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Articles 1 - 30 of 71
Full-Text Articles in Animal Sciences
Comparing The Effectiveness Of Different Forms Of Vitamin E Supplementation (Liquid Vs. Powder) On Serum Alpha-Tocopherol Concentrations In Developing Horses, Emilia Fong-Gallagher
Comparing The Effectiveness Of Different Forms Of Vitamin E Supplementation (Liquid Vs. Powder) On Serum Alpha-Tocopherol Concentrations In Developing Horses, Emilia Fong-Gallagher
Honors Scholar Theses
Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant in equines that has a significant role in the nutritional requirements of horses to keep bodily systems functioning at optimal levels. Vitamin E deficiency is often associated with serious incurable neuromuscular diseases such as equine motor neuron disease and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Many horses stabled in urban areas are often deficient due to the lack of adequate grazing time as their natural source of vitamin E is from grass, and therefore should receive supplementation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different forms of Elevate vitamin E supplement on the serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations in fourteen …
The Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation In Sheep On The Reproductive Efficiency Of The Offspring, Morgan Dougherty
The Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation In Sheep On The Reproductive Efficiency Of The Offspring, Morgan Dougherty
Honors Scholar Theses
Poor maternal nutrition during gestation negatively impacts fetal programming and the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in the offspring. Reproductive health of ewes can be characterized by concentrations of reproductive hormones including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone, particularly during the estrous cycle. We hypothesized that ewes born to dams that experienced poor maternal nutrition during gestation would have reduced reproductive capability and efficiency. This means that they would take longer to become pregnant and have reduced concentrations of reproductive hormones compared with those born to mothers fed the control diet. Pregnant dams (F0) were fed one …
Effects Of Feeding Probiotics To Pre-Weaned Dairy Calves, Sara Tomis
Effects Of Feeding Probiotics To Pre-Weaned Dairy Calves, Sara Tomis
Honors Scholar Theses
Pre-ruminant calves are particularly susceptible to pathological and environmental stressors that may have negative effects on their health and growth. Supplementing probiotics to this vulnerable population may have positive implications for the dairy industry, as probiotics may encourage improved growth rates and enhanced health in dairy neonates. However, there is variation in existing literature with regard to effectiveness. This study seeks to explore the impact of dietary probiotic supplement on health and growth parameters in pre-weaned dairy calves. Holstein and Jersey calves (n=30) were assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups, receiving either 0 or 5 grams of probiotic containing …
Seasonal Reproductive Allocation In Landlocked Alewife Alosa Pseudoharengus, In The Context Of Niche Construction And Eco-Evolutionary Feedbacks, Foivos Mouchlianitis, Eric T. Schultz, Kostas Ganias
Seasonal Reproductive Allocation In Landlocked Alewife Alosa Pseudoharengus, In The Context Of Niche Construction And Eco-Evolutionary Feedbacks, Foivos Mouchlianitis, Eric T. Schultz, Kostas Ganias
EEB Articles
The bidirectional dynamics between species and their biotic and abiotic environments, known as eco-evolutionary feedbacks, may shift the direction of evolution and alter the ecological role of species. Alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, is an exemplary species to study reciprocal feedbacks between ecology and evolution, owing to repeated independent derivations of a landlocked life history from an ancestral anadromous form. In this study we analysed the reproductive allocation during the spawning season in a landlocked Alewife population in the context of eco-evolutionary feedbacks. We also compared our findings with previous results from a neighbouring anadromous population of the species. Similarities were found …
Stomach Contents And Stable Isotope Analysis Reveal Ontogenetic Shifts And Spatial Variability In Brama Australis Diet, Sebastian A. Klarian, Eric T. Schultz, María Francisca Hernández, Juan Antonio Valdes, Francisco Fernandoy, Mónica Barros, Sergio Neira, Hugo Arancibia
Stomach Contents And Stable Isotope Analysis Reveal Ontogenetic Shifts And Spatial Variability In Brama Australis Diet, Sebastian A. Klarian, Eric T. Schultz, María Francisca Hernández, Juan Antonio Valdes, Francisco Fernandoy, Mónica Barros, Sergio Neira, Hugo Arancibia
EEB Articles
Many marine fisheries rely on production and energy flow in the pelagic zone, thus sustainable management of exploited pelagic fishes benefits from insight into temporal, spatial and ontogenetic variability in the trophic ecology of these species. Here we analyze stomach contents and stable isotopes to reveal spatial variability (focusing on two fishing grounds, north and south of an oceanographic barrier in the Pacific Ocean) and ontogenetic changes (contrasting immature and mature) in Southern Ray’s Bream (Brama australis) diet composition in Chilean waters. Stomach contents analysis indicated that euphausiids were predominant components of the diet in both fishing grounds and ontogenetic …
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 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.
Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Growth And Health Of Pre-Weaned Dairy Calves, Lily Bello
Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Growth And Health Of Pre-Weaned Dairy Calves, Lily Bello
Honors Scholar Theses
Dairy calf immune development leaves calves susceptible to illness during the pre-weaned stage of life. Previous studies have shown that the use of probiotics during this time may result in increased growth rates and decreased incidence of illness, particularly diarrhea and scours. We hypothesized that by providing probiotics during the time from birth until weaning, calves on study would experience similar growth and health benefits. Neonatal calves (N=32) were provided milk replacer three times daily, with half of the calves receiving Probios® supplements mixed in with their first morning feeding. Growth and health measurements were collected weekly. Probiotic administration significantly …
The Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation On Colostrum And Milk Quality And Immunoglobulin G Concentrations In Sheep, Alexandra Bettencourt
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 …
Using Citizen Science To Determine The Age Of Alewife Fish, Rodchill-Paul Jules
Using Citizen Science To Determine The Age Of Alewife Fish, Rodchill-Paul Jules
Honors Scholar Theses
Aging scales of economically important fish like the Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a critical task in the fisheries industry, which can benefit from the help that citizen science offers. In order for those benefits to take effect, common people should be comfortable and fairly knowledgeable about what is expected of them in the study. Then, results can be generated in a way that gives all types of citizens a good opportunity to participate and produces reliable data that can be used for scientific purposes. This experiment studied the effects of simple word instructions versus diagramed instructions on the …
Seasonal Plumage Condition Variation And The Thermal Value Of The Feather Coats Of House Sparrows (Passer Domesticus), Jordana Mf Graveley, Margaret Rubega, Kevin R. Burgio
Seasonal Plumage Condition Variation And The Thermal Value Of The Feather Coats Of House Sparrows (Passer Domesticus), Jordana Mf Graveley, Margaret Rubega, Kevin R. Burgio
Honors Scholar Theses
Feathers are critical to how birds thermoregulate, and thus their total energy balance. The feather coat insulates birds by trapping air next to the skin and acting as a physical barrier to heat loss. Despite previous work studying thermal balance in birds, relatively few studies have focused on the thermal contribution of the feather coat alone; most studies have focused on physiological and behavioral responses. Moreover, to our knowledge, no studies have directly measured the effect of feather wear through the annual cycle on the thermal performance of the feather coat. To address this, we used a thermal camera to …
Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation Alters Placental Igf-I, Igf-Ii, And Igfbp-3 Mrna Expression In Sheep, Caitlyn Splaine
Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation Alters Placental Igf-I, Igf-Ii, And Igfbp-3 Mrna Expression In Sheep, Caitlyn Splaine
Honors Scholar Theses
Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) modulate placental and fetal growth and development through nutrient sensing and endocrine signaling. We hypothesized that poor maternal nutrition during gestation would alter IGF-I, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-2, and IGFBP-3 mRNA expression in the ovine placenta, but would not affect IGF-II mRNA expression. Pregnant ewes (n=57) were individually fed: 60% (restricted fed; RES), 100% (control fed; CON), or 140% (over fed; OVER) of National Research Council requirements for TDN starting at day 30±0.2 of gestation. Ewes were euthanized and cotyledon and caruncle samples were collected at days 45, 90, and 135 of gestation. Relative mRNA expression …
Beyond Capture: Development And Validation Of A Method To Assess Body Condition In Mule Deer (Odocoileus Hemionus) Using Camera Traps, Rachel A. Smiley 6820420
Beyond Capture: Development And Validation Of A Method To Assess Body Condition In Mule Deer (Odocoileus Hemionus) Using Camera Traps, Rachel A. Smiley 6820420
University Scholar Projects
Advances in technology and availability associated with camera traps have resulted in a rapid rise in their use to monitor wildlife distribution, abundance, and behavior. We focus on assessing body condition, a new application of camera traps. Body condition indices must relate to the percent body fat if they are to be useful. To acquire measurements of body fat, most body condition indices require capture or mortality of animals to estimate, which has limitations when applied to free-ranging animals. We developed a non-invasive, visual body condition index (VBCI) to assess body condition of mule deer that can be applied …
Beyond Capture: Development And Validation Of A Method To Assess Body Condition In Mule Deer (Odocoileus Hemionus) Using Camera Traps, Rachel A. Smiley 6820420
Beyond Capture: Development And Validation Of A Method To Assess Body Condition In Mule Deer (Odocoileus Hemionus) Using Camera Traps, Rachel A. Smiley 6820420
Honors Scholar Theses
Advances in technology and availability associated with camera traps have resulted in a rapid rise in their use to monitor wildlife distribution, abundance, and behavior. We focus on assessing body condition, a new application of camera traps. Body condition indices must relate to the percent body fat if they are to be useful. To acquire measurements of body fat, most body condition indices require capture or mortality of animals to estimate, which has limitations when applied to free-ranging animals. We developed a non-invasive, visual body condition index (VBCI) to assess body condition of mule deer that can be applied …
Temperature Variability And Multiple Environmental Stressors: How Will Tadpole Performance Change With Our Climate?, Diana C. Macklem, Tracy A. G. Rittenhouse, Ashley M. Helton, Jason H. O'Connor, Jaron T. Kolek
Temperature Variability And Multiple Environmental Stressors: How Will Tadpole Performance Change With Our Climate?, Diana C. Macklem, Tracy A. G. Rittenhouse, Ashley M. Helton, Jason H. O'Connor, Jaron T. Kolek
University Scholar Projects
This project seeks to analyze how predicted changes in climate and its interactions with other environmental factors will influence tadpole growth and development. Our first study examined how the frequency and magnitude of temperature variability affect wood frog and gray tree frog tadpole performance. We found that performance responses to repeatedly fluctuating treatments did not differ significantly from constant temperatures held at the same mean for wood frog tadpoles. However, elevated mean temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius caused tadpoles to metamorphose early, suggesting a potential developmental threshold. We found that gray tree frog performance was affected by fluctuating temperature treatments, …
Zebra Mussel (Dreissena Polymorpha) Affects The Feeding Ecology Of Early Stage Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) In The Hudson River Estuary, Michael G. Smircich, David L. Strayer, Eric T. Schultz
Zebra Mussel (Dreissena Polymorpha) Affects The Feeding Ecology Of Early Stage Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) In The Hudson River Estuary, Michael G. Smircich, David L. Strayer, Eric T. Schultz
EEB Articles
Variability in the feeding ecology of young fishes over short and long time scales in estuaries is likely to affect population dynamics. We studied 14 years of early stage Striped Bass feeding ecology in the Hudson River Estuary over a 25-year time span, including years in which invasive zebra mussels markedly altered energy flow within the estuary. We predicted that feeding success would be low and that diet composition would be altered during years of high zebra mussel impact, particularly in upriver locations where mussels occur. Feeding success in the short term was indicated by volume of gut contents and …
The Development Of Skeletal Muscle In Young Horses: An Ultrasonography And Satellite Cell Approach, Emma K. Lavigne
The Development Of Skeletal Muscle In Young Horses: An Ultrasonography And Satellite Cell Approach, Emma K. Lavigne
Honors Scholar Theses
Muscle growth in young horses is characterized by an increase in muscle cross-sectional area, which can be accomplished through the activation and differentiation of satellite cells. Satellite cells can be stimulated or inhibited in response to different cytokines and growth factors and are key mediators of muscle hypertrophy and regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle in horses under 5 years of age and to obtain preliminary data on satellite cell behavior in foals. The area, width, height, and subcutaneous fat were measured using ultrasonography at 6-month increments over the …
Methods Of Bovine Reproduction, Kelsey L. O'Donnell
Methods Of Bovine Reproduction, Kelsey L. O'Donnell
Honors Scholar Theses
The beef and dairy cattle industries are of immense economic value in the United States and have made impressive advancements over the past century. Their success depends strongly upon the reproductive efficiency of their breeding programs. This overview discusses the major advancements in bovine reproduction that have been integrated into the beef and dairy cattle industries and also the emerging technologies that are currently being researched. Current practices like artificial insemination and estrus synchronization resulted from the development of a strong understanding of cattle physiology and the endocrinology of the estrous cycle. With these technologies, selection of superior genetic traits …
The Effects Of Maternal Diet During Gestation On Postnatal Growth Of Lambs And On Metabolic Hormones In Lambs And Ewes, Amanda R. Fox
The Effects Of Maternal Diet During Gestation On Postnatal Growth Of Lambs And On Metabolic Hormones In Lambs And Ewes, Amanda R. Fox
Honors Scholar Theses
Fetal programming is defined as when a stimulus at a vital stage of development results in permanent effects that persist throughout the lifetime of the individual (Lucas, 1991). There is evidence that poor maternal diet, consisting of both undernutrition and overnutrition, during gestation has permanent negative effects on the growth and development of offspring through fetal programming. Fetal programming enhances the ability of the fetus to absorb and use nutrients while in-utero, ensuring postpartum survival (Hales and Barker, 1992). However, in a postnatal environment where nutrition is plentiful, fetal programming results in negative health consequences (Wu et al., 2006). We …
Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition On Gh, Igf-I, Igfbp-2 And -3, Insulin, And Leptin Concentrations In Pregnant Ewes, Michelle E. Forella
Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition On Gh, Igf-I, Igfbp-2 And -3, Insulin, And Leptin Concentrations In Pregnant Ewes, Michelle E. Forella
Honors Scholar Theses
Maternal hormones impact fetal growth and development through their effect on nutrient partitioning and placental development. Maternal diet is one factor regulating maternal hormone concentrations. We hypothesized that during gestation, diet alters concentrations of maternal metabolic hormones. Pregnant ewes (n=36; 12/treatment) were individually fed 1 of 3 diets [100% (CON), 140% (OVER), or 60% (RES) NRC requirements] from wk 5 of gestation until parturition. Weekly blood samples (20 mL) were obtained via jugular venipuncture and BW was measured. Concentrations of GH, IGF-I and leptin were determined by RIA. Insulin was determined by ELISA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. By the …
For The Birds, Milan Bull
For The Birds, Milan Bull
Wrack Lines
A new column about shore birds, starting with piping plovers.
Effect Of Plant-Derived Molecules On Acinetobacter Baumannii Biofilm On Abiotic Surfaces, Ryan P. Pelletier
Effect Of Plant-Derived Molecules On Acinetobacter Baumannii Biofilm On Abiotic Surfaces, Ryan P. Pelletier
Honors Scholar Theses
The emergence of multiple drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii has lead to an increased interest in finding alternative antimicrobial compounds for controlling the pathogen. The present study investigated the effect of three plant-derived antimicrobials, namely eugenol (EUG), carvacrol (CAR), and thymol (THY), on A. baumannii biofilms. Using concentrations equal to or greater than the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of each compound, the ability of EUG, CAR, and THY to inactivate the mature biofilms of three strains of MDR A. baumannii on polystyrene microtiter plates and stainless steel coupons was examined. All three plant-derived compounds significantly inactivated the bioflims of all …
An Approach For Use Of Dual Frequency Identification Sonar (Didson) To Quantify Behavioral Aspects Of Piscivory At Ecologically Relevant Time And Space Scales, Victoria E. Price
An Approach For Use Of Dual Frequency Identification Sonar (Didson) To Quantify Behavioral Aspects Of Piscivory At Ecologically Relevant Time And Space Scales, Victoria E. Price
Master's Theses
Predator-prey interactions of large vagile fishes are difficult to study in the ocean due to limitations in the space and time requirements for observations. Small-scale direct underwater observations by divers (<10m >radius) and large-scale hydroacoustic surveys (10s - 100s km2) are traditional approaches. However, large piscivorous predators identify and attack prey at the scale of meters to tens of meters. Dual- Frequency Identification Sonar, or DIDSON, is a high-resolution acoustic camera operating in the MHz range that provides detailed continuous video-like imaging of objects out to 30 m range. This technology can be used to observe predator-prey interactions at ecologically …10m>
Out Of Sight, But Not Out Of Mind: A Look At Nanoparticles In The Marine Environment, Evan Ward, John J. Doyle
Out Of Sight, But Not Out Of Mind: A Look At Nanoparticles In The Marine Environment, Evan Ward, John J. Doyle
Wrack Lines
Nanoparticles exist in many products used by humans, such as sunscreens. medications, cosmetics, paints and electronics. But what is the effect of these tiny particles on the ocean or estuarine environment when the sunscreen washes off? This article looks at that question and at shellfish in particular. Evan Ward and John Doyle are marine scientists at UConn.
Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Cormorant?, Richard Jay King
Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Cormorant?, Richard Jay King
Wrack Lines
How much do you really know about the cormorant? It's an amazing coastal bird, though not a very pretty one. Lately it has a bad rap as a destroyer of island ecosystems. This article talks about these avian creatures and their habits.
Salinity Preference Of Alaskan Threespine Stickleback: Test For Divergence In Halotaxis Between Ancestral And Landlocked Populations, David Fryxell, Eric T. Schultz
Salinity Preference Of Alaskan Threespine Stickleback: Test For Divergence In Halotaxis Between Ancestral And Landlocked Populations, David Fryxell, Eric T. Schultz
EEB Articles
Glacial retreat during the Pleistocene caused landlocking of anadromous Alaskan threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, furnishing a natural ‘experiment’ in osmoregulatory divergence. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of individual acclimation and population divergence on salinity preference. Full-sibling families of marine, anadromous, and freshwater-landlocked populations of stickleback were reared in common environments until 3 weeks post-hatch, then were split and acclimated to low or high salinity. At 6 to 8 weeks of age the six experimental groups were tested for salinity preference in a tank that offers fish a choice of compartments with different salinities arranged …
Effects Of 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal On Mutant Sperm Whale Myoglobins, Nantawat Tatiyaborworntham
Effects Of 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal On Mutant Sperm Whale Myoglobins, Nantawat Tatiyaborworntham
Master's Theses
No abstract provided.
An Assessment Of Moose (Alces Alces Americana) And Moose Management In Connecticut, Andrew M. Labonte
An Assessment Of Moose (Alces Alces Americana) And Moose Management In Connecticut, Andrew M. Labonte
Master's Theses
Eastern moose (Alces alces americana) populations have been increasing in New England over the past decade. Moose populations have the potential to generate human conflict due to their size, speed, nocturnal behavior, and seasonal mobility. As problems associated with increasing moose populations become more common, the need to develop management strategies that are both effective and acceptable to stakeholders becomes increasingly important. The potential for moose to continue to expand in southern New England and the long-term impacts they may have on Connecticut residents, is unclear. The overall purpose of this study was to assess how suitable Connecticut …
The Efficacy Of Antibiotic Residue Screening Tests For The Detection Of Natural Antimicrobials In Milk, Stacey L. O'Donnell
The Efficacy Of Antibiotic Residue Screening Tests For The Detection Of Natural Antimicrobials In Milk, Stacey L. O'Donnell
Master's Theses
No abstract provided.
The Expression Of T-Box (Tbx3) In The Bovine Mammary Gland, Maria L. Procopio Ms.
The Expression Of T-Box (Tbx3) In The Bovine Mammary Gland, Maria L. Procopio Ms.
Master's Theses
Development of the bovine mammary gland is a complex process that is regulated by several hormones, growth factors and transcription factors including but not limited to growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and T-box (Tbx)2 and 3. Tbx2 and Tbx3 are transcription factors required for mammary gland development in humans and known to regulate cell cycle. In addition, there is recent evidence that GH increases expression of Tbx3 in osteoblasts independent of IGF-I. Based on these findings, we hypothesized GH and IGF-I will increase Tbx2 and Tbx3 expression in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MEC), the cell responsible for milk …
Finding A Link Between The Hormones Of The Somatotropic Axis And Growth Rate Of Juvenile Steller Sea Lions, Katherine Denise Hebert
Finding A Link Between The Hormones Of The Somatotropic Axis And Growth Rate Of Juvenile Steller Sea Lions, Katherine Denise Hebert
Honors Scholar Theses
The decline of the Western population (144 degrees west longitude) of Steller sea lions is hypothesized to be the result of impaired nutritional status and decline of growth rate, especially in juveniles and subsequent natality. Because changes in components of the somatotropic axis can be predictive of nutritional status and growth rate in this species, 2 groups of free-ranging juvenile Steller sea lions were captured in Prince William Sound, AK. Group 1 (n = 30) was initially captured at 5 mo and recaptured at 10 mo of age, whereas group 2 (n = 9) was captured at 7 and 8 …