Meat Science Commons^™

The Effect Of Soluble Uterine Factors On Porcine Embryo Development Within A Three-Dimensional Alginate Matrix System, Catherine Sargus-Patino, Elane C. Wells, Jeremy R. Miles, Angela K. Pannier

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Between day 10 and 12 of gestation in the pig, the embryo undergoes a dramatic morphological change, known as elongation. During elongation the embryo produces and secretes estrogen, which serves as a key signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy. The uterine environment prepares for embryo elongation and implantation by releasing nutrients, metabolites, and hormones in a time-dependent manner relative to paracrine signals from the conceptus (i.e., estrogen) and endocrine/paracrine signals within the endometrium (i.e., progesterone). Despite advances in identification of specific uterine factors present throughout pregnancy in the pig, little is known about the exact mechanisms by which porcine embryos …

The Effect Of Myostatin Genotype On Body Temperature During Extreme Temperature Events, J. T. Howard, Stephen D. Kachman, Merlyn K. Nielsen, Terry L. Mader, Matthew L. Spangler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Extreme heat and cold events can create deleterious physiological changes in cattle as they attempt to cope. The genetic background of animals can influence their response to these events. The objective of the current study was to determine the impact of myostatin genotype (MG) on body temperature during periods of heat and cold stress. Two groups of crossbred steers and heifers of unknown pedigree and breed fraction with varying percentages of Angus, Simmental, and Piedmontese were placed in a feedlot over 2 summers and 2 winters. Before arrival, animals were genotyped for the Piedmontese-derived myostatin mutation (C313Y) to determine their …

Review: Life-Cycle, Total-Industry Genetic Improvement Of Feed Efficiency In Beef Cattle: Blueprint For The Beef Improvement Federation, Merlyn K. Nielsen, M. D. Macneil, J. C. M. Dekkers, D. H. Crews Jr., T. A. Rathje, R. Mark Enns, R. L. Weaber

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

On a life-cycle basis, beef animals are able to consume large amounts of low-cost, low-quality forages relative to higher-cost concentrates compared with pigs and chickens. However, of the 3, beef is still more expensive to produce on a cost–per–edible pound basis. Accordingly, there is need for genetic programs and management changes that will improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of beef production. Options include improving reproductive rate, reducing feed used for maintenance, or both, while not reducing output. A goal for improving efficiency of feed utilization is to reduce the amount or proportion of feed used for maintenance. Such reduction is …

Genetic Evaluation Of Days To Harvest In Crossbred Lambs, R. M. Lewis, G. C. Marquez, M. H. Davies, D. R. Notter, Rainer Roehe, L. Bünger, G. Simm

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Days to harvest (DTH) is the number of days a lamb is fed before reaching a target level of fatness. Although economically relevant, this trait has not been thoroughly evaluated in sheep. Most lambs harvested in the United Kingdom are crossbreds sired by purebred terminal sires, with Charollais, Suffolk, and Texel most commonly used. Sires from these breeds were selected on an index designed to increase lean growth while constraining fat. The purpose of this research was to 1) evaluate the effects of index selection in terminal sires on DTH and 2) evaluate the feasibility of incorporating DTH into genetic …

Comparison Of Molecular Breeding Values Based On Within- And Across-Breed Training In Beef Cattle, Stephen D. Kachman, Matthew L. Spangler, Gary L. Bennett, Kathryn J. Hanford, Larry Kuehn, Warren M. Snelling, R. M. Thallman, Mahdi Saatchi, Dorian J. Garrick, R. D. Schnabel, Jeremy F. Taylor, E. John Pollak

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Background: Although the efficacy of genomic predictors based on within-breed training looks promising, it is necessary to develop and evaluate across-breed predictors for the technology to be fully applied in the beef industry. The efficacies of genomic predictors trained in one breed and utilized to predict genetic merit in differing breeds based on simulation studies have been reported, as have the efficacies of predictors trained using data from multiple breeds to predict the genetic merit of purebreds. However, comparable studies using beef cattle field data have not been reported.

Methods: Molecular breeding values for weaning and yearling weight …

Nitrogen Input Effects On Herbage Accumulation And Presence Of Pasture Plant Species, John A. Guretzky, Walter Schacht, Laura Snell, Jonathan Soper, Stephanie Moore, Andrea Watson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Long-term responses of pasture plant species to management strategies that vary amount and form of N inputs form a knowledge gap. Our objective was to determine how supplementation of grazing beef cattle (Bos taurus) with corn (Zea mays L.) dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) in unfertilized pasture (SUPP) affects annual herbage accumulation and presence of plant species and functional groups relative to unsupplemented beef cattle on unfertilized (CONT) and N-fertilized (FERT) smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pasture. We addressed this objective in the sixth (2010) and seventh (2011) years of a long-term experiment in eastern …

Characterization Of Three Chlorella Sorokiniana Strains In Anaerobic Digested Effluent From Cattle Manure, Naoko Kobayashi, Eric A. Schacht, Austin Barnes, Andrea K. Watson, Julian N. Rosenberg, Galen Erickson, George A. Oyler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Chlorella sorokiniana CS-01, UTEX 1230 and UTEX 2714 were maintained in 10% anaerobic digester effluent (ADE) from cattle manure digestion and compared with algal cultivation in Bold’s Basal Medium (BBM). Biomass of CS-01 and UTEX 1230 in ADE produced similar or greater than 280 mg/L after 21 days in BBM, however, UTEX 2714 growth in ADE was suppressed by more than 50% demonstrating a significant species bias to synthetic compared to organic waste-based media. The highest accumulation of protein and starch was exhibited in UTEX 1230 in ADE yielding 34% and 23% ash free dry weight (AFDW), respectively, though fatty …

Effect Of Rate Of Body Weight Gain In Steers During The Stocker Phase. I. Growth, Partitioning Of Fat Among Depots, And Carcass Characteristics Of Growing-Finishing Beef Cattle, E. D. Sharman, P. A. Johnson, C. P. Mcmurphy, A. J. Garmyn, B. J. Pye, G. G. Mafi, C. L. Goad, W. A. Phillips, J. D. Starkey, C. R. Krehbiel, G. W. Horn

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of growth rate to similar age or BW on fat deposition in stocker cattle grazing dormant native range (DNR) or winter wheat pasture (WP). In each experiment, fall-weaned Angus steers were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 stocker production programs: 1) control, 1.02 kg/d of a 40% CP cottonseed mealbased supplement during grazing of DNR (CON); 2) corn/soybean meal-based supplement fed at 1% of BW during grazing of DNR (CORN); 3) grazing WP at a high stocking rate to achieve a low rate of BW gain (LGWP); and 4) grazing WP at …

Bioinformatics Analysis Of Transcriptome Dynamics During Growth In Angus Cattle Longissimus Muscle, Sonia J. Moisa, Daniel W. Shike, Daniel E. Graugnard, Sandra L. Rodriquez-Zas, Robin E. Everts, Harris A. Lewin, Dan B. Faulkner, Larry L. Berger, Juan J. Loor

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Transcriptome dynamics in the longissimus muscle (LM) of young Angus cattle were evaluated at 0, 60, 120, and 220 days from early-weaning. Bioinformatic analysis was performed using the dynamic impact approach (DIA) by means of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) databases. Between 0 to 120 days (growing phase) most of the highly-impacted pathways (eg, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, drug metabolism, cytochrome P450 and Retinol metabolism) were inhibited. The phase between 120 to 220 days (finishing phase) was characterized by the most striking differences with 3,784 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). …

Developmental Programming In Response To Intrauterine Growth Restriction Impairs Myoblast Function And Skeletal Muscle Metabolism, Dustin T. Yates, A.R. Macko, M. Nearing, X. Chen, R.P. Rhoads, Sean W. Limesand

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Fetal adaptations to placental insufficiency alter postnatal metabolic homeostasis in skeletal muscle by reducing glucose oxidation rates, impairing insulin action, and lowering the proportion of oxidative fibers. In animal models of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), skeletalmuscle fibers have lessmyonuclei at birth. This means thatmyoblasts, the sole source formyonuclei accumulation in fibers, are compromised. Fetal hypoglycemia and hypoxemia are complications that result from placental insufficiency. Hypoxemia elevates circulating catecholamines, and chronic hypercatecholaminemia has been shown to reduce fetal muscle development and growth. We have found evidence for adaptations in adrenergic receptor expression profiles in myoblasts and skeletal muscle of IUGR sheep …

Occurrence Of Hormonal Residues In Feedlot Cattle Waste, Terry L. Mader, Leslie J. Johnson, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, Daniel D. Snow, William Kranz, Charles Shapiro, Simon Van Donk, David P. Shelton, David Tarkalson, T. C. Zhang, Steve Ensley

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two identically designed studies were conducted in separate years at the UNL Haskell Agricultural Laboratory using 192 crossbred heifers (96/study). Within a study heifers (initial weight = 386kg) were randomly assigned to 2 groups (3 42.4 m × 14.6 m pens/group/year): 1) treatment (TRT) animals were administered synthetic hormones via subcutaneous implants [d 1, 36 mg zearalonal; d 35, 140 mg trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 14 mg of 17β-estradiol benzoate (Revalor-H)] and fed Melengesterol Acetate (MGA), and 2) control (CON) animals with no synthetic hormone provided. Throughout each study, feedlot pen surface samples were obtained from 4 equally-sized zones (5 …

Use Of A Complete-Feed Diet (Ramp) To Rapidly Transition Cattle To A Finishing Diet, C. J. Schneider, Brandon L. Nuttelman, Dirk Burken, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

A study evaluated transitioning cattle from RAMP to a finishing diet with fewer intermediate step diets and days fed during transition. Yearling crossbred steers (n = 390; BW = 341 ± 14 kg) were blocked and stratified by BW, and assigned randomly within strata to 40 feedlot pens, with 9 or 10 steers per pen. Treatments were different grain adaptation programs (27 or 28 d) involving blends of RAMP and finishing diet. A control adaptation program involved decreasing RAMP and increasing a 62.5% corn finishing diet (62.5% high moisture corn (HMC), 25% sweet bran, 7.5% alfalfa hay (AH), and 5% …

Anaerobic Digestion Of Finishing Cattle Manure With And Without Distillers Grains In The Diet., Andrea K. Watson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson, Samodha C. Fernando, Jana L. Harding, Adam L. Shreck

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two treatments (cattle diet) were used in anaerobic digestion of finishing cattle manure. Diet 1 contained 82.5% dry rolled corn (DRC) (CONT) and diet 2 contained 40% wet distillers grains plus solubles (DM basis) replacing DRC (WDGS). Cattle were housed in stanchions for 3 d with complete manure collection in a cement pit. Manure (feces and urine) was sampled and analyzed for minerals, DM and OM. Manure collected was weighed into individual allotments based on DM and frozen. Continuously stirred anaerobic digesters (n = 7, 1 L capacity) were inoculated and maintained for 5 mo before the trial to ensure …

Use Of A Complete-Feed Diet (Ramp) In Grain Adaptation Programs Compared To Traditional Grain Adaptation Programs, C. J. Schneider, Brandon L. Nuttelman, Kelsey M. Rolfe Rolfe, William A. Griffin, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

A study evaluated using RAMP to adapt cattle to a high grain finishing diet. Yearling crossbred steers (n = 229; BW = 397 ± 28.4 kg) were consecutively weighed over 2 d, stratified by BW, and assigned randomly within strata to 18 feedlot pens, with 12 or 13 steers per pen. Treatments were imposed during grain adaptation (22 d) by decreasing RAMP (100 to 0%) and increasing finishing diet (0 to 100%). RAMP was fed either as a blend in a 1-diet system which was delivered twice daily (RAMP-1RS) or as 2 daily diets where RAMP was delivered in one …

Vegfa Family Isoforms Regulate Spermatogonial Stem Cell Homeostasis In Vivo, Kyle C. Caires, Jeanene M. Clopton, Andrea S. Cupp, Derek J. Mclean

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objective of the present study was to investigate vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoform regulation of cell fate decisions of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) in vivo. The expression pattern and cell-specific distribution of VEGF isoforms, receptors, and coreceptors during testis development postnatal d 1–180 suggest a nonvascular function for VEGF regulation of early germ cell homeostasis. Populations of undifferentiated spermatogonia present shortly after birth were positive for VEGF receptor activation as demonstrated by immunohistochemical analysis. Thus, we hypothesized that proangiogenic isoforms of VEGF (VEGFA₁₆₄) stimulate SSC self-renewal, whereas antiangiogenic isoforms of VEGF (VEGFA₁₆₅b) …

Effects Of Feeding Field Peas In Combination With Distillers Grains Plus Solubles In Finishing And Growing Diets On Cattle Performance And Carcass Characteristics, A. C. Pesta, A. H. Titlow, J. A. Hansen, A. L. Berger, S. A. Furman, Matt K. Luebbe, G. E. Erickson, K. H. Jenkins

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two studies were conducted to evaluate field peas and wet or dry corn distillers grains with solubles (WDGS and DDGS, respectively) in finishing and growing diets. In Exp. 1, British crossbred steers (n = 352, initial BW 356 ± 27 kg) were used in a randomized block design with factors being 0 or 20% field peas and 0 or 30% WDGS in dry-rolled corn (DRC) based finishing diets (DM basis). There was an interaction (P < 0.01) for DMI and G:F. Feeding WDGS increased ADG (P < 0.01), whereas peas had no effect on ADG (P = 0.33). Including WDGS increased G:F in diets without peas (P < 0.01), but had no impact (P = 0.12) in diets containing peas. Peas increased G:F (P = 0.04) in diets without WDGS, but decreased G:F (P = 0.03) with WDGS. Feeding WDGS increased HCW (P < 0.01). In Exp. 2, Continental crossbred heifers (yr. 1; n = 108, initial BW 338 ± 14 kg) and British crossbred steers (yr. 2; n = 90, initial BW 321 ± 10 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 9 pastures. Treatments were supplementation with loose DDGS meal on the ground (GROUND), in a bunk (BUNK) or a 25% field peas, 75% DDGS cube on the ground (CUBE) at equal CP. Final BW and ADG were less (P < 0.01) for GROUND than for CUBE and BUNK, which were similar. These data indicate up to 50% DRC could be replaced by peas and WDGS, and peas are an acceptable binder for DDGS range cubes.

Dried Distillers Grains As A Substitute For Grazed Forage, L. A. Stalker, T. J. Klopfenstein, Walter H. Schacht, J. D. Volesky

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

A 2-yr study evaluated effects of feeding dried distillers grains (DDG) to yearlings grazing native range at greaterthan- recommended stocking rates on BW gain, grazed forage quality, and forage disappearance. Thirty-six paddocks were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) control, stocked at a moderate stocking rate (1.48 animal unit months/ha in yr 1, 1.06 animal unit months/ha in yr 2) with no DDG; 2) double stocked, in which stocking rate was exactly twice the control with no DDG; and 3) double stocked with 2.27 kg/d (DM) of DDG per animal. Six paddocks per treatment replication were grazed in …

Genetic Parameter Estimates For Calving Difficulty And Birth Weight In A Multi-Breed Population, C. M. Ahlberg, L. A. Kuehn, R. M. Thallman, Stephen D. Kachman, M. L. Spangler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Birth weight (BWT) and calving difficulty (CD) were recorded on 4,580 first parity females from the Germplasm Evaluation (GPE) program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Both traits were analyzed using a bivariate animal model with direct and maternal effects. Genetic groups for breed of AI sire were fitted to estimate breed differences. Bos Indicus influenced breeds tended to have the largest BWT. Heritability estimates for BWT direct, CD direct, BWT maternal and CD maternal were 0.45 (0.09), 0.40 (0.09), 0.18 (0.08), and 0.18 (0.08), respectively. Genetic correlation estimates were positive between direct BWT and CD direct at 0.82 …

Murine Gut Microbiota Is Defined By Host Genetics And Modulates Variation Of Metabolic Traits, Autumn M. Mcknite, Maria Elisa Perez-Munoz, Lu Lu, Evan G. Williams, Simon Brewer, Penelope A. Andreux, John W. M. Bastiaansen, Xusheng Wang, Stephen D. Kachman, Johan Auwerx, Robert W. Williams, Andrew K. Benson, Daniel A. Peterson, Daniel C. Ciobanu

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex and diverse microbiota that has an important role in host metabolism. Microbial diversity is influenced by a combination of environmental and host genetic factors and is associated with several polygenic diseases. In this study we combined next-generation sequencing, genetic mapping, and a set of physiological traits of the BXD mouse population to explore genetic factors that explain differences in gut microbiota and its impact on metabolic traits. Molecular profiling of the gut microbiota revealed important quantitative differences in microbial composition among BXD strains. These differences in gut microbial composition are influenced by host-genetics, which …

Case Study: In Situ Determination Of Protein Digestibility Of Dried Distillers Grains Containing 3 Lipid Concentrations Using A Mobile Bag Method, B. E. Meyer, C. L. Bouma, James C. Macdonald

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Ethanol producers remove lipid from distillers grains (DG) for applications such as biodiesel production. The effects of the lipid removal on ruminal protein degradability and total-tract CP digestibility of DG are not known. Five ruminally and duodenally cannulated Angus-cross steers (BW = 434 ± 15 kg) were used to incubate in situ bags for determination of protein digestibility of low-lipid (5.54%) DG, medium-lipid (8.40%) DG, high-lipid (12.46%) DG, and cottonseed meal. Ingredients were weighed into individual in situ bags and incubated in the ventral sac of the rumen for 16 h. After ruminal incubation and simulated abomasal digestion, bags were …

Technical Note: Estimating Beef-Cattle Forage Demand: Evaluating The Animal Unit Concept, T. L. Meyer, L. A. Stalker, J. D. Volesky, D. C. Adams, R. N. Funston, T. J. Klopfenstein, Walter H. Schacht

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of BW and physiological status of a beef animal on forage intake. The experiment was repeated over 2 yr with 6 replications of 3 treatments per year: cow-calf pair (CCP, BW = 629 kg), nonlactating cow (NLC, BW = 503 kg), and yearling steer (YS, BW = 305 kg). The CCP was treated as one unit, with the sum of cow BW and calf BW comprising CCP BW. Calves averaged 42 d of age and 73 kg at the start of the experiment each year. Animals were housed in individual …

Estimation Of Breed-Specific Heterosis Effects For Birth, Weaning And Yearling Weight In Cattle., L. N. Schiermiester, R. M. Thallman, L. A. Kuehn, M. L. Spangler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Heterosis, assumed proportional to expected breed heterozygosity, was calculated for 4,835 individuals with birth, weaning and yearling weight records from Cycle VII of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Germplasm Evaluation Program. Heterosis was further estimated by proportions of British x British (BxB), British x Continental (BxC) and Continental x Continental (CxC) crosses. Angus and Red Angus were considered a single breed for estimation of heterosis. Direct heritability estimates (SE) for birth, weaning and yearling weight were 0.39 (0.05), 0.18 (0.04) and .40 (0.06), respectively. The BxB covariate was significant and BxC approached significance for weaning weight. The BxB proportion …

Calving Date And Wintering System Effects On Cow And Calf Performance I: A Systems Approach To Beef Production In The Nebraska Sandhills, W. A. Griffin, L. A. Stalker, D. C. Adams, R. N. Funston, T. J. Klopfenstein

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

A 4-yr study using 217 cows/yr (3/4 Red Angus, 1/4 Simmental) evaluated effects of calving date and wintering system on cow and calf performance from birth to harvest. Cows were assigned to 1 of 5 treatments: 1) March (Mar) calving cows wintered on native range, 2) Mar calving cows wintered on corn residue, 3) June (Jun) calving cows wintered on native range, 4) Jun calving cows wintered on corn residue, and 5) August (Aug) calving cows wintered on corn residue. Steers born in Mar entered the feedlot at weaning (calf-fed). Steers and heifers born in Jun and Aug were divided …

Smooth Bromegrass Pasture Beef Growing Systems: Fertilization Strategies And Economic Analysis, A. K. Watson, T. J. Klopfenstein, Walter H. Schacht, G. E. Erickson, D. R. Mark, Matt K. Luebbe, K. R. Brink, Matthew A. Greenquist

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

In recent years, prices for N fertilizer have increased dramatically, reducing net returns of fertilized pasture systems. A 5-yr study from 2005 to 2009 was conducted to evaluate management strategies and relative differences in profitability for 3 methods of backgrounding calves on smooth bromegrass pastures. Forty-five steers were used each year for a total of 225 animals in a randomized complete block design. Treatments included pastures fertilized in the spring with 90 kg N/ha (FERT), nonfertilized pastures with calves supplemented daily with dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) at 0.6% of BW (SUPP), and control (CONT) pastures that had no …

Harvest Date Influence On Dry Matter Yield And Moisture Of Corn And Stover, Haibo Huang, Dan B. Faulkner, Larry L. Berger, Steven R. Eckhoff

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Harvest date greatly affects the biomass yield, moisture, and quality of corn and stover. Traditionally, corn and stover have been harvested at lower moisture levels. However, corn stover and grain can be more effectively utilized as animal feed and biomass-ethanol feedstock if they are collected before in-field dry down. This study determined dry matter yield, moisture content, and quality of corn and stover before, during, and after grain maturity in central Illinois. The two-year average kernel moisture was 37.4% (w.b.) when reaching physiological maturity. At the same time, the average stover moisture was 67.7% (w.b.). The dry matter yield of …

The Balance Of Proangiogenic And Antiangiogenic Vegfa Isoforms Regulate Follicle Development, Renee M. Mcfee, Timonthy G. Clopton, Andrea S. Cupp

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) has been extensively studied because of its role in follicular development and is a principal angiogenic factor essential for angiogenesis. Since vascularization of the theca layer increases as follicles progress in size through preantral and antral stages, VEGFA might influence follicle growth via the regulation of angiogenesis. However, VEGFA might also influence follicular development through nonangiogenicmechanisms, since its expression has been localized in nonvascular follicles and cells. Alternative mRNA splicing of eight exons from the VEGFA gene results in the formation of various VEGFA isoforms. Each isoform has unique properties and is identified by …

Effects Of Restricting Energy During The Gilt Developmental Period On Growth And Reproduction Of Lines Differing In Lean Growth Rate: Responses In Feed Intake, Growth, And Age At Puberty, P. S. Miller, R. Moreno, R. K. Johnson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The overall objective was to compare reproductive performance through 4 parities of gilts developed with ad libitum access to feed or with restriction of energy to 75% of ad libitum intake. Effects on growth and pubertal development are reported. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial with 661 gilts. One-half of the gilts (n = 330) were allowed ad libitum access to feed from weaning to breeding at 235 d of age (AL), and 331 littermates were developed with ad libitum access to feed to 123 d of age and then restricted to 75% of ad libitum intake to …

Tips For New Horse Owners, Kathleen P. Anderson, Cushman

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Pleasure horses for personal and recreational use representthe largest category of horse ownership in the United States, with about 2 million people owning such horses. Whether a person already owns a horse or is considering the initial purchase of a horse, this NebGuide will help answer many questions asked by new horse owners.

Horses can be kept at a person’s own place or boarded at a commercial stable. Keeping a horse on a person’s acreage provides more management control, saves time and expenses, and can reduce the risk of injuries and disease. Most importantly, it allows fuller enjoyment and greater …

Kdr-Lacz-Expressing Cells Are Involved In Ovarian And Testis-Specific Vascular Development, Suggesting A Role For Vegfa In The Regulation Of This Vasculature, Rebecca C. Bott, Debra T. Summers, Anna M. Fuller, Ryann M. Mcfee, Ningxia Lu, Renee M. Mcfee, Andrea S. Cupp

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Our objectives were to evaluate kinase insert domain protein receptor (KDR)-β-galactosidase (LacZ) expression as a marker for vascular development during gonadal morphogenesis and to determine whether any novel non-angiogenic KDR-LacZ expression was present in mouse testes or ovaries. Gonads were collected from mice expressing LacZ driven by the Kdr promoter (KDRLacZ) from embryonic day 11 (E11) through postnatal day 60 (P60). At E11.5, mesonephric cells expressing KDR-LacZ seemed to migrate into the developing testis and surrounded developing seminiferous cords. Cells expressing KDR-LacZ appeared in the ovary with no apparent migration from the adjacent mesonephros, suggesting a different origin of endothelial …

Identification Of Markers Associated With Sow Lifetime Productivity For Whole Genomic Selection, Daniel Ciobanu

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Sows are more productive today than ever before. However, concurrent with increased prolificacy, high sow death losses and replacement rates are serious economic and welfare issues facing producers. Reproductive failure is the most frequent reason for culling sows. Length of productive life is moderately heritable and has high variance; thus, substantial genetic variation is expected to exist in most populations. Genetic improvement in the swine industry occurs from selection in nucleus herds and is then transmitted through the breeding pyramid in the multiplication process. Thus, it is critical to identify selection methods that can be applied in nucleus herds that …