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Animal Production And Dynamics Of Pangola Grass, Ryegrass, And White Clover As Influenced By Grazing Pressure, A De Moraes, G E. Maraschin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A grazing experiment was conducted at the Estacao Experimental Agronomica - UFRGS, Eldorado do Sul, RS, from June 1989 to March 1990, to evaluate a mixed pasture of pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and white clover (Trifolium repens) under 4 levels of grazing pressure (GP), namely: 3.S, 7 ,0, 10.5 and 14.0 kg DM of forage on offer /100 kg live weight (LW), with 2 field replications. Average live-weight gain (LWG) decreased as grazing pressure increased. Maximum LWG was obtained at grazing pressures of approximately 12%, which was associated with DM residues …

Cultivated Pasture, Forage On Offer And Animal Responseg, G E. Maraschin, A De Moraes, L.F. A. Da Silva, J Riboldi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Animal gains on pasture are influenced by the forage dry mailer on offer (DMO). To ascertain this relationship a pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha) pasture was evaluated under forage DMO levels of 3.5%, 7.0%, 10.5% and 14.0% of live weight (LW)/head/day. Two steers were assigned to each treatment as tester animals plus a number of put-and­take steers to maintain the desired levels of forage DMO, at the Estacao Experimental Agronomica • UFRGS • 30°S, from November 1989 to March 1990 (period I) and from October 1990 to May 1991 (period II). Pasture DM production and crude protein were not …

Effect Of Supplementation On Pasture Selection By Grazing Steers. I. Quality Of Ingested Forage, O R. Rosso, P O. Gomez, F Overjero

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Three oesophageal fistulated Hereford steers (average live weight 304 kg) were supplemented throughout a trial at 0, 0.7 or 1.4% of live weight, with a mixture of 90% ground maize and 10% sunflower expeller. Adaptation and sampling periods were 7 and 4 days respectively. Steers were allocated randomly to 4 Agropyron•dominated pastures of 1800, 2000, 8200 and 8900 kg OM/ha and leaf percentage of 5.8, 28.9, 23.2 and 14.0, respectively. Fistula samples were taken once daily, air dried at 60°C and analysed. Supplementation significantly (P<0.05) affected DM digestibility, which was 51.3, 54.7 and 57.2 for 0, 0.7 and 1.4% levels, respectively. Nitrogen and cell wall content differences were not detected. It appears that supplemented steers preferred pasture components with the highest digestibility.

Seasonal Changes In The Dry Matter Digestibility Of Individual Tillers Of Napiergrass At Two Sites Of At Different Altitudes, Y Ishii, K Ito, H Numaguchi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An investigation was made into the seasonal changes in the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of leaf blade (LB) and stem (ST) of individual tillers of napiergrass (Pennisetum purpuretum) grown at the high-altitude site (HA) and low-altitude site (LA) in Miyazaki prefecture, south-western Japan. Within a single sampling date, the variation in the IVDMD with tillers was small both for LB and ST. Negative logarithmic relationships held between the LB percentage and tiller dry weight and between the IVDMD and dry weight of LB and ST. The HA plants produced less dry matter as well as digestible …

Tropical Pastures For Dairy Heifers In The South-Eastern Region Of Brazil, S Aronovich, S R. De Carvalho, Mm Aronovich

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A number of experiments using improved tropical pastures (mostly Digltaria decumbems cv. Transvala) for heifers were made in the south-eastern region of Brazil from 1970. The results are presented as: (A) experiments with heifers during· the nursing period, (B) experiments with heifers after. weaning and (C) experiments with heifers older than 6 months. The results and the economical analyses lead to the following conclusions: ( 1) the use of well managed, improved tropical pastures enables adequate growth and development of dairy heifers, (2) the heifers reach sexual maturity before 20 months of age, and (3) the cost of replacement heifers …

Mineral Supplementation And Phosphorus Fertilizer Application On Native Pastures In North-East Argentina, R M. Pizzio, O Royo Pallares

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Extensive cattle production systems in north-east Argentina are based on the use of native pastures. One of the most important limiting factors to improve production is the acute phosphorus deficiency of soils and pastures. A large experiment was set up to study the effect of phosphorus fertiliser and mineral supplementation on the live­weight gain of steers of 2 ages grazing native pastures. Supplementation with a mixture of bone meal and salt, residual effect of P fertilisation, and both treatments applied together increased the annual animal live-weight gain by 60, 66 and 106%, respectively. The response of younger steers to fertiliser …

Establishing A Student-Run Mobile Clinic In Appalachian Kentucky: A Community-Based Pilot Program To Address Health Inequities, Bradley A. Firchow, John C. Cornelius

Journal of Appalachian Health

The establishment of a student-run mobile clinic in Morehead, Kentucky, led by students from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s (UKCOM) Rural Physician Leadership Program (RPLP), aims to address health inequities in rural Appalachian communities. This pilot program is designed to serve vulnerable populations, including the unhoused, by delivering free, accessible healthcare services directly to underserved populations. This program serves as a model for expanding access to healthcare in rural regions while promoting a collaborative, community-based approach to addressing social determinants of health.

Impaired Driving Among Rural Appalachian Women In The Year Following Incarceration, J. Matthew Webster, Megan F. Dickson, Shawn M. Jamison, Michele Staton

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Despite the known risks associated with substance use following incarceration, no studies have examined substance-impaired driving as a post-incarceration health risk behavior in rural Appalachia.

Purpose: The present study examined differences by impaired driving following incarceration and identified predictors of impaired driving in sample of rural Appalachian women with a history of drug use and risky sex.

Methods: Women (N=340) from three rural Appalachian jails completed a baseline interview in jail and follow-up interviews at six and 12 months post-release. Interview questions included demographic characteristics and information on substance use risk, mental health, criminal legal system involvement, and impaired …

Investigating Suicide Risk Factors Among Appalachian West Virginian Adults, Erin D. Caswell, Angela M. Dyer, Summer D. Hartley, Caroline P. Groth, Mary Christensen, Sahiti K. Tulabandu, Bryce K. Weaver, Ruchi Bhandari

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Suicide rates in the United States have increased over the past two decades, with rural areas, particularly the Appalachian Region, facing unique challenges that elevate suicide risk. These include economic hardships, social isolation, and limited access to mental health services.

Purpose: This study addresses critical gaps in understanding lifetime suicide risk in West Virginia (WV), a predominantly rural state entirely within the Appalachian Region. By identifying the factors driving urban-rural differences in suicide risk, this research seeks to inform interventions tailored to the state's distinct needs and provide insights applicable to the broader Appalachian Region

Methods: Using 2021 Mountain …

Comparative Outcomes Following Randomization To A Pilot Facebook-Based Hiv Prevention Intervention Among Appalachian Women Involved In The Criminal Legal System, Megan F. Dickson, Erika Pike, Michele Staton

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rural Appalachian women who use drugs and are involved in the criminal legal system are at increased risk for health consequences (such as HIV/Hepatitis C). Service barriers throughout rural communities have prompted a need to examine the effectiveness of novel intervention delivery methods (e.g., social media).

Purpose: This study aims to determine if enhancing an existing HIV prevention intervention with additional modules delivered via Facebook improves service access by examining short-term outcomes among Appalachian women returning to the community following jail release.

Methods: Between 2019 and 2022, consenting women from two rural Appalachian jails were randomly selected, screened, interviewed, …

Current Attitudes And Barriers Among Appalachian Patients Towards Orthopaedic Surgery, Dylan Smith Md, Justin B. West Ms, Wade Smith Md, Micah Macaskill Md, Jonathan Lash, Matthew W. Bullock Do, Mpt

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: This study explores the challenges faced by residents of rural West Virginia in accessing orthopaedic care due to geographic and socioeconomic barriers.

Purpose: This study seeks to survey rural West Virginia residents about their attitudes and experiences regarding access to orthopaedic care in southern West Virginia.

Methods: A total of 132 electronic surveys were collected from rural West Virginia residents during an appointment with their primary care provider located at an affiliated outreach clinic. The survey was designed to investigate various factors influencing their access to orthopaedic care.

Results: Delays in seeking orthpaedic care are common in rural West …

Clinician Attitudes And Experiences In Screening Patients For Social Determinants Of Health Using Prapare, Pranav Rane, Mathew B. Weimer M.D., Adam Baus

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. SDOH significantly influence health outcomes; as such, healthcare systems should screen for patients’ social needs. PRAPARE is standardized screening tool designed to assess and address patients’ social needs.

Purpose: This study examines SDOH screening at Valley Health Systems, a federally qualified health center based in Huntington, West Virginia. The aim of this research is to assess clinician attitudes and experiences in using the PRAPARE tool to screen for SDOH.

Methods: A self-administered online survey was conducted from April to May 2022 …

Rural Reflections Of Appalachia: A Qualitative Study Of Health Professional Students’ Experiences From A Rural Immersion Experience In West Virginia, Treah Haggerty Md Ms, Jessica Stidham Ma, Stephan Brooks Mph, Abigail Cowher Ba, Sandra Pope Msw, Patricia Dekeseredy Mscn Rn, Cara L. Sedney Md,Ma

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Conventional academic rotations lack in-depth exposure to rural community members, systems, and resources surrounding specific rural-focused health issues.

Purpose: This study aims to explore health professional students’ experiences within a community-based multidisciplinary rural immersion through their personal reflections.

Methods: Written reflective entries were extracted from the online classroom system from 2019–2021. Data analysis was guided by thematic analysis. An iterative process of qualitatively coding the interviews was conducted. Themes were reviewed and agreed upon by consensus and assessed for validity by two senior researchers.

Results: Sixty-two reflective essays were included from 11 unique professional programs. Resulting themes included (1) …

Powered Haulage Fatalities In Appalachian Coal Mines, Nirmala T. Myers, Noemi B. Hall, Nadia T. Saif, A. Scott Laney

Journal of Appalachian Health

The recent death of a 33-year-old mother of three at a Central Appalachian surface coal mine highlights the persistent dangers faced by miners, particularly from powered haulage incidents. As of December 2, 28 mining fatalities have occurred in the U.S. in 2024, with four in Appalachian coal mines attributed to powered haulage. These deaths underscore the urgent need to address this cause of fatalities in the mining industry and to provide a safe workplace to protect all miners.

The Journal Of Appalachian Health: A Year Of Growth And Impact, Noah Wren, Bradley Firchow, Emily Wilson, Randy Wykoff

Journal of Appalachian Health

The Journal of Appalachian Health continues to grow in strength and reach, serving as a critical platform for research and discussion on the unique health challenges and opportunities in Appalachia, as well as how the challenges and opportunities Appalachia faces are local manifestations of broader regional and global phenomena. Over the past year, we have witnessed a remarkable expansion in our readership, reflecting the increasing demand for evidence-based insights into the health of our region.

Spatiotemporal Variability And Functional Redundancy Obscure Effects Of Urbanization On Strawberry Pollinators, Kyla D. Schulte, Caleb J. Wilson, Anna Tawril, Mary A. Jamieson

Entomology Faculty Publications

Pollination services across rural–urban gradients may vary as land cover and other environmental attributes differentially influence pollinators. Most studies examining crop pollination, however, have been conducted in rural environments, while research in urban areas has lagged behind despite growing interest in urban agriculture. In this study, we hypothesized that increased urbanization would alter pollinator community composition due to a reduction in natural areas within the surrounding landscape, potentially decreasing pollinator abundance. To evaluate this hypothesis, we conducted a three-year study using strawberries as a focal study crop. We characterized the abundance, diversity, and community composition of bees across 10 farms …

Unique Presentation Of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis In A Paediatric Patient, Rachelle Srinivas, Lalita Gupta, Ryan Harpole, Daniel Moore, Peter Timoney

Surgery Faculty Publications

A paediatric patient presented with periorbital oedema and fever. Initially, there was low suspicion for cavernous sinus thrombosis and orbital cellulitis due to the presence of full extraocular movements. However, given worsening bilateral periorbital oedema, lethargy and sepsis, neuroimaging was performed demonstrating inflammation and enhancement of the leptomeninges and left cavernous sinus, and raising concern for cavernous sinus thrombosis in the setting of orbital cellulitis. Prior to imaging, the patient’s periorbital oedema was attributed to preseptal cellulitis. However, the lack of response to oral antibiotics and worsening symptoms, combined with imaging results, aided in confirming suspicion of cavernous sinus thrombosis. …

Structure And Mechanism Of Biosynthesis Of Streptococcus Mutans Cell Wall Polysaccharide., Jeffrey S. Rush, Svetlana Zamakhaeva, Nicholas R Murner, Pan Deng, Andrew J Morris, Cameron W Kenner, Ian Black, Christian Heiss, Parastoo Azadi, Konstantin V Korotkov, Göran Widmalm, Natalia Korotkova

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Streptococcus mutans, the causative agent of human dental caries, expresses a cell wall attached Serotype c-specific Carbohydrate (SCC) that is critical for cell viability. SCC consists of a polyrhamnose backbone of →3)α-Rha(1 → 2)α-Rha(1→ repeats with glucose (Glc) side-chains and glycerol phosphate (GroP) decorations. This study reveals that SCC has one predominant and two more minor Glc modifications. The predominant Glc modification, α-Glc, attached to position 2 of 3-rhamnose, is installed by SccN and SccM glycosyltransferases and is the site of the GroP addition. The minor Glc modifications are β-Glc linked to position 4 of 3-rhamnose installed by SccP and …

A Maturity Model For Clinical Trials Management Ecosystem, Shruti Sehgal, E. Chris Pua, Svetlana Rojevsky, Michael J. Becich, Joshua Fehrmann, Boyd M. Knosp, Adam Wilcox, Jeffery C. Talbert, Catherine K. Craven, Justin Starren

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Introduction: Managing clinical trials is a complex process requiring careful integration of human, technology, compliance, and operations for success. We collaborated with experts to develop a multi-axial Clinical Trials Management Ecosystem (CTME) maturity model (MM) to help institutions identify best practices for CTME capabilities. Methods: A working group of research informaticists was established. An online session on maturity models was hosted, followed by a review of the candidate domain axes and finalization of the axes. Next, maturity level attributes were defined for min/max levels (level 1 and level 5) for each axis of the CTME MM, followed by the intermediate …

Milk Yield Of Cows With Different Genetic Potential On Grass And Grass-Legume Tropical Pastures, C E. Lascano, P Avila

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A grazing experiment was carried out at CIAT's Quilichao research station to assess the effect of legumes selected for acid soils on milk production of cows with different genetic potential. Pastures of Brahiaria dictyoneura cv. Llanero and Andropogen gayanus cv. Carimagua l, alone and in association with Centrosema acutifolium (CIAT 5568) and C. macrocarpum (CJAT 5713), were grazed by Holstein and Zebu crossbred cows using a Latin square crossover design. Fat corrected milk (FCM) yield of Holstein cows was 17 and 19% higher in the associations of B. dictyoneura and A. gayanus, respectively, than in the grass-only pastures. With the …

Fattening Heifers On Nitrogen Fertilized And Irrigated Pastures: A Productive And Sustainable System For The Tropics?, F Champanhet, M Mahieu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Beef production from nitrogen-fertilised and irrigated pastures was studied for 4,S years on vertisols, South Martinique (rainfall 1400 mm). Digitaria decumbens (pangola) pastures received 230��7S-ISO kg/ha/year N-P·K and were rotationally grazed (S days grazed, 30 days rested) all year round with a fixed stocking rate (6.6 heifers/ha). Mean live-weight gains were: 1121 kg/ha/year and 170 kg/head/ year. Pangola showed good persistence and cover at the end of the experiment exceeded 9S%, It is concluded that heifers fattening on nitrogen-fertilised pastures is a productive and stable system.

Comparative Use Of Digitaria Decumbens And Cynodon Nlemfuensis By Local Suckling Ewes In Martinque (Fwi), Maryline Boval, Gisele Alexandre, M Mahieu, P Cruz, M Meuret

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pastures of Digitaria decumbens (Dd) and Cynodon nlemfuensis (Cn) were each grazed by 64 native suckling ewes ( 40 ewes/ha) in Martinique. Forage characteristics, ewe feeding behaviour and lamb growth were studied. The available herbage mass (kg DMJLW0-75/day) was lower for the Dd pastures than for the Cn pastures: 295 v. 355 for the leaves (P<0.05) and 820 v, 1360 for the stems (P<0.01), respectively. There was no difference in the diurnal activities (grazing, ruminating) between the ewes in the 2 groups. Number of bites/min was higher on Dd pasture than that for Cn: 31 v. 26 (P<0.001), Pre­weaning daily weight gain (g/day) was higher for the Dd lambs group than for Cn: 170 v. 140 (P<0.01). The lamb mortality rate(%) was respectively: 15 v. 27 (P<0.05). Pasture management problems are discussed.

Stockpiling Of Brachiaria Decumbens For Steer Maintenance During The Dry Season, Esther G. Cardoso, V.P B. Euclides, J.M Da Silva

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A Brachiaria decumbens pasture was evaluated in a factorial experiment (2 stocking rates and 2 pasture managements). Eight steers averaging 370 kg live weight (LW) were allocated to the paddocks at the beginning of the wet season ( 1 December). For the deferred management treatment, half of the area was closed off at the end of the rainy season ( 15 March to 15 June) for utilisation as stockpiled feed during the dry season (15 June to 30 October). B. decumbems was capable of fattening Nellore steers during the rainy ·season, but maintained steer live weight (LW) only in the …

Seasonal Changes In The Chemical Composition Of Cultivated Tropical Grasses In The Savannas Of Brazil, M.C M. Macedo, V.P B. Euclides, M.P De Oliveira

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Five tropical grasses; Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, B, decumbens cv. Basilisk, Panicum maximum cv. Coloniilo, P. maximum cv, Tobiatil, P. maximum cv. Tanzania-I, were planted on a dark red latosol (Oxisol) and grazed for 3 rainy and 3 dry seasons . The original savanna vegetation was removed, the soil cultivated and fertilised with 1000 kg/ha of dolomitic limestone, 350 kg/ha of single superphosphate, 100 kg/ha of KCI and 40 kg/ha of fritted traced elements. Treatments were arranged in a RCB design with 3 replicates. Paddocks were 1.5 ha. Grazing pressure was adjusted to approximately 8 or 15 kg of …

Evaluation Of Panicum Maximum Cultivars Under Grazing, V.P B. Euclides, M.C M. Macedo, A Vieira, M P. Oliveira

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A grazing trial was conducted in Brazil, for a 3-year period, to study animal production from Panicum maximum cultivars (Coloniao, Tobiatii and Tanz5nia-1). Three 1.5-hn paddocks of each cultivar were stocked continuously with 3 steers, and additional grazers were added or removed as required to ensure similar grazing pressure in each treatment. Steers on Tanzania-I had a superior average daily gain (ADG) to those on Tobiatii and Coloniffo. However, the lack of difference in carrying capacity between Tanzdnin and Tobiatil pastures resulted in similar live-weight gain (LWG)/ha. The ADG and LWG/ ha of Coloniilo were significantly lower than the other …

Evaluation Of Brachiaria Decumbens And Brachiaria Brizantha Under Grazing, V.P B. Euclides, A H. Zimmer, M P. Oliveria

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A 3-year grazing trial was conducted in Brazil, to relate changes in sward characteristics of B. decumbens and B. brizantha to animal live-weight gain (LWG). Three 1.5-ha paddocks of each grass species were stocked continuously with 3 steers, and additional grazers were added or removed as required to ensure similar grazing pressure in each treatment. Despite similar (P>0.85) annual average daily gains (ADO) of steers grazing both species, the ADO of steers grazing B. brizantha pasture was significantly (P<0.05) higher during the wet season, and significantly (P<0.05) lower in the dry period, when compared with those on B. decumbens. Annual LWG per area of both species were also similar (P>0.85). The best predictor of ADO was …

Effects Of Grain Supplement For Steers Grazing Stargrass Pastures On Subsequent Feedlot Gains And Carcass Characteristics, G.M.J Horton, W D. Pitman, E M. Hodges

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Performance of steers (181 kg) grazing slargrass pastures was evaluated al 2 levels of grain supplementation in comparison with unsupplemenled cattle and with steers in drylot fed a high-roughage diet. Supplements during the 140-day winter period were fed at 1.0 (moderate) and 1.5% body weight (BW)lday (high), followed by 0.40 kg (moderate) and 0.5% BW/day (high) during the 98-day spring grazing period. Gains during a subsequent 100-dny, high-energy feeding period and resulting carcass characteristics were also compared. Gains during !he grazing period did not differ between !he 2 levels of supplement. Daily rate of gain of unsupplemented cattle (0.44 kg) …

Large-Scale Property Demonstrations Of The Effect Of Sexa Stylo And Phosphorus On Beef Cattle Growth In Central Queensland, Australia, C H. Middleton, K J. Murphy, G W. Blight, Vicki-Lee Hansen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Seca style (Stylosanthes scabra) was oversown into black speargrass (Heteropogon comortus)•dominant pasture after a burn at 2 sites in central Queensland, and the pasture was continuously grazed. At one site with <5 ppm bicarbonate-extractable soil P, Seca growth was poor and gave only a small animal growth response (18 kg/steer/year) over native pasture. With the addition of superphosphate (27 kg P/ha) the Seca-native grass produced an additional live-weight gain of 70 kg/ steer/year over the native pasture control. At a second site with 6-8 ppm available soil P, Seca grew well, and with a P supplement given to steers, live-weight gains were 40 kg/steer/year more than for P­supplemented animals grazing native pasture. Oversowing Seca into native pasture with P as fertiliser or a supplement can dramatically improve animal performance. The project was conducted on private properties and was aimed to focus producer attention on this technology, which is suited to large areas of northern Australia.

Improving Hill Agriculture Systems In Nepal: A Case Study, B N. Tiwari, J B. Abington

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Kingdom of Nepal is characterised by complex, diverse smallholder farming systems in which crops, livestock and forest resources are all interlinked. Traditional feeding practices throughout the hills are coming under severe pressure due to the high density of livestock. Consequently, acute shortages of forage are e, experienced, especially during the dry winter season. A case study is presented In which the integration of forage management into the whole farming system is practised, User groups are improving community grazing lands by the introduction of more productive herbage and fodder tree species. Fodder is sold to livestock farmers, animal management is …

Development Of Forage Systems For Dairying In Subtropical Australia, R J. Moss, K F. Lowe

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The development of productive dairy farm systems integrating irrigated temperate pastures with rain-grown tropical pastures in subtropical Australia is described, Milk production increased from 2976-34211/cow (P<0,01) with increased temperate pasture allowance from 0. I to 0.2 ha/cow, and this increase was similar for nitrogen­fertilised ryegrass or clover-ryegrass mixtures, Temperate pastures provided cows with a high protein diet (20-30% crude protein}, enabling energy-rich grain and molasses concentrates to be efficiently used, Increasing supplementation to S kg grain/cow day increased milk yields to S109 I/lactation. Nitrogen fertilisation of perennial tropical grasses enabled higher stocking rates to be used and, together with the increases in production/cow, increased farm output from 464S I/ha to 7300 I/ha.