Agriculture Commons^™

Impact Of Wood-Sourced Biochar On Carbon And Nitrogen Capture In Beef Feedlot Systems, Jessica L. Sperber

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A feedlot growing and finishing experiment evaluated the effect of including pine-sourced biochar at 0.8 (growing) and 1.0% (finishing) of dietary DM on steer performance, carcass characteristics, and greenhouse gas (GHG) production (Exp 1). Two nutrient mass balance experiments were conducted during winter and summer seasons to evaluate the effect of spreading unprocessed red cedar biochar on the feedlot pen surface on manure nutrient capture and cattle performance (Exp 2). In Exp. 1, the inclusion of biochar in the growing diet did not impact steer performance. The inclusion of biochar in the finishing diet significantly reduced intake and gain, resulting …

Management Of Late Summer Planted Annual Forages For Grazing And The Impacts Of Novel Sweet Bran Plus Products On Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of Beef Finishing Steers, Devin Jakub

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Two separate grazing studies were conducted to evaluate: 1) the effects of rapeseed inclusion into late summer planted oats on the performance of growing steers during late fall and winter (Exp. 1) and 2) the effects of forage allocation on forage utilization and performance of steers grazing a late summer planted oat-rapeseed mix (Exp. 2). Variation in the corn wet milling process can result in negative effects on animal performance, nonetheless, there remains interest in further exploration and refinement of corn wet milling byproducts to achieve optimal byproduct compositions and cattle performance. Thus, another experiment was conducted to evaluate the …

Utilizing Online Resources To Enhance Distribution Of Competitive Animal Evaluation Knowledge And Benefits, Brooke L. Parrish

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In recent years, the shift toward online education has revealed new challenges for learners to retain information, and for educators to find new and engaging ways to present content. This mixed methods, action research study explores the need and creation of online resources for competitive horse judging through surveys and pilot groups. The study was broken into four cycles. The first was an adult learner analysis survey, distributed through email Listservs and extension social media pages, to aid in answering the research questions: what expert horse judging instructors indicate their students should be learning, and what resources they need. Based …

Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Two Contrasting Beef Systems From Birth To Slaughter In Eastern Nebraska, Levi Mcphillips

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Over the last 15 years, the increase in land use for corn and soybean has come at the expense of acres of grasslands and perennial forages employed in conventional beef-production systems. Implementing alternative cow-calf production systems into existing cropping systems may be a solution for reduced land availability and reducing total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Therefore, GHG from a conventional (CONV) pasture-based cattle production system with cows wintered on corn residue and summer grazing of brome pasture were compared to partial-confinement system (ALT) with cows and calves in a drylot during the summer and grazing cover crops and corn residue …

Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2020/2021, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In June 2010 the Cattle Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) was introduced to address biosecurity threats relevant to the Western Australian (WA) cattle industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable cattle producers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and to raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Cattle IFS, there is a Sheep and Goat IFS and a Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner.

The purpose of …

Feeding A New Corn Milling Coproduct To Lactating Dairy Cattle; Examination Of Whole Animal Energy And Nitrogen Balance, Addison Carroll

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

New coproducts are continually developed in the ethanol production industry. With that, the new product originates from the dry milling process which is unlike the traditional process as nitrogenous based particles are concentrated from the residual fiber by sieving post fermentation. Although high protein coproducts have been available since the mid 2000’s. These new products must be evaluated for chemical composition so that they can be accurately described in feed libraries that are used in commercial ration formulation software. While chemical composition provides us an initial and useful description of a feed product, in vivo nitrogen and energy balance studies …

Small Grain Cereal Cover Crops For Late Fall Or Early Spring Grazing, Kallie Calus

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Beef cattle operations are confronted with early spring and late fall forage deficiencies. Producers in integrated crop and livestock systems can fill forage gaps using cover crops as a forage source in between cash crops.

A five-year study evaluating forage production, growing calf performance and economics of grazing an oats cover crop planted after corn silage (CS) and high moisture corn (HMC) corn harvests was conducted. The economic analysis accounted for costs of establishing and grazing the oats and the value of calf gain to determine fall grazing system profitability. Steers had greater average daily gain grazing oats after CS …

Host Genetics And Phenotype Associations Within The Bovine Rumen Microbiome, Waseem Abbas

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Rumen microbes have a symbiotic relationship with the host where the host provides a suitable environment and microbial fermentation fulfill nearly 70% of the energy needs of the host. Rumen microbes play a central role in host performance and health. To date, most rumen microbiome studies have focused on the influence of diet on microbial species composition. In addition to dietary factors, studies have suggested that host genetic markers could influence the colonization of gastrointestinal microbiota. However, our understanding of the host-microbiome interaction and how host phenotype is influenced by the rumen microbiome is limited. This dissertation demonstrates: (1) host …

Evaluation Of Cattle Management For Systems With Limited Perennial Pasture, Morgan Grabau

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Due to the conversion of perennial pasture and hay land to cropland in the western corn belt region, alternative methods of cow/calf management are being used to decrease reliance on perennial forages. These include grazing corn residue and feeding cow/calf pairs in confinement. Previous research has shown that limit-feeding a diet of low-quality forage and energy-dense co-products to cows in confinement is cost-effective. However, this strategy may limit the intake of the young calf and thus their performance. A study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of two alternative calf management strategies when pairs are in confinement, early weaning or …

The Effects Of Omega-3 Pufa Infusions During Late Gestation On Developmental Pathologies In The Intrauterine Growth Restricted Fetus, Taylor Lacey

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Low birthweight due to intrauterine growth restriction is associated with metabolic disorders after birth. Our 1^st study assessed deficits in skeletal muscle glucose metabolism and pancreatic β cell function in IUGR fetal sheep. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of daily intravenous infusions of the anti-inflammatory ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), as a means of improving deficits previously observed in the IUGR fetus by targeting fetal systemic inflammation. The presence of systemic inflammation in IUGR fetuses was evident by increased total circulating populations of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes. However, these were …

Man V.S. Wild: An Analysis Of Language Used Regarding Human-Wildlife Conflict In The Kibale National Park Community, Western Region, Uganda, Sophie Perfetto

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

If humans are to live sustainably and in harmony with wildlife in the vicinity of Protected Areas, policy makers, and government authorities need to make informed decisions with consideration to the needs of local communities. For this to happen, policy makers must understand the perceptions of local communities and take local perspectives into account. As language is at the root of perception, language was studied in the context of its role in shaping local perceptions of human-wildlife conflict and consequential conflict mitigation strategies. Six communities around the Northern region of Kibale National Park, Uganda, were studied, with sites located in …

Economic Contribution Of The Agricultural Sector To The Arkansas Economy In 2019, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Agriculture and associated agricultural activities are major contributors to the Arkansas economy. Agriculture is defined as the sum of agricultural production and processing activities, unless otherwise specified, and includes crop and animal production and processing, agricultural support industries, forestry and forest products, and textile goods. Agriculture contributes to the economy through direct agricultural production and value-added processing, leading to economic activity in other parts of the economy.

This report is the fourteenth in a series that examines agriculture’s economic contribution to the Arkansas economy. The total economic contribution of agriculture (direct, indirect, and induced effects) on value added, employment, and …

The Role Of Fatty Acids In Ruminant Diets And Novel Feed Ingredients High In Omega– 3 Fatty Acids Fed In Feedlot Diets, Mitchell M. Norman

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A finishing study evaluated the performance, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles of steers fed four inclusions of a novel feedstuff Green Grass. Green Grass is a product comprised of sesame meal, giant kelp, cassava, and sorghum containing high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids. No differences were observed in initial BW, final BW, BW gain, HCW, LM area, 12^th rib fat depth, calculated YG, or liver abscess %. Dry matter intake linearly increased as Green Grass inclusion increased in the diet. Steers fed Green Grass had lower G:F than control cattle, and steers fed 30% Green Grass had a …

Estimation Of Breed Effects And Genetic Parameters For Age At Slaughter And Days To Finish In A Multibreed Beef Cattle Population, Lindsay Upperman

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Cattle efficiency during the finishing phase is a crucial factor in determining profit in the beef cattle industry. Economically relevant traits associated with efficient production include age at slaughter (AAS) and days to finish (DtF). Selection to reduce the number of days an animal takes to reach a finish endpoint would ultimately reduce production costs, increase net profits, and result in a more sustainable production system. However, most harvested animals are from commercial herds, necessitating the use of indicator traits from seedstock animals for selection. Potential indicator traits include ultrasound measurements that could be genetically correlated to DtF traits. The …

Volume 17, Number 1 (Spring/Summer 2021), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• The four pillars of the Institute of Agriculture
• Alumna forges partnership amid Waldo Canyon fire
• Fishery biologists revive a river

The Effect Of Heat Stress And Beta-Adrenergic Agonists On Fatty Acid Mobilization And Their Individual And Interacting Impact On The Adipose Transcriptome Of Ruminant Livestock, Rachel R. Reith

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Heat stress reduces livestock efficiency, induces inflammation, and alters adipose tissue metabolism through stress-induced epinephrine acting on beta-adrenoreceptors (β-AR). Supplementation of beta-adrenergic agonists (β-AA) improve livestock growth and carcass traits, also by acting on β-AR located in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. The binding of β-AR in adipose tissue results in changes in adipose tissue metabolism including increased lipolysis and decreased fatty acid synthesis. Due to their similar effects on stress response pathways, the possible interaction of heat stress and β-AA could negatively impact animal well-being. The purpose of the first study was to understand how ractopamine (RAC), a beta-one …

Quantification And Repeated Measurements Of Conformation Traits In Replacement Females To Optimize Sow Longevity, Melanie D. Trenhaile Grannemann

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objectives were to 1) assess the reliability of objective conformation trait measurements between evaluators, 2) evaluate effects of dietary energy and lysine during development and housing system during first gestation on longevity, reproductive performance, and conformation, 3) characterize conformation changes throughout life, 4) identify phenotypic associations between conformation and longevity, 5) estimate heritability of conformation traits, and 6) assess genetic relationships between conformation traits measured throughout life in sows. Sows (n = 622) were fed a standard, energy restricted, or standard energy with increased lysine diet during gilt development and housed in either a group pen or stall during …

Wrack Lines Volume 21, Number 1, Born Out Of Crises: Responses, Research And Reflections On A Better Future, Lynn Bonner, Robert J. Klee, Robert Pomeroy, Judy A. Benson

Wrack Lines

Articles in this issue explore various actions taken in response to different crises: lessons about the environment from the COVID-19 pandemic; how seafood sellers in the CT and Southeast Asia responded to the challenges of the pandemic; how the challenges of rising seas and developed coasts are being dealt with through managed retreat, buyouts and other actions in NC and CT; and research on the long-term effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on dolphins led by CTSG Director Sylvain De Guise.

Evaluation Of Grain Type And Processing Method On Steer Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Nutrient Digestion, Caitlin Coulson

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A feedlot finishing study evaluated the effect of replacing corn with dry-rolled wheat in diets containing wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS; Exp 1). Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of corn type [dry corn (DC), high-moisture corn (HMC), or a blend of dry and high-moisture corn (BLEND)] processed with either AutomaticRoller Mill (ROLL) or hammer mill (HAMMER) on steer performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility (Exp. 2 and 3). In Exp. 1, steers were fed diets containing 100% dry-rolled corn (DRC) or a 50:50 blend of dry-rolled corn and wheat (WHEAT) in diets containing 12 …

Understanding Rumen Microbial Community Structure And Function Towards Decreasing Methane Emissions, Allison L. Knoell

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Resource use is continually being limited due to this growth, therefore, production of high-quality animal protein sources, such as meat and milk, are challenged. The rumen microbiome is extensive and serves to provide several metabolic requirements for the animal for growth. Recently, a significant amount of research is being driven towards understanding the rumen microbiome due to its large effect on metabolic requirements.

A study was conducted to replace alfalfa with nonforage fiber sources in dairy cows. It was determined milk yield and intake are maintained when nonforage fibers replace forage sources, while decreasing methane levels. Water consumption decreased when …

Tree-Mendous Fun With Nature Club, Ashley Mcrae

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

Tree-Mendous Fun with Nature was a kids club run for kids ages 6-10. We enjoyed this club and the curriculum we created so here we offer our lesson plans so others can duplicate our club. Each lesson revolves around a different topic of nature. By the end of the club, students will be able to understand nature on a much more intimate level.

The Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation On Colostrum And Milk Quality And Immunoglobulin G Concentrations In Sheep, Alexandra Bettencourt

Honors Scholar Theses

Maternal over- and under-nutrition have negative effects on the growth and development of offspring. Colostrum and milk are critical to neonatal development, and composition and quality of colostrum and milk may be influenced by maternal factors, including diet. In this study, 46 pregnant ewes received one of three diets, 60% (RES), 100% (CON), or 140% (OVER) of National Research Council (NRC) nutrition requirements for total digestible nutrients from d 30 of gestation until parturition. Colostrum samples were collected within 24 hours of parturition. Milk samples were collected on d 3 and d 21 postpartum. Total solid concentrations of samples were …

Does Integrating Crops With Livestock Production Impact Soil Properties And Crop Production?, Lindsey Anderson

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Re-integrating crop and livestock production through cover crop (CC) and corn residue grazing could efficiently utilize resources and ensure profitability while improving environmental quality, but how this integration affects soils and crops is not well understood. We conducted two studies to address this. In the first study, we evaluated the impact of cattle (1.3-3.7 head ha^-1) grazing an oat (Avena sativa L.) CC on soil and crop yields in two adjacent irrigated no-till corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) fields on silt loam soils in eastern Nebraska. Field I was grazed twice, while Field …

Changes In Whole Blood Parameters In Beef Heifers May Contribute To Delayed Pubertal Attainment, Jessica A. Keane

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Pubertal development in beef heifers is a transient period that has many contributing factors. Previously in our lab, progesterone (P4) concentrations collected from heifers at weaning (Oct) to breeding (May) were used to identify four distinct pubertal groups: Typical, Early, Start-Stop, and Non-Cycling. There is limited research on heifers and the impacts of whole blood cell populations, particularly WBCs, during pubertal development; however, girls with differing puberty onset displayed altered concentrations of hematocrit, white blood cells (WBC), and hemoglobin concentrations. Thus, our hypothesis was that heifer pubertal groups with delayed or precocious puberty may have increased white blood cells or …

Evaluation Of Supplementing Whole Cottonseed Within Feedlot Rations During The Stockerphase Of Production With The Goal Of Increasing Average Daily Gain, Emily Lauren Cook

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Beef calves are weaned at 6-months of age and enter the stocker phase of beef production. Stocker producers have the primary goal of adding weight inexpensively to increase profit on weaned calves. Whole cottonseed is an inexpensive feed ingredient that is popularly top-dressed within dairy and finishing beef diets and is high in protein and energy. During three periods lasting 50-days (fall 2019, fall 2020, and spring 2020), freshly weaned calves were placed on a finishing ration with the goal of increasing average daily gain. Base rations were calculated at 25% tall fescue hay, 23% corn, and 52% distillers’ solubles. …

Geographic Distribution: Eleutherodactylus Coqui (Common Coqui). Usa: Florida., Louis A. Somma

Papers in Herpetology

A geographic interception record for Eleutherodactylus coqui in Suwanee County, Florida.

Geographic Distribution: Iguana Iguana (Green Iguana): Usa: Florida., Louis A. Somma, Mark T. Bailey

Papers in Herpetology

A geographic distribution record for Iguana iguana in Marion County, Florida.

Influenza H3n2v: Key Facts For People Exhibiting Pigs At Fairs, Tennessee State University

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Biosecurity Measures For Meat Goat And Sheep Managers, Maria Lenira Leite-Browning, Richard Browning Jr., Cassandra F. Vaughn, Kenneth Andries

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Shortening Sow Restraint Period During Lactation Improves Production And Decreases Hair Cortisol Concentrations In Sows And Their Piglets, L. Morgan, J. Meyer, S. Novak, A. Younis, W.A. Ahmad, T. Raz

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Faculty Publication Series

Food animal welfare is an issue of great concern, as society has a responsibility for animals under human care. Pork is the most consumed meat worldwide, with more than a billion pigs being slaughtered globally every year. Still, in most countries, sows are restrained in farrowing crates throughout lactation. In these crates, sows arc confined with bars to an area that is just slightly larger than their body. Thus, moving and turning around, grooming, or expressing other natural behaviors are typically impossible. In this study, we utilized a simple and practical modification of conventional farrowing crates to designed farrowing pens, …