Animal Sciences Commons^™

Economics Of Carry-Over Forage Production, Increased Grazing Season Length, And Increased Livestock Production From Rangeland Fertilization, Dean L. Roberts Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This paper entails the economic and biological responses of both rangeland grasses and livestock grazing rangeland grasses to nitrogen fertilization. Five sites received graduated rates of fertilizer in previous studies. Analysis showed all sites failed to exhibit a significant carry-over response to fertilization. Determination of optimum rate or optimum reapplication schedule was not possible due to residual nitrogen present in the soil. Spring application of fertilizer produced the greatest returns from one site while the other site studied failed to produce a profitable response from either spring or fall application.

Calf weight gains were shown to be curvilinear and resulted …

An Economic Analysis Of Predation Control And Predatory Sheep Losses In Southwestern Utah, R. Garth Taylor

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

To provide accurate data concerning sheep losses resulting from predation, a verification study of sheep predation was initiated in March 1972 in the Cedar City area of Utah. In cooperation with the Cedar City Wool Growers Association and Southern Utah State College Experimental Farm, ten sheep ranches were chosen as sample operations, forming the data base for the initial phase of the study (1972-1974).

Cooperating ranchers were asked to promptly report all sheep carcasses or injured sheep, so that an examination could immediately be made to ascertain the cause of death or injury. Daily horseback searches were also conducted on …

Biological Manipulation Of Blackbrush (Coleogyne Ramosissima Torr.) By Browsing With Goats, Frederick D. Provenza

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to provide data on responses of Angora goats and blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) to a biological manipulation program. Blackbrush utilization levels averaged 30, 16, and 6 percent (545, 367, and 147 kg per hectare) for the heavily, moderately, and lightly browsed pastures, respectively; removal rates of 77, 38, and 19 percent (1164, 582, and 291 kg per hectare) were projected.

Statistically significant differences in body weight loss (P=0.052) were noted for goats browsing in different replications. Goats lost an average of 14 and 19 percent of body weight in replications one and two, …

Feed Composition, Animal Nutrient Requirements, And Computerization Of Diets, Paul V. Fonnesbeck, Lorin E. Harris, Leonard C. Kearl

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

The Symposium is directed to use feed composition and nutrient requirement information to calculate animal diets. Mathematical models (equations) that describe the utilization of nutrients by animals and the variables affecting animal nutrient requirements is presented. The aim is to use feed information and equations that describe nutrient utilization and animal requirements to formulate the most profitable diet for animals in various physiological states and environments. Methods for solving livestock feeding and management problems are presented.

A Computer Approach To Performing Mppa Testing, James W. Shaw

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In the highly competitive cattle market of today a scientific method, by which a rancher can base a judgement, moderated by experience as to which animals are to be kept, as proven by superior performance, can be a valuable asset.

This record performance testing system was designed to demonstrate the value of adequately kept records. Its purpose is to help ranchers develop records of herd performance, inventory, and improve management practices by more informed decisions. The system, through its representative, provides a means by which ranchers can obtain information on new ideas in animal production, health, sanitation, nutrition, management practices, …

Breeding Biology And Pesticide-Pcb Contamination Of Western Grebe At Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Mark L. Lindvall

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The breeding biology of western grebe was studied at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah in 1973 and 1974. More than 300 nests were located and data gathered on nesting habitat and success. Western grebe at Bear River selected nest sites for nearness to open water of approximately 30 em in depth. At least one young was hatching in 21 percent of the nests. Avian predation and abandonment of nests following drops in water levels caused the greatest loss of nests. Chlorinated hydrocarbons monitored in western grebes showed DDE, DDD, PCB, 1260, and PCB 1254 levels in 24 breast muscle …

Effects Of Group, Individual, And Isolated Rearing Of Dairy Calves On Weight Gain And Social Development, Val D. Warnick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Thirty-six dairy calves were observed for four months to determine the effect of three housing methods, group, individual and isolated on body weight gain, feed consumption, age when started to consume grain, daily activity patterns, open field test of behavior and social rank. Six calves were assigned to each of the three treatments in two separate trials of eighteen calves. These calves were raised in their treatment for approximately two months and then weaned and placed together in a group of eighteen for two more months.

Treatments ranked in order from high to low according to least squares means for …

Multiple Hemoglobins In Rainbow Trout, Salmo Gairdneri, And Cutthroat Trout, Salmo Clarkii, Jeffrey Carl Braman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nine hemoglobins from adult rainbow trout have been isolated by starch gel electrophoresis using a Trisborate buffer system, pH 8.7. Six fast and two slow anodally migrating hemoglobins, and one slow cathodally migrating hemoglobin were observed in all specimens.

The nine hemoglobins have been purified by DEAE cellulose ion exchange chromatography followed by starch gel electrophoresis.

The subunit structure of each purified hemoglobin has been partially examined by gel electrofocusing (GEF) in .5 percent polyacrylamide gels containing 8M urea and lmM dithiothereitol (DTT). Tetrameric combinations of one, two, three, and four polypeptide chains are present.

Twelve hemoglobins have been isolated …

Feeding Behavior Of Pen Reared Mule Deer Under Winter Range Conditions, Michael A. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the feeding responses of mule deer to a system of spring livestock grazing. The specific purposes were 1) to determine botanical composition of diets selected by mule deer on a winter range subjected to previous spring grazing by sheep compared to one with no sheep grazing and 2) to develop a basis for predicting selection of individual plants by deer, based on physical characteristics of the plants and the species and physical proximity of associated plants.

The study was conducted within the framework of a completely randomized experimental design with two treatments. Variables controlled for each unit …

The Horse Population Of Utah And Its Impact, Scott Stewart Mckendrick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

PART I

The horse numbers of Utah had not been accurately counted since the early 1960's. It was estimated that horse and pony numbers were reaching heights as recorded before the age of tractors and automobiles. Horsemen in Utah were asking for financial assistance for public horse facilities from the Utah legislature. The first part of this study was to survey the horse population to determine an accurate count of Utah horses.

PART II

In order to be satisfied that the horse industry deserved the spending of public funds, it was necessary to know the economic contribution of the horse …

Food Interactions Between Utah Prairie Dogs And Cattle, Dennis Crocker-Bedford

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the food interactions between Utah prairie dogs (Cynomys parvidens, Allen) and cattle (Bos taurus). During 1974 and 1975, three prairie dog colonies near Panguitch, Utah, were studied intensely: "Oldfield" was chosen to represent colonies near fields of alfalfa (Medicago sativa); "Lowercrested" was chosen to represent colonies below 2,200 meters above sea level (a.s.l.) which were not near alfalfa, and "Uppercrested" was chosen to represent colonies above 2,200 meters a.s.l. which have been planted with crested wheatgrass.

Visual observations were made of Utah prairie dogs to determine their diets. Livetrapping of prairie …

Forage Selection And Nutrition Of Sheep And Goats Grazing In The Tunisian Pre-Sahara, Rudolfo Ricardo Griego

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nomadic pastoralism has been the traditional method of utilizing grazing resources in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. However, increased sedentarization accompanied by growing human and animal populations during the past two decades is thought to be accelerating the desertification process, or desert expansion. The specific interactions of the grazing animal with this process has been speculated upon but not studied in detail. A comparative study was initiated during the spring grazing season of 1974 to determine sheep and goat nutritional and production responses, as well as patterns of vegetative selection and utilization under the pastoral system currently employed in …

Laboratory Apparatus For Providing Diel Temperature Regimes For Aquatic Animals, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, G. Davis

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

In studies of the effects of elevated temperature on aquatic organisms, little emphasis has been placed on modeling the fluctuating temperatures to which organisms are exposed in nature. To some extent this may be related to problems of design and maintenance of apparatus for fluctuating temperature control. The complexity of apparatus used to provide cycled temperatures has ranged from manually controlled valves for introducing water of different temperatures into aquariums (Kelso 1972), to a complex and expensive feedback system, regulated by rotating cams, that controls the temperature of influent water (Honeywell Cam Programmer Thermometers, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania). To facilitate studies …

Effect Of Salinity On Glycogen Content In The Brine Shrimp, Artemia Salinas, Of Great Salt Lake, Christon H. Merkley

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The brine shrimp, Artemia salinas, is one of the few organisms to be found in the hostile environment of the Great Salt Lake. Salt concentrations in the lake are found to exceed those in the oceans. In such an environment, the utilization of energy, even after it has been procured, presents a problem. The life inhabiting the lake has developed extraordinary adaptations to this and similar problems.

Electron micrographs produced by Dr. Nabil Youssef of Utah State University have revealed that unusual quantities of glycogen can be found in the muscle of brine shrimp taken from the Great Salt Lake. …

Relationships Between Teat Shape, Teat Erosion, California Mastitis Test, And Milk Production In A Large Dairy Herd, John Sephen Malan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Data were collected from a 1,000 cow commercial dairy unit during three different time periods to determine the interrelationships between teat shape, teat erosion, mastitis (as measured by the California Mastitis Test and somatic cell counts), and milk production.

Results showed no relationship between teat shape or teat end erosion and milk or fat production. The relationship between teat end erosion and mastitis appeared to be masked by the high level of teat erosion. There was an indication that cows with flat and cone shaped teat ends were prone to higher California Mastitis Test scores than cows with pointed, round, …

A Comparison Of Three Methods Used To Analyze Pronghorn Antelope Diets, Leonard J. Shandruk

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An increasing interest in fecal analysis as a method of determining diets of herbivores prompted research to determine if this method could be used successfully to determine diets of pronghorn antelope found in Utah's cold desert rangelands. In addition to fecal analysis, quantitative estimates of pronghorn diets were derived from rumen analysis and feeding site observations. Rumen samples were analyzed by three different methods: (1) microscopic, (2) gravimetric, and (3) point frame. In addition to field experiments, samples from a feeding trial with a diet of known composition were used to determine whether or not differential digestion of plant epidermis …

The Reproductive Cycle Of Male Uinta Ground Squirrels And Its Relationship To Pineal N-Acetyltransferase And Monoamine Oxidase In The Testes, Hypothalamus And Pituitary, Robert Alexander Palmer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A study was made of the reproductive cycle of male Uinta ground squirrels (Spermophilus armatus) during the activity seasons of 1973 and 1974 and during the aestivation/hibernation (A/H) period of 1973-1974. Physiological data collected were compared to changes in monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity of the testes, pituitary and hypothalamus and to pineal N-acetyltransferase activity.

Male Uinta ground squirrels began emerging from their burrows on April 12, 1973, and April 8, 1974, with average body weights of 302 g and 301 g, respectively. Body weight did not increase greatly during breeding, but rose rapidly to over a 500 g …

An Analysis Of Sound Communication In The Water Vole, Microtus Richardsoni (Rodentia: Microtinae), Dane R. Tang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Adult members of the species Microtus richardsoni were used to study the importance of acoustic communication in these voles. Tests were run with single individuals and nonbreeding pairs of voles to obtain recordings and sonagraphs of sounds emitted during exploration of a new cage, agonistic encounters, encounters with a potential predator and in response to miscellaneous aversive stimuli. Of the four groups of tests conducted, sounds were used by M. richardsoni during the last three. The results of this study showed that the water vole emitted ten different call types or sounds. These sounds were separated by similarity into Group …

Food And Distribution Of Underyearling Brook And Rainbow Trout In Castle Lake, California, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, R. Brocksen, C. Goldman

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

A difference was found in the summer distribution of underyearling brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), and planted rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, in Castle Lake, California. Brook trout underyearlings oriented to the bottom and were found primarily in shallow water on the eastern shore of the lake near springs. The rainbow trout underyearlings were more pelagic and were found in the littoral areas along the entire shoreline. Gravimetrically, the food eaten during the summer by brook trout underyearlings was 13% terrestrial, 11% limnetic, and 76% benthic. Rainbow trout ate 15% terrestrial, 15% limnetic, and 70% benthic food. In summer, rainbow …

Vocalizations In A Population Of Green-Tailed Towhees (Chlorura Chlorura), Timothy Andrus Burr

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Studies of vocalizations in a montane population of Green-Tailed Towhees were conducted during the summer months of 1971 and 1972 in Cache County, Utah. The song and call repertoiries of 10 breeding pairs were recorded and analyzed on a sound spectograph.

Males averaged 8.7 different song and 18.2 different not types. Song variation on the population level is high (58 different songs) but the sharing of these songs among the males is low (22.4). Populational note structure is equally diverse but reveals a greater degree of sharing (75%).

Both males and females used three calls, the meow, tick, …

Nutrition Of Sheep Grazing Foothill Big Game Range In Spring, Kurt J. Kotter

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Sheep with esophageal fistulas were used to determine the daily intake, nutritive content and digestibility of forage at three periods and two stocking intensities during the spring of 1972 on a typical foothill range in northern Utah.

Heavy grazing under a season-long regime did not influence the concentrations of dietary chemical components when compared to moderate grazing; however, it did depress the digestibility of cellulose and organic matter. There was a significant decline in the dietary chemical components due to forage maturation. Digestibility of organic matter and cellulose were significantly higher in the early spring as compared to late spring. …

An Evaluation Of In-Stream Structures Designed To Provide Fish Habitat, Charles H. Call Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In-stream concrete structures were studied through model tests and river tests. The model studies indicated that four designs provided good habitat in the model stream. These structures were the inverted weir, the "V" structure, the slab with legs and the cylinder. Through the river studies it was determined that these structures did not influence enough of the total river area to be effective in providing good fish habitat. Also an appreciable amount of yearly maintenance would be required to free the structures from silting in, debris, and vandalism. The slab with legs was the only promising structure.

Manufacture Of Monterey Cheese From Preacidified Milk, Faisal O. Mohamed

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Whole milk acidified to pH 5.3 with hydrochloric acid was used for the manufacture of Monterey cheese. The milk was inoculated with one and one-half percent lactic starter and set with 12.5 ml rennet per 1000 pounds of milk. Normal washing treatments resulted in cheese with moisture in excess of 44 percent. Moisture content was brought below 44 percent by using wash water at a temperature such that the water-curd-whey mixture was 35 C. The pH of cheese made by preacidification was all between 5.21 and 5.09. No acid defects were encountered. Preacidification eliminated chance of spoilage or losses caused …

Overwinter Mortality Of Trout In Temple Fork Of The Logan River, Daniel Richard Cerven

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objectives of this study were to determine the mortality rates of trout in Temple Fork of the Logan River during the winter of 1970-1971 and to identify factors related to trout mortality.

Trout in seven 100-m sections of the 7 3-km stream were sampled by electroshocking in October, December, February, and April. Captured trout were weighed measured and tagged or fin-clipped. Scale samples were taken for age determinations and the fish were returned to the creek.

Water temperature, snow cover, and anchor ice were monitored.

Three species of trout were found in Temple Fork: brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. …

An Evaluation Of Stress Induced Mortality Of Stocked Catchable-Sized Rainbow Trout In Temple Fork Of The Logan River, Robert Earl Gresswell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The level of stress imposed by population pressure, handling and live transportation on planted catchable-sized rainbow trout in a northern Utah stream was examined. Production of adrenocorticotrophin, as measured by interrenal ascorbic acid and serum cortisol levels, did not occur in transported or planted fish.

Dead or moribund fish collected from stream or live boxes comprised 13 percent of the 2,000 fish planted. Aeromonas salmonicida, the causative agent of furunculosis, was isolated from 41 percent of 106 moribund fish sampled. In addition, 39 percent of the samples exhibited bacterial growth other than A. salmonicida. Apparently, handling, transportation, and planting did …

Fish Production And Movements In The Lower Logan River, Utah, Eric P. Bergersen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Following the abatement of domestic sewage pollution xii in the lower Logan River , the fish population was investigated in terms of abundance, growth, fecundity, production, mortality, age class structure, species diversity, distribution and movements during 1970 and 1971.

Three general groupings of fish were identified in the study area on the basis of species composition, abundance and distribution using a cluster analysis technique. These were located in 1) the tributary stream (7-Mile Creek) which previously transported sewage to the river and 2) above and 3) below 7-Mile Creek in the main stream of the Logan River. A "transition" population …

Effects Of Exercise On Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity Of Catchable-Size Hatchery Rainbow Trout, Salmo Gairdneri, Gerlad T. Klar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Effects of exercise and the relative condition of exercised fish were viii evaluated for two strains of rainbow trout. Circular tanks fitted with a paddle were used to continuously exercise the fish and a stamina tunnel was used to evaluate the condition of exercised trout. Trout were exercised continuously at one fish-length per second and one-half fish length per second. Serum LDH activity in Shephard-of-the-Hills (Missouri) rainbow trout acclimated to 10 C increased two fold during the first four days of exercise. Serum LDH activity returned to control levels by the tenth day of exercise. Serum LDH activity in Shephard-of-the-Hills …

Trout Movements In A Small Mountain Stream, Thomas Mark Twedt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Five groups of 400 hatchery rainbow trout, (Salmo gairdneri), were stocked in a small, mountain stream at 3-week intervals from June to September, 1972. A fish trap captured any fish moving out of a 500 m study section.

Fish began moving at high levels during the first day of each stocking and continued at high rates for 5-8 days (Early Phase), after which movement decreased to low levels for 6-9 days (Late Phase). Early Phase fish moved primarily at night, possibly due to their disoriented state and high subjectivity to stream conditions. Fish moving during Late Phase did …

The Relationship Of Climatic Factors To Grazing Activities Of Cows On Winter And Spring Ranges, Benton M. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of climatic variations upon the daily activities of grazing cattle. The activities of individual cows on a partially seeded salt desert shrub range were observed and recorded during three grazing periods. Two of the periods were during consecutive winters and the other during the spring. Climatic variations during the second winter period were quantified and compared to changes in the daily activity patterns of the cattle.

Distinctly different daily routines of cattle activities were evident for the winter and spring seasons. In the spring, the cattle grazed, traveled, and drank …

Habitat Selection By Large Wild Ungulates And Some Aspects Of The Energy Flow In A Sub-Tropical African Savanna Woodland Ecosystem, Stanley M. Hirst

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A study of habitat selection by large wild ungulates was carried out on a 50 cm² area in the sub-tropical Lowveld region of eastern Transvaal province, South Africa. Estimations were made of herbaceous forage net productivity and ungulate secondary productivity on the same area.

Fourteen vegetation types, varying in composition and structure from open savanna to dense woodland, were delineated by association analysis. Structural and vegetational characteristics which were considered to influence ungulate distribution were measured within each vegetation type.

The study area supported resident populations of seven ungulate species during the wet season; drv season densities were higher …