Other Animal Sciences Commons^™

Histology Of Rathke’S Glands In The Razor-Backed Musk Turtle, Sternotherus Carinatus (Chelonia: Kinosternidae), With Comments On Lamellar Bodies, S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I examined the histology and ultrastructure of Rathke’s glands in two adult male razor-backed musk turtles (Sternotherus carinatus) collected in northeastern Arkansas. This species possesses two pairs of Rathke’s glands that are embedded beneath marginal bones and are named according to their anatomical location (i.e., axillary and inguinal). These integumentary glands are similar anatomically to one another. Each gland is comprised of a single, highly vascularized secretory lobule, which is surrounded by a thin tunic of asymmetrically arranged, striated muscle. Two types of large secretory vacuoles characterize most of the holocrine cells produced by a relatively thin secretory …

Genetic Polymorphisms Of The Glucocorticoid Receptor And Interleulin-8 Receptor Genes And Their Relationship To Production Traits And Hair Coat Scores In Crossbred Cattle, Avery B. Deaton, Laura Meyer, Jeremy Powell, Charles F. Rosenkrans Jr.

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

Little is understood about how the diversity of genes, specifically the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and interleukin-8 receptor (CXCR2), are related to reproductive health and how this affects physical traits in cattle. Glucocorticoid receptors have been positively associated with higher milk yields, lactose content, feed intake, and feed conversion rates. Interleukin-8 genes are part of the innate immune response and help with many aspects of female reproductive health, such as protecting the embryo from the maternal immune system during pregnancy. The objective of this research was to identify polymorphisms in the GR and CXCR2 genes and to associate genotypes between the …

The Bovine Rumen Microbiome Revealed By Different Fractions Of Rumen Contents, Ashlee Breakstone, Jiangchao Zhao

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

The bovine rumen microbiota is very important in terms of animal functionality and digestion. The fermentative capability of the rumen provides means for the digestion of complex plant material that is indigestible by humans. The rumen microbiota is made up of billions of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that digest and ferment feed into volatile fatty acids and bacterial protein for the animal’s energy and protein needs, respectively. Changes to the rumen microbiota can have a direct measure on animal growth, health, and performance. The possibility of productivity boosts in the cattle industry make the rumen microbiome a hot topic in the …

Cost-Benefit Analysis Of A Genetic Marker On Cow-Calf Operations Differentiated By Pasture And Breed, Josh C. Crystal, Michael P. Popp, Nathan P. Kemper, Charles F. Rosenkrans Jr.

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

Genetic sequencing in beef cattle (Bos taurus L.) is expected to aid producers with selecting breeding stock. Using data from experimental trials conducted with Angus, Brahman, and their reciprocal cross, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) P450 C994G marker expression was investigated for use in selecting genetics suited to grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. L.) compared to bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) pasture. The study is unique in the sense that actual cow-calf breeding failure rates (open cows were not culled) were tracked from 1991 to 1997 on herds that were bred to calf in spring and were either exposed …

Economic Contribution Of The Agricultural Sector To The Arkansas Economy In 1997-2014, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Agricultural production, processing, and retail industries are major contributors to the Arkansas economy in terms of GDP. Agriculture contributes to the economy through direct agricultural production, value-added processing, and agricultural retail activities.

Use Of Anti-Mullerian Hormone To Select For Fertility In Beef Heifers, Hannah Newberry

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to determine whether concentration of serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) at weaning and/or breeding could predict subsequent fertility in beef heifers. Frequency distribution was used to assign serum AMH concentration measured at weaning, breeding, and the change from weaning to breeding, into quartiles. Comparison of heifers based on serum AMH quartiles at weaning failed (P ³ 0.35) to detect any effect of AMH on subsequent heifer cyclicity at breeding, estrous response after synchronization, artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rate, overall breeding season pregnancy rate, or estimated estrous cycle of the breeding season when conception occurred. Based on …

A Life Cycle Analysis Of Land Use In Us Pork Production, Greg Thoma, Marty Matlock, Ben Putman, Jasmina Burek

Food Systems

The goal of this study was to analyze land use in the production of US pork using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA is a comprehensive methodology for quantitatively analyzing potential environmental impacts associated with complex systems. Identification of processes contributing to high environmental impacts often highlights opportunities for gains in efficiency, which can increase the profitability and sustainability of US pork. The environmental impact category analyzed in this assessment was land use. After reviewing existing information regarding land use in agriculture and livestock production, analysis for US pork production was performed at two scales: cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-farm gate. The cradle-to-grave …

Broiler Breeder Mating Behavior And The Effects Of Pre-Incubation Embryo Integrity Modifications On Broiler Performance, Emily Kathryn Lhamon

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Modern broiler breeders have been observed displaying significantly less mating behaviors than their ancestral fowl. Effective mating behavior translates into fertile hatching eggs that ultimately become broilers processed for market. The poultry industry has made significant changes in genetics, environment, housing, and diets of commercial poultry. However, there are some concessions made in genetic selection and streamlined management to produce larger, fast-growing, efficient birds. Aggression in broiler breeder males is believed to be a sign of high fertility. However, highly aggressive males pose a threat to the welfare of their flock mates, and may also impede frequency of mating and …

The Effect Of Alternative Fertilization And Application Time On Voluntary Intake Of Forages, Jessica Clark

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Dairy slurry and poultry litter have increased in popularity as fertilizers in the agriculture industry. However, residual effects of these manures on voluntary intake of forages from subsequent harvests are not well known. The objectives of this two part study were to determine if moisture level of alfalfa silage and the use of dairy slurry as a fertilizer have an effect on intake and digestibility by sheep, and if forage species and the use of poultry litter as a fertilizer have an effect on intake by horses. Eighteen ewes (47.6 ± 5.34 kg) were used in experiment 1 and were …

Economic Contribution Of Agriculture And Food To Arkansas' Gross Domestic Product 1997-2013, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Agricultural production, processing, and retail industries are major contributors to the Arkansas economy in terms of GDP. Agriculture contributes to the economy through direct agricultural production, value-added processing, and agricultural retail activities, and it also plays an important role through its interactions with other sectors. The use of non-agricultural goods and services as inputs into the agricultural sector promotes diversified growth in Arkansas’ economy; thus agriculture remains a vital part of Arkansas’ economy. This report: 1) compares the relative size of the Agriculture and Food Sector in Arkansas with those of neighboring states; 2) provides an overview of Arkansas’ economy …

Life Cycle Assessment Of Alternative Swine Management Practices, Prathamesh Avadhut Bandekar

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are quantitative analyses of complex systems for evaluation of impacts and risk associated with management decisions. LCAs can be effective tools for determining comparative advantages of management strategies across specific impact concern. In this study, life cycle assessments of pork production management alternatives was performed. The alternative management practices included in this study were production of entire males (boars), use of pens for gestation housing, immunocastration, production without growth promoting antimicrobials, production without growth promoting and preventive antimicrobials, and production without ractopamine. These LCAs evaluated the impact of each management strategy on greenhouse gas emission (GHG), …

Effect Of Feeding Regimen And Age On Lipid Metabolism In Broiler Breeder Hens And Progeny, Nirun Boonsinchai

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Age of hens and feed allocation can affect egg yolk lipid compositions which in turn directly relate to chick quality. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the effects of age and feeding programs on lipid metabolism in breeder hens and progeny. In the first trial, the rate of yolk absorption and fatty acid profiles in the yolk were compared among 28, 35, and 49wk old hens. The results revealed that the rate of yolk absorption was higher, but the absolute amount of fatty acids absorbed was lower in young hens than in the old hens. The second trial …

A Cradle To Farm Gate Life Cycle Analysis Of Land Use In U.S. Pork Production, William Benjamin Putman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to conduct a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the U.S. live swine production supply chain to quantify land use requirements and to assess the impact associated with various ration compositions. The functional unit was defined as one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of live swine at the farm gate, ready for transport to the abattoir. This assessment focused on the three highest producing USDA regions, which encompassed the Midwest (Regions 5 and 7) and the Southeast (Region 4), representing 86% of U.S. market hog production.

First, a literature review was conducted to summarize the most …

Use Of Endocrine And Immune Responses As Predictors Of Bull Sperm Motility, Lydia Mitchener

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Research has shown that immune cells increased from an immune response, and endocrine concentrations directly affect sperm characteristics (Jones and Mann, 1976; Hansson et al., 1989; Grattan et al., 2007). Previous findings show a negative relationship between leukocytes and sperm function (Jones and Mann, 1976) and prolactin and fertility (Grattan et al., 2007). On the other hand, research has shown a positive relationship between insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and sperm characteristics (Hansson et al., 1989). The objective of this study is to identify biomarkers for yearling bull sperm associated with endocrine response and activation of the immune system. Seventeen Brahman-influenced …

Effects Of Crystalline Amino Acid Supplementation Of Reduced Crude Protein (Rcp) Diet On Net Energy Basis On Growing-Finishing Swine, Daniel Cook

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Barrows and gilts (n=210) were used to test the effects of crystalline amino acid (AA) supplementation of reduced crude protein (RCP) diets formulated on a net energy basis on quality characteristics of the LM from growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were blocked by weight, and pens (3 barrows and 3 gilts/pen) within each block were assigned randomly to either corn-soybean meal diets (C) or 1 of 3 RCP diets and added crystalline AA levels for the dietary treatments during each feeding phase. During the last 3-wk feeding phase, 10 ppm of ractopamine were included in all diets. At slaughter and after a …

Arkansas Endemic Flora And Fauna An Update With 13 Additional Species, H. W. Robison, C. T. Mcallister

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Arkansas supports a diverse variety of endemic biota with most found in the Interior Highlands (Ozarks and Ouachitas) of the state. Since 1988, several compilations have updated the number of endemics known while some former endemic species have been found in other states and subsequently removed from the state list. Here, update to the list by adding 13 taxa, several of which are fish parasites, making a grand total of 139 current endemic species in Arkansas.

Introduction Of Florida Bass Alleles Into Largemouth Bass Inhabiting Northeastarkansas Stream Systems, W. J. Brockway, Ronald L. Johnson

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Florida bass (Micropterus floridanus) have been introduced throughout much of the southern U.S. over the past 50 years. This species readily hybridizes with the extant largemouth bass (M. salmoides). Within Arkansas, the Florida bass is currently stocked in the southern half of the state. Previous studies of a northern Arkansas hatchery and a reservoir revealed the existence of Florida bass alleles in each. Other studies in Oklahoma and Texas have revealed the presence of Florida bass alleles in stream systems proximal to lakes stocked. Our goal was to investigate, using microsatellite analysis of 7 diagnostic loci, the presence of Florida …

Economic Contribution Of Agriculture And Food To Arkansas' Gross Domestic Product 1997-2012, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Agricultural production, processing, and retail industries are major contributors to the Arkansas economy in terms of GDP. Agriculture contributes to the economy through direct agricultural production, value-added processing, and agricultural retail activities, and it also plays an important role through its interactions with other sectors. The use of non-agricultural goods and services as inputs into the agricultural sector promotes diversified growth in Arkansas’ economy; thus agriculture remains a vital part of Arkansas’ economy. This report: 1) compares the relative size of the Agriculture and Food Sector in Arkansas with those of neighboring states, the Southeastern region of the United States, …

Economic Contribution Of The Agricultural Sector To The Arkansas Economy In 2012, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

This report is the ninth in a series of reports examining agriculture’s economic contribution on the Arkansas economy. Utilizing data from the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), USDA Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), and IMPLAN Group, LLC , the economic contribution of agriculture on the Arkansas economy was estimated for the most recent year available, 2012.

Effect Of Supplemental Trace Mineral (Zinc, Copper, And Manganese) Source On Growth Performance, Morbidity, And Trace Mineral Status In Beef Cattle, Anthony Ryan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A series of studies were conducted to determine the effect of supplemental trace mineral source on growth performance, morbidity, and trace mineral status in growing beef cattle. The first experiment evaluated supplemental trace minerals from sulfate, organic, or hydroxy sources on growth performance and morbidity. Crossbreed beef calves were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments consisting of supplemental zinc (360 mg/d), copper (125 mg/d), and manganese (200 mg/d) from inorganic, organic, or hydroxy sources fed daily over a 42 to 45-d backgrounding phase. After removal of chronic and dead calves from the data set, trace mineral source had no effect …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Student Oriented Learning Outlines (Solos) In An Equine Classroom, Kathleen S. Jogan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study determined if the use of the student oriented learning outline (SOLO) in a University of Arkansas equine production classroom had a positive influence in three areas: mastery of material taught, retention of material taught and voluntary positive student behaviors related to the use of course material. Thirty-one students who were enrolled in 2012 were in the non-SOLO group (control), and 25 students who were enrolled in 2013 were the SOLO group (treatment). Three separate units were taught to the treatment and control groups with only one difference: the treatment group was given a SOLO one week in advance …

Influence Of Steroids And Gonadotropins On Reproduction In Beef Cattle, Thomas L. Devine

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to evaluate the influence of steroids and gonadotropins on reproduction in beef cattle. In experiment 1, beef heifers were used to determine the influence of growth-promoting implants on growth, reproductive development, estrous behavior, and pregnancy rate. Heifers were assigned to 1 of 4 implant treatment groups: control (CON); trenbolone acetate (TBA); trenbolone acetate plus estradiol (TBA+E2) or zeranol (ZER). Heifers were implanted once, A.I. and exposed to bull during this experiment. Body weight, BCS, HH, RTS, estrous behavior and pregnancy data were collected throughout this experiment. Average daily gain of heifers was greater for …

Economic Contribution Of Agriculture And Food To Arkansas' Gross Domestic Product 1997-2011, Jacob Manlove, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Agricultural production, processing, and retail industries are major contributors to the Arkansas economy in terms of GDP. Agriculture contributes to the economy through direct agricultural production, value-added processing, and agricultural retail activities, and it also plays an important role through its interactions with other sectors. The use of non-agricultural goods and services as inputs into the agricultural sector promotes diversified growth in Arkansas’ economy; thus agriculture remains a vital part of Arkansas’ economy. Part 1 of the report compares the relative size of the Agriculture and Food Sector in Arkansas with those of neighboring states, the Southeastern region of the …

Palatability Of Teff Grass By Horses, Rachel R. Cummins

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Most forages commonly used to feed horses have potential detriments including blister beetles or excessive fiber concentrations. Teff grass (T), a warm-season annual forage, has the potential to be a good alternative for horses because of its lack of observed disorders. Our objective was to compare preference by horses for T harvested under different conditions with that of bermudagrass (B) harvested at two maturities. Six different forages were evaluated: T harvested at the late vegetative stage (TLV), at late bloom but that incurred 33 mm of rainfall between mowing and baling (TLBR), with caryopsis visible (TES), or at soft dough …

Isoflupredone Acetate As Ancillary Therapy For Bovine Respiratory Disease In High-Risk Stocker Calves, Claire E. Crews

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of illness and death in U.S. feedlot cattle. This study evaluated the use of isoflupredone acetate in the treatment of BRD. Crossbred male beef calves (n = 192; BW = 221 ± 3.9 kg) were acquired in two blocks from regional auction markets and transported to the University of Arkansas Stocker and Receiving Cattle Unit. Calves were observed daily for signs of respiratory illness. Antibiotic treatment was administered if calves displayed signs of respiratory illness and rectal temperature was ≥ 40 °C. Calves (n = 72) requiring antibiotic treatment were assigned randomly …

Balking Incidence And Behavioral Responses During Handling In Fed Cattle With Genetic And Carcass Implications, Michelle Lynn Thomas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Temperament in cattle is often defined as the reactivity to human handling or novel environments. Temperament differences have been shown among breed-type categories, within breed types, among crossbreds, and between sexes. Temperament tests are typically completed at weaning time on beef cattle, and rarely on fed Holstein steers for beef production. Balking behavior, or cease in forward motion, in the cattle working facility can pose welfare issues as the electric prod use to coerce movement is implemented. Three observational field projects were designed to evaluate balking behavior incidence in unknown breed-types at the processing plant, Holstein steers in the feedlot …

Miscellaneous Fish Helminth Parasite (Trematoda, Cestoidea, Nematoda, Acanthocephala) Records From Arkansas, C. T. Mcallister, C. R. Bursey, H. W. Robison, D. A. Neely, M. B. Connior, M. A. Barger

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Between June 2012 and January 2014, 147 fishes (10 species) within five families were collected from watersheds in 8 counties of Arkansas and examined for helminth parasites. Almost every fish species examined harbored at least one or more helminth parasite, including 5 trematodes (Alloglossidium sp., Plagioporus sp., Crepidostomum sp., Clinostomum marginatum and unknown metacercaria), 2 cestodes (unknown cyclophyllidean cysticerci and Corallotaenia parva), 3 nematodes (Spiroxys sp., Capillaria catostomi, and Eustrongylides sp.), and 3 acanthocephalans (unknown cystacanths, Neoechinorhynchus sp., and Leptorhynchoides sp.). We document 16 new host and 2 new distributional records for these helminths. In addition, this is the first …

First Record Of Ribbon Worms (Nemertea: Tetrastemmatidae: Prostoma) From Arkansas, P. G. Davison, H. W. Robison, C. T. Mcallister

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Comparative Study Of Helminth Parasites Of The Many-Ribbed Salamander, Eurycea Multiplicata And Oklahoma Salamander, Eurycea Tynerensis (Caudata: Plethodontidae), From Arkansas And Oklahoma, A, C. T. Mcallister, M. B. Connior, C. R. Bursey, H. W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Ninety many-ribbed salamanders, Eurycea multiplicata and 135 Oklahoma salamanders, Eurycea tynerensis were collected between April 2010 and April 2014 from 14 counties of Arkansas and McCurtain County, Oklahoma (E. multiplicata only) and examined for helminth parasites. Twelve (13%) E. multiplicata were infected, including two (2%) each with Brachycoelium salamandrae, Bothriocephalus rarus, Batracholandros magnavulvaris, Cosmocercoides variabilis, and Omeia papillocauda, and one (1%) each with an oligacanthorhynchid cystacanth and Fessisentis vancleavei. Forty-one (30%) of the E. tynerensis were infected, including seven (5%) with Gorgoderina tenua, two (1%) each with Phyllodistomum solidum and cyclophyllidean tapeworm cysticerci, one (0.7%) with Cylindrotaenia americana, six (3%) …

Natural History Notes And Records Of Vertebrates From Arkansas, M. B. Connior, R. Tumlison, H. W. Robison, C. T. Mcallister, D. A. Neely

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.