Animal Sciences Commons^™

Field Experience And Production Challenges In Australia And New Zealand, Nick Rodgers

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Variability management represents the primary technical challenge facing the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) broiler industry's vertically integrated operations. This analysis examines systematic approaches to controlling seasonal performance fluctuations, raw material quality variations, emerging disease pressures, and evolving welfare demands. Key variability sources include climatic extremes, season to season raw material quality and nutrient value variability and intermittent [mostly enteric] disease challenges, particularly in no antibiotics ever (NAE) production systems. Solutions require a scientific, data-driven approach with insights from field experience for causation identification and a collaborative approach within business functional units, and across industry collaborators such as suppliers and …

Broiler Breeders Today: Feather Development And Nutrition, Justina Caldas

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

The broiler industry in the US has observed a consistent decline in fertility and hatchability, particularly the past 5 years. There are numerous managerial and nutritional approaches to optimize the pullet and subsequent mature broiler breeder, and these proceedings focus on feathering. Moreover, these proceedings examine the quantity and quality of broiler breeder plumage as affected by both pullet and hen nutrition.

Modeling Wild Rice Bed Health: A Dual Metric Approach For Bed Strength And Invasive Impact, Seth Sisneros-Martinez

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Wild rice (mannoomin; Zizania palustris) is an aquatic grain that grows in slow-moving rivers and shallow bays throughout northern Minnesota. In Headquarters Bay on Leech Lake, wild rice has served as a cultural staple for Indigenous communities for centuries. However, its population has declined in recent years due to multiple environmental issues. One potential contributor is Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum; EWM), an invasive species that forms dense mats capable of outcompeting native aquatic vegetation, including wild rice. EWM was first recorded on the southern shoreline of Leech Lake in 2005 and has since become widespread. This study …

Utilization Of Golden Pennycress In Broiler Diets, Marley M. Knowles

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate performance in broiler chickens fed diets containing golden pennycress meal (GPCM), with and without a flavor additive. Golden pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) is a winter cover crop grown in the Midwest that is rising in popularity as a cash crop used for biofuel production. After oil is pressed out of the seeds, a meal remains that is usually discarded. Incorporation of this meal (23% protein, 15% fat) into feedstuffs for broilers would be an efficient way to make biofuel production more sustainable. In one study, Cornish Cross three-day-old chicks (n=12) were …

Adaptation For Whom? Understanding The Impacts Of Dyke Policies On Small-Scale Farmers In Ca Mau Province Of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Quang, Nguyen Van Minh, Nguyen Vo Chau Ngan, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Low-lying deltas worldwide are extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise. As the risks of climate-induced flooding become increasingly clear, the thirst for infrastructure-driven adaptation increases. This highlights a patent need to understand the impacts of engineering adaptation solutions, especially those targeting built structures such as dykes and sluices, on farmers from a bottom-up, farmer-centred perspective. The study addresses this call by examining cases where dyke policies, while successful in some dimensions, have undermined small-scale farmer livelihoods in Ca Mau ― Vietnam’s southernmost rural province. It identifies areas in need of attention and adds empirical data related to this group of farmers. …

Identifying Intangible And Biocultural Heritage Elements Toward Environmental Understanding: Engaging Stakeholders Through Art, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Grounded in a case study in Barbuda in the Caribbean, this research examines sustainability from the perspective of what arts and heritage can contribute to community engagement and local and broader understandings about the environment. This article documents a growing body of literature recognizing the role of arts and culture, including local knowledge and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), in climate change endeavors. Art and TEK present expansive world views. Contextual information situates research done on the island of Barbuda pre- and post-Hurricane Irma. Visual arts workshops engaged community members in mixed methods research. Results documented cultural elements, particularly intangible and …

The Impact Staphylococcus Aureus Has On Conventional And Organic Dairy Herds In New Hampshire And New York, Jacqueline Rose Holmes

Honors Theses and Capstones

Staphylococcus aureus is a potentially virulent bacterium that causes mastitis in dairy cattle. The toxins produced from S. aureus impact host immunity, damage the mammary gland, and can adapt to cause antimicrobial resistance. It is important to manage both organic and conventional farms correctly by practicing proper hygiene while milking and providing a clean environment. There is a significant increase of S. aureus cases on organic farms compared to conventional, so there may be ways in which organic management and treatment options could be altered to reduce economic loss and animal suffering. The thesis focuses on the involvement S. aureus …

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 26 2025, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Dean, Jeff Edwards

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Featured Faculty Mentor/Student Team, Kelly Loftin, Eva Berryhill

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

An Economic And Production Analysis Of Seaweed Farms In California And The Pacific Northwest, Brian Donovan

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Since the early 2010s, the seaweed aquaculture industry has steadily expanded in the United States, with states like Alaska, Maine, Hawaii, and Connecticut leading the way in the development of this emerging sector. However, information gaps remain concerning certain aspects of the domestic seaweed aquaculture industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the status of the seaweed aquaculture industry along the West Coast of the United States; specifically in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Seaweed farmers in these states were invited to voluntarily complete surveys asking important production, economic, and commercial questions regarding their operations. Data …

A Study Of Collegiate Equine Team Funding, Expenditures, And Recruitment Strategies, Sydni Marie Nilles

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Collegiate equine teams (including horse judging, equestrian, ranch horse teams) have been recognized for their contributions to students' personal and professional development for post- graduation success. Teams have been used to provide opportunities, a sense of belonging and allow for experiences students may not have elsewhere. However, there is a notable gap in knowledge as to where funding comes from and how much teams may be able to budget for expenditures. Recruitment tactical knowledge provides other teams with knowledge of potential areas they may be lacking or unaware of. I used an online survey to understand current ranges of support …

Location Intelligence Unveils Seasonal Spatiotemporal Pattern Shifts Of Habitat Use And Selection By Cattle Across A South Texas Coastal Landscape Infested With Rhipicephalus Microplus, Taylor G. Donaldson, Brian T. Rich, Miranda R. Peterson, Hsiao-Hsuan Wang, William E. Grant, Donald B. Thomas, Kimberly H. Lohmeyer, Adalberto Á. Pérez De León, Pete D. Teel

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Knowledge gaps on the dynamics of cattle fever tick-cattle-habitat-climate interactions in South Texas and their influence on the efficacy of treatments to eliminate infestations with the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus prevent optimal interventions by the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP). The CFTEP has been operating in the USA since 1907. This study applied the concept of location intelligence to examine movement, habitat use and selection by cattle in a highly heterogeneous coastal landscape infested with R. microplus. Cattle interface with white-tailed deer and nilgai, which are alternate wildlife hosts of R. microplus, in this unique South …

Estimating The Carbon Footprint Of Sheep Production In Western Australia, Tafesse Estifanos, Christophe D'Abbadie, Johnny Machon, Amir Abadi Abadi Ghadim, Gus Manatsa, Paul Mattingley, Ross Kingwell, Kevin Foster

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

Western Australia’s broadacre mixed farming systems combine cropping and sheep production and are the largest component of the state’s agricultural sector. The south west Western Australia (WA) agricultural area hosts about 98% of the state's sheep flock. The sheep industry contributed $1.5 billion to the state’s economy in 2021-22 and accounts for about a quarter of on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Most sheep industry emissions (over 80%) come from methane produced by the sheep. Despite this environmental impact, only 9.9% of Australian sheep producers have estimated their emissions, which limits the industry's ability to monitor and manage carbon footprints effectively. …

Use Of Fecal Inoculum From Easy And Hard Keeper Horses To Determine In-Vitro Digestibility Of Feedstuffs Used In Equine Diets, Leah Bills

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Digestibility studies provide vital information for formulating ideal diets based on an animal’s ability to digest and absorb the available nutrients from the feed provided. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the nutrient digestion of horses between those that have a difficult time maintaining a healthy body weight (body condition score at or below 5, hard keeper) and those that easily maintain a healthy body weight (body condition score of >5, easy keeper). Six mature geldings averaging 534.1 ± 47.1 kg were used in this study. During the experimental period horses were …

Investigating The Ruminal Metagenome Of Grass And Forage-Fed Bison To Uncover Metabolic Activities That Impact The Efficiency Of Plant Fiber Utilization, Anlly Fresno Rueda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the ruminal microbiome of American plains bison (Bison bison) to uncover the metabolic activities that enable efficient utilization of plant fiber, with a particular focus on bacterial composition and functional capabilities in response to forage quality. Using both 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic approaches, this research provides a comprehensive view of microbial diversity and metabolic potential in the rumen of bison, offering insights into their ecological resilience and efficiency in nutrient extraction. Chapter 2 focuses on the metabolic potential of bacterial communities in the rumen of bison fed a grass-based diet. Using high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic …

Stress And Behavior In Beef Calves During Weaning, Kathleen E. Tierney

Theses and Dissertations

Animal welfare in commercial livestock operations has been an increasing topic of concern. It is well known that stress can have significant behavioral and physiological repercussions. It is especially important in commercial operations to reduce stress, as animal efficiency is the leading priority. In an effort to reduce stress on animals and improve welfare in livestock operations, several studies have evaluated common husbandry practices. One of the most widely studied practices is weaning, which encapsulates the process of removing the young from the dam. Several studies have evaluated the effects of weaning on beef cattle through a variety of behavioral …

Comparing Multivalent Cross-Linked Sodium Alginate/ Montmorillonite Beads Containing Curcumin Or Cayenne Pepper As Drug Carriers And Their Antimicrobial Resistance, Shionainn Traynor, Shubham Sharma

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

The aim of the following work was to investigate and compare curcumin and cayenne pepper in microbeads composed of sodium alginate (SA) crosslinked with montmorillonite (MMT) to act as drug carriers and their antimicrobial resistance. The microbeads were prepared through ion-exchange in multivalent solutions of CaCl₂, MgCl₂ and AlCl₃. The microbeads were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and the time required for intercalation of curcumin and cayenne pepper with MMT. Simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.3) and gastric fluid (pH 1.2) at 37°C were used for comparison in swelling studies. …

Editorial - Sure Journal Vol 6, Anne M. Friel, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

.

Providing Proteins To Belizean Residents Through Poultry Products, Ellis Freel

Poultry Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Belize is a food insecure, developing country. Although Belize has plenty of nutritious food in-country, the exportation of that food to generate income contributed to a distribution issue of that nutritious food. More impoverished areas of Belize do not have access to nutritious food because of the lack of affordability and high export rates. Diets with a lack of food, or lack of balanced, nutritious food can negatively impact growth and cognitive development, especially in children. Poultry is one of the only products in Belize not able to be exported. Implementing poultry into Belizean diets would affordably alleviate food insecurity …

In Ovo Administration Of L. Animalis, B. Licheniformis, , Or Their Combination Influences Ross 708 Broiler Chick Hatch Performance And Immuno-Physiological Parameters, C. N. Beck, K.G.S. Wamsley, C. D. Mcdaniel, A. S. Kiess

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

There is a demand for novel pathogen mitigation strategies in antibiotic-free poultry production, which has triggered the development of various probiotic application methods. One application method is the in ovo (in egg) administration of probiotics on incubation day (d) 18, where the unhatched chick consumes a probiotic before hatch and prior to being exposed to environmental pathogens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of in ovo L. animalis, B. licheniformis, or L. animalis + B. licheniformis (10⁶ cfu/50 mL L each) administration on hatch performance (N = 21 egg flats/treatment, 30 …

Economic Evaluation Of Grazing Steers On Summer Annuals Sod-Seeded Into Warm-Season Perennial Pasture, Ivanelle Meyer, Michael P. Popp, Christine C. Nieman, James L. Mitchell, Kenneth P. Coffey

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objectives

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion …

Guiding Wildlife: Evaluating Wildlife Exit Designs And Sensor Lights For Safer Highways In South Texas, Rupesh Maharjan

Theses and Dissertations

Roadside exclusionary fencing is more prevalent on highways to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. Although it can mitigate wildlife road mortality by limiting their access to the road, it can also create a barrier for wildlife stranded within the right-of-way. In State Highway 100 of Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation installed ten wildlife exits to allow wildlife to escape the fenced roadway, and a pair of sensor lights on 13 wildlife guards (WGs) to scare off target species (bobcats and coyotes) from crossing the guards and accessing the roadway. In this study, the effectiveness of three wildlife exit (WE) designs were …

Relationship Between Host Genomics And Microbiomics In Beef Cattle, Andrew D. Lakamp

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

As sequencing technology becomes more affordable and throughput increases, microbiome information is becoming more readily available. For beef cattle selection, microbial information has a variety of uses including being a target for genetic prediction or used as a means to explicitly describe additional phenotypic variability in other traits.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), commonly known as pinkeye, is a disease that infects the ocular surface and surrounding tissue which is an animal health and producer economic concern. Vaccinations have shown to have variable effectiveness, while limited genetics studies have suggested that direct genetic selection for resistance would be slow. Therefore, an …

Examining Factors Of Variance In Energy Metabolism Of Dairy Cattle, Addison L. Carroll

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

Variation is thought to occur in the use of dietary energy for production in dairy cattle. First, variance can be observed when new methane mitigation strategies are fed resulting in increased H₂ output potentially resulting in downstream effects on estimates of heat production via the Brouwer (1965) equation. Therefore, in chapter 3 a review was created to systematically describe the mathematics and theory behind the Brouwer equation, and rederive a heat production equation to integrate H₂ production. Results indicate heat production using the classical Brouwer equation (1965) relative to the rederived equation resulted in an overestimation of heat …

Impacts Of Annual Forage Management On Grazing Cattle Performance And Carrying Capacity, Shelby Davies Jenkins

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

Rapid conversion of historical grasslands to cropland in recent history has led to limited perennial pasture availability and an increase in cost of pasture rent. Annual forages are an alternative grazing source. Many annual forages can grow and accumulate stockpile following summer harvest of wheat. Strip grazing is often suggested to increase grazing efficiency of stockpiled forages. To evaluate this, a stockpiled mixture of annual forages were either strip grazed or grazed continuously in the fall and winter. The mixture contained oats and rapeseed in the first year and a diverse warm season annual mixture in the second. Strip grazing …

The Bacterial Cell Wall Components Lipopolysaccharide And Peptidoglycan Initiate Divergent Local Tissue And Systemic Inflammatory Response Profiles In The Chicken Model, Kristen A. Byrne, Gisela F. Erf

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The innate immune system plays an important role in the early defense against pathogens. To better understand the chicken’s innate inflammatory responses, we concurrently examined the cellular responses at the injection site and in the blood following intradermal (i.d.) injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peptidoglycan (PGN) into the pulp of growing feathers (GFs). Both LPS from Gram-negative bacteria and PGN from Gram-positive bacteria are potent stimulators of innate inflammatory responses. The time-course study conducted revealed similarly elevated levels of heterophils and macrophages in injected GF-pulps during the first 24 h for both LPS and PGN. However, PGN also stimulated rapid …

Small Beef-Packer Resilience During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence And Policy Implications, Azzeddine Azzam, Sunil P. Dhoubadel, Binod Khanal

Cornhusker Economics

As part of a larger research project on the economics of beef supply chain resilience to natural disasters, financed in part by a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, we obtained information from 289 processing plants across the United States about their operations during the peak COVID-19 period of March to June 2020 via a telephone survey. We collected data on plant type (slaughter, processing, both), the dominant livestock processed by the plant (predominantly beef, pork, poultry, and sheep/goat), plant capacity (maximum and typical capacity in slaughter head/day), age of establishment, and, whether the plant ceased, …