Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Jim L. Nelssen / Five-hundred and four barrows and gilts were used in four experiments to determine the influence of dietary ingredients on fat quality. Experiment 1 evaluated feeding duration of choice white grease (CWG) and soybean oil. Increasing feeding duration of pigs fed CWG or soybean oil increased (quadratic, P < 0.01) iodine value (IV) in jowl fat and backfat. Pigs fed soybean oil had increased (P < 0.01) IV in jowl and backfat compared with pigs fed CWG. In Exp. 2 dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), extruded expelled soybean meal (EESM), and CWG were used to evaluate diets with common iodine value product (IVP) from ingredients varying in unsaturated fat level and concentration. Pigs fed either diet with DDGS had increased (P = 0.02) backfat and jowl fat IV, compared with all other treatments. Pigs fed EESM had increased (P = 0.04) backfat and jowl fat IV compared with the control, low CWG, and high CWG. Pigs fed low CWG and high CWG had increased (P = 0.04) jowl fat IV compared to the control. Increasing dietary fat increased carcass fat IV, with unsaturated fats from DDGS and EESM having a greater affect than more saturated fats, such as CWG, even when formulated to the same IVP. Experiment 3 evaluated the effects of increasing CWG in corn- and sorghum-based diets on fat quality. There was a grain source X fat level interaction (P = 0.04) for IV in both backfat and jowl fat. Adding CWG increased IV in backfat and jowl fat for pigs fed corn- and sorghum-based diets; however, the greatest increase was between 0 and 2.5% CWG in sorghum-based diets and between 2.5 and 5% CWG in corn-based diets. Despite this interaction, pigs fed corn-based diets had increased (P < 0.01) backfat and jowl fat IV compared with pigs fed sorghum-based diets. Increasing CWG increased (linear, P < 0.01) IV in backfat and jowl fat. Experiment 4 examined the effects of DDGS on fat quality. Backfat, jowl fat, and belly fat IV increased (linear, P = 0.02) with increasing DDGS in both the pigs marketed on d 57 and 78.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Micheal J. Brouk / An evaluation of short-term replacement of corn silage (CS) and soybean meal with a blend of wet brewers grains (BG) and cracked corn on milk production and DMI was completed utilizing 8 primiparous (192 DIM) and 4 multiparous (191 DIM) mid-lactation Holstein cows. Milk production, composition, DMI, production efficiency, fatty acid composition and diet digestibility were evaluated. Cows were allotted to a 4 x 4 Latin Square with 3 replications blocked by parity, DIM and energy corrected milk (ECM). Crude protein and starch levels were balanced between diets by varying the levels of cracked corn and soybean meal in four diets; 0 BG (0% wet BG and 24% CS of diet DM), 12 BG (12% wet BG and 12% CS), 18 BG (18% wet BG and 6% CS), and 24 BG (24% wet BG and 0% CS). Fifteen day periods were used, d11-15 designated for collection. Orts were collected daily and TMRs were fed at 5 to 10% of previous day’s intake. Cows were milked 3x/day and individual milk weights recorded at every milking. Milk samples, body weights and BCS were taken -2 and -1d pre-trial to obtain baseline data and d14 and 15 of each period. During collection, samples of TMR and orts were taken d1, 3 and 5. Fecal grab samples were taken d12-15 at 8 hr intervals and advanced 2 hrs every 24 hr period to account for diurnal variation. Dry matter intake was similar (P=0.33) among treatments (20.3, 20.8, 20.9 and 21.2 kg/cow) for 0 BG, 12 BG, 18 BG AND 24 BG respectively, however CP intake of 24 BG tended to be greater (P=0.05) than 0 BG. NDF intake was lower for 0 BG compared to all other treatments and 24 BG was higher than 12 BG (P=0.0007). Dietary fat intake was different (P<0.001) across all treatments, increasing with greater BG inclusion. Inclusion of BG had no effect (P=0.37) on milk production (30.5, 31.5, 31.6 and 32.1 kg/cow), fat percent or amount, protein percent, SNF, lactose or SCC, but protein yield (P=0.04) was lower and MUN (P=0.05)tended to be lower with 0 BG compared to 18 BG and 24 BG. Efficiency of milk production did not differ (P=0.93) among treatments. Milk fatty acid profiles were different among treatments, with general increases of individual fatty acids as BG inclusion increased. No differences were found in DM, CP or ADF digestibility across treatments. Results suggest wet BG fed simultaneously with grass hay can be utilized as a short-term replacement for CS in mid-lactation dairy cow diets.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Barry J. Bradford / The transition from gestation to lactation requires numerous physiological and metabolic adaptations in order for the body to maintain relative homeostasis. For the modern dairy cow, the difficulty to meet these challenges is increased many-fold due to the large demand for energy and metabolites placed on the body by the high producing mammary gland. Milk fever or periparturient hypocalcemia can be defined as a failure of the calcium homeostatic mechanisms to maintain serum calcium around the time of calving. Though clinical cases may only arise in ≈ 5% of transition cows, subclinical rates are much higher. Animals suffering from even subclinical milk fever are much more susceptible to numerous other transition disorders. Preventing milk fever by formulation of the prepartum ration may be accomplished by decreasing the dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) which can be defined as the balance between positively and negatively charged ions in the diet. An experiment was designed to test 2 diets containing t products designed to deliver supplementary anions to the diet versus a control ration with no added anions. Total serum calcium and incidence of postpartum health disorders were not affected by prepartum dietary treatment. Though DCAD was drastically different between the control ration and the 2 anionic diets, the concentration of the strong cation potassium was low across all treatments which presumably prevented hypocalcemia with the onset of lactation. Though our diets contained low concentrations of potassium, many diets used by dairymen contain forages that are high in potassium and thus might benefit from the addition of anions. An experiment of an unrelated nature was conducted to observe the effects of 2 diets containing wet corn gluten feed (46 or 56% of DM) as the primary energy substrate and tallgrass prairie hay (14 or 20% of DM) as the sole source of physically effective fiber versus a control ration containing alfalfa and corn silage. The 20% tallgrass prairie hay diet resulted in milk components and efficiencies similar to those of the control ration, but production and income over feed cost did not match that of the control ration in this situation.

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 Animal Sciences and Industry / Daniel W. Moser / The purpose of this study was to estimate the heritability of calving rate and age at first calving in Hereford heifers, and evaluate whether age at calving would add accuracy to a genetic evaluation of calving rate. Pedigree and performance data on Hereford heifers born between 2001 and 2007 was provided by the American Hereford Association. After editing to exclude animals that did not fit inclusion criteria, the evaluated dataset contained 94,709 heifers with calving status information. Data were analyzed using single and two-trait animal models to obtain heritability estimates, and genetic correlation between calving rate and age at first calving was determined using MTDFREML. Contemporary groups for calving traits were defined as heifers that were in the same yearling weight contemporary group, and remained in the ownership of the same breeder through the age that they would be expected to calve. Estimates of heritability for calving rate and age at first calving from single-trait models were 0.25, and 0.12, respectively. Genetic correlation between calving rate and age at first calving was -0.01. Calving rate is moderately heritable in Hereford heifers, and can be used in genetic evaluation of sires to improve the trait through selection. Age at first calving has minimal genetic relationship to calving rate, and is not useful in increasing accuracy of selection for calving rate.

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Leland McKinney / Three experiments were conducted to evaluate value added uses for dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and crude glycerol in swine and poultry diets. In Exp.1, crude glycerol from multiple biodiesel production facilities was evaluated for storage and variability characteristics. Part one reviewed the storage capabilities of crude glycerol at room temperature and excessive heat conditions on ferrous and stainless steel metal. There was no notable corrosion during the two-month experiment for either metal type under each condition. There was a slight discoloration observed on the ferrous metal stored under excessive heat conditions, but no pitting or sign of corrosion was noted. No changes were observed in the stainless steel under either environment condition. Part two evaluated the variability of crude glycerol from multiple biodiesel production facilities. Representative samples of the parent feedstock and resultant glycerol was collected an analyzed. There was considerable variation between samples, particularly when comparing glycerol from the different feedstocks (vegetable vs. animal). Exp. 2 and 3 took place in the Feed Processing Research Center in the Department of Grain Science at Kansas State University. Pellet quality and electrical energy consumption was evaluated by reviewing production rate, conditioning and hot pellet temperatures, motor load, and pellet durability index (PDI) as testing parameters. In Exp. 2, diets containing varying levels of crude glycerol were evaluated on pellet quality and pellet mill performance in a pilot mill and in a commercial facility. For part one, a corn-soy based swine grower diet was formulated to contain 0, 3, 6, and 9% crude glycerol. Each diet was steam conditioned to 150, 170 and 190 °F in an atmospheric conditioner and pelleted. An interaction existed between glycerol and conditioning temperature. For all diets containing glycerol, roll skid occurred and the pellet mill plugged as conditioning temperature approached 190°F. Pellet quality increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of glycerol. Part two took place at Don’s Farm Supply in Newell, IA. A corn-soy based turkey grower diet was formulated to contain 3% glycerol and pelleted. Results from part two were consistent with part one, in that there was an interaction between conditioning temperature and the addition of glycerol. Exp. 3 evaluated DDGS on pellet quality and electrical consumption. A poultry diet was formulated to contain 0, 15, or 30% DDGS and steam conditioned to 140, 160, and 180°F. As conditioning temperature increased, pellet quality in diets containing DDGS significantly improved (P>.001). Electrical consumption in diets containing DDGS compared to the control showed no significance in reduction in energy usage (P>.001). In conclusion, the production of pelleted diets containing crude glycerol is a feasible option; however, conditioning temperatures should be kept minimal and storage and variation of the material should be considered. In addition, improved pellet quality in pelleted diets containing DDGS is in part by conditioning at higher temperatures, respectively. The data suggests that the addition of crude glycerol and DDGS in animal diets can serve as a beneficial feed additive.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Christopher D. Reinhardt / Angus steers (n = 17,919) fed at a single feedlot in southwestern Kansas between 1997 and 2007 were used to evaluate the effects of various demographic and phenotypic characteristics (season of arrival, geographic origin, health status, rate of gain, quality grade, and yield grade) on feedlot health, performance, and carcass traits. Cattle were not commingled and were predominantly preconditioned and backgrounded prior to shipment to the feedlot. Season of arrival was categorized as winter (December, January, and February), spring (March, April, and May), summer (June, July, and August), or fall (September, October, and November). Regions were: SC = Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico; C = Colorado and Kansas; NC = Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming; and SE = Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Steers that originated in SC had the poorest ADG (P < 0.01) and those originating in C had the greatest ADG, HCW, and quality grade (P < 0.01). Steers that arrived during fall had the lowest ADG and those arriving during the summer had the greatest morbidity (P < 0.01). Morbidity decreased and performance increased with increasing initial BW; quality grade was only minimally related to arrival BW in steers which were not treated for disease. After accounting for yield grade differences, the association between morbidity and carcass quality and between quality grade and heavier final BW and HCW were diminished, although ungraded cattle had lower ADG, final BW, and HCW (P < 0.01). Increasing yield grade from 1 and 2 to yield grade 3 increased percentage Choice by 12.1 points (P < 0.01); there was no additional gain in quality grade moving to yield grade 4 and 5. More rapidly gaining steers were heavier and fatter at marketing; this translated to greater quality grade in all but steers with initial BW > 375 kg. Performance was very similar among cattle which graded Prime, Choice, and Select, suggesting that producers do not need to choose between performance and quality grade; instead, much of the difference in quality grade can be explained by differences in yield grade.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Biology / Brett K. Sandercock / Samantha Wisely / Anthropogenic activities and climate change have dramatically altered landscapes worldwide. The ability of species to cope and adapt to ongoing changes is likely a function of their behavior, movements, and sensitivity to fragmentation. Greater Prairie-Chickens (GPC) are a lek mating grouse native to the Great Plains Landscape Conservation Cooperative (GPLCC), for which inbreeding depression and anthropogenic avoidance are a concern. The goals of my dissertation were to: 1) identify genetic correlates of male performance which may influence population viability under current land use practices, 2) identify GPC habitat characteristics and delineate areas of critical GPC habitat necessary for GPC conservation, and 3) identify the relative importance of distance and habitat quality for maintaining genetic connectivity among spatially structured populations. First, I found male reproductive success and survival to be positively associated with genetic diversity. Using multistate modeling in Program Mark, male survival across the observed range of variation in number of alleles (15-22) increased more than fourfold from 0.17 to 0.77. Second, I found 35-40% of Kansas, and 1.5 % (11,000 Km squared) of the GPLCC, were considered high-quality lek habitats. Top performing logistic models predicting lek presence (wi=0.95) included strong effects of grassland cover and avoidance of anthropogenic disturbance. When this model was applied to putative future landscapes based on climate change and current land use trends over a 70-year period, I found a 27-40% reduction in habitat area and a 137 Km southeast shift in habitat distribution. Under equilibrium conditions we expect isolation by distance (IBD) to explain the distribution of genetic diversity. However, if the landscape restricts dispersal, then we might observe isolation by resistance (IBR). I used model selection procedures to choose among competing IBR or IBD models to explain the distribution of genetic diversity among GPC populations across Kansas and the GPLCC. IBD was never supported (R-square<0.02, P>0.09). The best models for Kansas (R2=0.69, P<0.02) and for the GPLCC (R-square=0.46, P<0.02) indicated that human-mediated landscape changes have influenced landscape permeability for dispersal. The integration of behavioral, landscape, and genetic data provided new insights on prairie-chicken ecology, and is a powerful approach for developing conservation strategies for sensitive species.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Kevin C. Dhuyvetter / The 2008 National Stocker Survey defines the backgrounding/stocking of cattle as ―operations where calves are grown after weaning and/or preconditioning but before the feedlot. This includes calves purchased for this purpose as well as those retained by cow-calf producers post-weaning, but before marketing or retention through the feedlot. Backgrounding offers many benefits to farmers including, but not limited to, adding value to their feedstuffs—hay, grain, etc.—by feeding it to their cattle and potentially spreading risk by increasing marketing time or engaging in contracts with feedlots. However, producers also take on increased costs as it takes more time to wean, bunk-train, vaccinate, etc. compared to other operations in the cattle industry. This thesis attempts to analyze two studies using the 2008 National Stocker Survey. The first is how producer and operation characteristics—producer age, type of operation, income derived from backgrounding—relate to why producers find variables such as cattle prices, animal health management, marketing practices, and nutrition important. The second is how producer and operation characteristics relate to producers that use futures market contracts and options on futures. Binary and ordered logit models were used to find the statistical significance of the aforementioned studies.Since this survey was specifically designed to profile the stocking/backgrounding industry, some of the estimated models did not add a lot of value beyond the summary statistics for the various dependent variables. That is, the ordered logit models did not identify any strong relationships given that almost all of the producers that responded to these questions found feeder cattle prices, animal health management, marketing practices, and nutrition very important, which can be seen by analyzing the summary statistics. In addition, the binary logit models that were used for the futures market contract and options on futures models, found that the best way to pinpoint producers using either futures contracts or options was if producers were already using risk management strategies. Therefore, the survey’s purpose of profiling the stocker industry may be its best use.