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Item Biological Abnormalities in the Ruminant Small Intestine and Its Relationship to Carbohydrate Assimilation(North Dakota State University, 2019) Trotta, RonaldSeveral 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.Item Evaluation of Feedlot Cattle Health Relative to Carcass Quality(North Dakota State University, 2010) Jeske, Theresa MaeThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) and liver condemnation on beef carcass traits. Health treatment records for 2534 animals from a North Dakota feedlot were obtained and evaluated as evidence of BRD. Lung Lesions (n = 291) and lung condemnations (n = 1710) at slaughter where also evaluated as an indicator ofBRD. Liver condemnation (n = 2298) at slaughter was also considered in the analysis. Traits measured were hot carcass weight, USDA Quality Grade, USDA Yield Grade, ribeye area, marbling and lih rib fat thickness. All cattle were evaluated by experienced feedlot personnel and treated according to a health protocol utilized by the feedlot. The incidence rate of BRD was observed as affecting 3 .40% of the feedlot population. USDA Quality Grade (P = 0.001) and hot carcass weight (P = 0.07) were decreased for cattle treated for BRD. Cattle with lung condemnation at slaughter had a tendency for lower hot carcass weights. Conversely, marbling (P = 0.04) and lih rib fat thickness (P = 0.04) was increased for cattle with lung condemnations at slaughter. Ribeye area was decreased (P = 0.004) for cattle with liver condemnations at slaughter and cattle with liver condemnations had increased USDA Quality Grades (P = 0.03). The presence of any one particular measurement did not significantly affect all carcass traits measured; however, the relationships between health parameters and carcass traits may be considered in future research in specific carcass traits.Item Can Hematocrit Levels at Estrus in Dairy Cows and Sheep Be an Indicator for Pregnancy Success?(North Dakota State University, 2019) Kelany, Khaled ElarabyDespite 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.