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Program And Proceedings: Nebraska Academy Of Sciences 1880–2024, 144th Anniversary Year, One Hundred-Thirty-Fourth Annual Meeting

Nebraska Academy of Sciences: Programs and Proceedings

Program

Aeronautics and Space Science

Aeronautics and Space Science Poster Session

Anthropology: Humans Past and Present

Maiben Lecture: "Platte Basin Timelapse: A Watershed in Motion," Grant Reiner

Applied Science and Technology

Biological Sciences

Biomedical Sciences

Chemistry

Earh Sciences

Environmental Sciences

Physics

Science Education

2024 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cow- calf Nutrition, Reproduction, and Management

• Impact of Increasing Level of Milk Production on Cow- Calf Performance in Nebraska Sandhills
• Artificial Insemination of Beef Heifers with Multi- Sire Semen
• Effect of Heifer Percent Mature Body Weight at Breeding on Heifer Performance, Calf Production, and Subsequent Pregnancy Rates
• Effect of Glucogenic Feed Additive on Reproductive Performance in Young Postpartum Range Cows
• The Effect of Late Gestation Supplementation Strategy on Cow- Calf Performance in March- Calving Mature Cows
• The Impact of Pre- partum Supplementation Strategy on Cow- Calf Performance in May- Calving Mature Cows
• The Effect of Postpartum Supplementation Strategy on Performance …

Predicting Live Body Wight Of Yearling Beef Heifers Using 3d Imaging, Dalton J. Anderson, Yijie Xiong, Andrea K. Watson, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

This study was conducted to determine the accuracy of using 3D imaging technology as a method to predict shrunk body weight (BW) of growing yearling beef heifers. Red Angus x SImmental heifers (n = 69, BW = 726 ± 62 lbs; 12 months of age) were utilized for data collection. A time-of-flight depth camera (Azure Kinect, Microsoft) was used to collect depth videos as heifers walked out of the chute. Ideal image frames were identified from videos and used to determine the body volume of each heifer. Prediction of BW using images produced an R² (estimate of model fit) …

Impact Of Varying Inclusion Of Modified Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Compared To Constant Inclusion On Feedlot Cattle Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Debora G. Sousa, Rebecca Mcdermott, Mitch M. Norman, J. C. Macdonald, Rick A. Stock, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying inclusion of modified distillers grains plus solubles on a weekly basis with two inclusions of grass hay on the performance of finishing steers. no interaction was observed between modified distillers grains plus solubles inclusion (0%, 25% constant, or 25% varying from 15-35%) and hay inclusion (6% or 12%). When evaluating the effect of hay inclusion on performance, cattle fed 6% grass hay had less dry matter intake than those fed 12% grass hay, and there was a tendency for gains to be greater for cattle fed 6% grass hay. Adding …

Impact Of Feeding New Fractioinated Distillers Grains (Fiber Plus Syrup) On Feedlot Cattle Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Debora G. Sousa, Rebecca L. Mcdermott, Mitch M. Norman, James C. Macdonald, Rick Stock, Ryan A. Mass, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Fractionation processes are being explored to supply higher protein distillers grains for premium markets. Resulting distillers grains after a fraction is isolated will still be marketed as a cattle feed so knowing the impact on performance is important. This study evaluated feeding wet or dry conventional distillers grains with wet and dry fractionated distillers (fiber plus syrup) fed at 0, 20, or 40% of diet DM. When compared to the corn control, intake and gain increased for each of the four distillers types were fed, but feed conversion was poorer (i.e., increased) for dry distillers grains and dry fiber plus …

Comparison Of Corn Silage And Earlage In Finishing Diets When Fed As A Roughage On A Neutral Detergent Fiber Basis, Garrett N. Lemon, Rebecca Mcdermott, Alfredo Dicostanzo, Galen E. Erickson, Pablo L. Loza

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The finishing trial was conducted to evaluate the ability of earlage to serve as a roughage source compared to corn silage when both sources were balanced on an NDF basis. Steers were fed in a randomized block design with a 2x2 treatment arrangement, with one factor being NDF source (corn silage or earlage) and the other factor being inclusion ("normal" amount of roughage provided by corn silage or earlage as the only grain source and roughage source). No significant interactions were observed between roughage source and inclusion level on steer performance. Steers fed corn silage and grain had greater intakes …

Nebraska Producer Perceptions On The Role And Implications Of Negotiations In Fed Cattle Transactions, Taralee Hudson, Elliott James Dennis, Brad D. Lubben, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A survey of ten feelot operators, as identified through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture's (NDA) 2019-2020 Cattle Feeder's Directory was conducted to identify the important concepts related to negotiated transactions and price discovery within the fed cattle market. The surveyed feedlots account for approximately 10 percent of the cattle on feed identified within the directory, on a one time capacity basis. Conducted in April of 2023 via phone conversation, the questions were related to 1) negotiated cash transactions, 2) the bidding process, and 3) thinning cash trade. Such results lend insight into the marketing practices that currently dominate the fed …

Evaluation Of Gas Emissions From Cattle On Different Diet Adaptation Strategies Using Either Forage Or Ramp, Cindy D. Mansfield, Rebecca Mcdermott, Braden C. Troyer, Mitchell M. Norman, Maggie Youngers, Andrea K. Watson, Rick Stock, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 173-day finishing experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding RAMP (Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, NE) during diet adaptation compared to a traditional forage adaptation program on methane and carbon dioxide emissions, animal performance and carcass traits in beef steers. Cattle were monitored using a calorimetry emission barn to quantify production of methane and carbon dioxide during step 1 of grain adaptation and at two subsequent times while fed a common finishing diet. Feeding RAMP reduced methane by 12% during the initial diet (step 1) compared to a traditional diet that contained 43% forage. When cattle were fed …

Rethinking Corn Residue: Effects Of Grain Yield On Quality And Quantity Of Residue, Kaylee E. Wheeler, Jessica Miller, Sadie Ference, Stephan Geu, Bill Struckmeyer, Amanda Easterly, Cody F Creech, Brian Maust, Daren D. Redfearn, Jay Parsons, Mary E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A two-year experiment evaluated the effects of corn grain yield on the resulting quality and quantity of corn residue. Among the wide variety of corn hybrids, locations, and growing conditions, observed grain yields ranged from 120 to 350 bushels per acre. As corn yield increased, the total pounds of residue increased. However, the amount of reside relative to grain decreased. Within the residue, the proportion of leaf increased from 10 to 28% as corn yield increased while husk remained unchanged at 13%. Overall, the yield of leaf and husk per bushel of corn grain was not affected by grain yield …

Survey Of Current Management Practices And Evaluation Of Their Impact On Nutrient Content Of Small Cereal Silage In Nebraska, Alexa R. Johnson, Mary E. Drewnoski, Daren D. Redfearn, Susan Vanderplas, Jenny Rees, Ben Beckman, Erin Laborie, Todd Whitney, Kim Clark, Brad Schick, Gary Lesoing, Conner Biehler

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The nutrient content of small cereal silage from 16 producers in Nebraska was measured at harvest and post-fermentation. At packing, 42% of the samples were below the target dry matter of 30-35%. Samples with dry matter percentage below 30% had a significant increase in the loss of energy (total digestible nutrient) content of the silage. The wetter silage appeared to have increased rates of clostridial fermentation as indicated by production of butyric acid. These data suggest that moisture management is a challenge and increased attention to ensuring the target dry matter content is achieved before packing could improve the quality …

Cereal Rye, Winter Triticale Or Winter Wheat: Which Is Best For Early Spring Grazing?, Alyssa K. Hall, Abigail M. Sartin, Kallie J. Calus, Morgan T. Grabau, Daren D. Redfearn, Robert B. Mitchell, Mary E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A study was conducted to determine which winter-hardy small cereal grain was best suited for early spring grazing. Three species were evaluated: winter wheat, cereal rye, and winter triticale, as a double-cropped forage in a continuous soybean rotation. Within this rotation the number of grazing days is limited, but all three species provided high rates of cattle weight gain, with an average daily gain (ADG) of 3 lb/d in April. However, in a year where freezing conditions occurring after cattle started grazing, cattle grazing cereal rye had the greatest ADG, likely due to greater forage growth. Thus, cereal rye may …

Vitamin A In Cow-Calf Production: Impacts Of Maternal Supplementation And Status On Offspring, Hannah F. Speer, Harvey C. Freetly, Karla H. Jenkins, Mary E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The young calf is at greatest risk of vitamin A deficiency when cow vitamin intake is low in late pregnancy. Two studies were conducted to evaluate the relationship between cow and calf vitamin A status and how vitamin A status of cow-calf pairs was influence by maternal vitamin A supplementation. In general, calves did not have adequate liver vitamin A concentrations despite cows having adequate liver vitamin A stores following calving. Both cow iver stores and cow vitamin A intake during late gestation influence the amount of vitamin A in colostrum, so it benefits the calf if the cow has …

The Effect Of Postpartum Supplementation Strategy On Performance In May-Calving 2- And 3-Yr-Old Range Cows, Nicole M. Woita, Selby L. Boerman, J. A. Musgrave, Kacie L. Mccathy, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Reproductive performance in young 2- and 3-yr-old cows are often the lowest in the cow herd, which is due to their inability to consume enough energy and protein to meet their requirements for growth and lactation. A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of postpartum supplementation strategy on reproduction, cow body weight, and calf performance in lactating young 2- and 3-yr-old May-calving range cows. Supplementation was initiated 20 d prior to the start of the breeding season (45-d postpartum) and continued throughout the 45-d breeding season (125-d postpartum). Supplementation was provided daily with treatments being 1) mineral supplement …

The Impact Of Prepartum Supplementation Strategy On Cow-Calf Performance In May-Calving Mature Cows, J. A. Musgrave, Kacie L. Mccathy, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Implementation of minimal supplemental protein strategies during late gestation may have the potential to minimize any negative postweaning progeny performance while decreasing feed costs. A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mid- to late-gestation supplementation strategies on reproduction, cow body weight, and calf performance in May-calving mature range cows grazing upland native range. Supplementation was provided 2x weekly with treatments being 1) 05 lb per day of a 30% CP distillers-based supplement, 2) 1 lb per day of a 30% CP distillers-based supplement, 3) a negative control as a flexible supplementation strategy. The Flex strategy was developed …

The Effect Of Late Gestation Supplementation Strategy On Cow-Calf Performance In March-Calving Mature Cows, J. A. Musgrave, Kacie L. Mccathy, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Implementation of supplemental protein strategies during late gestation has been shown to positively affect postweaning progeny performance. A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of late gestation supplementation strategies on reproduction, cow body weight, and calf performance in March-calving mature range cows grazing dormant upland range. Supplementation was individually fed and provided daily with treatments being: 1) no supplementation, 2) 2 lb per day of a 30% CP distillers-based supplement, 3) 2 lb per day of a 30% CP distillers-based supplement with the inclusion of 160 mg/cow daily of monensin, 4) 2 lb per day of a 30% …

Effect Of Glucogenic Feed Additive On Reproductive Performance In Young Postpartum Range Cows, Tasha M. King, J. A. Musgrave, Nicole M. Woita, Shelby L. Boerman, J. C. Macdonald, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Performance of young March-Calving range cows receiving a protein supplement with the addition of either monensin or propionate salt were compared to evaluate the effect of feed additive on overall production in the postpartum stage. cow body weight and body condition were not impacted by postpartum supplementation throughout the study. Calf body weights were not impacted by type of feed additive at birth, weaning, or 205-d. Twenty-four-hour milk production was not impacted by the type of feed additive. Conception rates for cows receiving postpartum supplementation containing propionate salt were greater than cows receiving monsensin. This implies that the addition of …

Effect Of Heifer Percent Mature Body Weight At Breeding On Heifer Performance, Calf Production, And Subsequent Pregnancy Rates, Josie N. Crouch, J. Travis Mulliniks, J. A. Musgrave, Kathy J. Hanford, Kacie L. Mccathy

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A retrospective study was done utilizing 1,434 March- and May- calving Red Angus x Simmental crossbred cows and heifers from 2005 through 2019. Heifer weight as a percentage of mature body weight at breeding was used to conduct a regression analysis from 50 to 70% of mature body weight to determine the impact of body weight at breeding on reproductive performance. Heifer pregnancy rates and second pregnancy rates as 2-year-olds were greater for heifers at 60, 65, and 70% of mature body weight at breeding than heifers at 50 and 55%. However, heifer percent mature body weight at breeding did …

Impact Of Increasing Level Of Milk Production On Cow-Calf Performance In Nebraska Sandhills, Selby L. Boerman, Jacki A. Musgrave, Kathryn J. Hanford, Mitchell B. Stephenson, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

In a 2-yr study, data were collected on 118 crossbred cow-calf pairs from March and May-calving herds. On approximately 30, 60, 90, 120, and 210 d postpartum, individual cow 24-h bilk yield was estimated through weigh-suckle weigh techniques. Cow body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were collected weekly through breeding. Calf BW was recorded at each milking. Individual cow milk area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated and data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. Results from this study illustrate that increasing total milk produced throughout the lactation period had minimal influence on the cow production parameters …

New Records For 23 Species Of Nearctic False Click Beetles Including New Country Records For Protofarsus Convexus (Fisher) (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Dirhagini), Robert L. Otto

Insecta Mundi

New state records for 22 species of Eucnemidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) are reported from the eastern United States, based on examination and identification of specimens from four institutional and two private collections throughout 2024. Additionally, specimens of Protofarsus convexus (Fisher) from Texas represent new USA records for the species, known previously from Panama and Nicaragua. Images of several eucnemid species are provided. An identification key for Protofarsus Muona in the United States is provided.

Additions To The Millipede Family Caseyidae Verhoeff, 1909, Iii: Proposal Of The New Subfamily Ochrogrammatinae, New Records Of Vasingtona Irritans (Chamberlin, 1910), Established Species Of Ochrogramma Gardener And Shelley, 1989, A New Species Of Ochrogramma From Washington State, Usa (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida: Striariidea), And Observations On Spermatozoa And Spermatophores, William A. Shear, Paul E. Marek

Insecta Mundi

The genera Ochrogramma Gardner and Shelley, 1989 and Vasingtona Chamberlin, 1941 (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida: Striariidea: Caseyidae) are assigned to the Ochrogrammatinae Shear and Marek, new subfamily. The new subfamily is diagnosed by the broad ventral lamina of the mandibular stipes and extremely long gonapophyses (found in males), the peculiar, elaborately branched processes of the gonopods, and other characters. New records and new SEM illustrations are provided for the species Vasingtona irritans (Chamberlin, 1910), Ochrogramma bentona (Chamberlin, 1952) and Ochrogramma haigi Gardner and Shelley, 1989. The range of O. bentona is extended north from the Columbia River to the Puget …

Two New Species Of False Click Beetles (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae) From The Americas, Robert L. Otto

Insecta Mundi

Abstract

Identifications of recently collected Eucnemidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) borrowed from two collections have resulted in the discovery of two new species: Entomophthalmus abbreviatus Otto (Cuba) and Trigonopleurus cordobaalfaroi Otto (Guatemala and Louisiana, United States). Images of the two newly described species along with two New World Entomophthalmus Bonvouloir species for comparative purposes are included.

Resumen

Las identificaciones de Eucnemidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) recolectados recientemente tomados de dos colecciones han resultado en el descubrimiento de dos nuevas especies: Entomophthalmus abbreviatus Otto (Cuba) y Trigonopleurus cordobaalfaroi Otto (Guatemala y Louisiana, United States). Se incluyen imágenes de las dos especies recientemente descritas junto con …

Anthrenus (Nathrenus) Peacockae (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae), A New Species From Pakistan, Graham J. Holloway

Insecta Mundi

A new species, Anthrenus (Nathrenus) peacockae Holloway (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae) from Pakistan is described and compared with A. narani Háva and Ahmed, 2014, the most similar species. Images of the habitus, ventrites, antenna, aedeagus, sternites VIII and IX are presented. Anthrenus peacockae is only the third species in the subgenus Nathrenus Casey, 1900 to be recorded from Pakistan.

First Record Of The Mexican-M Hairstreak Parrhasius Moctezuma (Clench, 1971) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) In Texas, Usa, And Possible Sighting Of The Tequila Giant Skipper Aegiale Hesperiaris (Walker, 1856) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), Sajan Kc, Anisha Sapkota

Insecta Mundi

We report two significant butterfly sightings in the United States, observed during an opportunistic photographic survey conducted in south Texas between December 2022 and January 2023. Parrhasius moctezuma (Clench, 1971) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) was sighted at the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas, on January 5, 2023, marking the first documented record of the species in Texas and only the second in the United States, as confirmed by photographic evidence. Additionally, Aegiale hesperiaris (Walker, 1856) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) was potentially observed at the same location on December 4, 2022, although lacking photographic documentation or a collected specimen, highlighting the need for further …

Enriching The Knowledge Of The Biodiversity Of The South American Fauna: Descriptions Of New Species Of Cerambycinae And Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), Josef Vlasak, Antonio Santos-Silva

Insecta Mundi

Six new species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are described from South America: Compsibidion volcanense Vlasak and Santos-Silva, new species (Cerambycinae: Tropidini: Neoibidionina), from Bolivia; Hyperplatys striatus Vlasak and Santos-Silva, new species, Hyperplatys vilcabambaensis Vlasak and Santos-Silva, new species, Sporetus boteroi Vlasak and Santos-Silva, new species, and Urgleptes colibri Vlasak and Santos-Silva, new species (Lamiinae: Acanthocinini), from Ecuador; and Estola apicomaculosa Vlasak and Santos-Silva, new species (Lamiinae: Desmiphorini), from Ecuador.

The Unbelievable Fauna Of American Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): Description Of Two New Species, Transference, And Notes In Acanthocinini, And A New Record In Calliini, Antonio Santos-Silva, Juan Pablo Botero

Insecta Mundi

Two new species and one new genus of Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are described in Acanthocinini: Embera flava new species, new genus, from Panama; and Nealcidion lingafelteri new species from Costa Rica. The species-group name of Nealcidion napoensis Nascimento and McClarin, 2018 is corrected and morphological variations in Leptostylus cristulatus Bates, 1872 are reported. Trypanidius mimicavus Carelli, Monné, and Souza, 2013 is redescribed and transferred to Carphina Bates, 1872, forming the new combination Carphina mimicavus. Colombicallia curta Galileo and Martins, 1992 (Calliini) is recorded from Panama for the first time.

Two New Species Of Bumblebee Scarabs (Coleoptera: Glaphyridae: Lichnanthe Burmeister) From The Central United States: A New Discovery In Wyoming Resolves A Century-Old Puzzle From The Nebraska Sand Hills, Matthew J. Paulsen

Insecta Mundi

The genus Lichnanthe Burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Glaphyridae) has comprised eight Nearctic species and contains the only New World members of their family. Here, two new species of arenicolous bumblebee scarabs are described from the central United States. The recent discovery of an undescribed Wyoming species led to the reevaluation of a dubious 134-year-old Nebraska Lichnanthe specimen, indicating that it also was an undescribed species. These two species, Lichnanthe brusti new species from central Wyoming and L. bruneri new species from central Nebraska are immediately distinguishable from all existing species of the genus by their square mandibles.

Anthrenus (Anthrenus) Querneri (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae), A New Species From Austria, Graham J. Holloway

Insecta Mundi

A new species, Anthrenus (Anthrenus) querneri Holloway (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae) from Austria is described and compared with A. pimpinellae (Fabricius, 1775), the most similar species. Images of the habitus, ventrites, antenna, aedeagus, and sternite IX are presented. Anthrenus querneri represents the 26^th species belonging to the Palaearctic Anthrenus pimpinellae complex.

Analysis Of Pepsis Basifusca Lucas (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pepsinae) Taxonomy, Morphology, Biogeography, And Potential Host Spider, Frank E. Kurczewski

Insecta Mundi

A first-time analysis of taxonomically relevant characters, functional morphology, geographic distribution, ecoregion preference, and hypothetical host spiders of Pepsis basifusca Lucas (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pepsinae) is presented. This analysis is compared with other Nearctic species in Vardy’s (2005) Pepsis menechma species-group, particularly P. cerberus Lucas and P. elegans Lepeletier which are suspected parasitoids of trapdoor spiders. Pepsis basifusca females differ from females of these species in possessing a rounded gena-postgena in dorsal view; straight mid and hind tibial spurs; short hind tibial inner spur; and short, very stout, and backward slanted hind tibial bristles. Pepsis basifusca Level III Ecoregions …

Review Of North American Eucnemis Ahrens, 1812 (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Eucneminae: Eucnemini) With Description Of A New Species From Eastern United States And Canada, Jyrki Muona, Robert L. Otto

Insecta Mundi

Eucnemis Ahrens, 1812 (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Eucneminae: Eucnemini) is reviewed from the Nearctic region. Eucnemis americanus Horn is redescribed and illustrated and a new species, Eucnemis piceous Muona and Otto, is described and illustrated from Ontario, Canada and the United States from Wisconsin south to Kentucky, east to Massachusetts and West Virginia, north to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Thus, E. americanus is restricted to the western coastline of northern North America from northern California to northern Washington. A key is provided for the two species.

A New Species Of Therates Latreille, 1816 (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) From China, Jürgen Wiesner, Xinxin Xiong

Insecta Mundi

Therates yunnanensis Wiesner and Xiong, new species (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), is described from Yunnan, China. It is distinguished from its allies by the shape of the aedeagus, labrum and elytral maculation.