Animal Studies Commons^™

The Efficacy Of Probiotic Bacterial Isolates In Reducing Cecal Camylobacter Colonization In Broiler Chickens, Komala Arsi

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Campylobacter is the leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide and human illnesses are often associated with consumption of poultry or poultry products. Many strategies have been tried to eliminate Campylobacter from poultry with limited success. One of the strategies to reduce Campylobacter colonization in poultry is by use of probiotics. We conducted 2 separate studies to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics against Campylobacter in broiler chickens. For our first study, GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) bacteria were isolated from healthy chickens and tested their efficacy against Campylobacter in vitro. Twenty six isolates with in vitro anti-Campylobacter activity were …

New Host Records For Mesocestoides Sp. Tetrathyridia (Cestoidea: Cyclophyllidea) In Anurans (Bufonidae, Ranidae) From Arkansas, With A Summary Of North American Amphibian Hosts, C. T. Mcallister, M. B. Connior, S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

New Host And Distribution Records Of The Leech Placobdella Multilineata Moore, 1953 (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae), W. E. Moser, D. J. Richardson, C. T. Mcallister, J. T. Briggler, C. I. Hammond, S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Distribution, Habitat Preference, And Status Of The Ditch Fencing Crayfish, Faxonella Clypeata (Hay) (Decapoda: Cambaridae), In Arkansas, H. W. Robison, C. T. Mcallister

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The ditch fencing crayfish, Faxonella clypeata (Hay), is a common and widespread crayfish that inhabits roadside ditches, intermittent first-order streams, shallow sloughs with heavy vegetation, and edges of swamps in Arkansas. Between 1997-2012, we made 55 collections of F. clypeata in 34 counties throughout eastern Arkansas, including 23 counties where F. clypeata had not been previously documented. At most of these locations within the West Gulf Coastal and Mississippi Alluvial Plain provinces, F. clypeata was found to be a locally abundant crayfish. With regard to conservation status, F. clypeata should be considered as “Currently Stable” due to its widespread distribution …

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.

New Records And Notes On The Ecology Of The Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis Septentrionalis) In Arkansas, D. Blake Sasse, M. L. Caviness, M. J. Harvey, J. L. Jackson, P. N. Jordan, T. L. Klotz, P. R. Moore, R. W. Perry, R. K. Redman, T. S. Risch, D. A. Saugey, J. D. Wilhide

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Isoflupredone Acetate As Ancillary Therapy For Bovine Respiratory Disease In High-Risk Stocker Calves, Claire Crews, Jeremy Powell, Elizabeth Kegley, Jana Reynolds, Pete Hornsby

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

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most prevalent and devastating disease in U.S. feedlot cattle. This study evaluated the use of isoflupredone acetate in the treatment of BRD. Crossbred male beef calves (n = 192; body weight = 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 to …

Safety Of Improved Milbond-Tx Mycotoxin Binder When Fed To Broiler Breeders Above Recommended Levels, Michael Schlumbohm, Judy England, Rueben Kriseldi, C. Coon

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

An increasing concern in poultry nutrition is the effects of mycotoxins in contaminated grain. Several new products have come onto the market that chemically bind these toxins preventing mycotoxicosis. However, many of these products have not been tested for safety if accidently overfed to broiler breeders. In order to simulate a feed mixing error at a feed mill, Improved Milbond-TX® was overfed to broiler breeders to see if this would cause any negative effects on bird performance. A typical corn-soybean based diet supplemented with Milbond-TX mycotoxin binder at three different levels of inclusion (0%, 0.5%, and 1%) was fed to …

Ecology Of The Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla Squirella) In Southern Arkansas, M. B. Connior, T. Fulmer, C. T. Mcallister, S. E. Trauth, C. R. Bursey

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We conducted an ecological study of the Squirrel Treefrog, Hyla squirella near El Dorado, Union Co., Arkansas from May-Oct. 2013. We extended the known distribution by ~2 km and documented the first breeding occurring on 28 May and the first transformation of juveniles on 27 Aug. Three endoparasites were documented: Opalina sp., Nyctotherus cordiformis, and Physaloptera sp. larvae. We also provide information on endoparasites of Florida H. squirella as well as a summary of helminths of this frog.

Growth And Reproduction In The Ouachita Madtom (Noturus Lachneri) At The Periphery Of Its Distribution, R. Tumilson, J. O. Hardage

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Ouachita madtom (Noturus lachneri) occurs primarily in drainages of the upper Saline River and in a few small tributaries to the Ouachita River in Arkansas, USA. We collected specimens by hand and by use of aquarium dipnets on 29 occasions from 20 October 1999 through 25 July 2000 in Cooper Creek, presently a feeder creek into Lake Catherine on the Ouachita River. Total length was measured, reproductive attributes were noted, and individuals were released at the capture site (with exception of 3 gravid females retained to assess fecundity). We recognized 2 age (size) classes during most of the year …

New Records Of Ectoparasites And Other Epifauna From Scalopus Aquaticus And Blarina Carolinensis In Arkansas, M. B. Connior, L. A. Durden, C. T. Mcallister

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

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.

Toad (Anura: Bufonidae) Limb Abnormalities From An Aquatic Site In Scott, Pulaski County, Arkansas, C. S. Thigpen, D. Beard, S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We collected and examined 16 Fowler’s toads, Anaxyrus fowleri, and one dwarf American toad, Anaxyrus americanus charlesmithi, in central Arkansas in 2011. Collection was initiated by observation of abnormal toads. Toads were euthanized, measured, photographed, and deposited in the Arkansas State University herpetological collection. Several toads were radiographed. We found various abnormalities in both forelimbs and hindlimbs and on both sides of the body. The causes of the abnormalities remain unknown and will require further studies to determine if the environment is imperiled.

Fecundity Of Arkansas Tarantulas Aphonopelma Hentzi (Girard), A. K. Jones, D. H. Jamieson, T. L. Jamieson

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Haemogregarina Sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae), Telorchis Attenuata (Digenea: Telorchiidae) And Neoechinorhynchus Emydis (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) From Map Turtles (Graptemys Spp.), In Northcentral Arkansas, C. T. Mcallister, C. R. Bursey, H. W. Robison, M. B. Connior, M. A. Barger

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

New Host And Geographic Distribution Records For The Fish Leech Myzobdella Reducta (Meyer, 1940) (Hirudinida: Piscicolidae), D. J. Richardson, W. E. Moser, C. T. Mcallister, R. Tumlison, J. W. Allen Jr., M. A. Barger, H. W. Robison, D. A. Neely, G. Watkins-Colwell

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Size And Age Records For An Arkansas Specimen Of The American Bullfrog, Lithobates Catesbeianus (Anura: Ranidae), S. E. Trauth, T. A. Welch

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Steer Stress Response As Affected By Genotype And Transportation, Megan Wary, Marites Sales, Ben Williamson, Ken Coffey, Michael Looper, Charles Rosenkrans Jr.

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

Bovine cytochrome P450 3A28 is responsible for metabolizing ergot alkaloids that cattle ingest when feeding on endophyte-infested tall fescue grass. The objective of this research was to determine associations among genotype, transportation, and stress responses. Angus crossbred steers (n = 47) were genotyped (CC, CG, or GG) for a single-nucleotide polymorphism (C994G) in cytochrome P450 3A28. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by restriction enzyme (Alu1) digestion. Steers were backgrounded on a mixed-cultivar tall fescue pasture. Following the stocker phase, steers were transported to the feedlot for finishing. Stress responses were determined 27 h prior to, …

Palatability Of Teff Grass By Horses, Rachel R. Cummins, Kenneth Coffey, Nancy Jack, Kathleen Jogan, Edward Gbur, Robert Rhein, Dirk Philipp, Melissa Adams, William Smith, Katherine Clayton

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

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 …

Growth And Mortality Of Ozark Bass (Ambloplites Constellatus) In Streams Of The Ozark Highlands, Ashley R. Rodman, Kristofor R. Brye

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

The Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) is endemic to the Upper White River Basin, and a limited amount of information exists on the Ozark bass population, including growth and mortality characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine growth and mortality of Ozark bass in the Upper White River Basin, compare growth of Ozark bass to other Ambloplites species, and compare growth and mortality of Ozark bass between sample sites. Sampling occurred in Crooked Creek and in the Lower Wilderness Area (LWA) of the Buffalo River, with multiple collections from each body of water. Sampling occurred during summer 2013 via …

Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus Urophasianus) Habitat Selection In Northwestern Wyoming And Stable Isotope Analysis Of Fecal Material, Andrea Renee Green

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Dramatic range-wide declines in Greater Sage-Grouse populations have prompted efforts to determine habitat characteristics that are selected by sage-grouse for foraging, nesting and brood-rearing areas in an effort to conserve this species. Managers at Heart Mountain and Y U Bench in northwestern Wyoming expressed the need to quantify various habitat characteristics and to determine key use areas at both study sites. Data were collected on a variety of habitat variables in spots selected by grouse for foraging, nesting, and brood-rearing activities. These variables were compared to the same variables measured at random points at both study sites. Significant differences existed …

Arkansas Animal Science Department Report 2013, David L. Kreider, Paul Beck

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

No abstract provided.

Identification Of Biomarkers Associated With Ascites Incidence In Broilers, Kaylee Rowland

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Poultry is key in genetic research due to breeding feasibility, relatively short generation interval, and distinct phenotypes. It is estimated that 8% of broiler deaths annually can be attributed to ascites, an economically important disease that has been challenging the industry for the past 2 decades. Genetically selected ascites resistant (RES) and susceptible (SUS) chicken lines have been established and maintained by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Intensive research efforts have been made to reveal physiological and biochemical characteristics for the incidence of ascites. Since the whole genome of the major ancestral chicken, the Red Jungle Fowl, has been sequenced, …

Relationships Between Landscape Factors And Crayfish Density And The Interacting Effects Of Grazing And Increased Sedimentation On Algal Biomass, Katheryn Haley Rose

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In recent years in the United States there has been a rapid expansion in anthropogenic sources of sediment in streams including construction, agriculture, and drilling for natural gas. Potential effects land disturbance associated with activities from natural gas development on aquatic biota in surrounding streams have not yet been well documented. An increase in inorganic sediment in streams can be detrimental to organisms through a variety of mechanisms including alteration of dominant substrate type, higher turbidity resulting in lower visibility, and burial of food resources such as algae and detritus. Increasing sedimentation in stream environments through anthropogenic disturbance is a …

Economic Contribution Of The Agricultural Sector To The Arkansas Economy In 2011, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

This report is the eighth 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 Minnesota IMPLAN Group, Inc. (MIG), the economic contribution of agriculture on the Arkansas economy was estimated for the most recent year available, 2011. The total economic contribution of agriculture (direct, indirect, and induced effects) to value added, employment, and labor income was estimated using the Impact Analysis for Planning System (IMPLAN). The economic contributions of agricultural production and processing …

Evaluating Economic And Environmental Impacts Of Changing Herd Sire Genetics On Arkansas Cow-Calf Operations, Daniel Keeton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research looks at impacts of changing sires, and thus bull genetics, on cow-calf operations of varying land and herd sizes in the state of Arkansas. A 2012 Across-Breed EPD table, adjusted to the Angus breed, was used to estimate breed sire effects on birth weight and weaning weight of the herd's offspring (Kuehn and Thallman 2012a). Together with modified animal performance, the use of 2012 and most recent five- and ten- year Arkansas state average prices, allowed the evaluation of changing herd sires by accounting for breed type and hide color differences in prices. Using a spreadsheet tool that …

Evaluation Of Water Sanitation Options For Poultry Production, Pramir Maharjan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

An evaluation of poultry farm water supplies was conducted to determine the value and impact of water system sanitation practices in commercial broiler houses on microbial levels. Water line cleaning between flocks using concentrated disinfectant solution before placing chicks reduced biofilms retained in the lines to a safe level. Occasional microbial surges were noticed during different points of flock grow-out period even when daily water sanitation was present indicating water is highly susceptible to microbial contamination. However, the daily water sanitation practice controlled the occasional microbial surges in water from sustaining and kept drinking water to a microbiologically acceptable level. …

Turpentine Creek: Arkansas' Refuge, Jacob Paul Bain

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this Master's thesis film project was twofold. First, I wanted to explore the problem, huge but relatively unknown, of the ownership of exotic pets in the United States of America. Second, in conjunction with that problem, I wanted to see how Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) approached it and what, as an organization, they do to help resolve this problem locally and nationally. In turn, the film also provides an in-depth look at a very unique refuge in the state of Arkansas. Using my own equipment, I shot and edited a short-form documentary about TCWR. The film …

The Interactive Effects Of Multiple Stressors On Lithobates Catesbeianus And Anaxyrus Americanus, Matthew Kyle Holden

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Amphibian populations worldwide have experienced dramatic declines, and many species have already become locally, regionally, or globally extirpated with thousands more being threatened with extinction. These declines have occurred more rapidly in amphibians than any other group of vertebrates, which is especially concerning to scientists because amphibians serve as indicator species of overall environmental health. Major causes for amphibian declines are discussed in Chapter 1 and include: habitat modification and destruction, commercial over-exploitation, introduced species, environmental contaminants, global climate change, and infectious diseases.

Chapter 2 discusses the major research aspects of the thesis by examining the interactive effects of multiple …

Visual And Linguistic Influences On Public Perceptions Of Swine Confinement, Arthur Leal

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to analyze the visual and linguistic characteristics of online (YouTube) videos and electronic newspapers, identifying relationships with positive, negative, and neutral attitudes toward swine confinement.

This study followed a content analysis design. Two coders, trained to an acceptable level of agreement (κ = .68), examined online videos and electronic newspapers, assessing linguistic and visual images used in relation to attitudes toward swine confinement. A series of search terms deemed suitable for this study's objectives were employed in multiple search engines, and 48 articles and 157 videos were coded for content.

Results from this study showed that …