Life Sciences Commons^™

Development Of Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Techniques For Physical Mapping In Ovis Aries, Eleanor P. Jenson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Genome maps provide information used to identify economic trait loci and loci proximal to genes affecting economically important traits. This research contributes to the development of the ovine genome map by establishing ovine tissue culture techniques and fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques in this laboratory. In addition, a karyotype for sheep affected with spider lamb syndrome was developed. Ovine tissue culture techniques were established using fibroblasts grown from primary explants of sheep and modified cytogenetic procedures. Metaphase chromosomes were obtained from the fibroblast cultures and used for fluorescent in situ hybridization and for banding procedures to develop the spider lamb …

Disease And Habitat Change As Factors Associated With Mourning Dove Population Decline, William D. Ostrand

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The western mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) population has been declining since 1966. Data collected in 1951-52, in Fillmore, Utah, provided us a baseline for comparison with our study in the same area. Our approach was to determine whether a local population decline had occurred since the original data were collected, assess if trichomoniasis has impacted the local population, determine if changes in habitat structure affect foraging site selection, quantify changes in habitat, identify which habitats doves preferred, ascertain whether doves had responded to habitat change by changing food habits, and assess if changes in habitat were responsible in …

Winter Habitat Selection By American Marten (Martes Americana) In Newfoundland: Why Old Growth?, Gary S. Drew

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Although the American marten (Martes americana) generally is recognized as an obligate late-seral species, the factors dictating this association are poorly understood. Martens were studied in Newfoundland, Yellowstone National Park, and in a captive setting. As expected, use of habitat types was not proportional to availability P < 0.001). Defoliated and late-seral conifer stands were used more than expected, while all other types indicated expected or less than expected use. Habitat selection by martens was detectable at spatial scales greater than 80 m (P < 0.001).

Newfoundland martens were radio-collared and monitored for diet activity during the winters of 1990 and 1991. A regression of the percent active fixes on temperature had a negative slope (b = -4.45, P = 0.084, n = 12), indicating that martens did not minimize their exposure to low temperatures. A log-linear model suggested …

The Impact Of A Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic On Wildlife Habitat And Communities In Post-Epidemic Stands Of A Lodgepole Pine Forest In Northern Utah, William E. Stone

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Natural disturbance events influence the patterns and processes in many forest ecosystems. Ecosystem management of coniferous forests in western North America requires the recognition of the importance that natural disturbance regimes have in achieving sustainable resource production and maintaining biological diversity . Mountain pine beetle epidemics have played an historic role in the succession and structure of lodgepole pine forests in this region. Their effects on wildlife habitat and communities are undocumented, but are presumed to be substantial. I sought to quantify these effects in forty 1-ha stands of monotypic, even-aged, mature lodgepole pine forest in northern Utah approximately 3-8 …

The Effects Of Feeding Chelated Metal Proteinates On Milk Production And Reproductive Performance In Holstein Dairy Cows, Ben James Hardcastle

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Twenty-two primiparous Holstein heifers were allocated to one of two treatments. Treatments consisted of: 1) basal ration plus 226.8 g inorganic mineral supplement (control); and 2) basal ration plus 226.8 g inorganic mineral and metal proteinate supplement (50:50). Individual heifer performance was measured during the final 10 weeks of the prepartum period. Feed intake and refusals were recorded daily. Individual heifer body weights recorded weekly did not differ significantly. Blood samples taken at 4-week intervals did not differ in plasma concentration between treatments. Calf birth weights for control heifers were not significantly higher than calves from the treatment heifers.

The …

Effects Of Antioxidants On Development Of In Vitro Fertilized Bovine Embryos, Bret L. Anderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Free radicals are short-lived molecules that can cause decreased embryonic development in vitro. Antioxidants are molecules that block free radical formation or guard against their harmful effects. Many studies have linked exposure of media to light and culturing of embryos in high (20%) oxygen concentrations to free radical production. Some of the antioxidants used in culture media are superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, zinc (II), ethylenedinitrilo tetraacetic acid (EDTA), mannitol, vitamin E, dimethyl sulfide, and taurine. Most research involving antioxidants and embryonic development has been conducted on non-farm animals, particularly mouse and rabbit. Studies have shown that antioxidants in vitro culture …