@article{ott_freeman_poore_pickworth_2019, title={11 Impact of weaning strategy on calf performance, behavior, and activity}, volume={97}, ISSN={0021-8812 1525-3163}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz053.027}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz053.027}, 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<p<0.10. Skeletal growth via hip height was not affected by weaning treatment. During the first 28 d after initial weaning, the Abrupt calves lost while the Late weaned calves gained weight (-0.09 and 0.49 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05). Fence were intermediate weight and tended to be different from both treatments (0.02 kg/d; P = 0.09). Overall ADG was not affected (P > 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.}, number={Supplement_1}, journal={Journal of Animal Science}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Ott, Grace C and Freeman, Sharon R and Poore, Matthew H and Pickworth, Carrie L}, year={2019}, month={Jul}, pages={12–13} }
 @article{freeman_poore_shaeffer_2019, title={Enhancing the adoption of stockpiling tall fescue and managed grazing}, volume={3}, ISSN={["2573-2102"]}, DOI={10.1093/tas/txz086}, abstractNote={Abstract
               One of the primary goals of extension is to encourage and support adoption of improved technologies. Managed grazing and stockpiling forage are two such technologies. The goal of this project was to encourage adoption of these practices by providing on-farm demonstrations of the technologies. We also collected forage and soil data and held workshops at each of the demonstration sites. Host producers were selected, given a basic kit of temporary fencing supplies for use during the demonstration, and instructed on their proper use during the winter stockpiling season. Forage yield and quality data were collected and soil tests made to show the economic advantages of proper fertilization and grazing fresh forage in contrast to feeding stored forage and concentrate. The nutritive value of the forage stockpiled in September through November (67% total digestible nutrients [TDN] and 14% crude protein, CP) exceeded the needs of the cattle and was greater than the nutrient content of hay present on the farms (59% TDN and 11% CP, P < 0.01). The mean quantity of available forage (2,856 ± 164 kg dry matter per hectare) provided an average of 260 (±81.8) standard cow (545 kg) grazing days per hectare of stockpiled forage. Taking into account the higher nutritive value of the fresh forage when compared with hay and the savings of time and equipment costs by grazing, we estimated that grazing stockpiled forage saved $1.28 per standard cow per day. The grazing management skills gained during this project and the temporary fencing technology were adopted by 93% of the demonstration farms that responded to our follow-up survey (78% of demonstration sites), and the area managed with these technologies increased on these sites more than 350%. Having the hosts share personal experiences played an important role in encouraging their peers to adopt the technologies.}, number={4}, journal={TRANSLATIONAL ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Freeman, Sharon and Poore, Matthew and Shaeffer, April}, year={2019}, month={Jul}, pages={1099–1105} }
 @article{franzluebbers_poore_freeman_rogers_2019, title={Soil-surface nutrient distributions in grazed pastures of North Carolina}, volume={74}, ISSN={["1941-3300"]}, DOI={10.2489/jswc.74.6.571}, abstractNote={Soil nutrient distribution in perennial pastures is likely affected by livestock activities, but detailed spatial patterns on a diversity of farms have not been widely investigated. Livestock management variables, such as placement of drinking water sources, fencing, and winter hay-feeding stations, as well as pasture utilization through seasonal stocking, could affect nutrient distribution despite attempts at uniform application of fertilizers. We sampled perennial pasture portions of three research station farms in North Carolina on a 40 m grid in 2016. Twenty-two soil variables were measured, including routine soil testing of pH, cation exchange capacity, and extractable phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg), as well as nonroutine testing of sand concentration, total and particulate organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), and soil-test biological activity. Large statistical variations in nearly all variables occurred within a location. Severely deficient and heavily excessive levels of soil-test P and K were observed on the same farm and sometimes on the same paddock. Soil-test biological activity and total soil N also varied spatially within locations. High nutrient concentrations and soil-test biological activity were congregated in zones of several pastures, which could be related to historical winter hay-feeding and permanent drinking water locations. At the Piedmont location with recent winter hay feeding, both organic and inorganic indicators generally corresponded to the same enrichment zones. At the Coastal Plain location with abandonment of some historical feeding locations, soil-test P remained high near feeding stations, but soil-test K and total soil N became more uniformly distributed due to leaching and/or decomposition dynamics over time. We suggest that both organic and inorganic soil testing indicators should be measured to make nutrient recommendations for better resource utilization. Livestock managers are encouraged to sample pastures in expected zones of nutrient differentiation so that nutrients can be used efficiently and environmental threats can be mitigated.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION}, author={Franzluebbers, A. J. and Poore, M. H. and Freeman, S. R. and Rogers, J. R.}, year={2019}, pages={571–583} }
 @article{ott_freeman_poore_pickworth_2018, title={27 Maternal Stress at Weaning Impacts Calf Growth.}, volume={96}, ISSN={0021-8812 1525-3163}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.028}, DOI={10.1093/jas/sky027.028}, number={suppl_1}, journal={Journal of Animal Science}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Ott, G C and Freeman, S R and Poore, M H and Pickworth, C L}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={14–15} }
 @article{freeman_lahti_poore_2018, title={Creating Partnerships with the US Military.}, volume={96}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/sky027.018}, abstractNote={The US Army reached out to NC Cooperative Extension Service (NCCES) for assistance in training soldiers working with indigenous farmers while performing their duties during deployments worldwide. Two, independent training opportunities were developed. Basic Animal Husbandry (BAH) training began in 2011 and has grown from an annual, one-day course to a four-day, biannual training offered to Army Medics from Fort Bragg. It has served over 75 personnel from 2 Battalions and, in one year, included Navy Corpsmen from Camp Lejeune. Training session topics are digestive and reproductive physiology; nutrition; handling common livestock species; biosecurity/zoonosis; cost effective solutions to common health problems; and global perspective on the tie between animal and human health and welfare. The Rural Engagement and Mapping Course (REMC) began in 2015 as a one week agricultural immersion course. Its focus is increasing basic agricultural knowledge through exposure to agriculture, smallholder farms, and farm culture. It provides real-world experience through engaging with farmers and developing solutions to real problems as well as fostering self-awareness and personal development. To date, 106 soldiers from 4 different battalions have completed the training. When NCCES realized there would be ongoing demand for both courses, the desire for feedback from participants to enable ongoing improvement in the courses increased. Trainers began asking soldiers to complete self-assessment evaluations to determine change in knowledge base and to suggest areas in need of change or improvement. Mean before and after scores (Table 1; n = 51 for BAH and 18 for REMC) indicate success. Continued demand for both courses also indicates the Army values the products NCCES has developed. Both trainings are made possible through partnerships. Cooperative Extension partners with local farmers for REMC, while BAH partners NCCES staff from the Animal Science Department and College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. The success of these programs has had global impact and is a testament to the value of partnerships. Table 1. Training results for Civil Affairs Battalions self-assessments 1Scale 0 to 4: 0 = no knowledge, 4 = complete understanding 2Scale 1 to 10: 1 = no knowledge, 10 = complete understanding 3Scale 0 to 15: pre-/post-test scores out of 15; not paired by individual Table 1. Training results for Civil Affairs Battalions self-assessments 1Scale 0 to 4: 0 = no knowledge, 4 = complete understanding 2Scale 1 to 10: 1 = no knowledge, 10 = complete understanding 3Scale 0 to 15: pre-/post-test scores out of 15; not paired by individual}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Freeman, S. R. and Lahti, L. J. and Poore, M.}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={9–10} }
 @article{poore_shaeffer_rogers_freeman_2018, title={Hands-on Workshops Spark Producer Interest in Improving Mineral Programs for Beef Cattle.}, volume={96}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/sky027.007}, abstractNote={Mineral supplements are a key input for grazing beef cattle, and the wide variety of products and management approaches is confusing to producers. To address basic mineral requirements and mineral program management, four Amazing Grazing workshops were conducted across North Carolina with funding support from the NC Cattle Industry Assessment Program. Workshops were conducted in collaboration with county livestock extension agents who managed the meeting facilities and logistics, and provided tires and barrels for mineral feeder construction. A state specialist provided the educational materials and also the hardware and tools needed for mineral feeder construction. The presentations were informal and included 1) the basics of mineral requirements and typical forage mineral composition, 2) how to read and interpret a mineral tag, 3) how to determine a need for added mineral technologies such as “organic or chelated” trace minerals, ionophores, weather proofing, etc, and 4) management strategies including how to choose a good mineral feeder. As a hands-on activity producers worked together to build simple tire and barrel mineral feeders which they took home with them from the workshop. Enough supplies were on hand such that each participating farm could take a mineral feeder home if they wished. At the end of the workshop participants filled out a survey to represent each farm participating. Total workshop attendance was 86 (mean and standard deviation; 22 ± 7) and 57 (14 ± 6) surveys were collected. Workshop participants managed 2690 cows, 971 yearlings, and 4532 acres of pasture. All participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the workshop overall, and said they would recommend the workshop to other producers. A total of 49 mineral feeders were built (12 ± 3), and participants indicated they intended to go home and build an additional 81 feeders. Ninety % of the participants indicated they intended to use the information presented to improve their mineral program. Economic impact was determined by assuming that improving a mineral program would improve net income per animal by $10, and mineral feeders were valued at $150. Total economic impact was $52,499. Of all comments about what participants liked most about the workshop, “the hands-on activity” was most common. This program has been adapted for local use by a number of extension agents, and an accompanying YouTube video and set of plans for constructing these mineral feeders have been valuable outreach tools.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Poore, M. H. and Shaeffer, A. D. and Rogers, J. R. and Freeman, S. R.}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={4–4} }
 @article{monn_shea_mayberry_freeman_poole_poore_2018, title={Implementing Shade and Slick Hair Phenotypes Improves Heifer Performance}, volume={96}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/sky027.150}, abstractNote={Studies have shown that proper regulation of body temperature is essential for optimum productivity in cattle. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if the shade provided by silvopasture or incorporation of the slick hair phenotype improves beef heifer performance. Senepol cross beef heifers (n=12) were blocked by hair coat phenotype, either slick or normal, and randomly assigned to graze shaded or non-shaded pastures from May through October. During this grazing period, BCS, hair coat scores (HCS), hair shedding scores (HSS) and fly counts were recorded every 2 wk. Additionally, heifers were weighed at the beginning and end of the grazing period to determine ADG. On d 112 of the grazing period, iButton® temperature data loggers were attached to CIDR-blanks to record vaginal body temperature every 15 min for 14 d. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with repeated measures examined for effects of hair coat phenotype, pasture (shaded or non-shaded) and time on ADG, HSS, HCS, fly count, and body temperature. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05. HCS, but not HSS, were greater in the normal hair phenotype heifers compared to heifers with the slick phenotype. Incorporation of shade lowered HCS of normal hair coat heifers, but not heifers with the slick hair phenotype (P < 0.05). Heifers with the slick hair phenotype in non-shaded pastures had decreased HSS compared to heifers with the normal hair phenotype (P < 0.05). A greater ADG was observed in heifers with the slick phenotype compared to normal hair phenotype (0.46 and 0.36 Kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05) as well as those cattle that were permitted shade compared to those without shade (0.48 and 0.33 Kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05). Fly counts were greatest in normal haired cattle (101.5 ± 27.6) in non-shaded pastures compared to the other animal groups (62.1,64.9, and 51.2 for slick in non-shaded, normal and slick in shaded pastures, respectively; P < 0.05). Heifers grazing in non-shaded pastures displayed a greater body temperature compared to those cattle permitted access to shade (P < 0.05). The combination of greater body temperatures, fly counts, HCS and HSS during the grazing period negatively impacted the growth performance of heifers in non-shaded pastures with the normal hair phenotype compared to the other animal groups.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Monn, R. E. and Shea, T. P. and Mayberry, K. and Freeman, S. R. and Poole, D. H. and Poore, M. H.}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={79–80} }
 @article{rogers_poore_shaeffer_freeman_2018, title={On-farm workshops improve producers understanding of winter forage management strategies.}, volume={96}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/sky027.019}, abstractNote={In 2017 a series of 4 on-farm workshops were held across North Carolina to address winter forage management strategies. Two workshops were held in the Piedmont region where tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) is the dominant forage. Topics included extending the grazing season, improving soil health, frost-seeding clover, improving soil nutrient distribution and introducing warm season grasses. Two additional workshops were held in the Coastal Plain region where bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is the most prevalent forage. Those sessions focused on over-seeding Bermudagrass pastures with winter annuals, renovating winter feeding areas, improving soil nutrient distribution and livestock mineral supplementation. Workshops were held on farms participating in USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant #693A75-14–251 which is focused on improving soil health in pasture-based livestock farms. Total workshop registration was 153 with 120 evaluations completed. Participants were 73% male and 27% female with 51% being under the age of 50. The total number of pasture hectares grazed by participants was 3726 with 1682 ha as hay. Livestock inventories for attendees were 5289 beef cattle, 505 sheep, 359 goats and 62 horses. Post-workshop responses from the Piedmont workshops indicated that 100% of attendees had increased understanding of using stockpiling, frost seeding clover and warm season grasses in fescue systems. Ninety-seven percent of participants indicated a better understanding of how annual forages can be used to extend the grazing season and soil nutrient distribution. Similar responses were reported from the Coastal Plain workshops with 100% of attendees having increased understanding of establishing winter annuals into Bermudagrass, winter feeding area renovation and mineral supplementation. Ninety-six percent of attendees had an improved understanding of how grazing management can impact soil nutrient distribution. Participants completed an evaluation at the conclusion of each workshop (n = 120) where they indicated their satisfaction with (scale of 1 = not satisfied to 4 = very satisfied, mean ± SD): instructors’ knowledge (3.85 ± 0.35), workshop environment/format (3.85 ± 0.37), and overall quality (3.85 ± 0.35). One hundred percent of the attendees indicated that this workshop met their expectations and they would recommend it to others. Continued workshop participation indicates the demand for hands-on education in these areas and that the on-farm format is an effective teaching environment.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Rogers, J. R. and Poore, M. and Shaeffer, A. D. and Freeman, S. R.}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={10–10} }
 @article{sullivan_freeman_van heugten_ange-van heugten_wolfe_poore_2012, title={Impact of two types of complete pelleted, wild ungulate feeds and two pelleted feed to hay ratios on the development of urolithogenic compounds in meat goats as a model for giraffes}, volume={97}, ISSN={0931-2439}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2012.01297.x}, DOI={10.1111/j.1439-0396.2012.01297.x}, abstractNote={SummaryUrolith formation has been documented in giraffes and goats. As research in giraffes poses logistical challenges, 16 buck goats were used as a model. The impact of two commercially available, pelleted feeds used for giraffes, ADF‐16 and Wild Herbivore (WH), as well as the impact of alfalfa hay and pellet proportions (20% hay:80% pellets, 80P or 80% hay:20% pellet, 20P) on the formation of urolithogenic precursors in goat urine was accomplished in a 2 × 2 factorial balance study. Complete diets contained 0.60, 0.32, 0.35 and 0.26% phosphorus (P) with calcium:P ratios of 1.60, 4.16, 3.06 and 5.23, for 80P‐ADF‐16, 20P‐ADF‐16, 80P‐WH and 20P‐WH respectively. Total faeces and urine were collected over two 5‐day periods to assess N and mineral balance. Fresh urine samples were collected and evaluated microscopically for urolithic crystal content. Urinary nitrogen (N) was lower and N retention was higher in goats fed 80P diets (p < 0.05). Intake of P was greatest for goats fed 80P‐ADF‐16; however, urinary P excretion and P retention were not affected by treatment. Crystal scores were higher in animals receiving 80P diets (p = 0.08), with crystals being composed predominantly of calcium phosphate. Urine pH was alkaline (>8) for all treatments. Urinary P concentration, a risk factor for urolithiasis, was highest (p ≤ 0.06) in the 80P‐ADF‐16 treatment (0.38 vs. 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 mg/dl for 20P‐ADF‐16, 80P‐WH and 20P‐WH respectively), reflecting its highest dietary P level. Further investigation is recommended to determine the long‐term effects of these diets on urolithogenic compound formation.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Sullivan, K. and Freeman, S. and van Heugten, E. and Ange-van Heugten, K. and Wolfe, B. and Poore, M. H.}, year={2012}, month={Apr}, pages={566–576} }
 @article{freeman_poore_young_anderson_2010, title={Influence of calcium (0.6 or 1.2%) and phosphorus (0.3 or 0.6%) content and ratio on the formation of urolithogenic compounds in the urine of Boer-cross goats fed high-concentrate diets}, volume={93}, ISSN={["0921-4488"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.smallrumres.2010.05.007}, abstractNote={The population of meat goats in the U.S. increased dramatically between 2002 and 2007. With this increase has come an increase in the number of cases of obstructive urolithiasis being seen by veterinarians. Since this condition is often associated with imbalances in dietary Ca and P, the goal of this project was to investigate the influence of concentration and ratio of Ca and P in diets for meat goats on the formation of urolithogenic precursors. Using 8 Boer-cross, wether goats in replicated Latin squares, 4 diets containing either 0.3 or 0.6% P, 0.6 or 1.2% Ca, 0 or 2% added salt, and Ca:P ratios of 1:1 or 2:1 were offered (0.3% P, 2:1; 0.6% P, 1:1; 0.6% P, 2:1; and 0.6% P, 2:1 + salt). Serum, urine, and feces were collected in conjunction with water and feed intake measurements. All treatment groups had similar dry matter intakes (DMI; 838–887 g/d, P = 0.19) and N retention rates (6.2–7.0 g/d, P = 0.54). Water consumption per unit DMI was similar for goats eating both Ca:P = 2:1 diets without 2% added salt (2.06 g/g DMI and 1.89 g/g DMI for 0.6% P and 0.3% P, respectively). Water consumption was also similar for goats receiving the Ca:P = 1:1 (2.50 g water/g DMI) and 2% added salt diet (2.79 g water/g DMI); and, these levels were higher than those for the lower salt, 2:1 diets (P = 0.0002). Serum Ca, PO4, Mg, K, Na, Cl, HCO3, and anion gap all fell within normal ranges throughout the trial, as did serum urea N and glucose. Fecal DM was 10% lower in goats consuming 0.6% P, 1:1 than when other diets were offered (32% vs. 42%, P < 0.0001), possibly the result of changes in Na and water absorption in the gastrointestinal tract caused by high P and Ca:P imbalance. Goats consuming the 0.3% P, 2:1 diet had similar urinary crystal density scores (2.47 out of 3) to goats receiving the 0.6% P, 1:1 diet with Ca:P = 0.81 (2.31 out of 3). The 0.6% P, 2:1 diets without and with 2% added salt also had similar, but lower crystal density scores (1.50 for 0.6% P, 2:1 and 1.06 for 0.6% P, 2:1 + salt; P = .002). Goats with high crystal density scores had higher urinary P, Mg, or both. Our results suggested that the formation of urolithogenic compounds is highly complex and is the result of an interrelationship between multiple minerals in the diet, not only Ca and P. Mineral concentrations may interact with mineral imbalance to impact overall mineral and water absorption from the intestines. We also demonstrated that urolithogenic precursor crystals may easily be observed using light microscopy and suggested that the crystal precursors may provide a useful predictor of which goats may be prone to developing clinical urolithiasis.}, number={2-3}, journal={SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH}, author={Freeman, S. R. and Poore, M. H. and Young, G. A. and Anderson, K. L.}, year={2010}, month={Oct}, pages={94–102} }
 @article{freeman_poore_middleton_ferket_2009, title={Alternative methods for disposal of spent laying hens: Evaluation of the efficacy of grinding, mechanical deboning, and of keratinase in the rendering process}, volume={100}, ISSN={["0960-8524"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.biortech.2009.01.077}, abstractNote={Besides the challenges of mortality and litter disposal, the poultry industry must find economical means of disposing of laying hens that have outlived their productive lives. Because spent hens have low market value and disposing of them by composting and burial is often infeasible, finding alternative disposal methods that are environmentally secure is prudent. The feasibility of grinding or mechanically deboning spent hens with and without prior mechanical picking was evaluated for the production of various proteinaceous by-product meals. The end products were analyzed for nutrient content and found to be high in protein (35.3–91.9% CP) and, with the exception of the feathers, high in fat (24.1–58.3%), making them potentially valuable protein and energy sources. After considering physical and economic feasibility, mechanical deboning was determined to be a logical first step for the conversion of spent hens into value-added by-product meals. Because the hard tissue fraction (primarily feathers, bones, and connective tissue) generated by mechanically deboning the hens presents the greatest challenge to their utilization as feedstuffs, attention was focused on technologies that could potentially improve the nutritional value of the hard tissue for use as a ruminant protein source. Traditional hydrolysis of this hard tissue fraction improved its pepsin digestibility from 74% to 85%; however, subsequent keratinase enzyme treatment for 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, or 20 h after steam hydrolysis failed to improve the pepsin or amino acid digestibility any further (P > 0.10). Enzyme hydrolysis did, however, increase the quantities of the more soluble protein fractions (A: 45.5, 46.6, 52.8, 51.6, and 55.8% of CP; B1: 3.2, 9.8, 6.0, 4.6, and 4.1% of CP; B2: 11.7, 18.1, 22.8, 29.6, and 22.0% of CP for 0, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 20 h, respectively) and reduced quantities of the less soluble fractions (B3: 30.2, 18.1, 10.8, 5.5, and 10.2% of CP; C: 9.4, 7.5, 7.6, 8.8, and 7.9% of CP for 0, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 20 h, respectively). The protein digestibility of the steam hydrolyzed hard tissue fraction from the mechanical deboning of spent hens was found to be comparable to the digestibility of feather meal, but post-hydrolysis keratinase treatment did not improve feeding value for ruminants.}, number={19}, journal={BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY}, author={Freeman, S. R. and Poore, M. H. and Middleton, T. F. and Ferket, P. R.}, year={2009}, month={Oct}, pages={4515–4520} }
 @article{freeman_poore_huntington_middleton_ferket_2009, title={Determination of nitrogen balance in goats fed a meal produced from hydrolyzed spent hen hard tissues}, volume={87}, ISSN={["0021-8812"]}, DOI={10.2527/jas.2008-1077}, abstractNote={To provide an economically viable and environmentally sound method for disposing of spent laying hens, we manufactured a proteinaceous meal from the hard tissue fraction of mechanically deboned laying hens (primarily feathers, bones, and connective tissue). We hydrolyzed the hard tissue and coextruded it with soybean hulls to create a novel feather and bone meal (FBM) containing 94.2% DM, 23.1% CP, 54.5% NDF, and 7.3% fat (DM basis). We evaluated the FBM in supplements for meat goats in which it provided 0, 20, 40, or 60% of the N added to the supplement compared with a negative control supplement with no added N source. The remainder of the N was contributed by soybean meal (SBM). Supplementation of N resulted in greater DMI than the negative control (P = 0.005), and DMI changed quadratically (P = 0.11) as FBM increased in the supplement. Digestibility of DM was similar in all diets, including the negative control (P > 0.10). Fiber digestibility increased linearly as dietary inclusion of FBM increased (P = 0.04 for NDF, P = 0.05 for ADF), probably as a result of the soybean hulls in the FBM. Nitrogen digestibility declined linearly from 60.5% with 0% FBM to 55.6% with 60% FBM (P = 0.07), but N retention changed by a quadratic function as FBM replaced SBM (P = 0.06). Negative control goats had less N digestibility (P < 0.001) and N retention (P = 0.008) than N-supplemented goats. Feather and bone meal had a greater proportion of ruminally undegradable B(3) protein than SBM (23.1 vs. 0.3% of CP, respectively). Ruminal VFA and pH were unaffected by replacing SBM with FBM, but supplying no source of N in the concentrate resulted in reduced total VFA in ruminal fluid (P = 0.04). Ruminal ammonia concentration increased quadratically (P = 0.07) as FBM increased, reflecting increased intake, and it was much less in unsupplemented goats (P < 0.001). Serum urea had less variation between 0 and 4 h after feeding in goats receiving 40 or 60% of added N as FBM in comparison with those receiving only SBM or 20% FBM. Feather and bone meal promoted a more stable rumen environment, possibly because of reduced rates of protein degradation within the rumen. A palatable by-product meal for ruminants can be made from spent laying hen hard tissue, one that supports N metabolism similar to that of traditional protein sources.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Freeman, S. R. and Poore, M. H. and Huntington, G. B. and Middleton, T. F. and Ferket, P. R.}, year={2009}, month={Mar}, pages={1068–1076} }
 @article{freeman_poore_huntington_middleton_2008, title={Evaluation of secondary protein nutrients as a substitute for soybean meal in diets for beef steers and meat goats}, volume={86}, ISSN={["0021-8812"]}, DOI={10.2527/jas.2006-0698}, abstractNote={Finding appropriate disposal techniques for waste products is one of many challenges facing the poultry-processing industry. One waste generated in significant quantities is dissolved air floatation sludge, a product of wastewater treatment. Converting dissolved air floatation sludge into a dry feed product (meal) for incorporation into livestock feed appears to be a viable solution. This meal, called secondary protein nutrients (SPN), is high in protein (45% CP), fat (28% crude fat), and minerals. The protein consists of 85% B(2) and B(3) fractions, which are moderately to slowly degradable in the rumen, and therefore may potentially escape ruminal degradation and be available for digestion in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The goal of this research was to evaluate SPN as an alternative to traditional protein sources for ruminants by substituting it on an equivalent N basis for soybean meal in cattle and meat goat diets (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% for cattle; 0, 20, and 40% for goats). When included in corn silage-based steer diets, increasing SPN resulted in linear and quadratic declines in both DMI and ADG (P < 0.001). Dry matter intake diminished with inclusion rates above 50%, and ADG were reduced after inclusion of SPN reached 25% of added N. Feed efficiency (the reciprocal of the efficiency of gain, which is represented by G:F) declined linearly (P < 0.001) with each incremental increase in SPN. Addition of up to 40% added N as SPN in goat diets caused no change in DMI, digestibility of DM or fiber, or N retention. Ruminal VFA concentrations showed little variation in either species. Increasing the proportion of SPN in the feed caused linear declines in ruminal NH(3) in steers (P < 0.001). Increasing SPN in goat diets, however, resulted in only a trend toward reductions of this parameter (P = 0.14). The decreases observed may have resulted from decreasing ruminal protein degradability or increasing fat caused by increasing the proportion of SPN in the feed. Urinary urea N as a percentage of urinary N showed significant declines in cattle, but not in goats, over the ranges of SPN offered. These results indicate that SPN can be included in diets for ruminants to supply up to 40% of supplemental N with little negative impact on animal performance.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Freeman, S. R. and Poore, M. H. and Huntington, G. B. and Middleton, T. F.}, year={2008}, month={Jan}, pages={146–158} }