Influencing Perceptions in Non-animal Science Majors: Impact of a High Enrollment, Asynchronous Core Curriculum Science General Animal Science Course

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 45-45
Author(s):  
Sushil Paudyal ◽  
Leslie Frenzel ◽  
Kathrin Dunlap

Abstract Perceptions of animal production industry and background knowledge of animal science vary greatly amongst students, particularly non-animal science majors. The objective was to assess the influence of a large asynchronous core curriculum science course, General Animal Science, on non-major student perceptions and knowledge of animal science. Student surveys (n = 634) were conducted (preceding and subsequent to course completion. The majority (57.66%) indicated no agriculture background. Among those reporting an agriculture background, 47.82% indicated having animal industry experience, and a mean score of 4.22 [SD 2.96; Likert scale (0–10)] evaluating perceived strength of their agriculture background. Of respondents, 34.77% indicated experience with companion animal, 13.6% beef cattle, 12.5% equine, 10.4% sheep and goats, 8.01% swine, 9.7% poultry, and 3.5% dairy cattle. Post-course responses were received from 71% of the enrolled students (n=541), and comprised of freshman (0–29 credit hours; n = 81), sophomore (30–59, n = 142), junior (60–89; n = 141), senior (90+; n = 48). Respondents indicated a mean score of 7.51 [SD 2.47; Likert scale (0–10)] that this course increased their interest in animal science and indicated a mean score of 6.71 (SD 2.97) on motivation to further their animal science knowledge. Students reported they felt more informed in beef cattle (40.10%), dairy cattle (15.05%), equine (14.56%), poultry (10.92%), swine (4.61%), and small animal (6.55%) production industries. Respondents (98.06%) indicated increased confidence as an educated consumer of animal products and a majority (92.2%) agreed this course helped eliminate misconceptions related to the animal production industry. In addition, 34.22% responded extremely likely, and 50.73% somewhat likely to utilize course knowledge in their everyday life. We concluded that enrollment in the asynchronous core curriculum science course, General Animal Science, reduced misconceptions related to animal production and increased knowledge of and appreciation of the animal production industry in non-animal science majors.

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 44-45
Author(s):  
Leslie Frenzel ◽  
Sushil Paudyal ◽  
Kathrin Dunlap

Abstract General Animal Science is a core curriculum science class providing students with an overview of the livestock industry. This case study describes delivery of a high enrollment (n = 634) asynchronous core curriculum science class, General Animal Science, for non-animal science majors. The class progresses from basic agriculture nomenclature, to reproduction, nutrition, genetics, food safety, and concludes with growth and development of beef, sheep, horses, swine, dairy, poultry, and provides a brief description of the companion animal industry. Asynchronous design requires clear and repetitive communication, organized course content, and effective faculty and student engagement. Use of multiple platforms including a learning management system (Canvas), email, and video announcements is helpful for communication and a detailed schedule creates expectations for course progression, vital in an asynchronous course. While content was delivered primarily via lecture and supplementary materials, optional zoom sessions and virtual office hours generate additional engagement opportunities. Learning outcomes were assessed via weekly topic-focused formative student activities and quizzes vs conventional summative exams. Automated grading of assessments provided students with frequent, real-time feedback. In a post-course survey conducted among students enrolled in the Fall 2020 course (n = 634), 97.9% of respondents agreed that course participation was a valuable learning experience and the majority (50.5%) attributed it to lectures, 22% to assignments, 12.2% to group projects, 11.04% to supplementary materials, and 3.9% to optional office hours. Respondents indicated a mean score of 2.02 (SD 2.84) on a Likert scale (0–10) on likely to change their major to Animal Science. This was expected as Biomedical sciences, Agribusiness, Economics, Psychology, and Business were the most frequently declared majors. We concluded that structured schedule utilizing multiple methods of communication and formative assessments are valuable components of a large asynchronous core curriculum general animal science course, and that this course has potential to educate and engage non-animal science majors.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 579-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Hua Qiu ◽  
Chun-Ren Wang ◽  
Xu Zhang ◽  
Zhong-Hua Sheng ◽  
Qiao-Chen Chang ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (11) ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
M. Z. Z. Jahufer ◽  
J. L. Ford ◽  
G. R. Cousins ◽  
D. R. Woodfield

Assessment of the relative performance of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivars, using multi-year and multi-location seasonal growth trials, is key to identification of material with specific and broad adaptation. This paper is based on a multi-year and multi-location study of 56 white clover entries comprising 14 commercial cultivars and 42 experimental synthetic lines evaluated for seasonal growth under rotational grazing across four locations in New Zealand over 4years. The four locations (and animals grazing) were: Kerikeri (beef cattle), Aorangi (beef cattle), Ruakura (dairy cattle), Lincoln (sheep). Significant (P<0.05) genotypic variation among the 56 entries, and genotype × year, genotype× location and genotype× season interactions, were estimated. We were able to identify cultivars and experimental synthetics with specific and broad adaptation to the three grazing management types. Cvv. AberDance, Apex, Demand, Prestige, Quartz and Riesling, with leaf size ranging from small to medium–large, showed highly above-average performance under sheep grazing. Synthetic lines 15 and 45 also had highly above-average performance under sheep grazing. Cvv. Legacy and Kopu II showed above-average performance under cattle and dairy grazing. Synthetics 15, 48, 49, 44, 22 and 18 and cv. Quartz had above-average performance under all three grazing managements. Synthetics 27, 33 and 38 had highly above-average performance across all three grazing managements and were superior to all 14 cultivars evaluated. Several of these superior synthetics are being tested across multiple grazing environments. Among the 14 cultivars evaluated, Legacy and Quartz showed superior seasonal growth performance across the three grazing managements. Quartz is being evaluated in several on-farm trials across temperate regions of the world.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanan Al-Khalaifah ◽  
Mohammad Al-Otaibi ◽  
Abdulaziz Al-Ateeqi

With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in December 2019 in China, and the alarming rate at which it has spread across the world has unleashed not only fear, but has taken a toll on social, economic, health, and governing capabilities of the various countries infected with the virus. The pandemic is affecting all aspects of life, including industries such as the animal production industry all over the world. This includes plant, livestock and poultry production. Food security is accordingly impacted, as these industries are vital elements that are contributing to securing food to populations worldwide. In this review, light is shed on the origin of coronaviruses with special emphasis on COVID-19. It also includes introduction of symptoms, epidemiology and pathogenesis, etiology, and prevention. As the disease progresses, scientists are working around the clock in the hope of an effective vaccine, and they managed to introduce some to the worldwide populations. The world faces challenges on a day-to-day basis until most people are vaccinated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. I. Torres-Burgos ◽  
H. Sánchez-Rodríguez ◽  
M. Pagán-Morales ◽  
A. Casas-Guernica ◽  
C. Calkins ◽  
...  

ObjectivesResearch conducted at the University of Puerto Rico noted that beef with elevated pH values (> 5.86) resulted in more tender meat (P ≤ 0.05). It has been established that proteolytic degradation mechanisms can be influenced by pH and calcium concentration in muscle. Beef with pH values ≥ 5.86 is classified as Dark Firm and Dry (DFD) but there are negative implications associated with greater pH values. However, observations indicating increased tenderness with increased pH raise the question: can variations in pH be associated with differences in sarcomere length (SL) and free calcium concentration (FCC)? Therefore, the objectives of this project were to: (1) document pH distribution; (2) determine the incidence of DFD; and (3) evaluate the relationship between pH, SL, and FCC in commercial cattle harvested in Puerto Rico.Materials and MethodsLongissimus lumborum samples (n = 51) were obtained and background information was noted including number of permanent incisors (PI), type (Dairy or Beef), and gender. The pH values were used to categorize beef into the following groups: Low (≤ 5.40), Normal (5.41 to 5.59), High (5.60 to 5.85) and DFD (≥ 5.86). Meat was flash frozen, powdered, and placed on a microscope slide and a Helium-Neon laser was used to determine SL. A subset of samples was sent off and prepared at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for FCC quantification (Ward Laboratories; Kearney, NE) with an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (iCAP 6500 Radial; Thermo Electron, Cambridge, UK). All statistical analyses were conducted in SAS (9.4). The Proc FREQ was used to determine pH category distributions and incidence of DFD. The Proc GLIMMIX and Tukey adjustment (α = 0.05) were used to determine the effects of number of PI, type, and gender on pH category, SL and FCC. The Proc CORR was used to evaluate the relationship between pH category, SL and FCC.ResultsThe pH category distribution for the current samples was as follows: 3.92% Low, 41.18% Normal, 35.29% High and 19.61% DFD. The SL ranged from 1.69 to 1.46 mm with an average of 1.53 mm. The FCC ranged from 132.19 to 31.39 mM with an average of 64.23 mM. Longer sarcomeres were detected in cattle with eight and zero PI (1.57 and 1.56 mm, respectively); cattle with two and four PI had intermediate SL (1.53 and 1.52 mm, respectively), and cattle with six PI had the shortest sarcomeres (1.51 mm; P = 0.03). Dairy cattle had longer sarcomeres relative to beef cattle (1.56 vs. 1.52 mm; P = 0.02). Dairy cattle tended to have increased FCC relative to beef cattle (70.72 vs. 58.38 mM; P = 0.08). Also, FCC tended to be greater within the Normal and Low pH categories relative to the High and DFD categories (72.36 vs. 57.31 mM; P = 0.06). The SL and FCC had no relationship (P > 0.05) within the Low, Normal and High pH categories. However, DFD beef had longer SL (0.78; P = 0.01), while having decreased FCC (–0.66; P = 0.04).ConclusionOver half (54.90%) of the beef samples analyzed fell into the High and DFD pH categories, with nearly 20% being classified as DFD. Although, a clear relationship was not established between SL and FCC within the Low, Normal or High pH categories, the results indicate that the increased pH in samples surpassing the DFD threshold correspond to longer sarcomeres and decreased free calcium.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma C Stephens

Abstract Worldwide, our collective research and policy institutions, including the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), are calling for more systems-based research and analysis of society’s most pressing and complex problems. However, the use of systems analysis within animal science remains limited and researchers may not have the tools to answer this call. This review thus introduces important concepts in systems thinking methodology, such as policy resistance, feedback processes, and dynamic complexity. An overall rationale for systems thinking and analysis is presented, along with examples of the application of these concepts in current animal science research. In order to contrast systems approaches to more frequently employed event-oriented research frameworks, both frameworks are then applied to the ASAS’ identified “Grand Challenge” problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in order to compare these two kinds of analyses. Systems thinking stresses the importance of underlying system structures that lead to persistent problem behaviors vs a focus on unidirectional cause-and-effect relationships. A potential systems framework for animal production decisions to use antimicrobials is shown that more explicitly accounts for AMR in a way that can lead to different animal production decisions than the event-oriented framework. Acknowledging and accounting for fundamental system structures that can explain persistent AMR will lead to different potential solutions to this problem than would be suggested from more linear approaches. The challenges and benefits of incorporating systems methods into animal science research are then discussed.


Author(s):  
Eulis Tanti ◽  
◽  
Tubagus Benito Ahmad Kurnani ◽  
Yuli Astuti Hidayati ◽  
Khairunnisa Nur Rahmah ◽  
...  

Livestock waste contains organic matter as nutrients for methanogenic bacteria. However, the limiting factor was the acidogens and acetogens continuously produce compounds that reduce the pH of the system below the preferred range for methanogens to survive if sufficient buffering capacity is not available.The objective of this research is to determine the potency of various livestock waste such as dairy cattle waste and beef cattle waste, as a source of methanogens. The technique for counting bacteria was through Total Plate Count in anaerobic Hungate tube. The incubation period was 30 days. Methane was observed using Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis and the concentration of VFAs was measured using titration method. The results showed that methane production was directly proportional to the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Based on the growth of anaerobic bacteria and the production of methane in the media indicated that the dairy cattle waste and beef cattle waste were potential as a source of methanogenic bacteria.


Parasitology ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Smeal ◽  
A. D. Donald

SUMMARYOn a coastal farm in New South Wales where beef and dairy cattle production was carried on side-by-side, separate pasture plots were contaminated with eggs of Ostertagia ostertagi by calves from each production system in autumn, winter or spring. Successive groups of parasite-free tracer calves grazed on the plots for 14 days at 4-week intervals and were then killed for worm counts 14 days after removal from pasture. On all plots, the proportion of inhibited early 4th-stage larvae in tracer calves reached a maximum in spring, and was consistently and very significantly higher in calves which grazed plots contaminated with O. ostertagi of beef cattle origin. Factors which may be responsible for this difference between beef and dairy cattle populations of O. ostertagi are discussed.


2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 93-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.W.J. Keady ◽  
C.S. Mayne ◽  
D J Kilpatrick

Grass silage forms the basal forage for the majority of dairy and beef cattle during the winter indoor feeding period. However its feeding value, as determined by intake potential and digestibility can differ dramatically at farm level as indicated by the Hillsborough Feeding Information System (HFIS). For example, for 7000 silages which were offered to dairy and beef cattle during the 1999/2000 indoor feeding period in Ireland and analysed through the HFIS, dry matter digestibility (DMD) varied from 540 to 830 g/kg DM (Keady, 2000). Many models used to predict feed intake by dairy cattle include a digestibility component (Keady and Mayne, 2000). However some models use DMD whereas others use digestible organic matter digestibility (DOMD). Furthermore commercial laboratories in Ireland measure silage digestibility as DMD while in the UK it is measured as DOMD. To facilitate the use of different models to predict food intake by dairy cattle, often it is necessary to be able to predict DMD from DOMD or vice versa. The present study was undertaken to develop a relationship between DMD and DOMD to facilitate the use of different models for the prediction of food intake when digestibility is available only either as DMD or as DOMD.


Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Medelin Ocejo ◽  
Beatriz Oporto ◽  
Ana Hurtado

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2014–2016 in 301 ruminant herds to estimate C. jejuni and C. coli prevalence, and investigate their susceptibility to antimicrobials. Risk of shedding C. jejuni was higher in cattle than sheep (81.2% vs. 45.2%; ORadj = 5.22, p < 0.001), whereas risk of shedding C. coli was higher in sheep than in cattle (19.1% vs. 11.3%; ORadj = 1.71, p = 0.128). Susceptibility to six antimicrobials was determined by broth microdilution using European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) epidemiological cut-off values. C. coli exhibited higher resistance (94.1%, 32/34) than C. jejuni (65.1%, 71/109), and resistance was more widespread in isolates from dairy cattle than beef cattle or sheep. Compared to results obtained 10-years earlier (2003–2005) in a similar survey, an increase in fluoroquinolone-resistance was observed in C. jejuni from beef cattle (32.0% to 61.9%; OR = 3.45, p = 0.020), and a decrease in tetracycline-resistance in C. jejuni from dairy cattle (75.0% to 43.2%; OR = 0.25, p = 0.026). Resistance to macrolides remained stable at low rates and restricted to C. coli from dairy cattle, with all macrolide-resistant C. coli showing a pattern of pan-resistance. Presence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated to quinolone and macrolide resistance was confirmed in all phenotypically resistant isolates. The increase in fluoroquinolone resistance is worrisome but susceptibility to macrolides is reassuring.


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