@article{freeman_poore_pickworth_alley_2021, title={Influence of weaning strategy on behavior, humoral indicators of stress, growth, and carcass characteristics}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2573-2102"]}, DOI={10.1093/tas/txaa231}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Weaning is one of the most stressful events a calf experiences in our current beef production system. Its effects may include reduced feed intake, increased activity, slower growth, and increased susceptibility to disease. This study was designed to evaluate weaning after a 7-d placement of nose flaps at 7 mo (N, n = 40) and delaying weaning by 49 d relative to 7-mo weaning (D, n = 39) as alternatives to the industry standard; abrupt weaning at 7 mo of age (A, n = 39). The 4-yr trial utilized Angus and Angus X Senepol steer calves. Calves were randomly assigned to weaning strategy after being stratified by dam parity (heifer/cow), hair coat phenotype (normal/slick), and body weight. Behavioral observations were made on five steers per strategy group per year over the weeks surrounding weaning. Activity levels were determined by accelerometers worn on neck collars. Blood samples were obtained from the observed cattle during the last 2 yr to determine haptoglobin and cortisol concentration. Once weaned, the steers were followed through finishing and carcass characteristics obtained at harvest. Twelve of 38 steers in the N group had sores in their nostrils from the nose flaps when the flaps were removed at weaning of A/N (237 ± 3 d of age). The A and D calves were more active than N calves in the first 2 to 3 d after weaning but settled down to similar activity levels to N by the day 4. The A and D groups were more vocal than N during the same time frame. Cortisol and haptoglobin remained within normal reference ranges. Average daily body weight gain (ADG) was greater for D than A, who in turn had greater ADG than N during the first 42 d after A and N calves were weaned (0.69, 0.54, and 0.37 kg/d for D, A, and N, respectively; P < 0.01). All treatment groups graded Low Choice at harvest and exhibited similar efficiency of gain during growth and finishing (P > 0.2). Based on ADG during the 42 d after weaning, we recommend delaying weaning when available pasture and cow body condition support this strategy. When conditions do not permit delayed weaning, abrupt weaning may be the next viable option based on animal welfare concerns and increased handling to place and remove the flaps. Nose flaps reduced vocalization at weaning but resulted in less postweaning ADG. Based on our data, we suggest that abrupt weaning under the conditions of this study, is less stressful than we perceive it to be, based on calf behavior.}, number={1}, journal={Translational Animal Science}, author={Freeman, S. and Poore, M. and Pickworth, C. and Alley, M.}, year={2021}, month={Jan}, pages={txaa231} }
 @article{franzluebbers_poore_freeman_rogers_2021, title={Soil nutrient distribution on cattle farms in three physiographic regions of North Carolina}, volume={113}, ISSN={["1435-0645"]}, DOI={10.1002/agj2.20508}, abstractNote={AbstractBeef cattle production systems are sometimes considered a source of nutrient enrichment due to alteration of botanical composition and excretion of nutrients in isolated zones of pastures. However, research on environmental effects from livestock grazing in the eastern United States has been scant. We conducted an intensive soil sampling campaign on six private farms in three physiographic regions of North Carolina to determine the impacts of landscape features, pasture management, and animal behavior on a suite of soil nutrients. Total and particulate organic C and soil‐test biological activity (STBA) increased with increasing elevation due to edaphic and climate factors. Within farms, fields with different management illustrated that: (a) swine and poultry manure application can favorably enrich soil with infrequent application, but lead to excessive soil‐test P and K with repeated application; (b) positive impacts on total and particulate organic C and STBA occur with grazed perennial forages compared with annual forages and previous cropping; and (c) enrichment of total and particulate organic C and STBA occurs with winter hay feeding, but excessive nutrient accumulation can occur if fed in the same location repeatedly. Aggregated enrichment of soil organic C, STBA, and soil‐test P and K occurred on 30% of fields near drinking water tanks, shade sources, gates, and hay feeding stations. Improved grazing management with rotational stocking and more year‐round grazing helped to minimize occurrence and magnitude of nutrient enrichment zones. We conclude that improved grazing management systems can have positive impacts on the environment, and likely on farm livelihoods.}, number={1}, journal={AGRONOMY JOURNAL}, author={Franzluebbers, Alan J. and Poore, Matt H. and Freeman, Sharon R. and Rogers, Johnny R.}, year={2021}, month={Jan}, pages={590–609} }
 @article{ott_freeman_poore_pickworth_2019, title={Impact of weaning strategy on calf performance, behavior, and activity.}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz053.152}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Weaning is known to be the most stressful time in a beef calf’s post-natal life. Weaning stress may have long-term impacts on cattle performance. This study was conducted to determine differences in calf stress under three weaning strategies. Two hundred twenty-nine Angus or Angus-Simmental cross pairs at two locations were assigned to one of three weaning treatments: abrupt removal of the calf on d 0 (Abrupt, n = 77), fenceline contact for 7 d prior to removal of the calf on d 7 (Fence, n = 79), and abrupt removal of the calf on d 84 (Late, n = 73). Behavioral observations were conducted pre- and post-weaning, and total activity was measured prior to and after weaning using accelerometers placed on collars on five calves per treatment. Calf weights, hip heights, and body condition scores (BCS) were collected to evaluate calf performance post-weaning. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05 0.10) by timing or strategy of weaning. Total activity was greater (P < 0.05) in Abrupt than Fence on d 1 and d 2 post-wean (Abrupt 26772 and 22346 and Fence 22235 and 16691 relative activity units/hour, respectively). Calf activity was elevated (P < 0.05) on day of weaning until d 2 post-wean then returned to pre-wean level by d 3 for all treatments. Short-term differences in calf performance warrant further exploration of the possible long-term effects on heifer development and steer feedlot performance.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Ott, Grace C. and Freeman, Sharon R. and Poore, Matthew H. and Pickworth, Carrie L.}, year={2019}, month={Jul}, pages={67–68} }
 @article{kellogg_booth_oliver_2014, title={A social network perspective on peer supported learning in MOOCs for educators}, volume={15}, number={5}, journal={International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning}, author={Kellogg, S. and Booth, S. and Oliver, K.}, year={2014}, pages={263–289} }