Digital Commons Network^™

The Drones' Impact On Precision Agriculture, Ibrahim Naji

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

A study to assess the overall impact of drones in the agricultural sector. The specific goal of this research was to provide a drone system to ward off pestering birds from crops to allow for better growth and an increased yield. Along with providing a user-friendly coded drone system for farmers that is cost effective, this project has inspired other areas of use for the drone.

The Effect Of Feed Manufacture Techniques On Pathogen Reduction And Feed Nutrient Value, Timothy Paul Boltz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Experiments were conducted to evaluate how differing feed manufacture techniques, such as varying conditioning times and new equipment, can affect pathogen mitigation, feed manufacture metrics, amino acid digestibility, and enzyme recovery in feed. Feed hygienics are of increasing importance in providing safe feed to animals, and ultimately safe food for consumers. Salmonella has been identified as a major microbial hazard in animal feed that has been linked to animal and human illness. In chapter 2, the effects of standard pelleting and more thermally aggressive techniques were utilized to determine pathogen mitigation potential. Use of antibiotics has decreased in recent years …

Following The Seed: Investigating Seed Saving And Network Creation In The Appalachian Region Of Southeastern Ohio, Molly Hicks

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Since the beginning of agriculture, seeds have been cultivated, saved, and exchanged by farmers each year to ensure the success of future crops adapted to local environments. Yet, over ninety percent of our diverse vegetable and fruit crop varieties have been lost due to the industrialization and commercialization of seeds. Industrial agriculture has caused a great homogenization of crop varieties, but locally adapted seeds and their seed savers do still exist on the fringe, and across the world. There is a small but growing body of research on agri-food networks in Western and developing countries where advocates are working to …

Why Csas Matter: (Re)Localizing For People-Based Food Networks, Gretchen Alexander

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis details the history of Claremont Market Shares, a Community Sourced Agriculture (CSA) project based out of Claremont, California. By using this project as a jumping off point for discussing local food networks, buzzwords such as "organic" and "local" are analyzed and re-defined. I argue for a people-based food network model over the currently popular 'place-based' that prioritizes producer-consumer relationships. The CSA functions as a sustainable model of this ideology.

Identifying And Preventing Porcupine Damage To Trees, Michael R. Kuhns, Megan Dettenmaier, Jessica Tegt

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes the basic ecology and behavior of the porcupine and identifies ways to determine if porcupines are damaging trees on your property. We explain specific techniques for protecting trees and property from porcupine damage.

Research Output Of Icar-Indian Institute Of Horticultural Research: A Scientometric Study, Suresh N, Thanuskodi S Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper deals with the analysis of research output of ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticulture, Bangalore (ICAR-IIHR) during 1989 to 2018 appeared in web of science database. It attempts to analyze the growth and development of research activity of ICAR-IIHR as reflected in publications output in web of science database. Data for a study is total of 1095 have been downloaded and analyzed according to objectives. The study reveals that the growth of literature follows the exponential growth pattern, journal articles are the most published form of literature (90.13%), Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences followed by Current Science are top …

Determination And Content Analysis Of Phenolic Compounds In Different Late-Maturing Citrus Of China, Zhang Jing, Zhu Lisha, Zhang Yaohai, Zhao Jing, Dong Chao, Jiao Bining

Food and Machinery

In order to provide scientific basis for the utilization of citrus resource and improvement of comprehensive utilization value of fruits, the ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was used to determine the main phenolic substances (flavonoied and phenolic acids) in nine Chinese late-maturing citrus. The different phenolic compounds and their contents were analyzed in pulp, juice and peel. The results showed that flavonoids were mainly hesperidin in the parts of the nine citrus varieties, and phenolic acids were mainly ferulic acid, and the content of PMFs in the pericarp was rich. In the juice of nine citrus, the contents of hesperidin and …

Teaching Reform Of Food Nutrition And Safety Course Based On General Education Concept, Yang Huilin, Wang Xiaolan, Tu Zongcai

Food and Machinery

Food nutrition and safety is a general elective course for natural subjects, which can help college students improve their quality of life, enhance their sense of responsibility and broaden their horizons. By grasping the concept of general education, defining the purpose of the course, selecting scientific, universal and neoteric contents, utilizing the methods of multi-interaction and integration of theory and practice, and establishing the complementary assessments of process with result, the new teaching mode of food nutrition and safety public elective course has been explored, and remarkable teaching achievements are obtained.

Advances In Studies On The Effects Of Thermal Processing On The Structure, Content And Antioxidant Activity Of Phenolic Compounds In Plants, Ma Zhanqian, Wu Nana, Yi Cuiping, Tan Bin

Food and Machinery

The effects of different thermal processing processes on the structure and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds was reviewed, and the main problems found were discussed in the present study. We looked forward to the next key ideas, and intended to provide a basis for the development and utilization of nutritious food.

Research Progress Of Polyphenolic Compounds In Artichoke, Shi Mingyue, Cao Qingming, Zhong Wenhui, Yi Yingjian, Fang Yi, Zhang Zhikun, Zhou Wenhua

Food and Machinery

Artichoke has important nutritional and medicinal value and great development potential in the application of health food. In this review, the recent research results on extraction methods, analytical methods of artichoke, its chemical components and biological activities of polyphenols were summarized. It is hoped that national and international research results, can be popularized and utilized. The recognition of artichoke medicinal value in modern medicine and the promotion of artichoke products will bring great benefits to people's health and longevity.

Research Progress On The Mechanism Of Dietary Anthocyanins On Preventing And Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Lai Dengni, Jiang Yuqin, Tian Yan, Wu Yanyang, Zhao Lingyan, Deng Fangming

Food and Machinery

The main components of anthocyanins in different fruits and vegetables were discussed. And the role of anthocyanins of prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes were explored. The mechanism of anthocyanins in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes by reducing oxidative stress, improving insulin resistance, promoting insulin secretion and protecting β cells was discussed, and provided a theoretical basis for the comprehensive utilization of polyphenolic compounds in fruits and vegetables.

Effects Of Different Additives On The Properties Offried Carrot Chips, Lu Shaochuang, Zheng Baofang, Qin Shixiu, Lu Jialei, Zhou Tao, Wang Jiaqi, Li Chiling, Zhou Hui

Food and Machinery

In order to reduce the oil content of fried carrot chips and improve the sensory and nutritional quality of the products, various additives including sodium chloride, monoglyceride, sucrose ester, lecithin, modified starch, gelatin, pectin, dextran, xanthan gum, and carrageenan, etc. were added before frying, and then the texture, oil content, chroma, β-carotene and other aspects of the fried samples were detected and analyzed. The results showed that, by adding additives, the oil content of the sample could be significantly reduced and the loss of β-carotene was minimized, although various additives had their own advantages in improving the quality of the …

Optimization On Fast Debitterizing Technologies Of Apricot Seed By Ultrasound With Response Surface Methodology, Zhang Ning, Zhang Xinyun, Fan Xuehui, Zhang Qingan

Food and Machinery

To decrease the waste of energy and resource during the traditional debitterizing processing of apricot seeds, a rapid and novel method was proposed based on the principle of ultrasound-induced in this paper. Firstly, the parameters affecting the dissolution rate of amygdalin such as ultrasonic temperature, time, frequency, power and ratio of material to liquid, were tested by the method of single-factor experiment. Secondly, three parameters affecting the amygdalin dissolution rate were optimized by the response surface methodology, such as ultrasonic temperature, power and frequency, resepectively. The results showed that the optimum conditions were ultrasonic temperature 55 ℃, ultrasonic power 300 …

Effects Of Lactobacillus Fermentation On The Quality And Nutrient Of Tartary Buckwheat Seedling Beverage, Li Jun, Lu Yang, Liu Yongxiang, Liu Hui

Food and Machinery

Bulgarian Lactobacillus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum were inoculated into tartary buckwheat seedling beverage for fermentation, and the changes of sensory score, number of live Lactobacillus, total sugar, reducing sugar, total acid, total protein, total flavone, rutin, quercetin and kaempferol 3-rutinoside were compared for the better lactic acid bacteria fermentation strains. The results showed that Lactobacillus could grow well in tartary buckwheat seedling beverage, and the fermentation activity of L. plantarum was higher than that of the other two lactobacilli, and the mixed fermentation of L. plantarum and L. bulgaricum had synergistic effect, and the product sensory score was the …

Three Sister Crops: Understanding American Indian Agricultural Practices Of Corn, Beans And Squash, Sara Colombe, Madhav P. Nepal, Larry B. Browning, Matthew L. Miller, P. Troy White

iLEARN Teaching Resources

American Indians have practiced an inter-planting system to produce corn, beans, and squash, for generations. These crops are known as the “Three Sisters”. In this lesson developed for secondary agriscience curriculum, students will understand the past, current and future production practices of the three important crops. Students will also apply their knowledge to understand the crop selection process and relate to the changing environment.

Six Key Components Of A Farm Or Ranch Business Plan, Jay Parsons

Cornhusker Economics

Developing a good farm or ranch business plan can have many benefits. In an earlier Cornhusker Economics article, I outlined six good reasons to develop a business plan (Parsons 2015). It helps to get your business organized and moving in the right direction. It lets your lender know you have a plan to succeed, which opens up your access to capital. It also helps you organize your thoughts, clarifying the goals and objectives you wish to achieve. In summary, putting together a written business plan increases the likelihood of your business achieving success (Scarborough 2011).

Physicochemical And Ecotoxicological Assessment Of Biochar For Environmental Application, Maria Guillermina Cantou

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Multiple benefits of biochar conversion and utilization, including soil carbon sequestration and environmental remediation, have been proposed by researchers. Biochar may be produced from a wide array of feedstocks and pyrolytic process conditions. This influences the final biochar composition, which includes the presence of potential pollutants that could ultimately result in detrimental environmental impacts. The major purpose of this research was to improve our understanding of potential unintended effects of biochar addition to the environment either as a potential source of toxicity towards organisms or as a material influencing availabilities of other soil contaminants. Biochars were produced from ten different …

Men’S Jeans Fit Based On Body Shape Categorization, Elahe Saeidi

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to categorize lower body shape in men and to investigate the interplay between body shape and fitting issues appearing in men’s jeans. More specifically, the goal of the study was to improve apparel fit based on body shape. The detailed objectives of the study were to: (1) Categorize male body shapes using statistical analysis; (2) use 3D virtual fitting technology to assess fit and develop a shape-driven pants block pattern for each body shape.

This quantitative study was conducted in three stages: (1) categorizing the body shape of 1420 male scans, aged 18-35, from …

Consumer Perceptions Of Labeling Claims On Poultry Products, Sarah Townley

Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology Undergraduate Honors Theses

An increasing number of consumers wants more knowledge of how the food they eat is produced, and specifically, how animals used in the production of their food are raised. One method consumers use to become more aware of production practices behind the food they purchase and consume is simply reading food labels. Labeling claims can be defined as textual, pictorial, graphic, or symbolic representation that either explicitly states or implies that a food product has a specific set of properties supported by a certification process. The purpose of this study is to gather data regarding consumer knowledge and understanding of …

Entrepreneur`S Guide To Starting A Rabbit Agricultural Enterprise, Mary Maldonado

Agricultural Education and Communication

At San Luis Obispo, the University Cal Ploy has an Animal Science Department that offers over twenty enterprises pertaining to livestock production which “provide the environment for students to get outside the classroom and work with the animals in teams of students” (Cal Poly 2017-19). As reported from the “Animal Science Department Enterprise Class List”, the classes involved help develop technical skills by having students learn and work in active production settings with livestock such as cows, steers, pigs, lambs, goats, and chickens (Animal Science Department 2017-19). However, when compared to the livestock accounted for at a traditional county fair …

2018 Lambing Survey, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock published reports

The 2018 season brought challenging times for sheep producers in WA and there were wide reports of low lambing rates.

Many areas had a very late start coupled with low winter growth, but saw a wet warm spring bring high pasture growth rates (PGR). Other areas, particularly the South Coast and central south region recorded decile 1 rainfall and grew minimal pasture throughout the season (Appendix 4). All of this was on the back of a poor spring in 2017.

To better understand the impacts of poor and variable seasons on lambing and turnoff rates and to map the impact …

Grazing Strategy Effects On Utilization, Animal Performance, Aboveground Production, Species Composition, And Soil Properties On Nebraska Sandhills Meadow, Aaron Shropshire

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Ultrahigh stocking density (a.k.a., mob grazing) is proposed as a management tool that results in greater harvest efficiency, animal performance, aboveground plant production, species richness, and soil carbon content. The study objective was to determine grazing treatment, haying, or non-defoliated control effects on forage utilization, aboveground production, animal performance, and soil properties. In 2010, 25 ha of Sandhills meadow were divided into 2 replications of 3 grazing, a hay, and control treatment. Grazing treatments were a 120-pasture rotation with one grazing cycle (mob), a 4-pasture rotation with one cycle (4PR1), and a 4-pasture rotation with two cycles (4PR2) at stocking …

Classifying Interdependencies In The Food And Agriculture Critical Infrastructure Sector, John Doerpinghaus

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This work classifies examples of infrastructure interdependencies found in the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector. Interdependencies are identified through an examination of rice and poultry agriculture throughout the state of Arkansas. The subtleties of interdependence examples in the food and agriculture sector are inadequately captured by the well-studied interdependence classification taxonomies. Through 39 interviews, we develop an understanding of the subtle temporal, geographic, and productivity scales of interdependence in over 100 examples and present five new, distinct classifications of interdependence: (1) dynamic physical, (2) dynamic geographic, (3) deadline, (4) delay, and (5) human, economic, and natural resource interdependencies. An …

Imperfect Produce Pricing: Relationships Between Price Percent Discount And Demographic Traits Of Customers, April Foster

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to understand the impact of price reductions on consumer spending behaviors related to the purchase of imperfect produce. Additionally, the correlation between consumers’ demographics and their willingness to purchase imperfect produce at various price points was evaluated. The data was viewed with mindfulness toward reducing food loss as a function of the world food crisis. More specifically, the purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between Washington County, Arkansas consumers’ demographic traits and the percent discount at which they are willing to alter their behavior to purchase specific imperfect produce items. Using the Theory of …

Soil Health Effects And Stakeholder Perceptions Of Manure And Woody Biomass Application To Cropland In Nebraska, Linda R. Schott

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Organic products that have historically been viewed as waste products may improve soil health by adding carbon (C) and nutrients to soil. Two such products are woodchips, generated from forest or rangeland management activities, and livestock manure. In Nebraska, eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) is a native but invasive tree species inhibiting rangeland productivity. Livestock manure that is underutilized while inorganic fertilizers are imported for crop production presents a water quality risk by contributing to local- and regional-scale nutrient imbalances. Increasing the responsible use of livestock manure in crop fertility programs to improve sustainability of both livestock and crop farms …

Understanding Spatial Dynamics Of Tallgrass Prairie Dominated By Tall Fescue, Callie Griffith

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study was conducted on restored tallgrass prairie and invaded tallgrass prairie located in the Grand River Grasslands of southern Iowa to determine differences in heterogeneity of plant structure and functional group composition at different scales. Restored tallgrass prairies were seeded with a species-rich seeding mixture and managed by burning the entire prairie, every three years. Data were collected in August 2014 and 2015 to compare heterogeneity of restoration of native plant structure and functional group composition to the heterogeneity of invaded tallgrass prairies that were managed with patch burning and conventionally grazed. Invaded tallgrass prairies were managed with patch-burning …

Generation And Evaluation Of Modified Opaque-2 (O2) Popcorn Suggests A Route To Quality Protein Popcorn (Qpp), Ying Ren

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

I have been working on a Quality Protein Popcorn breeding project where QPM conversion is carried out simultaneously for several elite popcorn germplasms. During my study in the graduate program, I led the following aspects of the Quality Protein Popcorn Breeding Project:

1. Identified suitable QPMs as opaque-2 allele donors.

2.Examined the feasibility of quick introgression of the opaque-2 allele into popcorn lines via marker-assisted selection.

3. Monitored modification by SDS-PAGE zein profiling and light box phenotypic selection to make sure multiple modifier loci for opaque-2 were incorporated each time generation advancement was carried out.

4. Carried out high throughput …

Impact Of Ethanol Process Changes On Distillers’ Grains For Beef Cattle, Shelby A. Garland

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

Distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) have been widely utilized in beef cattle diets. Fractionation of the corn kernel pre- and post-fermentation has changed the composition of DGS and allowed for the production of other feed byproducts over time. The use of fractionated DGS and other feed byproducts from the ethanol industry has not been heavily researched in beef cattle diets. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding high protein distillers grains (HiPro DDG) and corn bran plus solubles (Bran + Solubles) in beef cattle diets. Experiment 1 evaluated the effect of byproduct type on finishing performance and …

Quality Effects On Beef From Cattle Fed High-Protein Corn Distillers' Grains Or Other Ethanol By-Products, Kellen B. Hart

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

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding high protein corn distillers grains on fresh beef quality. Steers (n = 300) were fed one of five diets (6 pens with 10 head/pen): a corn control, 40% high protein dry distillers grains plus solubles (HP-DDGS), 40% dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS), 40% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS), or 40% bran plus solubles (Bran). Eighteen Choice carcasses (3 head/pen) were randomly selected within each treatment (n = 88). Strip loins were aged for 2, 9, or 23 d, after which steaks were placed under …

A Needs Assessment Of Arizona Agricultural Education Equine Science Curriculum, Emily Tobler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Like any other agricultural industry, many different career paths in the equine field are becoming more technologically advanced. To adapt to technological progress, current standards need to be integrated into school-based agricultural education courses to properly train and teach students about current industry standards. In addition to equine science curriculum development, emphasis must also be focused on providing assistance to secondary-school-based agriculture teachers so they can effectively teach industry-based equine science objectives in their programs.

The equine curriculum objectives were measured in terms of perceived importance by equine professionals and post-secondary equine educators as well as Arizona school-based agriculture teachers. …