Life Sciences Commons^™

Paternal Programming: The Role Of Seminal Plasma In Pregnancy Hemodynamics And Offspring Growth, Rebecca Michele Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

Seminal plasma is commonly known to serve as a transport medium for sperm as it moves through the female reproductive tract for fertilization, however, more recent evidence demonstrates seminal plasma induces an expansive inflammatory response in the uterus. Murine models have found this inflammatory response is important for clearing pathogens and poor-quality sperm, eliciting the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and embryokines that aid in embryo attachment and growth, placental angiogenesis, and blunting maternal immunity to the embryo. However, there is minimal research on the impacts of seminal plasma uterine priming in bovine, and more specifically embryo growth, uterine blood flow, …

Effects Of Supplementing Sources Of Zinc On Digestibility Parameters Of Beef Steers, Arminda Spikes James

Theses and Dissertations

Zinc (Zn) has numerous functions and life sustaining processes depend on the presence of Zn within the body. Zinc sulfate is a common form of Zn supplemented in the beef industry. Inorganic sulfate based minerals have been associated with negative rumen effects, mainly, decreased rumen fermentation and protozoa numbers. Our studies concluded no difference in digestibility of three different forms of Zn (zinc glycinate, zinc sulfate, and zinc hydroxychloride). Although overall digestibility did not change, there were specific mineral concentration differences after steers consumed concentrate treatment for 10 days. These differences implied that the mineral fed was consumed and absorbed …

Predicting Body Weight Of Cattle And Nutrient Digestion Of Individual Sweet Bran Components To Improve Beef Cattle Production Efficiency, Dalton J. Anderson

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Efficiency is of high importance to beef cattle producers to ensure that beef cattle are being raised without unnecessary resource use. Two separate experiments were conducted to evaluate potential strategies to improve efficiency in beef cattle production. A metabolism study was conducted to evaluate digestion parameters of individual Sweet Bran components. The objective was to determine the effects of diet components on nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation parameters. The individual components of Sweet Bran (Corn bran, solvent-extracted germ meal, and corn steep liquor) were included at 40% diet dry matter (DM) in a steam-flaked corn (SFC) based diet. A SFC-based …

Investigation Of Breeding Objectives And Indexes-In-Retrospect, Hunter F. Valasek

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis presents two projects that investigate the impacts of breeding objectives and indexes-in-retrospect within the beef cattle industry. The first project synthesized how changes due to planning horizon, breeding system, and sale endpoint in the economic breeding goal of cattle influence the relative emphasis of traits as well as the re-ranking of selection candidates. A total of three breeding systems that represent straightbred and crossbred cattle were used along with six planning horizons (2, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 yrs.) for both a weaning and slaughter point of sale. The combination of these different breeding objective attributes resulted …

The Evaluation Of Feed Additives On Reducing Enteric Methane Production From Cattle, Reba L. Colin

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Environmental sustainability can be positively impacted by the inclusion of feed additives to reduce enteric methane production from cattle. Methane production can be affected by feed additives that either alter the rumen environment or act as methanogenesis inhibitors. A reduction in methane from cattle can contribute to meeting carbon neutrality.

A metabolism study was conducted to evaluate Alga 1.0, a product containing bromoform, fed to cattle to evaluate the effects on gas emissions. Treatments were (0, 69, or 103 g/d Alga 1.0) fed in a corn-based diet. Headbox-style indirect calorimeters were used to measure gas emissions. Feeding Alga 1.0 linearly …

The Impact Of Silage Inclusion In Diets With Different Corn Processing And The Effect Of Natural And Conventional Feeding Programs On Finishing Cattle Performance, Jessica L. Miller

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A finishing experiment was conducted to determine the effects of natural and conventional feeding programs on finishing performance of steers and heifers. Factors were conventional and natural feeding programs in steers and heifers. Cattle assigned to the conventional program were fed diets that contained Rumensin (Elanco Animal Health), Tylan (Elanco Animal Health), MGA (Zoetis), and received growth promoting implants whereas cattle in the natural program received neither. Compared to natural fed cattle, G:F was improved by 15.5% when heifers were fed in a conventional program (P < 0.01) and 23.8% when steers were fed in a conventional program (P < 0.01). The incorporation of implants and feed additives within the finishing period increased …

Evaluation Of Forage Nutritive Value And Dry Matter Yield Of Stockpiled Tall Fescue Across Plant Hardiness Zones 7 And 8, Malerie Elizabeth Fancher

Masters Theses

Pastures in Tennessee comprise mainly tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.], a cool-season perennial grass. Tennessee producers feed hay for an average of 143 days per year, there is interest in utilizing stockpiling to extend the grazing season. Although this practice has been proven to reduce hay needs (Freeman et al., 2019), it is vital to maintain up-to-date recommendations using data from across the southeastern US to inform nutritional management decisions. The objective of this study is to determine the nutritive value and dry matter yield of stockpiled tall fescue across plant hardiness zones 7 and 8. Fourteen farms …

Nutritional Evaluation Of Hydroponic Corn Fodder And Its Effect As Substitute For Feed Concentrates For Buffalo Calves, Charity I. Castillo, Phoebe Lyndia T. Llantada, Cyril P. Baltazar, Mary Rose D. Uy-De Guia, Reynald D. Amido, Arnel N. Del Barrio

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study investigated the effects of hydroponic corn fodder on the growth performance of buffalo calves. Twelve Bulgarian Murrah buffalo calves were divided into two treatment groups: T1, fed with Napier grass and starter feed concentrates, and T2, fed with Napier grass, starter feed concentrates, and hydroponic corn fodder, replacing 50% of the starter feed concentrate. The study found no significant differences between the two groups' average total weight gain and average daily gain. However, the average daily feed intake was significantly higher in T2, possibly due to the tender and young nature of the hydroponic corn fodder. Dry matter …

The Effects Of Sous Vide Cooking And Cysteine Proteases On Instrumental And Sensory Textural Properties Of Lower Value Cuts Of Beef, Ian Smith

All Theses

Sous vide cooking has the potential to increase the value of lower quality cuts of beef. Understanding the textural properties following a cook-chill sous vide process is crucial to maximizing this potential. The use of enzymes may further increase the value of these products if able to positively alter the texture of the final product.

The first research objective was to use instrumental texture analysis to evaluate potential relationships between enzymatic treatments and sous vide processing time of lower value cuts of beef. Three cuts were evaluated: infraspinatus (top blade), semitendinosus (eye of round), and beef tongue. Infraspinatus and semitendinosus …

Characterisation Of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy In Female Cattle Using Genotype Information, Cliona Ryan

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Background

Aneuploidy is a genetic condition characterized by the loss (monosomy) or gain (trisomy) of one or more chromosomes. Aneuploidy affecting the sex chromosomes often leads to infertility. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sex chromosome aneuploidy in a large juvenile population using routinely available genotype intensity information.

Methods

Genotype and genotype intensity data was available on 145,476 female dairy and beef cattle below 15 months of age at the time of genotyping, with no recorded progeny. Genotype intensity data included the LogR Ratio (LRR), R-value (the sum of X and Y SNP probe intensities), …

Grass-Based Supplementation To Reduce Slaughter Age In Dairy-Beef Steers, Jamie O'Driscoll

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Background

Reducing slaughter age, while maintaining carcass output, will improve the sustainability of beef production systems. This will result in lower lifetime emissions from cattle, while also reducing the carbon equivalent per kilogram of beef carcass. The objective of this study was to investigate the strategic use of concentrate feed within pasture-based dairy-beef steer production systems, to establish its effectiveness in reducing slaughter age in differing animal genotypes.

Methods

Three contrasting supplementation strategies were implemented: 1) grass only (GO), pasture only diet in the first and second grazing season, 2) intermediate (INTER), concentrate supplementation throughout the first grazing season, pasture …

Instagram As A Tool Of Diffusion For The Livestock Industry, Savannah Locke, Karen Hiltbrand, Katie Corbitt, Darcey Richburg, David Shannon, Soren P. Rodning, Jason T. Sawyer, Don Mulvaney

Journal of Applied Communications

Studies have shown that more people are getting their information through social media (SM). With so much misinformation presented in global media, it is difficult for consumers to distinguish what is true and what isn’t. With negative images and minimal context, consumers have a tendency to believe and trust what they see on SM. After IRB approval, a survey study was launched on Qualtrics and accessed via email. Using Instagram as platform, this study presented 5 cognitively and 5 emotionally oriented posts focused on the aspects of animal welfare, diet/health, and environment/sustainability. Prior to viewing the Instagram posts, study participants …

Measuring The Phytochemical Richness Of Meat: Effects Of Grass/Grain Finishing Systems And Grapeseed Extract Supplementation On The Fatty Acid And Phytochemical Content Of Beef, Lucas Krusinski, Isabella C. F. Maciel, Stephan Van Vliet, Muhammad Ahsin, Guanqi Lu, Jason E. Rowntree, Jenifer I. Fenton

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Grass-finished beef (GFB) can provide beneficial bioactive compounds to healthy diets, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and secondary bioactive compounds, such as phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to compare fatty acids (FAs), micronutrients, and phytochemicals of beef fed a biodiverse pasture (GRASS), a total mixed ration (GRAIN), or a total mixed ration with 5% grapeseed extract (GRAPE). This was a two-year study involving fifty-four Red Angus steers (n = 54). GFB contained higher levels of n-3 PUFAs, vitamin E, iron, zinc, stachydrine, hippuric acid, citric acid, and succinic …

Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course: Program Evaluation, Nicola Oosthuizen, Pedro Fontes, Graham C. Lamb, Jason J. Cleere

The Journal of Extension

Survey results (n = 3,748) collected over a period of 7 years from the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course (BCSC) were analyzed to evaluate course demographics and the impact of the course on attendees. Results of this survey demonstrate that attendee demographics of the BCSC are representative of beef cattle producers in the United States and that the BCSC is effective at delivering information that positively impacts beef production in Texas. Extension professionals can make use of these findings to tailor future education programs to better serve the needs of beef cattle producers nation-wide.

Evaluating The Role Of The Bovine Vaginal Microbiome In Neonatal And Maternal Health Outcomes, Riley D. Messman

Theses and Dissertations

The dam vaginal microbiota is the first major microbial inoculating community within the neonate. The composition of the dam vaginal microbiota has implications in calf commensal microbiota development. Alterations of the dam microbial community prior to parturition could alter inoculating communities and immune responses in both the dam and calf. Thus, authors aimed to elucidate the microbial community composition of the bovine dam vaginal and calf nasal microbiota post-partum after utilizing betadine lavages (BL). The dam vaginal and calf nasal microbial communities and immune responses were evaluated at 0-, 15-, 30- and 60-day post-partum. Microbiota composition of the dam haircoat, …

Using Novel Phenotypes To Understand And Predict Fertility In Beef Cows, Cassidy Catrett

Masters Theses

Reproduction plays a major role in the production efficiency of livestock species. However, cow-centric reproductive traits are lowly heritable and are not expressed until later in an animal’s lifetime, making phenotypic selection ineffective at generating genetic gain. We can generate genetic progress by focusing selection on the genetic component of reproductive traits using Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). We used the American Simmental Association’s performance and Total Herd Enrollment data, made up of 533,155 calving records from 303,158 females (132,403 cows and 170,755 heifers), 33,732 of which are genotyped, to develop two continuous and two discrete phenotypes focused on quantifying early …

Pregnancy Influences On The Rumen Environment Of Angus Heifers Differing In Feed Efficiency, Miranda Gabrielle Martin

Masters Theses

With an expected increase in population by 2050, the demand for more animal protein will increase. To improve the sustainability of US cattle production, producers and researchers have historically focused on improving the feed efficiency of steers, producing a more marketable beef product. However, without a successful pregnancy, there would be no marketable animal to feed. The objective of this study was to examine the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their impact on the rumen microbial communities and the correlation to feed efficiency status in Angus heifers. Utilizing 17 cannulated Angus heifers, feed efficiency data was previously collected …

Effects Of Supplemental Trace Minerals As Amino Acid Complexed Or Inorganic Sources For Beef Cattle From Receiving Through Finishing, Robin Ashley Cheek

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of experiments was to investigate the effects of inorganic or amino acid-complexed sources of trace minerals on health, gain performance, liver mineral concentrations, and carcass characteristics of beef heifers from receiving through finishing. To investigate the effects of inorganic or amino acid-complexed sources of trace minerals (zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt) on performance and morbidity of beef heifers during the receiving period, crossbred beef heifer calves arriving on 3 delivery dates were used in a 42-day receiving trial. Treatments consisted of supplemental zinc (360 mg/d), copper (125 mg/d), manganese (200 mg/d), and cobalt (12 mg/d) from complexed (Availa-4, …

Evaluation Of A Nutritional Calming Supplement For Stress Management In Beef Cattle, Randall Mallette

LSU Master's Theses

Two studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of two formulations of a nutritional calming product, Placid 1.0 and Placid 2.0, at keeping beef cattle in a calm state when exposed to environmental factors that put them into an excited state. In the pilot study, nine crossbred beef heifers were orally drenched daily for three days with 60 mL of their respective treatments, pen scores and exit scores were recorded, and blood was collected for cortisol analysis. There were no treatment effects for either treatment on any of the measured behavioral parameters or serum cortisol concentrations.

The products were …

Raising A Bottle-Fed Calf On A Cow/Calf Operation, Reganne K. Briggs, Katelyn Barsnick, Cheyenne Reid, Ashley Longmore

All Current Publications

Having bottle-fed calves on the ranch is common for beef producers. The most likely scenarios are a cow has died, a cow isn’t giving enough milk, or a twin has been rejected. All these scenarios are likely to happen, which results in an orphan calf. Bottle-feeding a calf is straightforward; however, there are limited resources, specifically for beef producers, looking for bottle-fed calf management strategies. When bottle-feeding a beef calf, there are some things to consider, such as feeding colostrum, selecting and using milk replacers, and weaning the calf. Many of the resources on bottle-calf management come from the dairy …

Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Hair Coat Shedding Ability, Apparent Forage Digestibility, And Mineral Status In Angus Cattle, Margaret P. Loftin

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hair coat shedding ability, apparent forage digestibility, and mineral status in Angus cattle. Fecal samples were collected on fall calving Angus cows for one week in March, May, and July from 2019-2022. Liver and plasma samples were collected in March and July each year. Fecal samples were analyzed for DM, ash, NDF, and ADF while liver and plasma were analyzed for mineral concentration. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS with significance declared at P0.05. Interactions were detected for DM, NDF, ADF, and liver Fe concentration. The model …

Identifying Barriers To Data Use On U.S. Beef Cow-Calf Operations And Developing Solutions To Improve Cow-Calf Record-Keeping, William Isaac Jumper

Theses and Dissertations

Cattle health and production records (CHPR) are data collected by cattle producers and veterinarians in the form of measurements, observations, counts of events over time, and physiologic attributes that describe individual and group-level health and production. These data are useful to both veterinarians and cattle producers for making evidence-based decisions on cow-calf operations. Currently, there are no uniform, industry-wide methods of capturing and recording CHPR in the U.S. cow-calf industry. Although many cow-calf producers in the U.S. are thought to collect some form of CHPR, it is believed that relatively few are doing so in an electronic manner that facilitates …

Evaluation Of Nutrient Digestibility Of Weaned Calves From Early And Late Shedding Dams, Jennifer Keele

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have investigated several factors that could alter fetal growth, including nutrient restriction (Valiente et al., 2021), hair shedding (Gray et al., 2011), and extreme hot and cold temperatures (Davidson et al., 2022). Hot temperatures and increased humidity percentages in the southeast United States caused researchers to investigate the hair coats of Angus cattle in the commercial production setting. An improvement in fiber digestibility and calf birth and weaning weights has been observed in Angus dams that shed 50% of the winter hair coat by May (Gray et al., 2011; Burnett et al., 2021). Our objective of this experiment was …

Effect Of Soy Co-Products In Supplements For Grazing Cattle On Growth, Complete Blood Cell Counts, And Physiological Response Following A Lipopolysaccharide Challenge, Bralee Lansdell

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of soy co-products (soybean meal and soy oil) in the diet on the growth and hemocytology of cattle during a 56-day growing phase and the physiological/behavioral response to an endotoxin challenge. Angus crossbred steers (n = 36; 289 ± 31 kg, initial body weight ± SD) were stratified by body weight and sire; and assigned randomly to pastures (n = 9; 0.45 ha/mixed-grass pasture). Pastures were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) a control supplement containing no soy co-products, 2) a supplement containing soybean meal, or 3) …

Influence Of Pregnant Cattle Grazing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue On Offspring Immune Function, Sidney Nicole Dunkel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective was to evaluate the influence of pregnant cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall, toxic, fescue (E+) during gestation on innate immune response of male offspring to an endotoxin challenge. Crossbred multiparous cows (n = 36) were bred to Red Angus sires and housed in replicated E+ or novel endophyte-infected, non-toxic, fescue (NE+) pastures prior to breeding and throughout gestation. From this calf-crop, a subset of post-weaned steers (n = 8 E+; n = 8 NE+) were selected for a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Blood was collected every 30 min beginning 2 h prior to (Pre-LPS) and continuing 9 h following (Post-LPS) …

Implementing Bos Indicus-Influenced Cattle In Utah For Hybrid Vigor, Reganne K. Briggs, Matthew D. Garcia

All Current Publications

Crossbreeding is a tool that cattle producers have used for decades. Hybrid vigor is one of the products of crossing breeding. One way to maximize hybrid vigor is by introducing Bos indicus genetics in a herd. Santa Gertrudis cattle are a great option for introducing Bos indicus genetics.

Pharmacokinetics Of Single Feeding Of Cannabidiol In Cattle: A Pilot Study, Haley Cornette

Honors College Theses

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance that has been used in complementary medicine for many years. However, modern medicine has little knowledge of how this substance is utilized and metabolized in ruminant animals. Regulations on quality assurance and use in animals are lacking, and CBD supplementation in livestock is not approved. If CBD supplements can be shown to be safe and effective, detection in the animal will be important for determining regulation of use. A withdrawal period can then be established to allow time for deterioration of product to safe levels before livestock products enter human markets. This study sought to …

Epidemiological Survey Of Bovine Babesia And Theileria Parasites In Buffaloes In District Dera Ismail, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Waseem Ullah, Arsalan Khan, Akhtar Ali, Imtiaz Ali Shah, Umm E. Aimen, Imtiaz Khan, Abdul Wadood Jan, Saqib Ali Rustam

Journal of Bioresource Management

Piroplasmosis (babesiosis and theileriosis) are the leading blood parasites responsible for significant economic losses to the dairy enterprises. These parasites are transmitted by Ixodid ticks from a diseased animal to a healthy animal. This study was executed to determine the prevalence of Theileria and Babesia in water buffaloes in District Dera Ismail Khan for their risk assessment. During this trial, 350 random blood samples were obtained from buffalos within the region of District Dera Ismail Khan and examined for Babesia and Theileria parasites using Giemsa staining technique under an oil immersion lens. Forty-eight blood samples were found positive and the …

Heifers On Feed Indicate Long-Term Liquidation Still Occurring, Elliott James Dennis

Cornhusker Economics

This article was first published in the Livestock Marketing Information Centers' (LMIC) In the Cattle Markets newsletter on January 9, 2023.

Combining the historical quarterly percentage of heifers on feed and cattle inventory report can provide an indicator of how many heifers will be held back for replacement in the 2023 report.

2023 Southeast Research And Extension Center Agricultural Research Report, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The 2023 Southeast Research and Extension Center Agricultural Research report includes research conducted in the areas of beef cattle management, cropping systems, and forage crops. Topics include various grazing and nutrient input for steers and heifers; wheat, soybean, and corn production practices and results, as well as soil health practices; and burning and nutrient practices along with efforts for improvement of native and tall fescue range grasses.