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Studies Of Michigan Lycosidae, Robert John Wolff

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Distribution Of Fishes In The Little Tennessee River System, James Mckee Winfield Jr.

Masters Theses

This paper is the product of a study of the ichthyofaunal distribution within the Little Tennessee River. This system is a major tributary to the Tennessee River.

A total of 212 collections are included in this paper. Of this total, 67 were made by the author. The remainder of the collections were made by various agencies and individuals. Of the total number of collections made by the author, approximately half were done using diving gear and employing sight identification. The remaining collections were accomplished with the aid of seines.

Included in this paper is a list of the species of …

Effect Of Altitude On The Peripheral Degradation Of Thyroxine In The Uinta Ground Squirrel (Citellus Armatus), Stuart K. Ware

Theses and Dissertations

Various methods were employed to detect changes in the peripheral degradation of thyroxine (T4) in adult Uinta ground squirrels (Citellus armatus) collected at two different altitudes (5400 and 9000 feet.) Plasma half-life of injected T4-125I (tl/2) was significantly decreased with altitude, as was T4-125I distribution space (TDS) and T4 degradation and secretion rate (TSR). In vitro deiodination of T4-125I by heart homogenates was not affected, while urinary excretion of thyroxine derived iodide was increased at high altitude 44-70 hours post-injection. Both total and free serum T4 concentrations were reduced at high altitude, although not significantly. The cause of the reduced …

Potential Diets For Carp Production, Rex Carlton Infanger

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of raising carp on pig manure and coli, Brassica campestris. The use of pig feces as a source of fish food has been questioned by researchers (Hickling 1968). Coli was selected for dietary intake by fish since it is used for human consumption by the Indians of Guatemala. Commercial fish food (Silver Cup) was used for a control diet. These diets were both combined and used as a single source of food.

Spatial And Temporal Partitioning Between Sympatric Rodents: Zapus And Peromyscus, Emma Bernice Speer

Theses and Dissertations

Partitioning space and time by seemingly sympatric rodents, Zapus princeps and Peromyscus maniculatus, were examined as possible mechanisms allowing coexistence. The two populations were studied in Central Utah with an electrically monitored grid. Spatial separation of individuals and the populations minimized confrontations and created local allopatric distribtuions. Temporal partitioning was not used as a mechanism to allow coexistence and was apparently independent of spatial partitioning. The Peromyscus population was composed primarily of males which may have been due to less favorable habitat and/or presence of Zapus. The data show that Peromyscus tend to avoid Zapus, possibly due to deleterious aggressive …

Population Characterization And Feeding Behavior Of A Subtidal Neogastropod, Amphissa Columbiana, Bruce C. Stone

Theses and Dissertations

The neogastropod Amphissa columbiana is found abundantly in subtidal areas of the San Juan Archipelago. Two populations studied were composed of distinct age classes of sexually immature and mature specimens. Reproduction appears to take place in the fall by snails at least two years old. Amphissa is a chemoreceptive scavenger that usually feeds on carrion and on dead and injured animals. Feeding behavior is mediated by chemical attractants from dead and traumatized tissue. An unusual feeding association is formed where Amphissa congregate around feeding predators to share their meals. A specific defense mechanism is deployed by Amphissa especially in response …

A Comparative Study Of A Salt Water Impoundment With Its Adjacent Tidal Creek Pertinent To Culture Of Crassostrea Virginica (Gmelin), William D. Anderson Iii

OES Theses and Dissertations

Certain physical, chemical and biological characteristics associated with the culture of subtidal Crassostrea virginica were assessed in a salt water impoundment and its adjacent tidal feeder creek. Large seed oysters (initial y = 57.3 mm) were transferred from a somewhat polluted estuary of Charleston Harbor to floating, mid-water, and bottom hardware cloth trays (200/tray) in a four hectare pond. Identical trays at comparable depths were placed in the tidal creek and each location was sampled monthly for growth and survival. Surface and bottom water samples were collected weekly throughout the study and hourly during four seasonal 25 hour stations. Standard …

The Snowy Egret (Egretta Thula Brewsteri) A Life History Study At Utah Lake With Comments On The Subspecies Status, Gerald Leigh Gunnell

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to augment the limited information available regarding the Snowy Egret in the Utah Lake area of Utah. Field observations included the following: nesting habits; egg and clutch sizes; sexual, defense, and feeding behaviors. Analysis was made of the distinguishing subspecies characteristics (culmen, tarsus, and wing length) of the Snowy Egrets and of the distribution of the birds. Field observations showed that growth measurements of the young varied from 16.75 g at hatching to 260.58 g after 17 days. Culmen and tarsus measurements were 15.41 mm and 14.12 mm to 53.18 mm and 62.18 mm, respectively, after …

Defense Mechanism And Feeding Behavior Of Pteraster Tesselatus Ives (Echinodermata, Asteroidea), James Milton Nance

Theses and Dissertations

Pteraster tesselatus is noted for its external secretion of massive amounts of mucus. The mucus repels most animals, and fouls their respiratory physiology, if contact is maintained for any length of time. It provides protection essentially 100% of the time from Solaster dawsoni and Pycnopodia helianthoides, the only local stars that attempt to feed on Pteraster. The mucus, which is a simple mucopolysaccride, is produced in three different types of unicellular glands located in the epidermal tissues along the supradorsal membrane. Pores along the lateral walls of the ambulacral grooves provide fresh sea water for the dermal branchiae contained in …

Physiological Iron Deficiency Anemia In Suckling Beagle Pups, Timothy F. Porter

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Female Sex Hormones And Dietary Magnesium Levels In Sheep, Kenny S. Marbury

Masters Theses

The major objectives of this study were to evaluate (a) the effects of diet on magnesium, calcium and potassium metabolism in yearling wethers and (b) the effects of progesterone, estradiol and diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the metabolism of the minerals.

A two by two factorial design was selected whereby twelve yearling crossbred wether lambs were divided into four groups of three. One group was fed a basal diet plus magnesium along with hormones, one group was fed a basal diet plus magnesium without hormones, one group was fed a magnesium-deficient diet along with hormones, and one group was fed a magnesium-deficient …

Nutritional Efficiency Of Angus Cow-Calf Units, Dennis Owen Onks

Doctoral Dissertations

Angus cow-calf pairs were individually fed over a five-year period. Data from 62 mature cows and 114 calves were obtained. Cows varied in initial weight and production potential. Cows were fed grass silage, ad libitum, throughout gestation and lactation. Calves were fed a complete finishing and growing ration post weaning. Efficiency of cow-calf units was defined as the ratio of the yearly TDN intake of the cow plus the pre-and post weaning TDN intake of the calves. Second-order polynomials were fitted through the biweekly efficiency ratios for individual calves and solved to determine the most efficient point. This efficiency was …

Comparison Of Methods Of Selection To Increase Yearling Weight Of Beef Cattle And Assessment Of Influence Of Sire Differences On Estimates Of Repeatability Of Cow Productivity, Thomas Bruce Turner

Doctoral Dissertations

The objectives of this study were: (1) to make a theoretical comparison of progress expected by selecting for a single trait with progress expected by selection based on an index including two traits and (2) to compare estimates of repeatability of cow productivity when the effect of sire is removed from the data and when it is not.

Data were collected over a period of seven years from 581 bull calves and 552 heifer calves from the purebred Angus herd at The University of Tennessee Plateau Experiment Station, Crossville.

Variables recorded at weaning (approximately seven and one-half months of age) …

Evaluation Of Anhydrous Ammonia As A Control Of Northern Pocket Gophers Thomomys Talpoides On Rangelands In The Wasatch Mountain, Utah, Marc C. Wride

Theses and Dissertations

Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) was tested as a potential replacement for residual, non specific toxicants as an effective control agent. It was postulated that NH3 would effectively control northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) and also act as a fertilizer for rangeland vegetation. Compound 1080 was selected as a standard for comparison of gopher control efficiency. Over 700 burrow systems were treated or monitored. Results showed compound 1080 to be 81 percent and NH3 45 percent efficient in controlling gophers. Although fertilizing effects of NH3 were positive, the low control efficiency and high application costs make NH3 an unlikely replacement for the …

Endoparasites Of Cats In Two Central Utah Communities, Thomas W. Sawyer

Theses and Dissertations

A survey of the endoparasites of 100 stray cats in central Utah was conducted. Each cat was euthanized, and the entire alimentary tract, gall bladder, bile duct, heart, respiratory and excretory systems were excised and examined for endoparasites. Fecal samples were examined by a sugar flotation technique. Parasites identified and number of cats infected were: Isospora felis 5; I. rivolta, 4; Dipylidium caninum, 1; Hydatigera taeniaformis, 10; Toxocara mystax, 43; and Physaloptera sp., 2. One ectoparasite, Cheyletiella parasitivorax, was identified in the feces of 4 cats. Dipylidium caninum and T. mystax are known to cause accidental infection in humans and …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Antibiotic Treatment At A Prebreeding Estrus On Subsequent Reproductive Efficiency, Kenneth C. Lamar

Masters Theses

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a douche with an antibiotic formula to improve reproductive efficiency in dairy cows.

A total of 102 cows was utilized in the experiment. The 81 Holstein cows were divided into four groups. These groups were untreated cows which had normal post-calving recuperation (N-C), treated cows with had normal post-calving recuperation (N-T), untreated cows which had experienced post-calving complications (M-C), and treated cows which had experienced post-calving complications (M-T). The 20 Jersey cows were divided into treated and untreated groups (N-T and N-C). The treatment consisted of a nitrofurozone-neomycin mixture in a …

Comparison Of Wild And Hatchery Brook Trout In Spruce Flats Branch, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, W. Douglas Harned

Masters Theses

The brook trout of Great Smoky Mountains National Park at one time were found to inhabit many mountain streams down to an elevation of approximately 610 meters (2,000 ft.). The range of the species has since decreased at an alarmingly rapid rate in most drainages since the early part of this century. Reasons for the disappearance of the only salmonoid native to the southern Appalachians appears to be a combination of factors. Among them, improper logging practices and the widespread introduction of the rainbow and brown trout are probably the most detrimental. The purpose of this study was to evaluate …

The Chromosome Constitutions Of A Hybrid Salmonid And Its Parental Types: Salmo Gairdneri And Salmo Clarki, Peter Bruce Valentine Jacky

Dissertations and Theses

A study was undertaken to investigate the application of tissue culture and histochemical banding techniques normally used in mammalian studies to fish cells and to examine the mechanisms of chromosome evolution and speciation in salmonids by comparing the chromosomes of the hybrid to those of the parental types. The application of banding techniques was generally unsuccessful in revealing bands, though quinacrine staining did reveal the presence of two fluorescent spots in the vicinity of the centromere. These were thought to be heterochromatic blocks, possibly related to the high incidence of centric fusion or fission in salmonids. Results of chromosome analysis …

Breeding Biology And Pesticide-Pcb Contamination Of Western Grebe At Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Mark L. Lindvall

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The breeding biology of western grebe was studied at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah in 1973 and 1974. More than 300 nests were located and data gathered on nesting habitat and success. Western grebe at Bear River selected nest sites for nearness to open water of approximately 30 em in depth. At least one young was hatching in 21 percent of the nests. Avian predation and abandonment of nests following drops in water levels caused the greatest loss of nests. Chlorinated hydrocarbons monitored in western grebes showed DDE, DDD, PCB, 1260, and PCB 1254 levels in 24 breast muscle …

The Horse Population Of Utah And Its Impact, Scott Stewart Mckendrick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

PART I

The horse numbers of Utah had not been accurately counted since the early 1960's. It was estimated that horse and pony numbers were reaching heights as recorded before the age of tractors and automobiles. Horsemen in Utah were asking for financial assistance for public horse facilities from the Utah legislature. The first part of this study was to survey the horse population to determine an accurate count of Utah horses.

PART II

In order to be satisfied that the horse industry deserved the spending of public funds, it was necessary to know the economic contribution of the horse …

A Computer Approach To Performing Mppa Testing, James W. Shaw

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In the highly competitive cattle market of today a scientific method, by which a rancher can base a judgement, moderated by experience as to which animals are to be kept, as proven by superior performance, can be a valuable asset.

This record performance testing system was designed to demonstrate the value of adequately kept records. Its purpose is to help ranchers develop records of herd performance, inventory, and improve management practices by more informed decisions. The system, through its representative, provides a means by which ranchers can obtain information on new ideas in animal production, health, sanitation, nutrition, management practices, …

Feeding Behavior Of Pen Reared Mule Deer Under Winter Range Conditions, Michael A. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the feeding responses of mule deer to a system of spring livestock grazing. The specific purposes were 1) to determine botanical composition of diets selected by mule deer on a winter range subjected to previous spring grazing by sheep compared to one with no sheep grazing and 2) to develop a basis for predicting selection of individual plants by deer, based on physical characteristics of the plants and the species and physical proximity of associated plants.

The study was conducted within the framework of a completely randomized experimental design with two treatments. Variables controlled for each unit …

Food Interactions Between Utah Prairie Dogs And Cattle, Dennis Crocker-Bedford

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the food interactions between Utah prairie dogs (Cynomys parvidens, Allen) and cattle (Bos taurus). During 1974 and 1975, three prairie dog colonies near Panguitch, Utah, were studied intensely: "Oldfield" was chosen to represent colonies near fields of alfalfa (Medicago sativa); "Lowercrested" was chosen to represent colonies below 2,200 meters above sea level (a.s.l.) which were not near alfalfa, and "Uppercrested" was chosen to represent colonies above 2,200 meters a.s.l. which have been planted with crested wheatgrass.

Visual observations were made of Utah prairie dogs to determine their diets. Livetrapping of prairie …

Forage Selection And Nutrition Of Sheep And Goats Grazing In The Tunisian Pre-Sahara, Rudolfo Ricardo Griego

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nomadic pastoralism has been the traditional method of utilizing grazing resources in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. However, increased sedentarization accompanied by growing human and animal populations during the past two decades is thought to be accelerating the desertification process, or desert expansion. The specific interactions of the grazing animal with this process has been speculated upon but not studied in detail. A comparative study was initiated during the spring grazing season of 1974 to determine sheep and goat nutritional and production responses, as well as patterns of vegetative selection and utilization under the pastoral system currently employed in …

Effects Of Group, Individual, And Isolated Rearing Of Dairy Calves On Weight Gain And Social Development, Val D. Warnick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Thirty-six dairy calves were observed for four months to determine the effect of three housing methods, group, individual and isolated on body weight gain, feed consumption, age when started to consume grain, daily activity patterns, open field test of behavior and social rank. Six calves were assigned to each of the three treatments in two separate trials of eighteen calves. These calves were raised in their treatment for approximately two months and then weaned and placed together in a group of eighteen for two more months.

Treatments ranked in order from high to low according to least squares means for …

Multiple Hemoglobins In Rainbow Trout, Salmo Gairdneri, And Cutthroat Trout, Salmo Clarkii, Jeffrey Carl Braman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nine hemoglobins from adult rainbow trout have been isolated by starch gel electrophoresis using a Trisborate buffer system, pH 8.7. Six fast and two slow anodally migrating hemoglobins, and one slow cathodally migrating hemoglobin were observed in all specimens.

The nine hemoglobins have been purified by DEAE cellulose ion exchange chromatography followed by starch gel electrophoresis.

The subunit structure of each purified hemoglobin has been partially examined by gel electrofocusing (GEF) in .5 percent polyacrylamide gels containing 8M urea and lmM dithiothereitol (DTT). Tetrameric combinations of one, two, three, and four polypeptide chains are present.

Twelve hemoglobins have been isolated …

The Legal And Institutional Status And Potential Of Aquaculture In Rhode Island, F. B. Montague

Theses and Major Papers

The types of aquaculture practiced in Rhode Island are divided into extensive and intensive forms. Current efforts are discussed with accompanying photographs, and depuration is presented as a means for expanding the waters available for aquaculture. To gain insight into the institutional nature for Rhode Island aquaculture, the relevant state agencies and possible required permits are outlined, along with the impact of existing state laws affecting aquaculture.

Modeling Studies Of Small Mammal Trapping Phenology, And Plant Succession In The Kaiparowits Region, Kane County, Utah, James A. Raines

Theses and Dissertations

This study makes use of simple statistical models which may be manipulated for projection of changes in the Kaiparowits Region of Southern Utah. A method of determining habitat preferences of small rodents from capture-recapture trapping data is proposed. It is suggested that some aspects of animal behavior regarding trapping may also be explained. Timing of flowering of Oryzopsis hymenoides and Hilaria jamesii as related to enviromental conditions was investigated, and models of the requisite conditions proposed. It is suggested that similar models may be used to describe the timing of other phenological events. Succession on disturbed sites is considered to …

Effect Of Supplemental Food On Population Estimates And Mortality Rates Of Desert Rodents In Utah, J. Steven Thiriot

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to assess the effects of various quantities of supplemental food (seed) on population estimates and mortality rates of desert rodents . The supplemental food is meant to stimulate natural vegetational productivity. If food availability significantly affects the population parameters methods of population estimators previously used may be in error. Hopefully this study will aid small mannnal research by designating whether, in part, population estimates and mortality rates are in error because of high vegetational productivity. The hypothesis of this study is that supplemental food in the natural environment decreases population estimates and mortality rates …

Influence Of A Dry Wash Habitat On Distribution And Movement Of Heteromyid Rodents, Jeffrey S. Green

Theses and Dissertations

Three heteromyid rodent species were studied in relation to a large dry wash in Millard County, Utah, during the summer, 1974. Data were gathered with three trapping grids and analyzed to determine if the dry wash influenced rodent movement and distribution patterns. Dipodomys ordii and Dipodomys microps were distributed non-randomly in the dry wash and adjacent habitat, but Perognathus Zongimembris seemed to be randomly distributed. Dipodomys ordii was significantly correlated with wash habitat, but D. microps was found most frequently in upland areas. Soil and vegetative differences and competition were possible causes for the observed distribution. The wash was observed …