Digital Commons Network^™

Revision Of The Agricultural Education And Communication Department Senior Project Manual, Cassie Burrows

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to develop an up-to-date senior project manual for students of the Agricultural Education and Communication Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The previous manual was revised to include the most current information regarding the requirements of the senior project in the department, as most of the information had become outdated and no longer reflected the expectations of the department. The new design and format was created specifically to assist students in writing their senior project manuscript as well as in properly presenting their project within the manuscript. As a result of …

Gyroscope Assembly Process Improvement Analysis, Ian Douglass, Juan Ulises Saucedo

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The gyro is a fundamental portion of many assemblies that Company S, a directional drilling company, manufactures. The gyro assembly is a highly sensitive and complex process, and it was paramount to establish efficiency and quality guidelines to base management decisions. The first guideline succeeded by increasing throughput by means of a simulation using ProModel. Next, non-value and value added activities were identified through a value stream map. Lastly, a database was developed in order to capture high integrity quality control data, or key performance indicators, such as, throughput, first-pass inspection yields at every test performed, and defects found. This …

Consumer Perception Of Organic Milk, Christina Puetz

Dairy Science

The objective of this study was to determine the potential factors, reasons and beliefs that contribute to college aged consumers’ choice to purchase organic milk. The data were from survey of students using questions that were modeled after consumer issues and concerns over conventional milk as discussed in the literature review. This study was particularly interested in exploring differences between students in agriculture classes and non-agriculture classes. The literature referenced came from a variety of sources, including scientific journals, online articles, milk advisory boards, and governmental agencies. According to the literature review, consumer concerns and reasons for purchase of organic …

A Closer Look At The Breeding Season Of The Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys Heermanni, Brianna R. Lavelle

Biological Sciences

The breeding season of kangaroo rats has not been a widely studied topic, and therefore is not very well known. Dipodomys heermanni is the species of interest for this study and is thought to breed from February to October (Kelt, 1988). The purpose of this study is to take this broad time period and narrow it down to prime breeding activity months. I hypothesized the prime breeding season of Dipodomys heermanni arenae to be between March and June. Mark-recapture methods were applied to the kangaroo rats at our study site in the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge during the …

Marine Protected Areas And Resilience To Sedimentation In The Solomon Islands, B. S. Halpern, K. A. Selkoe, Crow White, S. Albert, S. Aswani, M. Lauer

Biological Sciences

The ability of marine protected areas (MPAs) to provide protection from indirect stressors, via increased resilience afforded by decreased impact from direct stressors, remains an important and unresolved question about the role MPAs can play in broader conservation and resource management goals. Over a five-year period, we evaluated coral and fish community responses inside and outside three MPAs within the Roviana Lagoon system in Solomon Islands, where sedimentation pressure from upland logging is substantial. We found little evidence that MPAs decrease impact or improve conditions and instead found some potential declines in fish abundance. We also documented modest to high …

Investigation Of Regional Bias In Dairy Cattle Genomic Evaluations, Erin De Snayer

Dairy Science

The objective of this study was to determine if important amounts of bias exist in genomic evaluations of dairy cattle in various regions of the United States. Genomic and traditional data was collected from three regions, Maddox Dairy in Riverdale, CA (West Coast), Iowa State University (Midwest) and Pennsylvania State University (East Coast). Genomic samples of 936 registered 1^st lactation fresh Holstein heifers from Maddox Dairy in Riverdale, CA were collected using the BoveSNP50 Bead Chip. Iowa State University (ISU) supplied genomic, parental average and PTA results from 334 Holstein cows whose genomic samples were collected using the BoveSNP50 …

A Comparison Of The Efficiency And Profitability Of Holsteins And Jerseys, Kelli Ann Carstensen

Dairy Science

The efficiency and profitability of Holstein and Jersey cows has been scrutinized, compared, and debated for many years. In response, this study was conducted with the objective of incorporating reviews and results collected from numerous studies relating to Holstein and Jersey efficiency and profitability to determine if a breed advantage existed in any or all related areas. Articles reviewed were obtained from the Journal of Dairy Science, the New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, and the Journal of Dairy Research. Jerseys were found to demonstrate breed advantages in pasture systems, longevity, stayability, productive life, calving ease, reproduction, heat stress under …

Reproductive Analysis Of 100% Delayed 1st Service Ovsynch Breeding During Summer Months At A Large Central Valley Dairy, Micah John Degroot

Dairy Science

As the Dairy industry evolves year by year it is becoming ever more important to be reproductively efficient. The implementation of various timed artificial insemination (TAI) programs has become very common in order to maintain reproductive stability throughout the herd. This can be harder than ever with the increase of herd sizes and hot summer temperature in the central valley. The objective of this study compares two ovsynch breeding programs during summer months on a large central valley dairy. The change in protocol was a delayed 100% timed artificial insemination at approximately 70 dim for the 5-month period from June …

Comparison Of Profitability Jerseys Vs. Holsteins, Including Benchmarks Comparisons For Production, Reproduction, Health And Costs Of Production., Caitlin Kasbergen

Dairy Science

The objective of this study was to determine whether the Jersey Breed is economically more feasible than the Holstein Breed on Rancho Teresita Dairy in Tulare. Beginning In March of 2011 the dairy purchased 380 milking Jersey cows. The dairy decided to purchase Jerseys because in 2008 the ethanol mandate started, causing the feed prices to climb. This study evaluated reproduction, calving ease, production, and feed efficiency. Jersey heifers are bred for the first time at 12 months and Holstein cows are bred for the first time at 14 months. The Jersey cows have a higher overall conception rate (CR) …

A Business Plan For A Custom Dry Cow Transition Facility And A Calf Ranch, Landon Joseph Fernandes

Dairy Science

In recent economic times the dairy industry has witnessed historic lows in milk price and historic highs in feed prices. As a result many dairies have been forced out of business or have found other ways to diversify in order to offset the accumulated debt from dairying. One possible way a dairy can minimize debt is by sending its transition cows to custom transition cow management facility from dry-off through freshening. This management facility would give optimal care and attention to these cows to ensure metabolic and post calving health issues are minimal and that cows are returned to the …

Determine If Raising Holstein Steers Can Be Profitable, While Creating A Quality Product, William Dyt

Dairy Science

Abstract

The objective of this experiment is to determine if holstein steers can be raised for a high quality, profitable beef product. The data collected came from Dyt Dairy and their steer program. Records came from the Souza Family, who does the calf raising for Dyt Dairy, and were compiled into a spread sheet. Daily costs incurred in raising a steer for the first five months were incorporated and analyzed relative to different rates of gain. The second stage analysis involved the next five months on a higher ration at Dyt Dairy #2. Again costs per day and rates of …

Praying Mantis: A Teacher's Guide, Brandon Better

Agricultural Education and Communication

This project provides an activity based learning exercise that will teach the ideals of sustainability and biodiversity. The highlight will be the rearing and integration of the praying mantis into the classroom. Through the praying mantis, students will be able to learn about predatory insects and their value to the environment.

The Effects Of Feeding Brown Midrib Corn Silage Compared To Conventional Corn Silage In High Producing Dairy Cows, Erick Mitchell Mendonca

Dairy Science

The objective of this study was to determine if supplementing Brown Midrib Corn Silage into a high cow feed ration could improve digestibility in the rumen, add savings into the feed ration, and improve milk production. Beginning in June of 2012 two hundred high producing Holstein cows were selected from Johnny Mendonca & Sons Dairy in Tulare, Ca to estimate the difference between feeding Conventional Corn Silage compared to Brown Midrib Corn Silage. This test trial was conducted over the span of 4 months and was hypothesized by the author. To achieve this, the author conducted three analyses to determine …

Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy Comparison Of Dairy One And Agrinir Forage Analyzer, David Vander Schaaf

Dairy Science

The objective of this experiment was to determine how closely related two different near infrared reflectance spectroscopy machines were in analyzing the components of corn silage and alfalfa hay. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a method of analyzing the composition of forages in a fast and repeatable way by exposing a sample to near infrared light and recording which wavelengths are absorbed and which are not. All of the major components of corn silage and alfalfa hay have known absorption rates of near infrared light. By calculating which wavelengths of light are absorbed and which ones are reflected back, …

The Effect Of Inbreeding In Dairy Cattle: Effects Of Genomic Versus Non-Genomic Predictions, Michelle Gabrielle Khal

Dairy Science

The objective of this project was to examine the relationship between the genomic value inbreeding coefficient and the pedigree value inbreeding coefficient. Hair samples were collected from 50 registered Holstein heifers from Airosa Dairy Tipton, California. The 50 hair samples were sent to Pfizer Animal Genetics for the genomic inbreeding values. DNA was extracted from the hair sample and ran through a low-density DNA SNP marker. Two values were computed from the genomic test; the future inbreeding value and the individual inbreeding value. The registered identification numbers of each of the heifers was also sent to the United States Holstein …

Generating A Nutritional Dairy Cow Ration Based On Green Waste Out Of San Luis Obispo County, Nicole Mendoza

Dairy Science

The objective of this literature review was to assess the accessibility and utilization of waste like products for inclusion into the dairy ration in San Luis Obispo County. With feed prices continually rising, alternatives to the very expensive feedstuffs should be continually explored. In this review, papers based on grocery store waste, viticulture waste, Cal Poly waste, and crop waste were explored to determine the feasibility of including these products into the dairy ration economically. Aspects evaluated were availability, nutrient composition, storing and handling and a viability of undertaken this system to supplement dairy cattle feeding. As a result it …

A Literature Review On Corn Silage Management, Britton L. Baxley

Dairy Science

There are many different ensiling methods, each having positive and negative aspects to them. The aim of ensiling corn is for the corn to go under a proper fermentation process, free of oxygen and other environmental stressors. The objective of this literature review is to determine the most ideal method of corn silage management from the time the corn is chopped, until the cow consumes it in the total mixed ration (TMR). The literature review was conducted by analyzing more than thirty articles covering silage management and the effects it has on the corn silage quality and productivity of the …

A Business Model For The Small-Scale, Start-Up, Organic Jersey Dairy, Jim Moreda

Dairy Science

To determine the financial feasibility and stability of starting a small-scale organic jersey dairy in Northern California, given the changes and restrictions that must take place in all aspects of production while operating organically. Using a unique combination of ownership and borrowing, I have created a business model made to appropriately fit the organic dairy system, addressing every area of the operation whether it be business or animal related. Through experience, reviews, and research of organic techniques allowable to apply, I was able to reveal and identify specific areas of husbandry and financing in which I would need to excel …

Quartz Hill High School Agricultural Education Program: A Guide To Restarting, Revising, And Rebuilding The Agricultural Education Program At Quartz Hill High School, Luke Gocke

Agricultural Education and Communication

At one point in time Quartz Hill High School had a successful Agricultural Education program. The program utilized the principle of Agricultural Education to develop each student to be a contributing member of society. The purpose of this project was to create a booklet on how to rebuild a high school agricultural education program. It was designed to help the author gain knowledge about agricultural education programs, to set a foundation for how one would rebuild a program, and to create new ideas on how to diversify a program of agricultural education. The booklet is designed to help the administration …

Agriculture Quality Criteria Report And Appendix, Daniel James Aschwanden

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

This internship/project report includes validation documents required in meeting the quality criteria for secondary-level programs of instruction in agriculture. The documents are concurrently used for the Agriculture Incentive Grant review process at Sonoma High School conducted by representatives of the California Department of Education. The internship included the development of a recruitment program for Sonoma High School. The plan includes information to receive state/local funding, outlines the goals and objectives of the program, along with an overview of Sonoma High School, the agriculture program and community.

The Myth Of "Moonrise Kingdom": A Children's Tale, Laura Ragsdale

Communication Studies

No abstract provided.

Amethyst: A 3d Adventure Game For Tablets, Ross Light

Computer Science and Software Engineering

Amethyst is a point-and-click science fiction adventure game for tablets, developed over two quarters to demonstrate applied principles of computer graphics and software engineering discipline. Using a novel interaction system, players can engage in environmental puzzles. Development of Amethyst required non-trivial quality assurance measures and workflow enhancements. The end result is a functional technical demo showcasing a single level, with the ability to rapidly produce more content.

All You Need Is Capitalism?: An Ideological Criticism Of The Beatles-Jackson Auction Controversy, Arianna Marie Chopelas

Communication Studies

No abstract provided.

Increasing California Dairy Exports To Japan And South Korea, Kristina Soper

Dairy Science

The opportunities for increasing exports of California dairy products to the Japanese and South Korean markets were determined by identifying current obstacles in the California dairy industry and determining the characteristics of consumers in the Japanese and South Korean markets. As the largest milk-producing state and the supplier of 7.5% of total U.S. dairy exports, California’s economic activity greatly affects the rest of the nation and the world. The trends in the California dairy industry include increasing total milk production and per-cow milk production, a diminishing number of total dairy operations, and a rising number of large dairy operations. These …

Misconceptions In Agriculture: The Role Of Public Relations To Communicate With And Educate The Public, Kimberly Taylor

Journalism

The following study aims to investigate the misconceptions in agricultural communications, why they exist, and what communicators can be doing to further the development, management and assessment of agricultural communication messaging. Agricultural issues are a source of media attention, from policy changes like Proposition 2 or Proposition 37 in California, to commercials such as the Dodge RAM Super Bowl spot in 2013. By studying what professionals are currently doing in the fields of public relations, marketing, and agricultural communications to reach and educate the consumers, it becomes clear the strategies that should be taken when presenting key messaging. This study …

Investigating The Reproducibility Of The Current Bvm Protocol, Corey Gross

Biomedical Engineering

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is responsible for 1 death every minute in the US. Angioplasty with the implantation of stents is a common treatment method for CAD. Although there is a variety of stents currently on the market, there is still a need to develop new types for different pathologic conditions. Preliminary assessment of the physiological response to new stents is needed as they are being developed. The FDA approval process implemented today is a long, tedious path with a range of testing methods that include static in vitro testing and high-cost animal testing. Tissue engineered blood vessels have been …

Mickey's Memory Game: A Children's Memory Game Designed For Sifteo Cubes, Anjelica Concepcion

Computer Engineering

Mickey’s Memory Game is a children’s memory game developed on the Sifteo platform. Sifteo cubes are small, interactive devices, which can display colored images and sense neighboring cubes or detect user actions, such as clicking, shaking, or tilting the cubes. Although many classic video games or mobile games can be recreated on the Sifteo cubes, the goal of this project was to utilize capabilities that are unique to the Sifteo gaming platform, while also creating a useful game for child development.

An Environmental And Historical Study Of The Nipomo Mesa Region, Jason C. Carr

Social Sciences

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Ovariectomy And Anatomical Location On Osteonal Encroachment In Adult Cortical Ovine Bone, Paige Brell Ryan

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to further quantify adult ovine ovariectomized bone for new remodeling characteristics to obtain a better understanding of how remodeling is occurring and the effectiveness of this animal model for the study of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a major health concern and animal models to test new treatment options are needed. The ovine model is a good option because the ewes undergo Haversian remodeling, are a large sized animal, and have a similar hormone profile to humans. Ewes, however, do not undergo a natural menopause, so an ovariectomy surgery was conducted in the sheep …

Home Range And Habitat Use Of Santa Rosa Island Foxes (Urocyon Littoralis Santarosae), Elizabeth Marie Drake

Master's Theses

Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) are currently listed as federally endangered on four of the six Channel Islands to which they are endemic. The Santa Rosa Island (SRI) population declined by 99% during the 1990’s due to non-native golden eagle (Aguila chrysaetos) predation and is currently the lowest fox population (~280) and density (0.86 foxes/km²) of any of the Channel Islands. The goals of this study were to assess new miniaturized GPS technology and to quantify home range and habitat use of the SRI population. This is only the second use of Global Positioning System (GPS) …