Animal Sciences Commons^™

Arctic Report Card 2024, United States National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration: Technical Reports and Related Materials

The Arctic Report Card from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for 2024.

Occupancy Of The Little Grass Frog (Pseudacris Ocularis), An Overlooked Longleaf Endemic, In A Managed Landscape, Anna M. Humphrey

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Amphibians are declining globally, with many declines associated with habitat loss. The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem historically covered most of the southeastern United States and supports a host of endemic amphibians. This ecosystem has declined by over 97% in the last two hundred years and many associated species have declined with it. The Little Grass Frog (Pseudacris ocularis) is a longleaf pine endemic anuran that has been understudied and under-surveyed; almost no information is known on the ecology of this species and no population studies have been conducted. My goals were to create an acoustic …

Seasonal Abundance Of The Nudibranch Dondice Jupiteriensis On The Colonial Hydroid Eudendrium Carneum, Erika Molina, Daniela Gutierrez-Andrade, Samantha Schlegel, Julia Piper, Louis J. Ambrosio, Michael L. Middlebrooks

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Benthic colonial hydroids often serve as a host to a large variety of invertebrate taxa. The colonial hydroid Eudendrium carneum Clarke, 1882 is host to a variety of epifauna, including the recently described nudibranch Dondice jupiteriensis García—Méndez & Valdés, 2022. Like many species of heterobranch sea slugs, little is known about the natural history and population biology of D. jupiteriensis. Here we describe a year—long study recording the population density and size structure of D. jupiteriensis on E. carneum colonies in Tampa Bay, FL USA. We found that the D. jupiteriensis population persists year—round but is the densest during …

A Preliminary Investigation Of Adherence To Shell Length Regulations And Adaptive Capacity Of The Turneffe Atoll Queen Conch (Aliger Gigas) Fishery, Belize, Elsa M. K. Brenner, Vincent Sollitto, Vincent Baribeau, Rebecca Branconi, Paul Simonin

Gulf and Caribbean Research

No abstract provided.

Comparative Study Of The Effects Of Dietary Supplements On Reproductive And Growth Performance In Sows And Nursery Pigs, Panumas Kongpanna

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with a multi-strain probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis (5 × 107 CFU/g) and Lactobacillus plantarum (1 × 109 CFU/g) on reproductive performance in multiparous sows and growth performance in weaned piglets. In Experiment 1, 300 sows were assigned to control or probiotic diets across five parity groups (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to 9) using a 2 × 5 factorial design. Experiment 2 involved 120 weaned piglets randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: control, antibiotic, enzyme, or probiotic. Measurements included reproductive and litter performance, colostrum IgG, milk composition, and piglet growth, digestibility, …

Pigeon Strike!: Solutions For Fermi Questions, October 2024, John Adam

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

This article, titled "Pigeon strike!: Solutions for Fermi Questions, October 2024," discusses the estimation of various physics-related questions regarding a pigeon striking a window. The author estimates the momentum and kinetic energy of the bird prior to hitting the window, as well as the force, pressure, and wingspan of the bird during impact. The author assumes an inelastic collision between the bird and the window, and provides calculations and explanations for their estimations. The article concludes with the author's observation that the estimated wingspan aligns with that of an adult pigeon.

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Dean, Jeff Edwards

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 25 2024, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Short-Distance Road Transportation On Horse Health, Erica Jacquay

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Horses are regularly transported across the United States; however, the reasons for travel, trip lengths, and management practices are not well characterized. While long distance transportation has been associated with increased incidences of health-related problems, the impact of short distance transportation on horse health is less understood. Notably, aged horses ( > 15 years) have an altered immune response following short-distance transportation, but this has yet to be compared to young horses. It is also unknown whether transportation stress would alter endocrine responses of horses with metabolic disorders, such as insulin dysregulation (ID) or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

The objectives …

Determining Population Structure In Kentucky Parascaris Univalens Specimens, Constance Finnerty

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Parascaris univalens is a highly pathogenic nematode that affects the gastrointestinal system of young horses. When unaddressed, this parasite causes severe intestinal impactions and even death. Parascaris univalens is also found to have an emergence of anthelmintic resistances, causing a concern for horse owners. Despite its clinical significance, very little work has been done on Parascaris univalens to identify its population structure. This study aimed to determine the population structure of Parascaris univalens through Illumina next generation sequencing (NGS) on three hierarchical categorizations: within a horse, within an isolated herd, and within horses in the state of Kentucky. A total …

Genomic Studies Of The Equine Bloodworm, Strongylus Vulgaris, Nichol Ripley

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Strongylus vulgaris is the most pathogenic nematode parasite of grazing horses worldwide. This gastrointestinal parasitic nematode is in the family Strongylidae under the subfamily Strongylinae, or Strongylins. While the epidemiology, complete life cycle, and high pathogenicity of the fourth and fifth larval stages of S. vulgaris are well established, we understand very little about its biology. This parasite is renowned for its unique life cycle and capacity to cause arterial damage, leading to significant health and economic impacts for the equine industry. It also is the most intensively documented Strongylin; however, S. vulgaris has yet to gain drug resistance as …

Suitability Of Reintroduction As A Tool For The Conservation Of The Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys Mawii), Wesley O. Smith

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) has declined throughout its historical range to the point that it is critically endangered; the primary driver is overharvesting by humans for consumption. To help conserve this critically endangered turtle, a head-start program was established in Belize and introductions of head-started individuals have been considered to bolster populations. I released and studied hatchling and head-started juvenile Central American River Turtles during the summers of 2021 and 2022, respectively. The goal was to determine the suitability of hatchlings and juveniles for use in conservation reintroductions, along with elucidating aspects of the ecology …

Gastrointestinal Parasite Prevalence Of Missouri Dogs Against Various Risk Factors, Mattie Cobban

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Gastrointestinal parasites infect various mammalian species, including dogs, causing symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, anemia, and possible death. Some gastrointestinal parasites possess zoonotic potential posing risk to dog owners, shelter workers, trainers, veterinary staff, groomers, and the public since dogs have access to public areas such as parks and stores. This study aims to understand the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in southwest Missouri under different environmental conditions. Fecal samples were collected from the Polk County Humane Society, local dog trials, and dog owners. The Mini-FLOTAC fecal flotation method was employed to quantify the type and number of parasite ova …

Measures Of Feed Efficiency In Beef Cattle: Biological Basis And Effect On Response To Dietary Supplementation, Modoluwamu Idowu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

During the feedlot receiving period, newly weaned beef cattle face various stressors, including weaning, transportation, vaccination, and exposure to pathogens. Additionally, changes in diet and low dry matter intake contribute to nutrient deficiencies, heightening susceptibility to disease and performance declines. Therefore, we examined the effects of dietary supplementation with a multicomponent blend of prebiotics and probiotics on the health, immune status, metabolism, and performance of newly weaned beef steers during a 35-day receiving period. Our results showed that compared to the control group, the supplemental additive (SYNB) increased average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake, and meal events during the …

Unsung Heroes In Conservation: Evaluating The Limitations Faced By New England Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers And Proposing Solutions For Their Support And Recognition, Shaylee M. Sarmiento

Honors Theses and Capstones

Wildlife rehabilitation is an often-unacknowledged practice within the overarching field of wildlife protection and conservation. This practice involves the treatment and hopeful release of wild animals affected by various ailments. With the continued expansion of and interest in the field, it could be assumed that wildlife rehabilitation is supported and funded by government bodies, but this is not the case. Because of the lack of funding and resources, many wildlife rehabilitation centers cannot achieve their full rehabilitative potential and expand their reach in the conservation world. Additionally, an absence of support leads critics to question the ethical standards of wildlife …

Effects Of 0, 8, Or 16g/D Of Nicotinic Acid To Prepartum Jersey Cows: Effects On Glucose Concentration In Their Calves, Kaitlyn M. Zarrella

Honors Theses and Capstones

The primary objective of this research project is to further investigate the optimization of colostrum production in multiparous Jersey cows, focusing on the influence of diet and seasonal factors. Previous findings by Dr. Stahl in 2023 at the University of New Hampshire Burley-Demeritt Organic Dairy Research Farm indicated that an intake of 23 g/d of nicotinic acid (Niacin; NA) might have been excessive for prepartum Jersey cows, potentially affecting colostrum yield and quality. While an enhancement in intestinal development was noted in calves receiving colostrum from cows supplemented with nicotinic acid, the dosage may have been too high to positively …

Comparing Ionoregulation And Modes Of Nitrogen Excretion Across The Life Cycle Of Parasitic And Non-Parasitic Lamprey Species, Shannon Davidson

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Abstract

Ionoregulation and nitrogenous waste (N-waste) metabolism in fishes has been extensively documented in teleosts and elasmobranchs, but less so in lampreys (Petromizontiformes). All lamprey species undergo metamorphosis which drastically changes their physiology and modes of feeding. However, differences in ionoregulatory mechanisms due to anadromous versus non anadromous life history strategies emerge following metamorphosis in different lamprey species. Furthermore, some species, such as anadromous juvenile sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), are parasitic and migrate to seawater (SW) to ingest blood protein from host fishes, while juveniles of freshwater (FW), non-parasitic species, such as the American brook lamprey …

Western Boundary Current-Subtropical Continental Shelf Interactions, William B. Savidge, Dana K. Savidge, Frederico Brandini, Adam T. Greer, Eileen E. Hofmann, Moninya Roughan, Iison De Silvera, Iain M. Suthers

CCPO Publications

Western boundary currents (WBCs) adjacent to subtropical continental shelves (STCSs; between ~25° and 35° latitude; Figure 1) transport heat, nutrients, and biota poleward along the western margins of major ocean basins, interacting with the continental margins and influencing their physics and biology. Eddies and meanders along the shelf edge upwell deep, nutrient-laden water that can be advected onto the adjacent shelves with a corresponding export of particle-rich shelf water (e.g., Lee et al., 1991; Kimura et al., 1997; Campos et al., 2000; Roughan and Middleton, 2002, 2004; Lutjeharms, 2006; Savidge and Savidge, 2014). Despite their similarities, the various STCS regions …

State Barrier Fence - Esperance Extension Project Overview 2024, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Western Australia’s State Barrier Fence plays an important role in protecting landholders inside the fence by preventing the movement of animal pests, including wild dogs and emus, from pastoral areas into the agricultural regions. It is a state asset which is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The original fences (numbers 1, 2 and 3) were constructed between 1902 and 1907. Originally known as the Rabbit Proof Fences, it has also been known as the State Vermin Fence, the Emu Fence and now the State Barrier Fence. Since 2010, the fence has been upgraded to wild …

The Genera Metalycaeus And Dicharax (Caenogastropoda, Cyclophoroidea, Alycaeidae) In Bhutan, With The Description Of 16 New Species, Edmund Gittenberger, Choki Gyeltshen, Kezang Tobgay, Sherub Sherub

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Shells of the genera Metalycaeus and Dicharax from Bhutan are identified or described as representing new species. For Metalycaeus 6 species are recognized, 4 of which are known from Bhutan only and considered new to science, viz. M. geduensis E. Gittenberger & Sherub, spec. nov., M. karmademaae E. Gittenberger, Choki Gyeltshen & Kezang Tobgay, spec. nov. M. posteriobulbus E. Gittenberger & Sherub, spec. nov. and M. umbidistinctus E. Gittenberger & Choki Gyeltshen, spec. nov. In the more speciose genus Dicharax 16 species are classified, 12 of which as endemic and new to science, viz. D. aspidentatus E. Gittenberger, Choki Gyeltshen …

How Does A Global Climate Cycle Affect The Reproductive Output Of A Neotropical Migratory Bird?, Abby K. Bressette, Emma Cummings, Daniel Albrecht-Mallinger, Lesley Bulluck

Undergraduate Research Posters

El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) causes regional changes in climate and has been found to have varying effects on the survival, fecundity, and recruitment of migratory songbirds. This study seeks to better understand the effect of ENSO on the fecundity of Virginia-breeding Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea; PROW), a neotropical migratory songbird. PROW breed in the Eastern United States and spend the non-breeding season primarily in Panama and Colombia. Ongoing research in Virginia has found a positive relationship between spring precipitation and predicted number of PROW fledgelings during La Niña, but the opposite during El Niño. To better understand this relationship, we …

Statistics Used In The Nebraska Beef Reports And Their Purpose, University Of Nebraska-Lincoln

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The purpose of beef cattle and beef product research at UNL is to provide reference information that represents the various populations (cows, calves, heifers, feeders, carcasses, retail products, etc) of beef production. Obviously, the researcher cannot apply treatments to every member of a population; therefore he/she must sample the population. The use of statistics allows the researcher and readers of the Nebraska Beef report the opportunity to evaluate separation of random (chance) occurrences and real biological effects of a treatment. Following is a brief description of the major statistics used in the beef report. For a more detailed description of …

Evaluation Of Vivalto® On Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics In Growing And Finishing Beef Steers, Garrett N. Lemon, Rebecca Mcdermott, Galen E. Erickson, Jeff Heldt, Pablo L. Loza

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing trial conducted at the Pan-handle Research, Extension, and Education Center (PREEC) near Scottsbluff, NE evaluated the effect of Vivalto^®, a B-vitamin complex, on the feeding performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers. The design of the study was completely randomized block design with three treatments, control without Vivalto^®, 1g Vivalto^®/steer/day, and 2g Vivalto^®/steer/day. Cattle fed the diets that included Vivalto^® feed had lower intakes during the first 56 days than cattle that received no Vivalto^® in the diet. No significant differences were observed for ADG, intake, feed efficiency …

Effect Of Biochar On Enteric Methane Production And Cattle Performance, Hanna Cronk, Holly Heil, Rebecca Mcdermott, Mitch Norman, Galen E. Erickson, Andrea Watson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Because ruminant animals, including cattle, emit methane, strategies are actively being sought to reduce these emissions. Pistachio shell-sourced biochar was included at 0.5% of a finishing cattle diet to determine effects on methane emissions and cattle performance. Eight pens of cattle were rotated through a 2-chambered emissions barn to analyze methane and carbon dioxide produced by the cattle. Biochar tended to increase methane emissions on a g/d basis with no effect on methane emissions as g/lb of feed intake and no differences in carbon dioxide emissions. There were no differences …

Impact Of Strip-Grazing Stockpiled Annual/Cover Crop Forages On Carrying Capacity And Animal Performance, Shelby L. Davies-Jenkins, Abigail Sartin, Devin Jakub, Zac Carlson, Erin Laborie, Jack Arterburn, Ben Beckman, Brad Schnick, M. E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Annual forages/cover crops can be used to fill the fall/winter grazing gap, and strip grazing may increase carrying capacity by reducing trampling losses of the forage. The current experiment utilized a series of on-farm experiments across two growing seasons to compare continuous and strip grazing of various summer planted cover crops. Strip grazing increased carrying capacity by an average of 47 ± 15% and gain per acre by 44 ± 5% compared to continuous grazing although significant variability in the amount of increase was observed. This variability can likely be attributed to forage type (quality), frequency of moves, and forage …

Strategies For Ddgs Supplementation Frequency To Frazing Yearling Streers, Sydney T. Vanderhoff, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, Mitchell M. Norman, Isaque F. Vicci, Jim C. Macdonald, Mary E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Infrequent supplementation saves labor and may reduce animal performance, but recent research with reduced fat distillers grains has provided inconsistent results. This experiment evaluated the effects of daily and three times a week supplementation of dried distillers grains on yearling steer performance grazing smooth bromegrass pastures from May to August. Daily supplemented steers received 5.6 pounds of dry matter per steer of dried distillers grains with solubles 7 days/week. The three times a week supplemented steers received 13.0 pounds of dry matter per steer of dried distillers grains with solubles three days/week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). A control treatment received no …

Effect Of Methionine Supplementation During Late Gestation In Beef Females, Landon F. Tadich, Jim R. Teichert, Kathryn J. Hanford, Jacki A. Musgrave, Rich N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Some amino acids are known to be essential to cattle and effect protein availability to the animal, especially during gestation when nutrient requirements are higher. Methionine is found to be one of the most limiting in low quality forage diets. Two 3-yr studies were performed to evaluate the impact of methionine supplementation during late gestation on intake, body weight, average daily gain, and subsequent calf performance in primiparous and multiparous females. In exp 1, 120 artificially inseminated pregnancy heifers were placed in a Calan gate feeding system (n=40/yr) and assigned 1 of 3 treatments during late gestation and fed ad …

Artificial Insemination Of Beef Heifers With Multi-Sire Semen, Dempster Christenson, Jordan Thomas, Daniel J. Kelly, John G. Maddux, R. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The study compared pregnancy rates of beef heifers artificially inseminated with multi-sire semen to single-sire semen at ranch 1 and demonstrated pregnancy to multi-sire sexed semen at rand 2. It was hypothesized pregnancy rates resulting from multi-sire semen would be increased compared to single-sire semen. Ranch 1 heifers were inseminated with either single-sire or multi-sire semen and all heifers expressing estrus at ranch 2 were inseminated with multi-sire semen averaged numerically greater pregnancy rate than the average single-sire pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcomes from multi-sire sexed semen exceed previous literature but cannot be directly compared. Despite similar pregnancy results between …