Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Jeffery R. Williams / In today’s production agricultural sector, managing risk is essential to insuring the economic well being and sustainability of successful enterprises. Considering the inherent risks present in today’s agricultural arena, risk management has become the central focus of discussions for policy makers and producers alike. Therefore the objective of this research paper is to examine the impact a whole-farm adjusted gross revenue insurance risk management program (AGR-Lite) has on reducing farm income variability using historical farm level data for Southeast Kansas farms. A panel data set of actual farm level income data was compiled to evaluate the impact of AGR-Lite on farm income variability for 219 Southeast Kansas farms. Although actual income tax records were not available annual data over the period 1993 to 2005 from the Kansas Farm Management Association was used to reproduce the essential information a farm manager would need from IRS form 1040 schedule F and inventory records to purchase AGR-Lite (Langemeier, 2003). Income distributions for each farm from 1999 to 2005 were calculated for two strategies; the farm manager did not insure and the manager insured each year using AGR-Lite as a stand-alone product. The AGR-Lite insurance strategy assumed a 75% coverage level and 90% payment rate. The income distributions were compared using three premium scenarios. In general, the results of this study reveal participation in the AGR-Lite program, in most instances, reduced standard deviation, Coefficient of Variation (CV), and Downside Risk (DR). Additionally average minimums and Certainty Equivalents (CE) were increased with the product. The following results reflect application of Actuarially Fair Average Rate for farms with Indemnities (AFARI), which is believed to reflect actual market performance. Additionally the following reflects results using Net Farm Income (NFI). Results reveal that purchasing AGR-Lite reduced standard deviations 7.01%, 11.34%, 0.29%, and 2.53% for total, crop, livestock, and dairy farms assuming AFARI. However beef farms were the lone category to sustain a 0.81% standard deviation increase. Despite reductions in absolute variability, relative risk (CV) increased 18.94%, 17.12%, 53.84%, and 3.19% for total, livestock, beef, and dairy. Crop farms were the only category to generate a CV reduction (9.52%). Under AFARI crop farms generated the largest minimum increase, reducing downside risk, by 69.97%. For total and dairy farm categories average minimums increased 62.93% and 0.60%. The remaining farm categories, livestock and beef, yielded 65.07% and 57.03% reductions to average minimum.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / David G. Renter / Bradley J. White / The objective of my research was to quantify epidemiologic parameters associated with feedlot mortality and bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC); the most significant cause of morbidity in U.S. feeder cattle. We conducted four retrospective studies utilizing individual health and cumulative cohort-level feedlot data. We developed a database that represented 33 U.S. feedlots from six states over ten years. Each project used a subset of these data. We found that the timing of BRDC was associated with important performance and health indices. In the first study, we evaluated the effect of the timing of individual BRDC treatments on standardized net returns. We found important performance and health measures (e.g. hot carcass weight and number treatments) driving net return differences associated with the timing of BRDC. For the second cohort-level study, we classified temporal patterns of BRDC, and evaluated associations among temporal patterns and performance and health. Temporal patterns were significantly associated with mean daily weight gain, days on feed, carcass weight, yield grade, quality grade, cumulative mortality, and retreatment risk. We also evaluated combined mortality and culling risks and quantified the effects of risk factors using count models. All risk factors (arrival weight, gender, and arrival month) were significant and the effects were modified by one another; effects of these covariate patterns have been impossible to quantify in smaller studies. Finally, we assessed the ability of regression models to predict cumulative BRDC morbidity based on arrival risk factors; then assessed the additional value of incorporating daily BRDC morbidity and mortality information. The percent of correctly classified cohorts did increase across days, but the effect of day was modified by weight, month, and feedlot. Information on daily morbidity was beneficial in predicting cumulative morbidity, but daily mortality provided little benefit. Our database containing animal health and cohort-level data allowed us to generate novel information on the effects of the timing of BRDC in feedlot populations. We also demonstrated effects of covariate patterns on adverse health outcomes that heretofore had been difficult to quantify. Finally, we showed that a predictive model for BRDC may be useful for the feedlot industry; this model should be further developed with future research.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Allen M. Featherstone / The cost of energy is a major concern for the United States and its citizens. With domestic demand at all time highs, the need for renewable fuels has become a key in reducing our countries reliance on imported energy. It is important for the U.S. to examine the feasibility of producing its own energy from renewable resources that can be grown domestically. Along with the potential financial gains from renewable fuels, the ability to control the supply of energy for the U.S. is also very important. With the amount of oil imported by the U.S., the ability to produce more of our nations needs and not be forced to rely on other countries could be important for our country moving forward. With the political unrest in many oil producing areas, the security of energy independence is a goal for the U.S. This study uses United States Department of Agriculture, Pro Exporter, Advance Trading, and other statistical sources to analyze the economic feasibility of an ethanol plant near Des Moines, IA. It looks at the available supply of corn in the area as well as the production of ethanol and distillers grains. An increase in the price of imported oil does not necessarily results in an economically viable ethanol plant. Many variables go into the economic viability of an ethanol plant and consumers will still buy the low cost good, and that may be imported energy. Some of these variables affecting economic viability include corn price and availability, denaturant price, natural gas price, ethanol demand and distillers grains demand. With the push for cleaner air and a cleaner environment, ethanol is also used as a gasoline additive to reduce emissions. As more states regulate a higher inclusion rate of ethanol, this will continue to create greater demand. A 100 million gallon ethanol plant is an economically viable investment in the Des Moines area, but when looking at the sensitivity tests, the better investment option if investors want to enter the ethanol industry, is to buy an existing ethanol plant.

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Praveen V. Vadlani / Synthesis of chemical derivatives from finite fossil fuels requires considerable energy inputs and leaves an undesirable environmental footprint. The emerging biorefinery approach leads to sustainable processing of biomass into a wide spectrum of bio-based products, catering to food, feed, chemicals, materials, and bioenergy industries. Cyanophycin (multi-L-arginyl-poly-L-aspartic acid, CGP) is a non-ribosomally synthesized reserve polypeptide, which consists of equimolar amounts of arginine and aspartic acid arranged as a polyaspartate backbone and arginine as the side chain. Cyanophycin is a source of the constituent N-functionalized platform chemical, which can be further processed into many other chemicals of importance. It can be hydrolyzed in mild condition to its constituent amino acids - aspartic acid and arginine. These amino acids may be utilized directly in food and pharmaceutical applications. Based on the chemical structure of these amino acids and the presence of functionalized nitrogen-containing groups, it is conceivable that a number of industrial chemicals can be synthesized, for example: 1, 4-butanediamine， a co-monomer in the production of nylon-4, 6. Other chemicals which could be obtained from cyanophcyin, that are currently prepared from fossil resources, include 1,4-butanediol and urea. Cyanophycin can also be hydrolyzed to a derivative with reduced arginine content or even to poly-aspartic acid, and used as a biodegradable substitute for synthetic polyacrylate in various technical process, such as water treatment (water softeners) and plastics. Cyanophycin is produced by most cyanobacteria in nature; however, these microbes are not suitable for large-scale production due to slow growth and low polymer content. Biosynthesis of cyanophycin is catalyzed by a single enzyme - cyanophycin synthetase (CphA), which is encoded by cyanophycin synthetase structure gene (cphA). The cphA gene can be expressed in several bacteria and plants. E.coli is one of the most commonly used bacterial hosts for the production of recombinant proteins. The recombinant culture has the ability to produce considerably large quantities of cyanophycin in a shorter period of time compared to cyanobacteria. Genome of Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 has been sequenced, and it contains the structural gene (cphA) for cyanophycin synthetase. The native enzyme-cyanophycin synthetase from this cyanbacterium culture had been purified and it consists of identical subunits of 98kDa. Polymerization of the amino acids to cyanophycin in vitro is dependent on the presence of ATP, K+, Mg2+, a (cyanophycin) primer and a thiol reagent such as β-mercaptoethanol in the reaction mixture. Our research is the first time that cphA gene from A. variabilis ATCC 29413 was cloned into E.coli. The 2.7 kb cphA gene was amplified by PCR, ligated to the vector pET45b+ and cloned into BL21 (DE3) pLysS and BL21 (DE3). Characterization of cyanophycin was performed by SDS-PAGE, HPLC, mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis. Results showed that protein with molecular weight of 21.5 to 31 kDa did not match any E.coli proteins when compared with E.coli protein data base, thereby showing expression of a protein foreign to host strain. Amino acids analyses showed that the cyanophycin produced by recombinant E.coli contained aspartic acid and arginine, and small amount of lysine, in the ratio: 1.05: 1: 0.2 (mass basis), thereby confirming cyanophycin biosynthesis. Experiments for high cyanophycin synthesis was performed at shake flask and 2-L fermentor level using recombinant BL21 (DE3) pLysS, LB broth as carbon and nutrient source, and casamino acids as primer. The maximum yield of cyanophycin obtained in flask level was 7.6% of cell dry mass, and the yield increased to 12.6% of cell dry mass at 2-L fermentor level. Cyanophycin is also referred to as “structural granules” because of substructures visible in electron micrographs. Phase contrast photomicrograph was able to depict cyanophycin inclusions in the cytoplasm, and transmission electron microscopy depicted finer details inside cell after IPTG induction.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Praveen V. Vadlani / Distillers Dried grain with Solubles (DDGS) is a co-product of grain-based ethanol and is primarily used as livestock feed. With increasing production of DDGS, it is imperative to produce value-added products and/or find new applications of DDGS to help sustain the biofuel industry. Carotenoids are expensive yet essential feed additives. Since animals cannot synthesize carotenoids and animal feeds including DDGS are generally poor in carotenoids, about 30-120 ppm of total carotenoids is added to animal feed to improve animal health. The objectives of this study were to 1) produce carotenoid (astaxanthin and β-carotene)-enriched DDGS by Phaffia rhodozyma and Sporobolomyces roseus monoculture and mixed culture submerged fermentation of whole stillage, 2) optimize fermentation media by response surface methodology (RSM) and mixture design followed by validation, 3) evaluate the nutritional profile of carotenoid-enriched DDGS, 4) improve carotenoid production by the use of precursors, and 5) develop carotenoid-enriched feeds namely, wheat bran, rice bran and soybean products. Carotenoid-enriched DDGS was produced from both monoculture and mixed culture fermentation with yields ranging from 17-233 µg/g. Upon media optimization, astaxanthin and β-carotene yields, especially in P. rhodozyma were enhanced by 177% and 164% to yield 98 and 275 µg/g respectively. Nutrition profiling of the carotenoid-enriched DDGS showed that the secondary fermentation resulted in low fiber, protein and %N and enhanced fat. Fiber was reduced by 77% and 66% by P. rhodozyma and S. roseus respectively, whereas the crude fat increased by 80% in mixed culture fermentation. Additionally, abundant vaccenic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid was seen in S. roseus and mixed culture fermented DDGS. Vaccenic acid is a precursor of conjugated linolenic acid which is known to confer numerous health benefits. Fermentation of milo DDGS, wheat bran, rice bran and soybean products also resulted in carotenoid enrichment, with the best astaxanthin yield of 80 µg/g in rice bran, and best β-carotene yield of 837 µg/ g in soy flour. Precursors like mevalonic acid, apple pomace and tomato pomace increased carotenoid yield in DDGS and other substrates, with the yield increment depending on the substrate. Mevalonic acid resulted in the best astaxanthin and β-carotene yield increment by 140% and 236% resulting in 220 µg/g and 904 µg/g respectively in corn DDGS. Apple pomace and tomato pomace resulted in 29% carotenoid yield increment. Numerous studies thus far have used cheap agricultural substrates to produce carotenoids especially astaxanthin using P. rhodozyma with the intent of extracting the carotenoids for use in animal feed. However, by fermenting the animal feed directly, carotenoid-enriched feed can be produced without the need for extraction. By this simple yet novel carotenoid value addition, premium feeds or feed blends can be developed. Apart from carotenoid enrichment, low-fiber DDGS can help expand the market base of DDGS for use in non-ruminant feeds. Carotenoid value addition of DDGS can not only help sustain the biofuel industry but can also capture the aquaculture feed base which heavily relies on astaxanthin supplementation.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Allen M. Featherstone / This thesis focuses on the rapid growth of new generation contracts used by grain producers. Specifically, the research studies a potential customer base of producers not using Cargill’s new generation contracts. A survey was conducted to uncover possible customer demand for Cargill’s marketing solutions. Those surveyed do not have the opportunity to use these solutions because their operations typically lay outside the footprint of existing Cargill grain facilities. With Cargill’s Flex Delivery Program, sales professionals have the ability to sell grain marketing solutions, like new generation contracts, to farming operations outside of existing asset footprints. From the experiences of current sales professionals offering new generation contracts via Cargill’s Flex Delivery Program, the author hypothesized that there are three primary variables influencing the likelihood of a customer finding value in the Flex Delivery Program. The size of farming operation, the number of facilities they deliver grain to and the importance they place on forward marketing are critical components to determining if a farming operation may market grain through Cargill’s Flex Delivery Program using a new generation contract. The survey results revealed the percentage of the sample population fit the criteria of a Flex Delivery candidate. The survey questions were also designed to uncover farmer demographics, current marketing styles, competition, and, in general, provide good background information useful for making follow-up sales calls on those selected to survey. The results show roughly a third of those surveyed are Flex Delivery candidates.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Michael R. Langemeier / This thesis was written for the purpose of looking at the feasibility of operating a prospective business; a farm and ranch in southern Idaho. For practical reasons, I looked at a specific farm consisting of 600 irrigated acres, which are irrigated via 5 center pivots. Attached to the farm is an additional 400 acres of pasture ground seeded to crested wheat. In conjunction with operating the farm, I examined the feasibility of leasing a 300 head commercial cow herd from a separate owner than the land owner. Summer pasture for the cows would be leased from a grazing association located in northern Nevada and winter feed would come from the farm pasture, crop aftermath located on the farm, and corn stalks from a neighboring farm. Crops looked at being produced were grain corn and alfalfa hay. Operating cost projections were made using current market values, while the price received for each commodity is based on ten-year historical prices. Historical prices were used to determine whether the business is viable in the long-run. Rent on the farm is based on a 60/40 percent crop share of which the land owner’s share is 40 percent. Lease payment for the cow herd is based on a 2/3, 1/3 calf crop split of which the cow owner’s share is 1/3 of the calf crop. After analyzing the operation’s financials the business is not feasible.

Master of Science / Department of Clinical Sciences / Johann F. Coetzee / Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of xylazine, ketamine, and butorphanol administered IM and sodium salicylate administered PO and to compare their effect on biomarkers of pain and distress following sham (Period 1) and actual (Period 2) castration and dehorning. Animals—40 Holstein bull calves Procedures—Calves weighing 108 to 235 kg received the following treatments prior to sham castration and dehorning (Period 1) and castration and dehorning (Period 2) (n=10 calves/group): (i) 0.9% saline solution IM (PLACEBO) (ii) sodium salicylate (SAL) supplied free-choice in water to provide concentrations from 2.5 to 5 mg/mL beginning 24 hours prior to Period 1 to 48 hours after Period 2; (iii) 0.025 mg/kg butorphanol, 0.05 mg/kg xylazine, 0.1 mg/kg ketamine co-administered IM immediately prior to both periods (XKB); and (iv) a combination of treatments (ii) and (iii) (SAL + XKB). Plasma drug concentrations, average daily gain (ADG), chute exit speed, serum cortisol concentrations and electrodermal activity (EDA) were evaluated. Results—ADG (0-13d) was significantly greater in the SAL and SAL + XKB groups. Calves receiving XKB had significantly slower chute exit speed in both periods. Serum cortisol concentrations were significantly increased in all groups during Period 2 compared to Period 1. However, XKB attenuated serum cortisol response for the first hour after castration and dehorning while oral salicylate significantly reduced cortisol from 1-6 hours. XKB administration significantly decreased EDA scores in both periods. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Free-choice sodium salicylate decreases cortisol concentrations and reduced weight loss associated with castration and dehorning in calves.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / R. Scott Beyer / The modern poultry industry uses auger feed lines to transport feed for broilers to pans to make feed available for them while greatly reducing labor costs. The feed given to broilers is manufactured at significant cost into a pelleted form. Pellets reduce broiler production costs by increasing feed intake and growth rate while reducing feed. Pellet quality is expressed using a method called the Pellet Durability Index (PDI). A series of studies was conducted to determine the effects of these destructive forces on both pellet quality and nutritive value. In Experiment 1, it was found that pellets of 78 and 86 PDI had 30% more fines in the final pan compared to the initial pan, but there was no significant difference between the two diets. In Experiment 2, a significant difference existed between a 23 PDI diet and an 82 PDI diet in the percentage of fines found at 12 selected pans. This indicates destruction occurring along the length of the feed line. In Experiment 3, soybean oil was applied to the exterior of the pellets and they were transported through the feed line. A significant difference in the amount of fat at each collection site was found, as the fat was removed from the exterior of the pellets in earlier pans, indicating destructive forces having an effect on the pellets. In Experiment 4, whole sorghum was used to create four diets with similar PDI. The feed was then placed in the feed line, collected at twelve locations, and analyzed for crude fat, CP, DM, ash and Ca. The results indicated the presence of whole sorghum in the pellets had no effect on percent fines or nutrient values. In Experiment 5, three diets with different PDI were transported through the feed line. Five collection sites were selected. Results indicate that high quality pellets withstand handling while pellets below 68 PDI show increased fine percentage. These experiments indicate pellets are damaged during transport in the feed line, but nutrients remain the same unless they are on the exterior of the pellet.

Master of Science / Department of Entomology / John C. Reese / The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, arrived first to North America during the midst of 2000. It is a very fast spreading insect and causes a high yield loss of above 50% in most of the soybean growing tracts of United States. Another important economic threat is it’s ability to transmit some viruses to soybean. Studies to control this exotic pest started early during the year of its arrival. But a complete integrated pest management (IPM) approach that includes a combination of different control measures has yet to be completely developed. Host plant resistance is one component of integrated pest management and is more sustainable than any other control methods against this insect. In the first study, more than 80 genotypes were screened with two given aphid biotypes, biotype 1 and biotype 2. It was found that the genotypes that were earlier resistant to biotype 1 (K1639, K1642, K1613 K1621, Dowling and Jackson) were susceptible to the new biotype 2 with large populations developing on these genotypes. But we found three new Kansas genotypes that showed resistance only against biotype 1, but not against biotype 2. However, the two of the Michigan genotypes (E06902 and E07906-2) showed resistance to both biotype 1and biotype 2. In second study, the feeding behavior analyses of aphid biotypes were done using the EPG, Electrical penetration graph, technique for a recorded 9 hrs probing time. The resistant and susceptible genotypes show significant differences in their EPG parameters, especially for the sieve element duration in both biotypes. Most of the aphids reached sieve element phase (> 90%) in susceptible genotypes, but only few (<30%) were reached in resistant genotypes. But, no differences were found in any other probing phases between resistant and susceptible genotypes, except the number of potential drops (PDs) in biotype 2. Thus, it is concluded that resistance is largely associated with phloem tissues and there could be some biochemical, physical or morphological factors that affect the stylet penetration in aphids.