Animal Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Ketoconazole On Uterine Weight And On Unbound Serum Estradiol Relative To Vaginal Cornification In Rats, Leonard L. Hall

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal with oral activity and is documented to block steroid biosynthesis in fungi and mammals.

Estradiol-primed ovariectomized rats lose the estradiol-induced, cornified layer of the vaginal epithelium as a result of ketoconazole treatment. This effect is not explained by current knowledge of ketoconazole's mechanism of action.

Ketoconazole's effect on estradiol's binding to either receptors in target tissues (target-cell receptors) or serum-estradiol-carrying proteins in the aforementioned rats was investigated.

The uterus is responsive to estradiol treatment, which causes an increase in uterine size and weight. This tissue is a sensitive means of studying the effects of ketoconazole …

The Effects Of Methionyl Bovine Somatotropin Administration On Luteinizing Hormone In Dairy Cattle, Joseph Charles Dalton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Sixteen lactating regularly cycling dairy cows (14 primiparous, 2 multiparous) were used to determine the effects of somatotropin administration on basal, peak, and pulse luteinizing hormone concentrations during the breeding period. In addition, the effects of somatotropin administration on the pituitary response to a gonadotropinreleasing hormone challenge was studied. The experimental group received daily somatotropin treatments (25mg) for 24 days. The control group received a daily placebo. All animals were treated with three injections of prostaglandin F2-alpha (25 mgjtreatment) for estrus synchronization. Somatotropin and placebo treatments began with the second prostaglandin injection. Sixty hours following the final prostaglandin injection, all …

Endocrine Interrelationships During Early Postpartum In St. Croix Sheep, Richard Michael Anderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relationships of estradiol-17-beta, progesterone, and LH in the early postpartum St. Croix ewe were monitored during the breeding season in 1988. A second group of non-postpartum, ovariectomized St. Croix ewes were used to determine non-ovarian levels of progesterone for comparison. Results of this study indicate that:

1. The short duration rise in progesterone exhibited by some ewes is indicative of an ovulation.
2. Ewes that do exhibit a short luteal phase prior to the first "normal" luteal phase have a longer period from parturition to the first "normal" luteal phase.
3. Serum levels of LH increase beginning 3 days postpartum.
4. There is …

A Comparison Of Three Estrous Detection Management Schemes For Dairy Heifers, Ann Lagerstedt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Heifers should represent the greatest genetic potential within a dairy herd. To maximize this potential, heifers must be inseminated to proven sires, a practice requiring management changes on many dairies. Holstein heifers (n=115) were allotted to one of three groups to compare alternatives to daily estrous detection that may facilitate the management of a program of artificial insemination for heifers. Group 1 heifers (Controls) received no treatment but were observed twice daily for signs of estrus. Group 2 heifers (2X-PGF) were synchronized with two injections of prostaglandin F2 alpha given 11 days apart and observed for estrus. Group 3 heifers …

Chromosome Abnormalities As A Possible Cause Of Reduced Fertility In Dairy Heifers, Stanley L. Henderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Chromosome evaluations were made on leukocyte blood samples from 169 phenotypically normal nulliparous Holstein heifers. These were from three different reproduction groups collected in sets of threes from 10 different herds in the western United States. Group 1, the control group, consisted of heifers diagnosed pregnant after one or two breedings; Group 2 consisted of heifers diagnosed pregnant after three or four breedings; and Group 3 consisted of heifers diagnosed open after four or more breedings. Metaphase chromosome spreads used in these analyses were obtained through 72-hour leukocyte cultures from heparinized whole blood. Processed cells were dropped onto a slide, …

The Effects Of Disease, Prey Fluctuation, And Clear-Cutting On American Marten In Newfoundland, Canada, Richard J. Fredrickson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Individual variation in survival and behavior of American marten (Martes americana) was studied in relation to disease, prey fluctuation, and clear-cutting from 10 January 1986 through 20 August 1987 in Newfoundland, Canada. Thirty-seven of forty marten captured on the study area were telemetered and monitored for part or all of the study.

Marten mortality was concentrated in two intervals, fall 1986 and late winter 1987. Mortality during fall 1986 was attributable to encephalitis, while marten deaths during late winter 1987 resulted from predation and starvation attributable to the prey decline. Nonsuppurative encephalitis was first detected 7 October 1986; …

A Descriptive Study Of Range Livestock Operations In The Somali Central Rangelands, Abdinasir M. Abdulle

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Information on livestock operations, particularly what kind of livestock operations are practiced in the Somali central rangelands, and how these operations differ for different herders in different vegetation types and farming systems, could serve as a major tool in making management decisions. This study provides a detailed description of range livestock operations in the Somali Central Rangelands. It also answers some important management questions.

Range livestock operations were inventoried through personal interviews with the owners and herders. Data are supplemented by previous nation-wide and regional survey statistics. Herd productivity data which include herd structures, age, age-related sales, slaughters, gifts, and …

Some Factors Affecting The Postpartum Interval In Sheep, Jose Pedro Cannas Simoes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effect of genotype on the occurrence of ovulation and estrus during the interval from lambing to ovulation accompanied by estrus (postpartum interval) was measured in White-Face and Black-Face ewes that lambed during the breeding season in 1986 and 1987. A group of St. Croix ewes was added to the study in 1987. The influence of lactation on the events of the postpartum interval was measured by comparing intact and mastectomized White-Face and Black-Face ewes. The effect of prolactin on postpartum interval was measured in these two genotypes and in a group of bromocriptine-treated Black-Face ewes that lambed in 1986. …

A Procedure For Developing A Carcass Merit Program For The Pork Industry, James Allen Burrow

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A stratified sample of 420 market hogs representing the seven 10- pound incremental carcass weight classes from 140 lbs. to 210 lbs., and the nine last rib back fat classes from less than .8 inches to 1.5 inches, or greater, within each weight class were analyzed to determine carcass value and yield of wholesale cuts. Simple correlation coefficients were calculated between each of the carcass measurements. The carcass yield data were manipulated by multiple regression procedures to achieve a series of equations for predicting the weights of the primal cuts. The benefits of being able to predict the weights of …

The Influence Of Embryo Cell Culture Systems On Pretransfer Development Of Early Ovine Embryos, Pablo Gabriel Daniel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The complete requirements for early embryo development in vitro of the ovine and other domestic species remain unknown. Many studies have concentrated on new media, supplementation, and gas atmosphere formulations.

A newer approach is to coculture early embryos with different cell types to provide the physico-chemical requirements for their development.

In this study, oviduct epithelial (OEC) and dissociated embryo cell (DEC) growth were tested in minimum essential media (MEM) and RPMI. Media were supplemented with fetal calf serum (FCS) and equine derived serum (EDS). Fetal calf serum supported maximum cell confluence in OEC collected on day 3 and day 13 …

Phenotypic Characterization Of Actinobacillus And Actinobacillus-Like Species Isolated From Ram Lambs With Epididymitis, Yen-Bou Liu

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to characterize phenotypically Actinobacillus and Actinobacillus-like species cultured from ram lambs with epididymitis (lamb epididymitis), so as to better understand the species and strains of Actinobacillus responsible for causing the disease. Two American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) type species of Actinobacillus (A actinomycetemcomitans and A seminis) and 24 field isolates were tested in this study. The field isolates were cultured from either lesions or semen of ram lambs with clinical epididymitis and had been identified as members of the genus Actinobacillus, based on cultural and morphological criteria. When analyzed by …

Utilization Of Poultry Waste (Composted Caged-Layer) As A Supplement For Sheep Fed Straw During Late Pregnancy, Raul Meneses R.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The utilization of composed caged-layer waste (CCLW) in diets for pregnant ewes fed cereal straw was evaluated. Five sheep were assigned to five diets containing, 0, 5.72, 11.37, 23.80, and 32.69% CCLW in a 5x5 Latin square design. Water intake, feed intake and feces output were measured. Feed and feces were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter, hemicellulose and minerals. Thus, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance could be calculated. Forty dry, pregnant ewes in the last third of generation were assigned to four dietary treatments contained 0, 11.25, 22.08 and …

Using Computer Imaging To Assess Visual Impacts Of Forest Insect And Disease Pests, Daniel Rabin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Forest insect and disease pests alter the appearance of trees, thereby impacting visual resources. Because of the complexity of most forest landscapes, the degree of visual impact of pest-infested forest stands is difficult to quantify.

This paper describes a method of measuring visual impacts of pest-infested forest stands. Photographs of healthy Ponderosa pine trees were entered into a computer video-image-processing system. Using this system, images of trees were altered to simulate different degrees of infestation by limb rust, a forest pathogen.

The altered and unaltered images were shown to groups of observers who rated the scenes in terms of "scenic …

Management, Foraging Behavior, Diet Composition And Forage Quality Of Free-Ranging But Herded Camels In Ceeldheer District, Central Somalia, Ahmed A. Elmi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In Somalia, camel (Camelus dromedarius) survivability and milk production has been higher than for other domestic livestock and contributes substantially to the subsistence of Somali pastoralists. The objective of this research was to study management, foraging behavior and nutrition of camels in their natural habitat to determine how production continues under seasonal nutritional stress.

Management systems of Ceeldheer pastoralists are based on available natural pasture and water. The natural rotation grazing system maintained an ecological equilibrium in the District.

Pastoralists manipulate their herds to suit existing environmental conditions, family needs and labor availability for herding. In herd management, …

Effect Of Bacterial Inoculant On Alfalfa Haylage: Ensiling Characteristics And Milk Production Response When Fed To Dairy Cows In Early Lactation, Barb Kent

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Third-cutting alfalfa hay harvested at bud stage in each of 2 yrs, treated with a live bacterial inoculant, packed in polyethylene-bonded bags and allowed to ensile. In both years, treated haylage had a lower pH, and a period effect was found for pH and mold count, regardless of treatment. In year 1, there was a period effect found for acid detergent fiber. In year 2, mean lactic-acid-producing bacteria numbers (log 10) were significantly higher for treated haylage (9.69 and 10.36) for control and treated haylage, respectively). Regardless of treatment, lactic-acid-producing bacteria numbers and water soluble carbohydrates significantly declined through time. …

Comparison Of Post-Weaning Performance And Carcass Traits Of Columbia And Cormo Crossbred Lambs, Carl Kim Chapman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Thirty-seven Columbia and Cormo Crossbred July-weaned weather lambs were utilized in this study. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate feed efficiency, average daily gain, feed cost per pound of gain, wool growth per day and per pound of grain, and average wool fiber diameter and distribution of fiber population of the wool. Lambs were raised to a uniform market weight of between 115 and 125 pounds and slaughtered to evaluate carcass weight, backfat thickness, loin eye area, internal body fat, leg circumference, dressing percentage, untrimmed wholesale cuts, trimmed retail cuts, and yield and quality grades. Suffok x Cormo/Rambouillet lambs …

The Effects Of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone And Milk Production On Pregnancy Rates In Repeat Breeder Dairy Cows, Laura Maureen Mitchell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

One hundred sixteen third- and fourth-service lactating dairy cows from five cooperating herds were used to compare the pregnancy rate of cows given Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone five minutes following insemination with pregnancy rate of control cows. In addition, milk production level, age at service and days in milk at time of service were used to compare pregnancy rates. Milk production level was expressed as relative value (percent of herd mature equivalent production). There were no differences between treated and untreated control cows in pregnancy rate. In addition, there were no differences between service number (3 or 4), relative value group, …

Nitrogen And Energy Budgets Of Production Ewes On Summer Range In Southwestern Utah, John W. Halpop

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nitrogen (N) and energy budgets for free-roaming ewes were quantified on mountain summer range in southwestern Utah in 1986 and 1987. Diet quality (%N), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and energy were estimated with the use of five esophageally fistulated ewes. Excretion rates of N and energy to feces and urine were measured by total collection from five nonfistualted ewes.

Total intake N(gN/(MBW*d^-1) tracked intraseasonal changes of dietary N percent but was apparently buffered by fluctuations in dry matter intake. In each year, total urine N was closely related to dietary N concentration, r²=0.97 (1986) …

Effect Of Feeding A Viable Yeast Culture On Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics, Milk Production Response And Apparent Nutrient Digestibility In Holstein Cattle, Mohamed H. Shokair

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Four barren Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulas were assigned to each of two dietary treatments in a replicated 2 x 2 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of a basal ration and a basal ration plus 10g/d of a viable yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Cows were fed treatments for a 21-day adaption followed by a 7-day collection period. Total ruminal bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria and protozoa were unaffected by treatment. Feeding the viable yeast culture significantly increased ruminal acetic acid and acetic/propionic ratio. Molar percentage of propionic, isobutyric, isovaleric and valeric acids and rumen ammonia-N levels were significantly reduced …

Luteinizing Hormone An Progesterone Response To Gnrh Administration At Insemination In Repeat-Breeder Holstein Cows, Robert Joseph Callan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Several studies suggest that the administration of GnRH near the time of insemination improves pregnancy rates in cattle. It has also been reported that there is greater improvement in repeat-breeder animals than at first service. The mechanism for this observation has not been established. Twenty-eight lactating Holstein cows that returned to estrus after one or more inseminations from the USU Caine Dairy were used in the study. Animals were randomly divided into two treatment groups, intramuscular administration of 100 ug GnRH or saline control at the time of insemination. Blood samples were collected at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and …

Comparing Different Methods For Determining Moisture In Wheat Using Nesr Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy, Weider Chang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

One hundred wheat samples, with moisture ranging from 14.42 %to 7.66 %, were used to test the moisture loss from grinding, the accuracy of moisture content from two different electric moisture meters, and the accuracy and precision of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy whole wheat moisture determination.

Fifty samples were ground through three grinders, Wiley, Cemotec, and UDY Cyclone grinder. Moisture content was determined from these ground samples, and compared with whole wheat moisture. The Cemotec grinder caused the least amount of moisture loss, followed by Wiley and then UDY Cyclone.

Fifty whole wheat samples were used to calibrate the Tecator …

Economic Aspects Of Reproductive Problems In Utah And Southeastern Idaho Dairy Herds, Steve Lemrick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

One hundred eighty-seven survey questionnaires asking for reproductive information for 1985 were sent to dairymen in Utah and Southeastern Idaho. Forty- two herds with current DHI information and whose owners or managers completed and returned the questionnaire were used to estimate economic losses due to reproductive problems, especially excessive days open, in Utah and Southeastern Idaho.

Average days open for herds surveyed were 122.4 days with a standard deviation of 22.6 days, and a range of 89 to 177 days. Several factors were significantly correlated with days open including services per conception, previous calving interval, and missed heats. Missed heats …

Selected Parameters Of Reproduction In Rambouillet And St. Croix Ewes, Ronald Cole Evans

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Experiments were conducted to determine the genetic reproductive potential of Rambouillet and St. Croix ewes . Ovulation rate (monthly) and estrus (daily) were observed for two years on 10 ewes of each breed to establish seasonal patterns . Both breeds demonstrated seasonal anestrus from May through July. Ovulation rates reached 2.0 or greater for both breeds during September to November, and decreased to 1.25 by March. Breeding groups for St. Croix and Rambouillet ewes were bred each February and August for five years to establish lambing performance at six month intervals. Age at first lambing was earlier for St. Croix …

Comparative Study Of Elongated Chromosomes In Sheep And Goats And A Proposed Standard, Stephen H. Mensher

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A cell synchronization technique was used that consistently yielded numerous elongated chromosomes, which are necessary for producing high-resolution G-banding. The prometaphase stage of contraction was determined to have the greatest utility for detailed comparative analysis and, therefore, was used in the preparation of the proposed standard high-resolution karyotypes and idiogram.

A proposed standard high-resolution G-band karyotype of the domestic sheep and goat is presented, along with a high-resolution G-band idiogram of the goat. The karyotypes presented contain considerably more bands than contemporary karyotypes and provide much greater resolution for linear differentiation. The X chromosome of the sheep is acrocentric, rather …

Effects Of Grazing Intensity By Sheep On The Production Of Atriplex Nummularia And Sheep Live Weight In Jordan, Kamal I. Tadros

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Rangelands in Jordan are deteriorated due to a combination of harsh environmental conditions and human misuse. Jordan is importing increasingly large quantities of meat and animal products to meet the demand from its growing population. Sheep are supplementarily fed during the dry season and large quantities of grain supplements are imported every year.

Significant success has been attained in the establishment of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (ATNU) in Jordan. There is, however, a general lack of adequate research to determine if ATNU is effectively utilized by local sheep, to what extent it is utilized and to what extent it tolerates grazing. …

Wood And Forage Production In Cleared And Thinned Dry Tropical Woodland: Implications To Goat Nutrition, Walter H. Schacht

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Wood for firewood, fence posts and construction material and forage for domestic livestock are key resources in the caatinga vegetation zone of northeastern Brazil. This experiment was designed as a preliminary assessment of thinned caatinga as the basis of a production system which optimizes forage and wood production. Two levels of thinning (25% and 55% tree canopy cover) were compared to cleared (0% tree canopy cover) and undisturbed (95% tree canopy cover) caatinga in terms of forage and wood production and goat nutrition.

Clearing and thinning of caatinga vegetation resulted in higher amounts of available forage through the wet ·season …

Compounds In Bovine Urine Which Change In Concentration During The Estrous Cycle: Possible Pheromones, Scott Kay Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

During the last thirty years it has become increasingly apparent that pheromones play a major role in animal communication. Of economic interest to agriculturalists is the role pheromones play in signaling the state of estrus. The ability to efficiently detect estrus is becoming increasingly important, especially in the management of dairy and beef herds, where artificial insemination is used extensively. The understanding of pheromones may eventually provide a solution to this problem.

The purpose of this study was to identify one or more compounds in the urine of cattle which undergo a change in concentration during the estrous cycle.

In …

Manganese Toxicity In Mice: Evaluation Of Neruochemical And Immunologial Alteration, Benjamart Srisuchart

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Neurochemical and immunological effects of manganese chloride (MnCl₂) were evaluated using young male CD-1 mice as the animal model. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of MnCl₂ (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks did not produce mortality or overt signs of toxicity in any of the treated animals. Manganese treatment increased the thymidine uptake of cultured splenic cells and the selective lymphoproliferative response to T-cell mitogens, phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A, in all the treated groups. No difference in the response to B-cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide was observed. A dose of 10 mg/kg MnCl₂ increased the mixed lymphocyte …

Factors Affecting Puberty, Estrus And Ovulation In Corriedale And Criollo Sheep Of The Southern Peruvian Highlands, Pedro Walter Bravo Matheus

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This research was conducted at the La Raya experiment station, Cusco, Peru (4200 m elevation, 15°S latitude, and 70 °W longitude) using 60 Corriedale, and 60 Criollo ewes during three consecutive years (April 1981 - March 1984). Age, and weight at puberty, age at physical maturity, and the effects of breed, age (physically immature and mature), year, and month were measured on body weight, incidence of estrus, and incidence and rate of ovulation. There was a significant difference (P<.05) among breed, year, and the interactions for body weight at puberty. The mean age at puberty for 1982-83 was 693.6 days (23.1 months) for Corriedale and 483.3 days (16.1 months) for Criollo. The mean liveweight at puberty was 27.2 kg for Corriedale, and 25.3 kg for Criollo. Corriedale ewe lambs weighed more than Criollo, attained puberty seven months later than Criollo. At comparable age (15-17 months) at the Southern Peruvian Highlands 100 % of the Criollo reached puberty, compared to 58% of the Corriedale. Body weight, incidence of estrus and ovulation were affected (P<.01) by breed, age, year, month, and their interactions. Physical maturity was attained at 39 and 36 months of age for Corriedale, and Criollo, respectively. Weight changes during the year were associated with feed availability. The mean overall incidence of estrus was 45.4 % for Corriedale (43.6 in physically immature, and 47.2 % in mature ewes), and 67.1 % for Criollo ewes (66.3, in physically immature, and 68.7 % in mature ewes). The mean overall incidence of ovulation was 39.6 % for Corriedale (39.7, in physically immature, and 39.5 % in mature ewes), and 58.5 % for Criollo ewes (59.4, in physically immature and 56.7 % in mature ewes). Both breeds demonstrated seasonality of estrus and ovulation with the Corriedale being shorter than the Criollo. The incidence of ovulation in both breeds was less than that of estrus. The ovulation rate was 1.00 for Corriedale, and 1.03 for Criollo (P>.05). Even though Criollo ewes weighed less than Corriedale, they attained puberty earlier, and showed less seasonality in estrus and ovulated …

Effect Of Spring Grazing By Cattle On Growth And Survival Of Shrub Seedlings Interplanted In Crested Wheatgrass, Lynn M. Mcconville

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A short duration-high intensity grazing trial was conducted in spring of 1985 to determine whether shrub establishment in crested wheatgrass pastures could be enhanced through spring grazing by cattle, or by fertilization of shrub seedlings. Data was collected on diet selection by cattle during spring grazing, and on subsequent shrub growth and survival. Shrubs studied were transplants of sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata, fourwing saltbush, Atriplex canescens, bitterbrush, Purshia tridentata, and one year old bitterbrush seedlings.

Cattle did not browse sagebrush or fourwing saltbush transplants, but utilization of bitterbrush transplants and seedlings averaged 15 and 42 percent, respectively. Shrub …