Featured Articles

  • Jan
    11
    Interpretive Summary: Minimum methionine requirement in adult cats as determined by indicator amino acid oxidation


    The objective of this study was to determine the minimum Met requirement, when Cys was provided in excess, of adult cats using a highly sensitive and noninvasive technique, the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO). Six adult cats were fed experimental diets with varying levels of methionine for 2 d prior to each IAAO study day.

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  • Jan
    11
    Interpretive Summary: Effects of dietary supplementation of different levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid on reproductive performance, glucose intolerance, and placental development of gilts


    Glucose homeostasis and placental development are two key factors influencing reproductive performance of sows. Some studies have reported that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can improve glucose intolerance and cerebral angiogenesis in mice.

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  • Jan
    11
    Interpretive Summary: Preweaning piglet survival on commercial farms


    Sow prolificacy and preweaning piglet mortality have increased parallelly on commercial farms. This loss of piglets is a concern of efficiency and animal welfare, and it requires the improvement of piglet survival by reducing the number of stillborn piglets and piglet mortality during lactation, paying particular attention to hyperprolific sows (≥15 total piglets born per litter).

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  • Jan
    11
    Interpretive Summary: Ageratina adenophora damages the rumen epithelium via inducing the expression of inflammatory factors in goats


    The article aims to investigate the toxic effects of Ageratina adenophora, an invasive plant on the integrity of the rumen epithelium by measuring the changes in the expression of inflammatory factors and tight junction proteins after the consumption of A. adenophora in goats.

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  • Jan
    05
    Deana Hancock's Animal Science "Family Tree" Story


    ASAS has been a constant presence in my family's life, opening doors and providing opportunities for three generations. It all began with my father-in-law, Gerald Hancock, as an undergraduate student at MU, where he had the privilege of taking Dr. Preston's classes. Then, I pursued my Ph.D. at Texas Tech, also studying under Dr. Preston. And now, the legacy continues with my daughter, Sydney Schnur, who recently graduated with a degree in animal science from Purdue and completed her Ph.D. in Veterinary ImmunoPathobiology at Kansas State under the guidance of a former student of Dr. Preston, Dan Thomson, Ph.D./DVM.



    ASAS has been more than just an organization to us. It has been a second family, a source of support, and a catalyst for our growth and success. I am grateful for the doors it has opened for my family and for the countless opportunities it continues to provide.

    Deana Hancock, Ph.D. | Director, Global Applied Research and Technology | Novus International

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  • Jan
    03
    Interpretive Summary: Designing an early selection morphological traits index for reproductive efficiency in Pura Raza Española mares


    Historically in livestock production, employing combinations of traits as selection criteria for indirect selection of related traits has been a challenging task, particularly when this implies selection for reproductive traits based on the animal morphology. However, if the decision about animal selection is based on morphological traits that are quick and easy to obtain, in addition to early reproductive traits, selection responses can be improved and made earlier.

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  • Jan
    03
    Interpretive Summary: Long-stranded non-coding RNAs temporal-specific expression profiles reveal longissimus dorsi muscle development and intramuscular fat deposition in Tianzhu white yak


    In-depth analysis of the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in the development of yak skeletal muscle can aid in the identification of crucial functional genes that may enhance the quality of yak meat in the future. Our research is the first to investigate the expression of long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) during muscle development and intramuscular fat deposition in Tianzhu white yaks at different ages (6, 30, and 54 mo).

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  • Jan
    03
    Interpretive Summary: Effects of the central melanocortin system on feed intake, metabolic hormones and insulin action in the sheep


    Highly productive ruminants face short-term nutritional deficits during demanding phases of their life cycle. They remain productive and healthy during these periods through a series of metabolic adaptations. Current models in ruminant biology attribute the coordination of these adaptations to circulating hormones and bioactive metabolites but have not considered the possibility that the central nervous system (CNS) is also involved.

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  • Jan
    03
    Interpretive Summary: Effect of the supplementation with a combination of plant extracts on sow and piglet performance and physiology during lactation and around weaning


    Weaning is a critical period for piglets. Some plant extracts, known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antibacterial properties, may improve piglets’ robustness at weaning. This study investigated the effects of a maternal and/or a direct supplementation of piglets with a combination of plant extracts on sow and piglet metabolic, immune, inflammatory, and oxidative status during lactation and around weaning.

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  • Jan
    03
    Interpretive Summary: Variability of sialic acids in meat from alternative species to beef and pork


    High consumption of red meat is associated with increased risk of human cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, meat is also considered important for human diet by providing intake of essential compounds.

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  • Dec
    28
    Interpretive Summary: Evaluation of multienzyme supplementation and fiber levels on nutrient and energy digestibility of diets fed to gestating sows and growing pigs


    Fiber-degrading enzymes have been extensively studied in growing pigs with minimal studies focusing on gestating sows; however, commercial gestating sow diets often contain more fiber than grower pig diets to stimulate the sensation of satiety without influencing weight gain. A challenge with dietary fiber is its hindrance on digestibility of nutrients.

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  • Dec
    28
    Interpretive Summary: Dietary glycine supplementation improves the growth performance of 110- to 240-g (phase II) hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis ♀× Morone chrysops ♂) fed soybean meal-based diets


    Glycine is the simplest but the most abundant amino acid in the bodies of animals including fish and pigs. The content of glycine in plant-sourced feedstuffs (e.g., soybean meal) is generally low. Glycine can be synthesized de novo in all animals and, therefore, has traditionally been classified as a nutritionally nonessential amino acid for fish and mammals.

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  • Dec
    28
    Interpretive Summary: Influence of fiber type and carbohydrase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, energy and nitrogen balance, and physiology of sows at mid and late gestation


    This study evaluated the effects and mechanisms of supplementing multicarbohydrases to gestating sow diets containing either corn-dried distiller grains or sugar beet pulp fibrous co-products. Findings revealed significant energy, dry matter, and fiber digestibility enhancements with carbohydrase supplementation, irrespective of adaptation time.

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  • Dec
    28
    Interpretive Summary: Associations of automated body condition scores at dry-off and through early lactation with milk yield of Holstein cows


    The objective of this study was to analyze the associations of body condition score (BCS) and BCS change (∆BCS) during the dry period and the first 100 d of lactation with daily milk yield. The involvement of health status in these associations was also evaluated.

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  • Dec
    28
    Interpretive Summary: Accuracy of enteric methane emission models for cattle in sub-Saharan Africa: status quo and the way forward


    Accurate estimates of enteric methane (CH4) emissions are needed to ascertain the efficacy of mitigation strategies proposed for cattle in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Models used for cattle in SSA were developed using data on metabolic processes measured from cattle in temperate regions which may lead to inaccurate enteric CH4 estimates.

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  • Dec
    28
    Interpretive Summary: Low birth weight and reduced postnatal nutrition lead to cardiac dysfunction in piglets


    Heart disease is the leading cause of death in humans, and in addition to the known modifiable risk factors, evidence suggests early life undernutrition increases heart disease risk in adulthood. Specifically, low birth weight (LBW) has been linked to poor infant cardiac development which could be made worse by an inadequate postnatal diet.

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  • Dec
    21
    ASAS Statement on Taxation of Graduate Student Tuition Waivers


    ASAS encourages its members to communicate with their Senators and Representatives to preserve the tax exemption for graduate student tuition waivers.

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  • Dec
    21
    Interpretive Summary: Effects of hydrolyzed chicken liver on digestibility, fecal and urinary characteristics, and fecal metabolites of adult dogs


    Feeding companion animals with high-protein diets has been a demand of the market and pet owners. However, the protein quality and quantity consumed can interfere with the amount of undigested protein that reaches the hindgut and be fermented. Intestinal fermentation can be desired when well controlled.

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  • Dec
    21
    Interpretive Summary: Effects of overfeeding on the digestive efficiency, voluntary physical activity levels, and fecal characteristics and microbiota of adult cats


    Feline obesity continues to rise, impacting the wellness, quality of life, and longevity of cats. Understanding the metabolic and gastrointestinal changes that companion animals face with the onset of weight gain and obesity may help with future prevention and treatment plans.

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  • Dec
    21
    Interpretive Summary: A glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist reduces the insulin response to a glycemic meal in ponies


    Horses and ponies are prone to suffer from laminitis if they produce too much insulin after eating a high-sugar/starch meal. Laminitis associated with high insulin is very painful and can result in the affected animals having to be put down. The reason why some ponies over-produce insulin is not known.

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