Yearling rough-stock bulls (n = 38) were utilized in a randomized complete block design to evaluate dietary hempseed meal (HSM) inclusion on growth (ADG), intake (DMI), and efficiency (F:G). Bulls were blocked by body weight (BW), grouped into 10 pens (n = 3–4 bulls/pen), and randomly assigned to an HSM or control supplement treatment (CON; 72.5% cottonseed meal, 14.5% soy hulls, 13% fat). Treatments were offered at 10%, while 90% was fed as a mixed ration [50% Bermuda grass hay, 40% textured commercial feed (10% CP)]. Diet samples were dried and DMI was calculated. F:G was evaluated using DMI and ADG. Blood for plasma analysis and BW were obtained on sample days, prior to feed delivery. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS version 9.4. The results were considered significant when p ≤ 0.050. There was no treatment × time interaction, or treatment effect for interim BW, ADG, or F:G (p ≥ 0.100). A treatment × time interaction occurred for DMI (p < 0.01), and BW (p = 0.01) increased in all bulls over time, while ADG decreased (p = 0.005), suggesting that interim live performance was not affected by HSM. Plasma urea nitrogen increased over time (p < 0.001) in all bulls, with greater concentrations observed in HSM bulls (p = 0.043).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of breed, lactation number, and lameness on lying time, milk yield, milk urea nitrogen concentration (MUN), progesterone concentration (P₄), and the calving-to-conception interval (CCI) of lactating dairy cows in Central Texas. A total of 84 lactating dairy cows (Holsteins, Jerseys, and crossbreeds) from a commercial dairy farm in Central Texas were randomly selected and enrolled in this study from October 2023 to February 2024. Cows (60 ± 7 DIM) were enrolled in cohorts weekly for five weeks and were randomly fitted with an IceQube pedometer (IceRobotics, Edinburgh, UK) to track lying time. Lameness and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded, and blood samples were collected once a week. Parameters of reproductive performance included insemination rate, conception rate, pregnancy rate, and the CCI. Monthly dairy herd improvement association (DHIA) testing included milk yield and MUN concentrations. Breed and lactation number had a significant effect on milk yield, MUN concentration, lying time, BCS, and lameness (p < 0.001). Lactation number had a significant effect on P₄ concentrations (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between lameness and milk yield (p = 0.014) and a negative correlation between lameness and MUN concentrations (p = 0.038).

Microbiomes have become an increasingly important field of study in the past decade, with data supporting microbial roles in disease control, metabolic efficiency, and more. Microbial DNA is detectable outside the digestive tract, including in blood. Bloodborne pathogens such as hemotrophic Mycoplasma are endemic in cattle. Hemoplasmas are associated with reduced male fertility and decreased milk production in dairy cattle, but their impact on beef cattle remains unclear. Strain variability, such as between the Massachusetts and INFAP01 strains of Mycoplasma wenyonii, may complicate detection. Coinfection with multiple species likely contributes to disease progression from latent to acute infection. To assess microbial DNA in blood and quantify erythrocytic M. wenyonii, blood was collected from 120 beef cattle in Erath County, Texas: 61 cows, 55 calves, and 4 bulls. DNA was extracted and used to prepare 16S rRNA V4 libraries and perform PCR. After rarefaction, ASVs were analyzed and separated into four groups: adult females (n = 61), adult males (n = 4), juvenile males (n = 27), and juvenile females (n = 28). Statistical analysis revealed differences in Actinobacteria by sex (p < 0.001) and higher Bartonella and Mycoplasma abundances in adults (p < 0.001). PCR revealed that M. wenyonii infection was more frequent in adult females (p = 0.006), suggesting age-related variation in infection.

An estimated USD 5.59 billion is spent on dog treats annually; yet little is known about the purchasing decisions of dog owners. The study objective was to conduct consumer research on a novel treat in comparison to three commercially available products. Participants (n = 70) were recruited from a Texas university campus. Respondents were shown four different treat products individually, without packaging, and asked to rate attributes such as aroma and texture, recording choices via an electronic survey. Packaging of the treat products was then shown and respondents were asked to rate marketing attributes such as ingredients and packaging type. Treat attribute likeness scores differed across brands for aroma, texture, and overall appearance (p < 0.001), with the novel product having the lowest overall average score (p < 0.05). All treat attributes were correlated with owner-predicted dog likeness (p < 0.001). Package type and all marketing attributes differed between products; the novel product had the lowest likeness scores in both categories (p < 0.05). Overall packaging appearance was correlated with respondents’ willingness to pay for a product (p < 0.001). A general linear model predicted a dollar value increase of USD 1.31 for every one unit increase in overall appearance likeness score. Respondents were willing to pay the least for the novel product when compared to all other products. Purchase intent was different across brands and was lowest for the novel product (p < 0.001); purchase intent correlated with all marketing attributes but not brand (p < 0.001). Both treat characteristics and marketing attributes may affect consumer’s purchase intent while simultaneously influencing the price they are willing to pay. Novel products may be less preferred by consumers, especially if compared against established commercial products.