Life Sciences Commons^™

Analysis Of The Reproductive Efficiency Of The Dairy Herd At Western Kentucky University Farm, Gregorio Lagombra

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A study of the reproductive performance of 179 dairy cows during the period from December 1978 through March 1984 was conducted at the Western Kentucky University Farm, Bowling Green, Kentucky. The climatic data showed seasonal variation in temperature as follows: winter 3.10C, spring 15.7°C, summer 23.8°C, and fall 12.0°C. The seasonal humidity was similar for winter (81.2%), spring (83.4%), and fall (85.3%); but for summer it was considerably higher (89.4%).

The conception rate varied through all the months but was lowest during the summer months. Seasonal data for conception rate were obtained and the results were as follows: winter 54.1%, …

Herbicide Effects On Cultivars Of Soybeans [Glycine Max (L.) Merr.], Mark Martin

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Breeding herbicide-tolerant cultivars is a means of extending herbicide utilization. In 1983 and 1984, 20 soybean [Glycine max (L. Merr] cultivars were screened for their reactions to the following herbicides: metribuzin 4-amino-6-(tert)-butyl-3-(methylthio)-astriazin-5-(4H)-one]; vernolate (S-propyl dipropylthiocarbamate); and fluchloralin [N-(2-chloroethyl)-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-4-(trifluoromethyl) aniline]. Each herbicide was applied at the recommended rate X, 2X, and 4X in 1983. An 8X rate was added in 1984. The recommended rates (X) for the herbicides were as follows: metribuzin 0.42, vernolate 2.80, and fluchloralin 1.12 kg/ha. The cultivars were Pella, Pixie, Cumberland, Williams, Essex, Union, Semmes, Tracy, Tracy M; North American Plant Breeders 350, 68225, 420, and …

Ultrastructural Effects Of Sethoxydim On The Intercalary Meristem Of Johnsongrass (Sorghum Halpense), Bobbie Dowden

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This investigation represents one of the first electron microscopic studies on determining the mode of action of the chemical herbicide sethoxydim, 2-[-1-(ethoxydimino)butyl] -5-.2-(ethiothio)propyl]-3- hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one. Samples were excised from the intercalary meristem of johnsongrass (Sorghum halpense) at time intervals of 1,3, 6,12,24,36,48,60, and 72 hours and examined using electron microscopy. Transmission electron micrographs revealed that cellular activity shows alterations or abnormalities as early as six hours. Membranes show deterioration at this time and chloroplasts contain densely staining starch granules. As time intervals increase, cellular degradation becomes more evident. Nuclear membranes extend outward into the cytoplasm in various types of …

The Antibody Production By Swine In Response To Sheep Red Blood Cells, Deborah Seymour

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Two experiments were conducted to study the antibody response of pigs challenged with the general antigen sheep red blood cells (SRBC).

In one experiment SRBC's were injected at one of four sties: intramuscularly into the neck, intramuscularly into the ham, subcutaneously into the fore flank or rear flank. These treatments were repeated four weeks later. The antibody responses to the four treatments were determined by microtiter and analyzed statistically. No significant (P> 0. 10) differences were found among responses to the four treatments during the fourth and eighth weeks after injections, but a significant (P<0.05) difference was found during the fifth week among all four groups. Coefficients of correlation showed highly significant (P<.0.01) relationships between SRBC antibody titer during the fourth week after injections and increase in weight of test animals from the beginning of the study until slaughter.

In a second experiment pigs …

Physical Properties Of Tar Sand Tailings That Influence Their Ability To Sustain Plant Growth, Timothy Cole

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The mining of bituminous sandstone rock for the purpose of extracting bitumen has created a need for reclamation. One such mine is located in northern Logan County. Their mining operation involves removing large sections of sandstone, which is impregnated with bitumen, and crushing it to sand-sized material. The sand-sized material is then mixed with organic solvents which extract the bitumen. Once separated, the bitumen is stored for future refinement and the spent sand is stockpiled for later disposal.

The spent sands or waste material are referred to as tar sand tailings. These tailings have particular properties which make reclamation efforts …

The Relationship Between Linear Measurements & Subjective Placings In Elite Angus Cattle, Ted Dyer

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The cattle shown from 1981 to 1984 at the American Angus Breeders' Futurity were studied to determine the relationship between linear measurements and the judge's subjective placings. Linear measurements taken prior to the showing included wither height, hip height, and body length for both bulls and heifers. In addition body weight and scrotal circumference were recorded for bulls. A total of 624 cattle were studied-- 407 heifers and 217 bulls.

The cattle were divided into five groups by age and sex to analyze the annual difference in means and standard deviations for all recorded measurements. Among all five groups of …

The Effect Of Tillage Methods & Row-Widths On Selected Growth Characteristics & Yield Of Soybeans, G. Tom Sandifer Jr.

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effect of three tillage methods confounded with three row widths on root length and depth, seed density, seeds per pod, pods per plant and yield of Glycine max was studied during the 1984 growing season. The study was conducted on class 1, Pembroke soil located in south Warren County, Kentucky. A barley crop was removed from the area just prior to the experimental plantings. A John Deere conservation tillage, plateless planter was used in all experimental treatments except the drilled plots. Plant populations were adjusted to conform to standard recommendations for drill (7 inch row widths), 15-inch row widths, …

Effect Of Rations On Some Selected Blood Constituents Of Dairy Heifers, Kamil Akanbi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The study was conducted using nine Holstein heifers with weights ranging from 700 to 990 pounds (lb). The design was a 3 X 3 Latin Square. The three rations consisted of 26.5 lb of corn silage supplemented with 3 ounces of sodium bicarbonate, 26.5 lb of corn silage, and 26.5 lb of soybean and milo haylage per head per day. The rations were offered on a rotational basis for three experimental periods consisting of three weeks each. Blood samples were taken at weekly intervals during each period; plasma concentrations of glucose, ammonia, beta-hydroxybutyrate and volatile fatty acids were determined.

There …

The Performance Of Gazania Splendens Cultivars Under Kentucky Conditions, Ellen Sue Justiss

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Gazania splendens is a tender, herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Compositae family. The leaves are green and glabrous above, white tomentose beneath, toothed, simple and/or pinnatifid, 4”-6” long tapering to a winged petiole, lanceolate to obovate-lanceolate, and arranged in a basal clump. The flower heads are large, showy, 2”-3” in diameter, and range in color from white to yellow, orange, pink, purple, ruby, and bronze with a dark ring or spot at the base of most.

Twelve cultivars of Gazania splendens were to be evaluated to determine which would perform the best under Kentucky conditions. A seed germination test …