Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is commonly given to female cattle intramuscularly (IM) for the synchronization of estrus. A novel site for administration of PGF2α that improves beef quality assurance is the ischiorectal fossa (IRF). The objective of this study was to determine whether administration of PGF2α in the IRF results in a similar physiologic response to administration of PGF2α given IM. Yearling angus-cross heifers (n=112) were blocked by weight and randomly assigned within blocks to be injected with 5 mL PGF2α either IM in the neck or in the IRF. Blood samples were taken at 0, 8, 16, 24, 36, and 48 h post-injection. Serum samples were analyzed for progesterone concentration using a radioimmunoassay. Progesterone concentration curves for each heifer were plotted to determine luteolysis. The median times to luteolysis for neck and IRF injections were 18.1 hrs and 20.0 hrs, respectively (p=0.06). Angus cross commercial beef cows (n=1471) at least 30 days post-partum were blocked by age and randomly assigned to be injected with 5 mL PGF2α either IM in the neck muscle or in IRF as part of a 7-Day CO-Synch + CIDR ovulation protocol. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed via ultrasound at 60 days post insemination. Results were analyzed with Proc Glimmix (SAS). Pregnancy rates for neck and IRF injections were 52.6% and 57.2%, respectively (p=0.06). In summary, injection of PGF2α in the IRF for estrus synchronization and lysis of the corpus luteum did not differ from injection in the neck muscle. Utilizing the ischiorectal fossa as an injection site for PGF2α may be considered as an alternative that more closely aligns with beef quality assurance objectives. / Master of Science

The 2011 National Feeder Cattle Audit evaluated 42,704 cattle in 260 lots from 12 Texas and five Nebraska feedyards to determine BQA adherence, the effects prior management and transportation practices had on feedyard performance and health, and established industry benchmark data so that future advancements and improvements in beef quality related areas can be monitored. This study suggested most feedyard managers and some cow-calf producers and stocker operators have implemented Beef Quality Assurance plans into their respective operations. Survey data documents that the many stakeholders in the beef cattle industry have followed BQA guidelines in an effort to improve the quality and safety of beef being produced. The lots of cattle traveled an average distance of 468 miles from their origin to the feedyard and spent an average of 185.7 days on feed. The majority of the lots were from a single-source origin. Of the cattle where feedlot performance data was available, they gained an average of 3.2 lb/day and converted at 6.2:1. Across all lots, the average animal cost per day was $3.30. Cattle in the feedyard appeared healthy with a 1.7% average death loss and 19.6% average morbidity rate. Processing costs averaged $14.47 per animal, and medicine costs were $5.22 per animal in the lot. The majority of lots had lot tags present in their ear (98.8%), were branded with at least one hide brand (64.3%) and were polled (79.8%). The cattle had primarily a solid hide color (70.7%) and were black (49.6%). Lots appeared uniform with 82.9% being termed slightly to extremely uniform and only 17.1% of the evaluated lots being assessed as slightly to extremely variable. Cattle that traveled further distances to the feedyard had higher processing costs, but in turn did not have differences in medicine costs through the finishing period. It appears the industry will need more communication across the different segments to ensure a sustainable future. Continuing to track cattle origin and what management practices have been done will be important so that cattle can be received with the appropriate processing protocol. Across-segment collaboration and communication provides economic opportunities for beef cattle producers.

Tennessee Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) programs teach beef producers the importance of quality within beef industries. BQA programs assure consumers of the quality and safety of supplied beef, as well as the environmental orientation of farm production practices (Tsakiridis et al., 2021). Any active BQA certificate holder in Tennessee can apply for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). TAEP significantly benefits both farmers and the economy. The TAEP is a cost-share system funding over $106 million dollars funding over thirty-seven thousand programs in the agricultural community statewide (Farm Bureau, Tennessee 2019 Resolutions, 2019). The cost-share program aids farmers to begin projects that could not have been financially feasible if the cost-share program was not available (Menard et al., 2019). The BQA program is an educational program taught as Cooperative Extensions efforts. The program aims to predominately adult beef cattle producers. Andragogy, also known as adult learning theory, was created by Malcolm Knowles to effectively teach adults. In this study, qualitative methods and quantitative methods were used to accurately identify how andragogy is being used in Tennessee BQA programs. The results showed Extension agents followed the seven-step andragogical design process and showed that BQA participants have the six andragogical principles. Recommendations for future research were identified to adapt the Andragogy in practice inventory for instructors, conduct a research study that addresses counties with smaller participation, and conduct studies with county agents in early career stages. Recommendations for the Tennessee BQA program are to have trainings for Extension agents around the andragogical process and to reevaluate the requirement for additional programs. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Since BQA was established in 1987 by the Beef Checkoff, trainings across 47 states have been implemented to guide beef producers with the tools and training necessary to assure animal health and well-being. The program is an educational program that is typically taught by Extension education. Extension education was established by the Smith-Lever Act in 1914 which was established for the educational outreach of the Land-Grant institution for the growth of rural areas across the United States. This study aimed to identify how adult learning theory, andragogy, is used in Tennessee BQA programs and to make appropriate recommendations to ensure program effectiveness. This study is important to identify educational effectiveness in the BQA program and to ensure program participants are implementing program objectives to ensure the goals and purposes of the BQA program.