiment for hormonal assay. Semen volume, semen color, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology were determined from the semen samples obtained forth-nightly by electro-ejaculation. All data collected were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedure of SAS, (2002). Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. There were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in most of the hormones studied except testosterone which was not significantly affected by VALM. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) and was highest at 40 g of VALM/kg feed. The color of the semen from all the treatments was whitish grey. It was therefore concluded that VALM improved the FSH and LH production at 40 g of VALM/kg feed with improved sperm quality in WAD bucks, thereby enhancing the reproductive performance of the goats. Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, semen quality, hormone, goats

Melatonin supplementation to sows in mid to late gestation affects offspring circadian, myogenic, and growth factors in pre and postnatal skeletal muscle.

The neuroendocrine hormone melatonin is associated with circadian rhythms and has antioxidant and vasodilative properties. In cattle, melatonin rescues fetal growth during maternal nutrient restriction in a seasonally dependent manner, but melatonin research in swine is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of dietary melatonin supplementation during mid to late gestation on circadian rhythm and muscle growth and development of the longissimus dorsi in utero and postnatally. Sows received 20mg dietary melatonin daily (MEL) or no melatonin supplement (CON). Experiment 1 supplemented sows from gestational age (dGA) 38 ± 1 to 99 ± 1, experiment 2 supplemented sows from 41 to 106 ± 1 dGA, and experiment 3 supplemented sows from 60 dGA to farrowing. At harvest, morphometric measurements of all fetuses were taken, while the small (SM), medium (MED), and large (LG) piglet from each litter were used for further analysis. Prenatal data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, and postnatal data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure. Fetal morphometrics were analyzed for fixed effect of treatment, and transcript abundance was analyzed for treatment, time, and size. Postnatal parameters were analyzed for fixed effects of treatment, size, and production stage. In Exp. 1, MEL increased (P = 0.016) Period 1 (PER1) transcript abundance in the evening (PM) compared to the morning (AM). In Exp. 1, myogenin (MYOG) transcript abundance was increased (P = 0.033) in MEL fetuses in the AM compared to MEL in the PM. Myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) and paired box 7 (PAX7) were increased (P = 0.016) in the PM. Fetuses from MEL treated sows had increased (P < 0.05) BW, curve crown rump length, and head circumference in Exp. 2. In Exp. 2, MEL increased (P = 0.012) PER1 and Period 2 (PER2) transcript abundance in the PM. In Exp. 2, myoblast differentiation 1 (MYOD) was increased (P = 0.016) in SM and MED fetuses, while MYF5 and PAX7 were increased (P = 0.019) in SM fetuses. Postnatal BW was increased (P = 0.025) in MED and LG MEL treated offspring compared to CON. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) was downregulated (P = 0.050) in MEL treated offspring, while insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) was upregulated (P = 0.009) in MEL offspring. These results indicate that maternal melatonin supplementation during gestation modulates fetal circadian regulatory genes and alters myogenic genes during growth.

A Nonparametric Global Win Probability Approach to the Analysis and Sizing of Randomized Controlled Trials With Multiple Endpoints of Different Scales and Missing Data: Beyond O'Brien-Wei-Lachin.

Multiple primary endpoints are commonly used in randomized controlled trials to assess treatment effects. When the endpoints are measured on different scales, the O'Brien rank-sum test or the Wei-Lachin test for stochastic ordering may be used for hypothesis testing. However, the O'Brien-Wei-Lachin (OWL) approach is unable to handle missing data and adjust for baseline measurements. We present a nonparametric approach for data analysis that encompasses the OWL approach as a special case. Our approach is based on quantifying an endpoint-specific treatment effect using the probability that a participant in the treatment group has a better score than (or a win over) a participant in the control group. The average of the endpoint-specific win probabilities (WinPs), termed the global win probability (gWinP), is used to quantify the global treatment effect, with the null hypothesis gWinP = 0.50. Our approach involves converting the data for each endpoint to endpoint-specific win fractions, and modeling the win fractions using multivariate linear mixed models to obtain estimates of the endpoint-specific WinPs and the associated variance-covariance matrix. Focusing on confidence interval estimation for the gWinP, we derive sample size formulas for clinical trial design. Simulation results demonstrate that our approach performed well in terms of bias, interval coverage percentage, and assurance of achieving a pre-specified precision for the gWinP. Illustrative code for implementing the methods using SAS PROC RANK and PROC MIXED is provided.

Can the Suspension Method (Tenderstretch vs. Achilles Tendon) Enhance Horsemeat Quality?

This study investigated whether the suspension method (tenderstretch, TS or Achilles tendon, AT) can improve the quality of horsemeat by analyzing longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. A total of 25 horse carcasses were considered experimental units and split longitudinally, with one half suspended using the TS method and the other half using the AT method, which enabled a direct comparison within the carcass. After 7 days of aging under commercial processing conditions, the LD and ST muscles were analyzed for pH, color (L*, a*, b*), water-holding capacity (drip loss, thawing loss, cooking loss), tenderness (Warner-Bratzler shear force), and sarcomere length. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure in SAS, with Bonferroni correction applied for post hoc comparisons. Significant differences were found between the muscles: LD had higher tenderness (39.28 N vs. 49.77 N, p = 0.0011), lower cooking loss (23.56% vs. 27.04%, p = 0.0002), and higher thawing loss (12.38% vs. 9.72%, p = 0.0021) compared to ST muscle, which had a lighter color (L* = 41.90 vs. 37.73, p < 0.0001) and longer sarcomeres (2.22 μm vs. 1.74 μm, p < 0.0001). While the TS suspension method significantly increased sarcomere length (2.05 μm vs. 1.92 μm, p = 0.0020), it did not lead to significant improvements in other quality attributes such as pH, water-holding capacity, or tenderness. The results indicate that although the TS method affects muscle structure by elongating sarcomeres (with an average difference of 0.13 μm), it does not significantly improve the overall quality of the horsemeat compared to the AT method after 7 days of aging. A combination of factors beyond suspension methods, such as optimizing aging periods or considering additional processing techniques, may therefore be required to improve horsemeat quality. This study provides insights into the specific attributes of LD and ST muscles and their response to suspension methods and contributes to a better understanding of optimizing horsemeat quality for commercial purposes.

Influence of smoking method and anatomical location on the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Turopolje ham

In order to support a more sustainable breeding of the local Turopolje pig, the breed needs to be valorised through high added-value meat products, such as dry-cured and smoked Turopolje ham. To date, there are very few data on the quality and safety of Turopolje ham, including information on the content and distribution of potential contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from smoke. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of smoking method (traditional or industrial) and anatomical site (M. biceps femoris - BF or M. semimembranosus - SM) on the content of PAHs in Turopolje ham. All hams (n=15) were produced the same way, differing only in smoking procedures; a traditional way above the firebox (group TRAD, n=5) or in the smoking chamber (group IND A - standard smoking, n=5 or B – 50 % reduced smoking, n=5). PAHs content (μg/kg) was determined and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Two-way analysis of variance was performed (GLM procedure of SAS) with fixed effects of smoking (S), muscle (M) and their interaction (SxM). Of the PAHs investigated, 14 compounds were detected. The results showed that TRAD hams had higher levels of anthracene (Ant), chrysene (Chr), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbFA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and the sum of benz[a]anthracene (BaA), Chr, BbFA and BaP (PAH 4) than hams from both A and B IND groups. TRAD hams had also higher content of acenaphthene (Acp), phenanthrene (Phen), pyrene (Py), BaA, and total PAHs than IND B hams. Compared to BF, SM muscle had higher content of several PAHs i.e. naphthalene (Nap), fluorine (Flu), Acp, Phen, Ant, fluoranthene (Flt), Py, BaA, benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkFA), benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiP), and also higher total PAH content. However, a significant SxM interaction was observed for Phen and Ant content which were higher only in SM muscle of TRAD hams. In conclusion, this study shows a marked influence of smoking method and anatomical site on the PAHs content in Turopolje hams, mainly in the form of lower BaP and the sum of PAH4 content in all chamber smoked hams compared to traditionally smoked hams and higher levels of light PAHs, some heavy PAHs and total PAH content in the more exposed SM compared to the inner BF muscle. Reduced smoking in IND hams did not affect BaP and the sum of PAH4 content, but reduced the content of some individual and total PAHs content. All IND hams and TRAD hams were below the maximum permitted level for BaP. However, two out of five hams from the TRAD group exceeded the limit for the sum of PAH4 (30 μg/kg) set by EU legislation for traditionally smoked meat products, indicating the need for stricter control of the traditional smoking process.

Comparison of non-linear mixed effect models of the growth curve of commercial turkeys

The description of the growth curve in domestic animals is of importance in management and economic decision-making. The aim here was to determine the best non-linear mixed model to adjust the growth curve in commercial turkeys. The data come from an intensive turkey farm under a subhumid tropical climate. The live weight records of 266 female and 275 male turkeys, weighed weekly, from birth to 23 weeks, were used. The models of Gompertz, yt = A × exp(-b × exp(-k × t)), and von Bertalanffy, yt = A × (1-b × exp(-k × t))3 were used to estimate parameters and predict the growth curve; where: yt = live weight at the t-th week of age; A = the expected mature weight; b = the integration constant; k = the maturation rate. Six non-linear models using the Gompertz, and von Bertalanffy functions: one with only fixed effects, four mixed models considering the fixed, 1 to 3 random effects, and a last model including the random effect of turkey were used. The analyses were performed using the NLMIXED procedure of SAS, and the selection of the best-fit model was chosen based on the Akaike (AIC) and Bayesian (BIC) information criteria. AIC and BIC values improved with the inclusion of 1 to 3 random effects, in both models for females and males. Based on AIC and BIC criteria, the best mixed NLM was the model that included random effects for A, b, and k. However, the predicted weight values of the mixed models were similar.

Effects of postbiotic products from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation on lactation performance, antioxidant capacities, and blood immunity in transition dairy cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different types of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) on lactational performance, metabolism, acute phase protein response, and antioxidant capacities in dairy cows from -21 to 56 d in milk (DIM). One hundred and 80 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were blocked by parity, expected calving date, pre-trial body condition score, and previous 305-d ME yield, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: basal diet (CON; n = 60), basal diet supplemented with 40 g/d of SCFP1 (XPC; n = 60; XPC, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA), and basal diet supplemented with 19 g/d of SCFP2 (NTK; n = 60, NutriTek®, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Blood (n = 15, 13 and 12 in the CON, XPC and NTK groups, respectively) was sampled at -7 ± 3, + 3, + 7, + 21, and + 28 d, and milk samples (n = 19, 18 and 15 in the CON, XPC and NTK groups, respectively) was sampled during 1-8 wk from a subset of cows from -21 to 56 d relative to calving. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). All data were subjected to repeated measures ANOVA. Dietary treatment (TRT), time, and their interaction (TRT × time) were considered as fixed effects and cow as the random effect. Cows fed XPC and NTK had greater energy-corrected milk (ECM). Supplementing NTK increased milk fat content and yield, and 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield compared with CON. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was lower in XPC cows than CON. SCFP supplementation decreased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), ceruloplasmin (CER), haptoglobin (HPT), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations, whereas increased plasma phosphorus (P) concentrations. In addition, cows fed NTK showed lower creatinine (CR) and cortisol (COR) concentrations but increased plasma calcium (Ca) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations than those in the CON cows. In addition, cows fed NTK and XPC both had reduced plasma concentrations of serum amyloid-A (SAA) at 3 DIM of lactation compared with CON fed cows. Furthermore, SCFP cows had greater concentrations of plasma glucose (GLU) and calcium (Ca) than CON cows at 7 DIM, and greater concentrations of plasma phosphorus (P) at 21 DIM. Between different SCFP type fed groups, plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), MDA, creatinine (CR), SAA, and HPT were lower in cows fed NTK compared with cows fed XPC at 7 DIM. Overall, our results indicate the potential benefits of supplementing SCFP in transition dairy cows by modulating immunity, liver metabolic function and supporting ECM yield. The results also suggest that NutriTek at 19 g/d appears to support the performance and health of dairy cows better compared with XPC at 40 g/d, based on improved metabolic and inflammatory status during the transition period.

Milk production and methane emissions from dairy cows fed silages from different grassland species and harvesting frequencies.

The aim of this study was to examine how silages from different grassland species and harvesting frequencies affect feed intake, milk production, and methane (CH4) emission in dairy cows. We hypothesized that cows consuming silages of more frequent harvest, grass species with greater organic matter digestibility and legumes with lower NDFom concentration would have greater silage dry matter intake and milk yield and thereby lower CH4 yield and intensity. Forty Norwegian Red cows were allocated to 5 treatments in a cyclic changeover design with 4 21-d periods (14 d of adaptation, 7 d of data collection). The 5 treatments evaluated were silages produced from timothy (Phleum pratense L.) in a 3-cut system (T3), timothy in a 2-cut system (T2), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in a 3-cut system (PR3), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in a 3-cut system (RC3) and a mix of T3 and RC3 (50:50 on DM basis) (T3/RC3). The treatments were prepared by mixing silages from each crop over the growing season, proportional to the harvested DM yield of each cut. Cows were offered the mixed silages ad libitum supplemented with a fixed level of concentrate. Gas emissions were measured using 2 Greenfeed units. Milk yield was recorded in the milking robot at each visit, and milk samples were collected at 3 consecutive milkings during the last 7 d of each period. Cows were weighed after each milking, and total-tract digestibility of each diet was estimated using acid insoluble ash as internal marker in fecal grab samples. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with block, period and treatment as fixed effects and animal within block as random effect. Silage and total DMI did not differ between T3 and T2, but total DMI was lower for PR3 than for T3. There was a quadratic effect of increased proportion of red clover, with highest intakes of T3/RC3 and lower intakes of RC3 than of T3. Energy corrected milk (ECM) yield was lower for T2 than T3, and for PR3 than T3. There was a quadratic effect of increased proportion of red clover, with highest ECM yield in T3/RC3 and lower in RC3 than in T3. Organic matter digestibility was lower for T2 than T3, but it did not differ between T3 and PR3. Including red clover in the diet linearly decreased organic matter digestibility. Methane production (g/d) did not differ between T3 and T2, but CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM) was greater for T2 than for T3. There was no difference between T3 and PR3 for CH4 production but yield and intensity were greater for PR3 than T3. Including red clover in the diet linearly increased CH4 production, yield and intensity with greatest intensity in the 100% red clover diet. In conclusion, changing harvesting frequency for timothy from 2 to 3 harvests per year did not affect CH4 production or yield, but CH4 intensity was reduced. Replacing timothy with perennial ryegrass and increased inclusion rate of red clover both increased CH4 yield and intensity.

Self-Reported Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women of Reproductive Age in Zambia: Evidence from the 2021 Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) Survey.

Despite Zambia implementing the World Health Organisation's (WHO) tri-pillar cervical cancer prevention goals 90-70-90 Prevent, Screen, and Treat, cervical cancer claims 2000 lives annually and reigns as the most common cancer among women, especially those living with HIV (WLHIV). Our study describes the national uptake of screening and treatment from the ZAMPHIA 2021 survey. Utilising a two-stage cluster sampling approach, the study included participants aged 15years and older across Zambia's ten provinces. Data were collected on demographic traits, reproductive history, sexual behaviour, and cervical cancer prevention using a structured questionnaire, and HIV was diagnosed from biological samples. Women aged 15-49 were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. The primary outcome of interest was whether a woman self-reported being screened for cervical cancer. Sociodemographic characteristics were calculated for categorical variables using the SAS proc surveyfreq procedure, producing both raw and weighted estimates. The weighted estimates and their variance were generated using jackknife replicate weights for each record. Of the 8801 surveyed women, 22.2% reported undergoing cervical cancer screening, the majority being aged between 35-49 years. Cervical cancer screening uptake was more likely among compared to HIV negative counterparts (aOR = 3.92, 95% CI: 3.10, 4.95), those aged 25-34 years (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.42, 2.21) or 35-49 years (aOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 2.11, 3.33) than younger and those with 1-4 (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.02) or more than 5 live births (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.37, 2.87) than none. Marital status, WLHIV, education, and parity were other factors significantly associated with screening. We report low cervical cancer screening uptake compared to the 70% target of WHO. The WHO's call for bolstered strategies and efforts to increase cervical cancer screening and treatment is timely and urgent. Therefore, ongoing messaging and health education among all women is key.

Evaluating ovarian follicles and their steroid hormone gene expression patterns in a high egg-producing research turkey line

Low egg-producing turkeys reduce the profitability of a flock by limiting the number of poults that can be hatched. Understanding the biological mechanics behind egg-production rates will greatly benefit the industry. Two lines with vastly different egg production rates are the Ohio State University E line, and its unselected counterpart, the random-bred control one (RBC1). Differences between E Line and RBC1 hens (n = 4 per line) were investigated by measuring egg production traits, ovarian and follicle anatomical characteristics, and gene expression for reproductively important genes within different follicle types. Data were analyzed by an ANOVA mixed model procedure in SAS. The E line hens produced 20% more eggs than the RBC1 hens, even though they had similar numbers of preovulatory follicles in their ovaries. This was accomplished by increasing clutch length and keeping the pause length the same. On the gene expression side small white follicles (SWF) within E line hens had less LHCGR expression which coincided with downregulation of CYP11A1 and CYP17A1. Along with an upregulation of PRLR in small yellow follicles (SYF) which also coincided with downregulation of CYP17A1. In both cases changes in pituitary hormone receptor transcription levels appeared to affect the steroid hormone synthesis pathway. In SWF from E line hens ESR2 was downregulated, however in the large white follicles and selected follicles ESR1 was the estradiol receptor which was downregulated. The similarity in preovulatory numbers suggests that E line hens aren't selecting more follicles to grow, but instead, follicles are growing faster. Based on the gene expression patterns, the reduction of steroid hormone synthesis might hint at the follicles putting more energy into growth and differentiation. At the same time, the decrease in estradiol receptor might limit the negative effects of estradiol on granulosa cells and allow for more rapid growth, suggesting a possible mechanism for the higher egg production trait of the E line.

Unlocking Cognitive Analysis Potential in Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials: Investigating Hierarchical Linear Models for Analyzing Novel Measurement Burst Design Data.

Measurement burst designs typically administer brief cognitive tests four times per day for 1 week, resulting in a maximum of 28 data points per week per test for every 6 months. In Alzheimer's disease clinical trials, utilizing measurement burst designs holds great promise for boosting statistical power by collecting huge amount of data. However, appropriate methods for analyzing these complex datasets are not well investigated. Furthermore, the large amount of burst design data also poses tremendous challenges for traditional computational procedures such as SAS mixed or Nlmixed. We propose to analyze burst design data using novel hierarchical linear mixed effects models or hierarchical mixed models for repeated measures. Through simulations and real-world data applications using the novel SAS procedure Hpmixed, we demonstrate these hierarchical models' efficiency over traditional models. Our sample simulation and analysis code can serve as a catalyst to facilitate the methodology development for burst design data.

Impact of NPSB fertilizer on yield of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) varieties in Southern Ethiopia's agro-ecological zones

Root and tuber crops, particularly sweet potatoes, are vital to global food security, yet their potential for enhancing household nutrition and income remains largely untapped. Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties are rich in pro-vitamin A, crucial for health. Despite their significance in Ethiopia, yields are often low due to inadequate location-specific fertilizer recommendations and limited access to high-yielding varieties. This study aimed to determine the optimal blended NPSB fertilizer rates and high-yielding OFSP varieties in the contrasting environments of Wolaita and Gamo zones, where these crops are staples. We evaluated three OFSP varieties (Alamura, Dilla, and Kabode) and four NPSB rates (0, 79.5, 159, and 238.5 kg ha−1 in a 3x4 factorial experiment using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the 2022 cropping season. Data on root yield and yield components were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS 9.2. Partial budget analysis and agronomic efficiency were also computed. Results showed that marketable root yield and root dry matter were significantly affected by the interaction of site, fertilizer rates, and OFSP varieties. The highest marketable root yield (49.84 t ha−1 and net benefit (342,856.6 ETB ha−1) were achieved with the Kabode variety at 238.5 kg NPSB in Arba Minch, while the same variety yielded the highest net benefit from 159 kg NPSB in Areka. The highest agronomic efficiency was recorded at 159 kg NPSB and 79 kg NPSB in Arba Minch (174.71) and Areka (288.67), respectively, indicating a negative relationship between net benefit, agronomic efficiency, and increasing NPSB rates. In conclusion, cultivating the Kabode variety with 159 kg ha−1 NPSB in Arba Minch and 79.5 kg ha−1 NPSB in Areka is recommended for enhancing sweet potato productivity, thereby improving food security and nutritional benefits for smallholder farmers in the region.

Effects of cashew nutshell extract inclusion into a high-grain finishing diet on methane emissions, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in beef steers.

By 2050, the U.S. beef industry must produce an extra 40 million tons of beef to satisfy the global demand. Such an increase in inventory will undoubtedly enhance methane (CH4) production from livestock, which should be reduced by over 20%. The addition of plant secondary metabolites, such as anacardic acid present in cashew nutshell extract (CNSE), has shown promising results in reducing CH4 yield, although its effects seemed to be diet dependent. This study evaluated the addition of CNSE to a high-grain diet (85:15 Grain: forage) on in vivo CH4 emissions, nutrients digestibility, performance, feeding behavior, and ruminal fermentation parameters of beef steers. Sixteen Angus crossbred steers [599 ± 40kg of bodyweight (BW)] and six ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (490 ± 51kg of BW) were utilized in a crossover design with 2 experimental periods of 56 d each, composed by 14 d of adaptation, 35 d of measurement, and 7 d of washout. Following adaptation, steers were sorted by BW, and assigned to receive no additive (CON) or CNSE at 5g/steer/d. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Inclusion of CNSE increased (P < 0.05) propionate concentration and molar proportion (MP; mol/100mol), tended to decrease acetate MP (P = 0.10), reduced the acetate: propionate (A:P) ratio (P = 0.05), and MP of branched chain volatile fatty acids (P < 0.01). Neither in vitro organic matter digestibility nor in vitro CH4 yield were affected by CNSE inclusion (P > 0.05). Steers receiving CNSE exhibited greater (P < 0.05) final BW, dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily gain (ADG) but lesser (P < 0.05) in vivo CH4 emission rate (g/d), yield (g/kg of DMI), and intensity (g/kg of ADG). Meal length, bunk visit duration, and apparent total tract digestibility of DM increased (P < 0.05) after CNSE addition. Considering CNSE-supplemented steers spent more time in the feedbunk and exhibited higher DMI, CH4 mitigation was unlikely associated with intake reduction. The addition of CNSE to a high-grain diet in beef steers demonstrated significant improvements in animal performance and reduced CH4 emissions, as the result of shifts in ruminal fermentation patterns, favoring propionate instead acetate concentration, leading to a reduction in the A:P ratio. CNSE shows promise as a strategy to enhance beef industry sustainability.

Exploring the In Vitro Effects of Cassava Diets and Enterococcus Strains on Rumen Fermentation, Gas Production, and Cyanide Concentrations.

This study examined the effects of adding CUB alongside HCN sources from fresh cassava diets on HCN reduction, gas production, and in vitro digestibility. A completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2 × 2 × 3 + 1 factorial approach was used, where Factor A was the HCN source [fresh cassava root (FCR) or leaf (FCL)], Factor B was the HCN concentration (300 and 600 mg/kg dry matter (DM)), and Factor C was the bacterial supplement [no-CUB, E. faecium KKU-BF7 (CUB1), and E. gallinarum KKU-BC15 (CUB2)]. Statistical analysis was performed using the PROC GLM procedure in SAS. No interaction was observed among the main factors on gas kinetics and cumulative gas (p > 0.05). The addition of CUB1 or CUB2 enhanced cumulative gas production compared to the no-CUB group (p = 0.04). Cyanide degradation efficiency was high when FCR was included at a high HCN level. At 12 h post-incubation, HCN degradation efficiency was higher in the CUB2 and CUB1 groups, reaching 98.44-99.07% compared to the no-CUB group. The higher HCN level increased in vitro acid detergent fiber digestibility (IVADFD) (p = 0.01) by 7.20% compared to the low HCN level, and CUB2 further improved IVADFD. Compared to the FCL-fed group, FCR supplementation increased total VFA concentration (p = 0.03) and propionic acid (C3) concentration (p = 0.04). The addition of CUB2 further enhanced propionic acid concentration by 8.97% compared to no-CUB supplementation (p = 0.04). These results indicate that supplementing E. gallinarum KKU-BC15 at the highest HCN levels in FCR boosts HCN degradation efficiency, fiber digestibility, total VFA, and C3 concentration.

Growth and Economic Return of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) under Different Plant Spacing and Fertility Conditions

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a native of the Andes that has sparked a worldwide interest due to its unique nutritional value. Quinoa seed have an orthodox magnificent nutritional food quality and were also called “the mother grain”. To achieve optimal crop yield, farmers must meticulously manage various factors, ensuring a balanced approach to fertility levels, irrigation and pest control. It is crucial for farmers to find a delicate balance in achieving specific nutritional and yield targets. The current investigation was conducted in kharif 2022, with genotype “EC507742” at Research and Extension Centre, Gaja, College of Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment comprised of two factors viz., geometry (S): S1- 20 x10 cm, S2- 30 x 10 cm and S3- 40 x 10 cm in main plot and fertility levels (F): F1- Control, F2- 75% NPKS, F3- 100% NPKS and F4- 125% NPKS in sub plot with total of 12 treatment combinations that were evaluated in split plot design with three replications. The data was analysed using OPSTAT with figures from SAS (proc glm). Among the geometries, S2 (30 x 10 cm) excelled in field conditions and economics relative to others. Among different fertility levels, F3 (100% NPKS) demonstrated the greatest growth, yield characteristics, yield, and higher returns for quinoa compared to other fertility levels. The interactions between geometry and fertility levels were also found significant for growth, yield attributes and yield with higher in S2F3. Thus, it can be concluded that using the recommended fertilizer (100% NPKS) with the ideal spacing of 30 x 10 cm improves growth, yield and profitability of Quinoa.