Animal Sciences Commons^™

A Nebraska Bird-Finding Guide, Paul A. Johnsgard

Zea E-Books Collection

Nebraska lies in the transition zone between North American eastern and western avifaunas and is home to more than 200 breeding and 150 migrant species. This definitive guide to Nebraska birdwatching by the state’s preeminent ornithologist includes a county-by-county rundown of the best sites, a calendar of migrations, an annotated checklist of regularly occurring Nebraska birds, and recommendations for optical equipment, publications and reference materials, and contact information for conservation and ornithological groups. It features 48 maps as well as photographs and drawings by the author.

Paul Johnsgard, Foundation Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, is …

Debrazza’S Monkeys (Cercopithecus Neglectus) In A Mixed-Taxa Zoo Exhibit: Effects On The Behavior Of A Breeding Group Of Debrazza’S Monkeys After The Birth Of An Infant, Rachel Diamond

Psychology Honors Projects

Historically, zoos rarely feature mixed taxa exhibits including multiple primate species; the Minnesota Zoo opened such a unique four-species exhibit featuring Rock hyraxes, Red River hogs, Colobus monkeys, and DeBrazza’s monkeys in May, 2010. Because of potential problems associated with territoriality and aggression, primates in mixed-taxa exhibits are generally non-breeding. However, the DeBrazza’s monkeys at the MN Zoo are a breeding pair with a juvenile offspring. The intent of this study was to design an ethogram with the purpose of calculating the effects of a mixed taxa exhibit on the behavior of this breeding group, and to compare their behavior …

The Aquarium Trade As An Invasion Pathway In The Pacific Northwest, Angela L. Strecker, Philip M. Campbell, Julian D. Olden

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

The aquarium trade moves thousands of species around the globe, and unwanted organisms may be released into freshwaters, with adverse ecological and economic effects. We report on the first investigation of the ornamental pet trade as an invasion pathway in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where a moderate climate and a large human population present ample opportunities for the introduction and establishment of aquarium trade species. Results from a regional survey of pet stores found that the number of fish (n=400) and plant (n=124) species currently in the aquarium trade is vast. Pet stores import thousands of …

Geochemical Analysis Of Ancient Fremont Activity Areas At Wolf Village, Utah, Laura Morrison Pyper

Theses and Dissertations

There is growing interest in the use of geochemical analyses for the evaluation of anthropogenically altered soils and other archaeological deposits. Areas of human habitation and activity tend to accumulate greater levels of soil phosphorus and trace metals. These elevated concentrations leave permanent signatures that can only be removed by erosion of the soil itself, and so phosphorus and trace metal mapping have become popular field procedures to identify areas of habitation and activity. Gridded soil samples were collected and soil phosphate and trace metal ions were extracted to identify these activity areas at the ancient Fremont site Wolf Village …

Dried Distillers' Grain With Solubles In Laying Hen And Pullet Rations, Mahmoud K. Masa'deh

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objective of this dissertation was to test different inclusion rates of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) with or without enzyme supplementation.  Study one was conducted to test DDGS at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25% on egg production parameter (24 through76 wk). As DDGS increased, egg wt. decreased during Phase I.  However; no difference in egg wt. was observed during Phase II.  Yolk color linearly increased with increasing DDGS level.  Nitrogen and P retention increased as DDGS increased.  Nitrogen and P excretion decreased with increasing DDGS.  Study two was conducted to test DDGS inclusion of 0, 2.5, …

Environmental Implications Of Polymer Coated Urea, Joshua James Lemonte

Theses and Dissertations

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient in the biosphere. Although N is necessary and beneficial for life, it is also a common pollutant in the atmosphere and hydrosphere as it may be lost to the atmosphere as ammonia (NH3) or nitrous oxide (N2O) gases or to groundwater as nitrate (NO3-) following fertilization. Polymer coated urea (PCU) is one type of N fertilizer which uses temperature-controlled diffusion to control N release to better match plant demand and mitigate environmental losses of N. The objectives of this project were to simultaneously compare the effects of PCU on gaseous (as N2O and NH3) …

The Effects Of Climate Change On Basic Animal Cell Functions, Michelle Fulbright, Andrew Andres

Festival of Communities: UG Symposium (Posters)

Increasing global temperatures during the 21st century may have detrimental effects on basic cell functions within ectothermal animals. This project aims to systematically examine the effects of climate change on secretory cargo localization through the analysis of Rab Proteins found in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Rab Proteins play an essential role in vesicular transport within the cell and can be genetically manipulated to monitor the biological consequences of global warming.

Accumulation Of Polonium-210 In Different Species Of Fish In Lake Mead, Suraj Ghevarghese John, Shungmugam Nallaperumal, Vernon Hodge

Festival of Communities: UG Symposium (Posters)

Discovered by Pierre Curie and Marie Skłodowska-Curie in 1898, polonium is a chemical element with an atomic number of 84. This rare naturally occurring radioactive element is chemically similar to bismuth and tellurium, and forms in uranium ores. Polonium-210 is an naturally occurring radioactive element with a half-life of 138.376 days(1). This element is found in trace amounts in most organisms. Our research is focused on the accumulation of polonium-210 in fish that occupy in Lake Mead.

The sample species is chosen based on varying lake stratification (layers of the lake). This gives us a good idea of the difference …

Effect Of Temperature And Oxygen Levels On Lactate Production In Palaemonetes Pugio, Robin Schofield, Teresa Mika, Carl Reiber

Festival of Communities: UG Symposium (Posters)

Oxygen delivery rates must keep pace with the increased metabolic rate observed in poikilothermic animals exposed to increased temperature if aerobic metabolism is to be maintained. Physical failure of the oxygen delivery system to meet these demands may be a mechanism of cardiac failure in crustaceans at temperature extremes. As part of the determination of the effect of temperature on the cardio-respiratory system, we are measuring whole animal lactate levels in grass shrimp acclimated to 20°C over temperature ranges in normoxic and hyperoxic conditions. Lactate levels are measured as an indicator of a switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. Animals …

Determining The Composition Of The Dwelling Tubes Of Antarctic Pterobranchs, Lukasz J. Sewera

Honors Projects

Pterobranchs are a group of marine invertebrates within the Hemichordata, which share characteristics with both chordates and echinoderms.  Pterobranchs live in colonies of secreted tubes, coenicia, which are composed of a gelatinous material of unknown composition.  Visually, the tubes appear similar to the tunic of tunicates, a group of invertebrates within the Chordata. The nonproteinaceous tunic of tunicates is composed of cellulose, which is unusual.  The goal of this study was to determine the composition of the pterobranch coenicium. Some aspects of pterobranch phylogeny are still unclear even after multiple molecular and morphological studies.  Identification of any new shared characteristics …

Wetland Management Guidelines For Nebraska's Wildlife Management Areas, Ted Lagrange, Randy Stutheit

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: White Papers, Conference Presentations, and Manuscripts

Prior to Euro-American settlement, wetlands covered about 6% of the Nebraska landscape. Since settlement, the state’s wetlands have suffered serious decline. For example, approximately 90% of Rainwater Basin playa wetlands and 90% of the eastern saline wetlands have been destroyed or are highly degraded. Remaining wetlands are threatened by conversion to other uses (e.g. agriculture), invasive and aggressive vegetation, siltation, and lack of proper management. Only through sound management can the wetlands on our Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) be preserved for the citizens of Nebraska, as well as the native plants and wildlife dependent on them.

This section is directed …

Morphological Variation Between Juvenile White Bass And Juvenile Hybrid Striped Bass, Ryan W. Lueckenhoff

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

While identifying recruitment bottlenecks for white bass Morone chrysops, we encountered difficulty distinguishing between age-0 white bass and age-0 hybrid striped bass M. saxatilis x chrysops. Accurate identification of juvenile white bass and hybrid striped bass will improve the quality of data gathered for research and monitoring efforts. The first objective of this study was to estimate biologists’ accuracy identifying juvenile white bass and juvenile hybrid striped bass, and to determine which characteristics biologists were using during identification. Overall, identification accuracy was 71%. Biologists who placed less emphasis using the characteristic "broken horizontal lines" or who examined >99 …

Estimation Of The Number Of Days Required To Determine Usual Antioxidant Intakes And Assessment Of The Prevalence Of Nutrient Inadequacy Among College Students, Catherine G. Davis

Master's Theses

High intake of antioxidant rich foods has been shown to decrease risk factors of chronic disease.  Young adulthood may be crucial in establishing healthy lifestyles including adequate nutrient consumption.

The present study was designed 1) to estimate usual nutrient intakes, 2) to calculate the number of days required to estimate usual antioxidant intake, and 3) to assess intake adequacy from diet and diet + supplement sources by using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR).  The USDA Flavonoid and Proanthocyanidin databases, food consumption data, and dietary supplement use data from 60 students aged 18-25 years at the University of Connecticut were utilized. …

The Genus Butheoloides Hirst, 1925 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) In Morocco, With A Description Of А New Species, Wilson R. Lourenço, Oulaid Touloun, Ali Ali Boumezzough

Euscorpius

A new species belonging to the genus Butheoloides Hirst, 1925 (subgenus Butheoloides Hirst, 1925) (Scorpiones, Buthidae) is described from two localities in Morocco: north of Sidi Ifni in the southern coast and Sidi Moussa west of Tiznit. With the description of Butheoloides (Butheoloides) littoralis sp. n., the total number of species of this genus known from Morocco is raised to five. This makes Morocco the region in Africa with the highest diversity for Butheoloides species.

Molecular Correlates Of Social Dominance: A Novel Role For Ependymin In Aggression, Lynne U. Sneddon, Rupert Schmidt, Yongxiang Fang, Andrew R. Cossins

Ethology Collection

Theoretical and empirical studies have sought to explain the formation and maintenance of social relationships within groups. The resulting dominance hierarchies have significant fitness and survival consequences dependent upon social status. We hypothesised that each position or rank within a group has a distinctive brain gene expression profile that correlates with behavioural phenotype. Furthermore, transitions in rank position should determine which genes shift in expression concurrent with the new dominance status. We used a custom cDNA microarray to profile brain transcript expression in a model species, the rainbow trout, which forms tractable linear hierarchies. Dominant, subdominant and submissive individuals had …

La Crosse Fish Health Center Onalaska, Wisconsin

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

The La Crosse Fish Health Center (Center) is located in Onalaska, Wisconsin in the southwest corner of the state bordering the Mississippi River. The Center is one of nine fish health laboratories operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to serve the National Fish Hatchery System. The Center was established in 1962 and moved to its current facilities in 1995. The staff consists of eight permanent w/ 1 vacancy, 4 experience program students, and 2 student volunteers.

As an aquatic animal health laboratory, the Center services include health inspections, diagnostics, training opportunities, and technical information exchange to five Regional …

Jackson National Fish Hatchery Restoring America's Fisheries

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Jackson NFH was originally established in 1950 as part of the Palisades Dam Act. Today, the hatchery’s primary emphasis is producing eggs and fish to mitigate for fish losses from Federal water development projects and for Tribes, States, and research facilities. The 40 acre Jackson NFH station is located on the USFWS National Elk Refuge. The hatchery rears native Snake River cutthroat trout for a distribution area that covers close to 18,000 square miles. The facility is also part of the USFWS National Broodstock Program.

Carterville Fishery Resources Office

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Carterville Fishery Resources Office (FRO) was established in 1981 and is located at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Marion, Illinois. The office provides fishery management assistance to other Fish and Wildlife Service offices, federal and state agencies, and Department of Defense military bases in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio. Carterville FRO accomplishes its mission of conserving, enhancing, and protecting fish and aquatic ecosystems by working with partners.

Carterville FRO, in partnership with the Columbia FRO, assists the 28 states of the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association (MICRA) with a basin-wide paddlefish stock assessment. Carterville FRO has operated a …

Nomadic Knowledge Of The Yak: A Case Study In The Khangai Mountains, Mongolia, Jesse Geary

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

It is extremely important to probe and preserve the knowledge of nomadic herders of Mongolia. There is no formal piece of literature that dictates how these clever humans survive. Their lifestyle requires a vast skill set spanning from construction knowledge, to navigational skills, to a deep understanding of their animals. One attains this knowledge through years of observation, listening, and attempting to mimic their parents. In this way, knowledge is passed on from one generation to the next. Investigating herder’s knowledge of the yak provides a window into the animal husbandry practices of Mongolian nomads. The herders in the central …

The Quest For Fisheries Sustainability: Age, Growth And Maturity Of Golden Trevally (Gnathanodon Speciosus) In Australia, Elise Koob

Inquiry Journal 2011

No abstract provided.

Growing South Dakota (Spring 2011), College Of Agriculture &. Biological Sciences

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

[Page] 2 Classroom to Careers: An Optimistic Outlook Awaits Ag & Biological Sciences Graduates
[Page] 5 New Opportunities: Intro Ag Courses To Be Offered in Rapid City
[Page] 6 Budget Reality: Funding Cuts Prompt Structure and Staff Changes
[Page] 7 Gearing Up for DakotaFest: Replicated SDSU Campus, Educational Forums and Fundraising Auction Planned
[Page] 8 Continuing a Legacy: &1 Million Livestock Judging Endowment Being Established
[Page] 10 4-H Fun: Unique 4-H Activities Spark Student Interest in Science
[Page] 12 Innovative Outreach: BBQ Boot Camp Connect Consumers to Meat Industry
[Page] 13 College News
[Page] 14 Relevant Research: New, More Efficient …

Predators Of Enashiva: A Survey Of Occurrence & Distribution, Adrienne Fisk Bowles

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study was conducted during a period of 16 days (April 10 to April 26, 2011) at the Enashiva Nature Refuge in Northern Tanzania. It was a modified repeat study, using the same methodologies of a mammal survey conducted in November 2009, however this study only focused on occurrence and distribution of predators in the highest trophic level and accounted for reptile and birds, in addition to mammals. Based upon the findings of the November 2009 study, it was hypothesized that the woodland would have the highest predator species richness. This hypothesis was supported by the data; the woodland habitat …

Assessing Possible Environmental Causes Behind The Reduced Colonisation Of Western Rock Lobster Puerulus Collectors By A Wide Suite Of Species. Frdc Report : Project 2008/085, Simon De Lestang, Jason How, Shelley Foster

Fisheries Research Reports

Objectives 1) Begin monitoring the community composition of marine flora and fauna along the Western Australian coastline during this current poor settlement period. 2) Develop standard methodology for monitoring the spatial and temporal variability in the settlement of marine flora and fauna. 3) Determine what environmental parameters may be linked to the majority of variation in the floral and faunal communities colonizing puerulus collectors, focusing on those relating to puerulus settlement. 4) Identify indicator marine flora and fauna species for monitoring the influences of environmental change on Western Australian marine environment. 5) Detect any known or potential introduced marine pests …

Quantifying Recreational Fishing Catch And Effort: A Pilot Study Of Shore-Based Fishers In The Perth Metropolitan Area, Claire B. Smallwood, K H. Pollock, Brent S. Wise, Norman G. Hall, Daniel J. Gaughan

Fisheries Research Reports

Recreational fishing is a popular activity throughout Western Australia, including adjacent to the populous Perth Metropolitan area. Understanding the level of catch and effort associated with this activity is essential for the sustainable management of fish stocks. Whilst the focus of recent surveys in the Perth Metropolitan area has been on boat-based fishers targeting demersal species, shore-based fishing has not been measured for many years. Recent changes to management controls for these demersal species, including the implementation of a fishing boat licence, may increase existing pressures on nearshore stocks by displacing fishing effort onto these resources. Therefore, a need exists …

Impact Of The Proposed Kimberley Lng Precinct On Customary Fishing In The Vicinity Of James Price Point, Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Occasional Publications

No abstract provided.

Section Abstracts: Agriculture, Forestry And Aquaculture Science

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Aquaculture Sciences section for the Virginia Academy of Science 89th Annual Meeting, May 25-27, 2011, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.

The Secretive Shorebirds: Nebraska’S Phantom Migrants, Paul A. Johnsgard

Paul Johnsgard Collection

Much less apparent and well known than the annual crane migration is Nebraska’s role in the spring and fall migrations of shorebirds such as sandpipers, plovers, curlews and godwits. These migrations are inconspicuous, in part because of the fact that most long-distance shorebird flights occur at night. Shorebirds also never migrate in the enormous flocks that are so typical of geese and cranes, and their flights are usually unaccompanied by loud calls. Yet, they are massive if nearly invisible migrations, involving over 30 species and an estimated 200,000–300,000 birds. Many of the species travel from South American wintering grounds, and …

Wpa News 87 (2011), World Pheasant Association

Galliformes Specialist Group and Affiliated Societies: Newsletters

WPA News (Springr 2011), number 87

Published by the World Pheasant Association

Nitric Oxide Synthesis By Chicken Macrophages Results In Coordinated Changes Of Multiple Arginine Transporters, Michael Moulds

Master's Theses

Arginine transport is primarily mediated by the cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) in mammalian cells, but in aves the y⁺, b^0,+ and B^0,+ transport systems have also been observed. Arginine is the limiting catabolic substrate required for the production of nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive compound that acts as a signaling molecule or killing compound. NO is synthesized by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by macrophages for pathogen clearance. In mammals, CAT-2B is responsible for ARG import in the macrophage for NO synthesis, but the chicken CAT-2B isoform does not transport ARG. Therefore the objective …

Governance Of The Western Rock Lobster Fishery And Marine Stewardship Council Principle 3 Effective Management, Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Occasional Publications

No abstract provided.