Digital Commons Network^™

Agricultural Meteorology In China, Norman J. Rosenberg

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

During nearly five weeks in China (May-June 1981), the author visited scientific institutions and experiment stations engaged in agricultural meteorology and climatology research and teaching. The facilities, studies, and research programs at each institution are described and the scientific work in these fields is evaluated. Agricultural meteorology and climatology are faced with some unique problems and opportunities in China and progress in these fields may be of critical importance to that nation in coming years. The author includes culinary notes and comments on protocol in China.

Teaching Vertebrate Pest Control: A Challenge To Wildlife Professionals, Robert M. Timm

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Vertebrate pest control deals with wild animals that create health hazards, damage resources, or become a general nuisance. Some people prefer the terms "wildlife damage control" or "animal damage control" because they focus on controlling damage rather than controlling animals. This is an important principle. Vertebrate animals that cause damage often have many positive values. In dealing with these situations our objective should always be to reduce or prevent damage; this does not necessarily require the killing of animals. I use the term "vertebrate pest control" because I believe it is less ambiguous than "damage control." When I call an …

The Suriname Small Mammal Survey: A Case Study Of The Cooperation Between Research And National Conservation Needs, Hugh H. Genoways, Henry A. Reichart, Stephen L. Williams

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

A cooperative program between the Foundation for Nature Preservation in Suriname and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History to survey the small mammals of Suriname is reviewed. The program has proven to be mutually beneficial and it is presented as a model for development of similar programs in the future. The technical assistance requested by the Foundation for Nature Preservation in Suriname concerned the distribution and natural history of small mammals, especially those occurring in the Nature Parks and Reserves. The Government of Suriname has established an excellent system of Reserves and Parks throughout the country. They are trying to …

Ec82-1509 Insect Control Guide For Corn And Sorghum In Nebraska, R. E. Roselle, D. L. Keith, L. L. Peters

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Extension Circular 82-1509: Insect control guide for corn and sorghum grown in Nebraska.

Ec82-219 1982 Nebraska Swine Report, Layne C. Anderson, Austin J. Lewis, Alex Hogg, Murray Danielson, D.B. Hudman, D.M. Danielson, M. A. Crenshaw, Roy L. Carlson, E.R. Peo Jr., J. D. Crenshaw, M. C. Brumm, Ron J. Johnson, Erik R. Cleveland, Rodger K. Johnson, Roger W. Mandigo, P.J. Cunningham, Phil David, T. E. Socha, William Ahlschwede, David P. Shelton, Richard O. Pierce, Gerald Bodman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This 1982 Nebraska Swine Report was prepared by the staff in Animal Science and cooperating departments for use in the Extension and Teaching programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Authors from the following areas contributed to this publication: Swine Nutrition, swine diseases, pathology, economics, engineering, swine breeding, meats, agronomy, and diagnostic laboratory. It covers the following areas: breeding, disease control, feeding, nutrition, economics, housing and meats.

Viruses Of Symbiotic Chlorella-Like Algae Isolated From Paramecium Bursaria And Hydra Viridis, James L. Van Etten, Russel H. Meints, Daniel Kuczmarski, Dwight E. Burbank, Kit Lee

Department of Plant Pathology: Faculty Publications

We previously reported that isolation of symbiotic Chloreila-like algae from the Florida strain of Hydra viridis induced replication of a virus (designated HVCV-1) in the algae. We now report that isolation ofsymbiotic Chlorella-like algae from four other sources of green hydra and one source ofthe protozoan Paramecium bursaria also induced virus synthesis. Algae from one of these hydra contained a virus identical to HVCV-1 (based on its rate of sedimentation, buoyant density, reaction to HVCV-1 antiserum, and DNA restriction fragments) whereas algae from the other three hydra contained. another similar, but distinct, virus (designated HVCV-2). The virus from the paramecium …

Variability In Nest Survival Rates And Implications To Nesting Studies, A. T. Klett, Douglas H. Johnson

United States Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Publications

We used four reasonably large samples (83-213) of Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Blue-winged Teal (A. discors) nests on an interstate highway right-of-way in south- central North Dakota to evaluate potential biases in hatch-rate estimates. Twelve consecutive, weekly searches for nests were conducted with a cable-chain drag in 1976 and 1977. Nests were revisited at weekly intervals. Four methods were used to estimate hatch rates for the four data sets: the Traditional Method, the Mayfield Method, and two modifications of the Mayfield Method that are sometimes appropriate when daily mortality rates of nests are not constant. Hatch …

Chemical Composition Of Carcasses From Hereford, Limousin, And Simmental Crossbred Battle As Related To Growth And Meat Palatability, John D. Crouse, Michael E. Dikeman

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Nine Hereford x Angus (HxA), nine Simmental x Angus (SxA), and nine Limousin x Angus (LxA) crossbred steers were slaughtered in three equal groups (three from each breed) after 200, 242, and 284 days on feed to evaluate carcass chemical composition differences and their relation to growth and meat palatability.

LxA carcasses were higher in protein and retail product percentages and significantly lower in chemical fat and fat trim percentages than either SxA or HxA carcasses. SxA carcasses were superior to HxA carcasses only in having a lower percentage of fat trim.

SxA steers gained slightly faster in the feedlot …

Effect Of Breed And Postweaning Rate Of Gain On Onset Of Puberty And Productive Performance Of Heifers, Calvin L. Ferrell

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Age at puberty is an important production trait in beef cattle where heifers are bred to calve at 2 years of age, especially when a restricted breeding season is used. It is not only important that heifers breed and conceive, but, for maximum efficiency, they should breed and conceive early in the breeding season. Thus, age at puberty may be an important selection trait for identifying breeds most suited for efficient utilization of feed resources. Several researchers have demonstrated large differences among breed or breed cross in age at puberty of heifers. Other researchers have demonstrated that undernutrition may result …

Elfazepam And Synovex-S Influences On Growth And Carcass Characteristics Of Steers Fed Two Dietary Energy Levels, Ronald L. Prior, John D. Crouse, Virden L. Harrison

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Synovex-S improves the average daily gain and carcass traits of steers and reduces losses under high feed price levels when compared to nonimplanted steers. High energy diets also influence average daily gain (ADG) favorably, but they increase the amount of fat and decrease the protein in carcass soft tissue in comparison to low energy diets.

Energy Utilization By Mature Cows, Calvin L. Ferrell, Thomas G. Jenkins

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Although considerable effort has been directed toward describing nutrient requirements for maintenance and gain in growing-finishing beef cattle, relatively little effort has been made to establish nutrient requirements for these functions in mature beef cows. A high proportion (about 60%) of the feed resources required for beef production can be attributed to maintenance of the cow herd, thus more information is needed on the utilization of nutrients for maintenance and gain and how these parameters are affected by size and type of cow.

Estimation Of Retail Product Of Carcass Beef, John D. Crouse

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Carcasses from 1,121 steers (progeny of Hereford or Angus cows mated to Hereford, Angus, Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, South Devon, or Jersey sires by artificial insemination) were examined to develop equations to estimate percentage of retail product. The independent variables chosen and resultant accuracy of the equations developed, reflect different kinds of measurements that could be used to predict cutability over a wide range of data collection conditions.

Of 18 traits readily obtained in the cooler, adjusted fat thickness, rib eye area, estimated kidney and pelvic fat, hot carcass weight, and marbling score were the most important in predicting percentage of …

Heterosis And Breed Maternal And Transmitted Effects In Beef Cattle, Keith E. Gregory, Larry V. Cundiff, Robert M. Koch

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Heterosis has been shown to have important effects on most economic traits of beef cattle. This is a report of the results from the first phase of an experiment designed to evaluate heterosis and breed maternal and transmitted effects on economic traits of beef cattle and involves some combinations of breeds not previously included in crossbreeding experiments. Results are reported on preweaning traits, growth rate and puberty in females, growth traits in steers, and carcass traits of steers produced in an experimental design that included the straightbreds and all possible crosses of the Red Poll, Brown Swiss (European and domestic), …

Characterization Of Breeds Representing Diverse Biological Types: Postweaning Growth And Feed Efficiency, Larry V. Cundiff, Robert M. Koch, Keith E. Gregory

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

On a life-cycle basis, about 30% of the energy requirements for beef production are consumed by steers and heifers during the period from weaning to slaughter. About 45 to 55% of the total feed costs are incurred in the postweaning period, depending on the cost of feed resources for the cow herd relative to those for the feedlot. We find it is important, therefore, to characterize breeds of cattle for rate and efficiency of postweaning gain.

Effects Of Heterosis In Hereford, Angus, And Shorthorn Rotational Crosses, Larry V. Cundiff, Keith E. Gregory, Robert M. Koch

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Seedstock breeders of poultry and of many plants; such as corn, may use static systems of mating that produce sufficient hybrids for complete use of heterosis in commerical production. Use of heterosis in these species can be maximized because only a small proportion of the total population is required for seedstock production. Complete use of heterosis is more difficult in cattle because of their relatively low reproductive rate and long generation interval, which overlaps from one year to the next. However, this difficulty does not preclude the use of a high level of heterosis in commercial beef production. Systems of …

Preliminary Observations On The Immune Status Of Newborn Normal And Weak Calf Syndrome Calves, Rita C. Manak, William G. Kvasnicka

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Thymus-derived lymphocytes from weather-stressed calves decline in response t6 Concanavalin A (Con A) and Pokeweed Mitogen (PWM) as the age of calf increases. Maximal response is from 24-hr old normal calves; very little response is from Weak Calf Syndrome (WCS) calves. This depressed response reflects the observed thymus degeneration in WCS calves and contributes to the animals' impaired immune system development.

Evaluation Of Traits In The Usda Yield Grade Equation For Predicting Beef Carcass Cutability In Breed Groups Differing In Growth And Fattening Characteristics, John D. Crouse

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Carcasses of 786 steers derived from crosses of Hereford or Angus cows bred to Hereford, Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Simmental, South Devon, and Jersey sires were fabricated into closely trimmed, semi-boneless retail cuts to study relationships among independent variables in the USDA yield grade equation in breed groups that differ in growth and fattening characteristics.

fattening characteristics. Simple correlations indicate carcass weight was a good predictor of cutability within a breed group but a poor indicator over all breed groups. Rib eye area had the lowest predictive value of the four variables studied. Rib eye area may be more useful in …

Sixteen Years Of Selection For Weaning Weight, Final Weight, And Muscling Score In Hereford Cattle, Robert M. Koch, Larry V. Cundiff, Keith E. Gregory

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Selection is the primary force for changing average genetic composition of herds, breeds, or species. Individual changes from one generation to the next associated with selection are usually small. In time, however, the change can be dramatic.

Selection is deciding which bulls and cows get to become parents and how many offspring we allow them to have. Both the will of man and the will of nature are directive forces in selection. Rate of progress from selection is determined by (1) average selection differential of parents for all traits under selection, (2) heritability of traits, (3) genetic correlations between traits, …

Methane And Protein From Beef Cattle Manure, Andrew G. Hashimoto, Yud-Ren Chen, Vincent H. Varel, Ronald L. Prior

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Dwindling supplies of conventional fossil fuels have prompted renewed interest in recovering energy through the bioconversion of waste organic materials. The large quantities of manure produced in confinement feedlots and the need to manage this manure effectively make feedlots a logical choice for assessing the feasibility of recovering methane and protein through anaerobic fermentation.

Research at U.S. Meat Animal Research Center is designed to determine the technical and economic feasibility of recovering methane and protein from beef cattle manure.

Specific Objectives are to:

1. Develop design criteria for optimum production of methane and protein through anaerobic fermentation of beef cattle …

Characterization Of Breeds Representing Diverse Biological Types: Postweaning Growth And Puberty Of Females, Keith E. Gregory, Larry V. Cundiff, Robert M. Koch

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Puberty traits in beef cattle are important criteria for evaluating the use of breeds for different beef production systems. Age at puberty is an important trait in beef cattle where females are bred to calve at 2 years of age, especially when a restricted breeding season is used. It is not only important that heifers reach puberty and conceive, but that they conceive early in the breeding season. Heifers that fail to reach puberty or that reach puberty and conceive late in the breeding season cause reduced production efficiency. Thus, from a breed selection standpoint, puberty is an important trait …

Characterization Of Breeds Representing Diverse Biological Types: Preweaning Traits, Keith E. Gregory, Larry V. Cundiff, Robert M. Koch

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

The germ plasm base for beef cattle production in the United States has been broadened considerably during the last decade, primarily as a result of the development of appropriate quarantine facilities and procedures by the Canada Department of Agriculture that have provided for importing several new breeds of European origin. Also, the importation of new breeds, along with other factors, has stimulated interest in increased use for beef production of several breeds that have been available in North America for many years. The newly introduced breeds added to the breeds already available in the United States provide a wide range …

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Mean Animal Research Center: Overview On Center

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

The Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (U.S. Meat Animal Research Center) was authorized by Congress on June 16, 1964, thereby creating a single facility that provides an unusual opportunity for making major contributions to the solution of problems facing the U.S. livestock industry. Development of the 35,000-acre facility started in the spring of 1966 and is continuing at the present time. Phase I construction, consisting of an office-laboratory building for intensive investigations, was completed in January 1971. These facilities provide a physical plant for 42 scientists and about 200 support personnel. Phase II construction, consisting of the …

Validation Of A Direct Radioimmunoassay For Testosterone In Unextracted Serum From Five Species: Application To Study Of The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis In Males, B. D. Schanbacher, M. J. D'Occhio

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

A method for the radioimmunoassay of serum testosterone that does not require extraction or chromatography is described. Utilization of a highly specific antiserum, tritiumlabeled ligand, and double antibody precipitation makes the direct radioimmunoassay feasible. The direct radioimmunoassay is valid based on the criteria of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision. Because extraction, chromatography, and transfer are eliminated in this procedure, recovery of serum testosterone is always 100%. Interference by serum binding components is lacking, and values obtained for ram, bull, dog, rat, and man by direct radioimmunoassay are in agreement with those obtained by a conventional extraction assay. Direct testosterone radioimmunoassay …

Resource Management Thrusts And Opportunities: National Parks And Wildlife Refuges, G. Ray Arnett

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Well, it's been an interesting year. Somehow, it got to be very convenient for some folks to misconstrue what the Secretary had said. Some of those folks just seemed determined to make James Watt a household name-and they succeeded. And those same folks succeeded, too, in increasing the membership roles of a few of the environmental groups. But I don't think they succeeded very well in listening to and understanding what the Secretary said a year ago .... So, as succinctly and plainly as possible, I will spell out again that the goals of this Administration weren't designed to create …

Effects Of Increased Human Populations On Wildlife Resources Of The Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, Edward E. Bangs, Ted H. Spraker, Theodore N. Bailey, Vernon D. Berns

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

In this paper, we will discuss what has occurred to several wildlife populations on the Kenai Peninsula as the human population increased. By discussing historical impacts, management techniques, and potential human impacts, we intend to show the significance of what occurred and may occur as human populations expand, both on the Kenai and in Alaska.

Status Of Alaska Sea Otter Populations And Developing Conflicts With Fisheries, Ancel M. Johnson

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Although sea otters (Enhydra lutris) have been a relatively insignificant resource in Alaska during the twentieth century, the situation is changing. Remnant populations that recolonized most of their historic range are becoming recognized as a potentially valuable economic resource and as a competitor with some important shellfish fisheries. It is appropriate that sea otters should again become an important Alaskan resource because they were so significant in the initial exploration and settlement of Alaska by non-natives. In this paper I review changes in distribution and population abundance since 1740, recent changes in human attitudes toward sea otters, and …

Hep As A Planning Tool: An Application To Waterfowl Enhancement, Scott C. Matulich, Jeffrey E. Hanson, Ivan Lines, Adrian Farmer

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

To many, the principal role of wildlife agencies in public and private resource development has been that of impact mitigation. With known or pending habitat damage, biologists have to develop mitigation or compensation plans. Unfortunately, once in a mitigation framework, they are in a no-win situation, seeking remedial action at best. Yet, the potential exists for cooperative project planning, thereby facilitating mitigation of impacts before they occur, and enhancement of environmental amenities through project development. In fact, such planning is mandated by federal legislation (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Outdoor Recreation Act, etc.).

Nonconsumptive Wildlife-Associated Recreation In The U.S.: Identifying The Other Constituency, James R. Lyons

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Sportsmen are the traditional clientele of wildlife management. As an organized force, sportsmen have long endorsed the principles of conservation upon which wildlife management is based. As a source of political and financial support, sportsmen continue to represent wildlife's most recognized constituency.

Development And Use Of A Habitat Gradient Model To Evaluate Wildlife Habitat, Henry L. Short

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Ecologists and wildlife managers are increasingly confronted with the problems of predicting the value of surface cover as wildlife habitat and developing management alternatives to offset wildlife values lost because of land-use change. These problems have become urgent and more acute because of increased demand for products from the land and diminished fiscal and manpower resources for obtaining meaningful environmental information for the decision maker. This paper describes a relatively rapid, simple, and quantitative process for evaluating the quality of an area as wildlife habitat.

Maps Of Distribution And Abundance Of Selected Species Of Birds On Uncultivated Native Upland Grasslands And Shrubsteppe In The Northern Great Plains, Harold A. Kantrud

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Many areas of the northern Great Plains (Fenneman 1931) remain poorly known ornithologically. Knowledge of species distribution in portions of this vast area has been advanced by recent State birds books (Stewart 1975; South Dakota Ornithologists' Union 1978) but many voids remain. Especially desirable for biologists and land managers is information concerning the relative abundance of plant and animal species over large land areas. This information can only be obtained from extensive surveys of the biota. The field of community ecology has been severely hampered by lack of information on species abundance (Dice 1930; Cain 1947; Partch 1962; Udvardy 1963). …