Quatro potros machos, sem raça definida, com peso médio de 197,25 Kg, foram utilizados em um delineamento experimental Quadrado Latino 4X4 (quatro animais e quatro períodos), com arranjo fatorial do tipo 2X2, para tratamentos, onde os fatores foram: processamento do feno de alfafa (em cubos X em ramas); com adição ou não de óleo refinado de soja, (com óleo X sem óleo), adicionado no cocho, sobre o concentrado em dietas contendo concentrado comercial na forma de peletes para : avaliar a digestibilidade aparente total da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e a viabilidade econômica das dietas estudadas. A adição de óleo refinado de soja afetou positivamente a digestibilidade aparente total da MS (66,18%), (p< 0,0093), MO (70,66%), (p< 0,0111), para a dieta com a alfafa na forma de cubos; EE (90,52%), (p< 0,0001) e FDN (53,24%), (0,0257) da dieta com feno de alfafa na forma de ramas. O processamento da alfafa interferiu positivamente sobre a digestibilidade aparente total da PB (80,02%), (p< 0,0048), para a dieta com feno na forma de cubos; FDN (47,92%), (p< 0,0147) e FDA (43,40%), (p< 0,0237), para a dieta com feno na forma de ramas. Independentemente do processamento sobre o feno de alfafa, a adição de óleo refinado de soja aumentou de maneira significativa e econômica a digestibilidade da fração EE. Feno de alfafa na forma de ramas, com adição de óleo, seria a opção mais econômica para utilização na dieta de potros devido ao custo de mercado ser mais baixo. A adição de óleo refinado de soja na dieta composta por : concentrado comercial, em uma base volumosa de feno de alfafa, aumentou a densidade calórica (NDT ou ED (predita)) das dietas estudadas, não deprimindo a digestibilidade aparente total dos macros nutrientes orgânicos e de maneira economicamente viável, para as condições desse experimento. / Four male weanlings, without defined breed, were used in this study, with middleweight 197, 25 Kg in an experimental Latin-square design for four (four animals and four periods), with factorial arrangement of the type 2 X 2 for treatments, where the factors were: processing of the alfalfa hay (cubes X long-stem) and addition or not of refined soybean oil top dressed (with oil X without oil). Diets containing commercial concentrate in the pellets form aimed: to evaluate the total apparent digestibility of the crude matter, organic matter, crude protein, fat, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and the economical aspects. The addition of refined soybean oil, affected positively the total apparent digestibility of the CM (66,18%), (p < 0, 0093), OM (70,66%), (p <0, 0111), for cubes fat diet; EE (90,52%), (p <0, 0001) and NDF (53,24%), (p <0, 0257), for long-stem hay more fat diet. The processing in the alfalfa hay interfered positively on the total apparent digestibility of CP (80,02%), (p < 0, 0048), for cube diet; NDF (47,92%), (p <0, 0147) and ADF (43,40%), (p <0, 0237) for long-stem diet. Independently of the processing on the alfalfa hay, the addition of refined soybean oil increased, significant and economical way the total apparent digestibility of the fat fraction. Alfalfa hay in the long-stem forms, with soybean oil addition, would be the most economical option for use in the diet of colts due to the cost of lower market. The addition of refined oil of soy in the composed diet for: commercial concentrate, in a forage base of alfalfa hay, increased the caloric density (TDN or DE (predict)) in the studied diets, not depressing the total apparent digestibility of the organic nutritious macros and in way economically viable, for the conditions of that experiment.

Master of Science / Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering / Ajay Sharda / Moisture measurement is critical when baling alfalfa into round bales for feed. If alfalfa is too wet or too dry, it can greatly diminish the alfalfa crop’s feed quality and cause economic loss to producers. Therefore, monitoring of alfalfa moisture content while baling is critical for producers to maintain hay quality and maximize profits. Currently, there are several different types of moisture sensing technologies available for round balers. But, concerns exist regarding their accuracy and repeatability during hay baling. Therefore, objectives of this project are to 1) Establish a protocol for coring methodology to assess the variation of moisture within a round alfalfa hay bale, and 2) Compare and contrast sensing accuracy and repeatability of different hay moisture sensing technologies. A coring methodology was established to determine the average moisture within a round bale based upon the way a sensor in a round baler chamber would determine the bale moisture; by looking at the moisture contents along the round bale diameter. This method was then compared with the more traditional method of using radial cores only to determine the whole bale moisture content. A sensor testing stand was developed to perform comparative testing between the sensors on the same alfalfa hay bale and collect core samples of material immediately after it was formed. Six commercially available moisture sensors were selected to measure moisture at four pre-determined locations on hay bales. After the sensor measurements, core samples were extracted from the exact same locations to determine actual moisture using oven-drying method. The moisture measurements were conducted during three growth stages and bales were formed with three approximate moisture contents of 10%, 15% and 20%. Six different cuts of alfalfa of the same variety were used to capture all the measurements. A seventh cut was also performed for moisture measurements with the alfalfa baled at 15% and the same growth stage, but different baler compression cylinder pressures (250, 400, and 800psi). Actual moisture content was across different sampling locations were compared to understand moisture distribution and establish coring protocol. Sensor and oven-dried measurements were compared to determine accuracy and repeatability of sensing technologies. Results showed that sensors and oven-dried measurement varied for all the sensors for every growth stage and baling moisture levels, with one sensor exhibiting lowest variability in its readings. The comparison identified the most accurate and reliable sensor among the ones currently available. A second year of testing was also conducted to validate the research from the first year of testing. Future research needs to be conducted to identify correlation between the testing stand readings and actual hay baler moisture sensor readings.

Spider silk is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural material that is stronger than steel and more elastic than nylon. These properties make spider silk a desirable material for many commercial products, ranging from textiles to biomedical materials. Due to spiders’ cannibalistic and territorial nature it is impossible to farm them to produce spider silk at a high enough yield to meet product demands. Therefore, a bioengineered synthetic process is necessary to produce spider silk. Synthetic spider silk has been produced in bacteria, goats, yeast, plants, mammalian cells and silkworms, but none of these processes provided a commercially viable yield or were able to express recombinant spider silk proteins (rSSps) that can mechanically imitate the natural spider silks. The overall goal of this research was to increase the yield and mechanical characteristics, e.g. strength and elasticity, to create a commercially viable spider silk. Three different hosts were used: E. coli, alfalfa and an insect cell line. Each host addresses issues with synthetic protein production in both the short-term and long-term scheme. Through this research yields were increased, while the mechanical properties of the synthetic silks were improved and groundwork for future research into the improvement of synthetic spider silk production were identified.

Objetivo: Demostrar las propiedades estrogénicas del extracto hidroalcohólico de la especie Medicago sativa L (alfalfa) en ratas albinas ovariectomizadas (OVX). Método: Se emplearon 48 ratas albinas Sprague Dawley hembras de 200 a 250 g. de 8 semanas de edad de las cuales 40 fueron sometidas a extirpación quirúrgica de ambos ovarios (OVX) siguiendo la técnica de ovariectomía bilateral por el flanco. Después del post-operatorio las ratas se dividieron en seis grupos y se suministró el extracto hidroalcohólico de Medicago sativa (alfalfa) bajo el siguiente esquema de trabajo: Grupo 1:Control Negativo (OVX), vehículo, VO,2mL/kg; Grupo2: Control Positivo (OVX) ,Estradiol, SC, 3ug/kg; Grupo 3: (OVX)Extracto Alfalfa ,VO, 100 mg/kg; Grupo 4: (OVX),Extracto Alfalfa, VO, 500 mg/kg; Grupo 5: (OVX), Extracto Alfalfa, VO, 1000 mg/kg; Grupo 6: (No OVX),Control del procedimiento quirúrgico. El tratamiento duró 14 días. Los parámetros evaluados fueron peso del útero, peso corporal, cambios del ciclo estral mediante frotis vaginal y análisis del perfil hormonal. Resultados: Se observó aumento en el peso de útero en las dosis de 500mg/kg y 1000mg/kg.; además de la presencia de alcaloides, flavonoides y saponinas en el extracto hidroalcohólico de alfalfa en cantidad regular. En la técnica quirúrgica empleada la combinación anestésica xilazina (2mg/kg), ketamina (40mg/kg) indujo un plano quirúrgico óptimo (plano 2), sin complicaciones en el post-operatorio ni la muerte de los animales. Conclusiones: El extracto hidroalcohólico de Medicago sativa L (alfalfa) causa un efecto estrogénico al incrementar el peso de útero en ratas OVX en las dosis de 500mg/kg y 1000mg/kg. Además contiene saponinas en cantidad regular. La técnica quirúrgica ovariectomía bilateral por el flanco es un método práctico, confiable y menos traumático para los animales que permite realizar investigaciones sobre defiencia de estrógenos. / Objective: Demonstrate the estrogenic properties of hydroalcoholic extract of the species Medicago sativa L (alfalfa) in albino rats ovariectomized (OVX). Methods: We used 48 Sprague Dawley female albino rats of 200 to 250 g. 8 weeks of age, of which 40 underwent surgical removal of both ovaries (OVX) by means of bilateral ovariectomy on the flank. After post-operative rats were divided into six groups and provided the hydroalcoholic extract of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) under the following work schedule: Group 1: Negative Control (OVX), vehicle, VO 2 ml / kg, Group 2: Positive Control (OVX), estradiol, SC, 3ug/kg; Group 3 (OVX) Alfalfa extract, VO, 100 mg / kg, Group 4 (OVX), Alfalfa extract, VO, 500 mg / kg, Group 5: (OVX), Alfalfa extract, VO, 1000 mg / kg, Group 6: (No OVX), Control of the surgical procedure. The treatment lasted 14 days. The outcome measures were uterine weight, body weight, estrous cycle changes by vaginal smear and hormonal profile analysis. Results: The increase in uterine weight at doses of 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg., Besides the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins in the hydroalcoholic extract of alfalfa in regular amount. In the surgical technique used anesthetic combination xylazine (2mg/kg), ketamine (40mg/kg) induced an optimal surgical plane (plane 2), without complications or postoperative death of animals. Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of Medicago sativa L (alfalfa) causes an oestrogenic effect by increasing the uterus weight in OVX rats at doses of 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg. It also contains saponins in regular amount. The surgical technique for bilateral ovariectomy flank is a practical, reliable and less traumatic for the animals that can do research on estrogen deficiency. / Tesis

The widespread use of chemicals for the control of diseases, insects, and weeds in the production of alfalfa seed has caused concern with regards to what effect these materials may have on the inherent reproductive potential of the plants. It has been reported that captan (N- (trichloromethylthio)-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide) has both a morphological and physiological effect on some plants. The action of this chemical with regards to alfalfa reproduction has not been reported. Demeton (0,0- diethyl O(and S)-2-(ethylthio) ethylphosphorodithioate) is another chemical used in alfalfa seed production for which the direct effects on reproduction have not been studied. Adverse effects have been reported on a number of plant species with the use of organic phosphate insecticides. A selective herbicide, 4(2,4-DB), (2,4-dichlorophenoxybatyric acid) shows promise of being satisfactory for the control of broad-leaf weeds in alfalfa. Work reported on studies of forage and seed yields is quite varied as to the effect of 4(2,4-DB) on alfalfa.

The infestation of twelve selected clones of alfalfa by the alfalfa seed chalcid was measured. The free sterol content of the stems, leaves, f lowers and pods of these clones was determined. A check was made to see if there was a correlation between the sterol content and the chalcid infestation. Differences were found among t he clones in the sterol content for each plant part. There were also significant differences in percent chalcid infestation in the 12 clones. Duncan ' s New Multiple Range Test pointed out which clones differed Significantly from the others. Using linear regression analysis, the correlation coefficient of the comparison between the sterol content and the chalcid infestation was obtained. There was a signtflcant negative correlation between the sterol content of the flower and the percent chalcid infestation. No significant correlation was found between t he sterol content of the stems, leaves or pods and the percent chalcid infestation.

Ditylenchus Dipsaci (Kuhn) Filipjev. is one of the most destructive nematodes to crop plants. It attacks and damages more than 300 species of cultivated and uncultivated plants. The nematode can be differentiated into many races, each of them having a preference for a group or even a single plant species. Alfalfa stem nematode is one of the races in this species which attacks the above ground portion of alfalfa but does not infest the roots. Larvae of this nematode may migrate from the plant tissue to soil in moist conditions. These nematodes migrate actively to nearby plants or are carried by agricultural tools or wind to reach plants at some distance away, causing a new infection.

The alfalfa seed chalcid, Bruchophagus ruddi Guss., is a jet-black hymenopteran wasp. The destructive nature of this pest has been recognized since the latter part of the nineteenth century. Every year thousands of acres of alfalfa seed are destroyed, with infestation reaching as high as 8 5 percent in some areas. In Utah the chalcid annually ruins from 5 to 25 percent of the alfalfa seed. Much of this damage goes unnoticed, as infested seed is commonly blown out in the trash during harvesting and cleaning operations . The extent of damage is not restricted to the United States. Wherever alfalfa is grown for seed, the alfalfa seed chalcid is known to have caused considerable reductions in seed yields.

Eighteen field plots at 15 locations were selected throughout the state to evaluate the status of the boron content in irrigation waters, soils, and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) plant tissue under irrigated conditions. No boron deficiency symptoms were observed in any of the alfalfa plants at any of these locations, nor were any of the plant tissue boron levels inadequate. Only two locations were found in which the alfalfa plants exibited toxicity symptoms. These locations were along the Indian and Antelope Creeks in Duchesne County which contain high boron levels in the water. All the alfalfa and soil tested and irrigated by either Indian or Antelope Creek waters are the only ones tested and found to contain, naturally occuring, high levels of boron in Utah. The light sandy soils were found to contain less available boron than the heavier clay soils. The sandy soil of the Grand County location at Moab showed no available soil boron, while the clayey soils in Duchesne County irrigated with high boron waters were the only soils found to contain excessive levels of available soil boron. The application of 2.8 kilograms of boron per hectare in the form of Solubor significantly increased the available soil boron content by 19.07 percent in the Cache County plots. The 12 alfalfa varieties grown in the Morgan and Tooele County plots showed significant differences with respect to location and tissue boron contents when the results of the two locations were combined. Overall, variety desert had the highest average boron content of 69.5 milligrams boron per kilogram and AS-49R contained the lowest boron content (Y=69.91+13.64X; R2=0.79) or the available soil boron content (Y=63.15+7.66X; R2=0.82).

Processing alfalfa for export is of significant interest to areas like Millard County, the largest hay-producing county in Utah. In the past year there have ix been significant reductions in the price of hay as a result of increased supplies in the central and western United States. This thesis analyzes the benefits and costs of processing alfalfa into cubes and recompressed bales in order to enter the export market. Costs of production were estimated through the use of enterprise budgets first for the farmer to establish the costs and returns for raising the hay, and secondly for cubing and recompressing the alfalfa at different levels of production and different prices based on those levels of production. The cash flows from these different enterprises were then analyzed using benefit cost ratios, net benefit investment ratios, and internal rates of return. The general conclusion reached is that it is feasible to process alfalfa for export. Profits are sensitive to the price spread between raw and finished products more so than to production efficiencies.