Animal & Range Sciences

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The curricula in animal science provide students with a firm foundation in the biological and natural sciences, animal breeding, reproductive physiology, nutrition, and livestock production and management. Natural Resources & Rangeland Ecology focuses on managing the interaction of livestock, and wildlife and their rangeland habitats. Emphasis is placed on soil, water and vegetation attributes which influence habitat ecology and management of livestock and wildlife.

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Horses and Cattle Grazing in the Wyoming Red Desert
(1984-01) Krysl, L. J.; Hubbert, M. E.; Sowell, Bok F.; Plumb, G. E.; Jewett, T. K.; Smith, M. A.; Waggoner, J. W.
The sagebrush-grass range in southcentral Wyoming presently supports large numbers of feral horses and domestic livestock. Diets of feral horses and cattle during summer and winter grazing were evaluated using fecal analysis under 2 stocking levels in small pastures. Horses and cattle consumed primarily grasses during the summer and winter. However, shrubs and forbs were also important dietary components. Needleandthread, Sandberg bluegrass, thickspike wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, gray horsebrush, and winterfat were the major foods of horses and cattle during the summer and winter. Dietary overlap between horses and cattle during the summer averaged 72% and increased to 84% during the winter. Horses and cattle selected foods in a similar order.
Horses and Cattle Grazing on the Wyoming Red Desert, III.
(1984-03) Plumb, G. E.; Krysl, L. J.; Hubbert, M. E.; Smith, M. A.; Waggoner, J. W.
Vegetative cover losses due to trampling near watering sites in the summer and winter are compared for horses grazed alone, cattle grazed alone and horses and cattle grazed in combination. There were significant differences (p<.05) found in the rates of total cover loss as a function of distance to water in both the summer and winter. Grasses sustained heavy trampling losses in all treatments in both seasons. Forbs sustained heavy losses in all treatments during summer. Shrub losses were moderate to low in all treatments during both seasons. Total cover loss was similar in all summer and winter treatments.
Horses and Cattle Grazing in the Wyoming Red Desert, II. Dietary Quality.
(1984-05) Krysl, L. J.; Sowell, Bok F.; Hubbert, M. E.; Plumb, G. E.; Jewett, T. K.; Smith, M. A.; Waggoner, J. W.
Botanical composition of horse and cattle diets from fecal analysis and nutrient quality of hand-harvested forages used by these herbivores were evaluated to assess dietary quality during the summer and winter seasons of 1981 in the Wyoming Red Desert. Dietary crude protein estimates averaged 7.5±0.1% and 9.0±0.5% during the summer for horses and cattle, respectively. Dietary crude protein estimates in the winter were lower, averaging 6.1±0% and 6.0±0% for horses and cattle, respectively. Estimated dietary calcium levels for both herbivores were high through the summer and winter, while dietary phosphorus levels appear to be deficient during both seasons. Average in vitro dry matter disappearance coefficients for horses and cattle during the summer were 52±2% and 52±2%, respectively. During the winter these values dropped to 39±1% and 40±1% for horses and cattle, respectively.
Habitat Relations of Mule Deer in the Texas Panhandle.
(1985-11-27) Koerth, Benjamin H.; Sowell, Bok F.; Bryant, Fred C.; Wiggers, Ernie P.
Telemetric observations of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) does were used to determine seasonal relationships between deer use and availability of habitats on two study areas in the Panhandle region of west Texas. Juniper breaks was the only type used in greater proportion than its availability on the Canadian River study area (CRSA). On the Clarendon study area (CSA) mule deer shifted seasonal preferences between riparian, cultivated fields, and juniper breaks. Annual and seasonal home ranges were considerably larger on the CSA. Larger home ranges and variability in seasonal use of the habitat types on the CSA were attributed largely to the presence of cultivated winter grain fields. Shifts in home ranges coincided with the season when production in the cultivated fields was highest and native forage availability was lowest. Comparisons of indirect deer observations (pellet groups and bed sites) with random measurements within each habitat type characterized deer use sites as east and north facing slopes, located close to a canyon rim, and receiving light livestock and human use. The placement of cultivated grain fields could be used to influence overall range use and attract deer to or away from localized sites. Also, consideration should be given to directing heavy livestock and human traffic away from sites that are used by mule deer.
Estimating Digestibility and Faecal Output in Lambs Using Internal and External Markers.
(1988-08-01) Krysl, L. J.; Galyean, M. L.; Estell, R. E.; Sowell, Bok F.
Twenty fine-wool, ruminally cannulated lambs (average weight 45–9 kg) were used in a completely random design to evaluate the ability of three internal markers to predict dry matter digestibility and two external markers to estimate faecal output. Lambs were allotted randomly to one of four diets: 100% prairie hay (PH), 100% lucerne hay (LH), 50% prairie hay:50% sorghum grain (PS) and 50% lucerne hay: 50% sorghum grain (LS). The trial consisted of a 14-day adaptation period followed by a 7-day total faecal collection period. Feed and faecal samples were subjected to 96 h ruminal fluid and 48 h acid-pepsin digestions, followed by extraction with acid detergent (IVADF) or neutral detergent (IVNDF) solution. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) calculated from feed:faeces ratios of IVADF, IVNDF and acid detergent lignin (ADL) was compared with in vivoapparent digestibility. Ytterbium-labelled forage (YLF) and dysprosium-labelled faeces (DLF) were pulse-dosed via ruminal cannulae, and faecal Yb and Dy excretion curves were fitted to a one-compartment, agedependent model for estimation of faecal output, paniculate passage rate (PPR) and mean gastrointestinal retention time. In vivoDMD in lambs fed PH was greater (P <005) than DMD calculated from IVNDF, IVADF and ADL. In lambs fed LH and LS, in vivoDMD did not differ (P >005) from marker estimates. In vivoDMD for lambs fed PS did not differ from IVNDF or IVADF estimates but was greater than (P <005) the ADL estimate. No differences (P> 005) were observed in recovery among the three internal markers for any of the diets. Faecal output for lambs fed PH did not differ {P >005) from marker estimates but was overestimated by 15 to 20% by YLF and DLF. Faecal output for lambs fed LH was similar to the estimate from YLF, but less than (P <0–05) the estimate with DLF. For lambs fed PS, faecal output did not differ from marker estimates, but YLF and DLF values were 16% lower and 17% higher, respectively. No significant differences were observed in actual and estimated faecal output for lambs fed the LS diet. Estimates of PPR with DLF were numerically greater than YLF estimates for all diets except LS. Correspondingly, mean gastrointestinal retention time was less (P <005) for DLF compared with YLF for all diets except LS.
Protein Supplementation and 48-Hour Calf Removal Effects on Range Cows
(1992-03) Sowell, Bok F.; Wallace, Joe D.; Parker, Eugene E.; Southward, Morris G.
In 1984, 99 Angus × Hereford cows (4- to 6-yr-olds) were assigned randomly to a 4-yr, 2 × 2 factorial study. Treatment assignment was permanent, and no new cows were added during the study. By 1987, 71 cows remained, and over-all, 335 complete cow-calf data sets were used. Main effect treatments were beginning time (prepartum [PRE] vs postpartum [POST]) for crude protein (CP) supplementation (twice weekly feeding of 41% CP cottonseed meal pellets at 1.58 kg • $\text{cow}^{-1}$ • $\text{feeding}^{-1}$) and temporary calf removal (48 hour [48-H] vs 0 hour [CONT]) just before the breeding season. For analyses, sex of calf was included as a third main effect (2×2×2) and year was included as a random factor; the 4-way interaction served as the testing term for repeated measures over years. Year was the dominant source of variation for most traits; we attributed this mainly to different amounts and timing of precipitation among years. Very few interactions were observed. The PRE supplemented cows had reduced (P<0.01) spring body weight losses and higher prebreeding body condition scores (4.9 vs 4.5; P<0.01) compared with POST cows. Reproductive performance did not differ between PRE and POST cows. Use of 48-H calf removal vs CONT did not influence (P>0.10) reproductive traits measured. Likewise, 48-H treatment did not impair health or reduce weaning weights of calves. In a separate, within-year analysis used to examine age of dam effects, productivity of 4-yr-old cows during 1984 was slightly below that of older cows for some traits. Cow age effects were not detected in other years. We conclude that control cows in our study were approaching optimum fertility and production levels in concert with their environment and that improvement beyond these levels with the treatments imposed was unlikely.
Influence of Ruminally Dispensed Monensin and Forage Maturity on Intake and Digestion.
(1993-05) Fredrickson, Eddie L; Galyean, M. L.; Branine, M. E.; Sowell, Bok F.; Wallace, Joe D.
Eight ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (average weight 336 kg) grazing native blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [H.B.K.]) rangeland were used in a repeated measures design to evaluate effects of monensin ruminal delivery devices (MRDD) and forage phenology on ruminal digestion. Three periods were assessed: mid-August (Aug.), early October (Oct.), and mid-November (Nov.). One MRDD was placed in the reticulum of 4 steers via the ruminal cannula 21 days before each period. Intake was estimated using total fecal collections. Diet samples were collected using 3 esophageally fistualted steers. Ruminal fill was measured by ruminal exacuation; rate and extent of in situ ruminal neutral detergent fiber disappearance were estimated before ruminal evacuations. Ruminal passage rates, retention time, and apparent total tract organic matter digestibility were estimated using indigestible neutral detergent fiber. In vitro organic matter disappearance of esophageal masticate did not differ (P>.05) in Aug. and Oct. (average of 53.7%), but declined (P<.05) in Nov. (48.7%), whereas organic matter digestibility was greater (P<.10) in Aug. (62.3%) than in either Oct. (55.2%) or Nov. (53.9%). Release of monensin from the bolus (68 mg day-1) was less than expected (100 mg day-1). Intake, organic matter digestibility, ruminal passage rates, retention time, pH, and ammonia were not affected (P>.10) by MRDD. In situ neutral detergent fiber disappearance at 96 hours was decreased (P<.10) by MRDD (68 vs 65% for control and MRDD, respectively). As the grazing season progressed, intake declined (P<.10), whereas ruminal fill and retention time increased (P<.05), and passage rate of indigestible neutral detergent fiber decreased (P<.05). At 48 hours in situ neutral detergent fiber was greatest (P<.05) in Aug. and least (P<.05) in Nov.
Liquid supplementation for ruminants fed low-quality forage diets: a review
(1995-09) Bowman, J. G. P.; Sowell, Bok F.; Paterson, J. A.
Forty-three studies involving liquid supplementation of cattle and sheep consuming low-quality forages were identified, summarized in tabular form and reviewed. All studies that could be found containing animal gain, forage intake and (or) supplement consumption with molasses-urea supplements under grazing conditions were reviewed. Seven studies were found which compared forage intake or animal performance by animals fed hay or straw and molasses-urea supplements with unsupplemented animals. Molasses-urea supplements did not increase forage intake or animal performance compared with unsupplemented animals in five of the seven studies. Thirteen studies were identified which evaluated performance of grazing animals receiving molasses-urea supplements compared with unsupplemented animals. Seven of these 13 grazing studies reported improved live weight change when animals received molasses-urea supplements. Only two grazing studies were found which evaluated forage intake by animals consuming molasses-urea supplements and compared it with unsupplemented animals. Both studies found no effect. Five of six studies identified that compared molasses-urea supplements with dry supplements, forage intake or animal live weight change were not increased by molasses-urea supplements over dry supplements. Most authors concluded that feeding molasses-urea supplements to grazing ruminants was not as profitable as feeding dry supplements; however, few studies reported economic data. Studies demonstrated that level of molasses and nitrogen influenced animal performance. Asynchrony between molasses and nitrogen resulted in animal weight loss. Most positive animal responses were seen with a combination of high levels of molasses and nitrogen. However, these results may have been influenced by supplement formulation. Performance and intake results were confounded by pasture condition, forage quality, animal variation and supplement delivery system. In four studies that measured supplement intake by individual animals, between 1 and 20% of experimental animals refused to consume any molasses-urea supplement. Quantification of supplement intake and animal feeding behavior has not been adequately addressed in the literature.
Application of Feeding Behaviour to Predict Morbidity of Newly Received Calves in a Commercial Feedlot.
(2001-09) Quimby, W. F.; Sowell, Bok F.; Bowman, J. G. P; Branine, M. E.; Hubbert, M. E.; Sherwood, H. W.
The objective of this study was to use feeding behavior of newly received steers (average initial weight 191 kg) to detect morbidity in animals in a commercial feedlot. Two separate 32 d feeding trials were conducted in Wellton, Arizona, in July and November 1996. Radio frequency technology was used to record the total time spent within 50 cm of the feedbunk (animal presence every 5.25 s times 5.25 s) in 3 h intervals from 0600 to 2400 on a daily basis for 103 and 122 male calves in trial 1 and 2, respectively. Statistical procedures based on the cumulative sums (CUSUM) of the 3 h feeding intervals were used to detect morbid animals, compared with detection of animals deemed morbid by experienced pen riders. In trial 1, the CUSUM procedure detected animal morbidity 4.5 d earlier (P < 0.001) than the feedlot personnel. In trial 2, the CUSUM procedure detected animal morbidity 3.7 d earlier (P < 0.001) than feedlot pen riders. Overall accuracy, positive predictive value and sensitivity of the CUSUM prediction method were 87, 91, and 90%, respectively. Combined trial data suggest that feeding behavior during the first 30 d cattle are in a receiving pen, as collected with radio frequency technology and analyzed with CUSUM charts, may be used to detect animal morbidity approximately 4.1 d earlier (P < 0.001) than conventional methods typically employed in commercial feedlots.
TmpL, a transmembrane protein required for intracellular redox homeostasis and virulence in a plant and an animal fungal pathogen
(2009-11) Kim, Kwang-Hyung; Willger, Sven D.; Park, Sang-Wook; Puttikamonkul, Srisombat; Grahl, Nora; Cho, Yangrae; Mukhopadhyay, Biswarup; Cramer, Robert A.; Lawrence, Christopher B.
The regulation of intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critical for developmental differentiation and virulence of many pathogenic fungi. In this report we demonstrate that a novel transmembrane protein, TmpL, is necessary for regulation of intracellular ROS levels and tolerance to external ROS, and is required for infection of plants by the necrotroph Alternaria brassicicola and for infection of mammals by the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. In both fungi, tmpL encodes a predicted hybrid membrane protein containing an AMP-binding domain, six putative transmembrane domains, and an experimentally-validated FAD/NAD(P)-binding domain. Localization and gene expression analyses in A. brassicicola indicated that TmpL is associated with the Woronin body, a specialized peroxisome, and strongly expressed during conidiation and initial invasive growth in planta. A. brassicicola and A. fumigatus DtmpL strains exhibited abnormal conidiogenesis, accelerated aging, enhanced oxidative burst during conidiation, and hypersensitivity to oxidative stress when compared to wild-type or reconstituted strains. Moreover, A. brassicicola DtmpL strains, although capable of initial penetration, exhibited dramatically reduced invasive growth on Brassicas and Arabidopsis. Similarly, an A. fumigatus DtmpL mutant was dramatically less virulent than the wild-type and reconstituted strains in a murine model of invasive aspergillosis. Constitutive expression of the A. brassicicola yap1 ortholog in an A. brassicicola DtmpL strain resulted in high expression levels of genes associated with oxidative stress tolerance. Overexpression of yap1 in the DtmpL background complemented the majority of observed developmental phenotypic changes and partially restored virulence on plants. Yap1-GFP fusion strains utilizing the native yap1 promoter exhibited constitutive nuclear localization in the A. brassicicola DtmpL background. Collectively, we have discovered a novel protein involved in the virulence of both plant and animal fungal pathogens. Our results strongly suggest that dysregulation of oxidative stress homeostasis in the absence of TmpL is the underpinning cause of the developmental and virulence defects observed in these studies.
Monitoring sheep and Culicoides midges in Montana for evidence of Bunyamwera serogroup virus infection
(2014-02) Johnson, Greg; Bahnson, C. S.; Cochrane, Z. N.; Ishii, P.; Hokit, D. G.; Plummer, P. J.; Bartholomay, L. C.; Blitvich, B. J.
Introduction: A serological and entomological investigation was performed to monitor for potential Bunyamwera (BUN) serogroup virus activity in Montana. Results: To facilitate the serological investigation, sera were collected from 104 sheep in 2013 and 2014 and assayed by plaque reduction neutralization test using all six BUN serogroup viruses known to occur in the United States: Cache Valley virus (CVV), Lokern virus (LOKV), Main Drain virus (MDV), Northway virus, Potosi virus and Tensaw virus. BUN serogroup virus-specific antibodies were detected in 41 (39%) sheep. Of these, three were seropositive for MDV, one was seropositive for CVV, one was seropositive for LOKV and 36 had antibodies to an undetermined BUN serogroup virus. Additionally, 30,606 Culicoides sonorensis were collected in 2013 using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps and assayed for cytopathic virus by virus isolation in African Green Monkey kidney (Vero) cells. All midges were negative. Almost one-third of the midges were further tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using BUN serogroup virus-reactive primers and all were negative. Conclusions: We provide evidence of BUN serogroup virus infection in sheep but not C. sonorensis in Montana in 2013-2014. This study also provides the first evidence of CVV, MDV and LOKV activity in Montana.
New Curricula for Undergraduate Food-Systems Education: A Sustainable Agriculture Education Perspective
(2014-12) Jordan, Nicolas; Grossman, J.; Lawrence, Patrick G.; Harmon, Alison H.; Dyer, William E.; Maxwell, Bruce D.; Cadieux, K.V.; Galt, Ryan; Rojas, A.; Byker Shanks, Carmen; Ahmed, Selena; Bass, Thomas; Kebreab, E.; Singh, V.; Michaels, T.; Tzenis, C.
New undergraduate degree programs that address food systems have appeared at a number of North American universities in the past decade. These programs seek to complement established food- and agriculture-related courses of instruction with additional curricular elements that build students’ capacity to address complex food-systems issues (e.g., food sustainability, security, quality, equity and justice) in the course of their work in food-related professions. Here, we examine these emerging food-systems curricula, building on our collective experiences developing food-systems degree programs at University of British Columbia, Montana State University, University of California-Davis and the University of Minnesota. We present the conceptual framework that underlies our efforts, based on the premise that our degree programs should help students build “systemic” capacities that complement disciplinary training provided by various specialization “tracks.” Thus, we intend for our graduates to have a dual preparation, in both a particular specialization, and in overarching systemic capacities that enhance their ability to address complex food-system issues. We assess our current curricula in light of our framework, and outline high-priority pathways for further development of these curricula.
Temporal concentrations of cortisol and LH in virgin ewes acutely exposed to rams during the transition into the breeding season
(2015-03) McCosh, Richard B.; Berry, E. M.; Wehrman, M. E.; Redden, R. R.; Hallford, D. M.; Berardinelli, James G.
The objectives of this study were to determine if exposing seasonally anovular ewes to rams would alter patterns of cortisol concentrations, and if these changes are associated with changes in characteristics of LH concentrations. Seasonally anestrous ewes were assigned to be exposed to rams (RE; n = 11) or wethers (NE; n = 12). Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals beginning 120 min before introduction of males (time = 0 min), and continued for 360 min after male exposure. Characteristics of cortisol and LH concentrations included: mean and baseline concentrations, pulse amplitude, duration, frequency, and time to first pulse. Mean and baseline cortisol concentrations, and cortisol pulse amplitude, frequency, and time to first pulse after male exposure did not differ between RE and NE ewes. Cortisol pulse duration was longer (P < 0.05) in RE ewes than in NE ewes. Mean LH and LH pulse amplitude, duration, and time to first pulse after male exposure did not differ between RE and NE ewes. Baseline LH concentrations and LH pulse frequency were greater (P < 0.05) in RE than in NE ewes. In RE ewes, but not NE ewes, LH pulse frequency tended to increase (P = 0.06) as pulse frequency of cortisol decreased. In conclusion, exposing ewes to mature rams during the transition into the breeding season increased LH pulse frequency which hastened ovulatory activity. However, the results do not support the hypothesis that changes in cortisol concentrations plays a significant role in the ‘ram effect’.
Responses of male Greater Prairie-Chickens to wind energy development
(2015-05) Winder, Virginia L.; Gregory, Andrew J.; McNew, Lance B.; Sandercock, Brett K.
Renewable energy resources have received increased attention because of impacts of fossil fuels on global climate change. In Kansas, USA, optimal sites for wind energy development often overlap with preferred habitats of the Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido), a lek-mating prairie grouse of conservation concern. We tested for potential effects of energy development on male Greater Prairie-Chickens in north-central Kansas. We captured males at 23 leks located 0.04 to 28 km from wind turbines during a 2-yr preconstruction period (2007â€“2008) and a 3-yr postconstruction period (2009â€“2011). First, we tested for effects of proximity to turbines, habitat, and lek size on annual probability of lek persistence and changes in male numbers. We predicted that energy development might result in behavioral avoidance of areas close to turbines, resulting in increased rates of lek abandonment and fewer males attending surviving leks. We found that distance to turbine had a negative effect on lek persistence for leks <8 km from turbines during the postconstruction period, supporting the 8-km buffer zone recommended by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an offset for wind energy projects. Additionally, lek persistence was positively related to number of males counted at a lek and with grassland cover surrounding the lek. Second, we tested for effects of wind energy development on male body mass. We predicted that degraded habitat conditions might result in decreased body mass for males attending leks near turbines during the postconstruction period. Male body mass was ~2% lower during the postconstruction period, but distance to turbine did not affect body mass. Additional study is needed to determine whether short-term effects of turbines on lek persistence influence population viability of Greater Prairie-Chickens.
The use of blood lactate concentration as an indicator of temperament and its impact on growth rate and tenderness of steaks from Simmental-Angus steers
(2015-05) Boles, Jane A.; Kohlbeck, Katelyn S.; Meyers, M. C.; Perz, Katharine A.; Davis, K. C.; Thomson, Jennifer M.
Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of blood lactate concentration as an objective measure of beef cattle temperament and determine if the temperament of steers affected growth rate and tenderness of beef steaks. Angus × Simmental steers (n = 154) were evaluated for blood lactate (BL), exit velocity (EV) and chute score (CS), and humanely harvested. Carcass characteristics were assessed and loin samples were obtained for tenderness evaluation. All measures of the temperament were significantly correlated to each other (r = 0.14–0.47; P ≤ 0.04). Steaks from steers in the medium BL classification were significantly more tender than steaks from steers from the high BL classification. The steers with faster EV tended to result in steaks with higher shear force values (P = 0.07). The steers classified as fast growing resulted in steaks with lower shear force values (P = 0.02) compared to steaks from steers classified as slow growing. Results suggest that the temperament contributes to variations in growth rate, blood lactate, and tenderness.
Aging influences the response of T cells to stimulation by the ellagitannin, oenothein B
(2015-06) Ramstead, Andrew G.; Schepetkin, Igor A.; Todd, Kimberly; Loeffelholz, James; Berardinelli, James G.; Quinn, Mark T.; Jutila, Mark A.
Several plant extracts, including certain polyphenols, prime innate lymphocytes and enhance responses to secondary stimuli. Oenothein B, a polyphenol isolated from Epilobium angustifolium and other plant sources, enhances IFNÎ³ production by both bovine and human NK cells and T cells, alone and in response to secondary stimulation by cytokines or tumor cells. Innate immune cell responsiveness is known to be affected by aging, but whether polyphenol responses by these cells are also impacted by aging is not known. Therefore, we examined oenothein B responsiveness in T cells from cord blood, young, and adult donors. We found that oenothein B stimulates bovine and human T cells from individuals over a broad range of ages, as measured by increased IL-2RÎ± and CD69 expression. However, clear differences in induction of cytokine production by T cells were seen. In T cells from human cord blood and bovine calves, oenothein B was unable to induce IFNÎ³ production. However, oenothein B induced IFNÎ³ production by T cells from adult humans and cattle. In addition, oenothein B induced GM-CSF production by human adult T cells, but not cord blood T cells. Within the responsive T cell population, we found that CD45RO + memory T cells expressed more cytokines in response to oenothein B than CD45RO âˆ’ T cells. In summary, our data suggest that the immunostimulation of T cells by oenothein B is influenced by age, particularly with respect to immune cytokine production.
Vaginal biogenic amines: biomarkers of bacterial vaginosis or precursors to vaginal dysbiosis?
(2015-09) Nelson, Tiffanie M.; Borgogna, Joanna-Lynn C.; Brotman, Rebecca M.; Ravel, Jacques; Walk, Seth T.; Yeoman, Carl J.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder among reproductive age women. One clinical indicator of BV is a â€œfishyâ€ odor. This odor has been associated with increases in several biogenic amines (BAs) that may serve as important biomarkers. Within the vagina, BA production has been linked to various vaginal taxa, yet their genetic capability to synthesize BAs is unknown. Using a bioinformatics approach, we show that relatively few vaginal taxa are predicted to be capable of producing BAs. Many of these taxa (Dialister, Prevotella, Parvimonas, Megasphaera, Peptostreptococcus, and Veillonella spp.) are more abundant in the vaginal microbial community state type (CST) IV, which is depleted in lactobacilli. Several of the major Lactobacillus species (L. crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri) were identified as possessing gene sequences for proteins predicted to be capable of putrescine production. Finally, we show in a small cross sectional study of 37 women that the BAs putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine are significantly higher in CST IV over CSTs I and III. These data support the hypothesis that BA production is conducted by few vaginal taxa and may be important to the outgrowth of BV-associated (vaginal dysbiosis) vaginal bacteria.
Variable responses of human & non-human primate gut microbiomes to a Western diet
(2015-11) Amato, Katherine R.; Yeoman, Carl J.; Cerda, Gabriela; Schmitt, Christopher A.; Danzy Cramer, Jennifer; Berg Miller, Margret E.; Gomez, Andres; Turner, Trudy R.; Wilson, Brenda A.; Stumpf, Rebecca M.; Nelson, Karen E.; White, Bryan A.; Knight, Rob; Leigh, Steven R.
Background: Brachylophosaurini is a clade of hadrosaurine dinosaurs currently known from the Campanian (Late Cretaceous) of North America. Its members include: Acristavus gagslarsoni, which lacks a nasal crest; Brachylophosaurus canadensis, which possesses a flat paddle-shaped nasal crest projecting posteriorly over the dorsal skull roof; and Maiasaura peeblesorum, which possesses a dorsally-projecting nasofrontal crest. Acristavus, from the lower Two Medicine Formation of Montana (~81–80 Ma), is hypothesized to be the ancestral member of the clade. Brachylophosaurus specimens are from the middle Oldman Formation of Alberta and equivalent beds in the Judith River Formation of Montana; the upper Oldman Formation is dated 77.8 Ma. Methodology/Principal Findings: A new brachylophosaurin hadrosaur, Probrachylophosaurus bergei (gen. et sp. nov.) is described and phylogenetically analyzed based on the skull and postcranium of a large individual from the Judith River Formation of northcentral Montana (79.8–79.5 Ma); the horizon is equivalent to the lower Oldman Formation of Alberta. Cranial morphology of Probrachylophosaurus, most notably the nasal crest, is intermediate between Acristavus and Brachylophosaurus. In Brachylophosaurus, the nasal crest lengthens and flattens ontogenetically, covering the supratemporal fenestrae in large adults. The smaller nasal crest of Probrachylophosaurus is strongly triangular in cross section and only minimally overhangs the supratemporal fenestrae, similar to an ontogenetically earlier stage of Brachylophosaurus. Sutural fusion and tibial osteohistology reveal that the holotype of Probrachylophosaurus was relatively more mature than a similarly large Brachylophosaurus specimen; thus, Probrachylophosaurus is not simply an immature Brachylophosaurus. Conclusions/Significance: The small triangular posteriorly oriented nasal crest of Probrachylophosaurus is proposed to represent a transitional nasal morphology between that of a non-crested ancestor such as Acristavus and the large flat posteriorly oriented nasal crest of adult Brachylophosaurus. Because Probrachylophosaurus is stratigraphically and morphologically intermediate between these taxa, Probrachylophosaurus is hypothesized to be an intermediate member of the Acristavus-Brachylophosaurus evolutionary lineage.
Combined Herbivory by Targeted Sheep Grazing and Biological Control Insects to Suppress Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)
(2016-01) Mosley, Jeffrey C.; Frost, Rachel A.; Roeder, Brent L.; Mosley, Tracy K.; Marks, Gerald
The use of biological control insects is a promising option for suppressing spotted knapweed, a nonindigenous perennial forb that infests more than 3 million hectares of North American rangeland. Efficacy increases when spotted knapweed is attacked by more than one phytophagous insect; however, combined herbivory by biological control insects has not achieved widespread suppression of spotted knapweed in North America. Here we expand the concept of combined herbivory beyond two or more species of biological control insects to include a vertebrate herbivore, specifically targeted grazing by domestic sheep. Our experiment on foothill rangeland in northwestern Montana evaluated spotted knapweed response to three treatments: (1) biological control insects only, (2) biological control insects + targeted sheep grazing applied in late July (spotted knapweed in late bud-early flower stage), and (3) biological control insects + targeted sheep grazing applied in mid-August (spotted knapweed in full-flower stage). We combined targeted sheep grazing with herbivory by three species of biological control insects: knapweed flower weevil, knapweed root weevil, and sulfur knapweed root moth. Treatments were applied during four consecutive years (2009 to 2012). Spotted knapweed fitness was suppressed more where targeted sheep grazing and biological control insects were combined vs. areas treated with biological control insects alone. Combined herbivory was effective when targeted sheep grazing was applied during either late July or mid-August, but July grazing was more effective. Spotted knapweed produced 96 to 99% fewer viable seeds in sheep-grazed areas. After 4 yr of treatment, total spotted knapweed plant density (seedlings, juvenile, and adult plants) was 86% less in July-grazed areas and 61% less in August-grazed areas than in areas treated with biological control insects alone. Combined herbivory by targeted sheep grazing and biological control insects reduced adult plant density and prevented compensatory recruitment of spotted knapweed, but treatment with biological control insects alone did not.
Unraveling the pectinolytic function of Bacteroides xylanisolvens using a RNA-seq approach and mutagenesis
(2016-02) Depres, Jordane; Forano, Evelyne; Lepercq, Pascale; Comtet-Marre, Sophie; Jubelin, Grégory; Yeoman, Carl J.; Berg Miller, Margret E.; Fields, Christopher J.; Terrapon, Nicolas; Le Bourvellec, Carine; Renard, Catherine M.G.C.; Henrissat, Bernard; White, Bryan A.; Mosoni, Pascale
Background: Diet and particularly dietary fibres have an impact on the gut microbiome and play an important role in human health and disease. Pectin is a highly consumed dietary fibre found in fruits and vegetables and is also a widely used additive in the food industry. Yet there is no information on the effect of pectin on the human gut microbiome. Likewise, little is known on gut pectinolytic bacteria and their enzyme systems. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms of pectin degradation by the prominent human gut symbiont Bacteroides xylanisolvens. Results: Transcriptomic analyses of B. xylanisolvens XB1A grown on citrus and apple pectins at mid- and late-log phases highlighted six polysaccharide utilization loci (PUL) that were overexpressed on pectin relative to glucose. The PUL numbers used in this report are those given by Terrapon et al. (Bioinformatics 31(5):647-55, 2015) and found in the PUL database: http://www.cazy.org/PULDB/. Based on their CAZyme composition, we propose that PUL 49 and 50, the most overexpressed PULs on both pectins and at both growth phases, are involved in homogalacturonan (HG) and type I rhamnogalacturonan (RGI) degradation, respectively. PUL 13 and PUL 2 could be involved in the degradation of arabinose-containing side chains and of type II rhamnogalacturonan (RGII), respectively. Considering that HG is the most abundant moiety (>70 %) within pectin, the importance of PUL 49 was further investigated by insertion mutagenesis into the susC-like gene. The insertion blocked transcription of the susC-like and the two downstream genes (susD-like/FnIII). The mutant showed strong growth reduction, thus confirming that PUL 49 plays a major role in pectin degradation. Conclusion: This study shows the existence of six PULs devoted to pectin degradation by B. xylanisolvens, one of them being particularly important in this function. Hence, this species deploys a very complex enzymatic machinery that probably reflects the structural complexity of pectin. Our findings also highlight the metabolic plasticity of B. xylanisolvens towards dietary fibres that contributes to its competitive fitness within the human gut ecosystem. Wider functional and ecological studies are needed to understand how dietary fibers and especially plant cell wall polysaccharides drive the composition and metabolism of the fibrolytic and non-fibrolytic community within the gut microbial ecosystem.