Annual/Termination Reports:

[10/18/2012] [09/23/2014] [11/07/2016]

Report Information

Participants

Project Number: W-2173

Project Title: Impacts of Stress Factors on Performance, Health, and Well-Being of Farm Animals

Period Covered: August 20101 to August 2012

Date of this Report: October 15, 2012

Annual Meeting Dates: August 24 and 25, 2012

Participants: John Arthington (FL), John Gaughan (University of Melbourne, Australia), Reinaldo Cooke (OR), Ted Friend (TX), Henry Katesh (TN), Terry Mader (NE), Susan Eicher (USDA-IN), Karin Schutz (New Zealand Ag Research)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting: The 2012 meeting was hosted by the University of Florida at Hilton Longboat Key in Sarasota, FL. John Arthington called the meeting to order on Saturday morning, August 25, 2012. A brief overview of the meeting agenda was provided. Administrative Advisor, Larry Curtis, was absent and no administration report was provided. Representation from NIFA was absent and no report was provided. Project presentations by each of the meeting participants followed.

Business Meeting: The business meeting was opened by John Arthington, current Chair. A discussion was shared regarding the previous days visit and tour of the Ringling Elephant Center, which was coordinated by Ted Friend. The group recognized the lack of attendance due to, (1) pending hurricane, and 2) August meeting, which is difficult for members teaching classes. The group reiterated their gratitude to Dr. Colin Kaltenbach for his outstanding leadership to the group over three re-writes of the project. John Gaughan is the 2013 Project Chair. The group discussed the potential for meeting in Australia. It was agreed that we should seek to identify another scientific venue occurring in July/August that may further benefit the memberships investment in travel. If Australia is not a possibility, then California Davis was selected as an alternative venue. The date of the 2013 meeting is August 9 -11, 2013. Reinaldo Cooke (OR) was voted the incoming Chair (2014) and will serve as the recording secretary in 2013.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments and Impacts: Note that the principal participants are indicated in relation to the state accomplishment and subsequent impact. However, in almost all cases these are multistate collaborative projects and involve one or more W-1622 participants. This is reflected in the List of Publications section that follows.<br /> <br /> Objective 1: Identify measures of animal stress and well-being and characterize factors affecting the biology of stress and immune responses<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MS, TX, TN, UVI) We have participated in cooperative studies in mammalian (bovine, equine, ovine) and avian species to ascertain the relevance of thermography in providing meaningful end-points of importance to production parameters and physiological indices. Studies ongoing this reporting investigated the use thermography in lameness detection in ungulates, energetics in birds, and included the completion of a long-term study on thermal signatures relative to genetics and hair coat in beef cattle. In addition, we have successfully initiated in vivo imaging in the dairy cow to assess the progression of experimentally induced mastitis in the mammary, in real-time. These are the first to take biophotonic imaging to the field in the dairy cow, and for the monitoring of bacterial pathogenesis as it occurs in vivo. We have also successfully achieved assessments of antibiotic efficacy, in real-time, in vivo in the dairy cow as it occurs. We have also extended our in vitro biophotonics work to the initiation of in vivo stage work for monitoring bacterial progression in the reproductive tract of the dairy cow using laparoscopic methodologies. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (NE) Compared Analytic and Bayesian Approaches for Characterizing Thermal Hysteresis in Cattle Using Algebraic and Geometric Distances. A high ambient temperature poses a serious threat to cattle. Above a certain threshold, an animals body temperature (Tb) appears to be driven by the hot cyclic air temperature (Ta) and hysteresis occurs. Elliptical hysteresis describes the output of a process in response to a simple harmonic input, and the trajectory forms a closed loop. The hysteresis loop shows a rotated elliptical pattern which depends on the lag between Tb and Ta. The objectives of this study are 1) to characterize hysteresis using bootstrapped ellipse specific nonlinear least squares 2) to reformulate models using the Bayesian method, and 3) to assess the contribution of the Bayesian approach by comparing the risks using two metrics: algebraic and geometric. Comparisons and illustrations are made using simulations over three levels of signal strength. For each method; bootstrap and Bayes, both algebraic and geometric distances are compared based on the root mean square distance (RMSE) from fitting the hysteresis loop. Data from a heat stressed steer in a field experiment was analyzed to illustrate and compare the results from each method. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MN) To evaluate effects of social stress of sows during gestation on behavior and well-being of their offspring, social rank of 120 gestating sows was determined based on outcomes of aggressive interactions after mixing. Effects of social rank on sow stress and well-being was assessed by heart rate, cortisol concentration, injury scores, fear response, body condition, changes in weight and back fat, and reproductive performance. Mortality rate, fear response, and growth performance of piglets during lactation was monitored to evaluate effects of maternal stress on offspring. Preliminary results indicate that low ranking sows tended to have smaller litter size at birth than high ranking sows. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MN) To evaluate effects of gestation housing systems on well-being and performance of sows, a study was conducted on a large scale commercial swine unit. Well-being of sows was assessed by cortisol concentration, culling rate, mortality rate, and changes in body condition and body weight during gestation. Preliminary results indicate that sows in group-housing systems had higher culling rate due to poor body condition and injuries resulted from aggression than sows in individual stalls.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (FL, OR) Haptoglobin is a major acute phase protein in beef cattle. We collaborated to improve upon a widely utililized biochemical assay for the measurement of haptoglobin in bovine plasma. This improvement resulted in the development and validation of a quantitative mechanism for accurately measuring the mass of haptoglobin in bovine plasma.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MO) Heat stress studies are often conducted using short-term, controlled laboratory exposures or long-term field exposures. Each approach has limitations, and provide only a partial understanding of complex interactions between simultaneous environmental stressors. We used numerous physiological measures of thermal status to compare responses of cattle to chamber stress tests and naturally occurring field conditions. Telemetric temperature transmitters in the rumen of each animal monitored core temperature. Some variables (e.g., feed intake, sweat rate) showed no change between tests, while others (e.g., rectal temperature) showed adaptation. Ultimately, a new thermal strain index for multiple stressors will be developed that identifies real world adaptation.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (TN, USDA-TX) We collaborated on research aimed at the isolation and purification of corticosteroid-binding globulin from bovine plasma (bCBG), and in the establishment of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the direct measure of bCBG. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (NY, HI, MS) We conducted a short intensive study comparing the wetting of udders of lactating cows vs conventional wetting on the backs. Control animals were not wetting. Wetting was following with fan or without fan. Physiological response parameters were respiration rates, rectal temperature by digital thermometer 10 min. following treatment, vaginal temperature by water-temp. probes, dorsal skin temperature by digital infra-red thermometer and infra-red thermography on dorsal skin and udder skin surfaces. The THI during the collection phase was >86.5. The data suggest that udder wetting is just as effective as wetting the backs of cows. For both wetting of body or udder, the respiration rate was significantly lower than control. The utilization of fans further enhanced the effectiveness of cooling following wetting the surfaces and decreased the core body temperatures for body wetting significantly. However, the presence of fan lowered the core body temperature of udder wetted cows but it was not statistically different from control. This may be due to numerous factors; two that comes to mind are: a) direct warm air on the udder which is highly vascular may had cause the core temperature increase and b) the high volume of air from the fan on a smaller surface area, the udder, may dry up the skin thus setting these animals similar state as control cows. Rate of temperature changes (decreasing core body temperatures) following treatment were observed for both treatments whil the core body temperature for control cows were increasing for the period when data were collected. There was a close correlation between virginal and rectal temperature (r2=0.93).<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (TX) Fifteen specific immune and inflammatory related genes were identified by Texas A&M from 80 genes that significantly increased in expression after 3  4 days of handling and transportation. Another set of 5 genes significantly increased in expression after 1.5 hours of handling, but did not increase in expression in the calves that were subjected to the 3  4 days of transport and handling. This complements work with acute-phase proteins at other stations (Texas Tech, Oregon, etc.) collaborating with this project as we use the newest technologies to further identify measures of acute and chronic stress in animals. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (USDA-IN, HI) Pre-natal heat load affects bacterial levels and innate immunity in neonatal claves. The behavior analysis neonatal calves from of seasonal UV heat stressed dam compared to winter UV levels showed greater activity and less lying by calves born in winter during the first 2 weeks after birth (IN-HI). Earlier analysis of microbial populations showed greater bacterial counts on the side and udder of cows during the summer and more bacteria in nasal secretions in calves born in the summer. The work was presented at the National American Dairy Science Association and a paper submitted. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (USDA-IN, FL) Effects of rubber flooring during the first two lactations on production, locomotion, hoof health, immune functions, and stress. Heifers were assigned to rubber or concrete flooring for 2 lactations. Besides greater concentrations of white blood cells and lymphocytes and inflammatory cytokines for cows housed on concrete, fibrinogen peaked in early lactation for heifers housed on concrete, but ceruloplamin did not increase at the end of the first lactation as it did for heifers housed on rubber. The paper of rubber flooring for dairy cattle has been submitted.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Identify and assess genetic components of animal stress and well-being<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (UVI, HI, NY, AZ) Senepol cattle are well adapted to the tropical environment and there is interest in determining what physiological traits contribute to their adaptation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the body temperature and sweating rate of Senepol cows in the tropics. Primiparous (n = 3) and multiparous (n = 7) cows were evaluated in July (2.3 to 11.4 y of age). Three cows were pregnant (6 mo of gestation) at the time of data collection. Temperature data loggers, programmed to record vaginal temperature (VT) at 10-min intervals, were inserted into the vagina of each cow and removed after 72 hr. Rectal temperature measured using a digital veterinary thermometer (RT), eye temperature measured using infrared images of the left eye (IREYE), surface temperature over the rump measured using a hand-held infrared thermometer (IRR), respiration rate measured as breaths per minute (bpm) using visual observation (RR) and sweating rate (SWR) measured at a site on the rump of each cow using a hand-held closed-chamber VapoMeter were collected. Evaporative heat loss (EVHL) was calculated from measured air properties passing over a sample area of the cows body by a Bovine Evaporation Meter. Cows were evaluated over 3 d in the shade and in the sun after a 20 min acclimation to each condition on each day. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS with sun exposure and time of day as the main effects in the model. Serial VT measurements were analyzed using time and pregnancy status in the model. Mean temperature, relative humidity and THI during the data collection were 28.3 C, 83.7 % and 80.6, respectively. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in SWR or VT between the sun and shade (20.95 ± 2.6 vs. 22.98 ± 2.9 g/m2 and 38.86 ± 0.22 vs. 38.41 ± 0.23 °C, respectively). The IREYE, IRR, RT, RR and EVHL were higher (P < 0.02) in the sun than in the shade (38.87 ± 0.14 vs. 38.19 ± 0.19 °C, 40.16 ± 0.25 vs. 34.64 ± 0.27 °C, 39.15 ± 0.06 vs. 38.93 ± 0.06 °C, 72.4 ± 0.9 vs. 68.1 ± 1.0 bpm and 344.8 ± 13.7 vs. 179.5 ± 14.9 gÏm-2Ïh-1, respectively). Pregnant cows had lower (P < 0.01) RT than open cows (38.88 ± 0.07 vs. 39.12 ± 0.05 °C, respectively). Pregnant cows had higher (P < 0.001) VT than open cows at all times of the day except during the morning (0600 to 1200 h). This work was supported in part by USDA-NIFA #2008-38416-19574 and #2008-34135-19505.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (UVI, HI, NY, AZ) Heat stress is a common problem in livestock production throughout the tropics. Senepol cattle are well adapted to the tropical environment but other Bos taurus breeds are not as well suited for the climate. The objective of this study was to compare the body temperature and sweating rate of Senepol and Charolais x Angus x Senepol heifers. Senepol (SEN; n = 6) and Charolais x Angus x SEN (XBRED; n = 4) nulliparous heifers (1.3 y of age) were used. Temperature data loggers, programmed to record vaginal temperature (VT) at 10-min intervals, were inserted into the vagina of each heifer and removed after 72 hr. Rectal temperature measured using a digital veterinary thermometer (RT), eye temperature measured using infrared images of the left eye (IREYE), surface temperature over the rump measured using a hand-held infrared thermometer (IRR), respiration rate measured as breaths per minute (bpm) using visual observation (RR) and sweating rate (SWR) measured at a site on the rump of each heifer using a hand-held closed-chamber VapoMeter were collected between 1200 and 1430 h. Heifers were evaluated in the shade on d 1 and d 3 and in the sun on d 2 and d 4. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS with breed, sun exposure and the interaction in the model. Serial VT measurements were analyzed using time and breed in the model. Mean temperature, relative humidity and THI during the data collection were 28.3 C, 83.7 % and 80.6, respectively. There was no difference between SEN and XBRED heifers in IREYE or RR (P > 0.10). The SEN heifers had lower (P < 0.05) VT and RT than XBRED heifers (38.87 ± 0.11 vs. 39.22 ± 0.13 °C and 39.14 ± 0.07 vs. 39.36 ± 0.09 °C, respectively). There was no difference (P > 0.10) in RT or VT between heifers in the sun or shade for both breeds. The VT of SEN heifers in the shade was lower (P < 0.06) than VT of XBRED heifers in sun or shade (38.75 ± .015 vs. 39.22 ± 0.18 °C, respectively). The IRR of SEN heifers was lower (P < 0.008) than that of XBRED heifers (37.39 ± 0.21 vs. 38.38 ± 0.28 °C, respectively) and IRR was higher (P < 0.0001) in the sun than in the shade (40.60 ± 0.26 vs. 35.16 ± 0.24 °C, respectively). The SWR of SEN heifers was higher (P < 0.001) than that of XBRED heifers (23.96 ± 0.71 vs. 19.75 ± 0.93 g/m2, respectively). The SWR of SEN heifers in the sun was higher (P < 0.03)than SWR of SEN heifers in shade or XBRED heifers in sun or shade (27.37 ± 1.08 vs. 20.54 ± 0.93 vs. 20.48 ± 1.32 vs. 19.03 ± 1.32 g/m2, respectively). The higher SWR of SEN heifers may play a role in their lower RT and VT and their adaptation to the tropical climate. This work was supported in part by USDA-NIFA #2008-38416-19574.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (FL, MO, USDA-TX) The differential acute phase immune responses by Angus and Romosinuano steers was evaluated following an endotoxin challenge. In addition to traditional measures of heat stress, plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins were measured. Results show that there are regional differences in thermal response to LPS injection, with rectal temperature providing the greater separation across breed and environment. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (HI, UVI, NY, AZ) The study evaluate two different methods of measuring evaporative cooling (sweating by using the portable caloric meter (Gebremedhin et al 2008 vs Vapo Meter (Delfin Technology Ltd., Kuopio, Finland) in shade and no shade environment. In addition, we compared the pregnancy status: open vs pregnant for the Senepol cattle. In cows, greater sweating rates were observed under the sun vs in the shade (344.8g/m2/h vs 179.5g/m2/h; respectively) using the portable caloric meter. However measurements for sweating rates were lower using the Vapo Meter (<40g/m2/h) and the highest readings were observed when data were collected in PM undershade. The Vapo Meter is a closed chamber system that does not allow for radiation exposure. Pregnant cows had higher vaginal temperature vs open cows. In the heifer study, Senepol heifers had higher sweating rates than Senepol-cross breds (~7.5g/m2 vs ~20.0g/m2). Senepol heifers also had lower vaginal temperature (~0.30C) compared to the cross-breds. Relationships of eye temperatures, rectal temperatures and vaginal temperatures were being analyzed.<br /> <br /> Objective 3: Development of management strategies and/or tools to enhance farm animal sustainability under conditions of climatic change or other stressful environments<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (NE) Explored Statistical Considerations when using Hysteresis to Estimate Internal Heat Load in Dairy Cows. Water is often used to manage heat stress in dairy cattle. Sprinklers are often placed over the feed bunk or used while cattle are waiting to be milked, however in this experiment cattle were given control over water with a cow-activated shower. Previous studies have focused on how wetting can lower body temperature or reduce respiration rates. An alternative way to investigate this management practice is to examine internal heat loads. Internal heat load can be quantified by fitting a hysteresis loop to daily field data. The hysteresis loop is formed by a phase diagram of body temperature versus environmental input. Internal heat load is the area inside the loop. The area can be estimated using a number of environmental measures. In this paper three environmental measures are considered: ambient air temperature, the temperature-humidity index and the heat-load index. The two stage harmonic least squares method is used to estimate internal heat load. Then a Bayesian MCMC model is used to predict internal heat load using the environmental inputs and test the effectiveness of allowing shower access on internal heat load reduction. Voluntary use of a shower reduces internal heat load and the strength of this effect increases with the degree of the heat challenge.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (NE) Studied Effect of shade area on performance and welfare of short-fed feedlot cattle. One hundred twenty-six Black Angus yearling heifers were used in a 119-d study to assess the effect of shade allocation (0, 2.0, 3.3, or 4.7 m(2)/animal) on the performance and welfare of feedlot cattle. Shade treatments were replicated 4 times and the no-shade treatment was replicated twice. One hundred twenty-six Black Angus yearling heifers were used in a 119-d study to assess the effect of shade allocation (0, 2.0, 3.3, or 4.7 m(2)/animal) on the performance and welfare of feedlot cattle. Shade treatments were replicated 4 times and the no-shade treatment was replicated twice. Shade was provided by 70% solar block shade cloth, attached to a 4-m-high frame with a north-south orientation. Cattle were randomly allocated to a pen (9/pen; 19.2 m(2)/animal) within treatment. Performance was assessed using DMI, G:F, ADG, HCW, dressing percentage, and rump fat depth. Climatic data (ambient and black globe temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, relative humidity, and rainfall) were recorded. From these data, the heat load index (HLI) was calculated. When the daily maximum HLI (HLI(Max)) was <86, individual panting score (0 = no panting; 4 = open mouth, tongue extended), animal location (eating, drinking, under shade), and animal posture (standing or lying) were collected at 0600, 1200, and 1800 h. When HLI(Max) was e 86, these data were collected every 2 h between 0600 and 1800 h. Feed intake was recorded weekly and water intake was recorded daily on a pen basis. When HLI(Max) was e 86, mean panting score (MPS: mean of animals within treatment) was greatest (1.02; P < 0.001) for unshaded cattle compared with cattle in the shade treatments, which were similar (0.82; P = 0.81). During heat waves, the MPS of unshaded cattle was greater (2.66; P < 0.001) than that for shaded cattle. The MPS of cattle in the 2.0 m(2)/animal treatment (2.43 ± 0.13) was greater (P < 0.001) than that of cattle in the 3.3 (2.11 ± 0.13) and 4.7 m(2)/animal (2.03 ± 0.13) treatments. The MPS of cattle in the 3.3 and 4.7 m(2)/animal treatments were similar (P = 0.09). Number standing was similar (P = 0.98) between unshaded and shaded at 2.0 m(2)/animal treatments with 4.75 and 4.76 animals/pen, respectively. Fewer (P < 0.0001) were standing in the 3.3 (4.19 animals/pen) and 4.7 m(2)/animal (4.06 animals/pen) treatments. Fewer (P = 0.004) cattle were under the shade at 2.0 m(2)/animal (47.1%) compared with the number under the shade at 3.3 (53.7%) and 4.7 m(2)/animal (53.6%). Unshaded cattle had the smallest (0.085 ± 0.006) G:F ratio (P = 0.01), followed by cattle shaded at 4.7 m(2)/animal (0.104 ± 0.006; P d 0.001). There was no difference (P = 0.12) between the 2.0 and 3.3 m(2)/animal treatments. There were no differences (P > 0.10) for final BW, HCW, dressing percentage, and rump fat depth. : Cattle with access to shade had smaller panting scores, which suggests improved welfare, and had better feed efficiency.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MN) Young sows usually suffer poor well-being in group-housing systems because they lose most fights and sustain more injuries than mature sows. We investigated whether sorting by parity can reduce aggression and associated stress, and thereby improve well-being and performance of young sows in a group housing system. Control pens consisted of multiparous and young sows; and treatment pens consisted of young sows only. Young sows in treatment pens had lower injury scores after mixing, gained more weight during gestation, and had higher farrowing rates compared with young sows in control pens. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MN) Since nursery pigs are susceptible to cold stress, they are usually kept under thermoneutral conditions with minimal diurnal variations. Previous studies suggested that pigs prefer lower environmental temperatures during nighttime compared to daytime. So reducing nocturnal temperature in nursery barns may not jeopardize performance or well-being of pigs and can simultaneously conserve energy for heating the barn. We investigated growth performance and behavioral response of nursery pigs to reduced nocturnal temperature. Temperature in the control (CON) room was 30°C and decreased by 2°C per week. In the reduced nocturnal temperature (RNT) room, temperature was the same as in CON between 7:00 h and 19:00 h, and reduced by 8°C between 19:00 h and 7:00 h. Reduced nocturnal temperature did not affect growth performance, and time spent eating, standing, sitting, and lying. However, RNT increased time spent lying sternal and the number of pigs that were huddling, and decreased time spent lying laterally and belly-nosing during nighttime.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MN) To reduce piglet mortality in alternative swine production, we investigated sow-related and piglet-related factors affecting pre-weaning mortality of piglets in a group-farrowing system. Results indicate that older sows had greater piglet morality and weaned smaller litters than younger sows. Piglets that died during lactation were 0.28 kg lighter in birth weight compared to piglets that survived to weaning. Neither behavior of sows at farrowing, piglet gender, nor cross-fostering affected piglet mortality. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MN) The high fiber content of DDGS (distillers dried grain with solubles) may affect behaviors and well-being of limit-fed gestating sows both in stalls and group-housed systems. We investigated the effect of feeding diets containing DDGS (40% during gestation and 20% during lactation) on stereotypic behaviors of gestating sows housed in individual stalls and aggressive interactions at mixing among sows housed in pens. In gestation stalls, sows fed DDGS spent more time resting and less time performing stereotypic behaviors compared with CON sows. In the group-housed system, sows fed DDGS fought for longer periods and tended to fight more frequently compared with CON sows.<br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (TX) Texas A&M is continuing work using reflective insulation to improve the comfort of dairy calves in hutches. Reflective insulation shows promise in reducing the heat load on calves that are maintained in plastic hutches in full sun. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (CO) Rumen fluid from fistulated steers receiving a high roughage (ROU; 50% alfalfa hay, 50% corn silage) or a high concentrate-based diet (CON; 70% rolled corn, and 30% corn silage) diet (ROU) was utilized to examine in vitro hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production of common beef cattle feedstuffs. Rumen fluid was collected and combined in equal amounts from 2 rumen fistulated steers that had ad libitum access to ROU and mixed at a 3 to 1 ration of artificial saliva to rumen fluid. Fermentation substrates included: corn, alfalfa, consolidated corn distillers soluble (CCDS), dried distillers grains (DDG), and wet distillers grain (WDG). Individual substrates (700mg) were added to separate 125 mL glass serum bottles (in triplicate) along with 50 ml of rumen fluid- artificial saliva mixture. Fermentation bottles were then flushed with CO2, capped with an air tight rubber stopper, and incubated in a water bath for 24 h at 39° C. After 24 h of incubation, the total volume of gas produce was measured using an inverted 250 ml buret and a 5 ml gas sample was obtained. The gas sample was then bubbled through 5 mL of alkaline distilled water contained in 10 mL evacuated serum tube. Then 500 µl of a ferric chloride - N-N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine was added to each tube containing the gas sample in alkaline water and allowed to react for 30 min at 25°C. After gas sampling, the rubber stopper was removed from the serum bottle and pH determined. After pH measurements, fermentation was terminated and dry matter disappearance (DMD) was determined. This experiment was then repeated using rumen fluid from steers fed CON. However, a feedstuff by rumen fluid type (ROU vs. CON) interaction (P < 0.001) was detected for µmol of H2S produced per mg of DMD. The CCDS substrate produced less H2S per mg of DMD in CON when compared to ROU rumen fluid while corn, alfalfa, DDG and WDG produce greater µmol of H2S per DMD in CON when compared to ROU rumen fluid. A feedstuff by rumen fluid type interaction (P< 0.001) was also identified for pH. Across diets (ROU vs. CON) fermentation of corn produced the lowest pH and fermentation of alfalfa produced the highest pH and across feedstuffs ROU had a higher pH when compared to the CON rumen fluid. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (CO) One hundred and twenty four newly weaned Angus, Hereford, and Angus × Hereford bull and heifer calves (initial BW = 233 ± 14.9 kg) were utilized to evaluate two feedlot receiving management strategies on feedlot performance over the first 30 d upon arrival to the feedlot. Cattle were blocked by gender and stratified by weight, breed, and age, and assigned to one of 14 pens (8 - 10 head/pen). Pens were then assigned to one of two dietary treatments. Dietary treatments included: 1) a dried distillers grain-based total mixed ration (DDG) initiated upon arrival, or 2) long-stem grass hay followed by a total mixed ration containing no DDG (HAY). Calves receiving the HAY treatment received only grass hay for the first d after arrival, long stem grass hay and total mixed ration combination the following 2 d, followed by a grain based total mixed ration on d 4. Beginning on d 4, calves across all treatments had access to iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets. Calves were weighed on d 0 and 30, and DMI was determined daily. Initial BW was similar (P = 0.99) across treatments; however, d 30 BW was greater (P < 0.001) for DDG vs. HAY calves. As a result, ADG was greater (P < 0.001) for DDG vs. HAY calves (0.59 vs. 0.41 ± 0.04 kg/d, respectively). Gain-to-feed ratio was greater (P < 0.05) for DDG vs. HAY calves (0.22 vs. 0.17± 0.013, respectively), and feed-to-gain ratio tended (P = 0.05) to be greater in HAY vs. DDG calves. Daily DMI tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in DDG vs. HAY calves (5.94 kg"hd-1"d-1 vs. 5.17 kg"hd-1"d-1 ± 0.256, respectively). <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (CA, New Zealand) We have examined how both flow rate and droplet size influence cooling effectiveness for dairy cattle. To date, spraying cattle with more water reduces respiration rat and skin and body temperature more than lower flow rates, regardless of droplet size. While the physiological benefits of cooling with more water seem clear, the behavioral responses to overhead water are mixed, with cattle readily choosing it in some studies, but avoiding it in others. We are currently testing preferences of dairy cattle for large and small flow rates and analysis is underway. Additionally, we have investigated how the amount of shade in a pasture-based dairy system influences the behavior and physiology of dairy cattle. The experiment was carried out on commercial dairy farms in New Zealand that had a range of natural shade available. Although animals can use shade simultaneously when it exceeds 2 m2/animal, this amount is not sufficient for efficient cooling. More animals can use the shade at the same time when the shade amount exceeds 5 m2/animal and this amount seems to provide more effective cooling. <br /> <br /> Accomplishment: (MO, NE)Construction of a smartphone application allows for the improvement of current indexes of heat stress and the development of an extension and educational resource center for the United States to inform users of current approaches to reduce heat stress. Ultimately, the goal of this project is not only to develop a smartphone application for extension, but to create a research platform allowing the exchange of data between producers and researchers and the testing of new procedures for heat stress management. <br />

Publications

Publications<br /> <br /> Peer Reviewed Journal Articles<br /> <br /> <br /> Callaway, T.R., J.A. Carroll, J.D. Arthington, T.S. Edrington, M.L. Rossman, M.A. Carr, N.A. Krueger, S.C. Ricke, P. Crandall, and D.J. Nisbet. 2011. Escherichia coli O157:H7 populations in ruminants can be reduced by orange peel product feeding. J. Food Prot. 74:1917-1921.<br /> <br /> Callaway, T.R., J.A. Carroll, J.D. Arthington, T.S. Edrington, R.C. Anderson, M. L. Rossman, M. A. Carr, K.J. Genovese, S.C. Ricke, P. Crandall, and D.J. Nisbet. 2011. Orange peel products can reduce Salmonella poplulations in ruminants. Foodborne Pathog. Dis. 8:1071-1075. <br /> <br /> Carroll, J.A., N.C. Burdick, R.R. Reuter, C.C. Chase, Jr., D.E. Spiers, J.D. Arthington and S.W. Coleman. 2011. Differential acute phase immune responses by Angus and Romosinuano steers following an endotoxin challenge. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 41(4):163-73.<br /> <br /> Carter, B. H., T. H. Friend, J. A. Sawyer, S. M. Garey, M. B. Alexander, M. J. Carter, and M. A. Tomaszewski. 2011. Effect of feed-bunk sprinklers on attendance at unshaded feed bunks in drylot dairies. Prof. Anim. Sci. 27:127-132.<br /> <br /> Chung, K. M., M. O. Smith, and H. G. Kattesh. 2012. The influence of double interspiking on production and behavior in broiler breeder flocks in elevated temperature conditions. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 21:63-9.<br /> <br /> Cooke, R.F., and J.D. Arthington. 2012. Concentrations of haptoglobin in bovine plasma determined by ELISA or a colorimetric method based on peroxidase activity. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. Doi: 10.0000/j.1439-0396.2012.01298.x<br /> <br /> Dixon, C. L., D. R. Woerner, R. J. Tokach, P. L. Chapman, and T. E. Engle. 2011. Quantifying the aging response and nutrient composition for muscles of the beef round. Anim. Sci. jas.2011-4415.<br /> <br /> Duoss, H. A., J. R. Donaldson, J. M. Martin, P. R. Broadway, S. M. Falkenberg, P. Ryan, S. Willard, T. R. Callaway, J. A. Carroll, M. A. Ballou, and T. B. Schmidt. 2011. Growth of biophotonic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC #43888) within rumen fluid media. J. Meat Sci. 89:360 <br /> <br /> Edrington, T. S., B. H. Carter, R. L Farrow, A. Islas, G. R. Hagevoort, T. H. Friend, T. R. Callaway, R. C. Anderson and D. J. Nisbet. 2011. Influence of weaning on fecal shedding of pathogenic bacteria in dairy calves. Foodborn Pathogens and Disease 8:395-401. Doi: 10.1089/fpd.2010.0686.<br /> <br /> Edwards, L. N., T. E. Engle, T. Grandin, M. J. Ritter, A. A. Sosnnicki, B. A. Carlson, and D. B. Anderson. 2011. The effects of distance traveled during loading, lariage time prior to slaughter, and distance traveled to the stunning area on blood lactate concentrations of pigs in a commercial packing plant. Prof. Anim. Sci. 27:485-491.<br /> <br /> Farrow, R.L., T. S. Edrington, B. Carter, T. H. Friend, T. R. Callaway, R. C. Anderson and D. J. Nisbet. 2012. Influence of winter and summer hutch coverings on fecal shedding of pathogenic bacteria in dairy calves. Agr. Food and Analytical Bacteriology. 1:98-104. <br /> <br /> Galles, K., J. Ham, E. Westover, J. Stratton, J Wagner, T. Engle, and T. Bryant. 2011. Influence of reduced nitrogen diets on ammonia emissions from cattle feedlot pens. Atmosphere. 2: 655-670.<br /> <br /> Gebremedhin, K.G., C.N. Lee, P.E. Hillman and T.M. Brown-Brandl. 2011. Body temperature and behavioral activity of four breeds of feedlot heifers in shade or full sun. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 27(6): 999-1006.<br /> <br /> Gruber, S. L., J. D. Tatum, T. E. Engle, P. L. Chapman, R. M. Enns, K. E. Belk, and G. C. Smith. 2011. Effects of genetic markers and implant strategy on longissimus and gluteus muscle tenderness of calf-fed steers and heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 89:1401-1411. <br /> <br /> Hess, T. M., J. K. Rexford, D. K. Hansen, M. Harris, N, Schauermann, T. Ross, T. E. Engle, K. G. Allen, and C. M. Mulligan. 2012. Effects of two different sources of long chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids on incorporation into plasma, red blood cell, and skeletal muscle in horses. J. Anim. Sci. 10.2527/jas.2012-4412.<br /> <br /> Johnson, J.S., B. Scharf, R.L. Weaber, P.A. Eichen, and D.E. Spiers. 2012. Patterns of heat response and adaptation on summer pasture: A comparison of heat-sensitive (Angus) and tolerant (Romosinuano) cattle. J. Therm. Biol. 37: 344-350.<br /> <br /> Kishore, D., P.A. Eichen, and D.E. Spiers. 2012. Adaptive responses to fescue toxicosis under thermoneutral and heat stress conditions. J. Therm. Biol. 37: 323-329.<br /> <br /> Legrand, A., Schütz, K.E., Tucker, C.B. 2011. Using water to cool cattle: behavioural and physiological changes associated with voluntary use of cow showers. J. Dairy Sci. 94:33763386.<br /> <br /> Li, Y. Z., J. E. Anderson, and L. J. Johnston. 2012. Animal-related factors associated with piglet mortality in a bedded, group-farrowing system. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92:11-20.<br /> <br /> Li, Y. Z., L. H. Wang, and L. J. Johnston. 2012. Effects of farrowing system on behavior and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 90:1008-1014.<br /> <br /> Neuhold, K. L., J. J. Wagner, S. L. Archibeque, T. E. Engle, and K. K. Kreikemeier. 2012. An evaluation of 10-G brand direct-fed microbial for yearling steers fed finishing diets containing wet distillers grains. Prof. Anim.Sci.28:319-324.<br /> <br /> Parola, F., E. Hillman, K. E. Schütz, and C. B. Tucker. 2012. Preferences for overhead sprinklers by naïve beef steers: test of two nozzle types. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 137:13-22.<br /> <br /> Phillips, C. E., Y. Z. Li, L. J. Johnston, A. E. Goplen, and G. C. Shurson. 2012. Technical note: A technique for ear vein catheterization in group-housed sows. J. Anim. Sci. 90:501-504.<br /> <br /> Pompeu, L.B., J.E. Williams, D.E. Spiers, R.L. Weaber, M.R. Ellersieck, K.M. Sargent, N.P. Feyerabend, H.L. Vellios, and F. Evans. 2011. Impact of Tasco on alleviation of heat stress in dairy cows. Prof. Anim. Sci. 27: 181-189.<br /> <br /> Riley, D.G., J.D. Arthington, C.C. Chase, Jr., S.W. Coleman, J.L. Griffin, D.O. Rae, T.L. Mader, and T.A. Olson. 2011. Evaluation of two sources of Angus cattle under south Florida subtropical conditions. J. Anim. Sci. 89:2265-2272.<br /> <br /> Rogers, W.M., C.A. Roberts, J.G. Andrae, D.K. Davis, G.E. Rottinghaus, N.S. Hill, R.L. Kallenbach, and D.E. Spiers. 2011. Seasonal fluctuation of ergovaline and total ergot alkaloid concentrations in tall fescue regrowth. Crop Sci. 51: 1291-1296.<br /> <br /> Scharf, B., M.J. Leonard, R.L. Weaber, T.L. Mader, G.L. Hahn and D.E. Spiers. 2011. Determinants of bovine thermal response to heat and solar radiation exposures in a field environment. International Journal of Biometeorology 55(4):469-80.<br /> <br /> Scharf, B., J.S. Johnson, R.L. Weaber, and D.E. Spiers. 2012. Utilizing laboratory and field studies to determine physiological responses of cattle to multiple environmental stressors. J. Thermal Biol. 37: 330-338.<br /> <br /> Schutz, J. S., J. A. Carroll, L. C. Gasbarre, T. A. Shelton, S. T. Nordstrom, J. P. Hutcheson, H. Van Campen, and T. E. Engle.2012. Effects of gastrointestinal parasites on parasite burden, rectal temperature, and antibody titer responses to vaccination and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus challenge. J. Anim. Sci. 90: 1948-1954.<br /> <br /> Schutz, J. S., J. J. Wagner, K. L. Neuhold, S. L. Archibeque, and T. E. Engle. 2011. Effect of feed bunk management on feedlot steer intake. Prof. Anim. Sci. 27:395-401.<br /> <br /> Schütz, K. E., A. R. Rogers, N. R. Cox, J. R. Webster, and C. B. Tucker. 2011. Dairy cattle prefer shade over sprinklers: Effects on behavior and physiology. J. Dairy Sci. 94:273-283.<br /> <br /> Sexson, J. L. J. J. Wagner, T. E. Engle, and J. Eickhoff. 2011. Predicting water intake by yearling feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. jas.2011-4307.<br /> <br /> Wang, L. H., Y. Z. Li, and L. J. Johnston. 2012. Effects of reduced nocturnal temperature on performance and behavior of nursery pigs. J. Integ. Ag. 11:101-108. <br /> <br /> White, N. R., P. D. Burns, R. D. Cheatham, R. M. Romero, J. P. Nozykowski, J. E. Bruemmer, and T. E. Engle. 2011. Fish meal supplementation increases bovine plasma and luteal tissue omega-3 fatty acid composition. J. Anim. Sci.jas.2011-4208.<br /> <br /> <br /> Books and Book Chapters<br /> <br /> Spiers, D.E. 2012. Physiology of temperature regulation in domestic animals. In: Environmental Physiology of Livestock. Eds. R.J. Collier and J. Collier (Eds.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.<br /> <br /> Spiers, D.E., P.A. Eichen, L. Wax, B. Scharf, R. Settivari, H. Vellios, J. Johnson, J. Bryant, and D. Kishore. 2012. Fescue toxicosis and heat stress: Recent advances. Fescue Toxicosis Session. Int. Symp. Fungal Endophytes of Grasses, June 27  July 1. Lexington, Kentucky. Ardmore, OK: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.<br /> <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> <br /> Bryant, J., J. Johnson, B. Scharf, D. Kishore, E. Coate, P.A. Eichen, K. Wells, J. Green, and D.E. Spiers. 2011. Effect of fescue toxicosis on the expression of selected hepatic genes in Angus cattle. Joint Annual Meeting of Am. Dairy Science Assoc. and Am. Animal Science Assoc., New Orleans, LA.<br /> <br /> Chaffin, R., B.A. Scharf, J.S. Johnson, J. Bryant, D. Kishore, P.A. Eichen, and D.E. Spiers. 2012. Use of selected blood parameters to identify markers of heat-sensitivity in Angus and Romosinuano heifers. Joint Annual Meeting of Am. Dairy Science Assoc. and Am. Animal Science Assoc., July 15-19, Phoenix, AZ.<br /> <br /> Chaffin, R.E., B. Scharf, J.S. Johnson, J.K. Bryant, D.K. Kishore, P.A. Eichen, J.A. Carroll, C.C. Chase, S.W. Coleman, N.C. Burdick, R.L. Weaber, and D.E. Spiers. 2011. A comparison of lipopolysaccharide-induced febrile responses across heat-tolerant and sensitive Bos taurus cattle in different thermal environments. Joint Annual Meeting of Am. Dairy Science Assoc. and Am. Animal Science Assoc., New Orleans, LA. <br /> <br /> Chaffin, R.E., K.J. Hoernig, J.S. Johnson, J.K. Bryant, B. Scharf, D.K. Kishore, P.A. Eichen, E.S. Dierenfeld, and D.E. Spiers. 2011. Use of infrared thermography to identify thermoregulatory differences between heat-sensitive and heat-tolerant breeds of Bos taurus cattle. Joint Annual Meeting of Am. Dairy Science Assoc. and Am. Animal Science Assoc., New Orleans, LA. <br /> <br /> Eichen, P.A., D.K. Kishore, M.R. Waldron, T.J. Evans, K.L. Fritsche,and D.E. Spiers. 2011. Effect of different short- and long-term heat stress exposure period and fescue toxicosis on the immune system. Joint Annual Meeting of Am. Dairy Science Assoc. and Am. Animal Science Assoc., New Orleans, LA. <br /> <br /> Gebremedhin, K.G., C.N. Lee, J.E. Larson and J. Davis. 2012. Cooling cows: the udder way. ASABE Annual Mtg. July. Dallas, TX.<br /> <br /> Godfrey, R.W., A. J. Weis, P. E. Hillman, K. G. Gebremedhin, C. N. Lee, and R. J. Collier. 2012. Evaluation of body temperature and sweating rate of Senepol and crossbred heifers in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 90(Suppl. 3):240.<br /> <br /> Godfrey, R.W., A. J. Weis, P. E. Hillman, K. G. Gebremedhin, C. N. Lee, and R. J. Collier. 2012. Evaluation of body temperature and sweating rate of Senepol cows in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 90(Suppl. 3):241.<br /> <br /> Godfrey, R.W., A.J. Weis, P.E. Hillman, K.G. Gebremedhin, C.N. Lee and R.J. Collier. 2012. Evaluation of body temperature and sweating rate of Senepol cows in the tropics.Joint meeting of ASAS/ADSA, AZ.<br /> <br /> Johnson, J.S., J.K. Bryant, B.A. Scharf, D.K. Kishore, E.A. Coate, P.A. Eichen, and D.E. Spiers. 2011. Differences in adaptive responses to heat stress comparing heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive cattle over 24-hour periods. Experimental Biology 2011 Annual Meeting, Washington,DC. <br /> <br /> Li, Y. Z., L. H. Wang, L. J. Johnston, A. M. Hilbrands, and X. L. Xie. 2012. Sorting by parity improves welfare and performance of young sows in a group-housing gestation system. Abstracts of Midwest ADSA/ASAS Meeting 2012, p. 19 (Abstr 48). Available at: http://adsa.asas.org/midwest/2012/MW2012Abstracts.pdf <br /> <br /> Li, Y. Z., L. H. Wang, L. J. Johnston, A. M. Hilbrands, and X. L. Xie. 2012. Behavioral response of nursery pigs to reduced nocturnal temperature. Abstracts of Midwest ADSA/ASAS Meeting 2012, p. 20. (Abstr 52). Available at: http://adsa.asas.org/midwest/2012/MW2012Abstracts.pdf <br /> <br /> Li, Y. Z., L. J. Johnston, S. K. Baidoo, C. E. Phillips, L. H. Wang, X. L. Xie, and G. C. Shurson. 2012. Effect of feeding DDGS diets on behaviors of gestating sows in different housing systems. Abstracts of ADSA/ASAS Joint Meeting 2012. p. 507 (Abstr W16) Available at: http://www.jtmtg.org/2012/abstracts/502.pdf <br /> <br /> Martin, W.R., T.J. Safranski, D.E. Spiers, and M.C. Lucy. 2011. Effect of parity on thermal response and energy balance (EB) of sows housed at 24-27°C during lactation. Joint Annual Meeting of Am. Dairy Science Assoc. and Am. Animal Science Assoc., New Orleans, LA. <br /> <br /> Scharf, B.A., J.S. Johnson, H.L. Vellios, R.L. Weaber, and D.E. Spiers. 2011. Utilizing laboratory and field studies to determine physiologically adaptive responses of cattle to multiple environmental stressors. Experimental Biology 2011 Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. <br /> <br /> Spiers, D.E., B. Scharf, and P.A. Eichen. 2012. Development of a smart phone app for heat stress detection and mitigation in livestock. Int. Conf. Ag. Engr. July 8  12, Valencia, Spain.<br /> <br /> Spiers, D.E., H.L. Vellios, P.A. Eichen, B. Scharf, J.S. Johnson, D.K. Kishore, and R.L. Weaber. 2011. Predictors of body thermal status in heat-tolerant and sensitive Bos taurus cattle exposed to different thermal loads under controlled conditions. Joint Annual Meeting of Am. Dairy Science Assoc. and Am. Animal Science Assoc., New Orleans, LA.<br /> <br /> Yang, F.; A.M. Parkhurst, S. Zhang, K.G. Gebremedhin, P.E. Hillman and C.N. Lee. 2012. A comparison of analytic and bayesian approaches for characterization of thermal hysteresis in cattle using algebraic and geometric distances. Agr. Statistics Conf. Kansas.<br /> <br /> Godfrey, R.W., A.J. Weis, P.E. Hillman, K.G. Gebremedhin, C.N. Lee and R.J. Collier. 2012. Evaluation of body temperature and sweating rate of Senepol and crossbred heifers in the tropics. Joint meeting of ASAS/ADSA, AZ.<br /> <br /> Meeting Proceedings<br /> <br /> Crenshaw, S. T. Willard, and P. L. Ryan. 2012. Application of quantum dot technology for photonic imaging in animal reproduction. 9th International Symposium on Recent Advances for Environmental Health Research; Sept 16-18, 2012, Jackson, MS.<br /> <br /> Feugang, J.M., J.M. Greene, S.D. Bowers, S.T. Willard, and P.L. Ryan. 2011. Mammalian gamete plasma membranes: re-assessments and reproductive implications. Conference Proceedings: XV Congresso da Brasileiro de Veterinários Especialistas em Suínos (ABRAVES), Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, October 4-7, 2011, pp 176-191.<br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. Costs associated with disease pathogenesis and disease x stress interactions in livestock cost producers millions of dollars nation-wide. Our research is developing new measures of animal stress and disease pathogenesis which heretofore have not been feasible in the living animal, and which may facilitate more resolved therapeutic interventions for improved livestock health and reduced costs for producers.
2. Quantifying measures of animal heat stress is a complex process. These measures need to be statistically unbiased and precise. Using a geometric distance is more precise the using the algebraic distance. Bayes estimates are slightly closer to the truth as the signal-to-noise ratio increases, i.e., as amplitude of air temperature increases, but, the bootstrap estimates are easier to implement.
3. Internal heat load reduces a days worth of information into a single number, and internal heat load provides a measure of heat stress that is compelling theoretically and useful clinically. Bayesian analysis of heat load in conjunction with HLI and Ta range can be used to shows voluntary use of shower by dairy cattle reduces heat load and the effect of showering increases with the size of the heat challenge.
4. Shade reduces the intensity of the heat load but does not fully remove the effect of heat. Pir current research will help us understand maternal stress on stress response and well-being of offspring.
5. These data suggest that sorting by parity shields young sows from severe aggression-induced injuries. Pork producers can use this information to develop management strategies to improve well-being and performance of young sows in group housing systems.
6. These results indicate that nursery pigs adopted the posture of lying sternal and huddling together to reduce heat loss from their body surface to maintain thermal balance and growth performance in RNT. Reducing nocturnal temperature by 8 °C may not jeopardize well-being of nursery pigs and can save energy cost for heating the barn.
7. These data provide more information on the heat tolerance traits of Senepol cattle and can be used when selecting cattle for crossbreeding in areas of high heat and humidity. The use of Senepol with non-adapted cattle in crossbreeding programs provides some degree of heat tolerance to the animals and would expand the use of non-adapted breeds in areas with high heat and humidity.
8. An improved assay system for the measurement of bovine haptoglobin has been developed which will strengthen the ability of laboratories to compare assay results and draw conclusions from research findings.
9. Tests of heat-sensitive and tolerant cattle in both hot and thermoneutral environments show that both animal groups exhibit responses to LPS challenge with rectal temperature providing the greatest separation across breed and environment.
10. A smartphone app is in development to identify heat stress in cattle. Not only will it base this determination of ambient temperature and relative humidity, but allow the user to enter respiration rate of individual animals to identify sensitive and insensitive animals within the same herd. In addition, it will provide recommendations for amelioration of the heat stress that is tailored to the level of stress.
11. The dynamic response from wetting the udder resulting in lower body temperatures suggest that alternative cooling system which utilizes less water or other cooling gels can be employed. Such approach may have additional benefits of keeping the udder clean from the dirty environment. Water is scarce in regions like central California, parts of Texas, Arizona and New Mexico or arid regions of the world and during years of extended drought, system to cool cows using less water resources would be warranted. Less use of water would also translate to lower cost for wastewater handling.
12. The research showed that appropriate instrumentation for measuring sweating rates was important in understanding evaporative cooling, shade is important for cattle and providing shade allow the animals to make thermal adjustments to changes in the environment. In addition, the data suggest the possible role of genetics in thermal regulation and this needs to be explored further.
13. The 15 genes that were identified by Texas A&M as being responsive to long-term stress, but not responsive to acute stress, show promise for differentiating between eustress and distress, and merit further research. Similarly, the 5 genes that increased in expression after just 1.5 hours of stress, but not after 3  4 days of stress, provide some important insight into the bodys differential response to different stressors.
14. Reflective covers for calf hutches can reduce the inside surface temperature of hutches by as much as 20ºC, greatly improving the comfort of dairy calves.
15. The bioavailability of endogenous cortisol is predominantly influenced by its specific carrier glycoprotein, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), and in situations where CBG levels are altered, total cortisol levels may not adequately represent the free cortisol fraction. The bCBG ELISA provides a more efficient and precise means for assaying CBG to gain further understanding of the physiological role that it plays in cattle in response to various environmental and management- related stressors.
16. These data showed that calves born in the summer are at greater risk of bacterial infection and more likely to have increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, providing effective cooling systems and better hygienic conditions to cows during late pregnancy could benefit the health of neonatal calves.
17. This project determined advantages for rubber flooring for dairies including improved salient production variables and lower indicators of inflammation in peripheral blood leukocytes; greater ME fat and ME protein and protein percentages for cows housed on rubber, lower white blood cell and lymphocyte counts and lower inflammatory cytokine (Il-1) and greater expression of its antagonist (IL-1Ra). This research supports the use of rubber flooring for dairy cattle housed in free stalls.

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Report Information

Participants

Yoshiyuke Abe, Visiting Scientist USMARC/ISU
Jennifer Chen, UC-Davis
Bob Collier, University of Arizona
Andrew Curtis, University of Missouri/Animal Sciences
Lawrence Curtis, Oregon State
Peggy Ann Eichen, University of Missouri/Animal Sciences
Susan Eicher, USDA-ARS
Roger Eigenberg, USDA-ARS
John Gaughan, University of Queensland
Kifle Gebremedhin, Cornell University
Robert Godfrey, University of the Virgin Islands
Lindsey Hulbert, Kansas State University
Hank Kattesh, University of Tennessee/Animal Science
Yuzhi Li, University of Minnesota
Sierra Lockwood, University of Tennessee
Terry Mader, Private Consultant/UNL
Spencer Maynes, UNL/Statistics
Luis Mendonca, Kansas State University
Ignacy Misztal, University of Georgia
Anne Parkhurst, UNL/Statistics
Kristen Perano, Cornell University
Avi Sapkota, Purdue/USDA-LBRU
Brad Scharf, University of Missouri/Animal Sciences

Brief Summary of Minutes

Don Spiers opened the meeting at 9:00 and welcome all the attendees to Nebraska City. Larry Curtis, USDA Administrative Advisor, gave an update on USDA. At 9:30, we started the station reports. Kifle Gebremedhin and Kristy Perano gave a talk on solar absorption and hair coat color. Next Hank Kattesh & Sierra Lockwood reported on their current studies “Effect of temperament of bulls”; “Effect of omega-3 PUFA on sows”; “Impacts of bedding surface on calves”. At 11:00 Ignacy Misztal reported on optimum genetics for a heat tolerant cow. Jennifer Chen described the impacts of limits on water use in California and about use shade in dairy cows. Yuzhi Li talked about the impacts of low-ranking sows in-group housing. The station reports continued after lunch with Anne Parkhurst and Spencer Maynes talk on using the hysteresis package they developed in R. Terry Mader reported on the economic losses to the beef industry when livestock exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Bob Godfrey reported on sweating rates in sheep and vaginal temperatures in open or pregnant sheep of different breeds. Susan Eicher & Avi Sapkota reported on thermal perches as cooling devices for reducing heat stress in caged laying hens, dam heat stress effect on calves, age at grouping of dairy bull calves, using designer diets to reduce aggression in pregnant sows, and nitrous oxide for piglet euthanasia. John Gaughan gave a report on the development of thermal index for dairy cows housed outside, shade and unshaded cattle panting scores and body temps, night-time feeding behavior of feedlot cattle, inflammation in heat stressed sheep, and the relationship between scrotal temperature and core body temperature. Roger Eigenberg reported for Tami Brown-Brandl, on swine feeding behavior and the use of RFID tags to track behavior, shade material comparisons and new shade design for beef feedlots, and the development of an App provides a 7-day forecast heat stress in beef cattle for the US. Yoshi Abe, visiting scientist USMARC, reported on fractal analysis of cattle body temperature.

The meeting continued on Saturday morning with reports from Lindsey Hubert & Luis Mendonca talking about behavior and stress. Bob Collier via Skype presented on conductive cooling of dairy cattle. Don Spiers, Brad Scharf, Andrew Curtis, & P.A. Eichen reported on identifying sensitive/insensitive cattle, ThermalAid smartphone app for heat stress in beef and dairy cattle, monetary impact of heat stress on dairy and beef industries, effect of reduce hair coat on performance of feedlot steers during summer heat stress, using torching to remove hair, and The Stress of Life science camp for high school students and STEM education.

The 2015 meeting date and location was discussed. The Animal Science meetings are in Orlando, Florida, July 12-16, 2015, so the meeting could be held immediately after, as it has been in recent years. Ignacy Misztal will chair the meeting and suggested Jekyll Island, off the coast of Georgia, approximately eight hours from Orlando. Susan Eicher will be vice chair.

It was agreed that it’s important to try to recruit additional researchers to attend this meeting and collaborate with the current members.

Accomplishments

Publications

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Impact Statements

1. Variation among animals is an important consideration when fitting statistical models to assess effects of heat stress. When the assumption of normality is unrealistic, a Bayesian approach, which relaxes the normality assumption by letting both between-animals and within-animals have a multivariate skew-normal distribution that may reveal important features of the data.
2. Asymmetric loops and ellipses now available in the R ?hysteresis? software package extends the model to allow for estimation of additional characteristics heat stress
3. Two stages of feeding behavior in grow-out periods of segregated gilts and barrows were identified by Functional Data Analysis (FDA). Knowledge of when pigs stop increasing time spent at feeder and begin to plateau may be useful in evaluating management strategies.
4. These results suggest that body weight and pen score are better predictor?s of bull behavior than overall temperament rating
5. Based on the findings of this study, gravel, sand or rubber mat bedding material may be used without compromising the physiological well-being of preweaned Jersey calves.
6. Reduction in the hair coat of cattle may produce a slight reduction in heat stress during summer months. However, additional studies are needed to verify this. In addition, there is some indication of a reduction in feed efficiency as a result of this procedure.
7. Results suggest that young and lightweight sows will become low ranking sows in a group. Low ranking sows can suffer social stress, as indicated by their fear responses. To improve well-being of low ranking sows, producers may consider sorting sows by age or weight in group housing systems.
8. The reduction in feed intake and milk production of dairy cows during long-term heat stress is accompanied by increased sensitivities of core body temperature and respiration rate to a change in the thermal environment.
9. These results suggest that slow growing pigs can be identified by lightweight at birth and slow feed consumption rate during the nursery period. Providing more feeder space will improve well-being and the growth performance of slow growing pigs.
10. It was concluded that thermal images could be successfully used to evaluate the thermal needs of pigs, and that further experiments need be conducted to validate thresholds as determined by thermal images.
11. These data provide more information on the heat tolerance traits of hair sheep breeds and can be used when selecting animals for crossbreeding in areas of high heat and humidity. The results show that pregnant ewes may be moderating their internal body temperature as a method of protecting the developing fetus.
12. From these results, researchers should consider including CCRL1 and HSP90AA1 in future stress-related studies.
13. Same sets of genes may be responsible for increased milk and mortality. The genetic decomposition for mortality is region specific.
14. These data show a small benefit with the cooled perches, but testing is needed during greater heat stress conditions.
15. This project determined advantages for rubber flooring for dairies including improved salient production variables and lower indicators of inflammation in peripheral blood leukocytes; greater ME fat and ME protein and protein percentages for cows housed on rubber, lower white blood cell and lymphocyte counts and lower inflammatory cytokine (Il-1) and greater expression of its antagonist (IL-1Ra). This research supports the use of rubber flooring for dairy cattle housed in free stalls
16. Data suggest that waiting until 14 day to group young calves that are fed by individual bottles is best for production.
17. Data indicate that under the conditions of this experiment, supplemental Zn, Cu, and Mn concentration and source had no impact on performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers.
18. It appears that basal dietary concentrations of trace mineral were adequate for growth and performance of finishing yearling feedlot steers.
19. New technologies are useful in teaching high school students about environmental stress and developing their interest in this important topic
20. Economic impact of heat stress on dairy production is much greater than the effect on beef production. Ten states in the US account for 85 and 68% of the total losses to beef and dairy industries, respectively.
21. This initial manuscript demonstrates the potential of utilizing feeding behavior or time spent eating as a method of managing animals
22. These results suggest that low ranking sows had poor welfare than high ranking sows in pens with the floor feeding system, as indicated by reduced weight gain and increased skin lesions. Segregating low ranking sows from high ranking sows and housing them in small pens may improve well-being of low ranking sows in group-housing systems
23. While, the cost of the shade can be high, it appears by the results of this study, that not all cattle need to have access to the shade. It was determined that shade benefits dark cattle more than light cattle
24. Updated heat and moisture production values are essential in designing new and managing current swine facilities.
25. A new shade structure may help shade be more utilized across the industry.
26. Reflective hutch covers appears to be a useful method of reducing heat and cold stress in calves housed in hutches.
27. Sprinklers provide cooling benefits when cattle are required to stand under the spray, but in loose-housed production settings, animals can avoid using this resource if they choose. Consequently, behavior is an important variable that moderates the cooling effectiveness of sprinklers. We found that dry lot dairies varied widely in the cooling resources they provide, cattle usage of these resources, and performance on indicators of heat load. On some dairies, physiological signs of heat stress were better than on others, suggesting opportunities for improving heat abatement. We also found experimentally that in a freestall dairy, lower flow rate sprinklers were used willingly by cows, and were equally as effective as higher flow rate sprinklers for cooling cows while using much less potable water.
28. The results suggest that conductive cooling is an effective heat stress mitigating mechanism for high-producing dairy cows. The system provides some comfort to the cows as demonstrated by increased milk production and decreased internal body temperature and respiration rate. The US dairy industry, which is a $40 billion per year industry (2013), loses up to $1.5 billion in a typical year to the effects of heat stress on lactating dairy cattle. Therefore, a small improvement in alleviation of heat stress on dairy cows would have a substantial benefit (impact) for the dairy industry. The system is also expected to produce significant savings in water use and energy use compared to the current practice of using water sprinkler or fogging systems
29. It would appear that TRUM may be a useful measure for identifying heat tolerant cattle both within and between breeds; however more work is required to fully establish the relationship. Further to this there is also a need to establish potential performance trade-offs between heat tolerant and non-tolerant animals within a breed. Mean rumen temperature at hourly intervals (Time of Day) for unshaded Angus, Brahman and Charolais steers over 130 days (Australian summer).

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Report Information

Participants

Duarte Diaz, University of Arizona
Kent Eskridge, University of Nebraska
John Gaughan, University of Queensland
Kifle Gebremedhin, Cornell University
Bob Godfrey, University of the Virgin Islands
Lindsey Hulbert, Kansas State University
Bret Olsen, Montana State University
Bill Payne, Administrator, AFRI
Cassandra Tucker, University of California, Davis
Yao Xiao, University of Arizona
Dusty Yates, University of Nebraska
Bill Payne (administrator)

Brief Summary of Minutes

August 19^th

7:30 am – 4:00 pm Drs. Duarte Diaz, John Gaughan, and Lindsey Hulbert toured three Arizona dairies to observe dairy technologies for managing cattle in the Southwest, which included rotational dairy parlors, nutrition-feed strategies, group-housed calf facilities, and two types of evaporative cooling systems. 7:00-8:00 pm Dinner at the Union House, including Drs. Bob Collier, Duarte Diaz, John Gaughan, Lindsey Hulbert, Frank Blecha and wife, Bret Olsen, Dusty Yates.

 August 20^th

Met at 7:45 am in the lobby of hotel and walked to the 8:00 ARC. 8:05 Kifle Gebremedhin presented via conference call. Heat loss from udder (eye and udder are hottest), models, cooling temperatures, respiration rate automated device under field conditions and enhance sweating in cattle. 8:25 Bob Godfrey presented report on hot iron branding and cortisol concentrations for intern projects, included chute score, pen score, flight distance during HAT. Also, he reported research in grazing behaviors using GPS and body temperature monitors in sheep. 9:00 Cassandra Tucker reported her findings in refining methodology for assessing aspects of heat stress, which included sampling times, and best timing for heat abatement technologies. She also reported the evaluation of cows and specific skin temperature sensors (tape i-button to sections of skin), chloride infused paper as a measure of evaporation (how quickly it can dry). 9:40-10:00 Break. 10:00 John Gaughan reported ruminant inflammation and metabolism during heat stress in ruminants. He looked at CBC, Biochemistry, endotoxin excretion. Heat load index (HLI) in natural condition (Nebraska and Australia collaboration). 10:30 Dusty Yates presented physiological, molecular, and whole animal evaluation of the impact of stress on animal well-being. He also set up his research program by renovating controlled climate chambers. Also, he reported some of the upcoming work in beta-agonist products, genetics and heat stress.11:00 Heather Bradford Genetics and heat stress in cattle using weather station collection and look at performance prior to the heat stress event. 11:25 Introduction of Sean Limesand, new director of Agricultural Research Complex (ARC) at the University of Arizona. 11:30 Administrative meeting. Bill Payne: Discussion of AFRI funding report. We voted on using the K-state online organizational page. We also discussed challenges with getting members to sign-up for our Appendix E for the W3173 project. Voted for new officers for W3173 annual meeting (2016-2017): Chair: Lindsey Hulbert; Secretary: Duarte Diaz. Voted for first W3173 annual meeting location (2016-2017): Puerto Rico. The timing/date will be either May or August and entire group will use doodle poll to decide. We also voted to use a template for station reports. 12:00 Lunch. 1:00 Lindsey Hulbert report on published review paper in stress, management in calves, probiotics and commingling, weaning and plane of nutrition, and automated measures of activity. 1:15 Kent Eskridge report on cattle tympanic temperature, air temperature, and chaos theory models, ellipse fitting, and lag-measures. 1:30 Bob Collier Omnigen Nutritional Immune Modulator and found that also altered HPA axis, they had more cortisol secretion. Arginase-vasopressin, CRH and ACTH challenge under heat stress or thermal neutral conditions. 2:00 John Gaughan presented work on heat stress regulation in Koalas. Koalas were surgically implanted with temperature monitors. Trees are used to either forage or rest. Smooth bark for cooling. 2:20 Duarte Diaz presented introduction to his work in Mycotoxins and how they influence heat stress physiology. 2:30 Bret Olsen presented work on metabolic rate and grazing among cattle in Montana winter. 3:00 Discussion of travel arrangements for restaurant and flying home. 3:15 Tour of Agricultural Research Complex (ARC). 4:20 Concluded meeting. 7:00 pm Dinner as a group.

Accomplishments

<p><strong>Accomplishments</strong></p><br /> <p>Accomplishments and Impacts: Note that the principal participants are indicated in relation to the state accomplishment and subsequent impact. However, in almost all cases these are multistate collaborative projects and involve one or more W-2173 participants. This is reflected in the List of Publications section that follows.</p><br /> <p><strong>1. PI-<strong>Terry Engle, Colorado State University; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 1,3; </strong>Species- <strong>Beef Cattle </strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;Trace minerals are involved in growth, reproduction, immunity, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in beef cattle. A key component to mineral absorption by an animal is solubilization of a given element within the digestive tract. Factors that influence solubilization can alter the availability of trace minerals. During rumen fermentation several mineral antagonist can be produced that can reduce solubilization and absorption of trace minerals ultimately impacting overall animal health. We have been successful at developing a dialysis method for determining the concentration of minerals contained within the insoluble fraction of ruminal digesta that can be released for absorption. We have investigated the influence of known mineral antagonists in drinking water on feedlot cattle health, mineral status, and performance.</p><br /> <p><strong>2. PI-<strong>Ted Friend, Texas A&amp;M University; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 3; </strong>Species- <strong>Cattle</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;There have been estimates of thousands of calves in plastic hutches dying during summer heat waves in the Midwest. Previous research found reflective hutch covers reduced hutch ceiling, air and black globe temperatures during hot weather, but the biological significance was conjectural. This study was conducted from June to August, 2015, on a large farm near Stanfield, AZ that used Agriplastic hutches with the backs elevated on cinder blocks. Covers were 3.0 mil aluminized white LDPE (aluminized on the external side, absorptivity in solar range16.3%) overlaying the top and sides. Internal hutch temperature of the reflective covered hutches was 2.16 &ordm;C cooler (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) than control hutches during the hottest 4-h portion of the day. Respiration rates were lower (P &lt; 0.01) for reflectively housed calves and fewer (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) calves were treated for ear infections than control calves. When transitioning to group pens (3 - 4 months of age) fewer (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) calves that had been housed in reflective hutches were treated for pneumonia than control calves. There was also a trend (P &gt; 0.14) for reflective covers to improve weight gain.&nbsp;&nbsp; In a related study, the NASA Johnson Space Center, Thermal Design Branch, Houston, collaborated on testing of materials and modeling. NASA found a high absorptivity (83.8%) of solar radiation for a commonly used hutch, which documents the potential for hutches to heat up in sunshine. They also estimated that a bare hutch absorbed 1,959 Btu/h/m2 while the aluminized white LDPE absorbed 893 Btu/h/m2 at its surface, indicating its potential to reduce solar heating of the hutch. The black side of aluminized black LDPE absorbed 5,037 Btu/h/m2 indicating the potential of a winter version that has the aluminized side toward the calf, to warm hutches during sunny days in the winter. The high reflectivity of the aluminized side in the infrared range (91%) indicates radiant heat loss from the hutch and calf will also be reduced during cold nights.</p><br /> <p><strong>3. PI-<strong> Ignacy Miztal (report by H.L. Bradford ); University of Georgia; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 2,3; </strong>Species- <strong> Cattle</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;Research has been focused on quantifying heat stress in beef and swine species and developing genetic evaluations to select more environmentally robust animals. In swine, heat stress was shown to affect crossbred but not purebred animals because purebreds had better housing and environmental conditions. Genetic evaluations were developed to select more heat tolerant purebred boars to be used for crossbred production. In beef cattle, producers manage calving seasons to best match cattle needs with the environmental conditions. Within the South, weaning weight had genetic variation for heat tolerance and could be used for selection to improve adaptability.</p><br /> <p><strong>4. PI-<strong> Robert Godfrey; </strong><strong>University of the Virgin Islands</strong><strong>; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 1,2,3; </strong>Species- <strong> Cattle </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong> University of Tennessee, Texas A&amp;M &ndash; Kingsville</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;This project was conducted to evaluate the impact of hot iron branding on stress in yearling Senepol cattle. Stress was evaluated using peripheral cortisol concentrations and behavior/temperament evaluations measured before and after branding. All temperament scores were low, which agrees with previous reports. There was no response of Pen Score or Flight Distance to branding. Exit Velocity increased in Week 2 after branding but the response to branding was short lived because Pen Score 2 in Week 2 was not increased. Cortisol values pending.</p><br /> <p><strong>5. PI-<strong>Henry G. Kattesh;</strong> <strong>University of Tennessee; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 1; </strong>Species- <strong> Swine; </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong>: USDA-ARS TX</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;A second experiment was conducted examining the effects of feeding a 1 versus 0% protected fish oil (PFO) supplemented diet to sows on growth, markers of acute inflammation and stress in their offspring (16 piglets/treatment group) on d 0 (day of weaning) and d 1 and 3 post-weaning. Piglets from sows supplemented with the 1% PFO diet had greater gains in weight and lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio in the plasma when compared to piglets on the control diet post-weaning. There was an overall treatment effect on plasma total cortisol, observed by lower concentrations in pigs on the 1% PFO diet. Plasma corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) concentrations were not different between treatment groups but were lower on d 1 and 3 when compared to d 0. The calculated free cortisol index (cortisol/CBG) of pigs on the 1% diet was lower on d 1 and 3 when compared to the controls. The cytokines IL-1&beta;, IL-6, and TNF-&alpha; were measured following an ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of monocytes and neutrophils in whole blood collected on d 0 and 1. Pigs on the 1% PFO diet tended to have a lower mean concentration of TNF-&alpha; in response to LPS when compared with that of the controls.</p><br /> <p><strong>6. PI-<strong>Bret Olson;</strong> <strong>Montana State University; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 1,3; </strong>Species- <strong> Cattle </strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;We have two objectives; we will quantify seasonal changes in heart rate (HR) and metabolic rate (MR) of beef cattle, and we will determine to what extent cattle grazing native rangeland (with a protein supplement 3X per week) during winter lower their HRs and MRs compared with those fed hay. Results from a related pilot study were presented at two scientific conferences.</p><br /> <p><strong>7. PI-<strong>Cassandra Tucker;</strong> <strong>University of California-Davis; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong>: 3; </strong>Species- <strong> Cattle; </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong> AgResearch, Hamilton, New Zealand</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;Spraying dairy cattle with water provides physiological cooling benefits. However, work is needed to determine appropriate spraying strategies (e.g., time on and off) to improve the efficiency of heat loss and water use. (1) We tested the effects of a single spray application (varying in length) on evaporation time, the surrounding air temperature, and physiological responses to heat load in 15 cows. (2) We tested the effects of 4 different spray strategies (varying in frequency and paired by quantity of water used) applied during 45 min on the physiological responses to heat load in 20 cows.</p><br /> <p><strong>8. PI-<strong>Scott T. Willard; </strong><strong>Mississippi State University</strong><strong>; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong>1,3 ; </strong>Species- <strong>Cattle, small ruminants, aquatic production systems; </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong>TAMU, USVI, USDA-ARS</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;As part of Mississippi&rsquo;s contribution to this project, we are assessing temperament scoring methods and applications of non-invasive monitoring technologies, such infrared thermal imaging, within the production-management environment to determine how these new tools may be used to evaluate livestock welfare; and possibly elucidation of external impacts on performance metrics. In addition, we are using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for both in-situ and ex-situ studies of animal physiology, nutrition and health; specifically to address questions about animal behavior, demography, reproduction, and disease. 1) We have characterized uterine artery blood flow throughout late gestation in Holstein heifers as a way to advance the study of stress and environment on uteroplacental physiology. 2) we have establish commercial partnerships that will allow us to evaluate thermal imaging in working broiler houses as a tool for monitoring environmental housing and thermal bird responses. 3) We have employed NIR to ask basic questions about animal physiology and health across several taxa and species, and are implementing this biophotonic/spectragraphic methodology for non-invasive, non-destructive real-time analysis of otherwise ill-defined traits.</p><br /> <p><strong>9. PI-<strong>Dustin Yates, Kent Eskridge; University of Nebraska AES; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 1,3 ; </strong>Species- <strong>Cattle, Sheep; </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong> USDA-ARS</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;A study was initiated that is intended to refine our understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which livestock respond to heat stress and Beta adrenergic agonist supplementation. This work will contribute to our long-term objective of producing rigorous data providing for the development of management strategies (genetic selection, nutritional supplementation, pharmaceutical therapies) to increase the efficiency of livestock production and ensure animal wellbeing by mitigating stress. A second study at the stations assessed animal adaption to heat stress, which may be characterized by morning and afternoon lags of animal temperature to air temperature, where a well-adapted animal will have a long morning lag and a short afternoon lag. The study will be conducted in feedlot livestock, with the first study in sheep and the second study in full-breed Angus and F1 Angus x Brahman cattle. Aims 1 and 2 will contribute to Multistate Objective 1 by characterizing fine-scale, physiological/molecular and whole-animal indicators of stress due to heat and BAAs. Aim 3 will contribute to Multistate Objective 2 by assessing the genomic response of the animals to heat and AA supplementation while also examining how the animals genetic background impacts the outcome. In the second study, a piecewise regression method was developed to estimate and test morning and afternoon lags, and a cluster analysis method, was developed to categorize animals into four levels of heat stress as a possible management tool.</p><br /> <p><strong>10. PI-<strong>Robert J. Collier</strong><strong>; University of Arizona; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 1 ; </strong>Species- <strong>Cattle; </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong>USDA-ARS</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;We evaluated impact of heat stress and an immune modulator on adrenal axis response to ACTH and CRH, VIP challenge. This study demonstrated that the immune modulator Omnigen-AF altered adrenal response to thermal stress, ACTH and CRF-Vasopressin.</p><br /> <p><strong>11. PI-<strong>Chin Nyean (C.N.) Lee; University of Hawai&lsquo;i &ndash; Manoa, Honolulu, HI, </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 2,3 ; </strong>Species- <strong>&nbsp;Cattle, small ruminants; </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong> USDA-ARS</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;We worked on objective 3 in the development of management strategies and/or tools to enhance farm animal well-being under conditions of climatic change or other stressful environments. This objective was achieved by evaluation of nutrient components in drought tolerant forages for ruminants. For the past 13 years, the islands of Maui and Hawaii were faced with drought which affected the forage supply for cattle, goats and sheep in these counties. The Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company had embarked on a biofuel project and invited us to select their sugarcane crosses that have the potential to be forage for ruminants. We selected 74 varieties from over 30,000 possibilities. The selected forages were planted in single plot of 0.6m x 3.05m. The plots were drip irrigated. Three harvests were made during the winter period (Oct. &ndash; March) and three harvests were made during the summer period (May &ndash; August). Interval between each harvest were 6 weeks. Plants were harvested in three times, 0830 h, 1230 h and 1500 h. The data showed the highest feed value when forages were harvest at 1500h vs 1230 h. The A.M. harvest provided the lowest feed value. The energy levels of the forages were highest in the afternoon. The data indirectly addressed the reason why animals were observed leaving the shade in the hot afternoon to graze. The ADF and NDF were lowest at this time while the NFC were highest.</p><br /> <p><strong>12. PI-<strong>Jeffrey Firman; University of Missouri; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 1,2 ; </strong>Species- <strong>Poultry; </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong> USDA-ARS</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;Reduced nocturnal temperature has been shown to reduce energy usage in pigs without affecting performance. Similar responses in poultry have not been researched. The objective of these studies will be to determine if reducing nocturnal temperature can be used without detrimental effects on performance. This project is just getting started and a graduate student has been recruited.</p><br /> <p><strong>13. PI-<strong>Lindsey E. Hulbert, Luis Mendonca; Kansas State University; </strong>Objective No(s)-<strong> 1,2 ; </strong>Species- <strong> Cattle; </strong>Other Stations involved-<strong> CA, TX</strong></strong></p><br /> <p>&nbsp;Our projects address heat stress abatement methods for dairy cattle, hematological markers of stress and health, as well as management practices, such as weaning commingling. We completed our work feeding prebiotics to dairy calves after weaning and during commingling. One of the prebiotic formulas increased the adaptive immune response (IgA production) to an innocuous protein (ovalbumin) and modified the neutrophil&rsquo;s oxidative response to heat-killed bacteria. Both prebiotic formulas influenced feed intake within a pen of three and some performance measures after commingling. We also completed research projects which were conducted in commercial farms comparing THI obtained from weather station, vaginal temperature, THI from a logger fastened to the cow and THI at the pen level. In addition lactation and reproductive performance data were collected. Temperature-humidity index at the cow-level was correlated with THI at the pen-level and THI from the nearest official meteorological station to the dairy. Despite the correlations, cow-level THI were 6.8 and 19.2 units greater than pen-level and station-level THI,, respectively. Weather data obtained from farm-level are more accurate than information collected from an official meteorological station to assess the intensity of heat stress conditions. Nonetheless, it is important to note that pen-level THI underestimates the index at the cow-level. This difference is likely to occur because of microclimates within the pen.</p>

Publications

<p><strong>Publications/Theses/Dissertations</strong></p><br /> <p>Binion, W. R., T. H. Friend. 2015. Modeling the effect of reflective calf hutch covers on reducing heat loss. Int. J. Biometeorol. 59, 1939-1941.</p><br /> <p>Bradford, H. L., B. O. Fragomeni, J. K. Bertrand, D. A. L. Lourenco, and I. Misztal. 2016. Genetic evaluations for growth heat tolerance in Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. <em>94</em>, 4143-4150.</p><br /> <p>Brockus, K. E., C. G. Hart, B. O. Fleming, T. Smith, S. H. Ward, and C. O. Lemley. 2016. Effects of supplementing Holstein heifers with dietary melatonin during late gestation on growth and cardiovascular measurements of their offspring. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 51:240-247.</p><br /> <p>Brockus, K. E., C. G. Hart, C. L. Gilfeather, B. O. Fleming, and C. O. Lemley. 2016. Dietary melatonin alters uterine artery hemodynamics in pregnant Holstein heifers. Domestic Animal Endocrinology. 55:1-10.</p><br /> <p>Buntyn JO, Burdick Sanchez NC, Schmidt TB, Erickson GE, Sieren SE, Jones SJ, Carroll JA. 2016. The metabolic, stress axis, and hematology response of zilpaterol hydrochloride supplemented beef heifers when exposed to a dual corticotropin-releasing hormone and vasopressin challenge. J Anim Sci. 94:2798-810.</p><br /> <p>C.N. Lee, G. K. Fukumoto, M.S. Thorne, M.H. Stevenson, Y.s. Kim, M. Nakahata and R. Ogoshi. 2015. Sugarcane crosses as potential forages for ruminants: Nutrient compositions were influenced by season and time of harvest. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PRM-8.pdf</p><br /> <p>Campistol, C, H. G. Kattesh, J. C. Waller, E. L. Rawls, J. D. Arthington, J. A. Carroll, G. M.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pighetti, and A. M. Saxton. 2016. Effects of pre-weaning feed supplementation and total versus fenceline weaning on the physiology and performance of beef steers. Int. J. Livest. Prod. 7(8):48-54.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>Carroll, J.A., N.C. Burdick, L.E. Hulbert, M.A. Ballou, J.W. Dailey, L.C. Caldwell, R.C. Vann, T.H. Welsh, Jr., R.D. Randel. 2015. Sexually dimorphic innate immunological responses of pre-pubertal Brahman cattle following an intravenous lipopolysaccharide challenge. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 166:108-115.</p><br /> <p>Chen, J. M. Cooling dairy cows efficiently with sprinklers: Behavioral, physiological, and production responses to water spray. University of California, Davis, CA. (Dissertation).</p><br /> <p>Chen, J. M., Sch&uuml;tz, K. E., and C. B. Tucker. 2016. Cooling cows efficiently with water spray: Behavioral, physiological, and production responses to sprinklers at the feed bunk. J. Dairy Sci. 99:4607-4618.</p><br /> <p>Chen, J. M., Sch&uuml;tz, K. E., and C. B. Tucker. 2016. Sprinkler flow rate affects dairy cattle avoidance of spray to the head, but not overall, in an aversion race. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 179:23-31.</p><br /> <p>Chen, J. M., Sch&uuml;tz, K. E., and C. B. Tucker. 2016. Sprinkler flow rate affects dairy cattle preferences, heat load, and insect-deterrence behavior. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 182:1-8.</p><br /> <p>Collier, R.J. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 2015. Thermal Biology of Domestic Animals. Annu. Rev. Anim. Biosci. 3:10.1&ndash;10.20.</p><br /> <p>Dunshea, L.W. F.R., J.D. Allen, S. Rungruang, J.L. Collier, N.M. Long and R.J. Collier 2015. Evaluation of dietary betaine (BET) in lactating Holstein cows subjected to heat stress (HS). J. Dairy Sci. (accepted).</p><br /> <p>Fragomeni. B. O. 2015. Genetics of heat stress in pigs with focus on genomic evaluations using large number of genotyped animals (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/fragomeni_breno_d_201512_phd.pdf</p><br /> <p>Gilfeather, C. L. and C. O. Lemley. 2016. Effects of interferon-tau and steroids on cytochrome P450 activity in bovine endometrial epithelial cells. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 51:415-420.</p><br /> <p>Haberman, J. A. 2015. Biological effects of hutch covers in reducing heat and cold stress in individually housed dairy calves. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&amp;M University.</p><br /> <p>Hulbert, L.E. and S.J. Mois&aacute;. 2016. Stress, immunity and the management of calves. 2016. J. Dairy Sci. 99:1-18.</p><br /> <p>Hulbert., L., S. Trombetta, J. Noel, S. Mois&aacute;, S. Montgomery, G. Hanzlicek, and B. Bradford. 2015. Effects of milk, pasteurized milk, and milk replacer on health and productivity of dairy calves. Dairy Research Report of Progress 1111 K-state Research and Extension: 1-8.</p><br /> <p>Lockwood, S. A., H. G. Kattesh, P. D. Krawczel, F. D. Kirkpatrick, A. M. Saxton, J. D. Rhinehart, and J. B. Wilkerson. 2015. Relationships among temperament, behavior, and growth during performance testing of bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 93:5856-62.</p><br /> <p>McAfee, J. M. 2016. Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation to lactating sows on growth and indicators of stress in the post-weaned pig. University of Tennessee. Thesis.</p><br /> <p>Neuhold, K. L., J. J. Wagner, E. Caldera, K. . Sellins, J. S. Schutz, and T. E. Engle. 2016. Influence of timing of growth implant administration on performance and health of newly weaned beef cattle. Prof. Anim. Sci, 32: 67-73.</p><br /> <p>O&rsquo;Quinn, T. G., D. R. Woerner, T. E. Engle, P. L. Chapman, J. F. Legako, J. C. Borrks, K. E. Belk, and J. D. Tatum. 2016. Identifying consumer preferences for specific beef flavor characteristics in relation to cattle production and postmortem processing parameters. Meat Sci. 112:90-102.</p><br /> <p>Ortiz, X.A., J.F. Smith, F. Villar, L. Hall, J. Allen, A. Oddy, A. al-Haddad, P. Lyle and R.J. Collier. 2015. A comparison of 2 evaporative cooling systems on a commercial dairy farm in Saudi Arabia. J. Dairy Sci. 98:1-13.</p><br /> <p>Payne, C. 2015. The role of prebiotics in dairy calf performance, health, and immune function. K-State Master&rsquo;s Thesis.</p><br /> <p>Putluru, R.K., Y.S. Kim and C.N. Lee. Differential expression of superoxide dismutase (SODs) in bovine corpus luteum during estrous cycle and pregnancy. Pacific Agriculture and Natural Resources 1:1-10. https://hilo.hawaii.edu/panr/writing.php?id=300</p><br /> <p>Rocha, L., L. Hulbert, F. Scorteganga, B. Voelz, and L. Mendon&ccedil;a. Milking time during periods of heat stress: Part of the solution or part of the problem? Dairy Research Report of Progress 1111 K-State Research and Extension: 15-21.</p><br /> <p>Schwandt, E, F. J. J. Wagner, T. E. Engle, S. J. Bartle, D. U. Thomson, and C. D. Reinhardt. 2016. The effects of dry-rolled corn particle size on performance, carcass traits, and starch digestibility in feedlot finishing diets containing wet distiller&rsquo;s grains. J. Anim. Sci. 94.3: 1194-1202.</p><br /> <p>Smith, J.F., B.J. Bradford, J.P. Harner, J.C. Potts, J.D. Allen, M.W. Overton, X.A. Ortiz and R.J. Collier. 2015. 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Impact Statements

1. 13b. THI measures at the pen-level underestimate the index at the cow-level, which are likely due to microclimates within the pen. Therefore, producers may need to have some individuals with monitor systems to provide interventions to smaller groups within a pen during heat stress periods.

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