Journal of animal science最新文献

{"title":"Advanced Periovulatory Follicle Progression in Beef Heifers: Association with Higher Estrous Associated Temperatures (H.E.A.T.) and Estrous Activity on Intrafollicular Levels of Estradiol and Metabolites","authors":"Pablo Fioravanti,Megan M Patterson,Abigayle B Pollock,Ian E Batey,Kennedy S Ozburn,Michael A O’Neil,Rebecca R Payton,Emma A Hessock,F Neal Schrick,Shawn R Campagna,Qudus Sarumi,Sarah E Moorey,J Lannett Edwards","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag318","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Female cattle engaging in estrous activity exhibit varying levels of higher estrous associated temperatures (H.E.A.T.) that are functionally impactful on fertility important components in the periovulatory follicle. To test this hypothesis, estrus was synchronized in virgin Angus heifers. Follicular fluid hormones and metabolites impacted by estrous activity (categorized as Estrous Active or Inactive), alone or in combination with H.E.A.T. were evaluated. Estrus was defined as the first time a heifer stood to be mounted; treatment was assigned alternately at first mount (comingled with others to remain Estrous Active, n = 13) or prevented from engaging in estrous active behaviors (Estrous Inactive, n = 12) by moving to an individual open rail pen, in sight of others and allowing nose to nose contact. Vaginal temperature was recorded using a Thermochron iButton. Periovulatory follicular fluid was aspirated ∼11.9 ± 0.1 h after first standing mount. Multiple linear regression was performed. Metabolite pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using Metaboanalyst 6.0. Estradiol levels (intrafollicular and serum) were negatively related to H.E.A.T. (P < 0.001). Intrafollicular estradiol was lower in Estrous Active heifers (P < 0.0001). Twelve follicular fluid metabolites were positively related to H.E.A.T. (P < 0.05). Pathways enriched with H.E.A.T. related metabolites (FDR < 0.1) included ‘Pyrimidine metabolism’. Abundance of 25 other metabolites was lower in the periovulatory follicular fluid of Estrous Active versus Estrous Inactive heifers (P < 0.05). Pathways enriched with metabolites affected by estrous activity included ‘Arginine biosynthesis’ and ‘Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis’. Six out of 12 other metabolites interactively influenced by H.E.A.T. and estrous activity are known for their antioxidant properties. In summary, periovulatory follicle progression is more advanced in Estrous Active heifers and in those exhibiting higher levels of H.E.A.T. Intrafollicular metabolites in the more advanced periovulatory follicles are linked to thermoregulation, steroidogenesis, antioxidant defense and energy metabolism. Results provide new insight into pivotal changes in the periovulatory follicle when estrogen dominance is coming to an end, the initial differentiative shift in granulosa cells is occurring, along with other preparatory changes that may be important for eventual ovulation and meiotic progression of the oocyte contained within.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149092169","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":"ASAS-NANP Symposium: Mathematical Modeling in Animal Nutrition: Modeling the dynamics of complex systems: Incorporating AI and HPC into dynamic modeling","authors":"Ignacio J Martinez-Moyano","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag310","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In many areas of animal science, the questions are dominated by dynamic problems: outcomes evolve over time, adapt to interventions, and emerge from interacting biological, managerial, and institutional processes operating across temporal and spatial scales. These systems exhibit accumulation, feedback, nonlinearities, and time delays that can make intuitive reasoning unreliable, and that can cause well-intended policies to underperform or generate unanticipated consequences. Dynamic modeling and simulation provide a rigorous way to make such mechanisms explicit and to test whether observed patterns of behavior can arise endogenously from system structure. This paper positions system dynamics modeling as a foundational approach for feedback-driven explanation and policy design in animal systems. It also highlights agent-based modeling as a natural approach to capture heterogeneity, networks, and localized interactions in system behavior. The paper describes how artificial intelligence can strengthen dynamic modeling workflows by scaling evidence synthesis, supporting transparent and auditable structure development, and expanding feasible calibration and updating methods under uncertainty. Finally, the paper describes how high-performance computing enables ensemble-based inference and robust policy evaluation by making large-scale sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, calibration, and scenario development and testing routine. Across these themes, the paper emphasizes methodological discipline: artificial intelligence and high-performance computing should augment—not replace—critical thinking, causal reasoning, rigorous structure development, thoughtful analysis, and transparent reporting. The combined use of dynamic modeling, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing can help animal science build interpretable, testable, and updateable models that support learning and timely decision making in complex systems.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149090443","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":"Dietary L-glutamate and L-aspartate improve growth, gut health, and amino acid digestibility in weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli","authors":"Supatirada Wongchanla, Youngmin Park, Sangwoo Park, Shuhan Sun, Yating Zhao, Yanhong Liu","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag317","url":null,"abstract":"L-glutamate (Glu) and L-aspartate (Asp) are functional amino acids that play multifaceted roles in mammalian enterocytes and serve as key energy substrates for intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting potential roles in supporting intestinal resilience and disease resistance in weaned piglets. This study investigated their effects on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, intestinal integrity, and amino acid digestibility in weaned pigs challenged with F18 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Weaned piglets (7.59 ± 1.11 kg BW) were randomly assigned to five treatments (n=13) including control (CON), 1% Glu supplementation (GLU), 1% Asp supplementation (ASP), 1% Glu and 1% Asp combination supplementation (GAC), and an antibiotic control (ABX). All piglets were orally challenged with F18 ETEC. The study was conducted from d 0 to 28. In the present study, the differences were observed in pigs fed GLU, ASP, or GAC compared with CON-fed pigs. GLU, ASP, or GAC supplementation alleviated (P < 0.05) the impact of ETEC infection by enhancing (P < 0.05) overall growth performance and feed efficiency, with effects comparable to ABX-fed pigs. GLU or ASP supplementation also reduced (P < 0.05) diarrhea frequency, similar to ABX supplementation. Pigs fed ASP, GAC, or ABX had lower (P < 0.05) fecal β-hemolytic coliform shedding than CON-fed pigs on d 14. ASP supplementation tended to increase (P = 0.072) duodenal villus height on d 12, whereas other intestinal morphological responses varied among treatments, intestinal segments, and time points. On d 28, ASP or GAC supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) ileal amino acid digestibility of selected amino acids, with some responses comparable to those observed in ABX-fed pigs. At the molecular level, responses in tight junction- and mucin-related gene expression were modest and varied among treatments and time points. Overall, Glu, Asp, or their combination enhanced growth performance, while Asp and the combined treatment improved selected measures of amino acid digestibility, and individual Glu or Asp reduced diarrhea. These findings support Glu and Asp as promising nutritional strategies to support growth and nutrient utilization during enteric challenge, with potential to reduce reliance on in-feed antibiotics.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"399 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149086556","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":"PS10-27. Integrating Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance and Machine Learning for Pregnancy Detection in Sheep.","authors":"Abdallah M Shahat, Aslam Abubakari, Aftab Siddique, Ivory Smith, Yariana Woody, Ken'derrian Pate, David Shapiro-Ilan, Brou Kouakou, Thomas H Terrill, Adel R Moawad","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag272.651","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag272.651","url":null,"abstract":"Early pregnancy detection is critical for improving reproductive management and production efficiency in sheep. While conventional diagnostic methods such as ultrasonography and blood-based assays are reliable, they are often resource-intensive and limit frequent on-farm monitoring. Therefore, there is a growing interest in non-invasive and repeatable approaches for continuous physiological assessment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a rapid, non-invasive technique that measures tissue electrical properties and may reflect physiological changes associated with pregnancy, including alterations in tissue composition, fluid distribution, and electrolyte balance. This study aimed at evaluating the association between multi-frequency BIA measurements and pregnancy status in sheep and to assess the predictive potential of impedance-derived features using machine learning (ML) approaches. Thirty-six synchronized crossbred ewes were naturally bred using two mature (2-3 year) Katahdin rams and pregnancy was confirmed at 28 days post-breeding (PB) using transabdominal ultrasonography. Bioelectrical impedance measurements, including resistance (Rs), reactance (Xc), impedance magnitude (Z), and phase angle (PA), were collected at 10, 50,100, and 180 kHz frequencies from vaginal and groin regions at multiple time points (pre-breeding, and at 28, 50, and 100 days PB in pregnant ewes). Data were analyzed with mixed model analysis and Tukey’s means comparison. In groin region, Rs (Ω), Xc (Ω), Z (Ω), and PA (°) values were higher (P < 0.05) in pregnant ewes at 100-day PB than before breeding and 28-day PB at all frequencies. However, in the vaginal region these values decreased at 100-day PB than other time points at all frequencies. To further investigate the predictive potential of these features, various ML models, including Gradient Boosting (GB), Backpropagation Neural Network–Multi-Layer Perceptron (BPNNMLP), Support Vector Machine with Radial Basis Function Kernel (SVMRBF), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Logistic Regression (LR) were implemented. Model performance demonstrated moderate classification ability, with GB achieving the highest accuracy (0.62 ± 0.20) compared to other models (ranging from 0.42 to 0.57). In conclusion, these findings suggest that multi-frequency BIA can be a potential non-invasive tool for capturing biological variations associated with pregnancy in sheep. The integration of BIA with ML provides a promising framework for developing data-driven approach to support reproductive monitoring and precision livestock management.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077579","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":"159. Effects of Dietary Crude Protein Concentration and Urea Source on Nitrogen Utilization in Finishing Nellore Bulls.","authors":"Renato Luís de Paula, Rayane Aparecida A Lino, Gabriela Dias Rezende, Júlia Mara Campos Souza, Javier Martin-Tereso, Isabela P C de Pena Carvalho de Carvalho, Erick D Batista","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag272.264","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag272.264","url":null,"abstract":"The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) concentration and urea source on nitrogen (N) utilization in finishing Nellore bulls fed corn-based diets. A total of 84 Nellore bulls (initial body weight = 448 ± 40.5 kg) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with treatments allocated across 28 pens (7 pens per treatment; 3 bulls per pen). Treatments consisted of two CP concentrations (11 or 14% of dry matter [DM]) and two urea sources: feed-grade urea (U) or coated urea (CU). Diets were offered as total mixed rations ad libitum twice daily. The CU source contained 82% urea on a DM basis, and in an in vitro assay, 27% of this urea was released in the rumen. The experimental period lasted 90 d. The N intake, fecal and urinary N excretion, and N retention from growth performance were determined to evaluate N utilization efficiency. No CP concentration × urea source interactions were observed (P ≥ 0.31) for N balance variables. Bulls fed diets containing 14% CP had greater N intake compared with those fed diets containing 11% CP (290.6 vs. 222.5 g/d; P < 0.001). Consequently, urinary N excretion was also greater in bulls fed diets containing 14% CP (156.2 vs. 94,8 g/d; P < 0.001). Nitrogen absorption was greater in bulls fed diets containing 14% CP (206.2 vs. 140.2 g/d; P < 0.001). However, reducing dietary CP concentration improved nitrogen utilization efficiency. Bulls fed diets containing 11% CP had greater N retention relative to N intake (20.2 vs. 17.1%; P < 0.001) and greater N retention relative to apparent N absorption (32.2 vs. 24.2%; P < 0.001) compared with bulls fed diets containing 14% CP. Urea source also affected nitrogen losses. Bulls fed diets containing CU had lower fecal N excretion compared with those fed diets containing U (79.2 vs. 87.2 g/d; P = 0.04). In addition, CU increased N retention efficiency relative to N intake compared with U (19.5 vs. 17.9%; P = 0.03). These results indicate that modifying dietary protein concentration and the form of non-protein nitrogen supplementation can influence N partitioning and its overall efficiency in feedlot cattle. In conclusion, reducing dietary CP concentration increased N utilization efficiency by enhancing N retention relative to N intake and absorbed N. In addition, inclusion of coated urea reduced fecal N excretion and increased nitrogen retention efficiency compared to feed-grade urea, demonstrating that these strategies improve N utilization efficiency in finishing cattle. For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077616","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":"PS11-8. Relationships Between Visceral Organ Mass and Feedlot Performance of Holstein Steers, SimAngus x Holstein Steers and Heifers, and SimAngus Steers.","authors":"Melanie Pimentel-Concepción, Daniel D Buskirk, Jerad Jaborek","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag272.435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag272.435","url":null,"abstract":"Visceral organ mass contributes substantially to maintenance energy expenditure and, as a result, influences growth performance and feed efficiency in feedlot cattle. This study evaluated visceral organ weights expressed as a percentage of empty body weight (EBW) and the relationships between those percentages and performance traits. Feedlot performance was compared among Holstein (HO) steers (n = 42), SimmentalxAngusxHO (SMANxHO) heifers (n = 38) and steers (n = 39), and SMAN steers (n = 42). Cattle were randomly allocated by body weight (BW) to seven pens per cattle type and fed for 189 (SMANxHO heifers), 232 (SMANxHO steers), 272 (SMAN steers), and 335 d (HO steers). Body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed (G:F) were determined every 28 d, and dry matter intake (DMI) was determined every 14 d. A subset of 28 cattle (7 per type) were scheduled for harvest at a similar empty body fat (32.5%) as predicted by ultrasound. Empty BW was calculated as shrunk BWx0.891. The HO and SMAN steers had the greatest EBW, followed by SMANxHO steers, and lastly heifers (P < 0.01). Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and non-GIT organ weights will herein be expressed as a percentage of EBW. Esophagus, rumen, reticulum, cecum, and pancreas were similar among cattle types (P > 0.08). Across cattle types, GIT weight was negatively correlated with EBW (R=-0.71;P<0.01). The GIT weight was greatest for SMANxHO heifers, intermediate for HO and SMANxHO steers, and least for SMAN steers (P = 0.05). Within GIT components, SMAN steers had lesser omasum, abomasum, and small intestine weights compared with the other cattle types (P ≤ 0.05), while having similar abomasum weights to SMANxHO steers. Large intestine weight was greatest for SMANxHO heifers (P < 0.01), followed by SMANxHO steers, and lastly HO and SMAN steers. Non-GIT organ weights were greater for SMANxHO cattle than HO steers and SMAN steers (P < 0.01). Liver weight was greater for HO steers and SMANxHO cattle compared with SMAN steers (P < 0.02). Total GIT and non-GIT weights were greater for SMANxHO cattle compared with SMAN steers (P < 0.01). For HO steers, GIT and liver weights were negatively correlated with ADG (R=-0.66) and DMI (R=-1.00;P<0.05), which may reflect increased metabolic maintenance costs associated with greater GIT and non-GIT organs. The GIT weights for SMANxHO cattle were positively correlated with G:F (R = 1.00;P<0.05), suggesting that greater digestive capacity may support improved nutrient utilization in beef x dairy cattle. For SMAN steers, GIT (R = 0.94) and liver (R = 1.00) weights were positively correlated with ADG (P < 0.05). The SMANxHO cattle exhibited greater relative GIT and non-GIT organ weights but also demonstrated superior G:F. Collectively, these results indicate differences among beef, beef x dairy, and dairy cattle in GIT and non-GIT organs contribute to variation in feedlot growth and feed eff","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077617","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":"104. Effects of Timing of Mineral Drench Administration on Performance, Acute-phase Protein, and Mineral Status of Grazing Beef Calves.","authors":"Edilane Costa Martins, Aline C Rezende dos Santos, Erica Ferri de Oliveira, Jocelyn Torres, David W Bohnert, Juliana Ranches","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag272.050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag272.050","url":null,"abstract":"Single-use, pulse-dose products can be an alternative to boost calf mineral status at challenging management events, such as weaning, transportation, and commingling. The use of oral drenches as additional supplementation is a convenient tool to provide trace minerals at strategic intervals. It was hypothesized that providing a trace mineral drench at different time points would be an effective strategy to improve the trace mineral status of calves and subsequent performance at and post-weaning. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a trace mineral drench that provides Co, Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn, along with vitamin E, at strategic intervals. Sixty crossbred (Angus x Hereford) calves from the herd of Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (EOARC) were selected during their dams’ breeding season and randomly allocated into 1 of 4 treatments: 1) Control, no drench administration; 2) Breeding, with drench administered at breeding; 3) Weaning, with drench administered at weaning; and 4) Breeding + Weaning, with drench administered at breeding and again at weaning. Drench was administered according to the manufacturer’s recommendation at 5 ml/45 kg of body weight (BW). Liver samples (n = 23) and BW were collected from calves at drench administration throughout the study. After weaning, calves were preconditioned for 45 days, and final BW and a liver sample were collected at the end of the preconditioning. Blood samples were collected at, weaning, and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 45 post-weaning to evaluate acute phase proteins. Preliminary data for BW, mineral status, and haptoglobin concentration were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS (SAS Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Statistical significance was set at a P ≤ 0.05. No effects of treatment (P ≥ 0.67) were observed for calf BW at any of the time points recorded (113 ± 5 kg; 225 ± 9 kg; 250 ± 9 kg breeding, weaning, and end of preconditioning, respectively). Of the trace minerals evaluated, a tendency for treatment effect (P = 0.08) was observed for Cu status of calves at weaning, where calves assigned to receive drench at Breeding tended to have or had greater (P ≤ 0.06) Cu status at weaning than calves assigned to all other treatments (21, 53, 27, and, 42 ± 12 mg/kg for Control, Breeding, Weaning, and Breeding + Weaning treatments, respectively). An effect of time (P ≤ 0.01) was observed for plasma haptoglobin, where plasma haptoglobin peaked (0.838 ± 0.25 mg/mL) on d3 post-weaning for all calves regardless of treatment. Although no effects were observed for calf growth, the use of drench at the dam’s breeding can be a convenient alternative to enhance the Cu status of calves at weaning, especially with forages with low Cu concentrations.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077608","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":"PS4-9. Hempseed Products Modulate Immune and Metabolic Responses in Sheep Monocyte-derived Macrophages.","authors":"Naomi Moss, Lizette Garcia, Nathaniel Ogunkunle, Felix Samuel, Miriam Garcia","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag272.421","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag272.421","url":null,"abstract":"Small ruminants play an important role in global livestock production, particularly in meat production; however, sheep are susceptible to diseases and infections that can negatively affect productivity. Macrophages play a central role in early immune defense by sensing pathogens and initiating inflammatory responses that help coordinate subsequent immune reactions. Therefore, in vitro macrophage models provide an efficient approach for evaluating cellular responses to bioactive compounds before conducting in vivo experiments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dehulled hempseed (HS) and hempseed meal (HSM) extracts on immune and metabolic responses of sheep monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Monocyte-derived macrophages were obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from blood collected from six mature ewes and differentiated by culturing adherent monocytes for 7 days prior to treatment. Cells were treated with HS or HSM extracts at three concentrations (100, 500, and 2,500 µg/mL). MDM functional activity was evaluated through phagocytosis and oxidative burst using fluorescence-based assays. In the spent media, glucose concentration was measured using a hexokinase assay as a proxy of glucose utilization, and nitric oxide production was quantified using the Griess reagent. Data were analyzed using SAS, and comparisons with the control were conducted using PDIFF statement, and effects of product (HS vs. HSM), product concentration, and their interaction were evaluated. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Phagocytosis did not differ between treatments and the control. However, HS tended to increase phagocytosis compared with HSM (P = 0.06). For oxidative burst and nitric oxide, the highest HS concentration increased oxidative burst and nitric oxide compared with the control (P < 0.05). Across product concentrations, HS also tended to increase oxidative burst compared with HSM (P = 0.07) with the effect becoming numerically more evident as dose increased (product × linear concentration, P = 0.11). None of the treatments differed from control for glucose concentration. However, glucose concentrations tended to be lower with HS (P = 0.09), driven by a lower glucose concentration at 500 µg/mL HS (product × quadratic concentration, P = 0.04). For both products, nitric oxide increased linearly with product concentration (P = 0.02). These results indicate that HS may be more effective than HSM in enhancing macrophage functional responses, particularly as concentrations increased. The findings suggest that bioactive components within hempseed products may influence immune cell activity, supporting further investigation of hemp-derived products as potential functional dietary components in ruminant nutrition.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"481 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077567","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":"PS12-17. Effects of maternal rate of body weight gain and one-carbon metabolite supplementation on piRNA expression and predicted mRNA targets in bovine fetal muscle.","authors":"Thais Ribeiro da Silva, Priyanka Banerjee, Matthew Crouse, Alison K K Ward, Carl Robertson R Dahlen, Jessica G G Syring, Layla E King, Muhammad Anas, Mojtaba Daneshi, Mara R Hirchert, Rebecca M M Swanson, Pawel P P Borowicz, Joel S Caton, Wellison J S Diniz","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag272.500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag272.500","url":null,"abstract":"Periods of inadequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy and nutritional imbalances during critical windows of fetal development can have lasting consequences on offspring growth, metabolism, and performance. These effects are largely mediated through epigenetic mechanisms. Among them, small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), including piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), are suggested to regulate gene expression in somatic tissues through mRNA targeting. One-carbon metabolites (OCM) are key substrates for epigenetic regulation; however, its potential influence on piRNA-mediated regulation remains poorly characterized. We investigated piRNA expression profiles and predicted piRNA-mRNA interactions in bovine fetal muscle using small RNA and mRNA sequencing data. Crossbred Angus heifers were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of maternal body weight gain (Control, C: 0.45 kg/day; Restricted, R: -0.23 kg/day ADG) and OCM supplementation [+OCM daily rumen-protected methionine (7.4 g/d) and choline (44.4 g/d); weekly injections of 320 mg of folate and 20 mg of vitamin B12]; or -OCM (saline solution). Treatments were applied from breeding to day 63 of gestation, after which all animals received a common control diet. At day 161 of gestation, the fetal Longissimus dorsi muscle was collected for total RNA isolation (n = 7 per group, except C+OCM, n = 8) and small RNA-sequencing. Differentially expressed (DE) piRNAs and mRNAs were identified using DESeq2. Predicted piRNA-mRNA interactions were inferred using IntaRNA, with target regions restricted to the 3′UTR of bovine transcripts (Ensembl release 115, ARSUCD2.0) and an energy threshold of ≤ −25 kJ/mol. A total of 9,803 piRNAs were identified after quality control. DE piRNAs (P < 0.05, |LFC| ≥ 0.5) were identified as follows: C+OCM vs C-OCM (n = 368), R-OCM vs C-OCM (n = 571), R+OCM vs C-OCM (n = 425), R-OCM vs C+OCM (n = 555), R+OCM vs C+OCM (n = 509), and R+OCM vs R-OCM (n = 266). Target prediction was performed for contrasts R-OCM vs C-OCM and R+OCM vs C+OCM. Energy-based prediction identified 135 unique interactions involving 85 DE piRNAs and 58 target genes. For R-OCM vs. C-OCM, 73 interactions were detected targeting 40 genes, whereas R+OCM vs C+OCM resulted in 66 interactions targeting 41 genes, with 23 genes shared between contrasts. Genes targeted by piRNAs were also DE at the mRNA level in the same contrasts: 29 genes in (R-OCM vs C-OCM) and 12 in (R+OCM vs C+OCM), providing dual molecular evidence of coordinated regulation. Among them were included THRB, CEBPB, CIDEA, and MAG in the R-OCM vs C-OCM contrast, and LIPT1, MYT1L, NRG4, and TUBB1 in the R+OCM vs C+OCM contrast. These genes were involved in muscle metabolism and transcriptional regulation. These findings suggest that piRNAs may contribute to fetal muscle programming through gene regulation in response to maternal nutrition.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"62 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077679","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":"PS6-1. Effects of Dietary Ginger Root Extract on Fecal Indicator Microorganisms and Growth of Broiler Chickens.","authors":"Oluteru E Orimaye, Odinaka Iwuozo, Safiu Suberu, Oluwabunmi Apalowo, Olanrewaju Binuyo, Lekan Elegbede, Samuel Quarmyne, Teyah Swett, Deji Abiodun Ekunseitan, Yewande Fasina","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag272.393","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag272.393","url":null,"abstract":"The use of phytogenic feed additives has gained increasing attention as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is widely recognized for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and stimulatory properties, which may influence both growth performance and gut microbial balance. This study evaluated the effects of dietary ginger root extract (GRE) on growth performance and fecal microbial indicators in broiler chickens. Five hundred day-old broiler chicks (Ross 708, male) were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments, each with 5 replicates of 20 birds each in a completely randomized design. All five treatment groups received corn-soybean basal diet throughout the experiment. Control (CON) were fed basal diet with no medication, BMD (basal diet + bacitracin methylene disalicylate 0.055 g/kg diet), GREA (basal diet + 0.75% GRE), GREB (basal diet + 1.5% GRE), and GREC (basal diet + 3% GRE). Body weight Gain (BWG) Feed Intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded over the six-week period. On d 35, fecal samples were collected to determine the concentrations of total bacteria count (TBC), Enterococcus sp., Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp enumerated using selective plating media. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). For the growth performance indices, birds fed the GREC (2.78kg) had the poorest (P < 0.05) BWG when compared to GREA (3.38 Kg), while the BWG of birds in GREB (3.23 Kg), BMD (3.32 Kg), and CON (3.28 Kg) were in between. Feed intake was lower in GREC (4.67 kg; P < 0.05) compared to other groups (5.18-5.43), while FCR was similar for all treatment groups (P = 0.1195). Concentration of fecal indicator microorganisms revealed that GREB group had a lower TBC (6.06 log CFU/g; P < 0.05) compared to CON (8.66 Log10 CFU/g) and BMD (8.65 log CFU/g) groups, while TBC for GREA (7.63 Log10 CFU/g) and GREC (6.31 Log10 CFU/g) treatments were in between. Furthermore, GRE groups (GREA, GREB, GREC) had higher (P < 0.05) Bifidobacteria counts (6.12, 6.44 and 6.70 log CFU/g, respectively) compared to BMD group (4.89 log CFU/g). These findings indicate that dietary GRE supplementation at up to 1.5% level of the diet promotes BWG and stimulates the growth of Bifidobacteria (a healthy bacteria specie) in the gut of broiler chickens.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077773","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}