Animal Sciences Commons^™

Using High-Pressure Processing To Improve The Quality Of Dark-Cutting Beef, Ashley A. Hahn

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

Previous studies have shown high-pressure processing (HPP) can be utilized to improve lean color of dark-cutting beef color by increasing the lightness and redness of steaks. However, the optimal parameters of length of time product is held under pressure and at which pressure must be applied have yet to be fully defined. Furthermore, the impact of HPP on color labile muscles in dark-cutting beef are currently unknown. Therefore, two studies were designed and specific efforts were focused on first defining optimal parameters for color stable muscles, followed by determining the effect of HPP on dark-cutting color labile muscles.

In the …

Relationship Between Host Genomics And Microbiomics In Beef Cattle, Andrew D. Lakamp

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

As sequencing technology becomes more affordable and throughput increases, microbiome information is becoming more readily available. For beef cattle selection, microbial information has a variety of uses including being a target for genetic prediction or used as a means to explicitly describe additional phenotypic variability in other traits.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), commonly known as pinkeye, is a disease that infects the ocular surface and surrounding tissue which is an animal health and producer economic concern. Vaccinations have shown to have variable effectiveness, while limited genetics studies have suggested that direct genetic selection for resistance would be slow. Therefore, an …

Examining Factors Of Variance In Energy Metabolism Of Dairy Cattle, Addison L. Carroll

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

Variation is thought to occur in the use of dietary energy for production in dairy cattle. First, variance can be observed when new methane mitigation strategies are fed resulting in increased H₂ output potentially resulting in downstream effects on estimates of heat production via the Brouwer (1965) equation. Therefore, in chapter 3 a review was created to systematically describe the mathematics and theory behind the Brouwer equation, and rederive a heat production equation to integrate H₂ production. Results indicate heat production using the classical Brouwer equation (1965) relative to the rederived equation resulted in an overestimation of heat …

Impacts Of Annual Forage Management On Grazing Cattle Performance And Carrying Capacity, Shelby Davies Jenkins

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

Rapid conversion of historical grasslands to cropland in recent history has led to limited perennial pasture availability and an increase in cost of pasture rent. Annual forages are an alternative grazing source. Many annual forages can grow and accumulate stockpile following summer harvest of wheat. Strip grazing is often suggested to increase grazing efficiency of stockpiled forages. To evaluate this, a stockpiled mixture of annual forages were either strip grazed or grazed continuously in the fall and winter. The mixture contained oats and rapeseed in the first year and a diverse warm season annual mixture in the second. Strip grazing …

The Impact Of Wild Pigs (Sus Scrofa) On Avian Occupancy And Vegetation Structure, Kenneth Wilson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Invasive species, particularly wild pigs (Sus scrofa), pose a significant threat to native ecosystems through both direct and indirect impacts. Wild pigs are large-bodied omnivorous species that can consume a wide variety of plants and animals and are known for destructive foraging behaviors, which likely threatens avian communities through habitat alteration and can impact the long term structure of ecosystems where they are present.

In chapter 1, we used a combination of avian point count surveys, vegetation assessments, and camera trap surveillance to quantify how the occupancy of breeding birds in bottomland hardwood forests changed in relation to …

Multimodal Interactions In Stomoxys Navigation Reveal Synergy Between Olfaction And Vision, Merid N. Getahun, Steve B.S. Baleba, John Ngiela, Peter Ahuya, Daniel Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Stomoxys flies exhibit an attraction toward objects that offer no rewards, such as traps and targets devoid of blood or nectar incentives. This behavior provides an opportunity to develop effective tools for vector control and monitoring. However, for these systems to be sustainable and eco-friendly, the visual cues used must be specific to target vector(s). In this study, we modified the existing blue Vavoua trap, which was originally designed to attract biting flies, to create a deceptive host attraction system specifically biased toward attracting Stomoxys. Our research revealed that Stomoxys flies are attracted to various colors, with red proving to …

Biosense: An Automated Sensing Node For Organismal And Environmental Biology, Andrea Contina, Eric Abelson, Brendan Allison, Brian Stokes, Kenedy F. Sanchez, Henry M. Hernandez, Anna M. Kepple, Quynhmai Tran, Isabella Kazen

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Automated remote sensing has revolutionized the fields of wildlife ecology and environmental science. Yet, a cost-effective and flexible approach for large scale monitoring has not been fully developed, resulting in a limited collection of high-resolution data. Here, we describe BioSense, a low-cost and fully programmable automated sensing platform for applications in bioacoustics and environmental studies. Our design offers customization and flexibility to address a broad array of research goals and field conditions. Each BioSense is programmed through an integrated Raspberry Pi computer board and designed to collect and analyze avian vocalizations while simultaneously collecting temperature, humidity, and soil moisture data. …

Microbiome Variation In Production Phenotypes And The Role Of Colonization History In Microbiome Establishment, Seidu Adams

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Ruminant-based agriculture is expected to continue to be a major contributor to food security to feed the growing population. At the heart of nutrient degradation of complex organic matter within the rumen are its microbes. These microbes can convert otherwise unusable organic matter into usable protein and energy and can provide up to 50% of the animal’s protein needs and up to 70% of the energy needs. The microbial functional capacity within the rumen determines the nutrients utilized and the end products of fermentation. However, our understanding of microbial functional capacity within the rumen and factors that influence the rumen …

The Nebraska Bird Review (December 2024) 92(4), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Fall Field Report, August–November 2024, by W. Ross Silcock

First Breeding Confirmation for Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) along the Big Bend Reach of the Platte River, by Jacob C. Cooper, Cody McGregor, Letitia M. Reichart, and Janet Steele

McCook Fall Field Days, Sept. 20–22, 2024, by Gary Roberts

Index to Volume 92

Subscription and Organization Information

The Impact Of In Ovo Administration Of Probiotic Lactobacilli On The Gut Health And Immune Competence Of Broiler Chickens, Shreeya Sharma

All Theses

Due to the incomplete development of their immune system, newly hatched chicks are vulnerable to a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, including enteric bacterial pathogens during the early stage of life. To boost their immune system during this critical period, numerous studies suggest early feeding, either in ovo or immediately post-hatch, of nutrients and immunomodulators such as prebiotics, probiotics, phytobiotics, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) ligands, vitamins and minerals. Probiotics, defined as live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer beneficial effects on the host, have been extensively studied for their effects on poultry health. Supplementation of probiotics to chickens has demonstrated a broad spectrum …

Economic Evaluation Of Grazing Steers On Summer Annuals Sod-Seeded Into Warm-Season Perennial Pasture, Ivanelle Meyer, Michael P. Popp, Christine C. Nieman, James L. Mitchell, Kenneth P. Coffey

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objectives

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion …

The Bacterial Cell Wall Components Lipopolysaccharide And Peptidoglycan Initiate Divergent Local Tissue And Systemic Inflammatory Response Profiles In The Chicken Model, Kristen A. Byrne, Gisela F. Erf

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The innate immune system plays an important role in the early defense against pathogens. To better understand the chicken’s innate inflammatory responses, we concurrently examined the cellular responses at the injection site and in the blood following intradermal (i.d.) injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peptidoglycan (PGN) into the pulp of growing feathers (GFs). Both LPS from Gram-negative bacteria and PGN from Gram-positive bacteria are potent stimulators of innate inflammatory responses. The time-course study conducted revealed similarly elevated levels of heterophils and macrophages in injected GF-pulps during the first 24 h for both LPS and PGN. However, PGN also stimulated rapid …

In Ovo Administration Of L. Animalis, B. Licheniformis, , Or Their Combination Influences Ross 708 Broiler Chick Hatch Performance And Immuno-Physiological Parameters, C. N. Beck, K.G.S. Wamsley, C. D. Mcdaniel, A. S. Kiess

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

There is a demand for novel pathogen mitigation strategies in antibiotic-free poultry production, which has triggered the development of various probiotic application methods. One application method is the in ovo (in egg) administration of probiotics on incubation day (d) 18, where the unhatched chick consumes a probiotic before hatch and prior to being exposed to environmental pathogens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of in ovo L. animalis, B. licheniformis, or L. animalis + B. licheniformis (10⁶ cfu/50 mL L each) administration on hatch performance (N = 21 egg flats/treatment, 30 …

Finding Them Before They Find Us: Solving The Emerging Infectious Disease Crisis, Daniel R. Brooks

MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity

The human population grows daily, it’s on the move, and it’s carving a deep technological footprint on our planet. We alter landscapes and perturb ecosystems, inserting ourselves and other species into novel regions of the world, leading to potentially irreversible changes in the biosphere. This is not news. More than 75 years ago, Charles Elton, one of the founders of modern ecology, wrote, “We must make no mistake; we are seeing one of the greatest historical convulsions in the world’s fauna and flora.” We are also in the midst of a public health and epidemiological crisis. Climate change alters movements …

Accounting For Post-Release Mortality In Data-Limited, Length-Based Assessments For Four Demersal Fish Species With Varying Life Histories, Brett Crisafulli, Sybrand A. Hesp, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Ute A. Mueller, Karina L. Ryan, David V. Fairclough, Norman G. Hall, Johnny Lo

Fisheries Research Articles

Released (or discarded) fish from recreational and commercial line fisheries can experience significant levels of post-release mortality (PRM), affecting sustainability. Although PRM effects are often considered in data-rich (integrated model) assessments, this is uncommon in data-limited assessments. This study investigates impacts of PRM when applying data-limited, length-based assessment methods for four reef-dwelling demersal fish species in temperate Western Australia (Glaucosoma hebraicum, Chrysophrys auratus, Choerodon rubescens and Epinephelides armatus). These species differ considerably in their biology and susceptibility to PRM. For each species simulations were undertaken to (1) evaluate the reliability of a length-based catch curve (LBCC) …

Red Snapper (Lutjanus Campechanus) Neurocranium, Michelle Bassali, Anthony D'Auria, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Variation In Diet And Leafy Browse Offerings Amongcolobus Monkeys (Colobus Spp.) And Langurs(Trachypithecus Spp.) In Aza Facilities, Maura R. Plocek, Noah T. Dunham

Student Scholarship

Providing nutritionally balanced diets is a key aspect of successful husbandry and can help support sustainable ex situ populations. This study focuses on the diets of zoo‐housed colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis and C. guereza) and langurs (Trachypithecus cristatus and T. francoisi) across AZA institutions. We utilized survey responses from 34 institutions to (1)document the extent of dietary variation with regard to food categories and macronutrients offered, (2) assess interspecific variation in diets offered, and (3) identify important aspects of browse provisioning among institutions. A total of 95 different food items and 229 common‐name browse types were …

Why Is Fish Welfare Still So Neglected?, Caroline M. Maia

Animal Sentience

Oldfield & Bonano (O&B) address an important problem in the field of fish welfare, one that calls for greater attention from scientists and practitioners. O&B show that fish welfare, particularly at the psychological level, is under-investigated. They focus mainly on zoos and aquaria, but their concerns extend also to other domains, including fish farming. Fish are sentient animals; priority should be given to their welfare in all environments where they are under human care.

Metagenome-Assembled Genomes Of Pig Fecal Samples In Nine European Countries: Insights Into Antibiotic Resistance Genes And Viruses, Boxuan Yang, Jianbo Yang, Routing Chen, Jianmin Chai, Xiaoyuan Wei, Jiangchao Zhao, Junxiang Zhao, Feilong Deng, Ying Li

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Simple Summary

Abstract

Largemouth Bass Neurocranium, Owen Duerbeck, Ian Thelwell, Oliva Weeks

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Black Grouper Neurocranium, Angelina Trapani-Banyra, Victoria Bruno, Mason Schleicher

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Food Safety, Livestock Health, And Productivity Of A Layer Farm Following Implementation Of A Certified Haccp System In Japan, Hiroshi Akaike, Makoto Nagai, Tomomitsu Alexandre Okatani, Sumalee Boonmar, Yukio Morita

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study examined the safety and productivity of a layer farm over a 3-year period following the implementation of a farm Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in 2019. The critical control point was “automatic egg collection” and no deviations from critical limits were observed, indicating the eggs were safe. In addition, the egg production rate increased and the feed conversion rate decreased. In contrast, the viability after the introduction of a farm HACCP system, in which the replenishment of new hens was discontinued after forced molting, showed an increasing trend. These results suggest that the HACCP system …

Tissue Proteomics Of Feline Mammary Carcinoma: Identification Of Potential Biomarkers Based On Metastatic Status And Histopathological Characteristics, Weejarin Paphussaro, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Narumon Phaonakrop, Sawanya Charoenlappanit, Anudep Rungsipipat, Theerawat Tharasanit, Gunnaporn Suriyaphol Assoc. Prof.

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is a prevalent and aggressive cancer with high metastatic potential. Few tissue biomarkers have been reported to help evaluate disease progression in FMC. This study aimed to analyze the tissue proteomic profiles of metastatic feline mammary carcinoma (mFMC) and non-metastatic FMC (NmFMC) across various histological grades (HGs) and histological types (HTs) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Tissue samples were collected from 13 NmFMC, 26 mFMC and 13 healthy controls (CTRL). Samples were trypsinized and subjected to LC-MS/MS. Proteome results were analyzed based on the metastatic status, HGs and HTs of the samples. The findings revealed …

Dog Sniffing Biomechanic Responses In An Odor Detection Test Of Odorants With Differing Physical Properties, Lydia Burnett, Nicholas Hebdon, Pete A. Stevens, Monica Moljo, Lindsay D. Waldrop, Lauryn Degreeff

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Dogs are utilized in forensic science for their extensive scent detection capabilities. They are often considered the “gold standard” in field detection for targets such as illicit drugs and explosives. Despite their prevalence in the field, relatively little is known about how dogs interact with and transport volatile organic compounds through their olfactory system. In this study, two groups of dogs were utilized – Sport detection dogs (n=19) that participate in the National Association of Canine Scent Work and have achieved advanced standing through training and successful search competitions and law enforcement explosive detection dogs (n=8) which were included for …

Prevalence And Pathology Of Endoparasitic Infections Of Rock Pigeons (Columba Livia) In Taiwan, Chih-Li Yu, Yen-Li Huang

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Pigeon racing is popular in Taiwan, but most lofts are located on residential roofs or in attics, which means pigeons could potentially spread parasites to humans. It is necessary to investigate the prevalence and diversity of endoparasitic infections in pigeons. This study investigated endoparasitic infections in 301 pigeons (both loft-kept racing and feral pigeons) in Taiwan using gross and histopathological examinations. The identified endoparasites included Trichomonas spp. (30.2%, 91/301); Ascaridia spp. (22.3%, 67/301); Haemoproteus spp. (20.6%, 62/301); Eimeria spp. (11.0%, 33/301); Capillaria spp. (7.3%, 22/301); Hexamita spp. (6.0%, 18/301); Raillietina spp. (4.7%, 14/301); Heterakis spp. (2%, 6/301); and Dispharynx sp., …

Small Beef-Packer Resilience During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence And Policy Implications, Azzeddine Azzam, Sunil P. Dhoubadel, Binod Khanal

Cornhusker Economics

As part of a larger research project on the economics of beef supply chain resilience to natural disasters, financed in part by a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, we obtained information from 289 processing plants across the United States about their operations during the peak COVID-19 period of March to June 2020 via a telephone survey. We collected data on plant type (slaughter, processing, both), the dominant livestock processed by the plant (predominantly beef, pork, poultry, and sheep/goat), plant capacity (maximum and typical capacity in slaughter head/day), age of establishment, and, whether the plant ceased, …

Prospect And Problem Analysis Of Industry Data Application In Livestock And Poultry Breeding, Yiran Chen, Zhuqing Xiong, Jiaogen Zhou, Quan Wang, Jiancheng Shu, Yinfa Yan, Lanlin Yang, Zemeng Feng, Benhai Xiong, Yulong Yin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Livestock and poultry breeding is a pillar industry in China. The massive data in livestock and poultry breeding is a valuable resource. The market-oriented utilization of livestock and poultry breeding data plays an important role in improving industry standards, increasing industry profits, and driving the development of the entire industry chain. Currently, based on the demand for marketization of livestock and poultry breeding data, the application of new generation information technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in the process of livestock and poultry breeding to collect breeding process data, after de-sensitization and de-classification, through cloud computing, …

Body Condition Scoring For Sheep, Abigail Johnson, Reganne K. Briggs, Chad Page

All Current Publications

Body condition scoring is a helpful tool for sheep producers to use to evaluate the status of their flock. This fact sheet illustrates how to condition score sheep and the importance of condition scoring on production.

Snakehead Neurocranium, Alexis K. Crass, Megan E. Martiello, Matthew D. Gassmann, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Porcine Peritoneal Macrophages Are Susceptible To Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus Infection, Kassandra Durazo-Martinez, Jayeshbhai Chaudhari, Sushmita Kumari, Hiep Vu

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Previous studies have suggested that porcine peritoneal macrophages (PPMs) are resistant to PRRSV infection, whereas porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) are highly susceptible. This contrast is intriguing, as both cell types belong to the same monocyte/macrophage family. The current study aimed to investigate the host factors contributing to the differing susceptibility of PPMs and PAMs to PRRSV infection. We found that PPMs exhibit a higher frequency of CD14+ cells compared to PAMs, suggesting a more immature macrophage phenotype in PPMs. Importantly, PPMs expressed both CD163 and CD169, the key receptors for PRRSV entry, although the frequency and intensity of CD163 and …