Journal of animal science最新文献

{"title":"Estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends for ewe longevity indicators in U.S. Katahdin sheep.","authors":"Luis F B Pinto,Ronald M Lewis,Artur O Rocha,Brad A Freking,Carrie S Wilson,Tom W Murphy,Sara M Nilson,Joan M Burke,Luiz F Brito","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf125","url":null,"abstract":"Direct genetic selection for increased ewe longevity can improve flock profitability and animal welfare. However, longevity indicator traits are not presently evaluated by the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP). The primary objective of this study was, therefore, to estimate genetic parameters for 8 longevity indicator traits using data collected in NSIP Katahdin flocks. Ewes (n = 12,734) were born between 1989 and 2020 in 58 flocks across the U.S. and were daughters of 1,245 sires and 6,325 dams. Traits evaluated were age at the last lambing (ALL), length of productive life (PL; number of days between the first and last lambing), total number of litters (TNL), total number of lambs born (TNB) and weaned (TNW) over ewe lifetime, total lamb birth weight (TLB) and total lamb weight at weaning (TLW) over ewe lifetime, and TLW divided by the ewe's 120 d adjusted body weight (TLWadj). Variance components were estimated using the AIREML method based fitting an animal model using either a pedigree (A) or blended pedigree and genomic (H) relationship matrix. Genomic information of 10,032 animals genotyped with a 50K SNP chip was included in the analyses based on H matrix. Age at first lambing and birth-rearing type of the ewe were fitted as fixed effects, while the contemporary group (CG: flock-year-season of ewe's birth) was fitted as either a fixed (CGF) or random (CGR) effect. Breeding values and their accuracies were obtained for 127,535 animals in the pedigree using either best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) or single-step genomic BLUP. Genetic trends were evaluated based on all combinations of CG type and method for predicting breeding values. The averages of ALL, PL, TNL, TNB, TNW, TLB, TLW, and TLWadj were 1100 d, 890 d, 2.7 litters, 4.6 lambs, 4.3 lambs, 18 kg, 70 kg, and 2.8 kg/kg of ewe weight, respectively. The H matrix performed better than the A matrix, based on AIC and estimates of breeding value accuracy. Higher average accuracy values were observed when fitting CG as a random effect. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.06 ± 0.02 (TLWadj) to 0.15 ± 0.02 (TLB). All genetic and phenotypic correlations between longevity traits were greater than 0.80. Genetic trends were significative and positive for all traits, but no substantial genetic gains were observed. Considering the observed average values and the estimated genetic parameters, we recommend that longevity becomes part of the selection objectives for U.S. Katahdin sheep.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143849380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bio-loggers and miRNAs are innovative tools for measuring physiological changes in lambs during transport","authors":"Isabella Manenti, Irene Viola, Francisco Canto, Paolo Accornero, Paola Toschi, Carmine Versace, Elisabetta Macchi, Eugenio Martignani, José Alfonso Abecia, Silvia Miretti","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf123","url":null,"abstract":"For livestock, transport can involve several potential stressors including human handling, stocking density, air temperature, noise, vibration, and loading/unloading procedures. The animal’s perception of and its ability to adapt to those stimuli are not fully understood, which makes it difficult to carry out welfare assessments. This study aimed to detect stressful moments in lambs during transport through changes in physiological and molecular markers. Data obtained from bio-loggers that record physiological variables and an evaluation of molecular biomarkers such as cortisol and circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) identified the most stressful moments of transport, which can be a valuable tool for evaluating and improving transport conditions for livestock. Rasa Aragonesa lambs were implanted with bio-loggers that record subcutaneous body temperature (BT) and heart rate (HR). Plasma and saliva were sampled for molecular analyses; specifically, saliva for cortisol concentrations, plasma for creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), plasma and saliva for c-miRNAs expression profiles. Immediately after the lambs were unloaded, the bio-loggers registered a significant (P < 0.05) spike in HR and a drop in BT, and salivary cortisol concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05), which indicated unloading as one of the main stressful points for the lambs. Out of the 17 miRNAs tested, 4 showed a significant difference in expression (P < 0.05). MiR-23a and -27a were both expressed in plasma and saliva, while miR-17 and -24 were most expressed in saliva after unloading. Finally, the expression of plasmatic miR-23a, -24, and 27a were significantly (P < 0.05) positively correlated with the LDH whose concentrations together with those of CK are significantly increased (P < 0.01) after unloading. The study identified the timing of a lamb's adaptation response during and after transport, which reflected the dynamic nature of ovine plasma and salivary miRNAs during transport-induced stress, giving them the potential to be biomarkers that can be useful in animal welfare assessments.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143841559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In Vitro Fermentation Potential of Undigested Dietary Protein","authors":"Hanlu Zhang, John W Cone, Arie K Kies, Wouter H Hendriks, Nikkie van der Wielen","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf119","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to investigate the in vitro fermentation potential of ileal digesta from pigs fed seven protein sources with different batches—maize germ meal (MGM), cottonseed meal (CSM), rapeseed cake (RSC), rapeseed meal (RSM), peanut meal (PM), soybean meal (SBM), and sunflower meal (SFM)—to assess their potential impact on hindgut protein fermentation, which can be harmful to animals. Ileal digesta samples were incubated with porcine faecal inoculum under N-free conditions, with whey protein isolate (WPI) as a control. Gas production (GP) resulting from protein fermentation was monitored over 48 hours and analysed using a modified biphasic model to assess substrate fermentation and microbiota turnover dynamics. Significant variations in fermentation characteristics, including maximum GP rates (Rmax), cumulative GP, and microbiota turnover slopes, were observed across the protein sources. Rmax values ranged from 16.8 ± 0.6 to 27.9 ± 0.8 mL/h for MGM and SFM, respectively compared to 12.5 ± 0.4 mL/h for WPI. Solubility and molecular mass analyses showed differences in the proportion of insoluble nitrogenous molecules and the distribution of soluble molecules, reflecting varying fermentability. Standardized hindgut fermentation potential differed significantly among the protein sources, with MGM exhibiting the highest potential (1.18 L/g dietary protein) and SBM the lowest (0.46 L/g dietary protein). These findings provide valuable insights into the differential accessibility of undigested protein to hindgut microbiota, contributing to more effective diet management and optimization of animal and human nutrition strategies.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143841749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Restricted versus ad libitum Feeding during Sow Gestation Affects Piglet Performance, Behavior, and Fecal Microbiota Composition.","authors":"Marinus F W Te Pas,Marion Kluivers-Poodt,Johan W van Riel,Dirkjan Schokker,Johanna M J Rebel","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf118","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated how the nutrition of gestating sows affects piglet performance, behavior, and fecal microbiota. Twenty-four sows were divided into two feeding groups: those on a restricted diet (once a day) and those fed ad libitum (as much as they wanted), with all receiving the same diet during lactation. The piglets were categorized based on their feeding groups; RG-RL: Piglets born and nursed by restricted-fed sows with restricted feeding, AG-AL: Piglets born and nursed by ad lib-fed sows, RG-AL: Piglets born by restricted-fed sows and nursed by ad lib-fed sows, and AG-RL: Piglets born by ad lib-fed sows and nursed by restricted-fed sows. Performance traits were analyzed using the model including treatment, switching piglets, and room effects. Piglet behavior was evaluated with a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) using binomial distribution, testing interactions of treatment, switching, gender, and other factors while accounting for random effects related to room, pen, and sow. Results showed that ad lib-fed sows had higher feed intake (P < 0.001), weight gain (P = 0.04), and backfat gain (P = 0.01) compared to restricted-fed sows. They also had lower cortisol levels during gestation (P = 0.02) and lactation (P = 0.04). Restricted-fed sows displayed more air-chewing behavior (P = 0.002), while ad lib-fed sows were more active (P = 0.03) and engaged in eating (P < 0.001). Birth weights and the number of piglets were similar across groups. During lactation, backfat loss varied among piglet groups, with the highest loss in AG-RL (P < 0.01). Piglets from ad lib-fed sows performed better overall, regardless of nursing source. At weaning, piglet weights (P = 0.01) were highest in AG-AL, followed by RG-AL, RG-RL, and AG-RL (interaction effect P = 0.006). Switching piglets initially reduced their playtime but later increased it (P = 0.04). The novel object test indicated that gilts became more active, resembling boars. Additionally, gut microbiota composition varied among sow groups during gestation (P = 0.04) and lactation (P = 0.02), suggesting that maternal diet influences piglet gut health. Overall, these findings highlight the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in shaping these traits.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143846291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of corn protein inclusion on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, palatability, and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites of healthy adult dogs","authors":"Christina L Vogel, Elizabeth L Geary, Patrícia M Oba, Julio C Mioto, B C Rudolph, Louis Rens, Kelly S Swanson","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf122","url":null,"abstract":"Corn protein (CP), a co-product of the corn ethanol industry, is a sustainable protein source used in pet foods. The objectives of this study were to determine the palatability and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of diets containing CP and to test the effects of CP-containing diets on the serum metabolites, hematology, and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Ten female adult beagles (mean age: 6.12±1.39 yr; mean body weight: 9.33±1.04 kg) were used in a replicated 5x5 Latin square design (n=10/treatment). All dietary treatments were based on brewers rice, low-ash chicken byproduct meal, and chicken fat, and contained variable amounts of corn-based proteins: 0% (control), 15.3% corn gluten meal (CGM), 10.2% CGM + 5% CP (Low), 5.1% CGM + 10% CP (Medium), and 15% CP (High). The experiment was composed of five 28-day periods, with each consisting of a 22-day diet consumption period, a 5-day fecal collection period, and 1 day for blood collection. Data were analyzed statistically by Mixed Models using SAS 9.4, with P&amp;lt;0.05 accepted as being statistically significant. Two 2-day palatability studies (n=20 dogs) were also conducted to compare the High diet vs. control diet and High diet vs. CGM diet. Dogs were shown to prefer (P&amp;lt;0.05) the High diet over the control diet by a ratio of 1.8:1, but no preference was observed between the High and CGM diets. In the digestibility study, the ATTD of dry matter, organic matter, and energy increased (P&amp;lt;0.001) linearly with CP inclusion. The ATTD of fat was greater (P&amp;lt;0.001) for the control diet than for the CGM, Low, and High diets. Fecal scores were lower (P=0.05; firmer) and fecal dry matter percentage was higher (P&amp;lt;0.0001) in dogs fed CGM than those fed CP. Fecal phenol and indole, short-chain fatty acid, and branched-chain fatty acid concentrations were greater (P&amp;lt;0.05) in dogs fed CP than dogs fed CGM and control. Fecal bacterial diversity was not altered by diet, but the relative abundance of approximately 10 bacterial genera was altered by diet. In summary, our data demonstrate that the inclusion of CP in dog foods resulted in high diet palatability and macronutrient digestibility and altered microbial composition and activity.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143841547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of extruded corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health, and microbiota diversity in weaned piglets.","authors":"Zeyu Zhang,Ge Zhang,Xing He,Zhiqiang Sun,Jinbiao Zhao,Ling Liu,Gang Zhang","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf120","url":null,"abstract":"This study was conducted to investigate the effects of extruded distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 144 piglets (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire, initial body weight 6.60 ± 0.35 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatments based on body weight (BW). The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with 8% and 16% extruded corn DDGS for 28 days. The results showed that feeding diets containing extruded corn DDGS had no significant impact on piglet growth performance (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE, DM, OM, and CP between the 8% extruded corn DDGS group and the control group (P > 0.05). However, 16% DDGS supplementation reduced the digestibility of these nutrients (P < 0.05). Both the 8% and 16% extruded corn DDGS groups increased the ATTD of EE (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 8% extruded corn DDGS group increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver and jejunum, as well as upregulated total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity and the levels of immune factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The expression of tight junction-associated proteins, such as claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1, was also upregulated in this group (P < 0.05). The 16% DDGS supplementation had no significant effect on these indicators, but it reduced the villus-to-crypt ratio in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Additionally, the inclusion of extruded corn DDGS increased the diversity of microorganisms in colonic digesta, significantly reducing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Sharpea, while promoting the enrichment of Turicibacter, norank_f_Erysipelotrichae, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, and Marvinbryantia (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that extruded corn DDGS have no adverse effects on growth performance. The addition of 8% extruded corn DDGS can enhance jejunal immunity and barrier function, increase intestinal microbial diversity, and improve EE digestibility by modulating the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. Therefore, extruded corn DDGS could be considered as a feasible ingredient to replace corn and soybean meal in piglet diets, thereby reducing feed costs.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143846287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dihydromyricetin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal injury in weaned piglets by regulating oxidative stress and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome","authors":"Xiaoling Chen, Xiaoling He, Xinyi Du, Zhiqing Huang, Gang Jia, Hua Zhao","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf114","url":null,"abstract":"This study explored the effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury in weaned piglets, and also investigated its possible molecular mechanism. The results showed that dietary supplementation of DHM could improve the jejunum morphological structure of piglets induced by LPS, reduce jejunum mucosa inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress, increase jejunum mucosa antioxidant capacity and the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and improve jejunum mucosa permeability. In addition, DHM downregulated the expression of tolllike receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphor-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Taken together, LPS could induce jejunum mucosa injury in weaned piglets, but dietary supplementation of DHM alleviated LPS-induced jejunum mucosa injury to a certain extent, and the mechanism may be related to the activation of Nrf2 to inhibit the oxidative stress and negatively regulate the activation of the TLR4/HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling axis.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143837086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supplemental effects of acidifier and encapsulated butyrate solely and combined in high canola meal diets for nursery pigs","authors":"Katlyn A McClellan, Emily C Fowler, Jorge Y Perez-Palencia, Benoit St-Pierre, Eric M Weaver, Crystal L Levesque, Kim Koch, Shane Mueller, Jinsu Hong","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf111","url":null,"abstract":"Incorporating canola meal (CM) into nursery pig diets has been limited due to the adverse effects of glucosinolates—sulfur-containing glycosides presented in Brassica family oilseeds. This study investigated the effects of acidifiers supplementation in high CM diets on the performance, organ weights, blood profiles, and hindgut microbial composition of nursery pigs. A total of 315 nursery pigs, average 6.0 ± 1.2 kg body weight (BW), were assigned to one of five dietary treatments with 9 replicates (7 pigs/pen) in a randomized complete block design. Treatments included; a corn-soybean meal (SBM) based diet with 20% CM (PC) and corn-SBM based diet with 40% CM without (NC) or with acidifier (NCA), or encapsulated butyrate (NCB), or both (NCAB). Diets met nutrient requirement of NRC (2012) in three phases; Phase 1 (common diet; 0-1 weeks), Phase 2 (experimental diets; 1-3 weeks), and Phase 3 (experimental diets; 3-6 weeks). Pig BW and pen feed consumption were measured by phase to investigate the growth performance of pigs. At the end of each phase, one pig per pen was bled and then euthanized for measurement of organ weight. Cecal digesta was collected only at the end of Phase 3 for microbial composition analysis. Pigs fed the NCA diets had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) final BW and average daily gain during Phase 3 and had a tendency of greater (P = 0.084) overall gain-to-feed ratio than pigs fed the NC diet. Pigs fed the NCA diet had a greater (χ2 &amp;lt; 0.05) percentage of non-diarrhea feces than pigs fed the PC diet for Phase 2 and overall period. Pigs fed PC diet had higher serum thyroxine (T4) concentration at the end of Phase 3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than pigs fed NC diets. Addition of acidifier in NC diet decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) spleen weight and tended to decrease (P = 0.064) liver weight. Pigs fed the NCAB diet had a lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) large intestine weight compared with those fed NC diet. Pigs fed the PC or NCA diets tended to have less (P = 0.06) the relative abundance of OTU Ssd-00188 (Agathobacter rectalis 99.23%) and NCAB diet increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the relative abundance of OTU Ssd-00001 (Lactobacillus amylovorus 99.64%) in the cecal microbiota compared with those fed NC diet. Overall, these findings support the incorporation of high CM levels (up to 40%) with acidifier supplementation in nursery pig diets, mitigating the negative implications of dietary glucosinolates and providing benefits for both canola growers and pig farmers in regions with substantial canola production.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143837088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Nitrate on Enteric Methane Production, Performance and Rumen Microbiome of Hanwoo Steers.","authors":"Rajaraman Bharanidharan,Byamungu Mayange Tomple,Jaesung Lee,Athauda Arachige Kavindu Nirmal Athauda,Sujoung Huh,Woohyeong Hong,Na Yeon Kim,Dong Hyun Lim,Jong Geun Kim,Kyoung Hoon Kim,Joonpyo Oh","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf109","url":null,"abstract":"An in vivo experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN; 5Ca (NO3)2·NH4NO3·10H2O, 75% DM NO₃⁻) supplementation on enteric CH4 emissions, ruminal fermentation and microbial community and productivity in Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) steers. Twenty Hanwoo steers (average body weight 348 ± 18 kg) were randomly allocated to five pens (4 head/pen) balanced for body weight, and then randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (2 head/treatment/pen): (1) the control (CON), 500 g/kg long stem timothy hay and 500 g/kg commercial concentrates; (2) NIT, control diet top-dressed with 2.5% CAN (1.578% NO3- in the dietary DM) for 115 days in a completely randomized design. Methane measurement was performed for 3 days starting from d 21, d 51, d 80 and d 112 using whole body respiratory chambers (RC). Rumen fluid and blood samples were collected on d 25 and d 26, respectively. A decrease (P < 0.05) in dry matter intake (DMI) was observed in steers fed NIT both in the pen and RC. However, average daily gain and gain:feed were not adversely affected. Additionally, methemoglobin concentration was not influenced by the treatment, suggesting no potential toxicity of NO₃⁻ in steers fed NIT. A decrease (P < 0.05) in CH4 production (g/d) was noted in NIT throughout the feeding trial, but CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) was not different (P > 0.05) between treatments. Ruminal pH, ammonia concentration and total volatile fatty acid production were not affected by the treatment, but NIT increased and decreased (P < 0.01) acetate and butyrate proportions, respectively, compared with CON. Steers in NIT group had increased (P < 0.05) ruminal abundance of Ruminococcus sp. and a tendency for increased Succiniclasticum (P = 0.07), and Selenomonas ruminantium (P = 0.07). However, NIT decreased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Olsenella, Atopobium and tended to decrease (P = 0.07) Methanobrevibacter ruminantium in the rumen. Overall, dietary supplementation of NO₃⁻ demonstrated a potential to reduce enteric CH4 production (g/d) by an average of 25.4% in Hanwoo beef cattle over time without causing NO₃⁻ intoxication in the early stage or negatively affecting growth performance throughout the trial. However, the lack of a sustained mitigation effect on CH₄ yield (g/kg DMI) suggests that further evaluation of NO₃⁻ supplementation under different dietary conditions is necessary.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"41 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143836606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Biochar supplementation on comparative growth-performance and carcass characteristics of Angus x Holstein vs Charolais x Holstein calf-fed steers","authors":"Brooke C Latack, Pedro H V Carvalho, Gustavo A B Moura, Richard A Zinn","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf113","url":null,"abstract":"The objective of the current study was to was to determine the influence of biochar supplementation on steer growth performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal temperature of calf-fed Angus × Holstein (AXH) crossbred steers versus calf-fed Charolais × Holstein (CXH) crossbred steers fed for over 300 days. Fifty-six AXH crossbred steers (body weight (BW) = 192 ± 12 kg), and 56 CHX steers (BW = 188 ± 13 kg) were blocked by initial BW and assigned randomly to 28 pens. Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet supplemented with 1) no biochar supplementation (control); 2) 0.2% (dry matter (DM) basis) of Biochar. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, using pens as experimental unit. From 112 to 224 days on feed, dietary supplemental biochar decreased (P = 0.05) cattle average daily gain (ADG). However, there were no other dietary effects (P ≥ 0.11) on steer growth performance or performance-adjusted net energy values. Biochar supplementation tended (P ≥ 0.08) to decrease marbling score and increase calf morbidity. Biochar had no other effects (P &amp;gt; 0.13) on carcass characteristics. Angus cross steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) final live weight and dry matter intake compared to CXH steers. Moreover, AXH steers tended (P = 0.09) to have overall ADG, and had a 9.4% greater (P = 0.03) overall ADG in the last 78 days compared to CXH. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.44) between breeds for gain efficiency or net energy for maintenance or gain based on growth performance. Charolais cross steers had the lesser (P ≤ 0.04) average ruminal temperature during the months of June, July, August, and November, while there were no ruminal temperature differences in September and October (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Angus cross steers demonstrated an increase (P ≤ 0.04) in kidney, pelvic, and heart fat, backfat thickness, marbling, and yield grade compared to CXH; however, CXH had a larger (P = 0.01) longissimus muscle area. There were no other differences (P ≥ 0.11) in carcass characteristics, health, or liver abscesses between breeds. Results indicate that biochar supplementation at 0.20% (DM basis) did not affect growth performance or carcass characteristics; however, breed (Angus vs. Charolais) used in a beef on dairy cross did affect carcass characteristics, including carcass weight, and muscle and fat deposition; showing the importance of proper breed selection when a beef on dairy crosses production.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143837087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}