Animal Sciences Commons^™

What Are Vestigial Structures? Evidence For Evolution Explained, Ryan Bebej

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Evolution wasn’t something we talked about very much in my home or church when I was growing up.

Yet somehow, I came to believe that evolution wasn’t compatible with Christian faith. At the time that seemed okay, because I had heard that the evidence for evolution wasn’t very strong anyway.

That all began to change when I started studying biology in college. In different classes, I encountered some of the compelling evidence for evolution and common descent.

Vestigial structures were one of the topics that came up often in biology textbooks about these topics.

Today, biologists point to …

Longitudinal Patterns In Stygobiont Distribution In The Hyporheic Zone Of The Karst Spring-Fed San Marcos River, Texas, Usa, Kenneth Sparks, Benjamin F. Schwartz, Safra Altman, Kathryn E. Perez, Zoey B. Chanin, Caroline Mierzejewski, Benjamin T. Hutchins

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Groundwater-obligate taxa (stygobionts) exhibit variable degrees of habitat specialization, ranging from those restricted to single micro-habitats to generalists occurring in a broad range of habitat types. The karstic Edwards Aquifer is the most biodiverse and well-studied groundwater habitat in the continental United States, but some Edwards Aquifer-associated species also occupy the hyporheic zone of rivers downstream from karst. The goals of this research were to 1) assess the potential of the off-karst hyporheic zone as habitat for ‘karst’ species and 2) to determine how stygobiont richness, diversity, and abundance related to distance from karst in the hyporheic zone of a …

Tails From The Isle Of Devils: Two New Records Of Non-Native Invasive Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) Successfully Intercepted In Bermuda, Including The First Record Of Caraboctonidae, Danniella Sherwood, Mark Outerbridge, Struan R. Smith, Jenny Gosling, Myles Darrell

Euscorpius

Hadruroides sp. (Scorpiones: Caraboctonidae) is newly recorded as a successfully intercepted non-native invasive species in Bermuda, based on examination of a desiccated and damaged immature female specimen. A second record of an intercepted Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, 1804) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) is reported based on examination of an adult male.

Differences In Local And Systemic Immune Responses To Primary And Secondary Immunizations With The Herpesvirus Of Turkeys (Hvt) Vaccine In Layer Pullets., Allie K. Bowerman, Jossie M. Santamaria, Chrysta N. Beck, Gisela F. Erf

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

Marek’s disease, caused by a herpesvirus, is a major health issue in poultry production. In chickens, vaccination with live herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) provides effective protection. Little is known about the immune responses to the HVT vaccine. In this study, the immune responses to primary (V1) or secondary (V2) intradermal (i.d.) HVT vaccinations were examined. V1 and V2 were i.d. injected into growing feather (GF) pulps of six 9-week-old and six 19-week-old Light-brown Leghorn (LBL) pullets, respectively. Growing feather pulps and blood were collected before (0 h) and periodically through 10 d or 28 d post pulp injection (p.i.), respectively, …

Impact Of Social Media-Driven Feeding Practices On The Gut Microbiome Of Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas Maximus) In Surin, Thailand, Pongpreecha Malaluang, Nuttapon Bangkaew, Jaruwan Chaiyakhot, Patinya Patikae, Nattaya Watwiengkam, Phimphanit Choklikitumnuey, Thanaphat Phupanna, Sudachanok Phowiset, Prim Chuesaard, Tarid Purisotayo

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study investigated the effects of social media-driven live-streaming dietary supplementation on the gastrointestinal microbial community of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at the Elephant Kingdom, Surin Province, Thailand. A hierarchical two-tier observational design was used: Tier 1 compared a minimal-supplementation control group (Group H, n = 6) with a frequent heterogeneous-supplementation group (Group L, n = 18); Tier 2 compared, within Group L, low-frequency (Group A, ≤ 3 sessions per week, n = 7) and high-frequency (Group B, > 3 sessions per week, n = 11) live-streaming sub-groups. Faecal microbial profiles were obtained by 16S rRNA gene (V3–V4) …

Integrating Nutrition And Stress Into Life History Stages Of Wild Free-Ranging Female Pronghorn, Cole A. Bleke, Eric M. Gese, Juan J. Villalba, Shane B. Roberts, Susannah S. French

Wildland Resources Student Research

Studies addressing seasonal changes in diet quality and hormones are important for understanding the interactions between ecology and physiology. We collected fecal samples from free-ranging adult female pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) to examine the relationships between indicators of nutrition and glucocorticoid activity. This occurred during three population-level, life-history-correlated sampling periods across five subpopulations. We evaluated nutrition via fecal nitrogen, fecal 2,6-diaminopimelic acid (DAPA), and assessed glucocorticoid activity using fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM). We found positive relationships between fecal nitrogen and DAPA, whereas DAPA and fecal nitrogen with FGM varied in influence and strength, depending upon life history stage. Generally, …

Advances In Gene Editing Strategies For Viral Disease Resistance In Pigs: Knock-Out, Knock-In, And Overexpression Approaches, Zhao Namula, Takeshige Otoi, Aya Nakai, Megumi Nagahara, Maki Hirata, Fuminori Tanihara

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Highly contagious viral pathogens—such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, classical swine fever, and African swine fever—continue to pose serious threats to the swine industry and cause major global economic losses. Conventional disease control approaches, such as vaccination and biosecurity, are limited by viral heterogeneity and immune escape mechanisms. Gene editing technologies, most notably the CRISPR/Cas9 system, offer an innovative means of introducing innate viral disease resistance or resilience in pigs. The continuous improvement of these tools can provide a sustainable strategy to enhance animal welfare and global food security and reduce reliance on traditional control measures. This review provides …

Recent Advances In Sustainable Production Of Enriched Chicken Eggs: A Mini Review, Karim El-Sabrout, Ayman Abd El-Aziz

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Enriched or “designer” chicken eggs have emerged as an important category of functional foods aimed at improving human nutrition through dietary manipulation of laying hens. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in egg enrichment strategies, focusing on omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. Omega-3 enrichment remains the most widely adopted approach, achieved through supplementation with flaxseed, fish oil, or microalgae, resulting in significant increases in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in egg yolk. Multi-nutrient enrichment, including selenium, vitamin E, and carotenoids, has also gained attention due to its potential in enhancing antioxidant capacity and health of hens …

Optimization Of Day-Old Chick (Doc) Parent Stock (Ps) Sales Allocation Using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (Milp) And Ahp–Topsis: A Case Study Of A Breeding Company In Pangandaran Regency, Mutia Febiani, Achmad Firman, Andre Rivianda Daud

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

The poultry industry requires reliable Parent Stock (PS) output to maintain the continuity of broiler production systems. Breeding companies face operational and financial challenges in allocating Day Old Chick (DOC) Parent Stock (PS) sales between internal and external markets due to uncertainty in supply chain planning and market demand (Solano-Blanco et al., 2023). This study aimed to optimize DOC PS sales allocation using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and prioritize strategic allocation alternatives using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) combined with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Optimization results show that the maximum profit is achieved …

Effect Of Dietary Onion Peel Powder (Allium Cepa L.) As A Feed Additive On Production Performance In Broiler, Della Ariesba Putri Dulia, Edhy Sudjarwo, Osfar Sjofjan

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study aims to evaluate the use of onion peel powder (Allium cepa L) as a feed additive on feed intake, weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Production Index, and Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC) in broilers. A total of 144 Lohmann strain broiler (unsexed) were treated from 1 to 35 days of age. There were 6 treatments with 4 replicates, consisting of 24 experimental cages, each filled 6 broilers. The experimental design used completely randomized design (CRD). The treatment groups were as follows: basal feed without antibiotics (P0-), basal feed + 0.1% antibiotics (zinc bacitracin) (P0+), basal feed + …

Effect Of Gowok (Syzygium Polycephalum) Fortification On The Physical Properties And Color Of Goat Milk Yogurt, Siti Rahmawati Zulaikhah, Triana Setyawardani, Juni Sumarmono

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding parts of gowok fruit (Syzygium polycephalum) on the physical properties of goat’s milk yogurt. A completely randomized design was applied with treatments consisting of fruit parts (rind, flesh of fruit, and whole seedless fruit) and addition levels (1, 2, and 3%) with three replications. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). The results showed that gowok addition had a significant effect (P<0.05) on viscosity, syneresis, and color parameters, but no significant effect (P>0.05) on firmness and work of penetration. Yogurt viscosity ranged from 349.33 to 825 mPa·s and decreased with increasing gowok levels, while …

Bibliometric Analysis Of Applications And Research Trends On Whole Milk In Food Science, Nautus Stivano Dalle, Juni Sumarmono

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study maps the scientific landscape and research trends on whole milk in food science using a bibliometric approach. Data were collected from Google Scholar via Publish or Perish 8 (2020–2025) using the keyword "whole milk," yielding 291 documents after applying inclusion criteria. Descriptive and visual analyses were performed using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix package to identify publication trends, collaboration networks, and dominant themes through co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence analyses. Results revealed fluctuating publication patterns, peaking in 2021 (60 articles) and declining in 2025 (41 articles). Keyword mapping identified four major clusters: microbiological characterization and probiotic potential, milk bioactive and …

Prediction Of Fermentation Parameters During Solid-State Fermentation Of Lemongrass Feedstuffs Using Nirs Combined With Spectral Correction Techniques, Alis Syarmalis, Agus Arip Munawar, Indra Wahyudi, Zulfikar Amir, Samadi Samadi

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Lignocellulosic residues such as lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus L.) waste have strong potential to be reused as livestock feed, helping improve sustainability and reduce environmental waste. However, their high lignin and crude fiber contents limit digestibility, making pretreatment necessary. One effective approach is solid-state fermentation (SSF) using white-rot fungi to enhance nutritional quality. During SSF, pH and moisture content are key indicators of process performance, but conventional measurement methods are slow and inefficient for real-time monitoring. In this study, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with partial least squares regression (PLSR) was evaluated as a rapid and non-destructive method to predict pH and …

Physicochemical, Organoleptic, And Antioxidant Functional Characteristics Of Dangke Whey Protein Ice Cream Fortified With Butterfly Pea Flower Extract, Muh. Achyar Ardat, Raden Hilman Wirayudha, Ekajayanti Kining, Zakiah Wulandari, Irma Isnafia Arief

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study aims to develop a functional ice cream based on dangke whey pro‐ tein with the addition of butterfly pea flower extract. Four formulations were pre‐ pared by varying milk and whey proportions: P1 (100% milk), P2 (60% milk + 40% whey), P3 (40% milk + 60% whey), and P4 (100% whey), with 5% butterfly pea ex‐ tract added to each treatment. The results showed that higher whey substitution decreased pH and overrun values but prolonged the melting resistance of ice cream. Moisture content increased with whey proportion, whereas ash content remained relatively constant across treatments. Protein and fat …

Identification Of Beef Cattle Farms Population Dynamics In Ngombol District, Purworejo Regency, Hendarto Kurniawan, Tri Puji Rahayu, Danes Suhendra

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

The dynamics of the beef cattle population are crucial in the development. The lack of data on the population dynamics of beef cattle farming in Purworejo District has resulted in less effective population control. The purpose of this research is to examine and understand the factors that influence the dynamics of the beef cattle population in Ngombol District. This research was conducted through surveys and observations of 35 farmers recommended by policy stakeholders in five villages with the highest beef cattle populations in Ngombol District. The observations were recorded in a questionnaire containing statements that identified the dynamics of the …

Consumer Preferences And The Impact Of Halal Labeling On Beef Purchasing Decisions In Modern Market Segments, I Putu Gede Didik Widiarta, Amalina Nur Wahyuningtyas, Andi Nurmasytha, I Gede Arie Mahendra Putra

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Global demand for halal-certified products is rapidly increasing, underscoring the importance of understanding consumer preferences and the impact of halal labelling on purchasing decisions. This study examines the relationship between halal labelling, consumer trust, and purchasing behaviour of beef in modern markets in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. A quantitative survey was conducted with 400 respondents from diverse demographic backgrounds. The results show that 75% of consumers prefer halal-certified beef, with 80% perceiving halal labels as indicators of superior product quality and safety. Logistic regression analysis revealed that consumers who trust halal labels are 2.5 times more likely to purchase halal-certified beef …

Gendered Analysis Of Fish Feed Ingredients And Sourcing Practices In Western Kenya’S Aquaculture, Kristie Drucza, Sujata Ganguly, Rodrigue Yossa, Chrysantus Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction – Fish feed management plays a central role in aquaculture productivity, but it is rarely analysed through a gender lens. This study examines how women and men differ in their use and sourcing of fish feed ingredients in smallholder aquaculture systems in Western Kenya. Drawing on feminist economics, it explores how everyday roles, access to resources, and mobility shape feed practices. Methods – The analysis uses survey data from 213 fish farmers, including 112 women and 101 men, across six counties in Western Kenya. A binary logit model was used to assess factors associated with the use of selected …

An Emergent Seafood Nationalism Takes Hold In The United States, Owen Temby

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

This paper introduces the concept of ‘seafood nationalism’ to describe how, since 2024–2025, the United States increasingly uses tariffs, trade remedies, food safety enforcement and origin-based rules to favour American seafood over foreign products. Federal actions include Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, which directs agencies to address unfair trade practices, unsafe imports and to develop a coordinated seafood trade strategy. Additional measures include a tariff package imposing a 10% duty on nearly all seafood imports and 30% on seafood from China, as well as new anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on warm-water shrimp. This paper presents Gulf …

Challenges And Opportunities In Dry Aging: Producer Perspectives And Valorization Of Dry- Aged Waste Products, Peyton Scout Arnold

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Despite the projected increase in the dry aging market, producers may be hesitant to incorporate dry aging practices. This thesis aims to identify primary concerns faced by producers in implementing a dry aging program. Semi-structured interview surveys were conducted via Qualtrics (N = 100). Results indicated that an “advanced” level of dry aging knowledge correlated with a higher importance in the use/sale of dry aged products (P = 0.02). Cost, demand, and sourcing were the top three concerns of producers practicing dry aging. Those considering implementation were concerned with cost, processing parameters, safety, demand, and sourcing. No significant differences were …

A Comparative Study Of Aging And Cortical Folding In Chimpanzees And Olive Baboons, William D. Hopkins, Angela M. Achorn, Michele M. Mulholland, Elizabeth R. Magden, Steven J. Schapiro, Courtney L, Fults, Jean‐Francois Mangin, Adrien Meguerditchian

Anthropology Faculty Publications

In light of the evidence that nonhuman primates naturally develop Alzheimer's disease neuropathologies, there is a renewed interest in research on the comparative biology of aging, including neurological changes across the age groups in species with diverse lifespans. In this paper, we examined age‐related differences in two measures of cortical folding, mean depth and fold opening, in a sample of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and olive baboons (Papio anubis). We found significant species differences in the slope and pattern of age‐related changes in cortical folding. As predicted, chimpanzees showed negative linear associations between age and mean depth and …

Sheep And Goat Industry Funding Scheme 2024-25 Annual Report, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Sheep and Goat IFS addresses pest and disease threats relevant to the biosecurity of WA sheep and goat industries and currently operates across the whole of WA. The IFS contribution is paid on the sale of sheep and goats (0.17 cents per head/carcass) produced within the state. The Sheep and Goat IFS fund the following programs.

• Virulent Footrot (VFR) Program: The Footrot Control Program (FCP) facilitates the early detection of VFR. This contagious bacterial disease is caused by virulent strains of Dichelobacter nodosus. Early detection of this disease manages the spread and impact through control or eradication.
• Wild Dog …

Alternative Methods To Improve Livestock Performance While Grazing Low-Quality Forages., Ivan Raynard Thomas Jr

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Stocker cattle producers in the southeastern part of the U.S. heavily depend on traditional forages such as bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon] pastures during the warm season for grazing. Summer annual forages offer stocker cattle operations a valuable alternative source of forage. These forages have high yield potential and can help extend the grazing season. This is particularly beneficial during the summer months when traditional forage sources may be limited. Warm-season annual grasses may experience a decrease in crude protein concentrations during late summer and early fall. As a result, it may be necessary to find alternative sources of crude protein or …

Organic-Complexed Or Inorganic Trace Mineral Tub Supplementation: Impacts On Productivity And Reproductive Outcomes In Beef Cows And Heifers, Jacy Riddle

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of these experiments was to investigate the effects of organic-complexed or inorganic trace minerals (copper, cobalt, manganese, and zinc) on cow reproductive performance, suckling calf growth, as well as heifer development and reproductive outcomes utilizing free-choice tub supplementation. In lactating cows, treatments consisted of molasses-based tub supplementation containing either complexed or inorganic trace minerals, with an additional pre-breeding drench administered only to cows receiving complexed minerals. The drench contained complexed or organic copper, cobalt, manganese, and zinc. Supplementation began approximately 6 weeks prior to fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI) and continued until bull removal (d 105). In weaned replacement …

Seasonality Of Bovine Respiratory Disease Incidence, Nasal Temperatures, And The Nasal Microbiome In Receiving Beef Cattle: Understanding The Risk Of The Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex, Robin Ashley Cheek

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) has persistently been the leading cause of morbidity of beef cattle in the United States. Season has been directly associated with respiratory disease incidence and is likely a proxy for weather conditions, which vary by geographical location. The nose is one of the first points of contact between the outside environment and inside the body. The nasal microbiome and its relationship with BRD have been heavily studied within beef cattle, but there are not yet any studies to determine if the environment within the nasal cavity has a role to play in this mechanism. This dissertation …

Dasyurus Hallucatus Movement Response To Fire In A Complex, Resource Rich Tropical Savanna, Ian J. Radford, Annette Cook, Natasha Harrison, Ben Corey, Roberta Bencini, Harriet R. Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus, is part of a suite of threatened native northern Australian mammals that have inappropriate fire regimes listed as a threatening process. However, fire responses reported for D. hallucatus are inconsistent among different studies. Based on the theory that the fire response of D. hallucatus will depend partially on habitat quality, we postulate that home range in high quality savannas of the north Kimberley will be small, post-breeding male mortality low and prey resources little affected by fire. Based on previous research we hypothesised that male D. hallucatus would respond to fire more than females. By …

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles And Clinical Dynamics Of Listeriosis In Small Ruminants: A One Health Review, Muhammad Aqeel, Pervez Ahmed Khoso, Amjad Hussain Mirani, Dildar Hussain Kalhoro, Abdul Ahad Soomro

Journal of Bioresource Management

Although the incidence of listeriosis is much lower in small ruminants, it has implications for food safety, herd health and appropriate antibiotic usage as well as zoonotic potential. Both have been reported to be robust pathogens and Listeria monocytogenes is generally recognized as the most common etiologic agent, but in ovine or caprine abortion it should be included as a significant differential diagnosis. This is a narrative one health review that summarizes status of the information published to date on the epidemiology and clinical signs of infection, resistance patterns found and diagnosis and prevention methods employed in small ruminant populations. …

Metabolic Markers And Gut Microbiota In Big Cats: A Relationship Between Diet, Health And Environment, Javeria Saman, Saima Sharif, Bushra Nisar, Shagufta Naz

Journal of Bioresource Management

The wild animals that occupy large territories were found to adapt less easily to captive environments compared to those with small home ranges. Among big cats, captivity posed a range of challenges, with stress emerging as central factor influencing overall welfare. Transition into captive environment was shown to alter both behavior and physiological processes, largely due to changes in their natural habitat, environmental complexity and diet. Several health issues reported in big cats including alopecia, gastrointestinal issues, neuromuscular disorders such as hindquarter paralysis were associated with underlying metabolic dysregulation. Metabolic health was recognized as critical component of overall well-being, closely …

Haematological Responses Of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) To Diets Supplemented With Varying Levels Of Plant Leaf Meals, Isaack V. Makombe, Harishchandra Pratap, Felister Urasa, Blandina R Lugendo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Plant leaf meals have the potential to replace fishmeal in fish feed formulation, hence reducing its cost and increasing fish production. This study evaluated the effects of plant leaf meals (PLMs) on haematological parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The PLMs of cassava, sweet potatoes, cowpeas and common beans were substituted at the rate of 100% (mixed leaves of all four species, Diet 5), followed by each separate leaf meal at 100% (Diet 4), 75% (Diet 3), 50% (Diet 2) and 0% (control diet containing fish meal, Diet 1). Fish collected from Mbegani Fisheries Institute were kept in five, 80 …

Protective Effects Of Yogurt Against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Liver Dysfunction In Rabbits, Rasool Bux, Rehana Buriro, Shamsuddin Bughio, Kashif Ali Malak, Muhammad Aqeel, Fayaz Ali, Ali Raza, Abdul Sallam

Journal of Bioresource Management

Fluoride (F-) is among the most important compounds that can damage hepatic tissue and increase level of ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, GGT, and decreases the albumin. Present study was conducted to explore protective role of yogurt on hepatic dysfunction induced by sodium F- at different doses. Animal were divided into seven experimental groups (6 rabbits/group). Group A (Control), Group B (F- 50 mg/kg), Group C (yogurt 15 g/kg), Group D (F- 50 mg + yogurt 15 g/kg), Group E (F- 100 mg/kg), Group F (yogurt 30 g/kg), Group G (F- 100 mg/kg B.W. + yogurt 30 g/kg). In F- treatment groups …

Liver Function Test (Lfts) Revealed Ameliorative Effect Of Probiotics And Antibiotics As Therapeutic Agents Against Experimentally Induced Enterotoxemia In Goat, Muhammad Mohsen, Jam Kashif Zaman, Amjad Hussain Mirani, Nazeer Hussain Kalhoro, Benazir Sahito

Journal of Bioresource Management

Present study was conducted to evaluate the various liver enzymes in experimentally induced enterotoxemic goat inorder to ensure the therapeutic potential of probiotics and antibiotics. Experiment was conducted at Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam in which 35 non-descriptive goats were housed and experimenatally induced with enterotoxemia by inoculation of Clostridium perfringens culture surgically by performing laparotomy into intestine. After apperence of positive clinical signs of infection, goats were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups i.e. Group 1 (negative control), Group 2 (positive control), Group 3 (yogurt, 5 % solution, 50 mL/time), Group 4 (Yeast, 5 % solution, …