Life Sciences Commons^™

Metabolic Regulation And Cryotolerance Of In Vitro-Produced Holstein Embryos, Melissa Ann Roberts

Master's Theses

In vitro production and transfer of embryos has become a common practice within the dairy industry to efficiently breed superior animals and meet the consumption demand of the growing population. Cyropreservation is necessary for the application of commercialized embryo transfer, however, in vitro-produced embryos show morphological and physiological defects which negatively impact their ability to withstand cryopreservation in comparison to their in vivo counterparts. These artifacts result from culture conditions that cause stress to the embryo during development, leading to an accumulation of intracellular lipids, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ultimately poor ability to withstand freezing and thawing. The objective of …

Review: Interspecies Ethics By Cynthia Willett, Thomas E. Randall

Between the Species

This paper provides a review of Cynthia Willett's book Interspecies Ethics. Willett aims to outline the beginnings of biosocial eros ethics – an ethical outline that sketches the potentiality of a cross-species cosmopolitan ideal of compassion (agape), derived through acknowledging and emphasizing the existence of spontaneous, playful interaction between social animals. Though this book is recommended for offering an innovative framework from which to explore the possibility of non-anthropocentric cross-species ethic, readers should be wary of expecting to find a fully-fledged moral program detailing how this would work.

Food Science Education, Research, And Professional Development, Phillip S. Tong

Dairy Science

Food science knowledge and experience obtained through education, research, and professional development are the engines for innovative solutions that have historically solved key challenges in providing food for man since ancient times, and hold the key to meeting future needs of a growing global population. The systems in place that have been used to evolve our education programs conduct research and provide continuous learning opportunities that are essential to insuring a vibrant and widely available nutritious, safe, and wholesome food supply. This article provides an overview of the topics of the hierarchy related to food science education, research, and professional …

Automated Detection Of Deep-Sea Animals, Dallas J. Hollis, Duane Edgington, Danelle Cline

STAR Program Research Presentations

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute routinely deploys remotely operated underwater vehicles equipped with high definition cameras for use in scientific studies. Utilizing a video collection of over 22,000 hours and the Video Annotation and Reference System, we have set out to automate the detection and classification of deep-sea animals. This paper serves to explore the pitfalls of automation and suggest possible solutions to automated detection in diverse ecosystems with varying field conditions. Detection was tested using a saliency-based neuromorphic selective attention algorithm. The animals that were not detected were then used to tune saliency parameters. Once objects are detected, …

Design Of An Aquaponics System, Jesse Birsinger

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This Senior Project discusses the design, cost analysis, and evaluation of an aquaponics system. The system incorporates aquaculture and hydroponics to create a source of fish protein and various crops. The system was sized based off a minimum requirement of pounds of fish available per week. The system designed is capable of generating 2080 pounds of catfish, and 16,000 pounds of produce annually. The first year of operation the system will operate at a loss due to the significant cost of the components of the system, however, the project is projected to generate a minimum stream of revenue of $10,600 …

Study Of Rehydration Properties Of Powder Produced From Chelated Skim Milk, Kristina Ellice Tan

Master's Theses

Poor rehydration properties of skim milk powder (SMP) can impact processing efficiency and functionality in finished product applications. Rehydration can be split into four stages: wettability, sinkability, dispersibility, and solubility. Previous work has suggested that chelator addition during SMP manufacture leads to higher solubility compared to SMP without chelators. This study focuses on the addition of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or sodium citrate dihydrate (SCD) at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 mM to skim milk prior to evaporating and spray drying. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of the chelator additions on each SMP …

Comparison Of Foaming Properties Between Chelated Reconstituted Smp And Caseinates, Boya Liu

Master's Theses

Caseinate powders have been well accepted because of their foaming properties. In this study, 10% solution of reconstituted skim milk powder (SMP) chelated with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) and trisodium citrate (TSC) at 1 mEq, 50 mEq, and 100 mEq were prepared to conduct a comparison with sodium caseinate, potassium caseinate, and calcium caseinate solutions. Foamability, foam stability as well as the preferential locations of αs-casein, β-casein and !-casein in their foams were analyzed. It was hypothesized that the foamability, foam stability and the preferential locations of these three caseins in the milk foams are different from treatment to treatment. Milk …

Separation And Characterization Of Reconstituted Skim Milk Powder Treated With Mineral Chelators, Amy Kringle

Master's Theses

The proteins found in milk are largely important in the functionality of many dairy products and dairy processes. The casein micelle system in milk is a complex and highly studied system. The micelle is thought to be a sponge like structure containing four caseins, α_s1, α_s2, β, and κ casein, and bound together with colloidal calcium phosphate. When a chelating agent such as a citrate, phosphate, or polyphosphate are added to milk systems, the CCP is bound to the chelator and removed from the micelle. It has been shown through past research that the use of …

Short Communication: Effect Of Storage Temperature On The Solubility Of Milk Protein Concentrate 80 (Mpc80) Treated With Nacl Or Kcl, V. Sikand, P.S. Tong, J. Walker, T. Wang, L.E. Rodriguez-Saona

Dairy Science

A previous study in our laboratory showed that addition of 150 mM NaCl or KCl into diafiltration water improved the solubility of freshly made milk protein concentrate 80 (MPC80). In the present study, the objectives were (1) to evaluate the solubility of NaCl- or KCl-treated MPC80 samples kept at varying temperatures and then stored for extensive periods at room temperature (21°C ± 1°C); and (2) to determine if MPC80 samples stored at different temperatures and protein conformation can be grouped or categorized together. Freshly manufactured MPC80 samples were untreated (control), processed with NaCl, or processed with KCl. One set …

Culturally Speaking: Ways To Tame Our Sweet Tooth, Phillip Tong

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Growth Rate Of Copepods In The San Francisco Bay, Brooke Bemowski, Wim Kimmerer, Toni Ignoffo

STAR Program Research Presentations

The San Francisco Estuary is a complex ecosystem. A key part of the foodweb are zooplankton crustaceans, specifically copepods. Many fish, especially the endangered delta smelt, rely on copepods as a food source. Measuring the growth of copepods assists in predictions if enough food is available for delta smelt. Traditionally growth rate is measured through lengthy and involved processes. The objective of this research project is to develop an imaging process to analyze biomass of copepods more efficiently. For this research, field samples of copepods were collected and grown over three days. Subsamples were taken and preserved at three predetermined …

Culturally Speaking: Of Rotary Phones And Dairy Foods, Phillip Tong

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Partial Calcium Depletion During Membrane Filtration Affects Gelation Of Reconstituted Milk Protein Concentrates, H. Eshpari, R. Jiménez-Flores, P. S. Tong, M. Corredig

Dairy Science

Milk protein concentrate powders (MPC) with improved rehydration properties are often manufactured using processing steps, such as acidification and high-pressure processing, and with addition of other ingredients, such as sodium chloride, during their production. These steps are known to increase the amount of serum caseins or modify the mineral equilibrium, hence improving solubility of the retentates. The processing functionality of the micelles may be affected. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of partial acidification by adding glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) to skim milk during membrane filtration on the structural changes of the casein micelles by observing their chymosin-induced …

Gopher Intrusion In Cropping Systems, Kenneth Romero, Paul Cardinalli

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to determine if no till vs. till on gopher populations was more beneficial. Which is more efficient at controlling gophers and explain the damage they can cause and the diseases they can potentially vector. What are the different options of pest managements that have to be used when dealing with a gopher infestation in a tilled field vs. a no-tilled field.

Digestibility Of Two Complete Pelleted Diets By The Horse (Equus Caballus) As A Model Animal For Nondomestic Hindgut Fermenters, Emily M. Schwartz

Master's Theses

Estimating nutrient and energy requirements of exotic animals is a necessary component of nutrition management in zoos and other wildlife facilities. In the absence of species-specific data, domestic animal models are often referenced. Herbivorous hindgut fermenters, such as horses, zebra, and rhinoceros, rely on microbial fermentation in the cecum and colon to utilize dietary structural carbohydrates. The study objective was to measure the digestible energy of two (LOW, HIGH) complete pelleted diets by the horse as a model for nondomestic hindgut fermenters. Seven, individually housed, adult Quarter Horse (Equus caballus) geldings were assigned to one of two diets as 100% …

Culturally Speaking: Beyond The Dairy Case: Cultured Products As Food Ingredients, Phillip Tong

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Simangus Crossbreeding Proposal, Kaity Arburua

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project is to develop a proposal for a crossbreeding plan specifically oriented towards a Central Valley beef producer interested in SimAngus cattle. In this project you will find information pertaining to the Simmental, Angus and SimAngus breeds, as well as industry goals and possible outcomes. This was designed in order to create tangible evidence and information, such a pamphlet/brochure, for the producer to evaluate; in hopes that the beef producer will implement this crossbreeding plan.

A Livestock Employee Manual For Junior Livestock Shows, Kylin Costa

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to create a manual for junior livestock show staff to abide by for the duration of a county fair’s show. By implementing the manual, the show process should run smoother, and should alleviate turnover problems with each new barn steward that comes into the fair. The author hopes that this manual will be of use at fairs statewide.

Culturally Speaking: Move Over Blueberry: Make Way For Parsnip Yogurt, Phillip S. Tong

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Father Convict Cichlids Bite Intruders More Often In Hot Temperatures, Jesse L. Heckendorf

STAR Program Research Presentations

Convict cichlids (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) have evolved to be extremely good parents by protecting their brood. Parental care leads to aggressive biting, chasing, and gill flaring to intimidate predators. In this experiment, we show that environmental factors, such as the changing of temperature in this case, affect a male convict cichlid’s aggression toward caring for his offspring when an intruder is introduced. Male convict cichlids attack more in warmer water.

Methane Production By A Packed-Bed Anaerobic Digester Fed Dairy Barn Flush Water, Sean Richard Thomson

Master's Theses

Packed-bed digesters are an alternative to covered lagoon digesters for methane production and anaerobic treatment of dilute wastewaters such as dairy barn flush water. The physical media of packed-beds retain biofilms, often allowing increased treatment rates. Previous studies have evaluated several types of media for digestion of dilute wastewaters, but cost and media fouling have setback commercial development. A major operational cost has been effluent recirculation pumping.

In the present effort, a novel approach to anaerobic digestion of flush dairy water was developed at pilot-scale: broken walnut shells were used as a low-cost packed-bed medium and effluent recirculation was replaced …

Wildlife Deterrence Method Test Device, Garrett Tietz, Adam Webb, Dane Knutson

Mechanical Engineering

The objective of the Deer Busters team is to design and build a device or system of devices that will be used to determine which method, or methods, are most effective at deer deterrence. JumpSport suspects that a method which gives the appearance of approach to the deer in an aggressive or startling manner but also changes the way it attacks so that the deer do not get used to the device will be most effective. Deer Busters is committed to the completion of the deer deterrent testing device by the end of the fall quarter of 2014.

Mother Convict Cichlids Inflict More Bites Upon An Intruder In Hot Temperatures, Jesse L. Heckendorf

STAR Program Research Presentations

Convict cichlids (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) have developed to be extremely good parents by protecting their brood. Parental care leads to aggressive biting, chasing, and gill flaring to intimidate known predators. In this experiment, we show that environmental factors, such as the changing of temperature in this case, affect a female convict cichlid’s aggression toward caring for her offspring when an intruder is introduced. Females attack more in warmer water.

Assessment Of Salmon Habitat On The Feather River, Nathan Sweem

STAR Program Research Presentations

Human activity in central valley streams has had a significantly negative impact on salmon habitat (Williams 2006). The presence of dams impedes sediment transport which is critical to salmon spawning (Williams 2006; Kondolf 1997). As part of an effort to enhance salmon spawning, the California Department of Water Resources added 7000 ft³ of gravel to Cottonwood Hatchery, Upper Auditorium, and Auditorium riffles on the Lower Feather River below the Thermalito Dam Complex in July of 2014. Stream conditions at Cottonwood Hatchery riffle were assessed by conducting analysis of sediment grain size, water depth and velocity, gravel permeability, and dissolved …

Aquaponics And Basil Plant Density, Danika L. Macmaster, Brook Murphy, Dudley Burton

STAR Program Research Presentations

Aquaponics is the use of water from a fish tank to provide nutrients to plants in a soil-less environment. The rocks cultivate the bacteria that turns the ammonia into nitrates that the plants need, and the plant bed functions as a filter for the fish tank. In this study, with the guidance of Doctor Dudley Burton, Doctor Brook Murphy, we researched the optimal plant density for basil in an Aquaponics system. We attempted to control or measure all the other variables to consider, as to isolate the variable of distance between plants. The water flow was spread through the plant …

Lamb Bacon: How The Method Of Brine Distribution And Addition Of A Dry Rub Influences Yields, Morgan Metheny

Animal Science

This study was conducted to test the whether lamb breasts can substitute as the raw material in producing a bacon product. Due to the difference in fat saturation between pork and lamb, this research was used to test how successful lamb absorbs the brine in order to make bacon. The yield results of two different processing techniques, injection and tumbling, were compared along with comparing the affect of adding a dry rub of seasonings to the lamb surface. The 120 lambs breasts were split into four groups of 30. Each group received a different treatment: plain tumbled, plain injected, seasoned …

Characterization Of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Biovar Equi Isolates Obtained From Cal Poly Horses And Review Of Application Of Transposons To Better Prevent Pigeon Fever In Horses, Irene Hasen

Animal Science

No abstract provided.

Biodiversity: A Guide To Agricultural Wildlife, Rebecca Ozeran, Elaina Cromer

Animal Science

We have compiled a list of the birds and mammals that we documented at selected locations on campus. Through this document we aim to offer an easily accessible resource that students, faculty, and visitors can utilize to not just satisfy their curiosity but also spark further contemplation. For each species and for each location, we have also summarized the possible implications of our observations from a holistic perspective. The purpose of this is to get people to think about the way land is managed and what may indicate that it is being mismanaged or that the certain aspects of current …

The Effects Of Different Cryopreservation Techniques On The Survival Rate Of In Vitro Produced (Ivp) And Biopsied Bovine Blastocysts, Diana J. Gumber

Animal Science

This study’s objectives were to determine if the biopsy of expanded blastocysts prior to cryopreservation affected the survival rates and determine if there is a difference between slow-freezing in 10% glycerol, slow freezing in ethylene glycol, and vitrification in terms of survival rate of the embryos. Blastocoeles were reduced prior to cryopreservation by means of biopsy. Embryos for slow freezing were exposed to ethylene glycol (SynGRO Ethylene Glycol with Sucrose, BIONICHE, Pullman, WA, USA) or 10% glycerol (SynGRO 10% Glycerol, BIONICHE, Pullman, WA, USA) as cryoprotectants. Vitrified embryos were exposed to 10% and 40% ethylene glycol. Survival rate of biopsied …

Incorporation Of Equine Assisted Therapy In University Curriculum, Shelby Y. Sabati

Animal Science

Equine-assisted activity and therapy incorporates physical, mental and language treatments through equine movement to remediate medical conditions or impairments in clients. For all the opportunities that equine-assisted therapy provides there is little education on the practice. The focus of this project is to present the process, benefits and limitations of adopting an equine-assisted therapy course at California Polytechnic State University so it may be used as a reference for future course proposal.

Objective: The aim of this proposal is to offer insight into Equine-assisted therapy, understanding how to integrate the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International curriculum into the …