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Potentials Of Pleurotus: Reimagining The Relationship Between Cattle And Brewer's Spent Grain, Zoe Stojkovic

Senior Projects Spring 2023

Brewer’s spent grains (BSGs), a byproduct from beer production, are generated in excess globally. Most often, they are sold or given to proximate cattle farmers for use as feed. However, spent grain can also be used as a medium for fungal cultivation. Given that certain fungal species have the capability to degrade lignin and produce protein, the cultivation of fungi on spent grains may serve to enhance the nutritional profile of the grains for their use as cattle feed. This project is an effort to determine the compatibility of fungal cultivation with BSGs in order to both improve upon cattle …

Optimal Stocker Production Strategies For Spring And Fall Calving Cow Herds, Cora Beth Key

Masters Theses

This thesis consists of two chapters discussing the economics of raising stocker beef cattle in the southeast United States. The objective of the first chapter is to estimate supplemental feed cost for spring-calving cows, spring-born stockers, cows calving in the fall, and fall-born stockers, while considering the seasonality of forage production and nutritional needs. The chapter explores ways producers can lower their feed costs and demonstrates the importance of managing hay expenses for cattle producers to control cost. The objective of chapter two is to determine the profit-maximizing stocker period in an integrated cow-calf and stocker operation with both fall- …

Taking The Bull By The Horns: Gender Analysis In A Cattle Project In Indonesia, Febrina Prameswari

International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE)

Women play a crucial role in agriculture, especially in cattle farming. However, gender inequality in livestock production remains a critical issue, as women usually have less engagement with livestock production, less control over finances, and less access to markets. The IndoBeef program in Indonesia was one of the first livestock projects to incorporate gender-specific activities in its implementation. The project used women-only focus groups, utilizing the Women’s Empowerment in Livestock Index (WELI) combined with farm production data to address women’s needs in the cattle industry. I conducted a gender analysis of one of IndoBeef’s subsidiary projects, CropCow. The project did …

Optimising The Carcass Merit Of Irish Beef Cattle Using Genetic And Non-Genetic Information At The Animal And Herd Level, David Kenny

Theses

Failure of beef carcasses to achieve desirable carcass specifications represent inefficiencies within the supply chain, namely greater carcass processing costs and the inability of the resulting primal cuts to conform to high-value market specifications. Analysis of a representative sample of prime Irish beef cattle conducted in this thesis determined that 59% of cattle fail to achieve the desired carcass specifications of the supply chain at slaughter. The objective of this thesis was to use readily available information to define strategies that could help to reduce this statistic. Firstly, the likelihood of Irish beef carcasses achieving the desired carcass specifications was …

Cattle Producer Motivations And Willingness To Participate In Industry Animal Welfare Program Verification, Chase Decoite

Master's Theses

As consumers have become increasingly interested in where their food comes from and how it is grown, the cattle and beef industry is without exception. Many consumers are beginning to question traditional animal husbandry practices and on-farm animal welfare protocol. It is essential that the food system meets new demands and understands consumer views. In order to address these concerns, the industry has rallied around the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program to set the standard for cattle welfare and beef quality, with the explicit goal of improving consumer confidence. The goal of this research is to determine if cattle producers …

The Surveillance Of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Nematodes Of Northwest Arkansas Dairy Cattle Using Traditional And Genetic Parasitological Identification Procedures, Eva M. Wray

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Traditional and genetic parasitological identification procedures were compared using naturaland artificial nematode parasite infections in Holstein steer calves. The traditional parasitological procedures measured fecal egg counts, coprocultures with subsequent larval collection and adult nematodes collected at necropsy. The genetic identification procedures measured ITS-2 sequences extracted from different stages of nematode development: raw feces, concentrated nematode eggs, third stage larvae and adults. The primary nematodes observed were Cooperia oncophora, Cooperia punctata and Ostertagia ostertagi. The traditional techniques were not significantly different from one another, while the genetic sequencing showed variation amongst the different procedures. The raw feces sequences showed the most …

From Fields To Factories: The Industrialization Of The United States’ Cattle Industry, Joseph Petersen

History | Senior Theses

This paper will look at the changes of the United States of America's cattle and beef industry from the 19th into the 21st century. It will also show how the industry has evolved into its current state and predict the changes to come. This paper will be evaluating how technology and equipment have changed the traditional farming and ranch lifestyles. While also breaking down the economies from pre-industrial times into modern day. This paper will also explore the effect that technology, equipment, ranching styles, labor and financial changes had on the cattle and beef industry. Finally, this paper will prove …

Relationships Among Beef Cow Productivity Traits And Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In The Bovine Heat Shock Protein 70 Gene, Ashley Finney

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

When eukaryotes are exposed to stressors such as heat, toxins, and low oxygen levels, heat shock proteins (HSPs) are synthesized to maintain normal cellular function within the body. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene have been associated with calving percentage, and Julian calving date in spring-calving crossbred Brahman cows (Rosenkrans, et al., 2010). Our objective was to determine associations between previously identified polymorphisms in the promoter region and coding sequence of the bovine Hsp70 gene and beef cow efficiency. We evaluated productivity traits, including Julian calving date and calving rates, of fall-calving cows at each …

Can Solvent-Or Mechanically-Extracted Carinata Meal Be Used As An Effective Source Of Supplemental Protein To Cows Fed Poor Quality Forages?, Emily Jacklyn Rosenthal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Brassica carinata is an oilseed crop that requires a relatively short growing season and produces high crop yields. It is a great source for aviation biofuel, however it produces a large amount of waste that may be used as a protein supplement for cattle. We tested the effects of solvent- or mechanically-extracted carinata meal as a protein supplement to ad libitum ground or long-stem corn residue (i.e., corn plant left over from grain harvest) had on cow performance and digestibility. Fifty-six non-pregnant cows in 8 pens had ad libitum access to either long-stem or ground corn residue in addition to …

Cost Benefit Analysis Of Genetic Markers In Cattle, Josh Crystal

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

Genetic sequencing in beef cattle (L. Bos Taurus) is expected to aid producers select cattle with traits that enhance profitability. Using data from experimental trials conducted with Angus, Brahman, and their reciprocal cross, this project analyzes the profitability of grazing endophyte infected tall Fescue (L. Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) vs. Bermuda grass (L. Cynodon dactylon) pasture. The study is unique in the sense that actual cow-calf breeding failure rates (open cows were not culled) were tracked from 1991 to 1997 on herds that were bred to calf in spring and either exposed to fungal endophyte (L.Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones …

Factors Affecting Feedlots' Decisions On Cattle Marketing Options: A National Study, Charlotte Owusu-Smart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the economic implication of changing slaughter volume patterns across the cash and contract markets in the US cattle industry. Weekly time series data that spans from November 2002 to December 2015 was used in the analysis. Empirical evidence suggests that Mandatory Price Reporting (MPR) played an important role in changing slaughter volumes across the cash and contract markets. Additionally, price of feeder cattle, cattle quality characteristics (Choice-Select spread and the percentage of animals grading choice or better) among others influence feedlots’ decision to use a particular marketing arrangement.

Willingness To Adopt Best Management Practices By Beef Cattle Producers In A Southeastern Tennessee Watershed, Alicia Marie Signore

Masters Theses

Extensive beef cattle farming in the ridge and valley region of East Tennessee suggests that cattle producers could play an important role in improving water quality through the adoption of livestock best management practices (BMPs). This study examines factors influencing willingness to adopt four BMPs—rotational grazing, pasture improvement, stream water crossing, and water tank systems—by beef cattle operations in a southeast Tennessee watershed. Factors examined include farm and farmer characteristics, farmer attitudes, and a hypothetical incentive program encouraging adoption of these practices. Data was collected through a mail survey of 5,150 farmland owners in McMinn, Bradley, and Monroe Counties. Respondents …

Producers Willingness To Adopt A Prescribed Grazing System East Of The 100th Meridian, Caroline Elizabeth Holt

Masters Theses

With the climate change concerns facing the United States, the contributions of the beef industry to greenhouse gasses are difficult to overlook. The agriculture industry is estimated to be the largest producer of methane emissions in the United States, and within agriculture, livestock are the largest contributor with cattle producing 73 percent of the methane emissions from all livestock (Johnson and Johnson 1995).

This thesis focuses on factors influencing beef cattle producers’ east of the 100th meridian interest in adopting prescribed grazing; including how a government cost share system could enhance adoption. Information was obtained for the study through a …

The Impact Of Selected Forage Legumes On Cattle Performance, Forage Production, And Soil Quality, And Evaluation Of Legume Persistence Under Grazing, Bradley Edward Briggs

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Interest in substituting legumes for N fertilizer in beef cattle grazing systems has recently increased with rising fertilizer prices. Legumes are well known for their ability to fix atmospheric N and decrease dependence on input of N fertilizer. However, there are still difficulties associated with legume utilization including establishment and persistence. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate legume performance under herbivory. The objective of Experiment 1 was to compare forage production and beef cattle gains from annual ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum (L.)] and bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pastures fertilized with N or overseeded with legumes. Gelbvieh × Angus …

Economic And Environmental Effects Of Switchgrass Production On A Representative Cow-Calf Farm In Middle Tennessee, Hanna Leah Watts

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the economic tradeoffs and land use dynamics of incorporating switchgrass into the farm plan of a representative middle Tennessee cow-calf operation. A net revenue simulation and multi-year mathematical programming model was used to find the optimum mix of switchgrass and cow-calf enterprises that will maximize whole farm net revenues over 30 years on a representative middle Tennessee beef farm under both average and above average management. Land use changes predicted by the mathematical programming model were used to assess the carbon change associated with incorporating, or transitioning to, switchgrass production.

For a …

Effects Of Adipogenic Compounds On Growth Performance, Hormonal Status And Fat Deposition Of Finishing Beef Steers, Susanna Elizabeth Kitts

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Processes that regulate site of fat deposition in beef cattle are poorly understood. For the producer to procure the greatest profit, it is ideal to maximize intramuscular fat. Furthermore, to understand the physiological mechanisms affecting fat depots, it is necessary to evaluate hormones involved in growth regulation. Using a 2 x 2 factorial design of treatments, four experiments were conducted to examine two adipogenic compounds, chlortetracycline and dexamethasone. Synovex-S® and Revalor-S® were used to investigate potential interactions between growth implants and adipogenic compound. Growth performance, carcass quality, organ and fat mass and plasma hormone concentrations were measured in these studies. …

Study Of Livestock Production Levels In Three Communities Near The City Of Riobamba, Raul Rolando Nuñez Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

This study was done by administering household surveys to 50% of the families in the three communities. Families were selected through stratified random sampling. This allowed us to determine how much families are exploiting species that have a significant level of production as well as whether they use them for a commercial activity or subsistence. With regard to cows, 60.40 ± 4.72% of families use them. Each family has an average of 1.68 ± 0.21 cows. Productive cows make up 36.9% of the above percentage, which is a majority. The measured rate of production was 6.48 ± 0.25 L/cow/day. Overall, …

The Effect Of Seasonal Cattle Grazing On California Bighorn Sheep Habitat Use, Melanie J. Steinkamp

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effect of seasonal cattle grazing on a newly reintroduced population of California bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Idaho, was studied. The hypothesis that bighorn sheep avoid cattle was tested. The issue of avoidance between bighorn sheep and livestock is arguable. Some studies have found that bighorn sheep avoid cattle while others have found no response of bighorn sheep to cattle.

Evidence was found to document the avoidance of cattle by bighorn sheep. The size of the bighorn's home range and core area decreased with the movement of cattle into areas of high bighorn …

Locoweed Poisoning In Cattle: An Overview Of The Economic Problems Associated With Grazing These Ranges, John E. Barnard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Locoweed poisoning, caused by ingestion of certain species of Astragalous and Oxytropis, has had serious economic impacts through a loss of productivity in livestock. This study has attempted to evaluate losses suffered by livestockmen grazing their cattle on areas infested with locoweed species. The results indicate a serious economic impact on these individuals.

Personal interviews were carried out with five cattle ranchers faced with typical locoweed problems. These beef cattle operations were located in Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. All of these producers described similar problems and losses due to locoweed poisoning. Information obtained from these interviews was used …

An Analysis Of The Competitive Position Of Cattle Finishing In Utah And Selected Western States, 1969, Stephen L. Olsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utah's cattle feeding industry was described by using both secondary and primary data. The primary data were collected through use of a personal interview survey.

Primary data were also collected in Idaho, while secondary data were used for Arizona, California and Colorado.

Intrastate analysis of feeding costs showed definite cost savings were achieved in all states through economies of size.

Interstate analysis of feeding costs showed Utah's larger capacity feedlots to be very competitive with larger capacity lots in other states.

1968 prices for both slaughter and feeder cattle were computed for each state. Prices in Utah were slightly lower …

Cost Of Reclaiming Pinyon-Juniper Rangeland And Its Effect On Cattle Ranch Income, John William Adams

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

There was a period during the early history of Utah when grasses in some areas grew so tall that it hid grazing cattle and sheep from view. However, mismanagement caused this to change and depleted grassland was invaded by noxious weeds, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper. This deterioration of choice grassland to less desirable range cover was aided by the attitude of stockmen that pasture was available on a first come first serve basis. As a result of such an attitude and the unsatisfactory condition of ranges, the era of free, uncontrolled use of grazing lands came to a close with the …

The Relationship Of Citrus By-Products To The Cattle Industry In Florida, Roland Lloyd Dewing

Graduate Student Research Papers

For many years Florida has led the United States in citrus production and since 1946 has been the source of great quantities of citrus wastes as a result of the production of frozen citrus concentrates. Conversion of these wastes into feed for the rapidly growing cattle industry has provided an effective and profitable way to dispose of these wastes. Since Florida does not produce large amounts of grain or other feed concentrates, the development of citrus feeds has been fortunate both for the citrus and cattle industries in the state. The situation is so fortunate that authoritative sources have maintained …

Income Adjustments From Fee And Permit Changes On Utah Cattle Ranches Using Public Ranges Yearlong, C. Kerry Gee

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Within the boundaries of Utah are approximately 52.7 million acres of land. About 41 million acres are rangeland, of which 73 percent is federally owned and 5 percent state owned (6).¹ The portion owned by the Federal government is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service. Most of this land is either arid or mountainous and has been used mainly for grazing in the past. IT has other uses, however, such as mining, forestry, recreation, and watersheds. Due to recent increases in population, personal income, shorter work weeks, and improved transportation facilities, these alternatives …

Motor Truck Transportation Of Cattle In Utah, Loren H. Grover

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The beef cattle industry in Utah is of major importance in the economy of the state. In terms of cash receipts it is the largest single agricultural enterprise. In 1957 cash receipts from the sale of cattle and calves amounted to $38,405,000. This figure represents approximately 70 percent of cash receipts from the sale of all meat animals. It comprises 33 percent of cash receipts from the sale of livestock and livestock products and 24 percent of total cash receipts from farm marketings (2).

The production of beef animals will continue to assume a position of importance in Utah's agriculture, …

Marketing Aspects Of Cattle Finishing Operations Major Cattle Finishing Areas Of Utah, 1951-52, Robert L. Fulton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

On January 1, 1952, 50,000 head of cattle were on feed for slaughter in the state of Utah (6). This was an increase over previous years. The average number of cattle on feed for slaughter January 1st during the 1948-52 period was 45,000 head. This number was 30 percent larger than the average number on feed during the 1943-47 period. As shown in figure 1, the number of cattle on feed has fluctuated from year to year. The years with the least number of cattle on feed were those in the early thirties during the depression and drought. Since 1936 …