Estimating Daily Growth Of Age-0 Channel Catfish In A Free-Flowing, Commercially Exploited Midwestern River, Kaleb B. Wood

Masters Theses

The larval stage in fishes is an important stage in the life history, as their survival dictates the ability of the population to sustain itself as an adult population. While there is a plethora of information available for juvenile and adult life stages of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), very little is understood about their larval life stage. This study sought to determine overall density, growth rates, and size structure of cohorts of age-0 Channel Catfish during a study year on the Wabash River. In 2018, I sampled age-0 Channel Catfish using a benthic trawl from May to September. …

Using Community Science To Monitor Eastern Box Turtles And Engage Public In Conservation, Sarah Zoppa

Masters Theses

The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina; EBT) is a charismatic species with populations in decline due to habitat loss, disease, and other anthropogenic factors. However, due to their cryptic nature, studying an EBT population can be a difficult and intensive process. To investigate EBT populations in Coles County, Illinois, we used a combination of community science and computer-based pattern analysis to develop an approach to tracking individual turtles. Citizen volunteers submitted photos of encountered eastern box turtle carapaces for shell pattern analysis along with GPS coordinates of the encounter. We have received 220 submissions from 47 community volunteers. …

Nocturnal Behavior Of Communally Roosting American Crows (Corvus Brachyrhynchos), Caitlin M. Mrowiec

Masters Theses

During the winter months in Charleston, Illinois, thousands of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) gather together each night to roost. While aspects of this impressive sight have been studied elsewhere, there is very limited information on how crows behave at night. Additionally, the mechanics and origins of communal roosting are not especially well understood, and the behaviors involved are not always consistently described. This study sought to provide a more complete assessment of crow communal roosting after sunset. I collected data between 2018 and 2020 by locating communal roosts and conducting continuous observations for 4 hours after sunset, with additional checks …

High Prevalence Of Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection In Raccoons (Procyon Lotor) And Associated Risk To Humans In Central Illinois, Esther Onuselogu

Masters Theses

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a neglected tropical disease and a growing health threat in the United States. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) often coexist with humans in urban and suburban areas and serve as reservoir hosts for T. cruzi. While T. cruzi is rare in humans and domestic animals in the U.S., it is common in wildlife species, particularly raccoons and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in the raccoon population of Central Illinois and evaluate the risk of transmission to humans. …

Can Edna Be Used To Locate Shawnee Hills Cavefish Forbesichthys Papilliferus?, Megan Brandt, Timothy Spier Phd, Gary Zeruth Phd

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Traditional stream fish sampling methods, such as seining and electrofishing, are time consuming, expensive, and limited to short stretches of stream. However, the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples promises to be a quick, inexpensive method for detecting fish. The streams of the Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area (LBL) are unique, undisturbed streams which contain many interesting fish species for which little information exists. One such rare species is the Shawnee Hills Cavefish Forbesichthys papilliferus, which is known to exist in a few LBL streams. However, the complete distribution of the Shawnee Hills Cavefish in LBL …

The Effects Of Early Exposure To Prescription/Illicit Drugs And Drug Metabolites On Larval Zebrafish Behavioral And Motor Function Development, Jacob Thomas, Dena Weinberger, Bikram Subedi, Brandon Capps

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

THE EFFECTS OF EARLY EXPOSURE TO PRESCRIPTION/ILLICIT DRUGS AND DRUG METABOLITES ON LARVAL ZEBRAFISH BEHAVIORAL AND MOTOR FUNCTION DEVELOPMENT

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Department of Biology

Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters In Science

By Jacob Thomas, B.S., Murray State University

December 2024

Acknowledgements

Brandon Capps, who pretty much did a whole third of the legwork on this project and saved me lots of headaches;

Chandler Maddox, one of the University of Kentucky’s finest undergrads who came in from the top rope with a folding chair …

Movement Ecology Of Paddlefish And Walleye Reveal The Importance Of Continued Interjurisdictional Management In Riverine And Lacustrine Systems, Kaitlyn Bearden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fisheries systems function at broad spatial and temporal scales. Fishes within these systems are often highly mobile and move to locate adequate habitat, to feed and reproduce. As individuals navigate their environment, they potentially cross regulatory boundaries (state or federal) and or encounter physical barriers such as dams. Regulatory boundaries may not physically impede fish movement, but they are visible to fisheries managers thus the fishes within them may be vulnerable to varying management and harvest regulations. Physical boundaries (e.g., dams) are also particularly problematic for highly mobile species in large river systems. In chapter two, I documented that apparent …

Feeding Isoacids To Swine: Inclusion Level And Interactions With Dietary Fiber And Protein, Angie Patricia Benavides Infante

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In animal production, research is continually being carried out into implementing new feeding strategies, such as incorporating new alternative ingredients or additives that improve the quality of the diet, reduce the cost of diets, or have effects on intestinal health. The inclusion of branched-chain volatile fatty acids has been investigated in ruminants, and it has been found that a diet supplemented with BCVFA increases fiber digestibility as well as increases cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen. There is little information about the possible effects on pigs supplemented with BCVFA. According to this, the first study aims to evaluate the optimal inclusion …

The Influence Of By-O-Reg+ Beef, An Oregano-Based Essential Oil Supplement, On Growth Performance, Carcass Traits And Meat Quality Of Finishing Beef Steers, Bergin Mackenzie Debruin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to determine the influence of an oregano-based essential oil (OEO; By-O-Reg+ Beef), on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of beef steers finished in an all-natural program. Yearling steers were allotted to 16 pens (n = 8 pens per treatment, 8 steers per pen). Treatments included: 1) control (CON) fed no oregano-based essential oil and 2) group fed 4 g/steer daily of By-O-Reg+ Beef. Steers were harvested on day 149 of the feeding period. Standard carcass data was collected and instrumental color (L*, a*, b*) was recorded. Strip loins were collected from a …

Comparison Of Nonlinear Models For Predicting Live Weight Growth Curves In Lambproduction Of Kıvırcık And Karacabey Merino, Vasfi̇ye Kader Esen, Orhan Karadağ, Cengi̇z Elmaci, Seli̇m Esen

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

To achieve sustainable lamb production, it is crucial to determine the optimal slaughter age for maximum economic efficiencyand have a comprehensive understanding of breed characteristics. This study focuses on evaluating different nonlinear models todetermine the optimal slaughter age for Karacabey Merino and Kıvırcık lambs, renowned for their early development and superiormeat quality, respectively. The dataset comprised age-related live weight data from 98 lambs, including 36 female and 15 male Kıvırcıklambs, as well as 33 female and 14 male Karacabey Merino lambs. Six models, namely, negative exponential, Brody, Gompertz, logistic,Bertalanffy, and Richards were utilized to analyze the data. The model parameters …

Carbon Neutral By 2030 - Katanning Research Station, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Climate Science Published Reports

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) Katanning Research Station (KRS) is developing practical techniques and methods for mitigating carbon emissions from the livestock industry.

This research will help the livestock industry in Western Australia (WA) access anticipated future markets for carbon neutral food and fibre products.

Behavioral Ecology Of The Colorado Brown Tarantula (Aphonopelma Hentzi): Activities Displayed Around The Burrow Through Juvenile Group Dispersal, Bradley Allendorfer

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The life history strategy of the Colorado brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) typically includes males spatially scattering in search for a female mate in the fall, followed by female attendance of fertilized eggs the following summer. Here, I highlighted aspects associated with this female parental care. Specifically, I compared the activities of maternal (egg-attending) tarantulas to their non-maternal (not egg-attending) counterparts, as this may be a costly time for these egg-attending individuals. I concluded that maternal individuals tended to show reduced activity at the burrow entrance, however; these, results were significant in only one comparison. After weeks of this parental care, …

Capfish Project Report : Phase 1 Outcomes And Summer Academy For The Mediterranean, World Maritime University

Reports

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a complex and multifaceted problem, with disastrous consequences for aquatic ecosystems, coastal communities, fishers and fish workers, and economic and national security. Over the past three years, the CAPFISH Project has strengthened capacity to fight IUU fishing by providing training and educational materials to developing country administrations around the world, most recently with a two-week regional Summer Academy for the Mediterranean. The Academy ran for two weeks and targeted delegates from fisheries administrations in developing countries in North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe, as a way to promote inter-regional learning and …

Alpaca Assisted Activities In The New England Alpaca Industry: A Possible Solution To Farm Profitability And Participant Mental Health, Ashley Michele Masse

Honors Theses and Capstones

The high operating costs of the New England alpaca industry were putting the majority of alpaca farmers in this region in a state of financial loss. On a separate note, American communities were experiencing a prevalence of anxiety and depression. What if a single solution could help improve the outcome of both these challenges that seem to have little to do with each other? Alpaca Animal Assisted Activities (alpaca AAAs) was a possible solution. This study explored New England alpaca farm profitability and alpaca AAAs in a way no other research study has done before. A Farmer Survey was mailed …

Equine Rescue Success In The United States: A Statistical Analysis, Carly J. Cave

Honors Theses and Capstones

The high inflation that has characterized the post-pandemic period in the United States has increased the costs of horse ownership for private owners and equine rescue organizations, which are facing critical pressures. Over 200,000 equines are at risk for neglect or slaughter in the United States each year, which far exceeds the capacity to house these equines at rescue organizations. While demand on these organizations is high, their ability to afford appropriate resources for their care is insufficient. This study examined geographical and economic factors that impact equine rescues’ success in taking in at-risk equines and adopting them to forever …

Alpaca Assisted Activities In The New England Alpaca Industry: A Possible Solution To Farm Profitability And Participant Mental Health, Ashley Michele Masse

Honors Theses and Capstones

The high operating costs of the New England alpaca industry were putting the majority of alpaca farmers in this region in a state of financial loss. On a separate note, American communities were experiencing a prevalence of anxiety and depression. What if a single solution could help improve the outcome of both these challenges that seem to have little to do with each other? Alpaca Animal Assisted Activities (alpaca AAAs) was a possible solution. This study explored New England alpaca farm profitability and alpaca AAAs in a way no other research study has done before. A Farmer Survey was mailed …

The Continuation Of Thoroughbred Racing: A Dual Mission, Isabella V. Williams

Honors Theses and Capstones

Thoroughbred racing is the highest-profile segment of the equine industry in the United States and around the world, accounting for 50% of industry jobs and 25% of industry revenue. Public interest in the sport is rising thanks to social media and celebrity involvement at marquee events like the Kentucky Derby, leading to increased scrutiny of the sport, posing a high risk to human and equine participants alike. Public outcry at equine injuries in particular threatens the sport’s social license to operate (SLO), making it critical to protect the “whole-life welfare” of the animals involved in the sport to ensure its …

An Updated Outline For Clearing And Staining Of Preserved Specimens, Sadie E. Smith

Honors Theses and Capstones

This protocol outlines a enhanced clearing and staining procedure for persevered specimens, focusing on the visualization of cartilage and bone in small taxa. With origins from O. Shultze's diaphonization methodology in 1897, the process of clearing and staining improves the clarity and contrast of intricate tissues. It is essential for studies in developmental biology, histology and anatomy. This protocol covers the key steps of the process while detailing the materials, solutions and estimated timeline for each step pertaining to specific taxa. The aim of the protocol is to standardize and provide guidance for procedures in the Biological Sciences department at …

13 C-Stable Isotope Resolved Metabolomics Uncovers Dynamic Biochemical Landscape Of Gut Microbiome-Host Organ Communications In Mice, Xia Xiao, Yixuan Zhou, Xinwei Li, Jing Jin, Jerika Durham, Zifan Ye, Yipeng Wang, Bernhard Hennig, Pan Deng

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

ackground Gut microbiome metabolites are important modulators of host health and disease. However, the overall metabolic potential of the gut microbiome and interactions with the host organs have been underexplored. Results Using stable isotope resolved metabolomics (SIRM) in mice orally gavaged with 13 C-inulin (a tracer), we first observed dynamic enrichment of 13 C-metabolites in cecum contents in the amino acids and short-chain fatty acid metabolism pathways. 13 C labeled metabolites were subsequently profiled comparatively in plasma, liver, brain, and skeletal muscle collected at 6, 12, and 24 h after the tracer administration. Organ-specific and time-dependent 13 C metabolite enrichments …

A Cooperative Study Assessing The Effects Of A Second Iron Injection Administered Before Weaning On Growth Performance, Hematological Status, And Tissue Mineral Concentrations Of Nursery Pigs*, Tyler Chevalier, O. Adeola, S. D. Carter, C. R. Dove, M. J. Estienne, C. L. Levesque, C. V. Maxwell, T. Tsai, Merlin D. Lindemann

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective: A study involving 7 experiment stations evaluated the effects of a second iron injection administered before weaning on growth and hematological measures of pigs.

Materials and Methods: Pigs (n = 514) were given an iron injection (100–200 mg) on the first day of life. Piglets were then allotted to pairs of similar-weight, samesex siblings 3 to 5 d before weaning (on d 18–24) with one piglet from each pair receiving a second iron injection. All pigs received common station-specific postweaning diets. Data were subjected to ANOVA with the model containing the terms treatment, station, pair within station, and treatment …

A Road Map For Place Based Collaboration For Conflict Reduction, Joseph L. Zecher

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Avian Community Structure And Habitat Connectivity In The Fanno Creek Corridor Bird Surveys, Habitat Assessment, And Management Recommendations, Grace Hall

Environmental Science and Management Professional Master's Project Reports

Urbanization can significantly impact habitat quality and connectivity for avian communities, decreasing species richness and diversity. However, in highly fragmented habitats, urban parks and riparian zones can provide important habitat corridors for birds that facilitate movement and access to essential resources. On the west side of greater Portland, Oregon, Fanno Creek may serve as a habitat corridor for birds and other local wildlife.

Fanno Creek is a 25-kilometer tributary of the Tualatin River that runs through the cities of Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, and Durham in northwestern Oregon. The land surrounding the creek includes residential, commercial, and industrial properties as well …

Use Of Otolith Microchemistry To Determine Natal Origins For Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys Molitrix In The Lower Mississippi River Basin, C. Barshinger, M. Eggleton, J. Spurgeon

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Two Otolith Processing Methods For Silver Carp Age Estimation, J. N. Stevens, C. E. Barshinger, J. J. Spurgeon, M. A. Eggleton, S. E. Lochmann

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

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.