Animal Sciences Masters Theses

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2015 National Pork Retail Benchmarking Study
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Bachmeier, Laura Anne
The objective of this study was to quantify pork quality variation in the retail self-serve meat case nationwide. Center-cut loin chops (CCLC) (n=3795) were analyzed in-store for subjective color and marbling scores (2.85 and 2.30). Means for enhanced (EN) and non-enhanced (NON) CCLC were: L* (54.46 vs. 55.99; P < 0.0001), pH (6.00 vs. 5.74; P < 0.0001), and Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) (20.43 vs. 25.99 N; P < 0.0001). Mean EN and NON sirloin chop values were: L* (53.74 vs. 52.51; P = 0.20), pH (6.00 vs. 5.89; P = 0.04), and WBSF (16.18 vs. 22.92 N; P < 0.0001). Mean EN and NON blade steak values were L* (45.81 vs. 45.96; P = 0.82), pH (6.42 vs. 6.28; P = 0.04), WBSF (15.74 vs. 19.42 N; P = 0.0005). Results indicate a large amount of variation exists in the pork retail self-serve meat case.
Are Infrared Thermography, Automated Feeding Systems, And Heart Rate Variability Measures Capable of Characterizing Group-Housed Sow Social Hierarchies?
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Sommer, Dominique
Group gestation housing is becoming standard practice in commercial swine production. Although group housing promotes behavioral variability within the breeding herd, it can cause several management challenges for producers due to the establishment of the social hierarchy. Poor performance and welfare in group housed breeding stock can be attributed to the repercussions of aggression performed between dyads. The ability to quickly identify sows in the social hierarchy could be beneficial to producers for enforcing preventative actions. Precision livestock farming tools have proven to aid animal caretakers in monitoring animal health and welfare in livestock industries.The objective of this thesis was to investigate the use of infrared thermography, feeding activity obtained from an automated radiofrequency identification feeding system, and heat rate variability indices for detecting the social hierarchy within groups of gestating sows. Additionally, the relationship between observed social hierarchy, body condition scores, backfat, and reproductive performance was also explored.
Arginine Supplementation Strategies during Gestation: Impacts on Dams and Offspring
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Bjertness, Jena Lee
We hypothesize rumen-protected arginine supplementation during gestation will mitigate deleterious offspring effects caused by undernutrition. Experiment 1: non-pregnant ewes were supplemented with rumen-protected arginine at varying doses to assess effects on circulating amino acids and carotid hemodynamics. Arginine concentrations post-supplementation were greater in ewes supplemented with 180 vs. 90 mg/kg BW, and vascular resistance indices were lesser with 180 mg/kg BW; therefore, 180 mg/kg BW was used in experiment 2. Experiment 2: nutrient-restricted pregnant ewes were supplemented with rumen-protected arginine and maternal and offspring growth and physiological responses were measured. Arginine supplementation to nutrient restricted ewes improved offspring development compared to restricted ewes without supplementation. Circulating amino acids in offspring were efficiently metabolized, which may contribute to improved growth and development. There was no change in carotid hemodynamics in supplemented pregnant ewes. Further research should determine how arginine improves development, as this dietary supplement could rescue at-risk pregnancies.
Biological Abnormalities in the Ruminant Small Intestine and Its Relationship to Carbohydrate Assimilation
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Trotta, Ronald
Several biological abnormalities exist between the ruminant and nonruminant small intestine and influences carbohydrate assimilation. Two experiments were conducted to identify potential mechanisms to improve carbohydrate utilization in cattle. Experiment 1 evaluated the effects of duodenal starch infusions with casein or glutamic acid on post-ruminal carbohydrase activities. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of dietary fructose on visceral organ development and expression of nutrient transporters and digestive enzymes involved in carbohydrate assimilation. In experiment 1, the results suggest that small intestinal starch digestion may be improved in cattle with increased small intestinal flow of casein through increases in post-ruminal carbohydrase activities. In experiment 2, dietary fructose supply influenced nutrient utilization, visceral organ growth, and digestive enzyme mRNA expression and activity in neonatal calves.
Biological Evaluation of the Associations Between Animal Size, Feeding Behavior, Blood Metabolites and Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Portela Fontoura, Ananda Barbara
The biological variation in feed efficiency is regulated by multiple physiological mechanisms relevant to energy use in livestock species. The current study examined the associations between body composition, feeding behavior, linear body measurements and plasma metabolites with different measures of feed efficiency in growing heifers, finishing steers and mature pregnant cows. Our findings indicate that inclusion of body size measurements in prediction models of gain and intake improved the models’ accuracy and might account important differences related to eating capacity. Among the traits evaluated, feeding behavior possessed stronger associations with efficiency measures and displayed differences between efficient and inefficient animals. The associations between the traits studied herein varied across the efficiency measures used and beef cattle stage of production. Thus, selection criteria and performance evaluation based on efficiency measures should account for these traits, combined with animal’s stage of production and system’s outputs of interest.
Body Weight and Adiposity Changes of Obese Gilts Provided Ad Libitum Ground Beef Versus High Carbohydrate Diets
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Wellnitz, Krista R.
This study investigated the impact of providing a red meat (GB; cooked ground beef; 63% lean) or high-carbohydrate diet (CON) on growth performance and body composition of obese gilts as a biomedical model for humans. Treatment differences were observed for total intake (kg consumed/d; P = 0.05), average caloric intake (calculated kcals/d; P = 0.003), BW change (P = 0.012), and a treatment by harvest day interaction (P = 0.001) for pancreas weight. Subcutaneous backfat measured adjacent the 10th thoracic vertebra expressed as a percentage change from d0 tended (P = 0.09) to be less in GB gilts. There was no evidence of cardiac ventricular inflammation across treatments (P > 0.21). Despite consuming more total feed and more calories, the GB gilts gained less BW and deposited less subcutaneous fat over 84 days. More research is needed to further understand the physiological effect of food on human nutrition and health.
Can Hematocrit Levels at Estrus in Dairy Cows and Sheep Be an Indicator for Pregnancy Success?
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Kelany, Khaled Elaraby
Despite the major reproductive advances in the livestock industry, prenatal embryonic loss is still one of the major issues that causes substantial economic loss. While there are many tests available to determine pregnancy soon after maternal recognition of pregnancy, most of the prenatal losses are undetectable because it occurs before then. Based on previous research we hypothesized that increased plasma volume around the time of estrus will increase the survivability of the embryo at early stages of gestation. However, our findings indicate that hematocrit levels are not a consistent measurement in determining successful pregnancies.
Characteristics of Health Parameters and the Digital Cushion in Horses
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Gunkelman, Mattia Ann
Studies examining lameness conditions and health concerns for horse owners are important for education and future research. To investigate this, a survey and two studies were conducted. For the survey, a total of 152 responses were collected. Horse owners ranked lameness as the top concern (35%), followed by colic (21%). Lameness issues were ranked as the top (37%) veterinary expense. To validate a non-invasive ultrasound technique for imaging the digital cushion, ten cadaver limbs were evaluated. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.73; p = 0.02) between ultrasound and actual measurement. To establish baseline values, 25 mature, stock-type horses were imaged. Mean values for age, weight, and BCS were 10.5 years, 477.2 kg, and 5.5, respectively. Mean values for digital cushion of the left fore and hind were 0.96 and 1.04 cm, respectively. When comparing shod versus unshod horses, no significant difference (p = 0.13) was observed.
Circulating Risk Factors for Obesity-Related Metabolic Disorders Associated with a Low-Glycemic Beef Diet Fed via a Swine Biomedical Model
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Baranko, Loren Lydia
This study was conducted to determine if differences in blood chemistry are associated with a high fat ground beef diet. Ten crossbred gilts were allocated to a red meat (GB; cooked ground beef; 60% lean) or high-carbohydrate diet (CON). Fasted concentration of circulating triglycerides was not different and there was no evidence of cardiac ventricular inflammation across treatments (P > 0.21). Ground beef gilts had higher total and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.02); however, oil red stained aortic loops showed no indication of atherosclerosis or fat deposits. Gilts fed ground beef had lower insulin-like growth factor-1, total carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3; P < 0.05) and greater fasted glucose concentration (P = 0.04). More research is necessary to determine whether high fat or high carbohydrate diets are the greater risk factor for obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Dietary Impacts on Mitochondrial Respiration of Gestating Heifers and Fetal Offspring
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Slavick, Kathryn
Two projects were conducted to evaluate dietary impacts on mitochondrial respiration of gestating heifers and fetal offspring. Our first hypothesis was that maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation during gestation improves the liver, muscle, and jejunum mitochondrial function of F1 and F2 offspring. In project 1, vitamin and mineral supplementation was provided to the F0 generation of dams from breeding to calving to isolate the effects of nutrition during pregnancy on future generations. Our second hypothesis was that altering limit-fed diets' forage: concentrate ratio would influence mitochondrial respiration in maternal and fetal jejunum and liver. In project 2, replacement heifers were fed high-concentrate and high-forage diets to evaluate the dietary impacts on fetal cellular metabolism of key metabolic organs. In both project 1 and 2, modulations of metabolism occurred in key metabolic organs of gestating heifers.
Disseminating Agriculture Information using the BBQ Boot Camp Model
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Germolus, Austen John
The BBQ Boot Camp program was designed to educate consumers about agriculture production and sustainability, while teaching outdoor cooking methods with meat as the focus. Through the BBQ Boot Camp model, consumer impact was analyzed using a pre- and post-program test. The test questions focused on outdoor cooking, agriculture practices, and food safety issues. Data were collected from 3,112 attendees from 31 BBQ Boot Camps in 2009–2013. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with fixed effects of year, time, age, sex, and city size (1=population>15k; 2=population between 2.5k-15k; and 3=population<2.5k) and all two-way interactions were tested and removed from the model if P>0.1. Consumer demographics included men and women representing five age categories (18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+). Data collected provided a unique opportunity to observe factors influencing consumer purchase decisions and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of this form of extension programming.
Does Beef Inclusion in a Modern American Diet Influence Risk Factors for Obesity-related Metabolic Disorders via a Swine Biomedical Model
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Siomka, Alexis Michelle
Using swine as a model for humans, this study was conducted to determine if replacing the sugar present in the average American diet (SUG) with ground beef (GB) would alter developmental body composition, onset of puberty, and risk factors for obesity-related metabolic disorders. Twenty-four Berkshire gilts of common age and sire line were obtained at weaning, assigned to one of two dietary treatments (SUG vs. GB), and pair-fed at an average of 3.7 % body weight for 93 d. Over time, GB gilts had superior body weight gain (P < 0.01), larger cross-sectional longissimus muscle area (P < 0.0001), less subcutaneous fat depth (P = 0.0005), and greater percentage lean body mass (P < 0.0001) than SUG. Reproductive tracts were prepubertal across treatments; however, follicular development was observed in GB gilts. Sodium, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were higher and ionic calcium lower for GB compared to SUG gilts.
The Effect of Artificial Insemination or Natural Service Breeding Systems on Reproductive Performance, Calving Characteristics, Weaning Characteristics, and Steer Backgrounding Performance in a Commercial Beef Herd
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Steichen, Philip Lee
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of beef cattle breeding systems that incorporate artificial insemination (AI) or breeding systems that use natural service mating on resultant reproductive performance, calving characteristics, weaning characteristics, and steer backgrounding performance. In Exp. 1, cows and heifers were assigned to 1 of 2 breeding season systems: 1) exposed only to natural service bulls (NS, n = 541) or 2) bred via AI on the first day of the breeding season, followed by exposure to natural service bulls (TAI, n = 535). Final pregnancy rates were similar among treatments. However, more calves were born within the first 21 d of the calving season resulting in heavier weaning weights of calves born in the first 21 d of the calving season for TAI compared with NS. In Exp. 2, steer progeny from females in Exp. 1 were evaluated in a 69 d backgrounding study. Though distinct performance advantages of TAI steers were not observed, calves born early in the calving season had greater feed intake and gain compared with calves born later in the calving season regardless of treatment.
The Effect of Hemp Byproduct Supplementation on Beef Quality
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Gundersen, Kiersten
The supplementation of hempseed cake (hemp byproduct) could be considered an alternative protein and fiber source for ruminants such as cattle. Hempseed cake might be a successful alternative feed source due to cattle’s digestive abilities. Yet, the physiological effects caused by cannabinoids in hemp (cannabidiol [CBD] and (-)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinaol [THC]) are of concern. However, hemp with much less than 0.3% THC on a dry matter basis can remain a potential alternative feed ingredient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of hempseed cake inclusion in a late finishing ration on carcass characteristics, meat quality characteristics, retail shelf-life, proximate analysis, and fatty acid profile of muscle food obtained from commercial beef heifers.
Effect of Linseed Meal on the Reproductive and Digestive Tracts in Sheep
(North Dakota State University, 2007) O'Neil, Mathew Reid
To evaluate the estrogenic potential of secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) found in linseed meal (LSM) on visceral organ mass, uterine mass, jejunal cellularity, jejunal vascularity, and angiogenic factor expression in the jejunum, 48 multiparous, ovariectomized ewes were used in a 3 x 4 factorial. Ewes were fed a diet containing 12.5% LSM for 0, 1, 7, or 14 d and implanted with estradiol 17-ß (E2) for 0, 6, or 24 h before tissue collection. This study confirmed that LSM interacts with E2 to alter uterine and duodenal mass; that E2 is capable of altering liver, duodenal, and uterine mass; and that LSM is capable of altering liver and duodenal mass. In addition to altering organ mass, LSM interacted with E2, causing E2 to have no effect on cellular proliferation rate of the jejunum when LSM was fed for 1, 7, or 14 d, whereas cellular proliferation was increased in the duodenum in response to E2 when LSM was fed for 0 d. However, neither LSM nor E2 altered any measurement of vascularity. Expression of angiogenic factor mRNA was also examined. Implanting ewes with E2 for 6 h increased eNOS mRNA expression; whereas, LSM and E2 interacted to alter mRNA expression of its receptor, sGC, as well as VEGF's 2 receptors, FLT and KDR. Although this study confirmed LSM's ability to interact with E2, further research is needed to investigate its effects on intact cyclic animals as well as in pregnant animals and their offspring.
Effect of Maternal Metabolizable Protein Supplementation During Late Gestation on Fetal Visceralorgan Weight with Application of Proteomics to Investigate Skeletal Muscle Development in Sheep
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Schwartz, Christina Anne
The experiment investigated supplementation of maternal metabolizable protein in an isocaloric diet during late gestation on fetal organ growth and skeletal muscle development in sheep. Although fetal body weight was unaffected by treatment, visceral organ weights were sensitive to MP treatment as alterations in small intestinal mass and perirenal adipose tissue content suggest impacts on postnatal growth. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry compared the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein fractions of fetal skeletal longissimus muscle, identifying spots from the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein fractions (30 and 12, respectively). Increased expression of fructose-bisphosphate aldolase in fetal muscle from protein-supplemented and protein-restricted ewes when compared to those from control ewes suggests a positive influence on rate of glycolysis and muscle turnover in these offspring. Further research on maternal supplementation with metabolizable protein in isocaloric diets is needed to improve fetal growth efficiency, thereby optimizing offspring performance.
The Effect of Vitamin A Restriction on Marbling and Adipogenic Gene Expression in Commercial Angus and Simmental Steers
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Knutson, Evan Elliot
Vitamin A (Vit-A) restriction has been shown to increase marbling in cattle. Our hypothesis for this study was that a low Vit-A diet would increase marbling and improve meat quality characteristics while having no effect on production characteristics of Angus cross and Simmental steers. We also hypothesize that expression of proadipogenic factors such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FABP4 will be upregulated, and anti-adipogenic factors such as PREF-1 down regulated in cattle with high marbling scores. Treatments consisted of an unsupplemented VA basal diet and a VA supplemented diet at 2200IU/kg DM, arranged in a 2x2-treatment arrangement with breed. There was a significant interaction between breed and treatment on marbling score (P = 0.008), Angus cross steers on the low Vit-A treatment had the greatest marbling and resultantly the greatest quality grades (P = 0.02).
Effects of Alternate Day Feeding of Dried Distiller’s Grains Plus Solubles and Grass Hay on Metabolism and Performance in Cattle
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Klein, Sharnae Ivon
Two studies were conducted to determine the effects of supplementing dried distiller's grains plus solubles (DDGS) on alternate days to forage-fed cattle. We hypothesized that feeding either DDGS at a low percent of body weight or a moderate to low quality hay on alternate days would decrease forage intake without negatively impacting rumen kinetics and digestibility in steers as well as body weight and body composition in gestating cows. Therefore the objective of these research trials was to examine the effects of alternate day feeding of DDGS and grass hay on ruminal and digestion kinetics in Holstein steers (EXP. 1) and performance in gestating beef cows (EXP. 2). In both research experiments a decrease of total forage DMI was observed (EXP. 1; P = 0.0004 and EXP. 2; P < 0.0001) for cattle allotted to the alternate day feeding of DDGS and grass hay.
The Effects of Arginine on Reproductive Performance in Ewes
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Saevre, Chelsey Brie
Reproductive performance is the largest determinant of income in the livestock industry. In the U.S. sheep industry, embryonic and fetal deaths during pregnancy account for almost half of the total number of fertilized ova and a majority of these losses have been reported to occur before d 18. In study 1, the objective was to determine if arginine supplementation enhances ovarian function and prevents early reproductive losses in sheep. Ewes received L-arginine HCI (equivalent to 27 mg of L-arginine/ kg of BW, ARG, n = 20) or saline (CON, n 20) i.v. from d O (estrus) to d 15. On d 12, serum concentrations of arginine (nmol/ml) were elevated in ARG vs. CON ewes at O (P < 0.001 ), 0.5 (P < 0.001 ), 1 (P < 0.001 ), 2 (P < 0.005 ), and 4 h (P < 0.05), but were similar (P > 0.05) at -0.5, 8 and 24 h. Pulsatility index in the ovarian artery on d 12 was reduced in ARG vs. CON ewes (P < 0.05). Despite similarities in the number of corpora lutea (CL) per ewe (P > 0.05), ARG ewes had greater P4 concentrations throughout treatment compared to CON ewes. Although pregnancy rate was not influenced (ARG, 55% and CON, 60%; P > 0.05), ARG ewes had more embryos per ewe (P:::; 0.04) and less CL not represented by embryos (P '5 0.03) compared to CON ewes at d 25 of pregnancy. Ewes treated with ARG gave birth to more lambs when compared to control ewes (ARG, 1.6 ± 0.16 vs. CON, l. 1 ± 0.16 lambs born per ewe). In summary, early reproductive losses can be prevented by treatment with arginine. The objective of Study 2 was to determine if arginine supplementation surrounding the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy enhances ovarian function and minimizes reproductive losses. Ewes received L-arginine HCl ( equivalent to 27 mg of L- arginine/kg of BW, ARG, n= 47) or saline (CON, n = 47) i.v. from d 9 to d 14 following estrus ( d 0). On d 10, serum concentrations of arginine (nmol/mL) were elevated in ARG versus CON ewes at O (P < 0.001), 0.5 (P < 0.001), 1 (P < 0.001), 2 (P < 0.001) and 4 h (P < 0.001 ). Despite similarities in the number of CL per ewe (P > 0.05), serum progesterone concentration (ng/mL) was greater in CON compared with ARG on d 9 (P < 0.02) and I 0 (P < 0.005). Treatment with arginine influenced pregnancy rate (ARG, 55% and CON, 30%) throughout the treatment period. Ewes treated with ARG gave birth to similar (P > 0.05) number of lambs when compared to CON ewes (ARG, 1. 78 ± 0.17 vs. CON, 1.6 ± 0.27 lambs born per ewe). In summary, arginine supplementation surrounding the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy may prevent early reproductive loss or influence vascular resistance and circulating serum progesterone concentration in ewes. In study 3, the objectives were to determine if rumen-protected arginine supplemented to ewes on d 8 to 13 of the estrous cycle affected serum amino acid concentration, ovarian blood flow, and circulating progesterone. Ewes fed 360 mg/kg BW arginine (360 ARG) had greater serum arginine concentration than control (CON), 90 mg/kg BW arginine (90 ARG), and 180 mg/kg BW arginine (I 80 ARG) on d 11 (P < 0.07) and d 12 (P:::: 0.03 ). Arginine supplementation increased peak systolic velocity in the CL for 360 ARG and 90 ARG compared to CON (P < 0.04). Supplemental rumen-protected arginine had no effect on serum concentration of progesterone (P > 0.50). Results indicate that rumen-protected arginine supplemented to ewes at the rate of 360 mg/kg B W may increase circulating serum arginine concentration, in addition to increasing ovarian blood flow.
Effects of Corn Condensed Distillers Solubles Supplementation on Intake, Performance, Rate and Site of Digestion, and Ruminal Fermentation in Cattle Consuming Forage-Based Diets
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Coupe, Lindsey Rebecca
Two studies were conducted to determine effect of feeding method and level of corn condensed distillers solubles supplementation on performance of beef cows fed forage-based diets and effects on digestibility and ruminal fermentation. Experiment 1 utilized 80 gestating crossbred cows in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial design; main effects were feeding method (mixed vs. fed separately) and level of CCDS. All treatments were offered ad libitum forage. Experiment 2, utilized 5 ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein steers in a 5×5 Latin square to evaluate effects of CCDS supplementation on DM intake, site of digestion, and ruminal fermentation. Exp. 2 utilized similar treatments as experiment 1; and all treatments were offered ad libitum forage. Results of these studies suggest that CCDS supplementation increases intake, performance, and CP digestion and appears to be an effective supplement for cattle eating moderate-quality forages.

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Browsing Animal Sciences Masters Theses by browse.metadata.department "Animal Sciences"