Doctor of Philosophy / Animal Sciences and Industry / Michael D. Tokach / Three experiments using 2,385 pre-weaned pigs, growing pigs, and sows were performed in addition to a meta-analysis and industry survey. Experiment 1 tested the effects of sow vitamin D supplementation from vitamin D₃ (low, medium, or high) or 25OHD₃ (same IU equivalency as the medium level of vitamin D₃) on maternal performance, neonatal pig bone and muscle characteristics, subsequent pre-weaned pig performance and serum 25OHD₃ with only differences in serum 25OHD₃ being impacted. In the second experiment a subsample of pigs weaned from the maternal portion of the study were used in a split-plot design and fed 2 different forms of vitamin D in the nursery and growth performance was evaluated until the pigs reached market weight. Overall, the nursery vitamin D treatments did not impact growth; however, pigs from sows fed the medium level of vitamin D₃ performed better after weaning compared to pigs from sows fed the low or the high level of vitamin D₃, and serum 25OHD₃ was altered based on maternal and nursery vitamin D supplementation. In the third experiment, finishing pigs were initially provided 2 different floor space allowances (0.64 or 0.91 m²) and pigs initially provided 0.64 m² were subject to 1 of 3 marketing strategies which removed the heaviest pigs from the pen in order to provide additional floor space to the pigs remaining in the pen. Overall, pigs initially provided more floor space had improved ADG and ADFI, but increasing the number of marketing events increased ADG of the pigs remaining in the pen following market events. The meta-analysis suggested that a multi-term empirical model using random effects to account for known error and weighted observations to account for heterogeneous experimental designs and replication provided models that best fit the database. Also, the meta-analysis concluded that floor space allowance does influence ADG, ADFI, and G:F and BW of the pig can alter the floor space response. Finally, the vitamin and trace mineral survey suggested that a wide range of supplementation practices are used in the swine industry but most production systems supplement micronutrients above the basal requirement estimates of the animals.

Doctor of Philosophy / Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources / Sunghun Park / Abiotic stresses, including chilling and drought stresses, are considered to be major limiting factors for growth and yield of agricultural and horticultural crops. One of the inevitable consequences of abiotic stresses is the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. ROS can either act as an alarm signal to induce the defense pathway when kept at a low level or cause oxidative damage to various cellular components when increased to a phytotoxic level. Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are members of ROS scavenging system that can maintain the cell redox homeostasis by using the reducing power of glutathione. In this research, we characterized the roles of GRXs in protecting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from chilling stresses and rice (Oryza sativa L.) from drought stresses. Our results indicated that ectopic expression of an Arabidopsis gene AtGRXS17 in tomato could enhance the chilling tolerance by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing H₂O₂ accumulation to ameliorate oxidative damage to cell membranes and photosystems. Furthermore, AtGRXS17-expressing tomato plants had increased accumulation of soluble sugars to protect plant cells from dehydration stress. In rice, silenced expression of a rice glutaredoxin gene OsGRXS17 was used as a reverse-genetic approach to elucidate the roles of OsGRXS17 in drought stress tolerance. Our results showed that silenced expression of OsGRXS17 conferred improved tolerance to drought stress in rice. ABA-mediated stomatal closure is an important protection mechanism that plants adapt to a drought stress conditions, and H2O2 acts as secondary messenger in ABA signaling to induce the stomatal closure. Silenced expression of OsGRXS17 gave rise to H₂O₂ accumulation in the guard cells and promoted ABA-mediated stomatal closure, resulting in reduced water loss, higher relative water content, and consequently enhanced drought tolerance in rice. This research provides a new perspective on the functions of GRXs in chilling and drought stress tolerance of tomato and rice, and an important genetic engineering approach to improve chilling and drought stress tolerance for other crop species.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Allen Featherstone / Land values have a fascinating history after the first settlers started moving west in the 19th century. Much research has been done in agricultural economics with regards to land values and this subject will continue to be watched closely as we move further into the 21st century. The goal of this thesis is to understand the effect that ethanol plants have on the price of land around the ethanol plant. More specifically, the thesis addresses the question of “What impact do ethanol plants have on Kansas Land values?” The thesis also answers the question of “Are land values directly correlated to the proximity of an ethanol plant and if they are directly correlated, to what extent or how much more valuable is a parcel of land that is 30 miles to an ethanol plant compared to a parcel of land that is 70 miles?” As we move into the 21st century, the nation continues to look for alternative fuel sources. Ethanol produced from corn has played a key role in that search for an alternative fuel. In 2007, the state of Kansas proposed to have 29 ethanol plants built and/or operational in the near future. The majority of the ethanol plants were built in 2006 and 2007 with only 16 of those plants becoming operational. This thesis uses those 16 ethanol plants as the basis of this study. The study determines if land sale values from 2010 to 2013 were directly impacted based on the proximity to the closest ethanol plant. Corn is the main crop used in this study with regards to the production of ethanol. While other crops can be used to produce ethanol, the study only focused on the corn crops from 2010 to 2013. The trend in cash corn prices and basis data reflects the advent of the development of ethanol plants with a cash corn high of $8.05 in 2012 and a basis high of $1.84 above futures prices in 2013. In addition to cash corn prices and basis data, the study also collected land parcel sales from the years 2010 to 2013 with 9,279 total observations. Utilizing regression, an equation was estimated taking into account land price, size of land parcel sold in acres, quarter of year for sale, a year binary variable, the minimum distance of an ethanol plant to each parcel sale, the percent pasture acres, percent irrigation acres, rainfall, cropland productivity, and population density. Results indicated that land closer to an ethanol plant is priced at a premium compared to land further away. Land values will continue to be closely studied as we move into the 21st century. This study was able to provide a price point per mile of how much more valuable a land parcel is the closer it is located to an ethanol plant. While this study only factored in the closest ethanol plant to that land parcel sale, other factors such as including multiple ethanol plants located in the same town or ethanol plants that are close in proximity to each other could be further analyzed to continue research on this topic.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Jim L. Nelssen / Piglet birth weight (BtW) is inextricably associated with preweaning survival. The non-linear antagonistic relationship between BtW and mortality risk is more severe in pigs <1.11 kg BtW than in pigs with BtW >1.11 kg. Thus, our research categorized fetal pigs as small (SM), median (MD), or large (LG) size depending on relative crown-rump length at d-60 gestation or BW within litter at d-95 gestation to evaluate differences in fetal myogenesis and development. At both d-60 and d-95, brain weights did not differ but brain weight:liver weight ratio was larger (P<0.05) for SM compared MD and LG. Cross-sectional area of the Longissimus muscle increased with increasing fetal size so that LG and MD had larger (P<0.05) whole muscle cross-sectional areas than SM although number of primary and relative secondary muscle fibers and their respective cross-sectional areas did not differ. Day-60 mRNA abundance of both IGF-1 and IGF-2 in SM was greater (P<0.05) than in MD and LG. Fetal size had a marginally significant effect (P=0.103) on gene expression of IGF-2 receptor with expression least in LG. Small fetuses had greater (P<0.05) d-60 MyoD gene expression and d-95 serum IGF-1 levels than MD and LG. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeding low or high doses of chlortetracycline (CTC) and antibiotic alternatives (pharmacologic Zn, Cu, and essential oil), alone or in combination, on nursery pig growth performance. Pharmacologic Cu (125 ppm from CuSO[subscript]4), Zn (2,000-3,000 ppm from ZnO), or increasing CTC level (0-441 ppm) improved growth performance additively while Origanum essential oil (0.005%) elicited no benefits and decreased G:F. Interactive effects of supplemental Cu (125 ppm), Zn (150 ppm), and ractopamine HCl (10 ppm for 28 d) on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and antimicrobial susceptibility of enteric bacteria was evaluated. Ractopamine increased (P<0.001) ADG, G:F, HCW, percentage carcass yield, loin depth, percent fat-free lean, and decreased (P=0.014) backfat. Copper and/or Zn did not improve ADG, ADFI, or carcass traits. Fecal E. coli and Enterococcus bacterial resistance to most antibiotics decreased (P<0.05) over time or was stable for those that had a low baseline percentage of resistance.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Grain Science and Industry / X. Susan Sun / Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a synthetic biopolymer, is a promising substitute of some petroleum-based polymers due to its mechanical and biodegradable properties. But, because of the high cost of PLA (compared to those petroleum plastics for disposable application), starch has been incorporated into PLA to reduce cost and accelerate the biodegradability rate of the composites. But, the addition of starch as filler to PLA decreased mechanical performance of the composite. The addition of methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) into PLA/starch blends improved drastically the mechanical properties of the composite. Results from thermal-degradation analysis showed that PLA had the highest Arrhenius activation energy and strongest thermal endurance of all samples, followed by PLA/starch/MDI and PLA/starch. Aged samples exposed to fluctuating humidity storage conditions significantly decreased their performance. But, storing the samples in plastic bags could minimize degradation of properties. PLA and its composites with starch would not significantly affect application function when they are stored in controlled environment. PLA and PLA/starch based composites sealed in plastic bags can be stored in fluctuating humidity conditions (30-90% RH) for up to 30 days. Tensile strength, elongation, and damping increased with average particle size of starch granules (APS). But, declination of these properties was detected with APS larger than 45 mm. Crystallinity increased as the APS decreased. Young’s modulus, storage modulus, and moisture absorption were not significantly affected by the starch APS. The use of MDI as a coupling agent altered the role of starch APS on those properties of poly(lactic acid)/starch composite. The oxidation of the primary alcohol group on C6 of starch molecules up to 10% degree of substitution did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of PLA/starch/MDI, but the composites showed a reduced inelastic deformation (tensile curve) and significant increase in storage modulus and damping. Results suggest that a substitution of hydroxyl group on C6 of starch molecules for carboxyl group (up to 10%) increased the strengthening effect of MDI enough to reduce inelastic deformation of the composites upon load, but not enough to enhance mechanical properties.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Kevin C. Dhuyvetter / Fluid raw milk has become one of the largest agricultural commodities, as measured by gross sales, produced in the United States. Since the federal government began to loosen its control over dairy prices in the early 1980’s, farm level milk prices have seen dramatic increases in volatility. Further, shrinking profit margins are requiring more and more dairy farmers to carry a significant amount of debt. Because of the greater leverage in the industry and reduced government support, many producers desire to find mechanisms by which to reduce price risk. Class III milk futures began trading in 1996 with an objective to provide dairy industry players with a means to reduce price risk by transferring that risk to other market players or speculators. Numerous strategies have been proposed for dairy producers to use in price risk reduction that industry participants both support and denounce. One of the objectives of this thesis was to list and analyze a select number of these strategies for their risk-reducing features. Many of these systematic strategies result in lower risk, but the mean Class III price that results from their use was significantly different depending on the strategy used. Another objective of this thesis was to develop a model-based hedging strategy for Class III milk. Six models were developed to predict the Class III Milk price six months and three months into the future. The results of these models were then compared to the Class III Futures price being offered on the first trading day of the month, six months and three months prior to the production month to be priced. If the futures price was higher, a hedge was initiated. If the futures price was lower, no hedge was initiated and the cash market was used. The decision models developed and tested in this thesis not only reduced price volatility, they also increased the mean Class III price obtained as compared to a “cash-only” strategy. While the decision models were successful in-sample, their out-of-sample testing proved to be considerably less successful as all of the model-based strategies underperformed the cash market. The final area researched by this thesis was that of milk price basis. Basis, as it concerns milk prices, is extremely difficult to predict since it involves both physical milk characteristics and government controlled pricing components. While the predictive models tested gave insight into basis prediction, a clear predictive basis model was not found.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Ted C. Schroeder / Electronic animal identification systems are becoming more common in livestock auction markets because of increased numbers of cattle being electronically identified. More cattle are being individually identified because of increasing enrollment in marketing alliances and verification programs. Also, the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) has increased awareness and perhaps use of electronic identification. In this study, individual characteristics of livestock markets were analyzed to determine how they relate to a livestock market operator's views, concerns, and knowledge of the NAIS as well as adoption of RFID reading equipment. Investments in RFID tagging services and RFID reading equipment by livestock markets were estimated and price premiums associated with RFID tagged and preconditioned cattle were estimated. Data were from a national survey of livestock auction markets and cattle transaction data were obtained from three Kansas livestock markets. Auction markets that indicated they currently plan to add a RFID tagging service are likely to have more knowledge of the NAIS program standards, how to adopt the NAIS practices, and the probable costs involved. Managers of facilities that sell a large volume of livestock annually tend to have a higher level of understanding of how to adopt the NAIS practices and be more knowledgeable of the NAIS standards than operators of smallvolume facilities. Managers of markets that have operating RFID reader systems tend to be more understanding of how to adopt the NAIS practices and of costs associated with adopting the NAIS. Livestock market managers tend to be highly concerned that adoption of individual animal identification systems will adversely impact sale speed and tend to view the NAIS as a threat to their business. Large volume facilities, facilities that have registered their premises, and facilities that plan to add a RFID tagging service are more likely to adopt RFID reader systems. Economies of scale exist in RFID system adoption and RFID tagging services for auction markets. Preconditioned and RFID tagged cattle brought a significant premium at only one of three facilities where data were collected.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Brian P. Niehoff / This thesis is the tool for moving companies to the next level in safety. I believe through this plan we can keep people safe in the agribusiness industry. This is very important, so that we can keep cost down and be able to stay in business; or avoid costly litigation / arbitration hearings because someone was injured on the job. When I was hired my job was to develop procedures that meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, reduced injuries, and would be a continuous improvement type of program. The thesis will be introductory information in regards to safety followed by a sample safety manual that I have created by working with different safety professional in the safety industry.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Jeffery R. Williams / The economic feasibility of adding a pistachio roasting facility to the current operations of Tularosa Pistachio Groves (TG) was examined. A facility that roasts and processes 200,000 pounds of pistachio nuts was found to be the most economically viable for the available product grown by (TG) and other small growers in this area. This size facility optimizes the production capacity of the equipment needed for a small grower/processor and fully utilizes a fulltime skilled labor pool needed for the operation. Lower production levels utilize the same equipment on an intermittent schedule. Although operating costs are less when processing fewer pistachio nuts, the negative cash flows during the early period of the project are significant and make the lower production levels less financially viable. The primary reason the lower production quantities are less attractive is because the initial capital investment produced lower cash incomes in the early years of operation. Additional cash is needed for the operation costs, and principal and interest payments. Achieving maximum production to utilize the capacity of the facility sooner makes the project more financially feasible.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Michael D. Tokach / Lone Tree Farms, Inc. is a diversified agricultural enterprise located in Harrisonville, Missouri. Since operations began in 1962, the hog operation has been expanded to the present size of a 2500 sow farrow-to-wean operation. The results of the thesis research lead Lone Tree Farms believes that there are economic and efficiency reasons behind adding to the existing farrow-to-wean operation with a 2500 sow farrow-to-wean operation. The thesis confirms and reveals several points. First, the project takes between 9 months and a year to complete. Some of the inputs required are eight more personnel and an additional 90,000 bushel of feed grain per operating year. Approximately 3,000 gilts are utilized to stock the project and building costs of approximately $3.5 million dollars will be accrued. The total costs of developing the project will be approximately $4.25 to 4.5 million dollars before the first pig is sold (2007 US Dollars). Many risk factors affect the outcome of the project, including risk of high grain prices due to ethanol, labor needs, environmental issues, and manure utilization needs of the project. The spreadsheet model that was developed as part of this thesis reveals that low productivity of the sow herd is the greatest risk factor for the success of the project. Reducing pigs weaned per sow from 11.0 to 8.5 would lower projected return on equity from 32.7. to 7.6% and increase the cost to produce a weaned pig by $8.72/pig. A major change in both corn (over $2.50/bu) and soybean meal (over $200/ton) price would be required for feed cost to have a similar impact on the cost to produce a weaned pig. The start-up and initial production year pose the greatest challenges and risks. After that, production flows should reach more consistency and effectively lower the risk. The initial start-up capitalization of approximately 30% reduces exposure and liquidity risks. The timing of the project should be made when both input expenses and output prices (pig price) are able to be managed. Combined with good management which maximizes pigs/sow weaned, the project stands a very good chance of being considered successful.