Animal Sciences Commons^™

Ecological Neighborhoods As A Framework For Umbrella Species Selection, Erica F. Stuber, Joseph J. Fontaine

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

Umbrella species are typically chosen because they are expected to confer protection for other species assumed to have similar ecological requirements. Despite its popularity and substantial history, the value of the umbrella species concept has come into question because umbrella species chosen using heuristic methods, such as body or home range size, are not acting as adequate proxies for the metrics of interest: species richness or population abundance in a multi-species community for which protection is sought. How species associate with habitat across ecological scales has important implications for understanding population size and species richness, and therefore may be a …

Checklist Of Bats In Some Areas Of Azad Jammu And Kashmir, Fakhra Nazir, Inayatullah Malik, Sabiha Shamim

Journal of Bioresource Management

Bats form an essential part of the ecosystem by aiding pollination, keeping insect pests in check and overall maybe helpful as indicators of health status of the ecosystem. This study was conducted to formulate a checklist of bats from different regions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Five National parks from Azad Jammu and Kashmir were surveyed for the species of bats present (Dhirkot National Park, Pir Lasura National Park, Pir Chanasi National Park, Banjosa National Park and Tolipir National Park). From the study conducted, 10 species of bats belonging to 5 families were found cumulatively in the five national parks.

A New Age In Aquamedicine: Unconventional Approach In Studying Aquatic Diseases, Michael Gotesman, Simon Menanteau-Ledouble, Mona Saleh, Sven M. Bergmann, Mansour El-Matbouli

Publications and Research

Background

Marine and aquaculture industries are important sectors of the food production and global trade. Unfortunately, the fish food industry is challenged with a plethora of infectious pathogens. The freshwater and marine fish communities are rapidly incorporating novel and most up to date techniques for detection, characterization and treatment strategies. Rapid detection of infectious diseases is important in preventing large disease outbreaks.

Main text

One hundred forty-six articles including reviews papers were analyzed and their conclusions evaluated in the present paper. This allowed us to describe the most recent development research regarding the control of diseases in the aquatic environment …

Potential Minimum Threshold For Pallid Sturgeon Relative Condition In The Lower Missouri River, Kirk D. Steffensen

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) condition has declined in the lower Missouri River but the cause and the effects of this decline remain uncertain. Adult Pallid Sturgeon are becoming reproductively ready less frequently and sub-adult Pallid Sturgeon are likely delaying sexual maturation. Even more concerning, Pallid Sturgeon capture rates have declined the past two years (i.e., 2016 and 2017), despite the ongoing Pallid Sturgeon stocking program. Several Pallid Sturgeon that have been captured are visually emaciated but a minimum condition threshold has not been described. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a potential lethal condition level for …

Morphological Traits As Indicators Of Sexual Dimorphism In Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Viridis), Colleen Rothe-Groleau, Claudia M. Rauter, James D. Fawcett

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

As humans encroach into areas inhabited by predators, the potential of human-predator confrontations increases and the predators become regarded as dangerous pests. Predators exert a measure of population control over pest species such as small rodents, as well as limit the quantity and scope of diseases (e.g. spread of Hantavirus by these prey species). Control of these small rodent pest species can be aided by conserving and managing their predators like rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp). Management of any population requires detailed information on population composition and the ability to determine the key information (especially age and sex) for each individual …

Characterization Of An N-Terminal Non-Core Domain Of Rag1 Gene Disrupted Syrian Hamster Model Generated By Crispr Cas9, Jinxin Miao, Baoling Ying, Rong Li, Ann E. Tollefson, Jacqueline F. Spencer, William S.M. Wold, Seok-Hwan Song, Il-Keun Kong, Karoly Toth, Yaohe Wang, Zhongde Wang

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

The accumulating evidence demonstrates that Syrian hamsters have advantages as models for various diseases. To develop a Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) model of human immunodeficiency caused by RAG1 gene mutations, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system and introduced an 86-nucleotide frameshift deletion in the hamster RAG1 gene encoding part of the N-terminal non-core domain of RAG1. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that these hamsters (referred herein as RAG1-86nt hamsters) had atrophic spleen and thymus, and developed significantly less white pulp and were almost completely devoid of splenic lymphoid follicles. The RAG1-nt86 hamsters had barely detectable CD3+ and CD4+ T cells. The …

Biological And Abiotic Factors Influencing Cetacean Mass Strandings In The Northeastern United States, Octavia Williams

HCNSO Student Capstones

Marine mammal strandings are frequent occurrences along many coastal areas around the world. The significance of stranded cetaceans has been of interest since around 300 B.C. when philosophers, like Aristotle, pondered why marine mammals, including whales, dolphins and porpoise beach themselves; and famous authors, like Henry David Thoreau, whose fascination in mammal strandings lead him to write a book about these mass occurrences off the coast of Cape Cod. Numerous hypothetical theories have been developed to explain these mass stranding phenomena. Though the causes of mass strandings remain unresolved, recent investigations suggest contributing factors could include environmental elements. Less emphasis …

An Examination Of Preimplantation Embryos And Endometrium Developed During Induced Aluteal Cycles In The Mare, Chelsey Audra Leisinger

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Changes to the embryonic environment that occur within the first few days of development can have significant effects on subsequent fetal development. The following studies investigate the effects of progesterone-deprivation during the early preimplantation period in the mare. The first study described embryo morphology (diameter, stage, and quality grade) collected from mares with induced aluteal cycles. The second study evaluated the effect of induced aluteal cycles on the future fertility of embryo collections as a potential method for cycle manipulation of embryo donor mares. The third study characterized embryonic and endometrial transcript expression of progesterone-mediated transcripts as well as those …

Potential Benefits Of Restored Riparian Zones In An Agricultural Matrix For Bat Communities, Matthew T. Harris

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Riparian buffers planted within agricultural matrices for wildlife conservation are expected to support numerous taxa, but a lack of empirical testing has limited evaluation of these practices. It is imperative that biologists and land managers understand how current conservation practices impact bats so that the ecosystem services provided by bats are maintained as farming practices continue to intensify in regions dominated by agriculture. This study evaluates the effects of planted riparian buffers along streams in an agricultural matrix by comparing acoustic bat activity along streams in active cattle pasture with activity at streams where riparian buffers have been planted. Forest …

Behavioural Risks In Male Dogs With Minimal Lifetime Exposure To Gonadal Hormones May Complicate Population-Control Benefits Of Desexing, Paul Mcgreevy, Bethany Wilson, Melissa Starling, James A. Serpell

Endocrinology Collection

Castration of dogs is a widespread practise with clear justification in population control and knock-on benefits for animal welfare. Deleterious behavioural consequences of castration are believed to be negligible. Gonadectomy is widely recommended as part of a multi-factorial approach to prevent problems including aggression in dogs. However, the consequences of early castration on health are still being debated. The current study focused on the reported behaviour of 6,235 male dogs castrated before 520 weeks of life for reasons other than behavioural management, and calculated their percentage lifetime exposure to gonadal hormones (PLGH) as a proportion of their age at the …

Trophic Ecology And Parasitism Of A Mesopelagic Fish Assemblage, Matthew Woodstock

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

Mesopelagic (open ocean, 200-1000 m depth) fishes are important consumers of zooplankton and are prey of oceanic predators. Some mesopelagic fishes (e.g., myctophids and stomiids) undertake a diel vertical migration where they ascend to the near-surface waters during the night to feed and descend into the depths during the day to avoid predators. Other mesopelagic fishes (e.g., Sternoptyx spp.) do not vertically migrate and remain at deep depths throughout the day. While in the epipelagic zone (surface – 200 m depth), vertically migrating fishes become prey to upper-trophic level predators, such as: tunas and billfishes. Benthic fishes (e.g., macrourids) often …

Effects Of Environmental Enrichment On Behavior In A Domestic Goat Herd, Stephanie Peramas

Senior Honors Projects

Animal welfare is one of the most important parts of animal management. Apart from other measures of good animal welfare, like being in good health, animal behavior can be indicative of the animal’s internal state and is often one of the first signs of improper welfare. Stereotypies, or stereotypic behavior, are commonly viewed as a symptom of improper animal welfare. Unenriched, or barren, environments associated with farmed livestock have long been associated with inducing stereotypic behavior. The addition of precise enrichment to the animals’ environment is a common remedy for stereotypic behavior. With respect to stereotypic goat behavior, few empirical …

Ichthyology Scientific Collection Spreadsheet, Karisa Boyer

Ichthyology Collection

No abstract provided.

Vocalizations Of North American River Otters (Lontra Canadensis) In Two Human Care Populations, Sarah Walkley

Master's Theses

There is a dearth of information regarding the vocal repertoire of North American river otters (Lontra canadensis). This indicator species is cosmopolitan yet elusive, making recordings methodologically difficult in the wild. Therefore, this exploratory study uses video and audio recordings of two populations of North American river otters in human care to broaden the known vocal repertoire of river otters in various social contexts. The populations consist of a male-female pair at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and a male-male pair at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. This study is the first to examine the vocalizations produced …

The Effect Of Magnetic Water On Feed Conversion Ratio, Body Weight Gain, Feed Intake And Livability Of Male Broiler Chickens, Kenia Mitre

Poultry Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Passing water through a magnetic field has been shown to have positive effects in agricultural activities such as crops, cattle and poultry production (Ali, Samaneh and Kavakebian, 2014). Several experiments performed in Middle Eastern countries have evaluated the effect of magnetizing drinking water on poultry performance, but results are inconsistent. The current project was conducted to evaluate the effect of magnetizing the drinking water on key aspects of poultry production such as Feed Conversion Ratio, Body Weight Gain, Feed Intake and Livability. Four hundred and forty-nine male Cobb-500 chicks were randomly placed in 6 replicate pens for each of 3 …

Western Australian Sea Cucumber Resource - Harvest Strategy 2018-2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

Fisheries Management Papers

This publication of harvest strategies is intended to make the decision-making considerations and processes for the management of specified aquatic resources publicly transparent and provide a basis for informed dialogue on management actions with resource users and other stakeholders.

Draft Management Plan For The Pilbara Crab Managed Fishery, Western Australia. Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

Fisheries Management Papers

An Instrument of Exemption currently allows for commercial fishing for crabs in the Pilbara. The Pilbara crab resource has been accessed commercially through the Pilbara Developing Crab Fishery (Developing Fishery) since it commenced in 2001, with the majority of effort being undertaken in Nickol Bay, near Dampier. Crab stocks in the Pilbara region are highly variable which can be attributed to environmental fluctuation, however, catches have remained steady over the past five years.

Draft Management Plan For The Pilbara Crab Managed Fishery, Department Of Primary Industries & Regional Development

Fisheries Management Papers

There are currently five Instruments of Exemption which allow for commercial fishing for crab in the Kimberley Developing Crab Fishery (Developing Fishery). Three of the Exemptions are held by non-indigenous commercial operators, and two are held by Aboriginal Body-C orporates who fish in smaller areas with the consent of traditional owners. These Exemption holders have been accessing the Developing Fishery since it first commenced in 2006. The total catch of mud crab for the Developing Fishery peaked in 2015 at 15.3t. This catch represented a 20% increase on the reported catch from 2014 and is 39% higher than catches recorded …

Draft Management Plan For The Kimberley Crab Managed Fishery, Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Management Papers

No abstract provided.

Draft Management Plan For The Pilbara Crab Managed Fishery, Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Management Papers

No abstract provided.

Kentucky Warbler (Vol. 94, No. 2), Kentucky Library Research Collections

The Kentucky Warbler

No abstract provided.

Avs Corner, May 2018, Farzana Ferdous (Advisor), Emily Alexander, Caitlin Mathews, Megan Tamakloe, Meghan Courey

AVS Corner

No abstract provided.

Population Characteristics Of A Closed Northern Pike (Esox Lucius) Catch-And-Release Population In Minnesota, John Kempe

Biology Graduate Theses

Literature regarding catch-and-release populations of Northern Pike are rare and provide a unique perspective on their population dynamics. Shingobee Lake is a 64- ha mesotrophic lake with a maximum depth of 12.2 m located in northern Minnesota. Northern Pike fishing has been catch-and-release only since 2005, and there are no public accesses on the lake. Annual ice-out trap-netting occurred from 2009-2017, and a sizable amount of the Northern Pike recaptured via trapnet or angling had been previously tagged (37-59%). The lack of exploitation and high tagging percentage provided a unique opportunity to study the population dynamics of Northern Pike. Shinogbee’s …

Relationships Among Beef Cow Productivity Traits And Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In The Bovine Heat Shock Protein 70 Gene, Ashley Finney

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

When eukaryotes are exposed to stressors such as heat, toxins, and low oxygen levels, heat shock proteins (HSPs) are synthesized to maintain normal cellular function within the body. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene have been associated with calving percentage, and Julian calving date in spring-calving crossbred Brahman cows (Rosenkrans, et al., 2010). Our objective was to determine associations between previously identified polymorphisms in the promoter region and coding sequence of the bovine Hsp70 gene and beef cow efficiency. We evaluated productivity traits, including Julian calving date and calving rates, of fall-calving cows at each …

Enhancing Quality Of Life Through Foreign Direct Investment In Northern Mozambique, Sarah-Beth Delay

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has the potential to increase economic activity and improve GDP growth in low-income countries, but can hinder economic development (quality of life improvements) if not sustainable and holistic in manner. Africa serves as a host to many cases of FDI focused on economic growth, but not necessarily improving the quality of life for its citizens. FDI has spread throughout the African continent, where many countries are well endowed with natural resources, like minerals and coal. These economies have experienced rapid GDP growth with few benefits reaching citizens of the host country. Mozambique is a low-income country …

Winter Bat Activity In A Landscape Without Traditional Hibernacula, Amy M. Hammesfahr, Rene E. Ohms

United States National Park Service: Publications

Abstract

Prior to 2014, bat research at Devils Tower National Monument (DETO) focused on bats present during the summer months. Biologists at DETO assumed local bats were strictly summer residents due to the presumed lack of typical habitat features associated with bat hibernation, such as caves and mines. This lack of traditional hibernacula features at DETO discouraged staff and research cooperators from studying winter bat populations. Despite the earlier assumption that bats were unlikely to hibernate on the monument, DETO documented significant winter bat activity through passive winter acoustic monitoring. This study is the first study at DETO that documents …

Impact Of Basal Diet On Obesity Phenotype Of Recipient Mice Following Fecal Microbiome Transfer From Obese Or Lean Human Donors. Appendix D. Microbiome Sequencing Data, Daphne Rodriguez, Abby D. Benninghoff, Korry Hintze

Browse all Datasets

The complete data set generated by 16S rRNA sequencing of all fecal samples analyzed is provided as a digital data .biom file accessible.

Veterinary Training Practice In Pinnipeds, Samantha Hatfield

Senior Honors Projects

Little research has been conducted in determining how to train a Northern Fur Sea Lion (Callorhinus ursinus) for veterinary husbandry care procedures. There is no clear path or instruction manual on how to complete a veterinary examination on a Fur Sea Lion, or any marine mammal for that matter, since every animal behaves and reacts differently. Animal behavior (ethology) is an ongoing field of study that focuses on the natural interactions between these species with each other, other living organisms (including humans), and their environment. The purpose of this research is to establish a guideline on how to begin training …

Cooking Patties From A Frozen State, Endpoint Temperature, And Post-Cookery Chilling Affect Internal And External Color And Cooking Losses In Ground Beef Patties, Zena Hicks

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

To determine the effects of cooking state (frozen vs. thawed), endpoint temperature (65.5 vs. 73.9°C), and post-cookery chilling on color of ground beef patties, 85% coarse-ground beef was purchased and ground through a 9.5-mm plate, formed into 115-g patties, and crust frozen before 4 patties were vacuum packaged and stored at -10 °C. Packages were either thawed in a water bath for 2 h prior to cooking or cooked directly from frozen. Within each package, patties were weighed before being cooked to their assigned temperature (65.5 or 73.9^oC) and either allowed to cool at room temperature on paper …

Genetic Variation Of Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis Septentrionalis) Populations In Nebraska, Michael Palandri, Jeremy White

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The objective of this experiment was to determine genetic variation between Nebraska populations of Northern Long-eared Bats (Myotis septentrionalis) and to relate this variation to White-Nose Syndrome resistance. We hypothesized that these populations would show variation due to spatial separation and a lack of intermittent hibernacula. Wing tissue samples were collected from different areas in Nebraska including Ponca State Park, Fontenelle Forest, Elm Creek, and Larrabee Creek. A total of 31 specimens were caught between these locations. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted, amplified, and run on a gel using 6 samples from Ponca State Park. The gel from the …