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 …

A Preliminary Investigation Of The Effect Of Storm Events On The Concentration Of Volatile Organic Compounds In The Lost River Cave System, Warren County, Kentucky, Francis Michael Cretella

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Samples of cave water were analyzed for volatile organic compounds during four separate storm events. The major compounds detected were toluene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, methylene chloride, and 1,1-dicloroethane. Minor compounds detected were trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethylene, and ethylbenzene. These compounds were detected in varying amounts at each of the three study sites. During a storm event, the levels of each contaminant changed significantly at all three sites studied. Two effects were observed when a storm event occurred. The first effect was the dilution of the volatile organic compounds during the storm event. These effects were related to the amount of rainfall and …

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 …

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 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, …

Age & Growth Of The Paddlefish, Polyodon Spathula (Walbaum), In Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, Douglas Timpe

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Age and growth parameters of paddlefish from Lake Cumberland were investigated from September 1983 through July 1984. Sex ratios observed were 60 percent male and 40 percent female. The average total length for all paddlefish was 135.3 cm with fish captured in net tackle having a smaller body size than those caught on snag lines. Fish from the Cumberland River exhibited a greater mean body length than those from other parts of the lake, and females were longer than males. The average body weight was 11.8 kg and showed similar trends as body length. Net-captured paddlefish weighed less than those …

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 Reproductive Biology Of The Paddlefish, Polyodon Spathula (Walbaum), In Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, John Hageman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The reproductive biology of the paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) was studied on specimens collected from Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, from September 1983 to July 1984. A total of 500 specimens was studied. Reproductive activity was observed on 17 April 1984 in the Big South Fork of Lake Cumberland. Seasonal differences were observed in sex ratios with more males than females occurring in the winter and spring. Movements were observed throughout the year, but these were accentuated prior to reproduction in the spring. Lake Cumberland paddlefish became sexually mature by Age Group V in males and VIII in females. In the …

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 …