Animal Sciences Commons^™

The Influence Of Chromium Supplementation On The Insulin Pathway, Carcass Traits, And Meat Quality Of Feedlot Steers, Heather Rode

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chromium supplementation (Cr) can increase efficiency of growth in livestock by amplifying insulin signaling. Previous research showed Cr increases nutrient utilization and changes in muscle growth and fat deposition. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine how Cr affects carcass traits, meat quality, and the insulin pathway in feedlot steers. Calf-fed steers were allotted to 0 ppb (CON) or 400 ppb Cr propionate (Cr400) for 210d in experiment 1. Two longissimus muscle (LM) biopsies were collected to examine protein abundance and gene expression after adaptation to a terminal implant and after adaption to ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC). A follow …

Development And Application Of A Fish-Based Index Of Biotic Integrity For Lakes In Eastern South Dakota, Daniel T. Nelson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) was developed to summarize the impact of watershed and water quality degradation to biotic communities and help to provide a more complete picture of water quality changes that are not captured in traditional physical and chemical measurements. In 2014, nearly 15% of South Dakota lakes did not meet their designated beneficial uses based on water quality measures but the impacts to the fish communities are unknown. The goal of this study was to develop a fish-based IBI for eastern South Dakota lakes by addressing three specific objectives:
1) Determine whether an IBI could be …

Using Rna Seq To Define Genes And Pathways Affecting Salmonella Vaccine Response In Beef Cattle, Sara Awrahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A Salmonella siderophore receptor and porin (SRP) proteins vaccine is an intervention strategy to control Salmonella burden in cattle. The vaccine works by stimulating immunity to produce antibodies against bacterial SRPs as siderophore molecules play a major role in transporting iron to bacteria. Blocking iron uptake system by antibodies causes death of bacterial cells. The vaccine can also be useful to protect humans against salmonellosis, which causes high rates of illness and death annually, by reducing shedding of Salmonella in the feces of cattle. Though other researchers have evaluated efficacy and immune response of this Salmonella SRP vaccine, genes …

Go With The Flow: Patterns Of Connectivity In Low Dispersal Coral Reef Gobies (Coryphopterus Spp.) Throughout The Western Atlantic, Daniel Volk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Gene flow is an integral biological process that can mediate speciation. While many consider the ocean to be an open environment, there are many barriers that limit gene flow, particularly in the western Atlantic. I analyzed data from two widespread, coral reef fishes, the bridled goby (Coryphopterus glaucofraenum) and sand-canyon goby (C. venezuelae), throughout their range in the western Atlantic. Using two genetic datasets, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and genomic SNPs, I investigated the evolutionary history of these species and inferred the location and strength of putative barriers. My results suggest that several unique lineages have genetically diverged from one another …

The Paths Less Traveled: Movement Of Gopher Tortoises Along Roads And Railways, Rhett Rautsaw

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Urbanization and an expanding human population have led to a large degree of habitat destruction and fragmentation. These, in turn, reduce biodiversity and wildlife population sizes on a global scale. Transportation infrastructure, such as roads and railways, are some of the largest contributors to habitat fragmentation. Roads are well-established to negatively impact wildlife, but some studies suggest a potential use in habitat connectivity by functioning as wildlife corridors to connect distant populations. Railways are similarly known to impact wildlife by increasing mortality rates as well as provide unique risks such as electrocution and entrapment when compared to roads. However, the …

Evaluation Of A Bioprocessed Soybean Meal On Nursery Pig Immune Status And Disease Resistance, Jacob R. Koepke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weaning is a stressful time in a piglet’s life that can have negative impacts on performance and health if not managed properly. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of a bioprocessed SBM alone or in combination with spray-dried plasma (SDP) or fishmeal (FM) on immune response at weaning with no imminent disease threat and during a porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV) challenge. In the first trial, 239 pigs (initial BW 6.56 ± 0.87 kg, 21 d of age) were used in a 35-d study and allotted to one of 4 dietary treatments (10 pens/trt) according …

Growth Potential And Genetic Diversity Of Yellow Perch In South Dakota, Alex J. Rosburg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Yellow Perch Perca flavescens represent a valued sport fish throughout their range and are an important prey species for piscivorous fishes. In South Dakota, two distinct population types of Yellow Perch have been characterized that differ in growth, survival, and recruitment patterns. Fast growth populations exhibit high growth rates, high mortality, low population density, and inconsistent recruitment. In contrast, slow growth populations are characterized by reduced growth rates, low mortality, high population density, and relatively consistent recruitment. The role of genetics in contributing to these population characteristics is currently unknown. To address these questions, I used high-throughput restriction-site associated DNA …

Effects Of Maternal Plane Of Nutrition On Early Embryo Development And Offspring Performance, Erin E. Beck

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nutritional changes immediately after insemination can result in increased embryonic mortality, but the mechanisms that cause this increased mortality and the impact on the embryos that survive are not known. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of a nutritional change immediately following AI on calf performance, global DNA methylation, estrus expression and interval to estrus in heifers, peripheral metabolites, uterine luminal fluid metabolites, and day 6 embryo quality. In the first study (chapter 2) Angus-cross heifers (n = 142) were allotted into two developmental treatments: drylot or range. All heifers were fixed-time inseminated to a single sire …

Effect Of Reproductive Efficiency In Regards To Workload On Peripheral Circulations Of Blood Cortisol And Leptin In The Open Mare, Michaelle K. Coker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Effect of Reproductive Efficiency in Regards to Workload on Peripheral Circulations of Blood Cortisol and Leptin in the Open Mare

(December, 2016)

Michaelle Kathleen Coker, B.S., Texas A&M University

Thesis Director: Dr. John Michael Mehaffey

Quarter and Paint horse mares (n= 9) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups after being blocked based by expected conception date. Groups consist of mares on no work (NW), light work (LW), and moderate work (MW). Blood was taken weekly via jugular venipuncture prior to first heat cycle from each mare. Additionally, blood was taken at time of ovulation and then weekly …

Breeding Season Avian Community Composition And Prey Availability In Eucalyptus And Slash Pine Plantations Of Southwestern Louisiana, Elizabeth J. Messick

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The increased demand for wood products related to industries such as bioenergy and paper has resulted in a need for a consistent supply of raw materials. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) plantations have the potential to boost wood production for pulpwood and biomass feedstocks. Species characteristics such as rapid, indeterminate growth, coppice regrowth, resistance to disease and insects, and tolerance of a range of environmental conditions make these species successful short-rotation woody crops (SRWCs). Camden white gum (Eucalyptus benthamii), a more cold tolerant species, has made management of eucalyptus plantations viable in southern portions of the United States such …

Exploring The Relationship Between Behaviour And Neurochemistry In The Polyphenic Spider, Anelosimus Studiosus (Araneae: Theridiidae), Jennifer B. Price

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The importance of social behaviour is evident in human society, but there are both costs and benefits associated with cooperation and sociality throughout the animal kingdom. At what point do the benefits outweigh the costs, and when do selective pressures favour sociality and colonization over solitude and independence? To investigate these questions, we have focused on an anomalous species of spider, Anelosimus studiosus, also known now as the northern social spider. Throughout its broad range, A. studiosus is solitary and aggressive, but recently, colonies of cooperative and social individuals have been observed at northern latitudes. This leads to two …

Description Of Cranial Elements And Ontogenetic Change Within Tropidolaemus Wagleri (Serpentes: Crotalinae)., Nicolette L. Hill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Tropidolaemus wagleri is a species of Asian pitviper with a geographic range including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Bruniei, parts of Indonesia, and the hilippines. Tropidolaemus is a member of the Crotalinae subfamily, within Viperidae. The genus Tropidolaemus includes five species, and was once included within the genus Trimeresurus. While some osteologic characteristics have been noted a comprehensive description of cranial elements has not been produced for T. wagleri. An in-depth description of the cranial skeleton of Tropidolaemus wagleri lays the foundation for future projects to compare and contrast other taxa within Crotalinae and Viperidae. The chosen reference specimen …

Evaluation Of Bobcat (Lynx Rufus) Survival, Harvest, And Population Size In The West-Central Region Of South Dakota, Brandon M. Tycz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent concern regarding bobcat (Lynx rufus) population status has prompted researchers and managers to gather additional information about bobcats in South Dakota. From 2012–2015, we assessed population dynamics of bobcats occupying the west-central region of South Dakota. Our objectives were to: 1) estimate annual survival rates; 2) determine cause-specific mortality; 3) estimate a population size for the western prairie region of South Dakota; 4) estimate home range size of individually marked bobcats; 5) evaluate reproductive status; and 6) build a population model. We captured and radio-collared 51 (24 male, 27 female) bobcats with VHF collars. Annual survival was 65.1% (95% …

Evaluation Of Bison (Bison Bison) Ecology At The Olson’S Bison Conservation Ranches, Pine River Ranch, Manitoba, Canada, Joshua L. Leonard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bison (Bison bison), the largest mammalian species in North America, historically numbering in the tens of millions (Roe 1970, McHugh 1972, Dary 1989, Shaw 1995), was nearly extirpated at the turn of the 19th century (Knapp et al. 1999; Gates et al. 2010). At the time, estimates of less than 1,000 bison remaining in North America are widely accepted (Hornaday 1889; Seton 1927; Gates et al. 2010). The decline of bison includes factors such as disease (Flores 1991; Isenberg 2000), sport hunting (Danz 1997; Dary 1989; Hewitt 1919; Isenberg 2000; McHugh 1972), and unofficially funded commercial hunting by the U.S. …

Effect Of Oil And Natural Gas Development On Survival And Health Of White-Tailed Deer In The Western Dakotas, Katherine L. Moratz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oil and gas development in North Dakota has resulted in the need for information regarding how increased activity has affected white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. We evaluated white-tailed deer ecology in response to energy development and hypothesized that oil and gas development would negatively affect adult and neonate white-tailed deer due to increased vehicle traffic and human-related effects. We captured and radio-collared adult female and neonate white-tailed deer across three study areas: Dunn County, North Dakota, an area influenced by energy development, and Grant County, North Dakota, and Perkins County, South Dakota, areas not impacted by energy development at this …

The Effect Of Copper And Zinc Source On Pre-Weaning Performance Of Cows, Health And Performance Of Suckling Calves, And Post-Weaning Feedlot Performance, Carcass Composition, And Meat Quality Of Calves, Jesse Fulton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

During gestation an elevated level of nutrient intake is required by the cow in order to meet the requirements of the maturing fetus and if these requirements are not met, changes in fetal development can occur. However, little is understood about the effects of gestational manipulation of specific nutrients, such as minerals, on progeny growth, performance and carcass traits. Previous research supports the hypothesis that minerals provided in an organic form should be more soluble and readily available to the body for absorption. Therefore the objectives of this study were to determine if source of gestational and post-natal Cu and …

Manufacture, Concentration, And Functionality Of Micellar Casein Concentrate, Dustin Grossbier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research has been structured into 3 major parts. The first part evaluates a centrifugal evaporator to concentrate micellar casein concentrate (MCC). The second part evaluates a wiped film evaporator (WFE) to concentrate MCC. The third part evaluates heat stability of the high concentration MCC produced by WFE. In part 1, the primary objective was to achieve >25% total solids (TS) without a loss of water removal rate associated with high solids materials. This is of importance, industrially, as this could reduce processing costs or eliminate drying all together. The major finding was that it did not offer any benefits …

Three Overlooked Issues: Water Quality, Forage Quality, And Forage Blends Impacting The Feed Efficiency Of Dairy Cows, Ishwary Prasad Acharya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The overall objectives of the six studies were to increase the feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows. The first study evaluated the efficacy of different water sources and treatment systems on ruminal parameters using an in vitro gas production system. Outcomes of the study suggested that the source and nutrient quality of water can affect rate of ruminal fermentation. Thus, use of real farm water being offered to the cow to conduct in vitro gas production measurements may accurately predict the ruminal fermentation, digestibility and total gas production. The second study evaluated two recently developed leafy-floury corn silage hybrids against …

Survival, Abundance, And Relative Predation Of Wild Rainbow Trout In The Deerfield Reservoir System, South Dakota, Jeremy L. Kientz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss are routinely stocked in Black Hills streams and reservoirs to enhance angling opportunities for the public, however in most cases, hatchery-reared Rainbow Trout do not successfully recruit to establish natural populations. One exception is the Deerfield Reservoir system, where it is estimated that up to 25% of the Rainbow Trout population consists of naturally produced, wild Rainbow Trout. While recruitment of wild Rainbow Trout to the Deerfield Reservoir fishery does occur, annual stockings of 12,000 hatchery Rainbow Trout have continued. In recent years, adipose fin clips were used to identify hatchery Rainbow Trout stocked into Deerfield …

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 …