Life Sciences Commons^™

An Ecological Description Of Three Black Bass Species In Two Northeastern Kentucky Muskellunge Streams, Albert F. Surmont Jr.

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Albert F. Surmont, Jr. on December 10, 1990.

Fescue Toxicity In Sheep: I. Effects Of Acremonium Coenophailum On Total Splanchnic And Peripheral Flux Of Energy Metabolites And Their Regulatory Hormones In Sheep. Ii. Hepatic Mixed-Function Oxidase Activity Of Sheep Fed Fungus-Infested Fescue, Ergotamine Tartrate, Cimetidine And Metoclopramide, Kenneth Patrick Zanzalari

Doctoral Dissertations

Mature ewes were equipped with catheters in the portal, hepatic, mesenteric and femoral veins and femoral artery. Blood flows were measured by infusing a 1.5% solution of para-aminohippurate into the mesenteric vein at .764 ml/min. Net fluxes of metabolites were calculated by multiplying veno-arterial differences by tissue blood flows.

Study 1. Twenty experiments were conducted on five ewes to determine the effects of fungus-infested fescue hay on energy nutrients and regulatory hormone net fluxes. Ten experiments were conducted for each a fungus-free and fungus-infested fescue hay diet. Fungus-infested hay decreased arterial concentrations of acetoacetate and B­ hydroxybutyrate by 15 and …

A Mathematical Model Of Forage-Based Post-Weaning Growth Of Beef Cattle, David Glenn Keltner

Doctoral Dissertations

Four three-year experiments were conducted using 1. 2 ha pastures to evaluate the productivity of various forage species combinations and the performance of stocker steers grazing them. Forage systems used were (1) Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. var. dactylon) + 112 or 224 kg N/ [CB] ; (2) Common bermudagrass overseeded with high endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones & Gams) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.) and Kobe lespedeza (Lespedeza striata (Thunb.) H & A) [CB + HF + LEG]; (3) HF + 67 kg N/ha [HF]; (4) HF + LEG; (5) Low endophyte …

The Life History Of The Flame Chub, Hemitremia Flammea (Jordan And Gilbert), In Pond Creek, Loudon County, Tennessee, Marcia K. Sossamon

Masters Theses

Life history data were obtained from 243 preserved specimens of the flame chub, Hemitremia flammea, collected from June 1989 to June 1990 at Pond Creek in Loudon County, Tennessee. Flame chubs had a life expectancy of 1.5 years, and some individual reached 2 years. Length-weight relationships showed that as the length of the flame chubs increased, their weight did not increase as much as most other fish. During the spawning season, females averaged larger than males and outnumbered them. Flame chubs spawned between January and June, peaking in March. Fecundity generally increased as the total length of the female …

The Reproductive Biology, Winter Dormancy And Denning Physiology Of Black Bears In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Stephen Anthony Pozzanghera

Masters Theses

Black bear reproduction, winter dormancy and denning physiology were studied during June 1984 to May 1986 in the northwest quadrant of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. Information was obtained from 30 individual females captured 35 times. Additional information on mast indices, lactation and den utilization were summarized from within the study area for the period from 1978-1988.

Breakaway collar retention varied significantly between years (1984, N=10, X=394 days vs. 1985, N=5, X=196 days, P<0.05).

Maximum production potential indices calculated for white, red and all oaks for 1984 and 1985 were 8.74, 19.99, 15.52%, and 35.06, 37.73, 36.45%, respectively. Regression …

Distribution Of The Fishes Of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Damien J. Simbeck

Masters Theses

Over 200 collections of fishes have been made within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, revealing a Park ichthyofauna of 74 native and 5 introduced fish species. Abrams Creek, containing the most diverse ichthyofauna in the park, currently contains only 35 of its historical 67 fish species. This loss of species resulted from intentional poisoning of eh creek to improve habitat for rainbow trout and impoundment of the lowest 2.6 miles by Chilhowee Reservoir.

Abrams Creek also contains a very unusual ichthyofauna in its upper portion. Several species found above its 25-foot waterfall have not been found …

The Effects Of Two Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Benzo[A]Pyrene And Naphthalene On Reproductive Success Embryological Development Larval Physiology And Mortality Of The Mud Crab Rhithropanopeus Harisii (Gould), Gregory V. White

OES Theses and Dissertations

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as naphthalene (Nap) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) are common in the water column and sediments of estuarine and coastal areas. The mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii was exposed to varying concentrations of Nap or B[a]P to determine the effects on reproductive success, embryological development, larval physiology and mortality. Nap and B[a]P decreased hatching success and prolonged embryological development. Both pollutants produced high abnormality frequencies for egg exposed larvae. Molt frequency and respiratory rates of larvae from non-exposed eggs were more chronically affected by these pollutants than were egg exposed larvae. The EC₅₀ concentrations were determined for …

Biogeography And Species Density Distributions Of Tasmanian Mammals, Jerry E. Bevers

Dissertations and Theses

Separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, Tasmania has acted as an island preserve maintaining large populations of many mammalian species presently uncommon, rare, or extinct on mainland Australia.

There are few studies of Tasmanian mammal distributions. Recent distributional maps, based on information from surveys and mammal specimens, allowed for an investigation of the species density distributions of the terrestrial mammals of Tasmania. Compilation of species' distributional information into species density distributions provides an overview as to which areas may provide the most significant habitat for the greatest number of species; what geographic variations may influence species distributions; and …

Portal-Drained Viscera, Hepatic And Lower Hindquarter Net Flux Of Nitrogen And Energy Metabolites In Ruminants Fed Protein Supplements Containing Increasing Amounts Of Bound Nitrogen And Structural Carbohydrates, Byron Clark Housewright

Masters Theses

Fifteen experiments were conducted on nine mature, nonlactating, nonpregnant ewes to compare distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to soybean meal (SBM) on both an energy and a protein basis. Ewes were equipped with chronic indwelling catheters in the caudal aorta and caudal vena cava, portal, hepatic and mesenteric veins. Ewes were assigned randomly to one of three isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets. Diets were corn cob based and balanced for energy with the addition of corn starch. Protein source for these diets was either SBM, DDGS or a combination of the two, mixed so that 50% of the protein was supplied …

A Chronic Toxicity Assessment Of An Industrial Effluent Utilizing Pimephales Promelas And Ceriodaphnia Sp, Sharon J. Whitaker Fugate

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Sharon J. Whitaker Fugate on July 23, 1990.

The Effects Of Disease, Prey Fluctuation, And Clear-Cutting On American Marten In Newfoundland, Canada, Richard J. Fredrickson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Individual variation in survival and behavior of American marten (Martes americana) was studied in relation to disease, prey fluctuation, and clear-cutting from 10 January 1986 through 20 August 1987 in Newfoundland, Canada. Thirty-seven of forty marten captured on the study area were telemetered and monitored for part or all of the study.

Marten mortality was concentrated in two intervals, fall 1986 and late winter 1987. Mortality during fall 1986 was attributable to encephalitis, while marten deaths during late winter 1987 resulted from predation and starvation attributable to the prey decline. Nonsuppurative encephalitis was first detected 7 October 1986; …

The Response Of Coyotes To Novel And Familiar Visual And Olfactory Stimuli, Yiting Zhang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the response v of coyotes (Canis latrans) to certain olfactory and visual stimuli. It was assumed that the findings would be of value in refining techniques used in sampling and controlling coyotes. The specific objectives were to determine (1) if coyotes were more likely to approach and remain in the vicinity of a familiar than unfamiliar scent, (2) if the response to olfactory and visual stimuli differed, (3) if positively reinforcing an approach to the stimuli differentially altered the response to visual and olfactory stimuli, and (4) if the response …

Effects Of Ketoconazole On Uterine Weight And On Unbound Serum Estradiol Relative To Vaginal Cornification In Rats, Leonard L. Hall

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal with oral activity and is documented to block steroid biosynthesis in fungi and mammals.

Estradiol-primed ovariectomized rats lose the estradiol-induced, cornified layer of the vaginal epithelium as a result of ketoconazole treatment. This effect is not explained by current knowledge of ketoconazole's mechanism of action.

Ketoconazole's effect on estradiol's binding to either receptors in target tissues (target-cell receptors) or serum-estradiol-carrying proteins in the aforementioned rats was investigated.

The uterus is responsive to estradiol treatment, which causes an increase in uterine size and weight. This tissue is a sensitive means of studying the effects of ketoconazole …

The Effects Of Methionyl Bovine Somatotropin Administration On Luteinizing Hormone In Dairy Cattle, Joseph Charles Dalton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Sixteen lactating regularly cycling dairy cows (14 primiparous, 2 multiparous) were used to determine the effects of somatotropin administration on basal, peak, and pulse luteinizing hormone concentrations during the breeding period. In addition, the effects of somatotropin administration on the pituitary response to a gonadotropinreleasing hormone challenge was studied. The experimental group received daily somatotropin treatments (25mg) for 24 days. The control group received a daily placebo. All animals were treated with three injections of prostaglandin F2-alpha (25 mgjtreatment) for estrus synchronization. Somatotropin and placebo treatments began with the second prostaglandin injection. Sixty hours following the final prostaglandin injection, all …

A Comparison Of Three Estrous Detection Management Schemes For Dairy Heifers, Ann Lagerstedt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Heifers should represent the greatest genetic potential within a dairy herd. To maximize this potential, heifers must be inseminated to proven sires, a practice requiring management changes on many dairies. Holstein heifers (n=115) were allotted to one of three groups to compare alternatives to daily estrous detection that may facilitate the management of a program of artificial insemination for heifers. Group 1 heifers (Controls) received no treatment but were observed twice daily for signs of estrus. Group 2 heifers (2X-PGF) were synchronized with two injections of prostaglandin F2 alpha given 11 days apart and observed for estrus. Group 3 heifers …

Effects Of Cannulation, Bst Administration And Protein Degradability On Rumen And Duodenal Characteristics And Milk Production Response In Holstein Dairy Cows, Margaret D. Winsryg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Bovine somatotropin (bST) is a protein synthesized at the base of the brain and released by the pituitary gland into the circulatory system. BST is transported by the circulatory system and absorbed only by cells of target organs that possess cell surface receptors for the protein (11, 41). Its effect is initiated via a protein receptor initiation and cyclic AMP cascade. This effect on the cell continues well past the degradation of the bST molecule. BST is likely transported into the cell, where it is degraded. Its constituent blocks, amino acids, are used to synthesize new proteins or converted to …

Recreation Specialization And Preferences Of Utah Anglers, Bruce P. Andersen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purposes of this study were to gain a better understanding of anglers and angler preferences and to examine differences between subgroups of anglers based on level of specialization. Understanding these similarities and differences between user groups will provide valuable input for more effective fisheries management.

A randomized mail survey was sent to resident, adult fishing-license holders in Utah. A 68% response rate yielded 1216 usable returns for data analysis. An analysis of three recreation specialization dimensions (participation, equipment and investment, and lifestyle) and further analysis of participation and investment variables were used to develop a typology of Utah anglers. …

The Effect Of Seasonal Cattle Grazing On California Bighorn Sheep Habitat Use, Melanie J. Steinkamp

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effect of seasonal cattle grazing on a newly reintroduced population of California bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Idaho, was studied. The hypothesis that bighorn sheep avoid cattle was tested. The issue of avoidance between bighorn sheep and livestock is arguable. Some studies have found that bighorn sheep avoid cattle while others have found no response of bighorn sheep to cattle.

Evidence was found to document the avoidance of cattle by bighorn sheep. The size of the bighorn's home range and core area decreased with the movement of cattle into areas of high bighorn …

The Importance Of Cover For Juvenile Rainbow Trout In Lentic Systems: Field Observations And An Experimental Study On Predation, Roger Allen Tabor

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss stocked into mid-elevation reservoirs in Utah are vulnerable to predation from piscivorous fish and birds. I determined how effectively juvenile trout used cover to avoid these predators by (1) direct observations (snorkel transects) of habitat selection in two reservoirs and (2) measurements of survival and growth rates in a pond experiment where adult brown trout Salmo trutta were predators. Observations of juvenile trout were conducted within five weeks of stocking in 1988 and 1989. During the day, juvenile trout were abundant in complex inshore habitats and avoided simple habitats such as sand and gravel. Measurements …

Endocrine Interrelationships During Early Postpartum In St. Croix Sheep, Richard Michael Anderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relationships of estradiol-17-beta, progesterone, and LH in the early postpartum St. Croix ewe were monitored during the breeding season in 1988. A second group of non-postpartum, ovariectomized St. Croix ewes were used to determine non-ovarian levels of progesterone for comparison. Results of this study indicate that:

1. The short duration rise in progesterone exhibited by some ewes is indicative of an ovulation.
2. Ewes that do exhibit a short luteal phase prior to the first "normal" luteal phase have a longer period from parturition to the first "normal" luteal phase.
3. Serum levels of LH increase beginning 3 days postpartum.
4. There is …

Chromosome Abnormalities As A Possible Cause Of Reduced Fertility In Dairy Heifers, Stanley L. Henderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Chromosome evaluations were made on leukocyte blood samples from 169 phenotypically normal nulliparous Holstein heifers. These were from three different reproduction groups collected in sets of threes from 10 different herds in the western United States. Group 1, the control group, consisted of heifers diagnosed pregnant after one or two breedings; Group 2 consisted of heifers diagnosed pregnant after three or four breedings; and Group 3 consisted of heifers diagnosed open after four or more breedings. Metaphase chromosome spreads used in these analyses were obtained through 72-hour leukocyte cultures from heparinized whole blood. Processed cells were dropped onto a slide, …

A Descriptive Study Of Range Livestock Operations In The Somali Central Rangelands, Abdinasir M. Abdulle

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Information on livestock operations, particularly what kind of livestock operations are practiced in the Somali central rangelands, and how these operations differ for different herders in different vegetation types and farming systems, could serve as a major tool in making management decisions. This study provides a detailed description of range livestock operations in the Somali Central Rangelands. It also answers some important management questions.

Range livestock operations were inventoried through personal interviews with the owners and herders. Data are supplemented by previous nation-wide and regional survey statistics. Herd productivity data which include herd structures, age, age-related sales, slaughters, gifts, and …

An Analysis Of External Features As Predictors Of Reproductive Status In Small Mammals, Kenneth Wayne Mccravy

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Reproductive status in specimens of nine populations of seven species of small mammals was evaluated by examining the external reproductive features of nipple size, condition of the pubic symphysis, and vaginal condition and, in males, testis position. Usefulness of these external features in predicting true monthly breeding rates was evaluated by comparing predictions of breeding rates with true rates based on necropsy. Accuracy of predictions of reproductive status of individuals based on single external features and combinations of external features and body measurements was then analyzed at a finer level by comparing those predictions with results of necropsy of the …

Comparison Of The Protein Content In Selected Tissues At Different Feeding Stages In The American Dog Tick Dermacentor Variabilis (Say), Mark John Beveridge

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Selected tissues from Dermacentor yariabilis (Say) were collected at different feeding stages (unfed, part-fed, and replete) and examined by several different protein analyses to determine soluble protein content, protein or polypeptide molecular weights, and pI values. Results showed a relationship between the salivary gland, ovary and hemolymph and evidence indicates the synganglion produces and secretes substances that may control oocyte development.

Dna Fingerprinting Analysis Of Captive Asian Elephants, Elephas Maximas, Laura Louise Bischof

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis examined the effectiveness of DNA fingerprinting analysis for paternity ascertainment and the establishment of relatedness of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximas). Eighteen Asian elephants from three North American zoos were examined. Thirteen of these elephants were wild caught. Relationships between these elephants and the remaining elephants born in captivity were known.

Fisheries Development And Its Role For Alleviating Nutritional Deficiency In Mauritania, Dia Mamadou Abdoul

Theses and Major Papers

Security of food supply is one of the greatest problems that Mauritania continues to face. Fisheries development, both artisanal and industrial, has the potential of providing an increased and reliable low-cost source of animal protein and it could also help to alleviate the problems of the agricultural sector. The main focus of this paper will be upon fisheries development in Mauritania and how it may contribute to alleviating malnutrition. The examination of Mauritania's fisheries policy, the significance of the political and economic context in which fishing policy was formulated, the effects that these different policies have on Mauritania's overall development …

Conflict Of Use At Moonstone Beach (R.I.); Nude Bathing At A National Wildlife Refuge, Marielena Scanlon

Theses and Major Papers

Nude bathing in the coastal zone has become a challenging issue for coastal managers. This thesis focuses on the conflicts involving public uses of a beach on a national wildlife refuge. The beach is nesting habitat for the piping plover (Charadrius melodus), a species listed as threatened on the federal Endangered Species List. The beach has also been traditionally used by nude bathers. The study consists of six parts: a brief natural history of the piping plover; management problems of federal refuges; the history and political conflicts relevant to the recreational use of this beach; an analysis of the users …

Fishermen, Dealers And The Auction System: A Case Study Of Rabo De Peixe, Sao Miguel, Azores, Carlos Teixeira

Theses and Major Papers

This thesis presents an examination of the fish auction system in the Azores and three New England ports; Boston, New Bedford and Portland. On the island of Sao Miguel, the village of Rabo de Peixe was selected as a case study where a survey of local fishermen and dealers was conducted. Data obtained through interviews provided some insights into the socio-economic status of local fishermen and how they perceive infrastructure improvements, government support and changes in the auction system. Most importantly, an attempt is made in this study to compare the organizational and administrative aspects of U.S. auction systems in …

The Canadian-American Dispute Over Dixon Entrance, Mary Kathleen Morrissey

Theses and Major Papers

The body of water between the southern tip of Alaska's panhandle and British Columbia's Queen Charlotte islands, known as Dixon Entrance, is one of four external maritime boundaries between the United States and Canada. This particular boundary has been an area of dispute ever since it was established and settlement does not appear to be imminent. yet, this dispute continues to create poor management of fish stocks, trade disruption, feelings of frustration among fishermen of both nations, and in general, it remains a thorn in the side of United States-Canadian relations. In this paper I intend to review the history …

Population Dynamics Of Young-Of-The-Year Striped Bass, Morone Saxatilis, Populations, Based On Daily Otolith Increments, Lisa L. Kline

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Validation of daily increment deposition in otoliths of juvenile striped bass up to 80 days of age was provided through sequential sacrifice of known age hatchery-reared fish in 1987 and 1989, and through tetracycline marking of otoliths of cage-cultured striped bass in 1989. Ages of fish between 80-110 days old were consistently underestimated by 1-3 growth increments. Known age juvenile striped bass were raised in the laboratory in 1989 under controlled environmental conditions. These experiments provided evidence of an endogenous circadian rhythm controlling daily increment deposition in juvenile striped bass otoliths. Juvenile striped bass were collected in the 4 Virginia …