Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / Daniel U. Thomson / Beta-adrenergic agonists (βAA) are administered during the final weeks of the beef production system to improve efficiency and increase meat yield. Welfare concerns linked to the administration of βAA have garnered significant attention in recent years due to anecdotal reports of increased mortality during βAA feeding periods and cattle without obvious disease or injury having difficulty walking at abattoirs being overrepresented in cattle fed βAA. Thomson et al. (2015) reported 2 events where cattle were distressed, became non-responsive to handling, sloughed hoof walls and were euthanized while in lairage at the abattoir. Consistent blood abnormalities in euthanized cattle included elevated blood lactate (25.6 mmol/L; ref. range: < 4-5) and creatine kinase (CK; 6,890 U/L, ref. range: 159- 332). Although no causal relationship had been established, dialogues among groups of packers, animal scientists, and welfare experts implicating the βAA zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZIL; Zilmax®, Merck Animal Health, Desoto, KS) as one possible etiology resulted in a major beef packer announcing plans to stop accepting cattle fed ZIL. Consequently, Merck announced a self-imposed suspension of ZIL sales in U.S. and Canadian markets until further research could be conducted to investigate the manner. Utilization of technologies such as βAA are imperative to meeting the demands of a growing world population and verdicts regarding such technologies, including their impact on animal welfare, should be based on scientific merit. The first objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of shade on performance and animal well-being in cattle fed ZIL. The second objective was to characterize the clinical description and hematological profile of fatigued cattle presented to abattoirs. The third objective was to evaluate the effects of handling intensity during shipment for slaughter in cattle fed a βAA. The fourth objective was to evaluate the effects of βAA administration on performance and physiological response to different handling intensities during shipping for slaughter. Shade provision reduced open-mouth breathing and increased dry matter intake and dressing percentage. Fatigued cattle observed at abattoirs had increased respiratory rates and muscle tremors, although blood parameters were relatively normal compared to their cohorts. Metabolic acidosis, a precursor for Fatigued Cattle Syndrome, was observed in cattle exposed to aggressive handling regardless of βAA status. This research confirms the improved growth performance of cattle fed βAA and highlights the improvement of animal welfare through shade provision and low-stress handling in heavy-weight feedlot cattle.

Stress är något som finns ibland oss oavsett om vi blir påverkade eller inte, det finns både i vårt vardagliga liv och på arbetsplatser. Vissa människor påverkas mer än andra och hanterar stressen som finns runt omkring på olika sätt. Syftet med denna undersökning var att ta reda på hur nautiska befäl ombord på svenskflaggade ro-pax fartyg hanterar stress och om den upplevda stressen påverkar arbetet. Undersökningen genomfördes ombord på fartyg där intervjupersonerna tjänstgjorde. Studien utfördes med hjälp av kvalitativmetod och semi-strukturerad intervjumetod. Studiens resultat är från sju intervjuer med sjöbefäl och visade att det finns en hög stressnivå ombord som påverkar personalen och deras arbeten negativt, speciellt vid lastning och lossning. Studien visade också att sjöbefälen är beroende av det sociala stödet och tar hjälp av koffein för att hantera den upplevda stressen ombord. / Stress is something that exists among us whether we are affected or not, it is both in our everyday life and in the workplace. Some people are affected more than others and handle the stress that are available around in different ways. The purpose of this study was to find out how the nautical officers on board the Swedish flagged ro-pax ships handle stress and if the perceived stress affect the work. The survey was carried out on board ships where the respondents are served. The study was carried out with the help of qualitative method and semi-structured interview methods. The results of the study from the seven interviews with the ship's officers and showed that there is a high level of stress on board that affect staff and their work negatively, especially when loading and unloading. The study also showed that marine officer is dependent on the social support and take the help of caffeine to deal with the perceived stress on board.

The objective of this study was to examine the handling influence on breath rate and plasma corticosterone in adult common voles. Furthermore, the examination of relationship between physiological and personality traits was performed. A device consisting of chamber, pressure sensor and oscilloscope measured the breath rate. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for corticosterone analysis. Behavioural characteristics were assessed in Open field test (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). The results did not prove the significant impact on resting breath rate and plasma corticosterone level. However, the handled individuals had nearly significantly lower stress breath rate compared to the non-handled individuals. Significant relationship between breath rate and behavioural traits was not detected. Nevertheless, the individuals with lower stress-induced plasma corticosterone performed significantly longer exploration in Elevated Plus Maze.

The purpose of the study was to attain a deeper sense of understanding of the teacher’s stress experience during interactions with a learner suffering from behavioural and emotional problems. The study was undertaken within the interpretive paradigm. A qualitative research design of three case studies (schools, with two participants per school) was used. The case studies were carried out per school since the school establishes the context for the narrative of the stress experiences. Data capturing was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews. The main themes that emanated from the interviews were: the emotions of the teachers, the handling of stress resulting from the relation to the learner and own stresses, and a general reflection of the teachers regarding their own stress experiences. An overall view was taken of the relationship between the context and participants’ stress experiences. The main findings showed a clear correlation between the intensity of the stress experience on the one hand, and the individual’s perception of an incident and his/her need for control on the other. The headmaster’s leadership style and the organizational culture can influence the participants’ experience and their handling of class incidents. Professional and personal stressors have a mutual influence on one another. Reflections appear to play a major part in how stress is dealt with. / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Educational Psychology / MEd / unrestricted