Animal Sciences Commons^™

2024–2025 Christmas Bird Counts, Don Paseka

Nebraska Bird Review

For the second year in a row, all twenty CBCs [Christmas Bird Counts] were run during the 2024–2025 season. The weather was generally cooperative, although five circles reported fog and two others had rain. Branched Oak-Seward was postponed a week due to icy conditions on the originally scheduled day. The average high temperature for all circles on count day was 41 and the average low temperature was 22. Because December had remained relatively mild, there was a good deal of open water, which encouraged many species of water birds to remain. Consequently, most of the circles reported species totals higher …

Winter Field Report, December 2024–February 2025, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

Since I started a few years ago to compare each season’s reports with the status of each species as presented in BONO (Species Accounts – Birds of Nebraska – Online), I had expected that “Routine reports” would apply to an increasing number of species as the BONO database firmed up, but this hasn’t happened. My comments from last winter continue to be valid this winter, now for the third winter in a row: As was the case for winter 2022–2023, the big general story was the large number of reports of tardy fall migrants and unexpectedly northerly occurrences in mid-winter… …

Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Treasurer’S Report, December 31, 2024, Jan Johnson

Nebraska Bird Review

No abstract provided.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is A Hallmark Of Woody Breast Myopathy In Broiler Chickens, Elizabeth S. Greene, Paula R. Chen, Carrie Walk, Mike Bedford, Sami Dridi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The woody breast (WB) myopathy poses significant economic and welfare concerns to the poultry industry, however, there is no effective strategy to mitigate this pathology due to its unknown etiology. After showing previously that hypoxia is a key factor in WB progression, we used here various techniques demonstrating dysregulated mitochondria (morphology, biogenesis, tethering, function, and bioenergetics) in WB-affected muscles and in hypoxic myoblasts compared to healthy tissues and normoxic cells, respectively. The increased levels of calcium (Ca2+) in both WB-affected tissues and hypoxic myoblasts suggested that mitochondrial Ca2+ overload is likely a leading cause for mitochondrial dysfunction that merits further …

Effects Of Genetic Strain, Stocking Density, And Age On Broiler Behavior, Rosie Whittle, Darrin M. Karcher, M. A. Erasmus, Shawna L. Weimer

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Fast growth rate and stocking density are global animal welfare concerns for broiler chickens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic strain and stocking density on the behavior of broilers. In a 2 × 2 randomized complete block design, conventional (CONV) and slow-growing (SG) broilers were stocked at either 29 kg/m² (LO, n = 31 birds/pen) or 37 kg/m² (HI, n = 40 birds/pen) in 16 pens (n = 4 pens/treatment). On days 25 and 39 (CONV and SG), and 60 (SG only), behavior was observed from video recorded in the …

Sustainable Poultry Education For Undergraduate Students, A. C. Fanatico, A. Kollanoor Johny, A. Upadhyay, S. B. Bramall

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Sustainable poultry production can help address many critical socio- and environmental issues, including food insecurity, climate crisis, and loss of biodiversity. The education of undergraduate students in poultry science helps prepare a future workforce in poultry production and to develop responsible citizens for global engagement. The University of Connecticut has a poultry project, funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture's Sustainable Agriculture Systems, that researches the sustainability of meat chickens, particularly holistic health and alternatives to antibiotics. The project's education component is led by the Sustainable Development Department at Appalachian State University in partnership with the Universities of Connecticut, Minnesota, …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Probiotic And Multivalent Vaccination Strategies In Mitigating Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis Lameness Using A Hybrid Challenge Model, Amanda Anthney, Khawla Alharbi, Ruvindu Perera, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Andi Asnayanti, Reginald Onyema, Sara Reichelt, Antoine Meuter, Palmy R.R. Jesudhasan, Adnan Alrubaye

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is caused by Salmonella, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Mycoplasma spp. It is a leading cause of broiler lameness, resulting in economic losses and welfare concerns. BCO occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and colonize bone tissue. It is exacerbated by rapid growth, mechanical stress (e.g., repetitive pressure on hock joints and footpads), uneven flooring, or excessive body weight in commercial settings. This study tested the effectiveness of a probiotic program and an inactivated vaccine in reducing BCO lameness. The probiotic program included an Enterococcus faecium spray at hatch and a triple-strain Bacillus-based …

Research Note: Reduction Of Salmonella Enterica In Simulated Wastewater Using Electrochemical And Photochemical Processes, Sai Aneesh Reddy Cheruvu, Eniola Betiku, Mark Calson, Nicolay Barashkov, Casey Owens, Tomi Obe

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Salmonella is a poultry-borne pathogen causing numerous human outbreaks in the U.S. Consequently, Salmonella, along with other pathogens, can be found in wastewater generated from poultry processing. It is essential to treat this wastewater before discharge, recycle, or reuse. Hence, this study investigated the utility of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) like electrochemical (EC) and photochemical processes (PC) to disinfect Salmonella in simulated wastewater (contaminated water). Three Salmonella serotypes: Kentucky (SK), Infantis (SI), and Typhimurium (ST) were chosen based on their ability to persist in poultry processing environments and cause infection. These serotypes, prepared in water at 6 …

Research Note: Evaluation Of Selected Chlorhexidine Salts/Product And/Or Cetylpyridinium Chloride As Potential Pre-Slaughter Crop Disinfection Agents Using An In Vitro Assay Simulating Crop Contents, L. M. Laverty, K. Martin, Juan D. Latorre, Billy Hargis

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Salmonellae remain a prominent issue for poultry products regarding food safety. A predominant source of broiler carcass contamination at processing is from crop rupturing and subsequent contamination of the carcass during evisceration. Chlorhexidine (CHX) salts are commonly used in dental products for their antimicrobial capabilities. We evaluated CHX gluconate and CHX digluconate alongside cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a common disinfectant to test their antimicrobial properties and any possible synergistic effects between the two. These effects were evaluated using an in vitro assay simulating the crop contents of poultry. CHX digluconate, CHX gluconate, commercially available CHX gluconate and CPC were tested …

Influence Of High Eimeria Tenella Immunization Dosages On Total Oocyst Output And Specific Antibodies Recognition Response In Hybrid Pullets (Gallus Gallus)-A Pilot Study, Marco A. Juarez-Estrada, Guillermo Tellez-Isaias, Victor M. Petrone-Garcia, Amanda Gayosso-Vazquez, Xochitl Hernandez-Velasco, Rogelio A. Alonso-Morales

Political Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Two high primary-immunization doses of a wild-type E. tenella strain were assessed in healthy pullets (5K versus 10K sporulated oocysts/bird) to understand the effects of coccidia infection. Methods: Acquired immunity was evaluated following primary immunization and two booster doses with the homologous strain. Total oocyst shedding, clinical signs, and viability of every bird/group after each immunization/booster were recorded. Indirect ELISA measured the time course of humoral responses from each immunization group against sporozoite and second-generation merozoite of E. tenella. Antigen pattern recognition on these two asexual zoite stages of E. tenella was analyzed using Western blotting with antibodies from …

Perspectives On Using Fats And Oils In Poultry Production, Brian J. Kerr

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings describe lipid composition of fats and oils and outline fatty acid quality measurements. In addition, fat and oil energy composition and digestibility are presented. Finally, these proceedings describe ways to enhance lipid digestibility with emulsifiers and preventing lipid peroxidation with antioxidants.

Sustainable And Profitable Broiler Nutrition, Sergio R. Fernandez

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings accompany a presentation on optimizing protein nutrition of broilers while minimizing environmental impacts of nitrogen excretion. The continual advancement of muscle development in modern broilers requires constant alignment of amino acid needs. These proceedings outline the importance and progression of feed grade amino acid supplementation in broiler nutrition.

Net Energy: The Precision Path To Sustainability, P. Srichana, A. C. Tay-Zar, M. Wongphatcharachai, C. Chanseyha

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Adaptation of the net energy system in broiler diets will increase least cost formulation flexibility. These proceedings outline a net energy system developed and implemented in practice. In addition to lower carbon and nitrogen inputs in dietary formulation, the net energy system reduced feed costs.

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone: Evaluating Environmental Risks And Conflicts In Golf Course Landscapes, Meredith Boos

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

1) This review investigates the relationship between pesticide use on golf courses and in agriculture to determine whether the adverse health effects documented in agricultural settings also apply to golf course environments. While the negative health effects from agricultural pesticide use are well established, golf courses use pesticides with greater frequency and intensity, suggesting a potentially higher exposure risk for both workers and players.

2) This study proposes methods to quantify pesticide bioaccumulation on golf courses and adjacent lands. We hypothesize that areas surrounding golf courses will exhibit a spatial gradient of pesticide accumulation, increasing with proximity to treated sites …

Layer Industry Update: Nutrition Associated With Changes In Production Systems, Kenneth E. Anderson, Ishab Poudel

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

This is not a hardcore research presentation but rather an overview of three North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Tests. I used the 39th, 40th, and 41st Layer Test Reports that cover the years 2013 through 2025. The proceedings cover white and brown egg strains as groups and the cage and cage-free production environments. Over all three of these tests the production environments were the same and met UEP Cage standards and the Humane Farm Animal Care cage-free standards. There are papers outlining the changes in more detail with all the statistics. This is an overview of visual trends in …

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.

Kinetics Of Protein And Amino Acids, S. Y. Liu, M. Toghyani, S. P. Macelline, P. H. Selle

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Protein and amino acid nutrition is key to poultry growth and sustainability, with synchrony between glucose and amino acid availability being critical for efficient feed conversion. While non-bound amino acids (NBAA) are rapidly absorbed and increasingly used to reduce crude protein levels, their fast uptake may disrupt amino acid balance and reduce nutrient utilization compared to protein-bound amino acids. Future research should redefine amino acid requirements in low-CP diets, explore the metabolic fate of NBAA, and investigate how protein sources affect gut microbiota and host metabolism.

Low Protein Diet Strategy, S. Y. Liu, P. V. Chrystal, M. T. Kidd, M. Toghyani, S. P. Macelline, P. H. Selle

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Reduced crude protein (CP) diets can lower nitrogen excretion and improve litter quality, but their effectiveness varies depending on the grain type, with wheat-based diets often showing poorer broiler performance compared to maize or sorghum. The digestive dynamics and synchrony between NBAA and protein-bound amino acids, along with starch-to-protein ratios, influence feed efficiency and fat deposition, which remains a challenge in reduced CP diets. Optimizing amino acid supplementation and exploring alternative protein-rich ingredients may help improve outcomes, especially in regions with limited access to soybean meal.

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 …

Knowledge And Acceptance Of Insects As Feed Source For Poultry Production In Conflict Affected Regions Of Cameroon, Chaba F. Ambele, Ngantu Harrison, Shaphan Y. Chia, Zewdu Abro, Komivi S. Akutse, Akum E. Akumeyam, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Globally, insects are increasingly being considered as sustainable and complementary feeds for poultry production. However, there is a lack of information on the perception of people in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities in Cameroon. This paper presents a survey on awareness and willingness to integrate insect meals in poultry feeds in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. During this survey, purposive and snowball sampling procedures were used to collect data from 253 households. Among those interviewed, 32% were internally displaced people and 68% residents. In general, 97% of the respondents were aware that insects are a natural food source for …

Pygoscelis Penguins Prefer Different Oceanographic And Terrestrial Habitats During The Austral Summer, Katherine L. Gallagher, Rachel Herman, Katherine Walton, Michael S. Dinniman, Heather J. Lynch

OES Faculty Publications

Pygoscelis penguins interact with both terrestrial and marine environments, especially during the austral summer when they raise their chicks. Accessible ice-free ground spaces serve as locations for penguins to build colonies and successfully raise chicks while the surrounding marine environment serves as the foraging grounds for adult birds. Penguins must be able to navigate through the waters around their colonies to forage for Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), their primary prey during the austral summer. Krill, whose distributions are driven partially by the surrounding physics and partially by their behaviors, must also be plentiful in the waters near the …

Identification Of Salt Tolerance And Stress Response In Us Department Of Agriculture Tomato Germplasm At The Seedling Stage, Ibtisam Alatawi, Haizheng Xiong, Kenani Chiwina, Hanan Alkabkabi, Qun Luo, Neelendra K. Joshi, Xiaolun Sun, Xuan Zhuang, Kai-Shi Ling, Ainong Shi

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Soil salinity is a significant abiotic factor that impedes sustainable crop production in key agricultural regions worldwide. Saline cultivation adversely affects soil quality, whereas the use of saline water for irrigation disrupts the physiological and biochemical processes of plants. Continuous irrigation with high salt concentrations leads to a gradual buildup of soil salinity, thus hindering optimal plant growth and development. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on breeding salinity-tolerant cultivars of various crops. In this study, 71 tomato accessions sourced from 20 countries and provided by the US Department of Agriculture were evaluated under controlled greenhouse conditions and subjected to …

Leukocyte Infiltration Profiles At The Site Of Intradermal Injection Of Silikon-1000 In Scleroderma-Prone Ucd200/206 And Healthy White Leghorn Chickens, Katee L. Johnson, Jossie M. Santamaria, Chrysta N. Beck, Gisela F. Erf

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

Intradermal injections of silicone-based fillers for the face and body may cause chronic inflammation and fibrotic reactions in some individuals. Chickens from the UCD 200/206 White Leghorn (WL) line spontaneously develop a fibrotic autoimmune disease known as scleroderma/systemic sclerosis (SSc). Using the SSc-prone UCD and healthy WL chickens, a longitudinal study was conducted to examine the cellular inflammatory responses to intradermal (i.d.) injections of sterile SILIKON-1000. Specifically, the pulp (a skin derivative) of growing feathers (GFs) was i.d. injected with sterile SILIKON-1000 or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as injection control (8 and 3 birds/line, respectively; 10 µL/GF; 20 GFs/bird). Two GFs …

Characterization Of An Acetogenin-Carrying Nanosuspension And Its Effect On Bacteria Of Interest In The Poultry Industry, Brandon A. Lopez-Romero, Gabriela Aguilar-Hernandez, Billy Hargis, Maria De Lourdes Garcia-Magana, Ulises M. Lopez-Garcia, Rosa I. Ortiz-Basurto, Adalberto Zamudio-Ojeda, Juan D. Latorre, Efigenia Montalvo-Gonzalez

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This work aimed to develop a nanosuspension (NSps) as an acetogenin (ACGs) carrier, using soy lecithin (SL) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (beta CD) named NSps-beta CDSL-ACGs. It was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques (DLS, FTIR, UV-vis diffuse reflectance). Moreover, the NSps morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, the antibacterial activity of NSps-beta CDSL-ACGs was evaluated against strains of interest in the poultry sector. NSps-beta CDSL-ACGs presented nanometric size (207-239 nm), acceptable polydispersity index (PDI) values (0.13-0.17) and a high Z potential value (-47.17-50.36 mV), demonstrating high stability. The presence of ACGs in NSps-beta CDSL-ACGs was confirmed by FTIR analysis. …

Water Homeostasis Gene Expression In The Kidney Of Broilers Divergently Selected For Water Conversion Ratio, Kentu Lassiter, Loujain Aloui, Elizabeth S. Greene, Maricela A. Maqueda, Travis Tabler, Sami Dridi, Robert F. Wideman Jr., Sara Orlowski, Walter G. Bottje

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Divergent selection of broilers for water conversion ratio has established and high-(HWE) and low- water efficient (LWE) broiler lines. Two 2 × 2 factorial experiments were conducted to assess the gene expression profile of systems involved in renal water homeostasis. In Exp. 1, male and female HWE and LWE broilers were individually phenotyped between 4 and 6 wks of age to determine growth performance and water conversion ratio (g water intake/g body weight gain). Kidney samples were obtained from 5 males and 5 females from each line. In Exp. 2, HWE and modern random bred …

Research Note: Increased Lipid Accumulation Within Broiler Preadipocytes During Differentiation In Vitro At Atmospheric Oxygen Tension, Jessica Moraes Cruvinel, Elizabeth S. Greene, Rachel W. Read, Kichoon Lee, Sami Dridi, Paula R. Chen

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the broiler industry, intensive genetic selection has been placed on muscle growth which has undesirably led to increased fat accretion. Models of chicken preadipocyte differentiation in vitro have conventionally used incubators without the ability to control oxygen (O₂) tension; thus, the cells are exposed to atmospheric (∼20-21%) O₂, which is supraphysiological compared to the O₂ tension within adipose tissue. The objective of this study was to investigate embryonic broiler preadipocyte differentiation at different O₂ tensions, including atmospheric (20%), physiological (5%), and hypoxic (1%). Culture at 1% O₂ resulted in increased …

Climate Change Affecting Waterfowl Migration, Destiny Fox

D.U.Quark

Climate Change is a major environmental factor in waterfowl migration patterns. Migratory waterfowl are species of birds that live in or around wetlands, mainly including lakes, streams, and marshes. Contaminated bodies of water at stopover sites during migratory seasons can lead to death among many species of waterfowl, as well as water borne diseases from snail eggs. Changing environmental factors can also lead to negative effects on the bird’s ability to forage properly. These environmental factors include the evaporation of several wetlands that have led to waterfowl foraging in local farmers’ land. Focusing more heavily on improving satellite tracking could …

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 …

First Breeding Confirmation For Red-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta Canadensis) Along The Big Bend Reach Of The Platte River, Jacob C. Cooper, Cody Mcgregor, Letitia M. Reichart, Janet Steele

Nebraska Bird Review

The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is a highly nomadic species of North American nuthatch prone to large movements across the entire continent (Ghalambor and Martin 2020). This behavior has resulted in both a lack of geographic variation across the continent and propensity to colonize isolated patches of suitable habitat (Ghalambor and Martin 2020). In the Bessey District of the Nebraska National Forest (NNF), Red-breasted Nuthatches were one of the first coniferous-forest bird species to colonize and begin breeding in the isolated planted stands of pine (Zimmer 1913, Bray 1994). Despite the increasing number of records for the species …