R.C. Bott

Perceptions of equid well being in South Dakota

ABSTRACT In South Dakota, the status of equid well being is relatively unknown. This study sought to (a) gain understanding about the current perceptions of nonhuman animal well being in South Dakota, with an emphasis on horses and other equids; (b) determine the level of care equids are reportedly receiving and the perceived challenges to equine well being in South Dakota, and (c) determine if people from diverse geographical locations (east or west of the Missouri River) have similar views on the well being of equids in South Dakota. Respondents indicated the current level of equid well being in South Dakota is sufficient, but there is room for improvement. Current challenges for the equid population of South Dakota were the high annual cost of horse care, poor horsemanship, dental problems, and whether caregivers understand basic equine care. Several significant associations arose between where a respondent lives (Western or Eastern South Dakota) and their level of agreement with various statements. The results provide a benchmark to gauge well being and help give direction for future educational needs that can continue to improve equid care.

Corpus Luteum and Early Pregnancy in Ruminants

This review examines the function of the corpus luteum (CL) with emphasis on pregnancy in ruminant models and the possible impact of pregnancy in conferring luteal resistance to prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). Critical processes involved with formation of the CL impact the capacity to secrete progesterone. Similarly, complete luteolysis is critically important in the event that pregnancy does not occur so that a new ovulation and opportunity for pregnancy is established. It is well known that serum progesterone must reach a critical nadir if ovulation and fertilization are to occur. Following fertilization, the function of the CL in providing adequate progesterone is critical in setting up an endometrial environment so that pregnancy is maintained. Benefits of supplemental progesterone during early pregnancy are inconsistent in ruminants. However, recent studies indicate that supplemental progesterone following artificial insemination (AI) may depend on the presence of the CL and the amount of progesterone released from the CL. The primary signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy, interferon-tau (IFNT), is secreted from the ruminant conceptus (embryo proper and extraembryonic membranes). IFNT disrupts release of PGF2α from the endometrium and is antiluteolytic through inhibiting uterine expression of the estradiol receptor (ESR1) or the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Endocrine action of IFNT on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and on the CL may also contribute to immunomodulatory function and longer-term sustainability and function of the CL as pregnancy progresses.

Characterization of energy and performance of swine fed a novel corn-soybean extruded product

BackgroundA novel extruded product was characterized with a metabolism and lactation trial to establish the product’s energy content, and its effects on lactating sow performance. The product was composed of a 60:40 corn-soybean blend, which was then extruded. This product containing the co-extruded 60:40 corn-soybean blend was commercially developed and is used extensively in swine diets in southwest Minnesota. GE of dietary treatments were determined by isoperibol bomb calorimetry. Twelve barrows (59.9 ± 1.4 kg), were used to determine the digestible and metabolizable energy of the extruded product. DE of treatments was determined by subtracting fecal energy from GE provided to barrows by each respective treatment. ME was determined by subtracting urinary energy from calculated digestible energy. Sixty-three sows were used for the lactation trial. Three dietary treatments were utilized: CONTROL (an industry standard diet); PRODUCT (contained the product, vitamins and minerals); OIL (matched the lysine:ME ratio of PRODUCT by addition of soy oil). Sow weight, backfat thickness at the right and left last ribs, body condition score, number of piglets, and litter weights were recorded on the date of farrowing (d 0), (d 9), and at weaning. Blood and milk samples were obtained at weaning, and blood was analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), milk was analyzed for total protein and fat content.ResultsOn a dry-matter basis, the test diet provided 3,908 kcal/kg DE and 3,833 kcal/kg ME, which was significantly greater than the basal diet, which provided 3,633 kcal/kg DE and 3,567 kcal/kg ME (P < 0.0001). These data were used to establish the DE and ME of the product, which were 3,882 kcal/kg and 3,798 kcal/kg, respectively, on an as-fed basis. No effect of diet was observed for changes in sow backfat (RBF P = 0.24; LBF P = 0.07) or body condition score (P = 0.12) during lactation. Milk total protein (P = 0.69), fat (P = 0.66), PUN, average piglet gain (P = 0.55) and piglet mortality (P = 0.70) did not differ between treatments.ConclusionsWhile the novel extruded product was higher in energy content than traditional feedstuffs, it resulted in the same lactational sow performance. Thus, the co-extruded corn-soybean product is a reasonable inclusion in sow lactation diets.