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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Enhancing Cellulase Production Of Aureobasidium Pullulans For Use In Converting Dried Distillers’ Grains With Solubles Into A Higher Protein Feed, Emily L. Baldwin Jan 2017

Enhancing Cellulase Production Of Aureobasidium Pullulans For Use In Converting Dried Distillers’ Grains With Solubles Into A Higher Protein Feed, Emily L. Baldwin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Main limitations of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) as meal for monogastric animals is the presence of high fiber content, reduced fat content, and poor amino acid balance. This causes a reduced economic value of DDGS for these species due to its low inclusion rates. The goal of this theses was to create new strains of a fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans, with enhanced cellulase production and use it to optimize an enzymatic saccharification, pretreatment, and fungal conversion process to enhance the nutritional value of DDGS. Various combinations of enzymatic saccharification, physical/chemical pretreatments, and mutant strains of fungi were investigated …


Macropinosome Maturation Is A Clathrin Dependent Process In Bone Marrow Macrophages, Susmita Poudel Jan 2017

Macropinosome Maturation Is A Clathrin Dependent Process In Bone Marrow Macrophages, Susmita Poudel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Macrophages nonspecifically take up extracellular fluids, solutes and macromolecules by macropinocytosis. Understanding the mechanisms of macropinosome maturation will inform the study of lipid uptake, viral entry, antigen processing and presentation, as well as regulation of cell growth. Colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) is internalized by small vesicle endocytosis, trafficked to nascent macropinosomes and degraded. These CSF-1R positive macropinosomes mature through a sequence similar to endosomes, progressing from EEA1 and Rab5 to Rab7 positive vesicles before fusing with lysosomes. Here we report the assembly of clathrin on internalized macropinosomes shown both by live-cell microscopy of cells expressing clathrin light chain-yellow fluorescent …


Evaluation Of Gamebird Use And Thermal Characteristics Of Alfalfa And Perennial Grasses In Eastern South Dakota, Neal P. Martorelli Jan 2017

Evaluation Of Gamebird Use And Thermal Characteristics Of Alfalfa And Perennial Grasses In Eastern South Dakota, Neal P. Martorelli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The northern Great Plains provide critical breeding habitat for waterfowl and gamebirds in the United States. Peak commodity prices in the late 2000s resulted in increased agricultural production and large-scale conversions of grassland habitat to monoculture row crops. However, recent declines in commodity prices have created a renewed interest for private landowners to diversify crops and enroll in government subsidized conservation programs that convert idle grassland and unproductive cropland to wildlife friendly perennial grassland plantings. Exploring alternative grassland restoration techniques can improve the efficiency of management practices to benefit future wildlife habitat and productivity on both public and private lands. …


Measuring Aquatic Organism Responses To Grassland Restoration: Does The Field Of Dreams Really Exist?, David A. Schumann Jan 2017

Measuring Aquatic Organism Responses To Grassland Restoration: Does The Field Of Dreams Really Exist?, David A. Schumann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Landscape homogenization and the degradation of riparian areas has greatly impaired stream ecosystems throughout North America. Conservation programs may repair riparian ecosystems to indirectly improve water quality and instream habitat heterogeneity in hopes to elicit biological responses. However, focused manipulations on isolated stream fragments have rarely achieved biological goals. Prairie streams with restored riparian areas were appraised (chemical, physical, and biological variables) to quantify the indirect effects of prevalent grassland conservation practices on aquatic resources. Riparian rehabilitation, via passive methods, promoted bank-stabilizing vegetation along all conservation stream reaches. Riparian vegetation and function quickly recovered from previous agricultural disturbances at conservation …


Lipid-Laden Macrophages Downregulate Akt Phosphorylation And Metabolize Lipid Droplets Via Autophagy, Rifat Sultana Jan 2017

Lipid-Laden Macrophages Downregulate Akt Phosphorylation And Metabolize Lipid Droplets Via Autophagy, Rifat Sultana

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Macrophages contribute to plaque formation in atherosclerosis. Macrophages take up modified low-density lipoproteins and store excess cholesterol and triglycerides in lipid droplet organelles. Evidence of lipid-laden macrophages or “foam cells” is apparent on histology sections of diseased arteries, and this lipid-laden appearance can be recreated in cell culture upon exposure of cultured macrophages to acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL). Under nutrient stress, neutral lipids in lipid droplets are hydrolyzed by lipolysis, autophagy, or both. However, these processes are not well understood in macrophages. We created lipidladen macrophages by 24-h exposure to Ac-LDL and analyzed dynamics of lipid droplet metabolism following removal of …


Response Of Dairy Cows To Dietary Starch Concentrations: Performance, Nutrient Digestion, And Gas Emissions, Juan Isidro Sanchez-Duarte Jan 2017

Response Of Dairy Cows To Dietary Starch Concentrations: Performance, Nutrient Digestion, And Gas Emissions, Juan Isidro Sanchez-Duarte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three studies and a meta-analysis were conducted to determine the performance, nutrient digestion, and gas emissions of dairy cows fed diets with different starch concentrations (19 to 27% of DM). Study 1 evaluated the effects of reducing corn grain starch with non-forage fiber sources (NFFS, soybean hulls and beet pulp) in diets of soybean meal (SBM) or canola meal (CM). In study 1, reducing starch from 27 to 20% with soybean hulls and beet pulp had a negative effect on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and energy-corrected milk (ECM), regardless of the crude protein (CP) source. Those effects were …


Response Of Soil Properties To 23-25 Years Of Diverse Crop Rotations And Tillage Systems In South Dakota, Usa, Abdullah H. Alhameid Jan 2017

Response Of Soil Properties To 23-25 Years Of Diverse Crop Rotations And Tillage Systems In South Dakota, Usa, Abdullah H. Alhameid

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diverse cropping systems and no-till (NT) are beneficial in improving soil organic carbon (SOC) and other soils properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate the interactions and impacts of long-term tillage and diverse crop rotation systems on soil quality indicators that include a range of soil chemical, physical, hydrological, and microbial properties. The study was established in 1991 at Beresford, South Dakota and included three crop rotation systems [2-yr; maize (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.), 3-yr; maize-soybean-oat (Avena sativa L.), and 4-yr; maize-soybean-oat-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)] managed under two tillage systems (NT and CT; conventional- tillage). Soil sampling …


An Integrated Evaluation Of The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program In South Dakota, Jarrett D. Pfrimmer Jan 2017

An Integrated Evaluation Of The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program In South Dakota, Jarrett D. Pfrimmer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Grassland restoration efforts in North America typically share the goal of improving ecological conditions for wildlife; however, it is unclear in many cases if goals are met. The South Dakota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was initiated to alleviate agriculturally-related environmental degradation by converting 40,469 hectares of eligible cropland and marginal pastureland to perennial vegetation. The program aims to provide habitat for obligate grassland breeding songbirds, while producing an additional 285,000 pheasants and 60,000 ducks annually. As part of a collaborative comprehensive evaluation effort, my research assessed the response of grassland-dependent breeding birds to CREP implementation at varying spatial scales …


Encouraging Organic Agriculture: The Effects Of Conversion Subsidies, Sarah Adams Inkoom Jan 2017

Encouraging Organic Agriculture: The Effects Of Conversion Subsidies, Sarah Adams Inkoom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the importance of conversional subsidies in accounting for an increase in organic acreage in the 12 North-Central States in the United States. Monthly time series data that spans from January 2002 to December 2014 was used in the analysis. Empirical evidence suggests that increase in organic acreage is due in part to the availability of conversion subsidies. Without government assistance, most small-scale farmers are not sufficiently motivated to switch to organic production due to the high initial costs involved in transitioning. Further, increased institutional support could facilitate organic adoption and its absence is detrimental to increasing the …


Effects Of A Large-Scale Habitat Enhancement Project On Largemouth Bass Behavior, Feeding, And Growth In Grand Lake, Texas, Chance Kirkeeng Jan 2017

Effects Of A Large-Scale Habitat Enhancement Project On Largemouth Bass Behavior, Feeding, And Growth In Grand Lake, Texas, Chance Kirkeeng

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The quality of habitat, or the environment suitable for an organism to survive and reproduce, is often described by the type of features present and the quantity and condition of such features. Habitats in many ecosystems are declining and the loss of important habitats likely affects the success of organisms reliant upon those features. Habitats in reservoir ecosystems are especially at risk because of aging processes that are degrading reservoir habitats at faster rates than habitats in other ecosystems. Habitat enhancement projects are one tool used to combat the effects of aging reservoirs but the benefits of these management actions …


The Effects Of A Blend Of Essential Oils On Rumen Efficiency Of Lactating Dairy Cows, Kali Linville Jan 2017

The Effects Of A Blend Of Essential Oils On Rumen Efficiency Of Lactating Dairy Cows, Kali Linville

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of SS a blend of commercially available essential oils (EO) on rumen microbial efficiency and kinetics, and consequently, effects on production parameters of dairy cows fed a low-starch diet and in vitro analysis of varying doses of SS on ruminal fermentation at different stages of lactation. The study consisted of two experiments, the in vivo Experiment 1, was conducted on a commercial robotic dairy in southwest Minnesota outfitted with two Lely Astronaut A4robotic milking units (Goter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment of MN, INC., Pipestone, MN). One hundred-seven Holstein cows were …


Effect Of Ultrasonication On Biofilm Forming Ability Of Common Dairy Sporeformers, Taghreed Almalki Jan 2017

Effect Of Ultrasonication On Biofilm Forming Ability Of Common Dairy Sporeformers, Taghreed Almalki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sporeformers are common dairy contaminants, which are of a great concern to the dairy industry. Quality of dairy products is affected by these sporeformers such as Bacillus species, which are a significant cause of spoilage of dairy products. Thermal processes such as pasteurization have been used to inactivate pathogens, but some of the sporeformers and their endospores are resistant to such heat treatments. Beside thermal treatments, various new approaches are being developed to improve the quality of dairy products. Amongst these, ultrasonication is a promising non-thermal technique for the inactivation of thermoduric sporeformers and their endospores. Current study was carried …


Relationship Of Stress, Sleep, Physical Activity, And Food Insecurity On Eating Behaviors And Obesity, Amy Lee Richards Jan 2017

Relationship Of Stress, Sleep, Physical Activity, And Food Insecurity On Eating Behaviors And Obesity, Amy Lee Richards

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is an urgent need to find effective interventions to prevent and reduce obesity as it is associated with chronic disease and decreased quality of life. Gaining a better understanding of how modifiable variables such as stress, sleep, physical activity, and food insecurity are related to eating behaviors associated with obesity is essential to guide the direction of future interventions and research. Interventions that hold promise need to be tested to determine if they have merit or not. This dissertation presents three papers. Two papers are cross-sectional studies evaluating associations between eating behaviors, obesity, and modifiable variables (stress, sleep, physical …


Cardiovascular Risk, Remote Ischemic Postconditioning, And Endothelial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury, Brian A. Hemenway Jan 2017

Cardiovascular Risk, Remote Ischemic Postconditioning, And Endothelial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury, Brian A. Hemenway

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Remote ischemic postconditioning (rIpost) is a potent vasculoprotective stimulus that is thought to reduce reperfusion injury associated with heart disease. However, certain animal models of cardiometabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension suggest the beneficial effects of rIpost to lessen reperfusion injury may be diminished. These findings have not been studied in clinically relevant humans. The aim of this study was to determine whether the protective effects of rIpost are reduced in the context of raised cardiometabolic risk in humans. Seven participants with raised cardiometabolic risk burden (age:57±7 years; BMI: 31±4kgm2participated in this 2X2 randomized cross-over …


Let Them Eat Beef: Effects Of Beef Consumption On Markers Of Metabolic Syndrome, Kristin L. Olson Jan 2017

Let Them Eat Beef: Effects Of Beef Consumption On Markers Of Metabolic Syndrome, Kristin L. Olson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To determine the effects of a diet that provides 30% energy from protein with ½ as lean, red meat on risk factors of metabolic syndrome in humans. This pilot study was a 3- month, randomized, control, intervention trial with 33 participants (Beef-Intervention n=18; DASH-Control n=15) who displayed markers of metabolic syndrome. Registered Dietitians Nutritionists recruited and educated participants on Beef-Intervention Lean Beef Pattern, (30% of energy from protein with ½ as lean red meat, 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat) or DASH-Control dietary pattern, (15% of energy from protein, 55% carbohydrate and 30 % fat). Of the 33 participants who completed the …


An Evaluation Of Deer And Pronghorn Surveys In South Dakota, Kristopher W. Cudmore Jan 2017

An Evaluation Of Deer And Pronghorn Surveys In South Dakota, Kristopher W. Cudmore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To properly manage white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and the American pronghorn antelope (Antilocapridae americana), wildlife managers must identify population perimeters, sample size, age and sex ratios of these three species. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate age and sex ratios and determine a minimum sample size for each study area for all deer species and pronghorn, in addition to deriving a methodology and population estimate for white-tailed deer in the Black Hills. Sample size needed for both species of deer and pronghorn ranged from 60-70 groups of does. Age ratios calculated from daylight …


Effects Of Phase Feeding During Gestation On Gilt Performance, Offspring Quality And Robustness, Agatha Ampaire Jan 2017

Effects Of Phase Feeding During Gestation On Gilt Performance, Offspring Quality And Robustness, Agatha Ampaire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A total of 51 gilts in 6 blocks were randomly assigned to one of 3 feeding regimens: Constant (Constant-f), 2.21 kg/d of a standard diet from breeding to d 112 of gestation (1.7 g Lys/kcal ME; 3276 kcal ME/kg); Bump feeding (Bump-f), the standard diet at 2.21 kg/d from breeding to d 89 and 2.61 kg/d from d 90 - 112; Phase feeding (Phase-f ), 2.21 kg/d from breeding to d 89 (1.5 g Lys/kcal ME; 3275 kcal ME/kg) and 2.61 kg/d from d 90 - 112 (2.1 g Lys/Kcal ME; 3290 Kcal ME/kg) over 2 reproductive cycles. Sows received …


Factors Affecting Feedlots' Decisions On Cattle Marketing Options: A National Study, Charlotte Owusu-Smart Jan 2017

Factors Affecting Feedlots' Decisions On Cattle Marketing Options: A National Study, Charlotte Owusu-Smart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the economic implication of changing slaughter volume patterns across the cash and contract markets in the US cattle industry. Weekly time series data that spans from November 2002 to December 2015 was used in the analysis. Empirical evidence suggests that Mandatory Price Reporting (MPR) played an important role in changing slaughter volumes across the cash and contract markets. Additionally, price of feeder cattle, cattle quality characteristics (Choice-Select spread and the percentage of animals grading choice or better) among others influence feedlots’ decision to use a particular marketing arrangement.


Comprehensive Structural, Thermal And Toxicological Characterization Of 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Alkylbenzenesulfonate Ionic Liquids, Hiranmayee Kandala Jan 2017

Comprehensive Structural, Thermal And Toxicological Characterization Of 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Alkylbenzenesulfonate Ionic Liquids, Hiranmayee Kandala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Synthesis and characterization of 1-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium alkylbenzenesulfonate ionic liquids for extraction of lignin from prairie cord grass have been studied. The ionic liquids (ILs) 1-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium benzenesulfonate (EBS), 1-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium toluenesulfonate (ETS) and 1-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium xylenesulfonate (EXS) have been synthesized in this research. An extensive structural, physical, thermal and toxicological characterization has been performed to understand the behavior of these ionic liquids. The reaction yield for the synthesis of EBS, ETS, and EXS ionic liquids was determined to be 91.2 ± 1.5 %, 96.1 ± 0.7 %, 99.0 ± 0.5 % respectively. Spectral analysis using NMR and FTIR confirms the …


Indexing Walleye Recruitment In Eastern South Dakota Natural Lakes, Todd M. Kaufman Jan 2017

Indexing Walleye Recruitment In Eastern South Dakota Natural Lakes, Todd M. Kaufman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because of the popularity of Walleyes and the need for recurrent supplemental stockings, substantial resources are allocated to their management in eastern South Dakota. For nearly 20 years, fall night electrofishing has been used to monitor age-0 Walleye population parameters, and index future year-class strength in select waters but with limited evaluation. Additionally, knowledge of recruitment patterns and factors that influence those patterns were of interest. Thus, the objectives of this study were: 1) to determine the utility of fall electrofishing age-0 Walleyes to index future year-class strength; 2) to explore whether measures of fall age-0 body size or condition …


Impacts Of Landscape Position And Nitrogen Fertilizer On Soils, Carbon And Nitrogen Leaching, And Greenhouse Gas Fluxes From Switchgrass Production In South Dakota, Liming Lai Jan 2017

Impacts Of Landscape Position And Nitrogen Fertilizer On Soils, Carbon And Nitrogen Leaching, And Greenhouse Gas Fluxes From Switchgrass Production In South Dakota, Liming Lai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) production for biofuels has potential economic values. It can also improve soil properties and perform better under marginal lands than the other major biomass crops. However, little is known about its potential ecological impacts assessed in terms of soils, water, and air quality in the northern Great Plains region of United States of America. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the impacts of nitrogen fertilization rate (N rate) and landscape position on soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), bulk density (ρb), and phosphorus (P) in switchgrass field; (ii) assess …


Intranasal Immunization Of Pigs With Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus Like Particles Plus 2’, 3’ –Cgamp Vaccigrade™ Adjuvant Exacerbates Viremia After Virus Challenge, Alexandria Marie Van Noort Jan 2017

Intranasal Immunization Of Pigs With Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus Like Particles Plus 2’, 3’ –Cgamp Vaccigrade™ Adjuvant Exacerbates Viremia After Virus Challenge, Alexandria Marie Van Noort

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economically devastating virus that causes a persistent infection and spreads quickly. The virus causes abortions in sows and respiratory diseases in young piglets. Current PRRSV vaccines appear to provide limited cross-protection. A virus-like particles (VLPs) vaccine is made up of key PRRSV structural proteins, which could be cross protective among the different strains. We tested PRRSV VLPs as a vaccine candidate with a 2’, 3’-cGAMP VacciGradeTM adjuvant against pigs infected with PRRSV after intranasal immunization to evaluate the immune response and protective efficacy by the VLPs and adjuvant. The VLPs contain …


Associations Between Child Weight Status And The Home Environment: An Analysis Of Parental Eating Policies, Emily Smith Jan 2017

Associations Between Child Weight Status And The Home Environment: An Analysis Of Parental Eating Policies, Emily Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Childhood obesity is a complex issue common in the U.S. today as it not only is associated with health-threatening comorbidities, but also increases a child’s likelihood of becoming overweight or obese during adulthood. Because of its complexity, several factors, including parents and the home environment, must be considered when assessing child weight status and also when aiming to prevent or treat childhood obesity.
Objective: To investigate specific food rules practiced within the home environment that are influencing child weight status and to identify if these rules contrast among children who are normal weight and those who are overweight/obese. Methods: …


Surveillance Of Emerging Livestock Viruses, Faten A. Okda Jan 2017

Surveillance Of Emerging Livestock Viruses, Faten A. Okda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and rapid diagnostic tests are essential for the management and control of emerging infectious diseases. Therefore, the overall goals of studies presented in this dissertation were to provide improved diagnostic and surveillance capabilities for several emerging viral diseases impacting the livestock industry and to provide insight into appropriate control strategies. Recent, severe outbreaks of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in Asia and North America highlighted the need for well-validated diagnostic tests for identification of PEDV infected animals and evaluation of their immune status. PEDV was first detected in the U.S. in May 2013 and another swine coronavirus, porcine deltacoronavirus …


Design, Synthesis And Biological Screening Of Novel Cucsinspired Estrone Analogues Towards Treatment Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Mater Hussen Mahnashi Jan 2017

Design, Synthesis And Biological Screening Of Novel Cucsinspired Estrone Analogues Towards Treatment Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Mater Hussen Mahnashi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cucurbitacins (CUCS) are natural products with highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenes produced mostly by Cucurbitaceae family plant. They are known for their therapeutic efficiency with different biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and anti-cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Previous reports have shown the ability of CUCS to inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG-2) significantly. Structural activity relationship studies suggested the potential of the 23, 24 enone side chain of CUCS to bind to the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Due to the limited quantities of CUCS upon isolation and the challenges …


Diaporthe, Soybean Cyst Nematode, And Soybean Aphid: An Evaluation Of Potential Interactions Occurring Among Pests On Soybean In South Dakota, John Philip Posch Jan 2017

Diaporthe, Soybean Cyst Nematode, And Soybean Aphid: An Evaluation Of Potential Interactions Occurring Among Pests On Soybean In South Dakota, John Philip Posch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr., is an important crop grown in South Dakota, with an estimated production of $2.33 billion in 2015. However, soybean production in South Dakota is compromised by four pests, the fungal pathogens Diaporthe longicolla (Hobbs) Santos, Vrandecic, and Phillips and Diaporthe caulivora (Athow and Caldwell) Santos, Vrandecic, and Phillips, the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines Ichinohe (SCN), and the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Additionally, these pest can co-occur in fields within South Dakota and the implications associated with interactions among these pests are unknown. We hypothesized that both Diaporthe species would interact with …


Phytophthora Sojae Infecting Soybean: Pathotype Diversity, New Sources Of Resistance And Interaction With The Soybean Cyst Nematode, Rawnaq Nazneen Chowdhury Jan 2017

Phytophthora Sojae Infecting Soybean: Pathotype Diversity, New Sources Of Resistance And Interaction With The Soybean Cyst Nematode, Rawnaq Nazneen Chowdhury

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Phytophthora root and stem rot, caused by Phytophthora sojae Kaufmann and Gerdemann, is an important disease of soybean (Glycine max L.) in South Dakota. To gain a better understanding of the importance of P. sojae in South Dakota, specifically pathotype diversity, identification of new resistance sources and the interaction with the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, SCN), this research was undertaken with the following objectives - 1) to characterize the pathotype diversity of P. sojae causing Phytophthora root and stem rot on soybean in commercial fields in South Dakota; 2) to compare inoculation methods to evaluate for …


Determining How Campus Food Environment Influences Eating Behaviors Utilizing Focus Groups, Jennifer Swanstrom Jan 2017

Determining How Campus Food Environment Influences Eating Behaviors Utilizing Focus Groups, Jennifer Swanstrom

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

This study set out to explore what factors in a campus environment influence students’ eating behaviors through qualitative methods. The student researcher developed questions based on a similar study and with the help of the faculty advisors. Researchers conducted focus groups and asked 9 open-ended questions. This study utilized a qualitative focus group approach along with a demographic survey that yielded quantitative data. Findings in the present study suggest that students eat unhealthier options when healthier options are available because of time, convenience, and cost. Students would like to cook in the dorm kitchens to eat healthier, however, most participants …


Effect Of Grazing Pressure On Cattle Grazing Cool Season Annual Forages, Brooke Brunsvig Jan 2017

Effect Of Grazing Pressure On Cattle Grazing Cool Season Annual Forages, Brooke Brunsvig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ruminants can use plant fiber to produce food products that provide nourishment to humans. However, a precise understanding of specific plants selected by grazing ruminants remains elusive. Many long- and short-term factors impact cattle grazing behavior. Ultimately, grazing behavior can affect forage available for grazing, nutrient density of forage, dry matter intake, and animal performance. A myriad of grazing management strategies have been developed utilizing animal behavior to allow more efficient use of forage resources. Many management strategies based on manipulation of grazing behavior are simple and cost effective. Optimal performance of individual animals and amount of animal products produced …


The Cattle Dung Arthropod Community In Eastern South Dakota: Their Colonization, Impact On Degradation, And Response To Rangeland Management, Jacob Pecenka Jan 2017

The Cattle Dung Arthropod Community In Eastern South Dakota: Their Colonization, Impact On Degradation, And Response To Rangeland Management, Jacob Pecenka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cattle grazing operations are an important industry throughout the world and a vital component of the economy of the Northern Great Plains. Rangeland management is important to ensure that cattle grazing remains not only profitable but also environmentally sustainable. Conventionally managed rangeland systems that practice continuous grazing and repeated applications of chemicals such as avermectins pose a risk to the continuing productivity of rangelands. These practices have ecological consequences, primarily to the arthropod community that inhabits cattle dung pats. This diverse community works together to recycle dung pats and make the nutrients in dung accessible to the surrounding plant community, …