Results :: Search Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Your search for ETD Program Animal and Range Sciences resulted in 39 match(es).

Back to search page

View next 25 results

Effects of Barley Cultivar and Growing Environment on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Beef Cattle: Author: McDonnell, Michael F.; Date: 2004-08-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Thirty-two crossbreed beef heifers (initial weight 349 kg ± 2.21 kg) were individually fed finishing diets for 84 d in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment examining the effects of barley cultivar (Harrington vs. Valier) and growing environment (irrigated vs. dryland) on Animal performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility. No differences in ADG (P = 0.46; average 1.78 kg/d) or final weight (P = 0.23; average 498 kg) were detected due to cultivar. Barley cultivar did not affect DMI (P = 0.80; average 9.8 kg/d), or feed efficiency (P = 0.63; average 18.3 kg gain/100 kg ...; Download File | View full details

Effect of Beef Cattle Age, Gender and Barley Grain Processing Method on Rate and Efficiency of Gain and Nutrient Digestibilities: Author: Rainey, Brian Michael; Date: 2004-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Three experiments were conducted to test the effects of Animal age (cows vs. calves) and barley processing method (whole vs. rolled) on rate and efficiency of gain and diet digestibility when barley was fed as a supplement to medium quality grass hay. A fourth experiment was conducted to test the effects of differences in diet composition on ADG and carcass characteristics in early-weaned calves. No age x processing interactions (P > 0.05) were detected for OM, N, ADF or NDF digestibilities. Diet OM and N digestibilities were greater (P < 0.01) when consumed by calves compared to cows, b...; Download File | View full details

Effect of Trace Mineral Supplementation and the use of an Experimental Escherichia coli O157:H7 Vaccine on Escherichia coli O157:H7 Fecal Shedding in Beef Calves: Author: Skinner, Kim David; Date: 2005-12-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in newly-weaned calves. In the first experiment, twenty-four heifers were fed a basal diet composed of wheat middlings and corn grain (15% CP and 79% TDN). Twelve heifers were supplemented with trace minerals to provide an additional 399 mg Cu, 1001 mg Zn, and 707 mg Mn/d. The control diet had no supplemental trace minerals added. All heifers were inoculated with an oral dose of 1010 CFU of E. coli O157:H7. Fecal samples were collected every 18 h for the first three days after dosing and then every three d until d 21 ...; Download File | View full details

The Effects of Prescribed Burning on Deer and Elk Habitat Parameters in Montana's Missouri River Breaks: Author: Wood, Christopher Karl; Date: 2004-12-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Fire suppression has been practiced along the Missouri River Breaks for decades and has led to a series of resource issues. Among these issues was a build up of dangerous fuel loads and restricted foraging areas for livestock and big game. Because the Missouri Breaks are an important wintering area for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus Rafinesque) and elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni Bailey), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wanted to know how a series of prescribed burns in late May and early June of 2002 would affect habitat. The prescribed burns left a mosaic of unburned, scorched, and ...; Download File | View full details

Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Yearling Scrotal Circumference and Semen Characteristics in Line 1 Hereford Bulls: Author: Kealey, Courtney Gail; Date: 2004-08-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Objectives of this research were to estimate heritabilities of scrotal circumference and semen traits, and genetic correlations among these traits and birth weight. Line 1 Hereford bulls (n = 841), born in 1963 or from 1967 to 2000, were selected for use by USDA-ARS at Miles City, Montana or for sale. Semen was collected by electro-ejaculation when the bulls were approximately one year of age (mean = 446d) and all samples were evaluated by one person. Traits analyzed were scrotal circumference, color, volume, concentration, swirl, motility, and percents normal, live, abnormal heads, abnormal m...; Download File | View full details

Evaluating Riparian Health Assessment Methods for Perennial Streams in Montana: Author: Miller, Travis John; Date: 2005-08-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate current riparian assessment protocols and to determine if they reflect ecosystem function and/or water quality across large spatial scales, and are they congruent in their assessment of stream health. Objectives for this study include: 1) to compare three riparian assessment protocols in their agreement of evaluation of stream health, 2) to compare each protocol and a bank stability measure (Greenline) to a measure of aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity and richness, 3) to compare how well these protocols reflect water quality and instream conditions o...; Download File | View full details

Evaluation of Habitat Suitability Models for Elk and Cattle: Author: Hohler, Deborah Dorothea; Date: 2004-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Managing elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and cattle habitats in the western United States is confounded by the complex interactions of these species and by diverse private and public land management goals. Managers often use quantitative models as tools in land resource management yet many of these models have not been validated. I evaluated modified versions of existing elk and cattle habitat suitability index (HSI) models on four ranches in Montana and Wyoming to evaluate their ability to predict feeding site selections on non forested habitats. Animal locations were determined from aerial surv...; Download File | View full details

Factors Associated with the Biostimulatory Effect of Bulls on Resumption of Ovarian Cycling Activity and Breeding Performance of First-Calf Suckled Beef Cows: Author: Tauck, Shaun Austin; Date: 2005-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: The objective of this research was to evaluate factors associated with the biostimulatory effect of bulls on the resumption of ovarian cycling activity and breeding performance of first-calf suckled beef cows. In Experiment 1, we tested the hypotheses that short-term (30 d) bull exposure before the breeding season does not alter: 1) the proportion of cows that resumed cycling activity; 2) the proportion of cows that responded to estrous synchronization (ES); and, 3) AI and overall pregnancy rates. Resumption of ovarian cycling activity was measured by changes in progesterone patterns at 3 d in...; Download File | View full details

No-Till Perennial Forage Establishment in Western Montana: Author: Strauch, Oscar Eduardo; Date: 2005-12-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: No-till forages offer an opportunity to convert old forage stands to high-yielding pastures. Sod, soil water control and forage species are key factors in determining the success of no-till application. Experiment 1 was conducted to determine optimum vegetation control and moisture on alfalfa in the spring. In experiment 2, adapted grasses and legumes were compared under tilled and no-till seedbed preparation to assess their performance. In Experiment 1, the effects of timing of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] application, two alfalfa cultivars (including a roundup ready alfalfa) and ...; Download File | View full details

Providing Supplement, With or Without PEG, to Reduce the Effects of Cnicin and Enhance Grazing of Spotted Knapweed by Sheep and Cattle: Author: Cheeseman, Melany; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam.), an invasive forb from Eurasia, infests over 1.7 million hectares in Montana and costs millions of dollars in forage losses each year. Some wildlife and livestock graze this species, however, most large herbivores, including cattle and horses, avoid spotted knapweed and prefer native plants. Some herbivores may avoid or reduce their intake of spotted knapweed because the plant contains cnicin. Cnicin is a bitter-tasting sesquiterpene lactone that may cause negative post-ingestive consequences in the rumen. If an appropriate supplement and/or antitoxic...; Download File | View full details

Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Nesting and Brood-Rearing Sagebrush Habitat Characteristics in Montana and Wyoming: Author: Lane, Vanessa Rae; Date: 2005-08-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Nesting and brood-rearing habitat data for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) near Roundup in central Montana in 2004, Decker in south-central Montana and northern Wyoming in 2003, and Malta in north-central Montana in 2003 was collected. Sage-grouse hens were fitted with radio collars and tracked to nests. Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) canopy cover, density, and height for nest vs. random sites and brood vs. random sites were compared to determine if hens were selecting for these parameters. Forb, grass, total herbaceous, ...; Download File | View full details

Summer Diets of Sheep Grazing Spotted Knapweed-Infested Foothill Rangeland in Western Montana: Author: Thrift, Brian Douglas; Date: 2005-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Spotted knapweed (Centaurea biebersteinii DC.) is a perennial, invasive forb that infests millions of hectares of private and public Rangelands in western North America. Previous research indicates that spotted knapweed is nutritious and readily grazed by domestic sheep (Ovis aries), but no studies have investigated prescription grazing of spotted knapweed within different levels of infestation or on a landscape scale. This two year study quantified the diets of a ewe-lamb band (n≈800 ewes, 1120 lambs) that prescriptively grazed spotted knapweed-infested foothill Rangeland in western M...; Download File | View full details

Thermal Balance Model for Cattle Grazing Winter Range: Author: Keren, Ilai Naftaly; Date: 2005-08-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Beef cattle grazing semi-arid foothill Range of the Northern Rockies during winter may be exposed to cold temperatures and high winds while grazing pastures with low nutritional value. Cattle can physiologically and behaviorally respond to the changing environment to lower metabolic requirements and reduce the effects of cold exposure. Requirements of grazing cattle may be overpredicted with models developed in controlled settings that do not account for energy conserving behaviors. We refined a simple thermal balance equation to model heat exchange of free-ranging cattle. We accounted for the...; Download File | View full details

Variation in Supplement Intake by Grazing Beef Cows: Author: Kincheloe, Janna Jo; Date: 2004-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: One hundred twenty-one pregnant Angus cross cows (3 to 9 years of age; avg. wt 636 kg ± 50 kg) grazing native Range pastures (Agropyron spicatum, Festuca idahoensis) were used to determine effect of herd size and cow age on individual supplement intake of a hand-fed pelleted protein supplement, variation in supplement intake, individual forage intake, and performance. The study was conducted at the Montana State University Red Bluff Research Ranch near Norris, MT from October 14, 2002 to December 13, 2002. Treatment was herd size, with seventy-six cows assigned to a large herd an...; Download File | View full details

Effects of Long-Term Winter-Spring Grazing on Foothill Rangeland: Author: Thrift, Tanya Marie; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: In the Rocky Mountain foothills of Montana, elk (Cervus elaphus) often occupy the rough fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass (Festuca campestris Rydb./Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Löve ) habitat type in winter and early spring. Previous research has demonstrated that moderate summer herbivory sustains dominant graminoids in this habitat type, but heavy summer grazing does not. This study compared the effects of heavy and light, long-term winter-spring grazing on bluebunch wheatgrass, rough fescue, and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis Elmer), plant yield, ground cover, and soil proper...; Download File | View full details

Forage Quality Characteristics of Barley Irrigated with Coalbed Methane Water: Author: Todd, Alison Lee; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of coalbed methane (CBM) discharge water as an irrigation source in comparison with the use of well water. Three plot trials were conducted in two consecutive growing seasons with three replicates of 14 barley cultivars under each water treatment. Barley cultivars were grown under covered greenhouses to prevent uncontrolled precipitation. Each greenhouse received one of two water treatments: either well water (EC = 0.43 dS m-1, SAR = 0.25) or synthesized CBM discharge water (EC = 1.6 dS m-1, SAR = 35). Plots were irrigated with 5.1 cm of ...; Download File | View full details

Evaluation of a Web-Based Tool for Ungulate Harvest Management: Author: Kenyon, Jr., Marc Wayne; Date: 2006-08-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Hunting the female segment of a wild ungulate population is an effective wildlife management tool to control overpopulation. Most hunters prefer to harvest males however, limiting success in controlling overpopulation. Landowners attempting to manage wild ungulate overpopulation have expressed difficulty with finding hunters who wish to harvest female ungulates. Likewise, some hunters willing to harvest female ungulates have difficulty locating private landowners seeking hunters. The Montana State University Wildlife Extension Program created the DoeCowHunt website to help remedy this situatio...; Download File | View full details

Is there a Genetic Basis for Forage Quality of Barley for Beef Cattle?: Author: Surber, Lisa Marie McKinley; Date: 2006-08-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Despite the importance of forage quality to Animal performance, barley forage quality has not been used as a selection criterion in barley breeding programs. Our objectives were to: (1) evaluate Steptoe x Morex doubled haploid (DH) and Lewis and Karl recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations for forage quality characteristics; (2) identify QTL for forage quality characteristics; and (3) determine if variation in forage quality characteristics among barley lines is heritable. The 145 DH lines were grown in in 1999 and 2001 under irrigated conditions in Bozeman, MT while 146 RIL lines were grown...; Download File | View full details

Effect of Supplemental Safflower Seed and Vitamin E to Late Gestating Ewes on Lamb Growth and Thermogenesis: Author: Dafoe, Julia Mae; Date: 2006-12-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Fifty-one twin bearing Targhee ewes (Trial 1) and 1182 single and twin bearing white face Range ewes (Trial 2) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arRangement of treatments to determine the effect of supplemental energy source and level of vitamin E on lamb serum metabolites and thermogenesis (Trial 1), and lamb growth (Trial 2). During the last 30 d of gestation, ewes were individually (Trial 1) or group (Trial 2) fed a daily supplement. Supplements were: 226 g safflower seeds (SS) and either 350 (VE) or 0 (VC) IU vitamin E or 340 g of a grain-based supplement (GC) and either VE or VC. One h postp...; Download File | View full details

Effectiveness of Modifying Existing Fences to Deter Deer and Elk from Crops and High-Value Pastures: Author: Fenster, Randy Lee; Date: 2006-12-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Big game can damage crops and compete with livestock for valuable forage. Ranchers have reported their tolerance for big game would increase if the Animals could be prevented from using key areas critical for livestock use. Likewise, some farmers have high value areas and crops that must be protected. Fences provide the most consistent long term control compared to other deterrent methods, but are costly to erect. Traditional complete construction of game fences cost more than $9,000 per kilometer for materials. Costs of erecting deer proof fencing can be greatly reduced if an existing fence i...; Download File | View full details

Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Habitat in Central Montana: Author: Woodward, Jennifer Kristy; Date: 2006-12-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat was studied in central Montana primarily on Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis) dominated Rangeland. The primary objective was to compare shrub and herbaceous parameters within (use, random or non-use) and between seasonal habitats (nest, brood, winter). Nesting occurred in areas with greater total shrub cover (15v13%) and height (28v26 cm), and taller live (12v11 cm) and residual grass (9v8 cm) than randomly available. The shrubs under which hens nested were taller (50v44 cm) and more productive (61v51 g) than rando...; Download File | View full details

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Ecology on Forest Service Lands North of Yellowstone National Park: Author: Kimble, David Stuart; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to determine if quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) density and recruitment changed on the Gallatin National Forest north of Yellowstone National Park from 1991 to 2006. Three-hundred sixteen aspen stands were surveyed on the 560 km² study area. Secondary objectives were to determine if aspen density and recruitment were influenced by elk (Cervus elaphus) browsing, conifer establishment, and cattle (Bos spp.) grazing. A 202.3 m² circular plot was established within each stand. All aspen stems within each plot were categorized int...; Download File | View full details

The Effects of Prescribed Fire on Riparian Groundwater: Author: Tucker, Ronald A. Jr.; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: The hypothesis of this study is that the use of prescribed fire to reduce trees and tree canopy, on a watershed scale, will decrease depth to riparian groundwater, increase riparian plant species diversity, and increase riparian biomass production. To test these hypotheses two watersheds, primarily managed for cattle grazing, located in Fergus (Dry Armells watershed) and Jefferson (Little Whitetail watershed) Counties, Montana, were chosen. Both watersheds were densely dominated with coniferous tree species. Average preburn tree density was 1,276 trees/ha and 350 trees/ha for both the Dry Arme...; Download File | View full details

Restoring Aspen Riparian Stands with Beaver on the Northern Yellowstone Winter Range: Author: McColley, Samuel David; Date: 2007-08-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Aspen (Populus tremuloides) on the Gardiner Ranger District, Gallatin National Forest, have declined over the last half-century. In an attempt to reverse this trend, beaver (Castor canadensis) were reintroduced in Eagle Creek in 1991. Beaver promote aspen suckering through their dam and lodge building activities. In 2005, I assessed the long-term effects of beaver on aspen stands and the associated riparian area in the Eagle Creek Drainage. Aerial photographs taken in 1990 and 2005 were used to compare changes in riparian area vegetation where beaver were reintroduced. Aspen canopy cover decre...; Download File | View full details

In Vitro Comparison of Satellite Cells Isolated from Normal and Callipyge Sheep Exposed to Growth Promoting Compounds: Author: Neary, Kathleen Ida; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Animal and Range Sciences; Abstract: Sheep producers are continually faced with the need to increase pounds of retail product sold. One way to increase total retail pounds of lamb available for consumption without increasing sheep numbers or producer costs is through genetic selection for increased size and growth. Another option would be to select sheep with the callipyge mutation or understand what the mutation changes to increase growth. Callipyge is a selective hypertrophic condition exhibited primarily in the hind limbs of affected lambs. The cause of the increased growth at a molecular level has not been thoroughly explored...; Download File | View full details

View next 25 results

Back to search page

print-friendly page | mobile-friendly page