Animal Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of The Hypothalamic Kisspeptin System Throughout The Estrous Cycle And During The Attainment Of Puberty In Gilts, Eric Steven Jolitz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Kisspeptin has been demonstrated to affect reproductive cyclicity and the attainment of puberty in multiple species, presumably through its actions on GnRH and LH, as demonstrated in other species. Kisspeptin administration causes increased plasma concentrations of LH in pigs, sheep, and rats. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate 1) the hypothalamic kisspeptin system throughout various days of the estrous cycle and 2) the hypothalamic kisspeptin system during the peripubertal period in gilts. In experiment 1, 40 crossbred gilts (191 d, 121 kg) were administered an intramuscular injection of PG600. Twelve days after the administration of PG600, gilts were fed 15 …

An Evaluation Of Feeding A Blend Of Essential Oils And Cobalt Lactate To Lactating Dairy Cows, Olivia Jayne Kuester

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine if the inclusion of a blend of essential oils and cobalt lactate (EOC) in the diet of lactating dairy cows could result in improved nutrient utilization and lactational performance in addition to assessing the application of EOC to control feed mycotoxins and spoilage. The trial was conducted in two experimental periods (Phase 1 (P1) and Phase 2 (P2)) on a commercial dairy in southwest Minnesota equipped with two robotic milking units. Phases 1 and 2 were cross over design trials with two pens. Cows were housed in two freestall pens (57 ± …

Immune And Endocrine Modulations Associated With Enhanced Plant-Based Protein Diets Within Freshwater Fish Species, Timothy J. Bruce

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The incorporation of bioprocessed soybean meals (BSBMs) as a protein replacement for marine-derived fish meal (MDFM) has gained momentum with the potential for aquafeed cost reduction, improved growth performance, and reducing exploitation on wild fish stocks. Further, potential health benefits and optimized production performance resulting from bioprocessed feed ingredients have led to research on the nutraceutical benefits of plant-based ingredients. A novel proprietary MBBM has been developed using a microbial conversion of carbohydrates into digestible protein and additional cellular components that have immunogenic potential. A series of five finfish feeding trials were conducted to investigate immunomodulation induced by the BSBM …

Raptors In Temperate Grasslands: Ecology Of Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, And Northern Harrier In The Northern Great Plains, Shubham Datta

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) are a grassland and shrubland obligate nesting raptor and prefer lightly grazed pasture or idle areas for nesting. Their population reportedly declines in number if more than 30% of an area is cultivated and they rarely nest in areas dominated by croplands. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are long-lived raptors with high nest-site fidelity and relatively low reproductive success. Population trends of golden eagles in western United States are unclear although long-term monitoring of populations shows declines in occupancy and breeding performance. Northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) prefer relatively open grasslands and …

Improving Feed Efficiency Through Forage Strategies For Increasing Dairy Profitability And Sustainability, Jon Patrick Pretz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three studies were conducted to determine production parameters and study specific hypothesis in regard to improving feed efficiency through various forage utilization strategies with or without the inclusion of various supplemented products. The first study evaluated the supplementation of a cobalt-lactate product and its effects on fiber digestibility and milk production parameters when fed to cows consuming a 70% forage diet. Treatments included: 1) CONTROL diet containing 12.5 mg/cow/d of cobalt (carbonate carbonate) and 2) TEST diet being the same basal diet but including an additional 50 mg/cow/d of cobalt via a 1% Co-lactate product (Co-Max®). In a feeding trial …

Effects Of Visitors And Enrichments On Behavior Of Captive Red Wolves’ (Canis Rufus) At The Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kylee S. Shotkoski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Red wolves (Canis rufus) are the first animals to maintain a wild population from captive, released individuals. A captive breeding program for red wolves was started before complete extirpation, and 4 breeding pairs were released in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (North Carolina) in 1987 and a small wild population still exists there. Currently, there are several captive breeding facilities for red wolves within the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program. The Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota participates in the SSP program. My study was initiated to create a natural history background and evaluate interaction between …

A Physiological Assessment Of Wetland Habitats For Spring-Migrating Ducks In The Agricultural Landscapes Of The Southern Prairie Pothole Region, Adam K. Janke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The conversion of grassland and wetland ecosystems in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) has been a pervasive challenge for conservationists dating back to the early 1900s. The legacy of ever-increasing agricultural intensity in the southern portions of the PPR, including eastern South Dakota, has left many wetland ecosystems in a matrix of intensive agricultural production. With little surrounding nesting cover, these wetlands are thought to have limited potential for waterfowl reproduction but may still play an important role facilitating migration of waterfowl en route to northern breeding areas during spring. My research sought to understand the contributions of wetlands in …

Effects Of Bran Treatment On Rheology And Sensory Quality Of Whole Wheat Flat Bread, Jigyasha Mishra

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to study the differences in the quality of 100% whole wheat flour (WWF) when the bran fraction was subjected to mild solvent treatment before reconstitution with the endosperm. The bran treatments included water washing and washing with ethanol solutions (50% and 100%). WWF prepared with untreated bran served as the control. Effects of these treatments on particle size, chemical composition, color, dough rheology, product formulation, and sensory characteristics of 100% whole wheat flour were studied. Grains of five HRSW cultivars (Advance, Prevail, Select, Brick and Forefront) were milled using a Quadrumat Senior mill. Gluten …

Current Status Of Falcon Populations In Saudi Arabia, Albara M. Binothman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Falcons (Falco spp.) are widely used for falconry in the countries of the Middle East. During the 2015 breeding season, we surveyed historic and active nest sites of Barbary (Falco pelegrinoides pelegrinoides) and Lanner (F. biarmicus) Falcons in Saudi Arabia. Field and questionnaire surveys were conducted and personal contact with falconers was made to document the current distribution and price changes for Lanner Falcons, Barbary Falcons, Saker Falcons (F. cherrug), Peregrine Falcons (F. peregrinus), Gyrfalcons (F. rusticolus), and Hybrid Falcons in Saudi Arabia. We categorized our survey into three geographic groups; southwest (A), northwest (B), and central (C) regions of …

Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, And Metabolic Profile Of Dairy Heifers Fed Diets High In Distillers Grains With Different Forage To Concentrate Ratios, Angela Kristia Manthey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of limit-feeding heifers distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) with varying forage to concentrate ratios. The effects on growth, feed efficiency, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, metabolic profile and onset of puberty, as well as post trial performance were investigated. First, a 16-wk feeding trial was conducted using 48 Holstein heifers to evaluate effects of dietary treatment on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), growth performance, rumen fermentation, and nutrient digestibility. Treatments were 1) 30% DDGS, with the diet fed at 2.65% of body weight (BW) (30DG), 2) 40% DDGS, with the …

Ecology Of Largemouth Bass In An Aging Reservoir: Implications For Creating A Trophy Largemouth Bass Fishery, Jason Breeggemann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are an estimated 3-9 million small reservoirs and nearly 1,000 large reservoirs in the United States. Most of these reservoirs were built several decades ago and are experiencing symptoms of reservoir aging, including loss of habitat, sedimentation, and decreased fishery production. Furthermore, over the last several decades, there has been an increasing interest among anglers for high quality, trophy fisheries. However, little is known about exactly how the reservoir aging process affects the ecology and especially growth potential of Largemouth Bass, particularly under potential climate change scenarios. Grand Lake in TX is a 45ha ageing reservoir that was built …

Response Of Soil And Water Quality To Winter Manure Application From Small Agricultural Watersheds In South Dakota, Shikha Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The extreme winter conditions prevailing in the state of South Dakota make it difficult for the livestock producers to manage the manure generated at the farm. The South Dakota Department of Environmental and Natural Resources does not recommend manure application in the state during the winter months when the ground is frozen. Thus, producers are left with the options such as storing the manure over a longer period until summer or spreading on snow or frozen ground. Storing manure for longer duration leads to increased risks of concentrated spills into the streams. Thus, it is important to develop management strategies …

An Evaluation Of Rumen Modifiers For Lactational Performance And Nutrient Digestibility By Cows, Prakash Poudel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three studies were conducted to evaluate a commercial blend of essential oils, active dried yeast product and cobalt lactate on production performance, rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility by cows by using in vivo and in vitro methods. The first study evaluated the lactational performance and nutrient digestibility of lactating Holstein dairy cows fed two commercial supplements: 1) a propriety blend of essential oils and Cobalt lactate (EOC) (Stay Strong, Ralco, Inc., Marshall, MN) and 2) active dried yeast (ADY) (Omnigen AF, Prince Agri Products, Inc., Quincy, IL). The 12-week experiment demonstrated no differences in milk production, milk composition, and feed …

Assessing Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) In South Dakota And Identifying Drivers Of Assemblage Variation, Kaylee L. Faltys

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Native freshwater mussels (Family: Unionidae) are among the most threatened groups of freshwater fauna on Earth. Approximately 35 species have gone extinct since the 1900s and 72% of remaining species are considered endangered, threatened, or species of special concern. Unionid research can begin by establishing species presence and distributions via surveys. Objectives for this study were to 1) implement the first comprehensive unionid survey for South Dakota to assess distribution, composition, and decline, 2) estimate assemblage density and determine local versus broad scale habitat drivers of assemblage variation, and 3) determine areas of unionid conservation priority in South Dakota. Mussels …

Impacts Of Wetland Characteristics On Duck Use In The Prairie Pothole Region (Ppr) 1987-2013, Fred Thomas Oslund

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since 1987 the Waterfowl Breeding Populations and Production Estimates, also called the Four Square Mile Survey, has been conducted annually in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region. The survey was designed to assess the influence of the Small Wetlands Acquisition Program on contributions to continental waterfowl populations (Cowardin et al. 1995). Each year cooperators visit sample wetlands during two survey periods, collecting data on observed waterfowl and pond conditions. Along with ground counts, aerial photography of sample areas is collected annually, capturing habitat conditions. My objective was to assess the influence of local and landscape factors on duck pair densities. Local …

Role Of Exopolymeric Substances In Biofilm Formation On Dairy Separation Membranes, Nuria Garcia-Fernandez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the concentration of cheese whey by membrane filtration processes, fouling is a major limiting factor that leads to flux decline and affects product quality. The growth of biofilms on membranes contributes to biofouling. Biofilms are very difficult to eliminate, and will serve as the seed for additional biofilm development and product contamination. The biofilm matrix is composed mainly of microbial exopolymeric substances (EPS), and therefore EPS is thought to help bacteria to adhere and form biofilms by acting as a cementing agent. The first research project under this study was conducted with the aim of elucidating the role of …

Fish Ladders Designed For Drop Culverts And Central Stoneroller Ecology Across A Latitudinal Gradient, John Arthur Lorenzen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Stream connectivity is essential for the persistence of fish populations and maintenance of fish assemblage structure. Stream-road crossings can become barriers resulting in a loss of connectivity. Creating innovative tools for fisheries managers to allow fish passage through barrier stream-road crossings is important worldwide as climate change may force range shifts to stay within thermal requirements. Understanding how populations and metapopulations respond to climate is important as fisheries managers can use this information to make informed management decisions in regards to climate change and possible range shifts. Thus, we developed and tested a fish ladder to retrofit barrier stream-road crossings …

Characterization Of Small Non-Coding Rnas In The Seminal Plasma Of Beef Bulls With Predicted High And Low Fertility, Stephanie Perkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) that play a key role in regulating gene expression by binding to their complementary mRNA and altering translation. It has been reported that this down-regulation of specific areas of the genome plays a role in male fertility. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are another class of germline-specific non-coding RNAs that form silencing complexes to maintain germline genome integrity. In bovine seminal plasma, piRNAs have not previously been characterized. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate a potential relationship between expression of these sRNAs and fertility in beef bulls and to …

Study Of The Effect Of Feeding Highly Digestible Corn Based Calf Starter On The Growth Performance Of Calves, Shruti Srivastava

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

New corn hybrids have been developed by Masters Choice (MC) that vary in energy density and starch digestibility. These MC hybrids have lower starch densities due to an altered starch structure, which allows for greater ruminal and intestinal starch digestion. The altered starch structure of these new hybrids results in reduced feed manufacturing costs (i.e., grinding). Thirty (30) 1 to 3 d old (40.6 ± 1.72 kg) Holstein heifer calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 calf starters to measure growth performance of Holstein heifer calves through 8 weeks of age. Treatments were: 1) Hard starch (HS) corn calf …

The Effects Of Preovulatory Estradiol On The Uterine Environment And Conceptus Survival From Fertilization To Maternal Recognition Of Pregnancy, Emmalee J. Northrop

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Preovulatory estradiol has been reported to play a critical role in pregnancy establishment and embryonic survival, but the mechanism by which estradiol exerts its effects has not been well characterized. The objective of this thesis is to determine the effects of preovulatory estradiol on the uterine environment and conceptus survival from fertilization to maternal recognition of pregnancy. Beef cows/heifers were synchronized with the CO-Synch protocol and AIed (d 0). Cows were classified by estrus expression (estrus and no estrus), and uteri were flushed to collect d16 conceptuses nonsurgically (Rep 1; n = 29), or following slaughter (Rep 2; n = …

Effects Of Small Intestinal Starch Digestion And Dietary Lipid On Efficiency Of Nitrogen Use In Cattle, Ethan J. Blom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of increases in energy available for gain from increased small intestinal starch digestion (SISD) and dietary lipid source and amount on the efficiency of N use in cattle. Five ruminally, duodenally, and ileally cannulated steers were placed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Each received duodenal infusion of 1.5 ± 0.08 kg/d raw cornstarch and either 0, 30.9 ± 0.59, 62.4 ± 1.16, or 120.4 ± 3.39 g/d Glu, or 387.9 ± 17.47 g/d casein. Casein increased (P = 0.05) SISD. Similarly, greater duodenal Glu linearly (P = 0.02) …

Inactivation Of Thermodynamic Sporeformers And Spores In Skim Milk By Continuous Ultrasonication And Hydrodynamic Cavitation In Combination With Thermal Treatments, Dikshi Bawa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies were conducted to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonication and hydrodynamic cavitation, in a continuous mode, alone and in combination with thermal treatments, on heat resistant aerobic sporeformers and spores in skim milk, and skim milk concentrate. The first study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a continuous ultrasonication process to reduce thermoduric Bacillus coagulans cells in skim milk. A 25% reduction was obtained by lab pasteurization alone, whereas ultrasonication alone resulted in an inactivation of 92% after 12 passes (80 sec exposure time per pass). Ultrasonication when combined with pasteurization resulted in further increased inactivation to 99.98%. It …

Impact Of New Processing Technologies On The Physical And Functional Properties Of Skim Milk And Skim Milk Concentrate, Harsh Dahiya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

United States is one of the largest producer of cow’s milk in the world and a substantial portion of this milk is converted into dried milk products, a category that is becoming increasingly important to the dairy industry. The processing treatments on skim milk and skim milk concentrate affect the functionality of resultant powders made from them, therefore processing treatments are crucial to modify physical and functional properties of skim milk, skim milk concentrates and the powders made from them. The objective of this research was to explore impact of new processing technologies hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) …

Evaluation Of Essential Oils (Stay Strong) For Dairy Calves, Kelly Ann Froehlich

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Stay Strong (SS, Ralco Inc., Marshall, MN) is a blend of essential oils (EO) and prebiotic fiber technologies designed to promote immunity and stimulate appetite, helping to diminish health challenges and stresses experienced by newborn calves. Current feeding inclusion rates are unknown to achieve optimal performance in the first 8 weeks of life. The study objectives were to determine the optimal feeding inclusion rate of SS when added to milk replacer (MR) to achieve optimal performance when compared to a yeast cell wall (YCW). One hundred Holstein calves were blocked by birth date and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 …

The Contribution Of Missouri River Reservoir Side-Channel And Floodplain Habitats To Mainstem Fish Populations: The Effects Of Losing Connectivity Between Hipple Lake And Lake Sharpe, William Joseph Radigan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Catastrophic flooding of the Missouri River in 2011 has had lasting effects on floodplain habitats (i.e. floodplain lakes) and side-channel habitats (e.g. canals, side-channel embayments, stilling basins, and tributaries) in Lake Sharpe, SD. Floodplain and side-channel habitats are rare habitat in Lake Sharpe, a mainstem Missouri River reservoir, and are thought to be crucial habitat for prey and sport fish. Hipple Lake, the only warm-water floodplain embayment in Lake Sharpe, is in danger of losing connectivity to the reservoir because of sedimentation resulting from the 2011 flood. To evaluate Hipple Lake’s natal and adult contribution to Lake Sharpe’s fishery, otolith …

A Simple Method To Reduce Interpretation Error Of Ages Estimated From Otoliths, Bradley J. Smith, Daniel J. Dembkowski, Daniel A. James, Melissa R. Wuellner

Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications

We designed and tested a novel otolith viewing apparatus termed the otolith illumination device (OID) to ascertain if its use would result in a reduction of interpretation error as determined by increased precision of age estimates obtained from otoliths of walleye Sander vitreus and smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. Clarity of annuli on otolith sections viewed with the OID was generally greater than clarity of annuli on sections viewed with an alternative method. OID-based age estimates were equally as, and in some instance more precise than ages estimated using the alternative method. Additionally, no systematic differences in coefficients of variation …

Winter Habitat Quality But Not Long- Distance Dispersal Influences Apparent Reproductive Success In A Migratory Bird, Clark S. Rushing, Peter P. Marra, Michele R. Dudash

Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications

Long- distance breeding and natal dispersal play central roles in many ecological and evolutionary processes, including gene flow, population dynamics, range expansion, and individual responses to fluctuating biotic and abiotic conditions. However, the relative contribution of long- distance dispersal to these processes depends on the ability of dispersing individuals to successfully reproduce in their new environment. Unfortunately, due to the difficulties associated with tracking dispersal in the field, relatively little is known about its reproductive consequences. Furthermore, because reproductive success is influenced by a variety of processes, disentangling the influence of each of these processes is critical to understanding the …

Growing South Dakota (Winter 2016), College Of Agriculture &. Biological Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

This issue includes the 2015 South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Annual Report.

[Page] 2 Director's Message
[Page] 3 Concentrating On Cattle: Researcher Studying Mechanics To Improve Reproduction Efficiency In Beef Cattle
[Page] 5 At The Forefront: SDSU Diagnostic Lab Scientists Sequence Avian Influenza Genome
[Page] 6 Seeking Superior Wheat: Breeder Using Extensive Genome Testing To Improve Winter Wheat Cultivars
[Page] 8 Profiles In Leadership: Plant And Fungi Interactions May Offer New Plant Production Possibilities
[Page] 9 Targeting Emerging Diseases: Plant Pathologists Working To Better Manage Soybean & Sunflower Diseases
[Page] 10 Compelling New Crop: Carinata Offers Potential For Crop Diversity, …

Influence Of Habitat And Intrinsic Characteristics On Survival Of Neonatal Pronghorn, Christopher N. Jacques, Jonathan A. Jenks, Troy W. Grovenburg, Robert Wayne Klaver

Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications

Increased understanding of the influence of habitat (e.g., composition, patch size) and intrinsic (e.g., age, birth mass) factors on survival of neonatal pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is a prerequisite to successful management programs, particularly as they relate to population dynamics and the role of population models in adaptive species management. Nevertheless, few studies have presented empirical data quantifying the influence of habitat variables on survival of neonatal pronghorn. During 2002–2005, we captured and radiocollared 116 neonates across two sites in western South Dakota. We documented 31 deaths during our study, of which coyote (Canis latrans) predation (n = 15) was the …

Growing South Dakota (Fall 2015), College Of Agriculture &. Biological Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Internships Lead to Career Opportunities
[Page] 4 Pre-Professional Prep: Peer Mentors. Anatomy Lab, Networking Opportunities Provide Students Strong Start
[Page] 7 Difference Maker: Range Science Grad Strives To Inspire Native American Youth
[Page] 8 Profiles In Leadership: Preparing Students For A Lifetime Of Learning And Opportunities
[Page] 9 Investing In The Future: Scholarship Donors Share Commitment To Supporting Student Success
[Page] 10 College News
[Page] 12 Economic Buzz: Real-World Applications Gained Through New e-Trading Lab & Student Organizations
[Page] 14 Lessons In Leadership Student Organizations Help Hone Array Of Skills [Page] 15 Little I - 93 Years Of …