Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons^™

Prevalence Of Tick-Borne Pathogens In Small Mammals And White-Tailed Deer In Southeast Nebraska, Tim Hotaling

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The prevalence of tick-borne diseases has been increasing in the United States for the past couple decades. Studies have been conducted throughout the US identifying tick-borne disease pathogens as well as their hosts and prevalence. Research was conducted in Nebraska to determine the presence of some tick-borne disease pathogens, their vectors, and their hosts, with emphasis made on Borrelia spp., Rickettsia rickettsii, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis.

Small rodents in southeast Nebraska were trapped and sampled at eight study sites using live capture traps. Captured rodents were assessed for active parasitism by ticks which were collected and placed in alcohol. …

Epidemiological Associations Between Brachycephaly And Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders In Dogs Attending Veterinary Practices In England, Dan G. O'Neill, Caitlin Jackson, Jonathan H. Guy, David B. Church, Paul D. Mcgreevy, Peter Thomson, Dave C. Brodbelt

Epidemiology Collection

Background: Brachycephalic dog breeds are increasingly common. Canine brachycephaly has been associated with upper respiratory tract (URT) disorders but reliable prevalence data remain lacking. Using primary-care veterinary clinical data, this study aimed to report the prevalence and breed-type risk factors for URT disorders in dogs. Results: The sampling frame included 170,812 dogs attending 96 primary-care veterinary clinics participating within the VetCompass Programme. Two hundred dogs were randomly selected from each of three extreme brachycephalic breed types (Bulldog, French Bulldog and Pug) and three common small-to medium sized breed types (moderate brachycephalic: Yorkshire Terrier and non-brachycephalic: Border Terrier and West Highland …

Fecal Volatile Organic Ccompound Profiles From White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) As Indicators Of Mycobacterium Bovis Exposure Or Mycobacterium Bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (Bcg) Vaccination, Randal S. Stahl, Christine K. Ellis, Pauline Nol, W. Ray Waters, Kurt C. Vercauteren

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) serve as a reservoir for bovine tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, and can be a source of infection in cattle. Vaccination with M. bovis Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) is being considered for management of bovine tuberculosis in deer. Presently, no method exists to non-invasively monitor the presence of bovine tuberculosis in deer. In this study, volatile organic compound profiles of BCG-vaccinated and non-vaccinated deer, before and after experimental challenge with M. bovis strain 95–1315, were generated using solid phase microextraction fiber head-space sampling over suspended fecal pellets with analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. …

Development Of An In Vivo Exsheathment Assay Of Infective L3 Haemonchus Contortus Larvae In Fistualated Sheep, Holly N. Williams, Katherine Petersson, Carly Barone

Senior Honors Projects

Purpose: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) hinder the sustainable production of small ruminants on pasture and parasite resistance to chemical dewormers is becoming a growing concern. Condensed tannin containing legume forages are being tested to evaluate their anti-parasitic properties and potential contribution to an overall parasite control program for small ruminants such as sheep and goats. One of the most pathogenic GIN of small ruminants is Haemonchus contortus. The final step to full infectivity of H. contortus third stage larvae (L3) is exsheathment in the rumen. The objective of this study was to establish an in-vivo exsheathment assay in fistulated sheep …

Prevalence Of Disorders Recorded In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Attending Primary-Care Veterinary Practices In England, Jennifer F. Summers, Dan G. O'Neill, David B. Church, Peter C. Thomson, Paul D. Mcgreevy, David C. Brodbelt

Epidemiology Collection

Background: Concerns have been raised over breed-related health issues in purebred dogs, but reliable prevalence estimates for disorders within specific breeds are sparse. Electronically stored patient health records from primary-care practice are emerging as a useful source of epidemiological data in companion animals. This study used large volumes of health data from UK primary-care practices participating in the VetCompass animal health surveillance project to evaluate in detail the disorders diagnosed in a random selection of over 50% of dogs recorded as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs). Confirmation of breed using available microchip and Kennel Club (KC) registration data was attempted. …

Prevalence Of And Risk Factors For Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease In Dogs Attending Primary‐Care Veterinary Practices In England, M. Mattin, A. Boswood, D. B. Church, J. López-Alvarez, P. D. Mcgreevy, D. G. O'Neill, P. C. Thomson, D. C. Brodbelt

Epidemiology Collection

Background

To date, epidemiological studies on degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) in dogs have largely reported referral caseloads or been limited to predisposed breeds. Analysis of primary‐care data to identify factors associated with DMVD would help clinicians identify high‐risk individuals and improve understanding.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors for DMVD in dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in England.

Animals

Cases were identified within the electronic patient records of 111,967 dogs attending 93 practices. Four hundred and 5 dogs were diagnosed with DMVD (diagnosed cases) and a further 3,557 dogs had a heart murmur (HM) consistent …

A Behavioral Analysis Of The Pre-Release Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus Harrisii) Currently At Devils@Cradle: An Assessment Of The Impacts Of Captivity On The Wild Behaviors Of Tasmanian Devils That Are Important For Their Reintroduction, Survival, And Inclusion In Wild Populations, Anna Staudenmaier

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisi, is in danger of extinction in the wild due to the emergence of Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). In an attempt to save the species the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STTDP) has initiated the creation of an ‘Insurance Population’. These insurance animals are a part of the captive breeding population (CBP) designed to conserve the genetic diversity of the species to preserve their ecological function for their future reintroduction into the wild. CBPs are located at various bio-secure zoos, wildlife parks, free-range enclosures (FREs), Tasmanian islands and peninsulas and sanctuaries like Devils@Cradle - Tasmanian …

Prevalence And Risk Factors For Mast Cell Tumours In Dogs In England, Stephanie J.W. Shoop, Stephanie Marlow, David B. Church, Kate English, Paul D. Mcgreevy, Anneliese J. Stell, Peter C. Thomson, Dan G. O'Neill, David C. Brodbelt

Epidemiology Collection

Background

Mast cell tumour (MCT) appears to be a frequent tumour type in dogs, though there is little published in relation to its frequency in dogs in the UK. The current study aimed to investigate prevalence and risk factors for MCTs in dogs attending English primary-care veterinary practices.

Methods

Electronic patient records from practices participating in the VetCompass animal surveillance project between July 2007 and June 2013 were searched for MCT diagnosis. Various search terms and standard diagnostic terms (VeNom codes) identified records containing MCT diagnoses, which were evaluated against clinical criteria for inclusion to the study. MCT prevalence for …

Effects Of Processing Treated Corn Stover And Distillers Grains On Performance Of Growing Cattle, Jana L. Harding, Curtis J. Bittner, Dirk B. Burken Burken, Galen E. Erickson, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A study evaluated the effects of replacinga diet consisting of 60% corn stover, 18% solubles, and 18% distillers grains with a complete pelleted feed containing calcium oxide (CaO) treated corn stover and distillers grains on growing cattle performance. The pelleted feed was either pair-fed to the control treatment or fed ad libitum. There were no differences in ending BW, ADG, or F:G between the control and pair-fed treatment. Feeding the pellet ad libitum resulted in greater DMI and ADG; however, the cattle had greater F:G. The pellet has 98% the feeding value of the control treatment.

An Economic Analysis Of Conventional And Alternative Cow-Calf Production Systems, Jason M. Warner, Andrea K. Watson, K. H. Jenkins Jenkins, Rick J. Rasby, Kate Brooks, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Profitability through weaning was predicted for conventional and alternative cow-calf production systems using various input price scenarios. At base input price levels, conventional systems were more economical than alternative systems. As pasture price increased, alternativesystems became cost effective. Feeding cows year-round in a confinement setting appeared the least economical; however, an alternative system combining summer drylot feeding with cornstalk grazing is projected to be economically competitive given an increasing abundance of corn residue.

Effects Of Calf Age At Weaning On Cow And Calf Performance And Feed Utilization In An Intensive Production System, Jason M. Warner, Curtis J. Bittner, Karla H. Jenkins Jenkins, Rick J. Rasby, Matt K. Luebbe, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The effects of calf weaning age on cow and calf performance, reproduction, and feed utilization were investigated in a two-year study. Early weaning increasedcow BW in January. Pregnancy rates were not impacted by calf age at weaning. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar between normal-weaned cow-calf pairs and early-weaned cows and calves. Feed requirements and utilization were comparable between early- and normal-weaned pairs when fed high energy diets, implying weaning decisions should be made on the basis of management rather than feed efficiency.

Effect Of Corn Residue Removal On Subsequent Crop Yields, Mary E. Drewnoski, L. Aaron Stalker, James C. Macdonald Donald, Galen E. Erickson, Kathy J. Hanford, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of corn residue harvest on subsequent crop yields. In a long-term study (16 years), cattle grazing corn residue in the spring (February to the middle of April) or the fall (November through January) slightly improved subsequent soybean yields and had no effect on corn yields in an irrigated field maintained in an annual corn-soybean rotation at Mead, Neb. In a five-year study, fall grazing (December through January) or baling of corn residue had no effect on subsequent corn grain yields in a field maintained in continuous corn production at Brule, Neb. These …

Mineral Composition Of Beef Cattle Carcasses, Andrea K. Watson, Jana L. Harding, Matt P. Mccurdy Curdy, Matt J. Hersom, Kristin E. Hales, Clint R. Krehbiel, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Mineral retention was measured in 76 beef steers. Cattle were grown at different rates of gain and then finished on a common diet. Calcium and P retention were not affected by treatment and were similar between the growing and finishing periods averaging 4.2 g P and 10.8 g Ca /100 g protein gain across both experiments. As ADG during the growing period was decreased, K, Mg, and S mineral retention during the finishing period were increased. Expressing mineral retention as g/100 g protein gain reducedvariation due to animal size and ADG and suggests that current NRC predictions are accurate.

Anaerobic Digestion Of Feedlot Manure, Andrea K. Watson, Adam L. Shreck, Amy M. Schmidt Schmidt, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cattle diet can impact manure quality and quantity but has minimal impacts on methane production from anaerobic digestion of manure. Quality of manure, measured as OM, does affectmethane production and is largely impacted by the environment cattle are housed in and methods used to collect manure. As the amount of ash contamination of manure was increased, or OM content of the manure was decreased, organic matter degradation and methaneproduction were decreased. With adequate daily cleanout of ash from digesters, open-lot beef cattle manurecan be used for anaerobic digestion.

Effect Of Post-Weaning Management And Age At Weaning On Calf Growing And Finishing Performance, Jason M. Warner, Curtis J. Bittner, Karla H. Jenkins Jenkins, Rick J. Rasby, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The impact of post-weaning management system and calf age at weaning on growing and finishing performance was evaluated. During the growing phase, cattle in the fast-track system had improved intake, gain, and feed conversion. Although initial finishing weight was similar between systems, slow-track cattle had greater intake, gain, final body weight, and carcass weight. While the impact of age at weaning was negligible, the improvement in finishing performance for slow-track cattle demonstrates the value of different management systems.

Evaluation Of The Impact Of An Alternative Corn Residue Harvest Method On Performance And Methane Emissions From Growing Cattle, Janessa J. Updike, Anna C. Pesta, Robert G. Bondurant Bondurant, James C. Macdonald, Samodha Fernando, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A growing study was conducted to evaluate the impact of alternative corn residue harvesting methods and inclusion of Rumensin® on performance and methane to carbon dioxide ratio (CH₄:CO₂) of steers. Use of the alternative harvesting method resulted in greater ADG and improved F:G ratio than traditionally harvested cornstalks. Rumensin increased ADG and improved DMI; however, it did not have an impacton F:G ratio. Altering the composition of baled corn residue did affect CH₄:CO₂, while inclusion of Rumensin, whether included in the diet on a constant or rotational basis, had no impact.

Effect Of Harvest Method On In Vitro Digestibility Of Corn Residues, Janessa J. Updike, Jana L. Harding, Terry J. Klopfenstein Klopfenstein, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

New corn residue harvesting methods were evaluated to determine the impacts of altering the proportions of plant part that are composed in a round bale. In vitro techniques were used to assess the organic matter digestibility of corn residue bale harvested with different proportions of stalks, leaves, and husk. As husk comprised a greater proportion of the bale, digestibility appeared to increase when compared with a conventional bale of cornstalks.

Estimation Of British- And Continental-Specific Heterosis Effects For Birth, Weaning, And Yearling Weight In Cattle, Lauren N. Schiermiester, R. Mark Thallman, Larry A. Kuehn Kuehn, Matthew L. Spangler

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Heterosis, assumed proportional to expected breed heterozygosity, was calculated for 6,834 individuals with birth, weaning, and yearling weight records from Cycle VII of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Germplasm Evaluation Program. Heterosis was further estimated by proportions of British x British (BxB), British x Continental (BxC), and Continental x Continental (CxC) crosses. Estimates of BxB, BxC, and CxC heterosis were significant for weaning and yearling weight. This study illustrated that differences among biological types exist and provide an opportunity to utilize specific breeds and exploit heterosis in a crossbreeding system to achieve production goals.

Effect Of Corn Plant Maturity On Yield And Nutrient Quality Of Corn Plants, Cassandra A. Row, Adam L. Shreck, Robert G. Bondurant Bondurant, Curtis J. Bittner, Jana L. Harding, James C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two corn plots (short season, 102-day, and normal season, 111-day corn) were serially harvested to evaluate nutrient, digestibility, and yield change over the duration from half-milk line through black layer. Digestibility of the corn plant decreased as corn plant maturity and NDF content increased. The lower leaf in the normal season plot decreased in digestibility, but did not change in the short season plot. Little change was observed in the digestibility of the internodes across time. The NDF content of the upper plant increased in both plots. The internodes increased in NDF content across time in both plots. The results …

Impact Of Heifer Development System On Subsequent Gain And Reproduction, Hazy R. Nielson, John D. Harms, Adam F. Summers Summers, Rebecca A. Vraspir, Rick N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Replacement heifers from 2 different calving herds (March and May) were fed ad libitum hay and 4 lb of supplement/day, or were allowed to graze meadow and received 1 lb of supplement/day from mid-January to mid-April prior to both breeding seasons. Heifers from both calving herds that received hay had a greater average daily gain during the treatment period compared with meadow grazing heifers. However, heifers grazing meadow experiencedcompensatory gain during their respective breeding season, resulting in similar body weights at pregnancy diagnosis for March-calving heifers. The proportion of heifers that attained pubertybefore breeding and became pregnant was similar between …

A Comparison Of Two Implant Protocols: Synovex-Choice/Synovex-Plus Vs. Synovex-S/Revalor-S On Steer Feedlot Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Hazy R. Nielson, Adam F. Summers, Rick N. Funston Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

In a 2 year study, implant strategies were compared utilizing Synovex® Choice followed by Synovex Plus® or Synovex® S followed by Revalor® S. Spring-born crossbred steers were blocked by BW and randomly assignedto receive either Synovex Choice or Synovex S as the initial implant. Approximately100 days later, steers were reimplanted with Synovex Plus or Revalor S. Steers were slaughtered after 205 days on feed. There was no difference in average daily gain or hot carcass weight between treatment groups. Furthermore, there were no differences in yield grade, marbling score, or proportion of steers grading USDA Choice. Both implant regimens resulted …

Effects Of Ingestion And Collection Bag Type On Nutrient Composition Of Forage Samples From Esophageally Fistulated Cattle, Jacqueline A. Musgrave, Jared Judy, Aaron Stalker Stalker, Terry Klopfenstein, Karla Jenkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Ingestion and mastication of forage samples adds ash. Generally, levels of CP were lower and NDF and IVOMD were similar for post-ingested versus pre-ingestedforage. Bag type (screen vs. solid) generally did not affect ash, NDF, or IVOMD. Bag did not affect CP of alfalfabut CP of grass samples from screen bags was lower than solid bags. More fresh than dry forage was recovered through the esophageal opening.

The Effects Of Source And Amount Of Nitrite On Quality Characteristics Of All-Beef Frankfurters, Eric Miller, Chad G. Bower, Amy L. Redfield Redfield, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

In an effort to meet consumers’ demand for foods with more natural ingredients, processors have begun manufacturing meat products cured with natural nitrite sources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of all-beef frankfurters cured with traditional or alternative sources of nitrite and using equivalent amounts of nitrite. Frankfurters cured with alternative sources of nitrite had a slightly darker, less red exterior and slightly more yellow interior than those containing sodium nitrite. No differences were observed for pH or water activity. Both curing methods can be used to manufacture all-beef frankfurters with similar characteristics when using …

Effect Of Diet On The Rumen Microbial Community Composition Of Growing Cattle And The Role It Plays In Methane Emissions, Allison L. Knoell, Christopher L. Anderson, Anna C. Pesta Pesta, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

To understand the relationship betweenmicrobial community and methane, the microbial community of the rumen was examined by esophageally tubing cattle on a common diet and on 10 treatment diets. Microbial community analysis via 16S taq sequencing displayed structuring of microbial communities (Bacteria and Archaea) by diet. This study demonstrates that diet influences microbial community composition within the rumen, and the potential capacity to develop dietary interventionstrategies for methane mitigation and animal performance.

Stocking Rate Effects On Forage Nutrient Composition In Early Summer Pastures, Jared V. Judy, Jacki A. Musgrave, L. Aaron Stalker Stalker, K. H. Jenkins, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Nebraska Sandhills upland range pastures were used to measure the effectsof stocking rate on forage nutrient content in early summer pastures. Stocked pastures had lower CP, in vitroorganic matter digestibility, forage availability, and higher NDF compared with ungrazed pastures. Clipped samples of current year growth had greater CP and in vitro organic matter digestibility than diet samples. Observed results indicate early season grazing decreasesdiet nutrient content and forage availability compared with ungrazed pastures, suggesting that cattle were consuming both current and previous year growth.

Dried Distillers Grains Supplementation Of Calves Grazing Irrigated Corn Residue, Mandi Jones, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Robby Bondurant

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steer calves grazing irrigated corn residue received supplementation of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) at 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, or 1.1% of body weight. Steers were individually supplemented daily through Calan gates. Daily gain improved linearly (0.77 lb/head/day to 2.21 lb/head/day) with increasing supplementation (1.5 lb/day to 7 lb/day). Supplementing DGS to calves grazing corn residue increased gain during the winter period.

Comparison Of Commercial Lick Tubs To Distillers Grains Supplementation For Calves Grazing Corn Residue, Mandi Jones, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Kathleen R. Brooks, Dirk B. Burken, Robby Bondurant, Andrea K. Watson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steer calves grazing irrigated corn residue were supplemented dried distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) or allowedcontinuous access to a commercial lick tub. Dried DGS was fed at 2.94 lb/steer/day and the lick tubs were consumed at 2.04 lb/steer/day (DM basis). Gain was greater for cattle supplemented with dried DGS (1.36 lb/day) compared to those with access to lick tubs (0.83 lb/day). Supplement efficiency varied between calves receiving dried DGS (46%) and those with continuous access to the lick tub (43%) when expressed on a DM basis. Values for dried DGS supplementation (48%) were not different for supplement efficiencyon an OM …

Efficacy Of Bovatec 2.2 Mineral Blocks For Cattle Grazing Crested Wheatgrass Pastures, Karla H. Jenkins, Jacob A. Hansen, Matt K. Luebbe Luebbe

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A grazing study was conducted to determine if providing Bovatec® in a trace mineralized salt block would improve cattle performance over cattle provided a trace mineralized salt block without an ionophore while maintaining block consumption below 2 oz/head/day. Average daily block intake was 1.40 and 1.25 oz/day for the Bovatec and control cattle, respectively. Lasalocid consumption was 193 mg/head/day. Although cattle consuming the Bovatec block gained 5% more than the control cattle, this was not significant (1.75 vs 1.67 lb/day, respectively). Supplying an ionophore through a self-feeding block may not improve gain compared to supplying mineral alone in a self-feeding …

Effects Of Replacing Corn With A Pelleted Treated Corn Stover And Distillers Grains On Intake And Total Tract Digestibility Of Finishing Diets, Jana L. Harding, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt, Galen E. Erickson Erickson, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A digestion study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing dry-rolled corn (DRC) with a pelleted feed containing treated corn stover, solubles, and distillers grains (DDG). Replacing DRC with the pelleted feed had no effect on intakes. Similarly, total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, or NDF were not affected by dietary treatment. There was a tendency for differences in average ruminalpH between treatments; however, proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate were not impacted. It was concluded that the DRC could be replacedwith a pelleted stover and distillers in the finishing diet without altering total tract digestion.

Effect Of Feeding Distillers Grains In Different Phases Of Production On The Fatty Acid Profile And Oxidation Of Frozen, Cooked Beef Links, Brandy D. Cleveland, Amy L. Redfield, James C. Macdonald Donald, Tommi F. Jones, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Lipid oxidation of cooked ground beef links made from cattle fed different diets and with different concentrations of added natural antioxidants was compared to evaluate product shelf life. Fatty acid composition was analyzed on raw lean, composite, and fat portions from each shoulder clod. Samples without antioxidants were the most oxidized, with no differences between other antioxidant concentrations throughout frozen storage. An increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids was found in beef when finished on modified distillers grains but did not result in increased oxidation. Therefore, the addition of natural antioxidants was effective at reducing oxidative rancidity regardless of animal diet.