Animal Sciences Commons^™

New Microanatomical Characters For Scorpion Taxonomy (Arachnida: Scorpiones), Michael Brewer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Morphological characters used in scorpion systematics are limited to a few reliable structures. The most recent high-level, comprehensive revision of scorpion phylogeny, 38 of the 105 morphological characters were based on trichobothria – socketed mechanosensory seta (Soleglad & Fet, 2003). Other microstructures such as granules, setae, spines, etc. have been found in scorpions but their use for taxonomy was limited. In an effort to better understand the complex relationships among these ancient but similar looking animals, we attempted to first locate new microstructures and then assess their reliability and variability thus determining the levels at which they are diagnostic. The …

Estimation Of The Proportion Of Feed Protein Digested In The Small Intestine Of Cattle Consuming Wet Corn Gluten Feed, Paul J. Kononoff, S. K. Ivan, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objectives of this study were to expand the database and determine the intestinal digestibility of rumen undegradable protein (dRUP) of common dairy feeds and to determine the effects of feeding 37.9% wet corn gluten feed on these estimates. Two ruminally and duodenally fistulated steers were assigned randomly to a crossover design with 4-wk periods. The mobile bag technique was used to determine rumen undegradable protein (RUP), dRUP, total tract digestible protein, and total tract digestible dry matter of alfalfa hay, brome hay, alfalfa haylage, corn silage, whole cottonseed, soybean meal, soyhulls, ground corn, nonenzymatically browned soybean meal, and dried …

Characterizing Linkage Disequilibrium In Pig Populations, Feng-Xing Du, Archie C. Clutter, Michael M. Lohuis

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Knowledge of the extent and range of linkage disequilibrium (LD), defined as non-random association of alleles at two or more loci, in animal populations is extremely valuable in localizing genes affecting quantitative traits, identifying chromosomal regions under selection, studying population history, and characterizing/managing genetic resources and diversity. Two commonly used LD measures, r² and D’, and their permutation based adjustments, were evaluated using genotypes of more than 6,000 pigs from six commercial lines (two terminal sire lines and four maternal lines) at ~4,500 autosomal SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). The results indicated that permutation only partially removed the dependency of …

Mark-Recapture Of Chinese Paddle-Tail Salamanders (Pachytriton Brevipes) Using Spot Pattern Recognition, Michelle Lester

Undergraduate Honors Theses

An abundance and demography survey was conducted on Chinese Paddle-tail salamanders, Pachytriton brevipes, found within the Valley of the Wild Monkeys Park in Huangshan, China. Established mark-recapture sampling techniques were used to investigate population size of this species within the park's streams. Digital photographs were taken of all individuals encountered in order to identify recaptures in a non-invasive manner. There were 56 adult individuals encountered with six recaptured in Y A2 stream and 12 individuals with five recaptured in the Y Al stream. Both Jolly-Seber closed population and Lincoln-Peterson open population models were used to estimate population abundance. Estimates …

Use Of Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes To Enhance In Vitro Fermentation Of Alfalfa Hay And Corn Silage, Jong-Su Eun, K. A. Beauchemin, H. Schulze

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Two in vitro experiments were performed to identify promising exogenous fibrolytic enzyme products (EFE) and optimum dose rates (DR) for improving the degradation of alfalfa hay and corn silage. The relationship between enzymatic activity and fermentation responses was examined to identify optimum formulations. In experiment 1, 5 EFE containing mainly endoglucanase and xylanase activities, with different ratios between the 2 activities, were assessed at a DR of 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 mg/g of DM forage. Milled alfalfa hay or corn silage was incubated in an in vitro batch culture with buffer, ruminal fluid, and EFE. Gas production (GP) was measured …

Enhancing In Vitro Degradation Of Alfalfa Hay And Corn Silage Using Feed Enzymes, Jong-Su Eun, K. A. Beauchemin

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

A series of in vitro fermentation experiments was performed to assess the effects of 4 feed enzyme products (FE) that varied in enzymatic activities on the degradation of alfalfa hay and corn silage. The FE contained a range of endoglucanase, exoglucanase, xylanase, and protease activities, and a range of dose rates (DR) was used. The objective of the study was to identify effective formulations and optimum DR, and to establish if combining FE would further improve fiber degradation. For alfalfa hay, quadratic increases in gas production and degradation of dry matter (DM) and fiber were observed for all FE, with …

Comparison Of A Long Yearling System And Calf-Fed Performance And Economics, William A. Griffin, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson, Dillon M. Feuz, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A study was conducted to determine differences in performance, carcass characteristics, and profitability of a calf-feeding and a yearling production system. Yearlings had higher daily gains compared to calf-feds; however, calf-feds were more efficient than yearlings. Yearlings produced more weight than calf-feds leading to an improvement in profitability for yearlings compared to calf-feds. There were no differences in yield grade or percentage grading Choice for yearlings compared to calf-feds, even though calf-feds had higher fat thickness compared to yearlings.

Feed On Offer Photo Gallery : For Annual Pastures During The Green Period, Mandy (Catherine Amanda) Curnow, Lifetimewool (Australia)

Books & book chapters

Food on Offer, or FOO, is the amount of pasture available for sheep to eat. It is measured as dry matter per hectare, and then used to budget feed available and stocking rates for a given period.

FOO includes all green material above the ground and it is reported in kilograms of dry matter per hectare (kg DM/ha).

Environmental And Genetic Effects On Birth Weight And Survival Rate In Holstein Calves, Serdar Koçak, Mustafa Tekerli̇, Ceyhan Özbeyaz, Banu Yüceer

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of certain factors on birth weight and survival rate, utilizing the records of 8399 Holstein calves maintained at the Ceylanpınar State Farm in southeastern Anatolia. The data were collected from the calf barn sheets, including birth weight, pedigree details, and calf fate. The survival rate was scored as 1 (alive) or 0 (died) in accordance with the records. Analysis of variance indicated that the effects of year, season, parity, and calf sex on birth weight were significant (P < 0.01). Only calf sex had a significant (P < 0.01) influence on survival rate. The least squares means of birth weight for all calves averaged 38.79 ± 0.171 kg. The survival rates were 0.95 ± 0.004, 0.94 ± 0.004, and 0.92 ± 0.005 at 3, 6, and 12 months of life, respectively. Heritabilities were 0.115 ± 0.0023 for birth weight and 0.020 ± 0.009, 0.011 ± 0.008, and 0.011 ± 0.008 for 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month survival rates. Genetic correlations between birth weight and every rate of survival were estimated as -0.113, -0.012, and 0.106. The corresponding phenotypic correlations were 0.022, 0.014, and -0.013. It was concluded that the birth weight and survival rates of Holstein calves reared at Ceylanpınar State Farm were acceptable. However, further improvements can be accomplished by more effective feeding and management based on the low heritabilities.

Geographic Distribution: Ramphotyphlops Braminus (Brahminy Blindsnake). Usa: Florida: Alachua Co., Louis A. Somma

Papers in Herpetology

One adult within a temiite colony, beneath rock. UF 151211; additional specimens (UF 151212-14) were also found. All specimens were collected between 1200-1240 h at the Division of Plant Industry (DPI), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In 2006, another adult Ramphotyphlops braminus was collected by an employee at this site, near a greenhouse, and was kept in captivity until it escaped. Rhamphotyphlops is occasionally encountered by employees of DPI and it may be expanding its range, as there is one specimen (UF 147001) collected from the University of Florida campus (Powell Hall) adjacent to the DPI site (29°38'7.9080"N, …

Geographic Distribution: Ramphotyphlops Braminus (Brahminy Blindsnake). Usa: Florida: Volusia Co, Louis A. Somma, Paul E. Skelley

Papers in Herpetology

RAMPHOTYPHLOPS BRAMINUS (Brahminy Blindsnake). USA: FLORIDA: VOLUSIA Co.: New Smyrna Beach. 23Septernber 2006. Collected by Stacy Simmons. Verified by Kenneth L. Krysko, Florida Museum ofN atural History, University of Florida. One individual found on floor of residence. UF 151313. First county record. Originally turned in to Division of Plant Industry (DPI) , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, Florida, as a "worm for ID" on 27 September 2006; Entomology Log No. 6879. It is not clear if this single specimen indicates an established breeding colony in this county. However, this invasive, parthenogenic exotic is established in other Florida …

Color, Cooking Loss And Textural Properties Of Patties As Affected By Catfish Belly Flap Mince Size And Cooking Method, Jin M. Kim, Bartholomew W. Green

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Patties were prepared with different sizes of channel catfish belly flap mince. Belly flap meat was minced using four different sizes of openings of plate, mixed with salt, formed, and cooked by two methods, in water and oven. Results indicated no differences (P>0.05) in Kramer shear break force in the patties cooked by different methods for same size of mince. As size of meat particles for patties decreased, increased were hardness and gumminess, and color difference from fillet, but decreased were Kramer shear break force as well as percent cooking loss (p< 0.05). Patties cooked in an oven showed greater color difference from fillet, percent cooking loss, hardness, and gumminess than those cooked in water for the same size of meat particles (p < 0.05).

Frontmatter And Contents

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Appreciation is expressed to the following firms, associations, or agencies who provided grant support for research in the beef cattle program:

Abengoa Bionergy Corp., York, Neb.
Beef Board, Centennial, Colo.
Bioniche Lifes Services, Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, Neb.
CRINA, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, N. J.
Dakota Gold, Sioux Falls, S. Dak.
Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, Ind.
Golden Harvest Seeds, Waterloo, Neb.
Intervet, Millsboro, Del.
J.C. Robinson Seed Co., Waterloo, Neb.
Montana State University, Boseman, Mon.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Centennial, Colo.
Nebraska Beef Council, Kearney, Neb.
Nebraska Cattlemen, Inc., Lincoln, Neb.
Nebraska Corn Board, Lincoln, Neb. …

Utilization Of Dried Distillers Grains For Developing Beef Heifers, Jeremy L. Martin, Andrea S. Cupp, Richard J. Rasby, Karl V. Moline, Jeffrey W. Bergman, Mark Dragastin, Richard N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A two-year study evaluated feeding dried distillers grains (DDG) during heifer development on growth and reproductive performance. Supplements provided similar CP, energy, lipid, and fatty acids. Protein degradability of the supplements differed such that undegradable intake protein exceeded requirements of DDG heifers. Heifer pubertal development, artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rate, and overall pregnancy rate were not affected by supplement. However, AI conception rate and AI pregnancy rate were improved by feeding DDG in the heifer development diet.

Progestin Concentrations Alter Follicle Characteristics And May Affect Quality Of Oocytes (Eggs), Bayli J. Slepicka, Jeremy L. Martin, Robin Ten Broeck, Michelle M. Baltes, Debra T. Clopton, Zachary C. Hall, Natalie C. Hart, Shantille G. Kruse, Robyn A. Longfellow, Jocelyn R. Wiarda, Karl V. Moline, Jeffrey W. Bergman, Robert A. Cushman, Brett R. White, Andrea S. Cupp

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cows were treated with two progestin concentrations to develop ovulatory follicles exposed to different hormone environments. Cows were assigned to Control Group receiving a CIDR for 7 days (4-6 ng/ml of progestin), or to MGA-14 Group receiving 5mg/head/day of MGA for 14 days (< 1 ng of progestin). Our hypothesis was that the MGA-14 treatment would develop larger, persistent follicles with less granulosa cells per follicle volume and may have altered gene expression profiles in oocytes and granulosa cells. Cows in the MGA-14 treatment had larger follicles and less granulosa cells per volume than controls, suggesting that their development mimicked persistent follicles and may be of poorer quality.

Summary Analysis Of Grazing Yearling Response To Distillers Grains, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Lyle Lomas, Dale Blasi, Marc Epp, Don C. Adams, Walter H. Schacht, Sarah Morris, Kristin Gustad, Matthew A. Greenquist, James C. Macdonald, Richard N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Eight grazing experiments were summarized reflecting yearling performance when supplemented with 4.0 or 7.5 lb distillers grains. Daily gains were increased 0.53 and 0.89 lb/day. Subsequent feedlot performance was not influenced by distillers grains supplementation on grass. In a six-trial summary, each 1.0 lb of distillers grains decreased forage intake by 0.5 lb. Economic return for each $1.00 spent on distillers grains yielded returns from $1.41 to $1.94.

Comparing A Modified Dry By-Product To Dry Distillers Grains With Solubles In Growing Calf Diets, Crystal D. Buckner, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson, Kyle J. Vander Pol, Kip K. Karges, Matthew L. Gibson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A growing trial was conducted to contrast a new by-product, Dakota Bran Cake (DBRAN), against dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and evaluate the two by-products at two dietary inclusion levels on steer calf performance measurements. Diet treatments included 15% DBRAN, 30% DBRAN, 15% DDGS, and 30% DDGS, replacing a blend (70:30 ratio) of brome grass hay and alfalfa haylage (DM basis). Final BW, ADG, and DMI increased, while F:G decreased as the inclusion level for both of these by-products increased from 15 to 30% DM. DDGS significantly improved ADG and F:G compared to feeding DBRAN at both inclusion levels. …

Replacement Of Forage With Dried Distillers Grains Reduces Ruminal Methane Production, Eric J. Behlke, Tim Sanderson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Jess L. Miner

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Our objective was to determine how replacing forage with dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) affects ruminal methane production. Methane produced by lambs and ruminal cultures was quantified following the substitution of brome hay with DDGS. In vitro and in vivo methane production is reduced when brome hay is replaced with DDGS. A reduction in methane production in vitro is not associated with a reduction in energy produced in the form of volatile fatty acids or dry matter disappearance. Decreased ruminal methane production would increase the retention of gross feed energy and may explain the increase in ADG realized when …

Dried Distillers Grains As Creep Feed For Yearling Beef Cattle Grazing Sandhill Range, Richard N. Funston, Don C. Adams, Matt Stockton, Roger K. Wilson, Rex Davis, James R. Teichert

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Seventy-nine crossbred summer and fall-born steers and heifers were stratified by weight, calving group, and sex and assigned to treatment or control. Yearlings in the treatment group (TRT; n = 40) grazed native summer Sandhill range and had access to ad libitum dried distillers grains (DDG) pellet in a creep feeder for 54 days of a 63-day grazing period. Control (CON; n = 39) yearlings grazed in an adjacent pasture without DDG. Immediately after the grazing period, yearlings were placed in a feedlot and fed to a similar backfat endpoint. Individual forage and DDG intake estimates and animal ADG and …

Effect Of Feeding A By-Product Combination At Two Levels Or By-Product Alone In Feedlot Diets, Crystal D. Buckner, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Rick A. Stock, Kyle J. Vander Pol

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing cattle study was conducted to evaluate feeding a by-product combination at two inclusion levels, compared with these by-products fed alone, or a corn-based diet without by-products. Treatments consisted of 0% by-products, 30% WCGF (wet corn gluten feed), 15% WCGF with 15% WDGS (wet distillers grains with solubles), 30% WDGS, and 30% WCGF with 30% WDGS (DM basis). Final BW, ADG, and F:G were improved for cattle fed by-products, including the 60% Blend. No associative effects resulted from feeding WCGF and WDGS in a blend compared to these by-products fed alone. Feed conversion was similar for feeding a by-product …

Effects Of Different Inclusion Levels Of Wet Distiller Grains In Feedlot Diets Containing Wet Corn Gluten Feed, Pablo L. Loza, Kyle J. Vander Pol, Matthew A. Greenquist, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Rick A. Stock

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing trial was conducted to determine the optimum level of inclusion of distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS; Abengoa, York, Neb.) in diets containing 30% wet corn gluten feed (WCGF, Sweet Bran®, Cargill, Blair Neb.) Six WDGS inclusion levels (0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30%DM) were compared with a dry rolled corn (DRC)/high moisture corn (HMC)-based diet. The inclusion of 30% Sweet Bran® in the diets improved DMI, ADG and feed conversion when compared to a corn-based diet. DMI tended to respond quadratically to WDGS inclusion level, ADG responded quadratically, while F/G was not affected by WDGS level. Diets containing …

Effects Of Roughage Source And Level With The Inclusion Of Wet Distillers Grains On Finishing Cattle Performance And Economics, Joshua R. Benton, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Kyle J. Vander Pol, Matthew A. Greenquist

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing trial was conducted to evaluate roughage source and level compared to no roughage inclusion in finishing diets containing 30% (DM basis) wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Roughage sources included alfalfa hay, corn silage, or corn stalks fed at either a low (4% alfalfa hay) or high (8% alfalfa hay) level and sources were included on an equal NDF basis. In general, higher roughage levels increased DMI, ADG, and profit. However, steers fed 3% corn stalks performed similarly to steers fed high levels of roughage. When roughage was eliminated from the diet, DMI, ADG, and profit were decreased …

Effect Of Corn Processing And Wet Distillers Grains Inclusion Level In Finishing Diets, Mark E. Corrigan, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Kyle J. Vander Pol, Matthew A. Greenquist, Matt K. Luebbe

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Dry-rolled corn (DRC), high-moisture corn (HMC), or steam-flaked corn (SFC) was replaced with increasing levels of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS; 0, 15, 27.5, 40% DM) to determine if an interaction exists between corn processing method and WDGS level in finishing steer diets. Optimal feedlot performance was observed with 40%, 27.5%, and 15% WDGS in DRC, HMC, and SFC based diets, respectively. Fat thickness, DMI, and marbling score responded quadratically to WDGS level and incidence of liver abscess decreased linearly with increasing WDGS levels. In conclusion, a greater response to WDGS level was observed with less intensely processed corn.

Optimum Levels Of Dry Distillers Grains With Solubles For Finishing Beef Steers, Crystal D. Buckner, Galen E. Erickson, Terry L. Mader, Sheryl L. Colgan, Kip K. Karges, Matthew L. Gibson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A feedlot study was conducted to evaluate increasing levels of dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in corn-based diets on steer performance. Treatments consisted of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% (DM basis) DDGS dietary inclusion. Quadratic trends were observed for final BW and ADG with increasing levels of DDGS and 20% inclusion being the most improved. DMI was not changed with DDGS treatment level, while F:G was numerically optimum for 20% inclusion, although all DDGS levels had improved F:G compared to the 0% treatment. No differences in carcass characteristics were observed. Energy value of DDGS at 10 to …

Pen Density And Straw Bedding During Feedlot Finishing, Terry L. Mader, Sheryl L. Colgan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two experiments evaluated effects of straw bedding (in sheltered and unsheltered facilities) and pen density (in unsheltered facilities) on cattle performance during winter/spring (mid-December to late March) seasons. Bedding had no effect on overall performance in the sheltered facilities, but performance improvements were noted from December through February in unsheltered facilities. Lowering pen density(increasing pen space per animal) improved performance and lowered mud condition scores on the animal and in the feedlot.

Feedlot Surface Conditions And Ammonia Emissions, Dawn M. Sherwood, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Dennis D. Schulte, Richard R. Stowell

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Moisture and urine were applied to a feedlot surface in a 2x2 factorial design. Forced-air wind tunnels were used to determine differences in the net flux of ammonia (NH₃) being volatilized. Surface DM, pH and surface temperature were all analyzed within each treatment to determine effect on NH₃ net flux. No effects of urine were detected. There were differences detected due to moisture and moisture*time with the dry plots releasing significantly more NH3.

Effect Of Phase Feeding Protein On Cattle Performance And Nitrogen Mass Balance In Open Feedlots, Stephanie A. Quinn, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Richard R. Stowell, Dawn M. Sherwood

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two experiments using calves fed 176 days from November to May (WINTER) and yearlings fed 117 days from May to September (SUMMER) were conducted to compare conventional CP levels to phase-fed diets balanced for degradable intake protein and undegradable intake protein on performance and N volatilization. Phase fed diets were formulated to balance degradable intake protein and metabolizable protein. Phase feeding resulted in greater ADG and better F:G in WINTER and similar performance in SUMMER than traditional feeding methods. Nitrogen excretion was significantly reduced in both WINTER and SUMMER which translated into significantly less N volatilization without impacting N removed …

Changes In Gain Through The Feeding Period, James C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson, Kyle Vander Pol

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Three years of research trials were compiled to determine how weight gain changes throughout the feeding period. Results suggest that body weight and carcass weight increase linearly through the feeding period. While daily gain decreases on a body weight basis, it remains constant on a carcass basis suggesting that nearly all of the weight gain is transferred to the carcass at the end of the feeding period.

Performance Profile And Carcass Characteristics Of Steers Fed Optaflexx, Matthew A. Greenquist, Kyle J. Vander Pol, Galen E. Erickson, William J. Platter, Michael T. Van Koevering

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

An experiment evaluated the live BW response of steers being fed Optaflexx for various durations. The design consisted of two Optaflexx levels (0 vs. 200 mg per steer daily) and two Optaflexx feeding durations (28 or 42 days immediately prior to slaughter). However, Optaflexx was started on the same day (day 151 of the feeding period). Feeding 200 mg/steer daily of Optaflexx significantly (P<0.01) improved final BW, ADG, and F:G compared to controls. Feeding 200 mg /steer daily of Optaflexx provided 16.4 and 18.8 lb of added BW above controls for the 28 and 42 feeding duration, respectively, but most (approximately 87%) of this weight gain was within the first 28 days of the time that Optaflexx was fed.

Evaluation Of Excede® Given At Either Initial Processing Or Revaccination On Bovine Respiratory Disease And Pasture Vs. Feedlot Receiving Systems, Virgil R. Bremer, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Kyle J. Vander Pol, Matthew A. Greenquist, David R. Smith, Dee Griffin, Gary E. Sides, Lonty Bryant

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

An experiment (Exp. 1) was conducted to determine the effect of Excede® at arrival or at revaccination on morbidity, mortality, and gain in both feedlot and pasture receiving systems. A second experiment (Exp. 2) was conducted to determine the effect of feedlot and pasture receiving systems on animal health. In Exp. 1, no treatment differences were observed for initial or final BW, or ADG. In Exp. 1, initial BW, treatment, receiving system (pasture or feedlot); and buyer of cattle explained the cumulative incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The incidence of BRD in this study was 4.7%, 11.0%, and 13.8% …