Life Sciences Commons^™

Survival, Nesting Success, And Habitat Selection Of Wild Turkey Populations In The Upper Coastal Plain Of South Carolina, William Moore

All Dissertations

Survival, nesting success, and habitat selection of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations in South Carolina were evaluated. The study was conducted on the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) in the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Portions of the study were conducted on Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve (CWMA) on the western portion of SRS. During January through March of 1998 - 2000, 37 hens and 47 gobblers were captured on SRS, and 19 gobblers were captured on CWMA and fitted with radio transmitters. Survival rates between hunted and unhunted wild turkey gobblers were compared to …

Small Grains And Field Peas: 2007 Variety Recommendations (2006 Crop Performance Results), Cooperative Extension Service, South Dakota State University

SDSU Extension Circulars

Variety selection is a fundamental element in a sound crop production program. This report contains variety recommendations, descriptions, and yield data for the spring-seeded small grains – hard red spring wheat, oat, and barley, along with the fall-seeded small grain –hard red winter wheat. Key factors in variety selection include yield, yield stability, maturity, straw strength, height, test weight, quality, and disease resistance. Yield is an important factor; however, a variety with good disease resistance, straw strength, and high grain quality may be more profitable in some cases than the highest yielding variety. Disease resistance information is based on reactions …

Extended Visions, November/December 2006

Extended Visions Newsletter of ARDC

Contents:
ARDC Director's Comments
ARDC Feature Unit – ARDC Administration
About the People
ASSIST Business Center Focuses on Service
Technology Capabilities at the ARDC
Calendar of Events
Embracing Holiday Nutrition
How We Spent Our Summer at the ARDC
Mead Magnet School Update
FFA “Families”
Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo Friday, Dec. 8
Upcoming Workshops for Acreage Owners Nebraska Friendly Landscapes
Wanted: Master Gardeners

High-Level Resistance To Bacillus Thuringiensis Toxin Cry1ac And Cadherin Genotype In Pink Bollworm, Aaron J. Gassmann, Robert W. Biggs, Jeffrey A. Fabrick, Bruce E. Tabashnick, Timothy J. Dennehy, Yves Carriere, Shai Morin

Aaron J. Gassmann

Resistance to transgenic cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin Cry1Ac is linked with three recessive alleles of a cadherin gene in laboratory-selected strains of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), a major cotton pest. Here, we analyzed a strain (MOV97-R) with a high frequency of cadherin resistance alleles, a high frequency of resistance to 10 μg of Cry1Ac per milliliter of diet, and an intermediate frequency of resistance to 1,000 μg of Cry1Ac per ml of diet. We selected two strains for increased resistance by exposing larvae from MOV97-R to diet with 1,000 μg of Cry1Ac per ml …

Interview With Carol Mayer-Reed, Mayer/Reed, 2006 (Audio), Carol Mayer-Reed

All Sustainability History Project Oral Histories

Interview of Carol Mayer-Reed by Robyn Russnogle at on December 1st, 2006.

The interview index is available for download.

From Herd Diversification To Livelihood Diversification As A Response To Poverty: The Case Of The Waso Boran Of Northern Kenya, D. Layne Coppock, Abdullahi D. Jillo, Abdillahi A. Aboud

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

The Waso Boran of northern Kenya used to have large, mobile, and diverse herds of livestock that exploited equally large and diverse rangelands. Forty years of human population growth, drought, environmental change, and lack of relevant policies have altered this situation, however, with the majority of Waso Boran today being livestock poor and engaged in a variety of non-pastoral activities to diversify their livelihoods. One-third of 540 households we surveyed in Isiolo District now have ten head of cattle or less, and a larger census suggests that only 15 percent of households can currently be categorized as mobile pastoralists. The …

Evaluation Of Socioeconomic Characteristics Of Farmers Who Choose To Adopt A New Type Of Cropand Factors That Influence The Decision To Adopt Switchgrass For Energy Production, Pamela C. Ellis

Masters Theses

Evaluating farmers’ perceptions and obtaining feedback about the adoption of a new crop is necessary for improving the efficiency of research, technology exchange, and information flow to policymakers. New technology has created new uses for non- traditional crops (such as switchgrass) as a sustainable source of energy. With new technology utilizing non-traditional crop uses, it is important to discern and understand the determinants of farmers’ behavior and attitudes toward new crop adoption rather than new technology adoption. Farmers must analyze financial and social costs and benefits of new crops, farming practices, and economic activities. Better understanding of the factors farmers …

Ard News December 2006

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

Contents:

Comments from the Dean
William G. Whitmore Student Travel Endowment
David H. and Annie E. Larrick Fund, 2007
Undergraduate Honors Research Program
ARD Foundation/Grant Processes
New or Revised Projects September and October 2006
Proposals Submitted for Federal Grants September and October 2006
Grants and Contracts Received for September and October 2006

Ard News December 2006

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

CONTENTS:

Comments from the Dean
William G. Whitmore Student Travel Endowment
David H. and Annie E. Larrick Fund, 2007
UNDERGRADUATE HONORS RESEARCH PROGRAM
ARD Foundation/Grant Processes
New or Revised Projects September and October 2006
Proposals Submitted for Federal Grants September and October 2006
Grants and Contracts Received for September and October 2006

Community Perceptions Concerning Key Ecological Resources At Risk In Baringo District, Kenya, D. Layne Coppock, Mark N. Mutinda, Abdillahi A. Aboud

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Key ecological resources in arid and semi-arid lands are often characterized by small patches of seasonal grazing and important water points that lend critical support to entire production systems. When key resources are degraded or lost, production systems can be badly compromised. The Baringo District of north-central Kenya is well known for enduring decades of environmental degradation and food relief. As an initial part of an effort to map and characterize key ecological resources at risk in Baringo, we interviewed 136 resident leaders from pastoral and agro-pastoral areas. We asked them to identify and rank their most vulnerable ecological resources, …

Collective Action By Women’S Groups To Combat Drought And Poverty In Northern Kenya, D. Layne Coppock, Solomon Desta, Getachew Gebru, Adan Wako, Ibrahim Aden, Chachu Tadecha, Seyoum Tezera

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Collective action can be an effective means of local development and risk reduction among rural people, but few examples have been documented in pastoral areas. We conducted extensive interviews for 16 women’s groups residing in northern Kenya. Our objectives were to understand how groups were formed, governed, and sustained and what activities they have pursued. The groups we interviewed were 10 years old, on average. Charter memberships averaged about 24 women, 20 of whom were illiterate. Half of the groups formed after facilitation by a development partner and half formed spontaneously. Groups are governed under detailed constitutional frameworks with elected …

Public Engagement To Prioritize The Pastoral Research Agenda At The Pastoral And Agro-Pastoral Research Center Of Oari In Ethiopia, D. Layne Coppock, Getachew Gebru, Lemma Gizachew, Sintayehu Mesele, Mohammed Hassena, Solomon Desta

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

The Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI) has a mandate to conduct agricultural and livestock research throughout the Regional State of Oromia in Ethiopia. OARI has recently opened a facility near Yabello town on the Borana Plateau called the Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Research Center. A meeting was held in August 2006 at Yabello that involved representatives from pastoral communities, the private sector, government, and non-governmental organizations. The aim was to engage stakeholders in a process of problem prioritization and set the stage to create new partnerships to better address pressing problems. The final priorities included: addressing a general decline in forage …

Effects Of Training And Experience On Repeatable And Reliable Assessment Of Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores, Pete Burmeister

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In recent years, body condition scores (BCS) have been included in Expected Progeny differences (EPD) calculations for maintenance energy. This experiment was designed to identify the acuteness at which technicians of different skill levels can correctly quantify BCS in beef cattle. Thirteen students enrolled in agriculture at Western Kentucky University were assigned to three experimental technician groups based on training level. Five members of the colligate livestock judging team with extensive cattle backgrounds were BCS trained and assigned to the experienced level, four students were BCS trained by the WKU livestock judging coach and assigned to the trained level, and …

Changes In Land Cover And Soil Conditions For The Yabelo District Of The Borana Plateau, 1973-2003, D. Layne Coppock, Sintayehu Mesele, Heluf Gebrekidan, Lemma Gizachew

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

It has been proposed that the Borana Plateau has markedly changed in terms of land cover and land use in recent decades, but no hard data have been available to critically assess this claim. In addition, systematic analysis of soil properties has been limited. Research was designed to measure changes in land cover/land use over 30 years in the 400-km2 Yabelo District of southern Ethiopia using three satellite images taken at an average interval of 15 years. Samples were also collected to assess variation in the physical and chemical properties of dominant soils. Results indicated that Yabelo District has indeed …

Bmp Adoption In Two East Tennessee Watersheds, Michael Barrowclough

Masters Theses

Voluntary adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) has been the foundation among many environmental conservation programs geared towards non-point source pollution. While farmers view BMPs as being both appropriate and problematic, there remain many constraints to BMP adoption on the farm. The objective of this research was to determine the criteria beef and dairy producers used in their decision making process on whether or not to adopt a given BMP or set of BMPs in the Pond Creek and Oostanaula Creek watersheds located in East Tennessee. Results are presented of exploratory sociological research designed to better understand how farmers select …

A Comparison Of The Amely Gene Sequence In Argali (Ovis Ammon) And Domestic (Ovis Aries) Sheep, Kimberly Elwood

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Amelogenin (AMEL) is a gene responsible for tooth bud development. It is located on the X-chromosome, thus called AMELX, in mammals. AMEL has been shown to be present in fish, amphibians, and reptiles, though the exact location on the chromosome has not been determined. Amelogenin-like gene (AMELY), an AMEL homolog encoded on the Y-chromosome in some mammals, including sheep, cattle, deer, bears, humans, and some primates, is shorter than the sequence on the X-chromosome. It is unknown whether AMELY is transcriptionally active, but it has been found to be useful for human sexing purposes in forensics, archaeology and prenatal diagnosis, …

Watch The Drinking Water Quality Of Calves Reared In Individual Hutches, R. D. Wiedmeier

All Current Publications

Those involved in livestock production have often observed the relationship between drinking water intake, dry matter intake and performance.

Perennial Pastures For Western Australia, Geoff Allan Moore, Paul Sanford, Tim Wiley

Bulletins 4000 -

The aim of this project was to identify potential new perennial legumes and grasses to complement lucerne in phase farming and to identify the role and potential for perennial grasses in Western Australia.

Consumer Perceptions Of Branded Beef Products, Leslie Erin Williams

Masters Theses

This study examined consumer perceptions of branded beef products. Research was conducted to determine what motivates consumers to purchase branded beef products. In addition, this study focused on consumer perceptions of quality, risk, added value, credibility and loyalty toward both branded beef products in general and branded beef products when compared to non-branded beef products.

A self-developed question guide was used as a guide for the focus group and the in-depth interviews. This study entailed one focus group with nine participants and nine one-on-one in-depth interviews.

The majority of participants in this study held a positive impression of branded beef …

Asexual Propagation Of Four Cultivars Of Vaccinium Corymbosum And Weed Management In An Established Orchard Of Vaccinium Corymbosum 'Bluejay' (Highbush Blueberry) In South Central Kentucky, Kyle Daniel

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In response to the changing economy of Kentucky tobacco, producers are seeking an economically viable alternative that can be produced on a similarly small acreage. Blueberries are an emerging crop that satisfy the needs of these producers and are popular with consumers for their flavor and health benefits. In addition to selling the berries, local producers are experiencing much success selling blueberry plants to homeowners and other producers. However, the protocol for propagating specific cultivars under local environmental conditions is unknown. Rooting percentages for producers has been extremely variable. A two year study conducted at Western Kentucky University investigated asexual …

Interview With Laurel Macdonald-Bonnell, Macdonald Environmental, 2006 (Audio), Laurel Macdonald-Bonnell

All Sustainability History Project Oral Histories

Interview of Laurel McDonald by Chloe Collins at MacDonald Environmental Planning on November 29th, 2006.

The interview index is available for download.

Interview With Brian Croak, Croak Creations, 2006 (Audio), Brian Croak

All Sustainability History Project Oral Histories

Interview of Brian Croak by Chloe Collins on November 28th, 2006.

The interview index is available for download.

2006 Oregon Harvest Report, Oregon Wine Board

Oregon Wine Board Documents

This harvest report for the Oregon wine industry from 2006 discusses how plentiful yields and mature flavors increased consumer access to quality Oregon wine. Statewide, the growing season was warm and dry, thrilling the Oregon winemakers and growers. The sugar was slightly higher, and, with the moderate levels of acidity, the fruit maintained full flavors.

Third Thursday 11-2006, Institute Of Agriculture

Third Thursday

No abstract provided.

The Changing Structure Of Arkansas' Economy: A Shift-Share Analysis, Biswaranjan Das, Daniel V. Rainey

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

The state of Arkansas enjoys the advantages of its unique central location in the nation, excellent natural surroundings, low cost of living, and one of the best business climates in the southern United States. It is home to several of the largest corporations in the world. Over the period 1980-2000, there was tremendous growth in the state’s economy. However, the growth was confined to specific regions that led to several socio-economic issues adversely affecting the state. To better understand the components and variations in economic growth, a county-wise shift-share analysis was conducted. Employment, a good indicator of economic growth, was …

Policy Tools For Smart Growth In New England, New England Environmental Finance Center

Smart Growth

Across New England communities have been experiencing a rapid outward surge of development away from our community and downtown centers. Effects of sprawl include a loss of wildlife habitat, farm and timber lands; increased costs of community services and higher taxes; auto-dependency, longer commutes, and increased congestion; increases in air and water pollution; a sedentary lifestyle and increased obesity; and losses to one’s sense of place and social ties.

State-level responses to sprawl have surfaced throughout New England in recent years. This report describes 11 examples of these responses, representing all six New England states and a diversity of recent …

The Nebline, November-December 2006

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:

Extension Offers Guardianship Trainings Mandated By the Nebraska Supreme Court
Guardianships Happen for Variety of Reasons
Pruning Ornamental Plants
Spark Up the Fireplace with Color
Test Nitrogen Levels this Fall, Begin Planning for Spring Fertilization
Free Soybean Cyst Nematode Sample Kits Available
Farming No-Till Increases for Major Nebraska Crops, Better for Environment, Fuel Saved
Computerized Farm Financial Recordkeeping Workshops
Preparing a Thanksgiving Feast Does Not Have to be Difficult!
Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
$tretch Your Food Dollar with Healthy Snacks
Time-Saving Kitchen Tools for Holiday Gifts
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints: Tips for a Warm, Cozy and …

The Importance Of Emerging Biobased Industries To Engineering And Technology, Kurt A. Rosentrater, R. Balamuralikrishma

Kurt A. Rosentrater

Our society has developed an insatiable demand for energy and material goods. Historically, these needs have been met primarily by fossil fuels and other non-renewable raw materials. As environmental concerns grow, however, renewable resources are gaining increased attention. This paper examines the emergence and importance that biobased industries are increasingly beginning to play. A biobased enterprise, similar in concept to a traditional refinery or factory, utilizes conversion technologies to produce various products. These operations are rapidly increasing both in number as well as in capacity throughout this country, and are poised to add significantly to the nation’s energy and material …

Analytical And Experimental Studies Of Properties Of Ethanol Coproduct-Filled Plastics, Robert Tatara, Andrew Otieno, Srikrishna Suraparaju, Kurt A. Rosentrater

Kurt A. Rosentrater

As the renewable fuels industry continues to grow, the quantity of resulting byproducts has expanded in tandem. Currently, these materials are primarily used for animal feed, but at some point will saturate the animal feeds market. Thus, it is necessary to investigate alternative methods and applications by which these coproducts can be utilized. One potential application for these process residues involves plastics manufacturing. Due, in part, to the increasing cost of resins and conventional fillers, alternate fillers have been increasingly sought. Many of these include biological materials such as grasses, bamboo, starch, chicken feathers, soy protein, and cellulose. Not only …

Third Thursday 10-2006, Institute Of Agriculture

Third Thursday

No abstract provided.