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Maintaining Population Persistence In The Face Of An Extremely Altered Hydrograph: Implications For Three Sensitive Fishes In A Tributary Of The Green River, Utah, Jared L. Bottcher

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The ability of an organism to disperse to suitable habitats, especially in modified and fragmented systems, determines individual fitness and overall population viability. The bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus), flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), and roundtail chub (Gila robusta) are three species native to the upper Colorado River Basin that now occupy only 50% of their historic range. Despite these distributional declines, populations of all three species are present in the San Rafael River, a highly regulated tributary of the Green River, Utah, providing an opportunity for research. Our goal was to determine the timing and …

Isolation And Characterization Of Different Aggregates Of Lipid From Bovine Milk, Ankur Jhanwar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Bovine milk fat globules naturally vary from less than 0.2 µm to 15 µm in diameter. Milk has at least two distinct distributions of fat globules. While the majority (~90%) of globules in milk are of the smaller distribution (average diameter of 0.4 µm), virtually all the fat is carried in the larger globules (average diameter 3.5 µm). This distribution suggests some compositional and/or functional significance might exist between the two populations of fat globules, which may be related to origin of these globules in the lactating cell.

Milk fat globules have a unique structure, composed of a core droplet …

Greater Sage-Grouse Ecology, Chick Survival, And Population Dynamics, Parker Mountain, Utah, David K. Dahlgren

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

We estimated survival of ~ 1-day-old chicks to 42 days based on radio-marked individuals for the Parker Mountain greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) population. Chick survival was relatively high (low estimate of 0.41 and high estimate of 0.50) compared to other studies. Brood-mixing occurred for 21 % of radio-marked chicks, and within 43 % of radio-marked broods. Our study showed that brood-mixing may be an important ecological strategy for sage-grouse, because chicks that brood-mixed experienced higher survival. Additionally, modeling of chick survival suggested that arthropod abundance is important during the early brood-rearing period (1 - 21 days). We also …

Design And Evaluation Of Oligonucleotide Microarrays For The Detection Of Bovine Pathogens, Ryan Weldon Black

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two microarray designs were developed and produced to screen for multiple bovine pathogens commonly found in the cattle industry today. The first microarray was designed, built, and processed in-house using conventional material and equipment and targeted Pasteurella multocida, Manheimia haemolytica, Histophilus somni, and Arcanobacterium pyogenes. For each pathogen, 12 perfect-match oligonucleotide probes, which were also designed in-house, targeted different sections of the respective 16S ribosomal genes, and were coupled with 12 corresponding mismatched probes for background. These arrays were able to produce distinct hybridization patterns for each pathogen that were easily visible without the need for …

Effects On Hatchability Due To Pre-Incubation Warming Of End Of Lay Broiler Breeder Eggs, William Andrew Greenwald

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Diet And Behavior Of Ferruginous Hawks Nesting In Two Grasslands In New Mexico With Differing Anthropogenic Alteration, William Hanlon Keeley

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

I analyzed regurgitated pellets, prey remains, and video recordings to describe Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) diet in two grasslands in New Mexico, USA, the Estancia Valley and the Plains of San Agustin, that differed in anthropogenic alteration. Video monitoring revealed Ferruginous Hawks provisioned nestlings with more biomass than pellet analysis estimates from the same nests. Three mammalian prey species, Botta’s pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae), Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), and desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii)contributed similar proportions to Ferruginous Hawk diet in percent biomass while Botta's pocket gopher dominated diet in percent frequency. …

Sentient Beings, Betsey Macdonald

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Twenty-two oil paintings focusing on the beauty and energy of animals and their suffering and death through slaughter. Includes artist's statement and bibliography.

Evaluación Y Elaboración De Paté A Base De Hígado De Búfalo, Angela Yanneth Galeano Orjuela

Zootecnia

El objetivo propuesto en este trabajo de grado consistió en el desarrollo de un subproducto para la industria cárnica: el paté de hígado de búfalo. La justificación se sustenta en el hecho de analizar la importancia de los productos derivados en la producción agropecuaria, como factores generadores de valor agregado para la explotación empresarial de esta especie considerada como no tradicional. Para tal efecto, el desarrollo metodológico de la investigación se ajusto a los parámetros comprendidos en la norma ICONTEC 1325. A continuación realizare una breve descripción de las etapas superadas para la obtención del producto final: Estudio microbiológico, efectuando …

Influences Of Supplementing A Mannan Oligosaccharide Containing Product To Pig Diets On Sow And Weanling Pig Performance, I-Fen Hung

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the effect of supplying mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) to pig diets on both weanling pig and sow performances.

Nursery pigs challenged with LPS to stimulate an immune challenge had increased body temperature and respiratory rate as well as elevated serum cortisol and TNF-α concentration, MOS-supplemented pigs had a lower rectal temperature and respiratory rate which implied that MOS improves some aspect of the immune function of piglets.

MOS supplementation in sow diets during late gestation and lactation had no effect on litter size, but the piglets from MOS-fed sows were heavier at birth …

Evaluation Of Dietary Alterations That Have Potential To Affect Feed Intake And Feed Preference In Swine, James Seth Monegue

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Feed intake is a key factor affecting pig performance; thus, the objective of these studies was to assess a variety of factors that could potentially affect intake in pigs in different production stages. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of flavor and diet complexity, Appetein™ (an alternative protein source), and graded levels of salt on swine feed intake and feed preference. Two newly developed flavors were used in nursery pig diets. The use of the two flavors did not increase feed intake (P > 0.05). Nursery pigs actually showed a preference for the control diet. Complex diet formulation does increase …

Revision Of The Ant Genus Procryptocerus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Cephalotini), Francisco Serna

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Ants of the genus Procryptocerus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are characterized by the protrusion of the clypeus forming a broad nasus and antennal scrobes over the eyes. The toruli are located directly posterior to the flanks of the nasus opposite to each other. The vertex is deflexed in most species. I present an in-group comparison of the external morphology focusing on the workers. I also present a general morphology for gynes and males. I analize previously mentioned characters as well as new ones, and clarify their character states in different species. For the metasoma I propose a new system of ant metasomal …

The Occurrence Of Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis In Salamander Populations Of West Virginia, Casey John Bartkus

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), otherwise known as the amphibian chytrid fungus, is a pathogen that causes the amphibian disease, chytridiomycosis. While Bd has been found in amphibian populations in other states across the country, little is known of its occurrence in West Virginia. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is highly associated with amphibians in montane habitats. Because West Virginia has the highest mean elevation of any state east of the Mississippi River, amphibians in the state may be at high risk of an outbreak. The goal of this study was to determine the status of Bd in salamander species of concern in West Virginia. …

The Natural History Of Cave-Associated Populations Of Eurycea L. Longicauda With Notes On Sympatric Amphibian Species, Kevin Wayne Saunders

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to collect data on the natural history of the Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea l. longicauda) in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. The objectives of this research included characterization of epigean and hypogean habitat for this species, recording distances moved by individuals in populations associated with caves, and collection of data on courtship, oviposition, and larval development. The primary study site was Carter Caves State Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky. This area was visited from October 2007 to December 2008. Salamanders were photographed for identification based on unique pattern aberrancies and distances were measured between the …

Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasite Infection In Symptomatic And Asymptomatic Dogs In Southwestern West Virginia: The Potential Impact On Human Health, Tashina Marie Savilla

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Most dog owners are unaware of asymptomatic infection and of the possibility of contracting zoonotic parasites from their dogs. We hypothesized that parasite infection is: associated with one or more symptoms; independent of gender and age; and independent of anthelmintic usage. Stool samples were collected from 231 dogs in Kanawha County, West Virginia, and were examined by simple fecal flotation. Parasitic prevalence was found to be 23% for Ancylostoma caninum, 8% for Trichuris vulpis, 7% for Toxocara canis, 4% for Isospora species, and 32.5% overall. There was no significant relationship between infection and gender, nor between infection and symptom for …

Demographics, Activity, And Habitat Selection Of The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene C. Carolina) In West Virginia, Justin Adam Weiss

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Little is known about the eastern box turtle, Terrapene c. carolina, in West Virginia. The purpose of this study was to compare demographic data between two populations of box turtles, to determine which environmental parameter(s) influence activity patterns, and to describe the optimal habitat of the box turtles at two study sites (Lake and State Park) at Beech Fork Wildlife Management Area. I observed male-skewed sex ratios and low numbers of juveniles in both populations. Male turtles were larger than females in carapace length, but females were larger in carapace height. Turtles at the Lake site exhibited greater body mass …

Distribution And Status Of The Northern Leopard Frog, Rana Pipiens, In West Virginia, Amanda Nicole Spriggs

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens, is listed as a species of concern by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Because this species is uncommon in West Virginia, information is needed to understand its distribution and conservation needs. I surveyed 14 historic R. pipiens locations and 70 Wildlife Management Areas throughout West Virginia beginning in March 2008. Rana pipiens was found in four locations; Greenbottom Wildlife Management Area was confirmed through both auditory and visual surveys and the rest were confirmed through visual observations. Besides Greenbottom Wildlife Management Area, all other sites were confirmed by the presence of a …

A Study Of The Morphology Of Tatenectes Laramiensis, A Cryptocleidoid Plesiosaur From The Sundance Formation (Wyoming, Usa), Hallie P. Street

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Tatenectes laramiensis is a cryptocleidoid plesiosaur from the Late Jurassic Sundance Formation. This study primarily concerns a partial skeleton comprised of dorsal vertebrae, ribs, gastralia, and pelvic girdle. Even though the skeleton is incomplete, it is hypothesized that the preserved fossils are sufficient to indicate the overall body shape and also the preferred habitat of Tatenectes. Possibly the most notable of the novel characters is the pachyostotic state of the gastralia. In relation to the ribs and overall size of Tatenectes, in comparison to the gastralia in related taxa, these gastralia are disproportionately robust. The combination of these morphologies suggests …

A Reconnaissance Of The Intersex Condition In Micropterus Dolomieu Of The Upper Ohio River Basin As An Indicator Of Anthropogenic Endocrine Disruptors, Christopher Barry

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The intersex condition has been used as a marker of endocrine disruption in West Virginia. Fifty-two male smallmouth bass from 6 basins on the upper Ohio River were examined for the presence and severity of intersex. Vitellogenin (VTG) RNA levels were quantified as marker of estrogenic contaminants. A significant increase in intersex (p=0.02), ranging from 83.3% to 100%, corresponds with higher population densities and agricultural land (p=0.003). At reference sites, smallmouth bass had intersex frequencies of 16.7% to 33.3%. Vitellogenin results were significantly lower (p< 0.001) at impacted sites, consistent with previously reported results in female fish. VTG levels in males were not significantly different. Increased intersex occurrence in males and lowered VTG expression in females have shown that agricultural chemicals and common residential wastewater constituents are likely targets for exploring the relationship between individual EDCs and intersex. There may be a natural background level of the intersex condition.

Distribution Of Woodland Salamanders Of The Valley And Ridge In West Virginia, H. Reid Downer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Two terrestrial woodland salamanders of the genus Plethodon, P. punctatus and P. virginia, are endemic to the Valley and Ridge Physiographic Province in West Virginia and Virginia and occupy limited geographic ranges. Two common and widespread species, P. cylindraceus and P. cinereus, also inhabit this region. To evaluate the distribution and habitat of these terrestrial salamanders I surveyed wooded ridges and slopes throughout the geographic range of the two endemic species by conducting daytime cover object searches and nocturnal visual encounter surveys. From March through November 2008, I recorded the presence of 321 woodland salamanders at 91 sites. I used …

Revision Of The Ant Genus Crematogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) In North America, Cynthia Ellen Morgan

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The natural history of thirty-eight species of the genus Crematogaster in North America has been discussed and distribution of specimens mapped. A dichotomous key to the workers of these species has been developed. I hypothesized that the species richness is not as great as previously thought in North America. A taxonomic review of these species has been made with the following changes:

Crematogaster cerasi Fitch 1855 senior synonym of C. browni Buren1968.

C. coarctata Mayr 1870 senior synonym of C. californica Emery 1895, C. mormonum

Emery 1895 and C. colei Buren1968.

C. depilis Wheeler 1919 senior synonym of C. larreae …

Efecto De La Utilización De Aceites Esenciales De Orégano En La Dieta De Pollos De Engorde Sobre El Crecimiento Alométrico Del Tracto Gastrointestinal, Glándulas Anexas Y Parámetros Productivos, Alba Milena Hernández Gutiérrez

Zootecnia

Este trabajo se realizó con el fin de evaluar el efecto de la utilización de aceite esencial de orégano en la dieta de pollos de engorde, sobre el crecimiento alométrico en el tracto gastrointestinal y glándulas anexas. El estudio se llevó a cabo en las instalaciones avícolas del centro de investigación CORPOICATibaitatá. Para la realización de este proyecto se trabajó con 360 pollos de engorde de la línea Hybro, se distribuyeron en seis tratamientos con cinco replicas y doce animales por replica, en un diseño completamente al azar y en un ciclo comercial. Se evaluaron seis dietas experimentales tres de …

Efectos Del Glifosato Sobre La Ganancia De Peso Y El Crecimiento En Alevinos De Yamú, Brycon Amazonicus, Giovanny Alejandro Ardila Guevara

Zootecnia

Con el fin de evaluar el efecto nocivo del glifosato Roundup®, fueron empleados 200 alevinos de yamú, Brycon amazonicus, con un peso corporal 11,5±3,57 gr y longitud de 9,41±1,11 cm. Se realizaron dos fases experimentales. En la primera los individuos fueron expuestos a 5 concentraciones de glifosato, así: 0.0 (control), 15, 20, 25 y 28 mg/l durante 96 horas, para determinar la concentración letal 50 CL50, la segunda fase se llevo a cabo a partir de la CL50,de glifosato obtenida en la primera fase, con el fin de determinar la variación en los parámetros de crecimiento, ganancia de peso y …

The Effect Of Zinc On L-Leucine Transport In Lobster Intestine, Anna Lynn Mullins

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The current study is a characterization of L-leucine absorption across the American lobster intestine in order to determine the likelihood of a bis-complex formation with zinc ([Leu]-Zn-[Leu]) as a possible substrate for PEPT1. This study required isolated lobster intestines to be mounted in a perfusion chamber in order to quantify 3H-L-leucine transport. It was hypothesized that an apical dipeptide transporter, PEPT1, was responsible for uptake of L-leucine via formation of a bis-complex with zinc ([Leu]-Zn-[Leu]) in the form of molecular mimicry, where the bis-complex mimics the normal dipeptide substrate of the proposed carrier system. It was found that L-leucine transport …

Mud And Mucus: Feeding Selectivity In A Suspension-Feeding Detritivorous Fish, Marie Louise Lammons

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Prey Utilization And Energy Demand Of A Breeding Peregrine Falcon (Falco Peregrinus) Population, Elizabeth Claire Long

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Previous Experience Shapes Mate Preferences Of Female Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia Guttata), Kelly Caroline Minton

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Molecular Systematics And Phylogeography Of The Genus Richardsonius, Derek Dee Houston

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The complex geological and climatic events that significantly altered the landscape throughout the Cenozoic Era impacted the diversification of many North American taxa, including freshwater fishes. Here, I employ an array of phylogenetic analyses using a multiple gene tree approach to address several questions regarding the phylogenetic relationships of the North American cyprinid genus Richardsonius and two other closely related genera, Clinostomus and Iotichthys. I also use divergence time estimates generated using fossil calibrations to qualitatively assess the phylogeographic implications of evolution within and among these three genera. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences show a sister relationship between Iotichthys and …

Zoometric Measures In Llamas (Lama Glama) Of Rural Families In The T'Olar And Pajonal Natural Grazing Fields Of The Municipality Santiago De Machaca - Department Of La Paz, Eloy Tuco Cano

Theses and Dissertations

Llamas have provided, and continue to provide, fiber, meat, skins, fertilizer and transport for the Andean people. In addition, they are part of the traditional and religious culture of the Aymara and the Quechua. Both are currently unaware of the productive qualities of llamas, especially those related to meat production, which is the principle product responsible for generating greater income for farmers. For this reason, 554 llamas were evaluated from a total of 3,693 in 2005. The llamas came from T’olar and Pajonal grasslands in the Santiago de Machaca region of La Paz, Bolivia and represented males and females from …

Digestibilidad Aparente Y Tiempo De Pasaje Con Óxido De Cromo Cr2o3 Como Marcador En Un Grupo De Titi Gris Saguinus Leucopus En Cautiverio, Mónica Adriana Vega Varela

Zootecnia

El manejo nutricional de especies silvestres en su mayoría, carece de estudios científicos que permitan determinar si la formulación de las dietas y las estrategias de alimentación son las adecuadas. Muy pocos estudios se han emprendido para definir los requerimientos nutricionales de callitrichidos, la aplicación de criterios en cuanto a requerimientos nutricionales se han extrapolado de los requisitos de los nutrientes en los primates no humanos. El propósito de este trabajo de investigación fue la utilización de oxido de cromo como marcador nutricional en la determinación de digestibilidad y tiempo de pasaje con el fin de evaluar y comparar las …

Comparación De Cuatro Sistemas De Alimentación De Jaguar Pantera Onca En Cautiverio, Ivan Mauricio Perilla Morales

Zootecnia

Uno de los aspectos clave para el óptimo mantenimiento de animales silvestres en cautiverio es la adecuada alimentación por medio de productos en buen estado y con la calidad requerida. Por esta razón se hace necesaria la evaluación y comparación de los sistemas de alimentación de diferentes zoológicos que permita establecer y desarrollar mejoras en los mismos y en consecuencia se proporcionen a los animales alimentos de la mejor calidad. El objetivo del trabajo fue comparar cuatro sistemas de alimentación de jaguar (Pantera onca) en cautiverio. El trabajo se llevó a cabo en el Zoológico fundación Santacruz, Zoológico Parque Jaime …