Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons^™

Evaluation Of A Field-Deployable Reverse Transcription-Insulated Isothermal Pcr For Rapid And Sensitive On-Site Detection Of Zika Virus, Mariano Carossino, Yanqiu Li, Pei-Yu A. Lee, Chuan-Fu Tsai, Pin-Hsing Chou, Dennis Williams, Ashley Skillman, R. Frank Cook, Grayson Brown, Hsiao-Fen G. Chang, Hwa-Tang T. Wang, Udeni B. R. Balasuriya

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Background: The recent emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil and its precipitous expansion throughout the Americas has highlighted the urgent need for a rapid and reliable on-site diagnostic assay suitable for viral detection. Such point-of-need (PON), low-cost diagnostics are essential for ZIKV control in vulnerable areas with limited resources.

Methods: We developed and evaluated a ZIKV-specific field-deployable RT-iiPCR reagent set targeting the E gene for rapid detection of ZIKV in ZIKV-spiked human and mosquito specimens, and compared its performance to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) RT-qPCR assays targeting the E …

An In-Depth Look At Stall Contamination: A Total Of 28 Substances Were Identified In Charles Town Ship-In Stalls As A Mix Of Human Medications And Recreational Substances With Some Actual Equine Medications, Clara Fenger, Maria Catignani, Jake Machin, Thomas Tobin

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Symptoms And Causes Of Foamy Bloat In Cattle, Zachary Christman

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The bovine stomach normally produces gases such as ammonia, carbon dioxide and methane. However when these gases become trapped in the bovine stomach because of a thick, frothy or foamy liquid it is called bloat. Cattle bloat is a very old condition and goes by many names but is primarily trapped gas within the bovine stomach. Readily digested feedstuff such as highly processed grain diets or an overabundance of fresh immature alfalfa often leads to a vast amount of small particles and carbohydrates in the rumen; this is the major cause of foamy bloat. Severe bloat causes death by suffocation …

Equine Arteritis Virus Elicits A Mucosal Antibody Response In The Reproductive Tract Of Persistently Infected Stallions, Mariano Carossino, Bettina Wagner, Alan T. Loynachan, R. Frank Cook, Igor F. Canisso, Lakshman Chelvarajan, Casey L. Edwards, Bora Nam, John F. Timoney, Peter J. Timoney, Udeni B. R. Balasuriya

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Equine arteritis virus (EAV) has the ability to establish persistent infection in the reproductive tract of the stallion (carrier) and is continuously shed in its semen. We have recently demonstrated that EAV persists within stromal cells and a subset of lymphocytes in the stallion accessory sex glands in the presence of a significant local inflammatory response. In the present study, we demonstrated that EAV elicits a mucosal antibody response in the reproductive tract during persistent infection with homing of plasma cells into accessory sex glands. The EAV-specific immunoglobulin isotypes in seminal plasma included IgA, IgG1, IgG3/5, and IgG4/7. Interestingly, seminal …

Medication Migration: The Charles Town Naproxen Experience And Why It Matters To All Racing Jurisdictions, Clara Fenger, Thomas Tobin

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) Bitter Acids: Modulation Of Rumen Fermentation And Potential As An Alternative Growth Promoter, Michael D. Flythe, Isabelle A. Kagan, Yuxi Wang, Nelmy Narvaez

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Antibiotics can improve ruminant growth and efficiency by altering rumen fermentation via selective inhibition of microorganisms. However, antibiotic use is increasingly restricted due to concerns about the spread of antibiotic-resistance. Plant-based antimicrobials are alternatives to antibiotics in animal production. The hops plant (Humulus lupulus L.) produces a range of bioactive secondary metabolites, including antimicrobial prenylated phloroglucinols, which are commonly called alpha- and beta-acids. These latter compounds can be considered phyto-ionophores, phytochemicals with a similar antimicrobial mechanism of action to ionophore antibiotics (e.g., monensin, lasalocid). Like ionophores, the hop beta-acids inhibit rumen bacteria possessing a classical Gram-positive cell envelope. This …

Developing A 670k Genotyping Array To Tag ~2m Snps Across 24 Horse Breeds, Robert J. Schaefer, Mikkel Schubert, Ernest F. Bailey, Danika L. Bannasch, Eric Barrey, Gila Kahila Bar-Gal, Gottfried Brem, Samantha A. Brooks, Ottmar Distl, Ruedi Fries, Carrie J. Finno, Vinzenz Gerber, Bianca Haase, Vidhya Jagannathan, Ted Kalbfleisch, Tosso Leeb, Gabriella Lindgren, Maria Susana Lopes, Núria Mach, Artur Da Câmara Machado, James N. Macleod, Annette Mccoy, Julia Metzger, Cecilia Penedo, Sagi Polani, Stefan Rieder, Imke Tammen, Jens Tetens, Georg Thaller, Andrea Verini-Supplizi

Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Background: To date, genome-scale analyses in the domestic horse have been limited by suboptimal single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density and uneven genomic coverage of the current SNP genotyping arrays. The recent availability of whole genome sequences has created the opportunity to develop a next generation, high-density equine SNP array.

Results: Using whole genome sequence from 153 individuals representing 24 distinct breeds collated by the equine genomics community, we cataloged over 23 million de novo discovered genetic variants. Leveraging genotype data from individuals with both whole genome sequence, and genotypes from lower-density, legacy SNP arrays, a subset of ~5 million high-quality, …

Seroepidemiology Of Sarcocystis Neurona And Neospora Hughesi Infections In Domestic Donkeys (Equus Asinus) In Durango, Mexico, Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel, Daniel K. Howe, Michelle R. Yeargan, Domingo Alvarado-Esquivel, José Alfredo Zamarripa-Barboza, Jitender P. Dubey

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

There is currently no information regarding Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi infections in donkeys in Mexico. Here, we determined the presence of antibodies against S. neurona and N. hughesi in donkeys in the northern Mexican state of Durango. Serum samples of 239 domestic donkeys (Equus asinus) were assayed for S. neurona and N. hughesi antibodies using home-made enzyme-linked immunoassays; six (2.5%) of the 239 donkeys tested seropositive for S. neurona. The seroprevalence of S. neurona infection was comparable among donkeys regardless of their origin, health status, or sex. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity to S. neurona was …

Equine Arteritis Virus Has Specific Tropism For Stromal Cells And Cd8+ T And Cd21+ B Lymphocytes But Not For Glandular Epithelium At The Primary Site Of Persistent Infection In The Stallion Reproductive Tract, Mariano Carossino, Alan T. Loynachan, Igor F. Canisso, Richard Frank Cook, Juliana Roberta Campos, Bora Nam, Yun Young Go, Edward L. Squires, Mats H. T. Troedsson, Thomas W. Swerczek, Fabio Del Piero, Ernest F. Bailey, Peter J. Timoney, Udeni B. R. Balasuriya

Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Equine arteritis virus (EAV) has a global impact on the equine industry as the causative agent of equine viral arteritis (EVA), a respiratory, systemic, and reproductive disease of equids. A distinctive feature of EAV infection is that it establishes long-term persistent infection in 10 to 70% of infected stallions (carriers). In these stallions, EAV is detectable only in the reproductive tract, and viral persistence occurs despite the presence of high serum neutralizing antibody titers. Carrier stallions constitute the natural reservoir of the virus as they continuously shed EAV in their semen. Although the accessory sex glands have been implicated as …

No Lasix Racing: Good Idea Or Failed Experiment?, Clara Fenger, Thomas Tobin, Peter Ecabert

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Serosurvey Of Selected Cystogenic Coccidia In Spanish Equids: First Detection Of Anti-Besnoitia Spp. Specific Antibodies In Europe, Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito, Ignacio García-Bocanegra, Daniel K. Howe, Antonio Arenas-Montes, Michelle R. Yeargan, Sallyanne L. Ness, Luis M Ortega-Mora, G. Álvarez-García

Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Background: Equine besnoitiosis, caused by Besnoitia bennetti, and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), caused by Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are relevant equine diseases in the Americas that have been scarcely studied in Europe. Thus, a serosurvey of these cystogenic coccidia was carried out in Southern Spain. A cross-sectional study was performed and serum samples from horses (n = 553), donkeys (n = 85) and mules (n = 83) were included. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to identify a Besnoitia spp. infection and positive results were confirmed by an a posteriori western blot. For Neospora …

Evaluation Of Six Serological Elisa Kits Available In Italy As Screening Tests For Equine Infectious Anaemia Surveillance, Roberto Nardini, Gian Luca Autorino, Charles J. Issel, Richard F. Cook, Ida Ricci, Raffaele Frontoso, Francesca Rosone, Maria Teresa Scicluna

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Background: ELISAs are known to have a higher diagnostic sensitivity than the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) when employed for serological diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia (EIA). For this purpose, an “in-house” and five commercial ELISAs available in Italy were assessed by the National Reference Centre for EIA for their analytic specificity (Sp); precocity, defined as capability of detecting first antibodies produced during a new infection; precision based on repeatability and reproducibility, estimated from the coefficient of variation (CV); accuracy, estimated from multiple K and relative Sp and sensitivity (Se). Two serum panels, positive for non-equine retroviruses and the most frequent …

Evaluation Of Circulating Mirnas During Late Pregnancy In The Mare, Shavahn C. Loux, Kirsten E. Scoggin, Jason E. Bruemmer, Igor F. Canisso, Mats H. T. Troedsson, Edward L. Squires, Barry A. Ball

Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs which are produced throughout the body. Individual tissues tend to have a specific expression profile and excrete many of these miRNAs into circulation. These circulating miRNAs may be diagnostically valuable biomarkers for assessing the presence of disease while minimizing invasive testing. In women, numerous circulating miRNAs have been identified which change significantly during pregnancy-related complications (e.g. chorioamnionitis, eclampsia, recurrent pregnancy loss); however, no prior work has been done in this area in the horse. To identify pregnancy-specific miRNAs, we collected serial whole blood samples in pregnant mares at 8, 9, 10 m of gestation …

Out In The Cold: Ingredients In Over-The-Counter Cold Medicines Can Wreak Havod On A Trainer's Livelihood And An Owner's Prized Racehorse, Clara Fenger, Tanya Boulmetis, Thomas Tobin

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Exogenous Lactobacilli Mitigate Microbial Changes Associated With Grain Fermentation (Corn, Oats, And Wheat) By Equine Fecal Microflora Ex Vivo, Brittany E. Harlow, Laurie M. Lawrence, Patricia A. Harris, Glen E. Aiken, Michael D. Flythe

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Cereal grains are often included in equine diets. When starch intake exceeds foregut digestion starch will reach the hindgut, impacting microbial ecology. Probiotics (e.g., lactobacilli) are reported to mitigate GI dysbioses in other species. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exogenous lactobacilli on pH and the growth of amylolytic and lactate-utilizing bacteria. Feces were collected from 3 mature geldings fed grass hay with access to pasture. Fecal microbes were harvested by differential centrifugation, washed, and re-suspended in anaerobic media containing ground corn, wheat, or oats at 1.6% (w/v) starch and one of five …

Detection Of Strongylus Vulgaris In Equine Faecal Samples By Real-Time Pcr And Larval Culture – Method Comparison And Occurrence Assessment, A. Kaspar, K. Pfister, Martin K. Nielsen, C. Silaghi, H. Fink, M. C. Scheuerle

Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Background: Strongylus vulgaris has become a rare parasite in Germany during the past 50 years due to the practice of frequent prophylactic anthelmintic therapy. To date, the emerging development of resistance in Cyathostominae and Parascaris spp. to numerous equine anthelmintics has changed deworming management and the frequency of anthelmintic usage. In this regard, reliable detection of parasitic infections, especially of the highly pathogenic S. vulgaris is essential. In the current study, two diagnostic methods for the detection of infections with S. vulgaris were compared and information on the occurrence of this parasite in German horses was gained. For this purpose, …

Relationship Between Dietary Total Digestible Nutrients And Digestible Organic Matter In Beef Cattle Finishing And Growing Diets With Or Without Distillers Grains, Hannah C. Hamilton, Jana L. Gramkow, Jim C. Macdonald Donald, Galen E. Erickson, Andrea K. Watson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The relationship between organic matter digestibility and total digestible nutrients is unestablished for diets containing distillers grains. Three cattle digestion studies were used to evaluate the relationship between total digestible nutrients and digestible organic matter. Results suggest digestible organic matter is consistent relative to total digestible nutrients content for traditional, corn based diets. In finishing and growing diets containing distillers grains additional digestible energy supplied by distillers grains is not accounted for when evaluating only digestible organic matter. Measuring digestible energy content of diets used in digestion trials is essential.

Effect Of Harvest Method And Ammoniation On Digestibility And Intake Of Corn Residue, Ashley C. Conway, Tasha M. King, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt Breithaupt, Jim C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Mary E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The effects of three harvest methods, both with and without ammonia treatment, on the in vivo digestibility and intake of baled corn residue were assessed in a digestion trial with lambs. Treatments included three corn residue harvest methods (conventional rake and bale, New Holland Cornrower™ with eight rows or with two rows of corn stalks chopped into the windrow containing the tailings [leaf, husk and upper stalk] from eight harvested rows) and the effects of ammoniation at 5.5% of DM compared to no ammoniation of the residue. Th e 2- Row baled residue (51.7%) had greater dry matter digestibility than …

Evaluation Of The Value Of Fiber In Distillers Grains Plus Solubles On Performance Of Finishing Cattle, Jordan E. Burhoop, Liesel J. Schneider, Curtis J. Bittner Bittner, F. Henry Hilscher, Jim C. Macdonald, Rodney A. Moxley, David R. Smith, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing study was conducted to determine the value of the fiber in distillers grains plus solubles on cattle performance. Five treatments were evaluated: a corn control diet, 20 or 40% modified distillers grains plus solubles, plus two diets containing corn germ meal and corn bran balanced to equal the fiber content of the two modified distillers grains plus solubles diets. Th ere was a significant improvement in ADG and F:G for cattle fed modified distillers grains plus solubles compared to control. Cattle fed the corn germ meal and bran diets had increased DMI, slightly lower ADG, and poorer F:G …

Methods To Increase Productivity Of Spring Calving Production Systems In The Nebraska Sandhills, Devin Broadhead, L. A. Stalker, Jacki A. Musgrave Musgrave, Rick N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Feeding supplement to cattle grazing dormant winter range increased cow BW and BCS and calf performance, but not pregnancy rate. Using a CIDR to shorten the post-partum interval in a cow herd with existing acceptable reproductive performance did not improve pregnancy rate. Feeding creep feed to calves increased weaning BW but should be considered within the context of a cost/benefit analysis. Additional years of data collection may be necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

The Effect Of Supplementing Mannan Oligosaccharide Or Finely Ground Fiber, During The Summer On Body Temperature, Performance, And Blood Metabolites Of Finishing Steers, Bradley M. Boyd, Terry L. Mader, Curtis J. Bittner Bittner, Henry Hilscher, Gene Wijffels, John B. Gaughan, Megan Sullivan, Judy Cawdell- Smith, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Crossbred beef steers (12 pens, n=96) were used to determine the effect of adding Agrimos or 5% ground (1 in.) wheat straw compared to a control on body temperature, panting score and performance. Th ere were no differences in final BW, ADG, and DMI among treatments. Feed conversion was increased for cattle fed 5% additional ground straw when compared to control and Agrimos. Hot carcass weight, dressing %, LM area, and marbling score were not different among treatments. Cattle fed the control had greater 12th rib fat depth and USDA yield grade than cattle fed straw or Agrimos. Both average …

Effect Of Salt Reduction On The Quality And Shelf Life Characteristics Of Deli-Style Roast Beef, Chad G. Bower, Regan E. Stanley, Samodha Fernando Fernando, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Concerns with excessive sodium intake have led to increased pressure on meat processors to reduce added salt in meat products. Quality characteristics and microbial growth were evaluated on deli- style roast beef slices formulated to contain varying concentrations of added salt. Salt concentration had no effect on microbial community composition, however increasing salt slowed microbial growth over time. Increasing salt increased cooking yield and decreased water activity. Salt reduction negatively impacts the texture, yield, and shelf life of deli- style roast beef, however salt concentrations within this range do not significantly alter spoilage flora community composition.

Effect Of Crude Glycerin Concentration On Growing Steer Performance In Forage Diets, Robert G. Bondurant, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein Klopfenstein, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The effect of increasing crude glycerin concentration was evaluated in a 91- d growing trial utilizing 60 steers. Crude glycerin was included at 0, 4, 8, and 12% of dietary DM in diets consisting of 50% wheat straw; 22.9- 37.0% wet corn bran, and 8.0- 10.1% soybean meal. Crude glycerin replaced wet corn bran and soybean meal was added to maintain dietary CP. Steer ending BW was not different among treatments. Th ere was a quadratic increase in DMI from 0 to 8% crude glycerin and subsequent decrease at 12%. Th ere was no difference in ADG or feed efficiency …

Predicting Feedlot Growth Performance Over The Feeding Period Utilizing Steer Age And Body Weight, Curtis J. Bittner, Andrea K. Watson, Jim C. Macdonald Donald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A pooled- analysis of UNL feedlot pens examined the effects of steer age and body weight on feedlot growth performance. For data analysis, pens were divided into 3 subclasses based on steer age (calf- fed, short yearling, or long yearling) and, grouped based upon initial body weight (500 to 1200 lb, in 100 lb increments) within each age class. As initial body weight increased, DMI (lb/d) for the whole feeding period increased quadratically in calf-fed steers and increased linearly in short and long yearlings. A quadratic increase in ADG was observed in calf- feds as initial body weight increased. No …

Acknowledgements

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Appreciation is expressed to the following firms, associations, or agencies who provided grant support for research in the beef cattle program.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant/ USDA/NIFA Foundation Program: Animal Reproduction

The Beef Checkoff , Centennial, Colo

Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, Neb.

CSIRO, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Dickson, ACT, Australia

Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, Ind.

Huvepharma Inc. Peachtree City, GA

Dr. Kenneth and Caroline McDonald Eng Foundation San Antonio, Tex.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition. Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Centennial, Colo.

Development Of Terminal And Maternal Economic Selection Indices In Beefmaster Cattle, Kathleen P. Ochsner, Michael D. Macneil, Ronald M. Lewis, Matthew L. Spangler

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two economic selection indices were developed for Beefmaster cattle, one for a terminal objective and one for a maternal objective. The terminal index was developed assuming bulls would be mated to mature cows with all resulting progeny harvested. The maternal index was developed assuming bulls would be mated to a combination of heifers and mature cows, with resulting progeny retained as replacements or sold at weaning. Relative economic values for the terminal objective traits hot carcass weight, marbling score, ribeye area, 12th- rib fat and feed intake were 91.29, 17.01, 8.38,- 7.07 and- 29.66, respectively. Relative economic values for the …

Organic Acids And Applications Used For Reduction Of E. Coli On Beef Shoulder Clods Used For Ground Beef, Kelly A. Mccarty, Gary A. Sullivan, Dennis E. Burson Burson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Small processors normally grind beef shoulder clods for ground beef that have not been previously tested for shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Three antimicrobial solutions were applied using three application methods to beef sub-primals to evaluate the effectiveness of reducing E. coli and the effects on quality attributes. Antimicrobials effectively reduced Rifampicin resistant E. coli. However, none of the treatments changed color attributes or total plate counts compared to a control. These results suggest that an appropriate antimicrobial solution and application method can be selected for use by small meat processors without affecting quality attributes.

The Influence Of Diet And Oxidation On Calcium Retention Of The Mitochondria In Fresh Beef, Emery K. Kunze, Nicolas J. Herrera, Katherine I. Domenech-Perez Perez, Michael D. Chao, Chris R. Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Feeding dried distillers grains (DG) may influence calcium flux postmortem by disrupting the stability of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane, thus leading to a higher post- rigor calcium leakage, resulting in greater activation of calpains and improved tenderness. Mitochondria provide the opportunity to study calcium flux in a controlled, tightly defined environment as a model system for the SR. Cattle were finished on diets containing either 0% DG or 50% DG. Feeding DG increased proportions of PUFA in the SR and mitochondrial membrane. Oxidized mitochondria retained less calcium than non- oxidized mitochondria. Mitochondria from cattle finished on corn tended to …

Effect Of Harvest Method On Digestibility Of Corn Residue, Tasha M. King, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt, Jana L. Gramkow Gramkow, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Jim C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Corn residues can be an economical forage source for producers and advanced harvest methods have increased the quality of baled residue. A digestion study was conducted to evaluate the effects of harvest method of corn residues (low- stem, highstem, and conventional) on digestibility in lambs. Samples from total fecal collection were dried 1 of 3 ways to determine effects on digestibility estimates. Corn residue containing low- stem had greatest overall digestibility with high- stem residue being intermediate and conventional harvesting having the lowest digestibility. Drying method had no effect on digestibility estimates.

Evaluation Of 0 Or 300 Mg Of Optaflexx® On Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of Steers Fed To Different Degrees Of Finish, Robert M. Jones, Curtis J. Bittner, F. Henry Hilscher Hilscher, Mallorie F. Wilken, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A feedlot study evaluated the effects of ractopamine hydrochloride (Optaflexx®) dosage (0 or 300 mg/steer daily) and days on feed (118, 139, 160, 174 DOF) as a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial (steers fed 174 d were not fed Optaflexx) on performance of big yearlings. No interaction was observed between Optaflexx and days on feed. Feeding Optaflexx improved live final BW, carcass- adjusted ADG, carcass- adjusted feed conversion, and calculated yield grade. Increasing days on feed linearly increased live final BW, carcass-adjusted feed conversion, HCW, dressing percent, and marbling score but not ADG. Furthermore, a quadratic increase in LM …