Animal Sciences Commons^™

Hyena Den Distribution, Human-Hyena Interactions And Mitigation Strategies In The Greater Amboseli Ecosystem, Katherine Elizabeth Davis Matczak

Honors Theses and Capstones

The Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is a prevalent predator across Africa, recognized for their noticeable gait and powerful jaws which enable them to maul and scavenge on prey. Due to human population growth and encroachment onto wildlife territory, the overlap between human settlements and hyena den sites has become a growing concern, particularly regarding livestock predation. Livestock is intrinsic to livelihoods across Africa, with most individuals deriving their livelihoods from pastoralism. This paper provides an evaluation of den proximities to communities, hyena diet preference, human-hyena conflict/attitudes, and mitigation strategies used to protect hyenas, livestock, and the people. Results …

Surveillance Of A Novel Vesivirus Discovered In An Urban Mephitis Mephitis Population, Amanda E. Diggins

Honors Theses and Capstones

Caliciviridae is a family of non-enveloped, positive-sense, single stranded RNA viruses, including eleven defined genera that contain important pathogens of humans and animals. Within the Caliciviridae family, the genus Vesiviridae includes feline calicivirus, a leading cause of upper respiratory disease in cats, and vesicular exanthema of swine virus, a historical disease of domestic swine that has now been implicated in several marine mammal vesicular diseases, one of which has been confirmed zoonotic. Urban landscapes create a unique environment for rapid intra- and interspecies transmission of viruses. Clustered resources attract high-density populations of synanthropic wildlife species, increasing spatial overlap and heightening …

Metabarcoding Ixodes Scapularis To Characterize Feeding Behavior In Comparison To Pathogen Carriage And Geospatial Distribution, Adrianna Kate George

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Association Between Internal Body Temperature And Metabolic Status In Early Lactation Jersey Cattle, Alexandra Ferreri, Claira Seely

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Crab And Lobster Shell Meal Taste Preferences Of Dairy Heifer Calves, Summer R. Pescinski, Peter S. Erickson

Honors Theses and Capstones

Objective: This preference study was conducted to evaluate the palatability of crab shell meal (CM) and lobster shell meal (LM) when added to calf starter for post-weaned dairy heifer calves.

Materials and methods: Six calves were used for a sequential elimination experiment to rank their taste preferences when offered control calf starter, calf starter mixed with 50 g of CM, and calf starter mixed with 50 g of LM.  The calves were kept on the study for a total of 5-d split into two feeding segments.  Preference was determined by calculating the total intake of each treatment …

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Modulates Gut Microbiota And Lipid Metabolism To Reduce Diarrhea In Low-Birth-Weight Neonatal Calves, Zhanhe Zhang, Duo You, Donglin Wu, Xintong Li, Yang Jia, David L. Harmon, Ming Xu

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which colonic fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) improves lipid metabolism in low-birth-weight neonatal calves via modulation of the gut microbial ecosystem. In a completely randomized design, seventy newborn Holstein calves (1 day old, 32.63 ± 3.13 kg BW) were assigned to two groups (35 calves/treatment; 30 females and 5 males per group). A healthy calf was used as a fecal donor. A 10% fecal bacterial suspension was prepared and administered colonically (50 mL, twice daily for 5 days). All calves were fed the same milk replacer and weaned using a step-down protocol at …

Hidden In The Mist: Three New Species Of Salamanders Of The Genus Pseudoeurycea (Amphibia: Plethodontidae) From Oaxaca, Mexico, Eduardo A. Aguilar-Herrera, Salomón Sanabria-Urbán, Dulce L. Flores-Martínez, José David Gómez-Tapia, Misael Seba-Chacha, Leopoldo D. Vázquez-Reyes, Francisco A. Rivera-Ortíz, Patricia Ramírez-Bastida, Bruno Cortés-Ortiz, R. Alejandro Calzada-Arciniega, Etienne U. Avila-Ortega, Dónovan I. Víquez-Vega, Omar Hernández-Ordoñez, Christopher Blair, Víctor H. Jiménez-Arcos

Publications and Research

We describe three new species of lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae) in the genus Pseudoeurycea from Cerro Rabon, located on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Mazateca, Oaxaca, Mexico. This mid-elevation mountain, largely surrounded by warmer lowlands, remains relatively understudied. We present molecular and morphological evidence distinguishing the three new species from their congeners. According to our phylogenetic analysis, one of the new species belongs to the P. leprosa group, while the other two are members of the P. juarezi group. Notably, one of the new species represents the fourth worm salamander known from west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and another …

Data From: Mass Mortality Of Avian Migrants In New Mexico, Usa, That Coincided With An Extreme Weather Event, Dylan M. Osterhaus, Allison J. Salas, Patricia L. Cutler, Mara E. Weisenberger, Kerry Mower, Abigail J. Lawon, Timothy F. Wright, Jeanne M. Fair, Martha J. Desmond

Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Ecology: Datasets

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of A Coastwide Sheepshead (Archosargus Probatocephalus) Fishery Reveals Increased Fishing Pressure During Spawning Activity In Texas, Ethan T. Getz, Catherine M. Eckert, Charles Downey Iii

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) have been characterized as one of the most vulnerable species to overfishing in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) based on their reproductive strategy of spawning in aggregations. Here, we analyzed fishery—independent and dependent data (1983—2023) collected by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to assess Sheepshead populations and describe the fishery in Texas. Gill net sampling was used to describe Sheepshead abundance and distribution, while creel survey data and commercial landings were used to determine spatial and temporal characteristics of the fishery and evaluate targeted fishing activity during the spawning season. Sheepshead encountered in gill …

The Impacts Of Wing-Flashing By Northern Mockingbirds On Foraging, Parental Care, And Reproductive Success, Anna R. Starman

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Foraging efficiency may be enhanced by flashing patches of white wing and tail feathers and has been documented in several avian species. Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos, NOMO) exhibit this “wing-flashing” (WF) behavior while foraging, during displays, and in response to predators. In NOMOs, WF has been hypothesized to increase foraging success, but previous findings are inconclusive. To further investigate the biological role(s) of WF behavior in NOMOs, the ventral surface of white primary feathers of male NOMOs were artificially darkened, and the foraging and provisioning rates of undarkened (control) males and their mates were compared. While foraging, undarkened …

Independent Animal Chiropractic Practice: An Evidence-Based Argument For Autonomy Beyond Veterinary Supervision, Montana Adams

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Animal chiropractic is a growing form of conservative care used to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support neuromusculoskeletal function in animals. Despite evidence suggesting it is both effective and low risk, access remains limited due to inconsistent state regulations. Many jurisdictions require chiropractors to obtain veterinary supervision, referral, or licensure, even when they have completed specialized training and certification in animal chiropractic. This paper evaluates the effectiveness and safety of animal chiropractic while analyzing the impact of current regulatory policies. Research indicates that chiropractic care can improve mobility and reduce spinal conditions in animals when performed by trained professionals. However, …

Fisheries Research Report No. 359: Metropolitan Monitoring Program 2025, Alissa Tate, Claire B. Smallwood, Karina L. Ryan, Troy Matthews

Fisheries Research Reports

Ongoing monitoring of recreational fisheries in the Perth Metropolitan zone is essential to ensure the sustainable use of fisheries resources. Surveys of shore- and boatbased recreational fishers within the Metropolitan zone of the West Coast bioregion provide information on human dimensions and catch-per-fisher as well as mean length and weight of key recreationally caught species. For shore-based fishers, estimates of fishing effort, catch and harvest are also presented for key nearshore species. This information is used to support ongoing assessments for key nearshore species and the development and evaluation of harvest strategies and other management actions, such as for Australian …

Using Genetic Analysis To Infer Familial Relationships Of Westslope Cutthroat Trout In The Lower Priest River, Idaho, Kolby Emtman

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

The Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus lewisi) is a native species of salmonid that holds both cultural and ecological significance in the Idaho Panhandle region of the United States. Within this region, the Priest River is a major contributor of migrant Westslope Cutthroat Trout to the Clark Fork Pend Oreille basin. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of juveniles that have at least one migrant parent, illustrate gene flow using juvenile half sibling relationships, and showcase varying levels of spawning success using juvenile full sibling relationships. Sampling of juvenile individuals occurred in 11 tributaries of the Priest River over …

The Impacts Of Wing-Flashing By Northern Mockingbirds On Foraging, Parental Care, And Reproductive Success, Anna Reece Starman

Undergraduate Research Awards

Foraging efficiency may be enhanced by flashing patches of white wing and tail feathers and has been documented in several avian species. Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos, NOMO) exhibit this “wing-flashing” (WF) behavior while foraging, during displays, and in response to predators. In NOMOs, WF has been hypothesized to increase foraging success, but previous findings are inconclusive. To further investigate the biological role(s) of WF behavior in NOMOs, the ventral surface of white primary feathers of male NOMOs were artificially darkened and the foraging and provisioning rates of undarkened (control) males and their mates were compared. While foraging, undarkened males performed …

False-Positive Detections In Avian Auditory Surveys: Effects Of Song Number And Directionality In A Calibration-Based Immersive Sound Environment, Katia Elena Chavez

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Detection-based surveys are widely conducted to monitor wildlife populations and provide data for estimating density and abundance. Avian count surveys are especially common because birds respond quickly to habitat degradation and restoration, making them effective indicator species. However, these detection-based surveys rely heavily on human observers and are prone to errors. If left unaddressed, these errors can bias estimates of species occurrence, and abundance, leading to misleading ecological inferences and management decisions. False-positive errors have received limited attention, in part because they are difficult to identify without independent confirmation of true species. To investigate false-positive rates in a controlled setting, …

Managing Dietary Nonstructural Carbohydrates In Insulin Dysregulated Horses: Pasture, Long-Stem Forage, And Restrictive Grazing Strategies, Morgan J. Askins

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Insulin dysregulation (ID) is a complex endocrine disorder, impacting a large percentage of the equine population. ID is the defining characteristic of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Within the various classifications of EMS horses, the commonality is ID and their higher risk of laminitis. To mitigate insulin response and laminitis risk in ID horses, current management focuses on restricting pasture exposure and feeding low nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) rations. Minimal studies have evaluated how ID horses respond to pasture of various NSC, long-stem forages, and restrictive grazing strategies. Providing horse owners and managers with improved nutritional management recommendations for ID horses with …

Investigating The Full Annual Cycle Ecology Of Eastern Whip-Poor-Wills Breeding In Central Appalachian Forests, Nicole Notarianni

Theses and Dissertations--Forestry and Natural Resources

Data on habitat needs of migratory birds across the annual cycle is critical for the development of effective management plans, particularly for declining species. One declining species, the eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vocerifus; EWPW) lacks data on habitat selection patterns through the annual cycle, and this knowledge is particularly scarce for the breeding season. In this thesis, I used archival GPS tags on EWPW to: 1) assess patterns of breeding habitat space-use for 11 EWPW breeding in central Pennsylvania, and 2) describe broad space-use patterns during migration and wintering seasons. Breeding data were paired with three LiDAR-derived habitat metrics: …

Between The Rails: Experiential Education And Its Impact On Compliance And Consistency In Racetrack Surface Management, Heather Mackenzie

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

Recent regulatory requirements within the Thoroughbred racing industry have increased expectations for consistent collection and reporting of racetrack surface data. Despite clear standards, implementation in daily operations remains inconsistent, highlighting a gap between regulation, knowledge, and practice. This study examined the impact of an experiential education curriculum on racetrack personnel’s self-efficacy and reporting consistency.

Using a quantitative design, data were collected through pre- and post-surveys measuring self-efficacy and records of the number of days surface data were entered. Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, and effect size analyses were used. Results showed a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy (p < .001) with large effect sizes, indicating meaningful gains in confidence and comfortability. Reporting consistency did not show a statistically significant change (p = .885).

Overall, experiential education …

Nanoparticle Carriers Enhance The Prophylactic Antiviral Effects Of Dsrna In Vitro And Ex Vivo, Shayne Oberhoffner, Stephanie Dewitte-Orr, Starla Richardson, Leah Haile, Dominique Daniels, Erin Cooper, Aizah Ijaz, Janet Velasquez Perez, Mathilde Peruzzi, Bertrand Collet, Paul Craig, Kristof Jenik

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Aquaculture now outpaces traditional capture fisheries as the world population and demand for sustainable protein sources increases. Wild and farmed species are increasingly susceptible to pathogen spread as global temperatures rise and stocking densities increase. Despite the devastating losses experienced by aquaculture due to viral infections, there remain few effective prophylactic antiviral therapeutics. Long double-stranded (ds)RNA is a uniquely viral molecule produced by nearly all viruses during their replication cycle, and its detection by salmonids like rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytsha) leads to the establishment of a defensive antiviral state. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated a …

Retention Time Of Microplastics In The Purple Sea Urchin (Arbacia Punctulata), Alexandra Shore

Honors Theses and Capstones

Marine ecosystems around the world are facing the problem of plastic pollution. Large pieces of plastic eventually degrade into smaller microplastics that are suspended in the water column and sink to the seabed. Sea urchins are exposed to microplastics as they graze on the sea floor and can accidentally consume these pollutants. Sea urchins are ecologically important animals because they physically alter their ecosystem via grazing and are integral part of marine food webs. To better understand how sea urchins interact with microplastics, purple sea urchins were exposed to microfibers and microspheres in a laboratory setting, and the retention time …