Life Sciences Commons^™

Progress Report For The Dairy Research Advisory Board, Various Authors

Other Documents

No abstract provided.

An Approach To Selection Of Variety And Planting Date In Corn Silage Production, Carlos A. Luna-Gonzalez

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

The major purpose of this study is to make additional information available to the farm manager to improve the decision-making process relating to corn silage production. This study is primarily concerned with factors that influence planting date and variety selection. With-in the framework of decision theory analysis, a Bayesian approach is employed to calculate the best time to plant and the best variety to plant. The approach is used both with and without the possible occurrence of harmful spring frosts. The "seventy growing degree day" method is employed as a criterion for planting date selection. The planting dates are matched …

The Impact Of Performance Testing On Production Selection, Ross A. Jacobson

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

Performance testing data from a registered herd of Hereford cattle in Northern Utah for the years 1974 through 1980 were analyzed in this study. The cattle consisted of a spring calving herd, approximately 440 cows, and a fall calving herd, approximately 120 cows. Five weaning traits (weaning weight, weight per day of age, 205-day weaning weight, 205-dat adjusted weaning weight, weaning index) and four yearling traits (yearling weight, average daily gain, 365-day adjusted yearling weight, yearling index) were computed on the offspring from both herds, for the years mentioned, to test the influence of a performance testing program on the …

Reproductive Behavioral And Physiological Traits In Domestic, Wild, And Hybrid Ovis, Kara-Lynn Crocker-Bedford

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was part of a program to develop new genotypes of sheep (Ovis spp.) and goats (Capra spp.) which are more useful for food and fiber production. The study examined the influence of domestication on behavioral and physiological traits of ewes and lambs, the influence of a single or twin offspring on ewe and lamb behaviors, and general relationships between ewes and lambs during the lambs' first month of life.

Domestication has caused the intensities of observed traits to diverge greatly from the tendencies shown by wild populations. Domestication has produced increases in measurements associated with maternal …

Associative Growth Of Paired Lactic Streptococci In Ph Controlled Whey-Based Media, Carol Lee Hansen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study evaluated four lactic streptococcal pairs which had been used routinely in cheese plants to determine (1) if strain growth interactions would produce stimulated growth and acid production; (2) final percent strain ratios and generation times after 1/1 initial inocula volumes and (3) whether final strain ratios could be controlled through adjustment of initial inocula volumes. Strains were propagated in fortified and unmodified whey substrate under pH control at 27C for 12 hours. Cell number and acid activity were evaluated on single and paired strains. Phage typing was used to determine generation times and the percent of each strain …

Influence Of Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density On Uv-Binduced Photoinhibition In Soybean Leaves: Comparison Of Preconditioning And Concomitant Light Treatments, Charles W. Warner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Previous studies indicate that the degree of UV-Binduced photosynthetic inhibition may be highly dependent upon the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD, total quantum flux in the waveband 400-700 nm) incident on a plant. This study illustrates that Essex soybean leaves (Glycine max) preconditioned under high PPFD suffered less UV-B-induced photoinhibition than when preconditioned under low PPFD. However, sensitivity to UV-B increased when soybean leaves received high-PPFD as a concomitant treatment.

The relative msgnitude of UV-B-induced damage was similar for both light-limited and light-saturated photosynthesis. This probably indicates that UV-B is inhibiting fundamentally different photosynthetic processes.

Soybean leaves preconditioned …

Efficacy Of Denning In Alleviating Coyote Depredations Upon Domestic Sheep, James A. Till

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Bands of domestic sheep lambing on the open range in south central Wyoming were monitored for predator losses prior to and following coyote (Canis latrans) removals. Experimental treatments, including 1) no removal (control), 2) removal of 2 adults and their pups, and 3) removal of pups only, were replicated 15 times each. Number of predation incidents (events) was reduced 98.2% by removing adults and pups. The number of sheep killed was reduced by 98.8%. Removing only litters of pups resulted in a decrease of 87.7% total kills decreased 91.6%. in predation incidents, while Overall, 23 of 30 predation …

Muskrat Population Levels And Vegetation Utilization: A Basis For An Index, Thomas R. Mccabe

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are associated with marshlands throughout North America. Their impact on marsh vegetation is well documented. In recent years, research pertaining to marsh ecosystems has emphasized the role of interspersion of marsh vegetation to higher faunal diversity and productivity. Muskrats can provide a natural control of aquatic emergents if managed properly. Experimentation at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Utah, has attempted to ascertain whether vegetation-utilization index could be used for determining muskrat population levels and to evaluate the impact of muskrats on their primary food resource, Olney's bulrush (Scirpus americanus).

Three known populations of …

Seed Case Studies On Atriplex Gardneri (Moq) Dietr.: Bracteole Cell Wall Composition And Enzymatic Degradation, Priscilla Woolley Burton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Clarification of the bracteole restraint on germination and the development of an improved seed pre-treatment were the objectives of this study. Bracteole cell walls were isolated and hydrolyzed with 72% sulfuric acid followed by dilution and further hydrolysis. Individual monosaccharide yields were monitored with gas chromaixtography and colorimetry. Lignin was determined as the acid insoluble residue . Cell wall composition on a dry weight basis was 17.0% lignin, 32 . 75% glucose, 28.77% xylose, 7.21% arabinose, 1.11% galactose and 0.35% mannose. Linear xylans and glucans represent a large portion of the cell wall . The quantity of lignified tissue is …

Toxicologic Effects Of Extracts Of Cestrum Parqui L'Héritier In Mice, Tomás A. López

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Cestrum parqui L'Héritier is a Solanaceous weed of wide distribution throughout the world. It causes poisoning of animals, particularly cattle and sheep, and constitutes a serious problem for animal production in some countries.

The present study was undertaken to develop a biological test for the detection of toxicity of extracts obtained from the plant. This test will be utilized to assess the toxicity of extracts obtained from the plant in future studies.

The plant is known to induce poisoning in laboratory animals, but there are no precise references on doses to be utilized and of appropriate routes of dosing. Oral …

Improved Fermentation Process For Producing Methane From Cheese Whey, Abdulraman Y. Awad

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two methods of single-stage fermentation were used to produce methane from whey. The first method involved batch fermentation in which the pH was automatically controlled at 7.0. In addition to pH control, the second method was characterized by introducing the substrate continuously into the fermenter along with dilution water to keep the organic acids at a non-toxic level.

The first method did not improve the production of methane compared to the batch fermentation in which a pH control system was not used (41). However, the second method showed that the concentration of organic acids has a major effect on limiting …

The Isolation And Characterization Of A Novel Iron Protein From Desulfovibrio Gigas, Alan Kay Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The isolation, purification, and partial characterization of a novel iron-containing protein from the sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacterium, Desulfovibrio gigas, is described. The highly insoluble protein was isolated from the cell debris following osmotic shock of the bacteria. The insoluble fraction consistently contained about 90% of the cell-associated iron. This protein was treated with acid, chelating agents, detergents and proteases in order to study their effect on the iron solubility. The results of elemental analysis of a crude protein preparation were 5.3% iron, 2.9% sulfur and 11 .9% nitrogen. An independent colorimetric iron analysis showed 6.4% iron. The iron could be …

Western White Pine: The Effect Of Clone And Cone Color On Attacks By The Mountain Pine Cone Beetle, Michael J. Jenkins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relationship between clone and cone color in western white pine, Pinus monticola Douglas, to attack by the mountain pine cone beetle, Conophthorus monticolae Hopkins, was studied in the Sandpoint Seed Orchard, Idaho. A positive relationship was shown to exist during a 5 year field evaluation. Cone beetles were found to prefer dark colored cones and to attack certain clones at a higher rate than others.

Laboratory dissections did not indicate that cone color affected oviposition, brood development or brood mortality.

Olfactometer experiments demonstrated that olfactory stimuli are involved in the cone beetle attack sequence. Visual cues relating to cone …

Cougar Predation And Ecological Energetics In Southern Utah, Bruce Bennet Ackerman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Diet of cougars (Felis concolor) was studied from December 1978 to August 1981, on a 4500 km2 study area near Escalante, Utah. Prey eaten was determined from analysis of 112 animals consumed as prey, and from 239 cougar scats. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were the major prey item, comprising 81% of biomass consumed. Lagomorphs, large rodents, and smaller predators were also important components. Cattle comprised <1% of the diet, although commonly grazed on the cougar's summer range. Adult male and juvenile (<1yr) mule deer were killed more often than expected, in fall (P<0.10) and in winter (P<0.005). Cougars were a major cause of mortality of adult deer (41% of all adult female deaths, 35% of male), but only 6% of mortality of juveniles. Selection of prey seemed to be a function of prey vulnerability, rather than one of active choice by the predator.

Motion-sensitive radio-transmitters were placed on 15 cougars, from 3 months to 7-9 years of age. Three parameters of the radio signal were used to determine activity levels during 6843 …

Population Characteristics And Movement Patterns Of Cougars In Southern Utah, Thomas P. Hemker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Movements of 22 cougars (Felis concolor) were monitored by radio-telemetry between January 1979 and July 1981 in southern Utah. The population, composed of resident, transient, and juvenile cougars, remained relatively constant in size for 3 years. Densities (0.4-0.5 cougars/100 km²) were considerably lower than has been reported elsewhere. Average annual home area size of resident females (685 km²) and a single resident male (826 km²) were substantially larger than other home area sizes reported. Home areas of resident females overlapped and resident male home areas may have overlapped as well. Despite the …

An Evaluation Of Deschampsia Caespitosa (L.) Beauv Populations For Metal Tolerances And Ecotypic Variation At Climax, Colorado, Paul Ellsworth Pratt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Four populations of Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv (a Poaceae species), growing on disturbed and undisturbed sites at Climax, Colorado, were examined for metal tolerances (Zn, Cu, Pb, Al). Root growth assessments on parent plant and offspring material for each population were conducted using nutrient solutions containing elevated levels of Zn, Cu, Pb, or Al. Seed germination and seedling survival tests for each population were conducted on both alpine topsoil and mine spoil material.

Evidence is presented that supports the hypothesis that ecotypic variation exists within Deschampsia caespitosa and that this variation has allowed certain Deschampsia populations to become successfully established …

Human-Bear Interactions In The Backcountry Of Yosemite National Park, Bruce Charles Hastings

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this study was to quantitatively document interactions between black bears and backcountry visitors, and to identify the factors affecting those encounters. Fine hundred and ninety-two interactions were observed. The most common responses of visitors to bears were to watch, walk toward, and talk to others and/or point at the bear. Bears responded to humans largely by walking away, watching, traveling around, walking toward, and running away from people.

Each behavior for both species was categorized into one of four response classes: (1) fear/avoidance, (2) neutrality, (3) approach, or (4) aggression. Over 65 percent of visitor responses were …

The Pathogenicity Of Blue-Stain Fungi On Lodgepole Pines Attacked By Mountain Pine Beetle, Richard Grant Ballard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In the western regions of North America, mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk., infestations take a tremendous toll of pines , especially lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.. Mass attack by the beetles is a devastating event for the trees. As well as girdling the tree, a massive inoculation of blue stain fungus "complex" (composed of several species of Ceratocystis, numerous yeasts and other mycelial fungi) is made beneath the bark. These fungi colonize and destroy the parenchyma tissue system of the host sapwood, primarily the ray parenchyma and resin duct epithelium.

A blue stain is produced …

The Influence Of Winter Social Behavior On The Habitat Selection And Reproductive Success Of The Black-Billed Magpie, Kerry P. Reese

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the influence of winter social behavior, particularly dominance relationships, on the subsequent nesting habitat selection and reproductive success of Black-billed Magpies (Pica pica hudsonia) on 2 areas in northern Utah. Hierarchical cluster analysis ordinated the habitats available to breeding birds and Chi-square and Bonferoni-z statistics were used to determine those habitat types the magpies seemed to prefer. Social status was determined by observing color-banded birds engaged in agonistic encounters at winter bait stations. Social dominance was evaluated by % dyads won, not by total % victories. Relationships between winter social status of magpies and their …

The Relative Roles Of Initial And Residual Sodium Nitrite On Germination Of Clostridium Botulinum Spores In Meat, Orchid Mettanant

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Four levels of NaNO₂ (0 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 156 ppm) were tested for antibotulinal activity in ground pork inoculated with spores of Clostridium botulinum either at the time of formulation or after cooking. Samples formulated with less than 156 ppm sodium nitrite received additional nitrite to adjust the residual nitrite equal to that found after cooking in samples formulated with 156 ppm nitrite. All samples were subjected to abusive storage at 27 C. Inoculating the spores at the time of formulation resulted in a faster rate of swelling. Heating C. botulinum spores for 30 min. at …

Comparison Of Growth In Preterm, Low-Birth-Weight Infants Fed Human Milk Versus Standard Infant Formula From 40-56 Weeks Postconceptual Age, Laurie Jean Moyer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare growth following hospitalization in preterm, low birth weight infants fed their own mother's milk versus preterm, low birth weight infants of similar weight and gestational age given standard infant formula upon demand. Growth measurements were taken 40, 42, 48 and 56 weeks postconceptual age.

A total of 28 healthy, preterm, low birth weight infants completed the study. Seventeen infants received standard infant formula (Similac) and 11 were breast-fed upon demand. Introduction of solid foods was delayed until the infant was greater than 56 weeks postconceptual age. Weight, length, occiptial frontal circumference, mid-upper …

Evaluation Of Heme And Free Iron Binding Agents As Substitutes For Sodium Nitrite In Cured Meat, Farzaneh Vahabzadeh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) gases, alone or with oxalate, phytate, or ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) were tested for antibotulinal activity as substitutes for sodium nitrite in ground pork inoculated with spores of Clostridium botulinum, then abused by storage at 277°C. Nitric oxide with 250 ppm oxalate or phytate was most inhibitory, while NO alone was as effective as 156 ppm sodium nitrite for inhibition of gas and botulinal toxin production in the meat system. All swollen samples contained very low levels of residual nitrite, but nitroso heme and soluble iron content did not change compared with unswollen samples …

Pharmacokinetic Assessment Of The Influence Of Dietary Fiber On The Absorption And Disposition Of Selected Model Xenobiotics As It Relates To Colon Cancer, Joseph Donald Debethizy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Selected drugs are being utilized as models of putative colon carcinogens in a study of the influence of major types of dietary fiber upon drug pharmacokinetics. Adult, male Wistar rats were pretreated with standardized, isocaloric hydrated gelatin diets containing no fiber or 15% (w/w) cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose (metamucil), or pectin for 30 days. An additional group was fed lab chow ad libitum as a reference control.

The pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen, FD & C Red No. 2 and mirex were examined following oral administration in three separate experiments. Among fiber types, pectin and hemicellulose (Metamucil) caused higher peak plasma concentrations of …

Use And Evaluation Of The Nutrient Density Concept For Assessing The Impact Of Socioeconomic Factors On Nutritional Quality Of Diets, Carol Thompson Windham

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Data from 7285 individual participants in the USDA Spring Nationwide Food Consumption Survey were analyzed using the nutrient density concept and multiple regression procedures to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic status on the nutritional quality of foods consumed. For each socioeconomic group the average daily amount of nutrients consumed per 1000 kcal of food consumed were computed and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances which had been converted to single-value nutrient allowances per 1000 kcal. This nutrient density approach identified qualitative patterns of food consumption for selected income, region, urbanization, household size, race, employment and education groups as well as …

The Relationship Between Milk Composition And Swiss Cheese Yields, Gheyath H. Majeed

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Eighty-five samples of milk and Swiss cheese made from the same milk were collected at Cache Valley Dairy Association, Smithfield, Utah, between August, 1979, and July, 1980. The weights of the milk, Swiss cheese and the trim were carefully recorded. The milk samples were analyzed for fat and protein, and the cheese samples were analyzed for fat, protein and moisture. An attempt was made to predict Swiss cheese yields from the fat and protein content of the milk and the moisture content of the cheese.

The data were analyzed statistically by Gauss-Newton non-linear least squares method of iteration. Three formulas …

A Comparative Study Of Seizure Susceptibility And Serum Calcium, Magnesium And Phosphorus Profiles Of Magnesium Deficient Rats, Nicole H. Bernhard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Magnesium deficiency in rats is known to precipitate audiogenic seizures. An unknown mineral factor in a diet mixture was found to substantially reduce the seizure occurence in magnesium deficient vii animals. This was corrected when the same mineral mixture was remade. Subsequently the faulty mineral mixture was discarded. This research .. as aimed at determining the mineral factor responsible for the observed changes in seizure occurence, and also aimed at investigating the relationships of serum calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentrations to seizure susceptibility. Treatments to change the serum concentrations of these minerals included dietary manipulation, subcutaneous injection of calcitonin, of …

A Nutrition Education Componenet For Migrant Children Based On The K-6 Nutrient-Density Curriculum, Sandra Beadleson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A nutrition education component was developed, implemented, and evaluated for integration into the Title I migrant education program. The component was based on an evaluated nutrition education curriculum implemented by Brown in the elementary school. The nutrition education program was developed on the concept of nutrient density which measures the ratio of a food's nutrient contribution to its caloric contribution on a constant caloric basis. The nutrition component was modified to include behavioral objectives and concepts that partially met the needs of a migrant population in Utah.

The program was evaluated in the Title I programs in Corrine and Smithfield, …

Seasonal Variation In The Ability Of Milk And Whey To Support Lactic Culture Growth, Rick Cameron Norton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Milk samples from two cheese plants with overlapping milk supplies were collected monthly for one year in an attempt to measure seasonal variation in the ability of milk and whey to support lactic culture growth . Treatments to control and minimize variability of milk or whey were evaluated to optimize stability in starter culture performance.

Raw milk samples were tested for somatic cell counts, activity tests (modified Horrall- Elliker), acid degree values, and total plate counts. Activity (modified Horraii-EIIiker) and inhibitory tests were also performed on pasteurized, pasteurized-vacuumized and high heat milk treatments.

Rennet whey (heated and unheated) was collected …

Prediction Of Mozzarella Cheese Yield From Milk Composition, Hamzah M. Abu-Tarboush

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was conducted to develop and evaluate several formulas which predict Mozzarella cheese yield from fat and protein content of milk and moisture content of cheese. During a one month period, 107 samples of milk and cheese were collected at Olympia Cheese Company, Olympia, Washington. Milk samples were analyzed for fat and protein content. Cheese samples were analyzed for fat, protein and moisture content.

Three models were derived to predict the yield of Mozzarella cheese. The three models were statistically fitted to the data by applying the Gauss-Newton non-linear least squares method of iteration. The differences among the three …

Assay, Purification, And Characterization Of A Pantetheine Hydrolyzing Enzyme From Pig Kidney, Carl Thomas Wittwer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A microsomal glycoprotein hydrolyzing pantetheine to pantothenate and cysteamine has been solubilized and purified to homogeneity as determined by sodium dodecylsulfate electrophoresis. Four rapid, independent assays of pantetheine hydrolysis are described and compared along with a method for localizing enzymatic activity on polyacrylamide gels. The enzyme is solubilized on exposure to butanol and purified by heat treatment, (NH4)₂SO₄ fractionation, hydrophobic chromatography, and hydroxyapatite chromatography. The glycoprotein, purified 5600-fold in 22% yield, has a specific activity of 14 μmoles pantothenate produced/min/mg of protein, 35 times that previously reported. The enzyme has a pH optimum of 9.0-9.5 and a …