Similar BW Research Articles

Growth performance of neonatal calves fed milk replacer 2 versus 3 times per day

Abstract Several calf studies demonstrated growth advantages when feeding greater protein and/or milk solids amounts, however studies comparing 2x/d versus 3x/d feeding are limited. The study objective was to evaluate feeding 2 times/d versus 3 times/d thereby increasing milk solids intake. Forty 2- to 5-d old Holstein bull calves were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (N=20/treatment) using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: 1) 2X: milk replacer (MR) fed 2x/d; and 2) 3X: MR fed 3x/d for increase solids intake. The MR was fed at 15% solids at 0630 and 1800 h and the 3rd 3X feeding was at 1200 h. Calves on 2X were fed MR at 0.567 kg/d for d 1-14, increased to 0.85 kg/d for d 15-35, and reduced to 1x/d at 0.425 kg/d for d 36-42 to facilitate weaning at 42 d. Calves on 3X were fed MR 0.851 kg/d for d 1-14, increased to 1.275 kg/d for d 15-35, and reduced to 1x/d at 0.425 kg/d for d 36-42 followed by weaning. Calf starter (CS; amounts and orts weighed daily) and water were offered for ad libitum intake. Initial BW was not a significant covariate and final BW (81.5 and 80.9 kg, for 2X and 3X, respectively) was similar. A treatment by week interaction (P < 0.01) indicated variable BW gains during the study with calves fed 3X demonstrating greater BW during week 4 (P < 0.10) and 5 (P < 0.05) compared with calves fed 2X. However, BW gains for calves fed 3X were reduced (P < 0.05) during the weaning period resulting in similar BW gains (36.8 and 36.4 kg) at study end. Intake of CS (0.65 and 0.46 kg/d) was lower (P < 0.04) for calves fed 3X compared with calves fed 2X. Feed conversions (0.64 and 0.58 kg/kg) were greater (P < 0.02) for calves fed 2X compared with 3X fed calves. Calves fed 2X had less (P < 0.01) scours (fecal score=0; 34.3 and 29.7 d) compared with 3X fed calves. Providing an additional MR feeding demonstrated minimal BW gains due to lower CS intake. Providing greater MR intake using a 3rd daily feeding reduces CS intake that can inhibit transition to dry feed when weaning calves.

Evaluation of fibrous feed ingredients alternatives to oat hulls as a source of feed structure in broiler diets

This study aimed to evaluate several fibrous feed ingredients as potential substitutes for oat hulls (OH), assessing their efficacy in providing structural integrity to broiler feeds. A total of 4,160 day-old male Ross-308 broilers were allocated to eight dietary treatments, including a control group (CON) without additional fiber supplementation and 7 diets where 3% of the wheat content was replaced by either OH, soy hulls (SH), beet pulp (BP), carob bean (CB), wheat straw (WS), rice hulls (RH), or wheat bran (WB). The experimental design followed a complete randomized block design with 10 pens per treatment and 52 birds each. Growth performance and gut development indices were monitored, and the coefficients of total tract apparent retention (CTTAR) of nutrients were measured at 28 d. The OH improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the entire growth period (1-36 d) compared to the CON, SH, CB, WS, RH, and WB (P < 0.05). Conversely, BP diets reduced the final BW and ADFI compared to OH (P < 0.05) but were not different from the CON (P > 0.05). However, the FCR in birds fed with BP was similar to OH but lower than the CON group. In addition, BP-fed birds had higher CTTAR of ether extract and non-starch polysaccharides and relative weight of empty proventriculus and gizzard to BW at 14 and 28 d compared to CON. The WS, RH, and WB yielded similar final BW to OH and CON but higher FCR (P < 0.05). The CB, on the other hand, resulted in the highest FCR when contrasted with the other substitutes and CON (P < 0.05). Finding an alternative to OH with comparable benefits remains a challenge, with WS, RH, and WB showing similar final BW but inferior FCR to OH, and BP showing similar FCR but lower BW and ADFI.

Seminal Morphology and Organ Morphometrics of Rabbit Bucks Fed Piliostigma thonningii Essential Oil Supplemented Diet

This study aimed to investigate whether the inclusive supplementation of Piliostigma thonningii essential oil in rabbit diet was beneficial to their seminal morphometrics. Forty-five clinically healthy weaned male Dutch rabbits of about five weeks of age were used for the experiment. The rabbits were divided into three treatment groups, with fifteen rabbits per group and balanced for their body weight such that rabbits in each group had similar average initial BW of 0.27 kg. The experimental rabbits were administered P. thonningii essential oil at 0, 2 and 4 ml/kg for treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively for 12 weeks. The results showed that left testis weight increased with increasing levels of P. thonningii essential oil supplementation. The normal cells, right testis weight and right and left testis volume were higher in T2 and T3 treatments than in T1. Right and left testis lengths were higher in T3 treatment than T1, with T2 being intermediate between T1 and T3. Mid-piece droplet, coiled tail, detached head, free tail, bent tail, right and left epididymis volume, head weight and length, body weight and length, weight and tail length and weight were not affected by treatments. It is concluded that P. thonningii essential oil supplementation improved some organ morphometrics without necessarily affecting sperm morphology in the experimental rabbit bucks.

Impact of dietary protein and energy levels on fatty acid profile, gut microbiome and cecal metabolome in native growing chickens

The present study investigated the optimal concentration of dietary ME and CP for the fatty acid profile of meat, gut microbiome, and cecal metabolome in Danzhou chickens from 120 to 150 d of age. A total of seven hundred and twenty 120-d-old Danzhou female chickens, with a similar BW, were randomly allocated into 6 treatments with 6 replicates and each of 20 birds. The chickens were fed 2 levels of dietary ME (11.70 MJ/kg, 12.50 MJ/kg), and 3 levels of dietary CP (13%, 14%, and 15%). The results showed that dietary ME and CP levels didn't affect final BW, ADG, ADFI, and feed gain ratio (g: g) (P > 0.05). The serum concentrations of triglyceride, insulin, and glucose in the 12.50 MJ/kg group were the highest (P < 0.05). Dietary ME, CP levels, and their interactions affected (P < 0.05) the fatty acid content in the breast muscle, thigh muscle, and liver. The levels of C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C22:1, C18:2, C18:3, C22:6, and SFA of the liver in the high ME group were higher than those in the low ME group (P < 0.05). The levels of C16:0, C14:1, C18:1, C22:5, SFA, MUFA and USFA in the low CP group were higher than the corresponding values in the other groups (P < 0.05). Dietary ME and CP levels altered the composition and relative abundance of microbiota in the cecum of chickens at various taxonomic levels to different extents. Significant effects of interactions were found between dietary ME and CP on the relative abundance of 10 species (P < 0.05), and among these species, 6 species belonged to the genus Bacteroides. Notably, the relative abundance of 2 probiotic species including Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus salivarius was significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary ME level. There were 6 differential metabolites in the cecum, comprising thromboxane A2, 5,6-DHET, prostaglandin D2, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 12(S)-HPETE and prostaglandin I2 significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing the dietary ME level; all of them are involved in arachidonic acid metabolism. In conclusion, the present study suggested that the dietary levels of 12.50 MJ/kg ME and 14% CP enhanced meat quality in terms of fatty acid composition, and showed benefits for maintaining intestinal health via positive regulation of cecal microbiota in native growing Danzhou chickens.

Morphology and metabolic traits related to swimming performance in Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) selected for fast growth.

Changes in body shape are linked to swimming performance and become relevant for selective breeding programmes in cultured finfish. We studied how the selection for fast growth could affect phenotypes by investigating the relationship between swimming performance and body shape. We also investigated how swimming might affect plasma metabolite concentrations. Critical swimming speed (UCrit), body traits (e.g., BW, body weight; BL, body length; K, condition factor), and plasma lactate and glucose concentrations were evaluated in two cohorts of Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus): one derived from wild broodstock (F1), and the other selected for fast growth (F4). UCrit tests (n = 8) were applied in groups of 10 snapper of similar BW (71.7 g) and BL (14.6 cm). The absolute or relative UCrit values of both cohorts were similar (0.702 m⋅s-1 and 4.795 BL⋅s-1, respectively), despite the F4 cohort displaying a higher K. A positive correlation between K and absolute UCrit (Pearson's r = 0.414) was detected in the F4 cohort, but not in the F1 cohort, which may be linked to differences in body shape. A negative correlation between relative UCrit and body size (Pearson's r between -0.682 and -0.501), but no correlation between absolute UCrit and body size, was displayed in both cohorts. Plasma lactate and glucose concentrations were higher in the F4 cohort at UCrit. Whether a longer selective breeding programme could result in more changes in body shape, potentially affecting swimming performance, should be explored, along with the potential outcomes of the differences in metabolic traits detected.

Gut–brain bidirectional determination in regulating the residual feed intake of small-sized meat ducks

The gut-brain axis is essential in maintaining the homeostasis of neuronal system, endocrine system, and intestinal microbiota in both the afferent and efferent directions. This axis is considered to be a key mechanism that regulates feed efficiency (FE). This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of gut-brain axis-related genes on the residual feed intake (RFI) in H-strain small-sized meat ducks. A total of 500 ducks with similar initial BW (635.2 ± 15.1 g) were selected and reared in the same experimental facility until slaughter at 42 d of age. RFI was calculated from the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and metabolic body weight (MBW0.75). Thirty high-RFI (H-RFI) and 30 low-RFI (L-RFI) birds were selected for further evaluation of growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood biochemical parameter measurements. Six L-RFI and 6 H-RFI birds were then subjected to hypothalamic transcriptomic and cecal microbial sequencing analyses. Results indicated that L-RFI birds exhibited lower production performance (ADFI, FCR, and RFI) and blood biochemical indices (total cholesterol and ghrelin content) compared with H-RFI birds (P < 0.05). Gene expression differed significantly between the L-RFI and H-RFI birds, with 70 upregulated and 50 downregulated genes. The bacterial communities of L-RFI birds showed higher abundances of Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Lactococcus, and lower abundances of Erysipelatoclostridium, Parasutterella, Fournierella, and Blautia compared with H-RFI birds (P < 0.05). Interactive analysis revealed bacterial communities associated with FE were significantly correlated with hypothalamic genes (P < 0.05), for example, Bacteroides was positively correlated with DGKH and LIPT2, while negatively correlated with CAPN9, GABRD, and PDE1A. Bifidobacterium showed significant correlations with ATP2A3, CALHM6, and TMEM121B. Overall, RFI was a crucial indicator of FE, regulated by interactions between brain gene expression and gut microbiota through cAMP signaling, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and calcium signaling pathways. Notably, increased expression of hypothalamic genes and abundance of carbohydrate-utilization microbiota in L-RFI meat ducks improved FE by enhancing energy metabolism and volatile fatty acids absorption.

Challenges in the profitability of small-scale broiler farming by avoiding injudicious use of drugs and additives

The aim of the current study was to determine the present scenario of injudicious use of drugs and additives in small-scale broiler operations and whether broilers can be produced successfully and profitably without the injudicious use of drugs and additives. First, a survey was undertaken in relation to farmers' basic information and general management methods in commercial broilers, with special attention given to the usage of medications and additives in drinking water. Second, based on the survey data, an experimental trial was carried out to compare the growth performance and economic profitability of rearing broilers with and without the use of said drugs and additives. A total of 540 broiler DOCs were allotted into three treatments: T1 = self-formulated feed (SFF) with judicious use of drugs and additives; T2 = commercial feed with judicious use of drugs and additives (JUDA) and T3 = commercial feed with injudicious use of drugs and additives (InJUDA), with six replications (30 birds/replication) in each. The results showed that the farmers used a variety of drugs and additives in 35 days of broiler rearing; however, the farmers usually did not consult with veterinary practitioners, instead relying on and being instructed by local dealers and medicine company representatives. Although the medications and additives account for almost 6–8% of total production costs, the experimental trial clearly demonstrated that the broilers kept with either JUDA or InJUDA showed statistically (p < 0.05) similar BW (2181.93 g & 2222.53 g/bird), BWG (2110.0 g & 2129.91 g/bird), and FCR (1.62 & 1.57, respectively), whereas broilers in the SFF group showed significantly lower growth performances (BW = 1799.31 g/bird, BWG = 1746.19 g/bird, and FCR = 1.93, respectively). The net profit per kg bird in the JUDA group was substantially (p < 0.05) greater (BDT- 27.34/-), followed by the SFF group (BDT- 25.56/) and the InJUDA group (BDT- 24.49/-). Taken together, these findings suggest that profitable broiler farming is possible without the injudicious use of drugs and additives.

Effect of traditional roughage-based or limit-fed, high-energy diets on growth performance and digestion in newly received growing cattle and subsequent implications on feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics.

The objective was to determine the effects of ad libitum-fed roughage-based diets or limit-fed high-energy diets on growth performance, behavior, health, and digestion in newly received growing cattle and subsequent implications on feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics. In experiment 1, 409 crossbred heifers (initial body weight [BW] = 279 ± 24kg) in 32 pens were used in a randomized block design. Heifers were fed one of two dietary treatments: a total mixed ration with 0.99 Mcal net energy for gain (NEg)/kg dry matter (DM) fed ad libitum (0.99AL) or 1.32 Mcal NEg/kg DM limit-fed at 85% of intake of heifers fed 0.99AL (1.32LF85%). Both diets contained 40% DM as a branded wet corn gluten feed. In experiment 2, 370 crossbred heifers (initial BW = 225 ± 20kg) were used in a randomized block design and were fed a diet formulated to contain 0.99 Mcal of NEg/kg DM for ad libitum intake or a diet formulated to contain 1.32 Mcal of NEg/kg DM and fed at 2.2% of BW daily (DM basis; 1.32LF2.2). For experiments 1 and 2, treatment integrity was maintained through the finishing phase where cattle were fed a common diet. Cattle were sorted by BW into heavy and light groups prior to finishing, with light cattle fed longer than heavy cattle to reach similar harvest BW. In experiment 3, eight ruminally cannulated heifers (average BW = 305 ± 23kg) were used in a 2-period cross-over design and fed treatments from experiment 1 to assess digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics. Gain:feed was 47% and 35% greater (P < 0.01) in experiments 1 and 2, respectively, for limit-fed heifers compared with 0.99AL heifers. Rumination time was greater (P < 0.01) for 0.99AL compared with limit-fed treatments in experiments 1 and 2. Activity was greater (P < 0.01) for 1.32LF2.2 than for 0.99AL in experiment 2. In experiment 1, more (P = 0.03) carcasses from light-sort heifers than carcasses from heavy-sort heifers had livers with large, active abscesses. In experiment 2, finishing phase morbidity was greater (P < 0.01) for 1.32LF2.2 than for 0.99AL. Light-sort groups had fewer (P < 0.01) edible livers than heavy-sort groups, suggesting that greater number of days on feed may increase the risk of liver abscess prevalence and condemnation. In experiment 3, apparent total-tract DM and organic matter digestibilities were greater (P < 0.01) for 1.32LF85% than for 0.99AL. Overall, dietary treatments during the growing phase had little carryover effect on feedlot growth performance, carcass characteristics, or liver abscesses prevalence at harvest.

190 Effect of Segregation in Pigs in the Nursery Period by Body Weight (Light, Medium, and Heavy) on the Productive Performance on Wean-to-Finish

Abstract A management strategy to improve growth performance at weaning is segregation of pigs in the nursery period by body weight (BW; Light, Medium, and Heavy) in an attempt to increase productive performance and decrease within pen variation in BW. However, the result of current studies indicated that this practice may not be as effective as not sorting pigs. The objective was to determine the effect on productive performance and coefficient of variation (CV) within four categories of BW: Normal (without segregation), Light, Medium, and Heavy. A total of 24 Experimental Units, (EU; 50% barrows and 50% gilts) in an Incomplete Randomized Block Design with four treatments (Trt) and six replicates per Trt. Pen was the EU and block was the weaning group. Treatments were four; Normal (without segregation; 6.35 kg BW); Light (4.45 kg BW); Medium (5.89 kg BW); and Heavy (7.15 kg BW). Pigs were weighed individually on d 21 (at the beginning of the experiment), 70, 119, 135 and 146 of life. Growth data were analyzed using PROC MEANS and GLM of SAS. Results indicated that at the beginning of the experiment (for design) BW and the CV were different (P &amp;lt; 0.05). From weaning to d 70 Medium and Normal categories had similar BW (29.79 vs. 30.57 kg; P &amp;gt; 0.05), respectively. Light and Heavy pigs remained unchanged in their weight categories. Interestingly, the CV at d 70 was 3.46 percentage points greater in all the groups of pigs that were regrouped by weight, in fact, the only group that reduced the CV at d 70 was the Normal (it was decreased by 3.26 percentage points). Average daily gain at day 70 was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for Light (0.62 kg/d) compared with any of the other treatments (0.69 kg/d, average of the rest of the treatments). Average daily feed intake was less for Light (0.940 kg/d) followed by Medium and Normal (1.00 and 1.04 kg per day, respectively) and the Heavy which had the greatest intake (1.08 kg/d). No differences were found in removed animals and mortality (P &amp;gt; 0.05). However, the total number of animals treated parenterally was greater in the Light and Medium (16.75 vs. 12.80, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.05) than the Heavy and Normal (7.83 and 7.00, respectively, P &amp;lt; 0.05). At the end of the experiment the BW of the pigs was different between treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.05) being the Light group pigs the least heavy (120.62 kg), followed by the Medium (128.02 kg) and Normal (131.31 kg) the treatment Heavy was the heaviest with 133.04 kg. These results suggest that segregation in nursery by BW has a negative effect on the CV.

185 Effect of ad Libitum Versus Limit-Feeding Program at Receiving on Morbidity and Performance of Feedlot Calves

Abstract Despite advancements in both vaccine technology and antibiotic therapy, bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) remains the primary health challenge for cattle feeding operations in the United States. The strategy of limit-feeding calves during the early receiving period (first 28 days) has been proposed as a method to mitigate BRD risk, but limited data are available despite this strategy becoming more common. The objective of this study was to evaluate limit-feeding as a receiving protocol to determine impact on pull rates, receiving performance, and subsequent (Post-receiving) finishing performance. Steers (initial BW = 262 kg; n = 704) were blocked by arrival day (7 blocks) and housed in 44 open-lot pens. Pens were assigned to either limit-fed at approximately 75% of ad libitum or fed ad libitum for the 28-day receiving period. A subset of 216 steers in 14 pens was followed through finishing to evaluate carry-over effects in the finish period (192 days). Dry matter intake (DMI; P &amp;lt; 0.01), average daily gain (ADG; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and ending body weight (P &amp;lt; 0.01) were less for the limit-fed treatment compared with ad libitum due to the limitation of intakes as designed. Intake averaged 70.1% for limit-fed versus ad libitum whereas ADG was 72.6% for limit-fed compared with ad libitum. Because both DMI and ADG were decreased by similar amounts, G:F was not affected (P = 0.28). Numerically better G:F was observed for limit-fed cattle versus ad libitum but this 3.4% difference was not significant (P = 0.28). Morbidity rates for BRD were not statistically different, with ad libitum morbidity of 16.3% compared with 14.3% for limit-fed steers (P = 0.58) Low mortality for the receiving period was observed with 0.84% (3 steers) on limit-fed treatment, and 0% for the ad libitum treatment. For the subset of pens that were followed through finishing, there were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.18) in ADG or DMI. While not statistically different, there was a 2.2% increase in ADG for steers that were limit-fed during the receiving period, which allowed for similar HCW and final BW (P = 0.39) at slaughter. Other carcass characteristics were also similar (P &amp;gt; 0.74) between steers received with an ad libitum or limit-fed program. No statistical difference (P = 0.29) in the rate of liver abscess occurrence was noted. In conclusion, there was no statistical difference between treatments in early-period morbidity or finishing performance between ad libitum and limit-fed receiving management.

307 Effect of Calcium Magnesium Carbonate and/or Tylosin Phosphate Supplementation on Receiving Period Growth Performance in Yearling Beef Steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of CaMg(CO3)2 (MIN-AD, Papillon Agricultural Company, Easton, MD; MA) and/or tylosin phosphate (Tylan, Elanco, Indianapolis, IN; TY) supplementation on growth performance of yearling beef steers during transition to a finishing diet during the first 28 days on feed. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement including MA and TY. Beef steers (n = 156; initial BW = 469 ± 18.0 kg) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments pens (7 to 8 steers/pen) with pen (n = 20 pens total, 10 pens/main effect mean, and 5 pens/simple effect mean) serving as the experimental unit. Cattle were transitioned from a 30 % roughage receiving diet to a 7 % roughage finishing diet based on dry-rolled corn, dried distillers grains plus solubles, a liquid supplement, and oat silage over the initial 20 d period. Monensin sodium was included in the diet at 30 mg/kg (DM basis). The MA was included at 1.5 % of the diet (DM basis) in replacement of dry-rolled corn and TY was provided at 90 mg/animal·d-1. Data were analyzed according to a randomized complete block design with the fixed effects of MA, TY, or their interaction; block was considered a random effect. No interaction was noted between MA or TY (P ≥ 0.68) for any variables measured. The main effect of TY did not influence d 28 BW, ADG, DMI, or G:F (P ≥ 0.43). The main effect of MA reduced DMI by 1.9 % (P = 0.01), but did not appreciably influence d 28 BW, ADG, or G:F (P ≥ 0.42). MA may decrease DMI while maintaining similar BW gain and efficiency compared with non-supplemented calves.

295 The Effect of Weaning age and Diet Complexity on Nursery Pig Growth Performance and Weight at Market

Abstract Changes in weaning age and diet complexity can impact pig growth post-weaning. Weanling gilts and barrows [n = 432 Topigs Duroc X (US York X Landrace)] from the same farrowing group were utilized for a 30 or 35 day growth trial to compare early (EW) versus late weaning (LW) and high or low levels of specialty proteins in nursery diets. Pigs (n = 216) were EW (18 or 19 d, average Age = 18.4 days, average BW = 5.96 kg) and 216 pigs were LW 5 days later (24, 25 or 26 d, average Age = 24.6 d, average BW = 7.50 kg). At weaning pigs were blocked by weaning age, BW, sex and litter, and randomly allotted to 48 pens with 9 pigs/pen. Pigs at each weaning age were fed a High Complexity (HC) or a Low Complexity (LC) diet. The trial was conducted as a 2X2 factorial design: 1) EW+HC; 2) EW+LC; 3) LW+HC; 4) LW+LC. Pigs and feeders were weighed on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 for EW, and on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 30 for LW. The LW pigs had improved ADG and ADFI from days 0-7, 7-14, 14-21, and the final week of the nursery (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There were no differences in ADG and ADFI from days 21-28 (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between weaning ages. G:F decreased for LW pigs from days 21-28 (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared with EW pigs; however, for the overall nursery trial LW pigs had increased G:F (P = 0.01). The LW pigs had increased overall nursery ADG vs EW pigs (452.5 g/d vs 400 g/d; P &amp;lt; 0.01). End of nursery BW was greater for LW vs EW pigs (21.70 kg vs 20.74 kg; P = 0.001). When comparing pigs of similar BW at weaning, LW pigs were lighter at end of nursery (20.13 kg vs. 21.66 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01) but were more feed efficient (P &amp;lt; 0.01) than EW pigs. There was a BW block by weaning age interaction, EW heavy pigs had less ADG compared with LW heavy pigs; however, when comparing light weight pigs, the EW light pigs had improved ADG compared with LW light weight pigs (P = 0.017). The EW pigs were lighter at market (approximately day 146 of age) compared with LW pigs (120.78 vs 124.16 kg; P = 0.014). An interaction between weaning age, nursery diet, and sex (P &amp;lt; 0.07) was observed for market weight, EW barrows fed LC diets were lighter at market (120.77 kg) than EW barrows fed HC diets (126.54 kg). Whereas for LW barrows fed LC had greater market weights (130.04 kg) than LW barrows fed HC diets (127.59 kg). A similar, but non-significant pattern was observed for gilts. Weaning age and feeding pigs the correct diet for their age in the nursery can have a lifelong effect on the pig.

127 Preliminary Effect of Cottonseed as a Source of Gossypol on the Artificial Infection of Meat does withHaemonchus Contortus

Abstract Gossypol is a polyphenolic aldehyde found in cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum). Cottonseed is a readily available feedstuff commodity in the southeast United States; therefore, it has the potential for usage as an inexpensive source of fat and protein and is promising for animal producers in this region. Gossypol has been studied for its negative effect on the reproduction of males. However, in the present study, we hypothesized a possible anthelmintic effect of cottonseed, a source of gossypol (polyphenolic compound) against Haemonchus contortus. For this purpose, 4-month-old Boer x Spanish cross does (n = 40) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (n = 10/treatment), based on the supplementation (0.5% body weight-BW in kg), Cottonseed vs. pelleted feed (NC), and no parasite infection (NP) or artificial infection with 4,000 L3 of H. contortus (P). For 8 weeks, FAMACHA, BW, and eggs per gram of feces (EPG) using the McMaster technique were recorded from each animal. The experimental design used was a 2x2 factorial. Normality was tested using Wilk-Shapiro, followed by an ANOVA. Those variables not following normal distribution were analyzed using Kruskal - Wallis nonparametric test. Body weights were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Goats fed with Cottonseed had a similar BW to those fed with pellets, 29.14 and 29.80 kgs, respectively. Furthermore, the Cottonseed fed animals had greater EPG (1074.4 ± 473.4) compared with those eating pelleted feed (672.7 ± 297.07; P&amp;lt; 0.05). Non-artificially infected animals presented minimum EPG (8.1± 8.9 and 3.7 ± 6.05 for NCNP and CNP, respectively) as part of natural infection. FAMACHA for both parasitized groups were similar, 2.77 and 2.84 for NCP and CP, respectively, but greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than the FAMACHA of the non-infected animals of 2.29 and 2.41 for NCNP and CNP, respectively. From this study, the presence of cottonseed in the diet of female meat goats did not have a positive effect on reducing the parasite infection, contrary to what was expected.

The effects of dietary essential fatty acid ratios and energy level on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and inflammation in grow-finish pigs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) level and the ratio of linoleic acid:α-linolenic acid (LA:ALA) on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, circulatory and joint inflammatory status, and synovial fluid proteome of grow-finish pigs. A total of 224 pigs (BW = 41.5 ± 6.1 kg; PIC Genus 337 × 1050, Hendersonville, TN) were randomly assigned to either a high (3.55 Mcal/kg; HE) or low (3.29 Mcal/kg; LE) ME dietary treatment with a high (23:1) or low (12:1) LA:ALA in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Diets were fed across three 28-d phases. Pigs were housed either four barrows or four gilts per pen. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 21, 42, and 84. Synovial fluid was collected from the hock and carpus joints on days 0 and 84. Liver and adipose tissue samples were collected on day 84. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) with pen as the experimental unit and energy level, essential fatty acid ratio, sex, phase, and their interactions as fixed effects. Compared to LE, HE increased days 28, 56, and 84 body weight (BW; P = 0.005). For the overall period, HE increased average daily gain (ADG) compared to LE (P < 0.001) and improved feed efficiency (P = 0.001), while LE increased feed intake compared to HE (P < 0.001). Gilts receiving diets with low LA:ALA had similar final BW to barrows receiving a low LA:ALA at days 28, 56, and 84 (P = 0.024), resulting from improved overall days 0-84 ADG compared to gilts receiving the high LA:ALA (P = 0.031). In the liver, HE decreased the mRNA abundance of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACACA; P = 0.004), cluster of differentiation 36 (P = 0.034), and tended to decrease fatty acid synthase (FASN; P = 0.056). In adipose tissue, HE decreased ACACA (P = 0.001) and FASN (P = 0.017). Plasma inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) were reduced on day 84 compared to day 0 (P ≤ 0.014). In the hock and carpus synovial fluid, LE tended to reduce CRP and TNFα (P ≤ 0.096). Hock and carpus synovial fluid CRP were also reduced on day 84 compared to day 0 (P = 0.001). Age of the pig impacted serum and hock synovial fluid protein abundance, but not energy level, LA:ALA, or their interactions (P < 0.05). To conclude, the high and low LA:ALA ratios utilized in this study can be fed at varying energy levels without impacting growth. Additionally, LA:ALA ratios can differentially impact the growth of barrows and gilts.

Lipid metabolism mRNA expression and cellularity of intramuscular adipocytes within the Longissimus muscle of Angus- and Wagyu-sired cattle fed for a similar days on feed or body weight endpoint

This study investigates intramuscular (IM) adipocyte development in the Longissimus muscle (LM) between Wagyu- and Angus-sired steers compared at a similar age and days on feed (D) endpoint or similar body weight (B) endpoint by measuring IM adipocyte cell area and lipid metabolism mRNA expression. Angus-sired steers (AN, n = 6) were compared with steers from two different Wagyu sires (WA), selected for either growth (G) or marbling (M), to be compared at a similar days on feed (DOF; 258 ± 26.7 d; WA-GD, n = 5 and WA-MD, n = 5) in Exp. 1 or body weight (BW; 613 ± 18.0 kg; WA-GB, n = 4 and WA-MB, n = 5) in Exp. 2, respectively. In Exp. 1, WA-MD steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) percentage of IM fat in the LM compared with AN and WA-GD steers. In Exp. 2, WA-MB steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) percentage of IM fat in the LM compared with AN and WA-GB steers. The distribution of IM adipocyte area was unimodal at all biopsy collections, with IM adipocyte area becoming progressively larger as cattle age (P ≤ 0.01) and BW increased (P ≤ 0.01). Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta (PPARd) was upregulated earlier for WA-MD and WA-MB cattle compared with other steers at a similar DOF and BW (P ≤ 0.02; treatment × biopsy interaction). Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma was upregulated (PPARg) at a lesser BW for WA-MB steers (P = 0.09; treatment × biopsy interaction), while WA-MD steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.04) overall mean PPARg mRNA expression compared with other steers. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, lipin 1, and hormone sensitive lipase demonstrated mRNA expression patterns similar to PPARg and PPARd or CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta, which emphasizes their importance in marbling development and growth. Additionally, WA-MD and WA-MB steers often had a greater early mRNA expression of fatty acid transporters (fatty acid transport protein 1; P < 0.02; treatment × biopsy interaction) and binding proteins (fatty acid binding protein 4) compared with other steers. Cattle with a greater marbling propensity appear to upregulate adipogenesis at a younger chronological and physiological maturity through PPARd, PPARg, and possibly adipogenic regulating compounds, lysophosphatidic acid, and diacylglycerol. These genes and compounds could be used as potential markers for marbling propensity of cattle in the future.

337 Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae-Based Microbial Additive Containing Fermentation Products on Health, and Performance of Weaned Beef Steers During a 35-d Receiving Period

Abstract We examined the effects of dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based microbial additive containing fermentation products of multiple micro-organisms on health and performance of newly weaned beef steers during a 35-d receiving period. Crossbred beef steers (n = 80; 12-hour post-weaning; 206 ± 12 kg of BW) were stratified by BW into 4 pens (20 steers per pen) such that each pen had similar BW at the beginning of the experiment. The steers were assigned to receive a corn silage-based diet with no additive (CON; 2 pens) or a diet supplemented with a blend of live S. cerevisiae and the fermentation products of S. cerevisiae, Enterococcus lactis, Bacillus licheniformis, and B. subtilis at an average of 28 g/steer/d for the first 21 d (SYNB; 2 pens). Percentage of steers treated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was calculated for each dietary treatment. Daily DMI and weekly body weights were measured. Blood samples collected weekly were analyzed for mRNA expression of 84 immune-related genes and plasma metabolome. Compared with CON, supplemental SYNB increased (P ≤ 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and DMI during the first 7 d. During the first 21 d, there was no treatment effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) on final BW, DMI, and ADG. Over the entire 35-d receiving period, beef steers fed supplemental SYNB had greater (P = 0.01) ADG and had reduced percentage (35 vs. 50%) of animals treated for BRD. Whole blood expression of pro-inflammatory genes was downregulated while that of anti-inflammatory genes was upregulated in beef steers fed supplemental SYNB. Six nutrient metabolic pathways of great health benefits were enriched (FDR ≤ 0.05) in beef steers fed supplemental SYNB. This study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of SYNB during the first 21 d of arrival reduced BRD morbidity, improved the performance, immune, and metabolic status of beef steers over a 35-d receiving period.

PSXIII-B-15 Late Weaning Improves Growth and Reduces the Breeding age in Alpine Dairy Goats

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of weaning age on growth in Alpine dairy goats. Thirty-six female kids were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 1) early weaning at 6 wk of age (6-wk), 2) weaning at 8 wk of age (8-wk), and 3) late weaning at 10 wk of age (10-wk). Treatments were blocked by BW and birth date, and each female kid was housed with a male companion of similar age and BW. Kids had ad libitum access to acidified milk replacer (ME=4.7 Mcal/kg DM), kid starter (ME=2.35 Mcal/kg DM), hay (ME=1.26 Mcal/kg DM) and water. Weaning was performed progressively over 7 d. For the 12 wk period, feed intakes for 6-wk, 8-wk and 10-wk were respectively: 135, 201 and 287 g/d for milk replacer; 90, 68, 54 g/d for hay; 25, 19 and 13 g/d for starter feed. Total ME intake was higher when increasing weaning age (6-wk, 281 kcal/d; 8-wk, 303 kcal/d; 10-wk, 371 kcal/d, P&amp;lt; 0.05). Interestingly, at weaning, total ME intake dropped more markedly when weaning was early (6-wk, 95 kcal/d; 8-wk, 297 kcal/d; 10-wk, 451 kcal/d, P&amp;lt; 0.05). 10-wk had higher BW at 12 wk of age (23.9 kg), compared with 6-wk (21.2 kg, P=0.004), and a trend was observed with 8-wk (22.2 kg, P=0.059). This effect of weaning age on BW was prolonged over time with heavier BW in 10-wk at 8 months (36.1 kg), compared to 6-wk (33.6 kg, P=0.04), and a trend was observed with 8-wk (34.0 kg). Using growth curves, extending the weaning age of dairy goats allowed to reach the breeding BW target of 32 kg sooner (6-wk, 191 d; 8-wk, 188 d; 10-wk, 161 d, P&amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, weaning kids at 10 wk limited the negative impact of earlier weaning on growth in the Alpine breed.

Modelling beef cows’ individual response to short nutrient restriction in different lactation stages

Short-term nutrient restrictions can occur naturally in extensive beef cattle production systems due to low feed quality or availability. The aims of the study were to (1) model the curves of milk yield, plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) contents of beef cows in response to short nutritional challenges throughout lactation; (2) identify clusters of cows with different response profiles; (3) quantify differences in cows’ response between the clusters and lactation stages. Data of BW, body condition score (BCS), milk yield, NEFA, and BHB plasma concentration from 31 adult beef cows (626 ± 48 kg at calving) were used to study the effect of 4-day feed restriction repeated over months 2, 3 and 4 of lactation. On each month, all cows received a single diet calculated to meet the requirements of the average cow: 100 % requirements for 4 days (d-4 to d-1, basal period), 55 % requirements on the next 4 days (d0 to d3, restriction period) and 100 % requirements for 4 days (d4 to d7, refeeding period). Natural cubic splines were used to model the response of milk yield, NEFA and BHB to restriction and refeeding in the 3 months. The new response variables [baseline value, peak value, days to peak and to regain baseline, and areas under the curve (AUC) during restriction and refeeding] were used to cluster cows according to their metabolic response (MR) into two groups: Low MR and High MR. The month of lactation affected all the traits, and basal values decreased as lactation advanced. Cows from both clusters had similar BW and BCS values, but those in the High MR cluster had higher basal milk yield, NEFA and BHB contents, and responded more intensely to restriction, with more marked peaks and AUCs. Reaction times were similar, and baseline values recovered during refeeding in both clusters. Our results suggest that the response was driven by cows’ milk potential rather than size or body reserves, and despite high-responding cattle’s higher milk yield, they were able to activate metabolic pathways to respond to and recover from the challenge.

Frequency of maternal supplementation of energy and protein during late gestation modulates preweaning growth of their beef offspring.

This study evaluated the effects of decreasing the frequency of dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation during third trimester of gestation on cow physiology and offspring preweaning growth. At 201 ± 7 d prepartum (day 0 of the study), 120 Brangus crossbred cows were stratified by body weight (BW = 543 ± 53 kg) and body condition score (BCS = 5.47 ± 0.73), and then assigned randomly to 1 of 20 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (six cows and 4.7 ha/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (five pastures/treatment) and consisted of cows offered no DDG supplementation (NOSUP) or precalving supplementation of DDG dry matter at 1 kg/cow daily (7×), 2.33 kg/cow every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (3×), or 7 kg/cow every Monday (1×) from day 0 to 77. All cows assigned to DDG supplementation received the same total amount of DDG dry matter (77 kg/cow) from day 0 to 77. All cow-calf pairs were managed similarly from day 77 until calf weaning (day 342). Supplementation frequency did not impact (P ≥ 0.16) any forage or cow reproduction data. Cow BCS on days 77, 140, and 342 did not differ among 1×, 3×, and 7× cows (P ≥ 0.29) but all supplemented cows, regardless of supplementation frequency, had greater BCS on days 77, 140, and 342 compared to NOSUP cows (P ≤ 0.04). Cows offered 1× supplementation had greater plasma concentrations of IGF-1 on days 35 and 140 compared to NOSUP, 3× and 7× cows (P ≤ 0.04), whereas 3× and 7× cows had greater plasma concentrations of IGF-1 on day 35 compared to NOSUP cows (P ≤ 0.005). Average plasma concentrations of glucose did not differ among 1×, 3×, and 7× cows (P ≥ 0.44), but all supplemented cows had greater plasma concentrations of glucose compared to NOSUP cows (P ≤ 0.05). Birth BW of the first offspring did not differ between 3× and 7× calves (P = 0.54) but both groups were heavier at birth compared to NOSUP calves (P ≤ 0.05). On day 342, calves born from 7× cows were the heaviest (P ≤ 0.05), whereas calves born from 1× and 3× cows had similar BW (P = 0.97) but both groups were heavier compared to calves born from NOSUP cows (P ≤ 0.05). In summary, decreasing the frequency of DDG supplementation, from daily to one or three times weekly, during third trimester of gestation of beef cows did not impact cow BCS but altered maternal plasma concentrations of IGF-1 and glucose, leading to reduced offspring preweaning growth.

Effects of dietary inclusion of cassava starch-extraction-residue meal on egg production, egg quality, oxidative status, and yolk fatty acid profile in laying ducks

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of different dietary levels of cassava starch extraction residue meal (CReM) on egg production, egg quality, oxidative status, egg yolk fatty acid profile, and hepatic expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes. In total, 288 Longyan laying ducks aged 21 wk with similar BW were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments, each consisting of 6 replicates of 12 birds. The birds were fed a typical corn-soybean meal diet, which contained 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 15% CReM, mainly replacing wheat bran, and the experiment lasted for 16 wk. The tested CReM levels did not show significant effects on the egg production, nonmarketable egg percentage, egg weight, daily egg mass, and FCR (g feed: g egg), but daily feed intake was reduced with increased CReM level (linear P < 0.001, quadratic P < 0.05). Yolk color increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) with the increase in CReM level, but the Haugh unit, yolk proportion, albumen proportion, shell proportion, eggshell thickness, and eggshell strength were unaffected. Yolk contents of C11:0 and C12:0 (linear, quadratic, P < 0.01) and total saturated fatty acids increased, and the C22:1 level decreased (linear P < 0.01, quadratic P < 0.05) with the increase in CReM level, but the total monounsaturated fatty acids, the individual and total polyunsaturated fatty acids and n−6 and n−3 fatty acids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in egg yolk were not affected. Hepatic gene expression revealed a significant increase in peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ (linear, quadratic, P < 0.001), but the expression of fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 and apolipoprotein A1 genes were unaffected by CReM level. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that the CReM could be included up to 15% in laying duck diets without negative effects on the egg-laying rate, egg quality, and oxidative status. Dietary inclusion of CReM increased the yolk content of total saturated fatty acids and SOD activity in the liver.