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A Comparison Of High-Performance Short-Duration And Repeated-Seasonal Grazing Systems, Jerry David Volesky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Six replications of l-herd 16-subunit High-Performance Short-Duration (HPSDG) and Repeated-Seasonal (RSG) (May-Sep.) grazing system treatments were compared during 1983 and 1984 at the Cottonwood Range and Livestock Research Station located in western South Dakota. Calves and lambs were allotted to the experimental pastures in sets approximately equal on an animal unit basis. Animal numbers were adjusted with put-and-take sets to attain planned forage levels for each cycle of rotation in HPSDG and comparable end of season forage use levels in both treatments. The HPSDG system was operated with four cycles of rotation that had 1, 2, 2 and 3 occupation …

Nutritional Factors Modifying Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome In Caged Laying Hens, Chandi C. Rakshit

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three experiments each with two phases were conducted to study the effect of different levels of distillers dried grain (DDG), fat, oats and a mixture of oats and DDG on Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS) in caged laying hens. The second phase of each experiment was conducted by force-feeding the same diets used in the first phase at 120% of their normal intakes. This produces FLHS and thereby permits studying the effect of diets. During the force-feeding period of the third experiment, serum estradiol levels of hens from each treatment and each type of feeding were measured to study the …

Implanting Effects On Performance, Carcass Characteristics And Reproductive Parameters In Intact Beef Males, Shirley J. Gordon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The research presented herein was designed to determine the effects of post-weaning implanting on performance, carcass characteristics, hormonal profile and reproductive parameters.

Abandoned Mine Fauna Of The Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas: Vertebrate Taxa, Darrell R. Heath, David A. Saugey, Gary A. Heidt

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Numerous visits, over the past four years, of 27 abandoned mines in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas revealed that the mines are serving as hibernacula, breeding sites, and permanent or temporary habitats for numerous vertebrates. The following species were observed either directly or by sign: Class Amphibia, Order Urodela — Eurycea multiplicata, Desmognathus brimleyorum, Plethodon caddoensis, P. glutinosus. Order Anura — Gastrophyrne carolinensis, Rana palustris, R. catesbeiana. Class Reptilia, Order Squamata, Suborder Serpentes — Thamnophis proximus, Diadophis punctatus, Elaphe obsoleta, Nerodia erythrogaster, Agkistrodon contortrix. Class Aves, Order Passeriformes--Sayornis phoebe. Order Strigiformes — Otus asio. Class Mammalia, Order Marsupialia —Didelphis virginiana. …

The Hold-Release Mechanism In The Family Crotalidae, Ronald K. Easter

Masters Theses

Strike/release vs. strike/hold feeding behavior was observed for 5 Crotalus atrox and 5 Agkistrodon piscivorous. Two sizes of warm blooded prey were offered to the rattlesnakes on alternate weeks. Cottonmouths were offered, alternately, fish or mice of equal size. Although data varied among individual subjects, cottonmouths offered fish demonstrated the strike/hold behavior significantly more often than the strike/release behavior; cottonmouths offered mice struck and released significantly more often than they struck and held. It is concluded that the strike/hold strategy in sreponse to fish is adventageous because the danger of holding such prey is minimal and the release of …

Factors Affecting The Predator-Prey Relationship Between Predaceous Diving Beetle Larvae (Dytiscus Fasciventris) And Two Anuran Tadpole Species (Bufo Americanus And Hyla Crucifer), Todd S. Campbell

Masters Theses

It has previously been demonstrated that American toad (Bufo americanus) tadpoles are more vulnerable to predation by diving beetle larvae (Dytiscus fasciventris) than are spring peeper (Hyla crucifer) tadpoles. A laboratory study was undertaken to further delineate factors that contribute to the differential vulnerability observed. Beetle larvae are more effective tadpole predators in shallow, than in deep, water and appear to prefer to adopt a "sit-and-wait" predator strategy while clinging to emergent vegetation. Depth preference experiments in the laboratory indicated that both tadpole species prefer deep areas to shallow areas irrespective of whether a …

An Analysis Of Waterfowl Hunter Activity And Harvest On Selected Public Hunting Areas In Illinois, Gary E. Potts

Masters Theses

Hunter activity and waterfowl harvest were studied on 11 public waterfowl hunting areas (PHA) in Illinois which utilized 1, 2, or 3-year duck blind allocation systems from 1979-1983. The number of individual hunters, man-days, and average man-days hunted per season varied for each area in each year. The average man-days hunted per season for all study areas was 5.7 with a range of 4.4 to 6.4. Highly significant correlations existed between blind-days and man-days (r=.99), blind-days and man-hours (r=.97), and man-days and man-hours (r=.98) suggesting that the three variables are equally valid for evaluating hunter activity. On 1-year duck blind …

The Diachronic Study Of Animal Exploitation At Hesban: The Evolution Of A Research Project, Oystein S. Labianca

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Proliferative Kidney Disease In Salmonid Fishes, R. P. Hendrick, M. L. Kent, C. E. Smith

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) in salmonid fishes is caused by a poorly understood protozoan, the vegetative stages of which are known as PKX cells. The organism was initially believed to be an amoeba (phylum Sarcomastigophora) by Plehn (1924) and later by Ghittino et al. (1977) and Ferguson and Needham (1978). Similarities between PKX and oyster pathogens of the genus Marteilia led Seagrave et al. (1980) to suspect that the parasite was instead a haplosporidan (phylum Acetospora). More recent studies by Hedrick et al. (1984) and Kent and Hedrick (1985a,b) indicated that the PKX cells are pre sporogonic forms …

Channel Catfish Virus Disease, John A. Plumb

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Channel catfish virus disease (CCVD) is an acute infection of cultured fry and fingerling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). The disease occurs primarily during summer and, with few exceptions, in fish less than 4 months old. The causative agent, the channel catfish virus (CCV), is a member of the herpesvirus group. Since its first identification (Fijan 1968), it has been isolated from infected fish in most areas of the United States where channel catfish are cultured.

Economic Evaluation Of Breeding Objectives For Sheep And Goats: Practical Considerations And Examples, G. E. Bradford, H. H. Meyer

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Examples of breeding objectives for sheep industries with well developed breeding programs such as in Australia and New Zealand are reviewed briefly. For industries lacking adequate information on genetic and economic parameters to quantify objectives precisely, some general guidelines for choice of objectives are outlines, and it is suggested that considerable genetic progress can be made in such industries by use of sound objective in choice of breeds, breed combinations or base populations for multiplication. Objectives which it is suggested merit increased attention include: (1) defining optimum litter size and mature size; (2) improving lamb viability; (3) improving longevity and …

Economic Evaluation Of Breeding Objectives In Sheep And Goats: Summary And Commentary, R. W. Ponzoni

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

At the first and second World Congresses on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production some consideration was given to the definition of breeding objectives in sheep and goats. Having a whole Plenary Session dedicated to the evaluation of breeding objectives at the present Congress is an indication of the greater awareness about the importance of this area in the overall efficiency of breeding programmes. the chances of success of a breeding programme will be enhanced if during its formulation the following five steps are taken in meticulous order: (i) definition of the breeding objective; (ii) choice of selection criteria; (iii) organisation …

Embryo Transfer: Economic Implications For The Dairy Industry, J. S. Barr, D. C. Huffman, R. A. Godke

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Developments in nonsurgical embryo transfer have made commercial application for beef and dairy cows feasible. DHIA records were used to determine milk production variability within dairy herds. The top 10 percent of cows within herds produced 43 percent more milk that the herd average compared with 49 percent below herd average for the bottom 10 percent. The top 10 percent of cows within DHIA herds were assumed to be embryo donors for the remainder of the cows in DHIA herds. Economic implications were assessed for the U.S. dairy industry by region. Feed required to support the higher milk production level …

Evaluation Of Beef Cattle Industry Breeding Programs: Breeders And Breed Associations, Robert M. Koch, James B. Gibb, James A. Gosey

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Seed stock producers, though the smallest segment in the beef industry, are the primary sources of genetic improvement and should be the focal point of national efforts to improve genetic merit. Importation of "new" breeds into North America in the late 1960s and early 1970s increased or broadened the germ plasm base available to the industry. Thew new breeds caused a significant displacement of numbers in the established breeds and added impetus to crossbreeding in the commercial segment. The record of performance movement became a significant factor in seed stock production during the past 25 years and is now an …

Evaluation Of Straight- And Crossbreeding In Beef Cattle In The R.S.A., H. A. W. Venter, J. G. E. Van Zyl, R. J. Coertze

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Results from various straight- and crossbreeding trials conducted in South Africa were reviewed. The conclusion is drawn that in some instances, initial crossbreeding followed by inter se mating of crossbred cattle give the same if not better results than continued crossbreeding. This facilitates rangeland improvement as it limits the number of pastures needed during the breeding season.

Characterization Of Milk Constituents Of Bos Taurus And B. Indicus × B. Taurus Breed Types, Donald R. Daley, Anne Mccuskey, Curtis M. Bailey

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Milk from eight Bos Taurus and Bos indicus × Bos Taurus breed types (n=128) was evaluated for percentage butterfat, protein, lactose and solids- non-fat. Milk samples were collected at approximately 60, 105, and 150 d after the onset of lactation by hand-milking the left front quarter following a 30-IU injection of oxytocin. Breed type variation was significant for some milk component traits at each stage of lactation. Brahman × Angus dams increased in component yields (kg) as lactation progressed; production levels of other breed types remained approximately the same or declined. Sex of calf influenced (P<.05) yield (kg) of protein, butterfat and solids-non-fat at 105 d only. Mastitis effects caused a reduction (P<.01) in percentage of lactose. Residual correlations between yield (kg) of milk components and weaning weight were all positive and significant.

Genetic Diversity Among Cattle Breeds And Its Use To Increase Beef Production Efficiency In A Temperate Environment, Larry V. Cundiff, Keith E. Gregory, Robert M. Koch, Gordon E. Dickerson

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Results are reviewed from the cattle Germ Plasm Evaluation Program at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center comparing performance of top-crosses by 20 sire breeds. The variation that exists in biological traits important for beef production is vast and under a high degree of genetic control. Significant genetic change can result from 1) selection among breeds, 2) use of crossbreeding to exploit heterosis and 3) selection within breeds. Estimates of the range for differences between breed means vary from 2.5 to 6.3 phenotypic standard deviations (σp) and exceed 4σp for most traits. The range for differences between …

Genetic Variability Among Cattle Breeds For Beef Production, R. B. Thiessen, C. S. Taylor

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Between-breed variation in body weight, food intake, carcass composition, milk yield, efficiency of food conversion during growth and maintenance efficiency in adult cattle was examined in a multibreed experiment at the AFRC Animal Breeding Research Organisation. Females from 11 beef , 8 dual-purpose and 6 dairy breeds were fed a complete pelleted diet (AA6) ad libitum from weaning at 12 weeks of age until the birth of their third calf. Females were mated by AI to produce both purebred and crossbred progeny which were reared under the same conditions and slaughtered at either 24, 48 or 72 weeks of age. …

Evaluation Of Industry Breeding Programs For Dairy Cattle Milk And Meat Production, Franz Pirchner

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

In most European."dual purpose breeds beef merit is paid attention to by selection among performance tested bulls where comparatively much weight is given to growth rate of performance pasted bulls and relatively little weight to muscling and thus to carcass meat content. The genetic correlation between beef and dairy merit appears to be negative. This, in combination with large ad effective selection pressure on milk leads to negating the effects of the little and relatively inaccurate selection for beef merit at the best. Field progeny testing for beef merit can be economical and will permit to neutralize or even improve …

Genetic Parameters For Gestation Length, Birth Date And Time To First Observed Estrus In Beef Cattle, Sara Melin Azzam, M. K. Nielsen

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Genetic and environmental variability in gestation length (GL), birth date (BD), and time from first day of breeding season to first observed estrus (FE) were analyzed ·using twelve years of breeding and calving records on cows, sired by Simmental, Maine-Anjou, Limousin and Gelbvieh bulls. All cows were artificially inseminated. Statistical analyses were performed separately on first, second and last parity records. Paternal half-sib estimates of heritability for GL as a trait of the calf were between .36 and .45 while the estimates for BD were between .09 and .24. The estimates of heritability for FE, treated as a trait of …

Genetic Variability And Sire X Mating System Interaction For Milk Yield In Holstein-Sahiwal Crosses, V. P. Rao, V. K. Taneja

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

The average first lactation milk yield of crossbreds in northern region was higher than that in southern region with heritability estimates being 0.16±0.06 and 0.04 ± 0.04. The heritability estimates according to production level were 0.28 ± 0.14, -0.02 ± 0.04 and 0.36 ± 0.15 for low, medium and high level herds in northern and -0.05 ± 0.01 and 0.03 ± 0.12 for low and high level herds in southern region,suggesting more genetic viability in relation to total variance in high level herds. The reasons for low estimates in medium level herds have been discussed. The sire x genetic group …

Male Heterosis Effect On Lamb Production Traits Of The Ewe, T. S. Ch'ang, R. Evans

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

In a CSIRO Sheep Heterosis Experiment, 387 F₁ ewes were mated to either purebred, F₁ or F₂ rams for studying the effect of male heterosis on several lamb production traits and to investigate pro rata retention of male heterosis based on the dominance hypothesis. Evidence was found to demonstrate the occurrence of a moderate effect due to the F₁ rams (versus the purebreds) and the dominance hypothesis appeared adequate to account for the pro rata retention i.e. at 50%, of heterosis in the F₂ rams.

Performance Recording For Merino Sheep In Australia (Woolplan), R. P. Lewer, R. W. Ponzoni, P. D. Morgan, D. S. Vanrenen

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Merinos are the predominant sheep breed in Australia, accounting-for about 76% of a total of 150m. Approximately 197,000 Merino rams are sold annually, of which 157,000 are horned and 40,000 are polled.

The Australian Merino is above all a producer of premium quality white wool. The major determinant of wool income is weight, but the price per kilogram is influenced mainly by fibre diameter.

Recording in Merino stud flocks is minimal. Sires are sometimes identified but dam identities are not routinely recorded. Neither are required for registration purposes. Subjective grading of breeding stock is still the main selection criterion, but …

Selection Applied In The Angus Breeding Scheme Of The New Zealand Land Development And Management Corporation, G. B. Nicoll

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

The Land Development and Management Corporation (LDMC) has estabished an open-nucleus Breeding Scheme within its Rotorua District to breed Angus bulls to cover 20 750 cows and 5 200 heifers. Nucleus herd numbers over the 1976-85 period were 775 cows and 357 heifers, with an average of 101 2-year-old bulls being distributed annually to LDMC herds. From 1976/77, a multiplicative breeding objective was established in the nucleus, accounting for cow and calf weights and net fertility of the cow. Primary selection was applied to yearling bulls and heifers using a selection index combining the calf's data and dam's updated data …

Genetic Improvement For Milk And Meat Production In The Tropics, N. Künzi, W. Kropf

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Theoretical and practical ways to improve meat and milk production in the tropics by selection within local Bos indicus breeds, within Bos taurus x Bos indicus composite populations, upgrading of Bos indicus with Bos taurus breeds and though different crossbreeding programs have been discussed by various authors and summarized by Mason and Buvanendran (1982), Gregory et al. (1982) and Hickman (1979). Only few publications (Auriol, 1984; Chacko et al., 1985; Donegan and Roberts, 1984) exist on successful programs but numerous reports in developing agencies (FAO, 1985; SDC, 1985) indicate that many possibilities have been exploited and that various …

Genetic Parameters For Subjective Milking Speed Scores, K. Meyer, E. B. Burnside

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Farmer-supplied subjective ratings of cows milking speed, scored in 5 categories as 'very fast', 'fast', 'average', 'slow' or 'very slow' were analyzed. Scores were affected by herd- year- season of calving, age at calving and stage of lactation when scored but not by test day milk yield. Heritability estimates were 0.21 and 0.14 for scores up to day 110 of lactation for Canadian Holsteins and Ayrshires, respectively, and 0.17 and 0.16 for scores at the end of lactation. The estimate of repeatability of scores for the same cow in different lactations was 0.42 for Holsteins and 0.37 in Ayrishires.

Milk And Beef Production In Tropical Environments, V. K. Taneja, P. N. Bhat

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Cattle breeds native to tropics are late maturing and poor producers of milk and beef, but have the ability to survive under harsh tropical environments. In spite of large, genetic variability for milk yield. selection for productive traits would not be effective in bridging the gap between requirements of human food and its availability. Other methods to achieve these goals have been suggested. Breed comparison studies are needed to identify special genes for fast growth, efficient breeding and resistance to diseases and drought capacity, alternatives like replacement of native with improved European breeds and gene transfer through crossbreeding have been …

Calving Difficulty In Rubia Gallega Breed And Its Genetic Improvement, J. Canon, M. Vallejo, S. Dunner

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Principal causes and their correlationated consequences of calving difficulties in Rubia Gallega beef cattle breed are commented.

Present status of selection objectives and the criteria used are presented, as well as some problems related to the current selection index.

Finally, restriction of birth weight as a solution is criticized and some sire evaluation alternatives are cited.

Breeding Programmes For Multiple Purpose Breeds In Uruguay, R. C. Cardellino, R. W. Ponzoni

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

Uruguay's national sheep performance recording scheme (Flock-Testing Service) is described. Recent developments of the scheme are discussed. The scheme is implemented and supervised by the Uruguayan Wool Secretariat (SUL). Centralization of responsibilities by SUL and continued co-participation of breeders and scientists are identified as the main factors contributing to the scheme's success. It is suggested that Uruguay's Flock-Testing Service combines traditional and scientific breeding methods in a balanced manner, thus assisting with the improvement of the genetic merit of the national flock.

Breeding Improvement Of Swamp Buffalo, Charan Chantalakhana

World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: 3rd (1986)

A review of performance of the swamp buffalo concerning reproductive traits, growth and carcass, milk production, and work capacities was presented. The potential for breeding improvement of certain traits was discussed. Breeding objectives and goals to suit the need of Asian smallfarmers were emphasized. Breeding of swamp buffalo for draft and for multi-purpose was discussed. Genetic selection and crossbreeding of the swamp buffalo were reviewed. It was proposed that genetic selection for weight and gain should improve meat production as well as draft ability of the swamp buffalo, while crossbreeding should be limited to experimental scale until crossbred buffaloes have …