The 18th Annual
NC State University
Undergraduate Research Symposium
Biological Sciences:
Applied Sciences
(Crop, Poultry, Animal,
and Horticultural
Sciences)
Abstracts
Abstracts are listed in alphabetical order by the last name of the
corresponding author.
- Biological Sciences abstracts
Applied Sciences (Crop, Poultry, Animal, and
Horticultural Sciences)
Ecology, Environmental, Conservation, Botanical
Molecular, Biochemical, Genetics, Cell Biology
Zoology, Physiology, Behavior, Neurobiology
- Engineering & Technology abstracts
- Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology abstracts
- Physical and Mathematical Sciences abstracts
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Austin, Britt Hinson, Eric Moore, Christopher |
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Department(s): |
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences |
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Research |
Brian Farkas/Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences Gary Cartwright/Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition
Sciences |
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Title of Presentation: |
Shear Mixer Homogenization in Ultra-Pasteurized
Whole Milk |
The efficiency of an in-line shear mixer (ILSM) on reducing
fat globule size was examined in ultra-pasteurized, homogenized whole milk. The
addition of a shear mixer was proposed to replace the purchase of an expensive
aseptic homogenizer. Re-agglomeration of fats, also known as creaming, is a
major defect in Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processed milk products that
drastically reduces the stability and sensory characteristics of the milk. An
ILSM may reduce the particle size of fat globules and slow or prevent the
creaming process. The goal of this research was to determine the effectiveness
of an ILSM on reducing the fat particle size in ultra-pasteurized whole milk.
The shear mixer impeller spins rapidly forcing milk through very small openings
and imparting high shear; it was hypothesized that this process should reduce
particle size in a similar method to that of homogenization. Samples were
collected for four consecutive weeks in the Robert H. Feldmeier Dairy
Processing Laboratory and were tested by comparing particle size, sensorial and
microbial properties of shear-mixed, ultra-pasteurized processed whole milk
with the experimental control; homogenized, ultra-pasteurized milk processed
without the addition of an ILSM. Analysis and testing lasted for six weeks per
sample series. The particle size data thus far has not shown a consistent trend
to make a definitive conclusion as to whether the ILSM is effectively
preventing creaming.
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Braxton, Malissa L. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Gerald B. Huntington/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Alkanes as Intake Digestibility Indicators |
The objective was to evaluate n-alkanes as intake
markers in either supplement or controlled release capsule (CRC). Seven ruminally fistulated beef steers were
fed 1 kg corn grain:soyhulls supplement once daily and alfalfa or switchgrass
twice daily. Each steer received dotriacontane (C32) in supplement or
intraruminal CRC in a balanced changeover of 16-day periods. Alkane delivery from CRC was periodically
measured with calipers. Fecal grab samples and total feces were collected
during the last 8 and 5 days of each period, respectively. Fecal grab samples
were divided into aliquots that were freeze-dried (FD) or oven-dried (OD) to a
constant weight at 60°C. Forage and fecal alkanes were saponified,
extracted with heptane, and analyzed by gas chromatography. Overall, predicted
intake (PI) (6.12 ±0.55 kg DM/d) did not differ (P = 0.46) from measured intake
(6.01 ± .10 kgDM/d). Fecal C31 (1057 ± 33 mg/kg DM) and C32 (148 ± 10.6 mg/kg
DM) did not differ (P < 0.85) between OD and FD in steers fed alfalfa. Fecal
C31 (124 ± 17 mg/kg DM) and C32 (112 ± 14 mg/kg DM) did not differ (P <
0.89) between OD and FD in steers fed switchgrass. PI by fecal grab samples
(6.38 kg/d) did not differ (P < 0.51) from PI by 5-day total fecal
collection (6.48 kg/d). PI by supplement (6.03 ± 1.13 kg DM/d) did not differ
(P < 0.01) from PI by CRC (6.04 ± 1.12 kg DM/d). Measured CRC delivery was
66 to 89% of manufacturer’s specifications. In conclusion, alkanes can be used
to predict intake by using fecal grab samples rather than collecting total
feces. Hay intake can be predicted accurately with once daily alkane
supplementation, and samples can be OD or FD with no difference in alkane
concentrations.
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Buchanan, Emma |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Peter Farin, Population Health and Pathobiology,
College of Veterinary Medicine |
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Title of Presentation: |
Follicular Dynamics and Embryo Field Following
Subcutaneous Administration of Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Holstein Cows |
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is used to induce
multiple ovulations for embryo production.
The objective of this study was to determine the superovulatory response
of dairy cows to subcutaneous (SC) administration of FSH using a reduced number
of injections in combination with a progesterone-releasing device. Eighteen non-lactating
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Coulon-Johnson, Ann C. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Joseph P. Cassady/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Use of Audio Stimulation to Increase Suckling
Piglet Growth and Survival to Weaning |
Discovering even minor techniques to better the
efficacy of the swine industry has an impact on both North Carolina and The
United States’ economy. The objective of this study was to determine if audio
stimulation can be utilized to increase piglet suckling frequency which would
result in decreased preweaning mortality, increased weaning weights and greater
percentage of superior-quality weaned pigs. Sixty three litters were placed in
4 farrowing rooms in which 2 rooms were the control and 2 rooms had audio
recordings played every 35 minutes. The audio was of a recorded sow and piglet
vocalizations during piglet suckling which is expected to increase milk
production, piglet growth, and piglet survival. The model observed fixed
effects of sex, line, and room within treatments. Pigs in the audio rooms
gained 23.6 grams more per day (P < 0.01) from birth to 10 days of age and
were also 410 grams heavier at 10 days of age (P < 0.01). Pig weights at 21
days of age were not different among treatments, but piglets in the audio treatment
rooms gained 11 grams per day more than the controls (P < 0.08) from birth
to 21 days of age. Survival from birth to 21 days of age was 11% greater in the
audio treatment pigs than controls. Eight video cameras were also placed to
observe 24 litters suckling activity of which 12 were controls and 12 were
audio treated. A technician observed 5 bouts of nursing or 2 hours of video
whichever came first on each litter for each day of the study. The data was
then analyzed using SAS. Control pigs on average suckled every 35.6 minutes and
pigs exposed to the audio treatments suckled on average 33.5 minutes.
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Craddock, Scott T. Betancur, Lissete |
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Department(s): |
Plant Biology |
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Research |
Lissete Betancur/Plant
Biology Candace Haigler/Crop Science; Plant Biology |
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Title of Presentation: |
Analyzing Cellulose Synthase (CESA) Gene Expression
and Cell Wall Thickness in Arabidopsis Vegetative Trichomes |
The cellulose synthase (CesA) gene family is composed
of ten members in Arabidopsis thaliana, and they can be classified into three
major categories: CesA 1, 3, and 6 which are required for primary wall
synthesis (CesA 2 and 5 can replace CesA6 activity), CesA 4, 7, and 8 which are
required for secondary wall synthesis in xylem cells, and CesA 9 and 10 which
have limited expression in the plant. My objective was to determine which CesA
genes were required for synthesis of secondary walls of vegetative trichomes
and, furthermore, whether their expression varied with plant growing
environment. Arabidopsis plants transformed with 9 CesA promoters driving the
GUS gene (CesApromoter:GUS) lines were grown in a phytotron chamber on soil or
in an incubator on agar in Petri plates (sealed with either parafilm or paper
tape). The plants were grown 14 days until they had small leaves with
trichomes. Both whole plants and isolated trichomes were analyzed
histologically for GUS enzyme activity. Then cell wall thickness was analyzed in
the isolated trichomes by use of polarization microscopy and Image-J software,
followed by statistical analysis of the results using ANOVA. Results will be
reported on which CesA genes were expressed in trichomes and whether their
expression varied between growing environments. Results will also be shown to
demonstrate that trichome secondary wall thickness was greater when plants were
grown on soil in an incubator compared to other conditions tested. I thank Dr.
Bir Singh for performing the statistical analysis.
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Gorski, Stephanie L. |
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Department(s): |
Entomology |
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Research |
Jen Petzold/Entomology Fred Gould/Entomology |
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Title of Presentation: |
Evolution of
Host Recognition in Pest Moths |
Understanding how herbivorous insects choose their
host plants will lead to a better understanding of insect evolution,
speciation, and diversification, and has practical application in agricultural
pest management as well. Little is known
about the genetic basis for differences between generalist and specialist
herbivore insects and their ability to recognize host plants. The moth species Heliothis subflexa is a specialist that
feeds only on plants in the genus Physalis,
while the closely related Heliothis
virescens, a generalist, feeds on over 14 plant families. The ability to hybridize these two species
in the laboratory and the distinct differences in their host ranges provide a
unique opportunity to examine the genetic basis of differences in oviposition
behavior between generalist and specialist insects. H.
subflexa and H. virescens were
hybridized, and hybrids were backcrossed to each of the parent species. This resulted in backcrossed individuals
segregating for host range genes from both species. These backcrossed individuals, F1 hybrids,
and the two parent species were released in large outdoor tents containing
tobacco (a host of H. virescens) and Physalis plants, and oviposition
behavior was recorded. Most moths
backcrossed with H. subflexa
oviposited on Physalis while H. virescens backcrosses oviposited on
tobacco. F1 hybrids, however, strongly
preferred tobacco. These results are not
consistent with a simple dominance pattern of inheritance. Possible explanations, including multiple
genetic loci and heterozygote disadvantage, will be discussed.
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Hall, Brandon D. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Gerald B. Huntington/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging and Feed
Efficiency in Angus Bulls |
The purpose of the study was to determine if how
biologically efficient an Angus bull is at putting on weight could be predicted
by correlating their surface skin temperature to their feed efficiency. An animal that eats less feed but gains more
weight is more efficient than an animal that eats more food but doesn't gain as
much. The study separated 69 bulls into separate pens according to weight,
10-12 bulls per pen. Total feed consumed was measured daily and body weight was
measured biweekly for each bull for 84 days. The skin temperature of each bull
was measured using a Fluke™ TI45 camera capable of digital infrared thermal
imaging. The images from the camera were used to determine the minimum,
maximum, and average temperature of a specified area of the bull, as well as
the standard deviations for that temperature data. Three sets of images were
recorded, one in late September, late October, and early December. This was to
determine whether the ambient temperature would have an effect on the
measurements. In October and December, hair was clipped on the ribs of each
bull to measure the difference between their actual skin temperatures and their
temperatures with hair. Average ± standard deviation (oC) clipped
surface temperature, ambient temperature, rectal temperature and unclipped
surface temperature were (NA), 25.3±0.9,
39.5±0.3, 34.4±1.2 in September, 31.8±1.5, 11.1±0.3, 39.9±0.6, and 26.4±1.6 in
October and 31.6±1.4, 7.2±0.6, 39.2±0.5, and 24.3±1.8 in December. Feed
efficiency of each bull was calculated and compared to the recorded temperature
data. There was no significant statistical correlation (P < 0.10) between
the measured skin temperature of each bull and their feed efficiency. In
conclusion, the skin temperature of a bull is not an accurate predictor of his
feed efficiency.
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Harris, Nicolette M. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
H. C. Sunny Liu/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Interaction of Host PIAS Protein with Viral Nsp1
Protein of European Strain PRRS Virus (PRRSV) |
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
(PRRSV) is an economically significant disease affecting the swine industry
today, costing US pork producers about $600 million annually. The virus is
diverse with American strains (VR-2332) and European strains (Lelystad),
sharing only ~63% nucleotide identity. We recently discovered that
non-structural protein 1 (nsp1), which consists of 2 subunits nsp1α and nsp1β, of the American strain
VR-2332 interacts with the host protein Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT 1
(PIAS). This project sought to determine which subunit of nsp1 is the
interacting partner of PIAS. Additionally, we sought to determine if nsp1 of an
European-like strain (SD-01-08) also interacts with the PIAS. In order to
determine these interactions between nsp1 and PIAS, a yeast-2-hybrid approach
was employed. This approach is used to identify protein interactions by fusing
a protein of interest, in this case nsp1β, to the DNA-binding domain of
the GALA gene, while the prey protein
is fused to the activation domain. If the bait and prey proteins interact, then
the DNA binding domain and the activation domain are brought together which
then activates the transcription of a reporter gene, which in this study was
β-galatosidase. Assay of β-galatosidase activity was employed to
confirm the interactions. Our results suggest that nsp1 of the PRRSV strain
SD-01-08 also interacts with PIAS. More specifically it appears that the
nsp1β subunit of both strains is the interacting partner of PIAS. As PIAS
is a known inhibitor of the NFΚβ pathway and the activation of
NFΚβ is known to enhance PRRSV replication, it is possible that
nsp1β binds to PIAS to prevent it from inhibiting NFΚβ
signaling.
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Markunas, Madeline M. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Vivek Fellner/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
The Effects
of Small Grain Silage on Lactation Performance and Milk Content as an
Alternative for Traditional Corn-based Feeds |
Due to the volatile economics of corn, finding
alternatives other than corn for ruminants is essential. The production of
ethanol in the US increased rapidly around 2007 and 2008, thus increasing the
price of corn (Leibtag, 2008). Despite a projected decrease in ethanol
production in 2008-2009 (Biofuels B. S., 2008), the price of corn still remains
high. Thus, the current study was designed to determine the use of small grain
silages as an alternative to corn silage for dairy cows. Twenty four mature
lactating Holstein cows were blocked by days in milk (DIM), parity, and milk
yield and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The dietary
treatments were as follows: 1) Control (Corn Silage); 2) Oat Silage (Hulless);
3) Oat Silage (Normal) and 4) Wheat Silage. The cows were milked twice daily
and milk samples were collected on d 0, 30, and 60 for subsequent analysis of
milk fat, protein and lactose. Milk weights were recorded throughout the
experiment. Body weights were taken on d 0 and 60. Cows were fed their
experimental diets in Calan gates that allowed monitoring feed intakes on
individual cows. Feed offered and feed refused were recorded daily to obtain
daily feed consumed. Cows fed the control and hulless oat silage had greater (p
< 0.01) feed intakes (24.6 and 23.1 kg, respectively) and milk yields (36.8
and 37.9 kg, respectively) when compared with wheat (18.2 and 27.2 kg) and
normal oats silages (17.9 and 28.0). Milk composition was not affected (p 0.10)
by dietary treatments. Feed efficiency was numerically greater for cows fed the
oat silages (hulless and normal) when compared to either the control or wheat
silage. Our data suggest that hulless oat silage can be a viable substitute for
corn silage in dairy rations. Data are presented as a comparative assessment
with a previous study in which cows were fed similar small grain silage diets
but at a lower inclusion rate.
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Mendenhall, Heather N. |
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Department(s): |
Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences |
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Research |
Allen Foegeding/Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition
Sciences |
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Title of Presentation: |
The Effects of Copper Concentration on Whey Protein
Isolate Foam Stability |
Foams are important to the appearance, structure, and
texture of a variety of food products such as cakes and confectioneries. Transition elements, such as copper, have
been shown to alter the properties of protein foams; however their mechanisms
are still not fully understood. Our goal was to better understand the
mechanism(s) responsible for increased WPI foam stability observed in the
presence of copper. Whey protein isolate (WPI) solutions (pH 7, 10% w/v)
containing 0, 5, 10, 15 mM CuSO4 were whipped into foams. Macroscopic foam
properties of percent overrun, yield stress and drainage time (an indicator of
foam stability) were measured. Confocal microscopy was used to visualize bubble
distribution. Interfacial properties of dilatational elasticity and surface tension
were measured for WPI solutions. Gel electrophoresis was run on samples to
observe differences in beta-lactoglobulin dimers. As copper concentration
increased, yield stress and drainage time also increased; however little effect
was observed on percent overrun. Surface tension and elasticity only slightly
increased as copper concentration increased; suggesting that the interfacial
film was not responsible for increased stability and yield stress.
Electrophoresis showed little to no differences in disulfide bonding among
proteins as copper was varied. As pH
decreased from 7 to 6, drainage times for foams with 15 mM CuSO4 significantly
increased in comparison to other treatments. However, increasing pH to 8 did
not result in significant changes to macroscopic properties. Confocal
microscopy revealed differences in bubble size and distribution when 0 mM and
15 mM CuSO4 WPI foams were compared at pH 6, 7 and 8: foams with 15 mM CuSO4
showed decreased initial bubble size and slower rates of disproportionation. It
was concluded that some of the differences observed in macroscopic properties
were due to microscopic properties of the foams; however, the precise
mechanism(s) responsible continue to be enigmatic.
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Nomina, Jessica |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science; Biological Sciences |
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Research |
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Pet Relinquishments at Second Chance Pet Adoptions |
Thousands of pets are returned to animal shelters and
rescue facilities each year. While studies have evaluated animal adoption and
return rates, there is not published data specific to Wake County, NC.
Therefore, we conducted a study using records from Second Chance Pet Adoptions
(SCPA), a non-profit rescue in Raleigh, NC. Adoption records were used to
gather information about pets returned to SCPA after adoption. These records
were available for cats from 2003 though 2008 and from 2000 through 2008 for
dogs. About 90% of the dog and 65% of the cat records contained a questionnaire
completed by the owner surrendering their animal; thus, providing SCPA with
reasoning in their decision to return the animal(s). This information can be
helpful for SCPA employees to use in assessing an animals’ future adoptability.
In the 6 years studied, 136 cats out of 2364 (6%) adopted were returned. Total
adoptions for dogs are not known for all 9 years, but 23 of 733 (3%) dogs
adopted during the last 5 years were returned. It should be noted that some
adopters may have returned their animals to other facilities and therefore our
numbers may not include all returns. The most common reason for dog returns was
due to aggression, territoriality, and/or owner fear (23%) while asthma and/or
allergies was the most common reason for cat returns (15%). In close second for
dogs was moving (18%) and improper elimination and litter box issues for cats
(14%). Dog returns averaged 9 ± 6.9 per year while cats averaged 23 ± 14.2 cats
per year. These results provide valuable information to assist people adopting
pets to make informed decisions on matching their lifestyles with life-long
pets.
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Parkins, Holly E. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Charlotte E. Farin/Animal Science Eric Alexander/Animal Science Elizabeth C. Compton/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Effectiveness of Heifer Plus for Gender
Preselection of Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro |
Sex selection of cattle is an important biotechnology
that can improve the economics of dairy operations. In the 1980s it became
possible to sex semen to allow selection of offspring gender at the time of
breeding. The major commercial procedure
for semen sexing is Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). “Heifer Plus” is a semen sexing product that
purports to increase the ratio of female offspring produced at a cost lower
than FACS systems. The purpose of this
project was to determine if Heifer Plus-treated semen used in an in vitro
fertilization system would result in an increase in the number of female
embryos produced compared to untreated control semen. Female gametes (COC) were recovered and
matured in culture. After maturation,
COC were inseminated with sperm pretreated with either Heifer Plus or control
procedures. After fertilization, COC
were cultured and the proportion of embryos developing to the morula and
blastocyst (M+B) stages was assessed. The sex of these embryos was determined
based on PCR analysis using Y-chromosome specific primers. Development to the M+B stages was
significantly lower (16%; 19/116) in the Heifer Plus group compared to controls
(27%, 36/133; P<0.05). There was no
difference in the proportion of female embryos produced in the Heifer Plus
group was (7/10, 70%) compared to the untreated control group (19/34, 56%;
P>0.05). In conclusion, Heifer Plus
treatment of sperm was detrimental to the development of embryos in vitro and
was not effective in increasing the proportion of female embryos produced
compared to untreated sperm.
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Patel, Rushil V. |
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Department(s): |
Molecular
Biomedical Sciences |
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Research |
Prema
Arasu/Molecular Biomedical Sciences |
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Title of Presentation: |
Zoonotic
Diseases of Current Importance to Gujarat, India |
Globalization has resulted in greater
interconnectedness with increased air travel as well as trade in food
and other products with the associated risks of transporting
infectious agents. Climate change, deforestation, and migration of
people from rural to urban settings have further
increased the cross-exposure of humans with new plants, animals, and
the diseases that plague them. Consequently, zoonotic diseases (i.e. those
transmitted between humans and animals) now represent almost 75% of
new and emerging infectious diseases (EID). Recent epidemiological
studies suggest that India is a hot spot for EID (Jones, K.E., et al.
2009. “Global trends in emerging
infectious diseases.” Nature* *451: 990-994).
The focus of this study was to assess the available literature
and generate a review of the profile of zoonotic diseases in a
representative state of India, Gujarat, given its relative
progressivesness, public health infrastructure and access
to pidemiological data. The National Center of Biotechnology Information
PubMed database was searched for scientific papers relevant to zoonotic
disease within the past ten years. Key words used in the search
included “India,” “Gujarat,” “zoonotic, “infectious,” “diseases,” and
“zoonoses.” Findings were also supplemented with epidemiological data
provided by the Gujarat State Department of Public Health. Factors
examined for each disease included disease profiles, epidemiology (e.g.
transmission, vectors, etc.), and prevalence in India and specifically in
Gujarat. Eight major diseases are described – plague, leptospirosis,
anthrax, avian influenza, rabies, anthrax, Japanese encephalitis, and
dengue fever. The dynamic nature of the world today has made it
possible for diseases to jump from areas of endemicity
to regions untouched by them such that foreign or transboundary
diseases are now of concern for health authorities in all countries,
including the U.S.
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Porter, Daniel K. Smith, Isaac M. Matroni-Rakes, Maureen D. Clements, Ben R. Vipond, Weston K. |
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Department(s): |
Biological and Agricultural Engineering |
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Research |
J. Mark
Rice/Biological and Agricultural Engineering
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Title of Presentation: |
Trailer-Mounted
Mixer Design For Combining Hog Lagoon Sludge and Biomass |
Due to the high environmental impact of the hog
farming industry, waste management practices are concerns of high
priority. Hog waste disposal is
typically carried out through the use of anaerobic lagoons. Over the life of a hog lagoon, the dead
anaerobic bacteria cells build up within the lagoons. Hog producers must monitor and report the
sludge accumulation level in the lagoon on an annual basis. Once threshold levels get too high a sludge
management plans must be developed.
Previous research has focused on combining this cell build up, otherwise
known as sludge, with leftover biomass cotton stalks from crop fields in order
to create compost for plant nursery applications. These methods were proven to be a highly
effective alternative for hog waste disposal.
With high transportation cost and no guarantee that a cotton field will
be located near the lagoon, more readily available compatible materials were
identified and tested. Coastal Bermuda hay was chosen as the biomass material
due to its absorptive properties and because it is readily available at most
hog farming operations in North Carolina.
The current design implements the use of a PTO-driven, tractor-pulled
mixing container. This design was intended to reduce material transportation,
handling costs and manual labor necessary for the alternative method of hog
waste disposal. The goal was to reduce
the cost of production with these savings in order to increase the economic
viability of already proven processes.
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Reynolds, Casey Felice, Renee Mendenhall, Heather Meng, Catherine |
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Department(s): |
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences |
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Research |
Brian E. Farkas/Food Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Coffee
Flavored, Dairy Based, Probiotic Beverage |
Probiotics are defined as microorganisms that if
consumed daily at 10^6 CFU/ml or greater have been shown to exert beneficial
health effects, such as improved gastrointestinal health, reduced risk of
certain cancers, and enhanced immune system, in the host. Currently, Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium ssp., are the most commonly used
cultures to make probiotic dairy products.
The goal of this research was to develop a coffee flavored, milk-based
beverage, containing probiotics at a minimum of 10^6 CFU/ml during 21 days of
refrigerated storage. The proposed
beverage, Liven Up!, would be a competitive
alternative to current probiotic containing products such as yogurt and would
be able to be produced at any dairy facility.
A preliminary experiment was conducted by inoculating currently
available beverages similar to the proposed beverage with Lactobacillus
acidophilus to determine if coffee and milk based beverages would support survival
of the culture. All beverages had a probiotic count of 10^7 CFU/ml or greater
after 21 days. Based on these results, four test formulations were developed
holding sucrose, carrageenan, and coffee concentrate amounts constant while
altering the milk-fat and addition of a prebiotic, fructooligosaccaride. Survival over a 21 day period of a
Lactobacillus acidophilus culture inoculated at a minimum of 10^6 CFU/ml in
each test formulation was determined, while also monitoring pH and viscosity.
Fourteen days into the study the only formulation to have plate replicates with
10^7 CFU/ml or higher was that containing 3% milkfat and the prebiotic. A 50 gallon batch of this formulation was
produced in the NCSU dairy. The product will be used in a consumer acceptance
test to determine overall consumer likability of the formulation.
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Riaz, Shahbaz A. |
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Department(s): |
Biological Sciences, Food Science |
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Research |
Gerald Huntington/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
The Effects
of Forage Treatments on Nitrogen Metabolism of Beef Steers |
The objective of this study was to assess the effects
of forage treatments on Nitrogen (N) metabolism of beef steers. The treatments were three different types of
tall fescue fed to the steers, which were endophyte-infected, ednophyte-free,
and novel-endophyte. The urine was
collected from steers that had been infused with 15,15N urea isotope at a known
rate into the blood stream. Urine
samples were collected from 48 to 56 h after the isotope infusion began. The samples were diluted to a final volume of
4 mL with deionized water. Then, 15,15 N
urea, 15,14 N urea, and 14,14 N was
converted into N2 gas in a helium environment by a monomolecular, chemical
reaction with lithium hypobromide.
Finally, the samples were analyzed using a mass spectrometer. The treatments effects were measured in
various urea cycles. We adjusted the
samples for N intake in order to determine if forage factors other than
Nitrogen intake were affecting urea kinetics.
The treatments effects were found in fecal Nitrogen output, urea entry
rate into the body (UER), the gut entry rate of urea (GER), and return of urea
to Ornithine cycle (ROC). Compared with
endophyte-free or novel-endophyte, endophyte-infected fescue decreased N
digested (43 vs. 51 g/d, P 0.04), UER (56 vs. 138 mmol N/h, P < 0.06), GER
(47 vs. 128 mmol N/h, P < 0.05), and ROC (6.9 vs. 28.3 mmol N/h, P <
0.08). Treatments did not affect (P <
0.70) urea N excretion in urine or GER when expressed as a proportion of
UER. Therefore, the novel-endophyte does
not interfere with the metabolism of a steer like a regular endophyte does
while providing the same benefits toward urea metabolism a regular endophyte
provides. Hence, making the
novel-endophyte a very good substitute in place of traditional fescue feeds
containing endophyte.
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Riaz, Shahbaz A. Shin, Jae W. Holcomb, Jen Smathers, Sarah A. |
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Department(s): |
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences |
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Research |
Brian E. Farkas/Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition
Sciences |
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Title of Presentation: |
Production,
Analysis, and Evaluation of a Fermented Soy Beverage |
According to the United States Department of Health
and Human Services, over 9.2 million people suffer from cancer, osteoporosis,
menopausal symptoms and inflammation of the arteries. Some studies have shown
that isoflavones, found almost exclusively in legumes such as soy, may help
reduce the incidence of these conditions. Additional studies have shown the
bioavailability of isoflavones to increase when broken down to their subunits
through fermentation. It would be advantageous to develop a fermented soy beverage
to capitalize on the known health benefits that are associated with fermented
soy. The goal of this study was to develop a fermented soy beverage, which
contains a higher concentration of bioavailable isoflavones than soymilk.
Variables in the experimental design for the production of fermented soymilk
included microorganism and sugar concentration. Soymilk fermentation was
carried out to better understand how these factors contribute to the breakdown
of isoflavones. The fermentation of soymilk took one to two days, depending on
the microorganism and the growth conditions, such as temperature and the amount
of oxygen present. Once fermentation was completed, the isoflavone subunits
were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Development of a
fermented soy beverage that is acceptable to consumers would be of great
interest in the fields of human health and nutrition. This research will be
important to companies interested in further developing the technology and
marketing of a fermented soy beverage with greater isoflavone bioavailability
than soymilk to consumers.
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Schweizer, Nikki M. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Scott Whisnant/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Residual Feed Intake and links between the Levels
of T3, T4, IGF-I, Progesterone, and Testosterone in Beef Cattle |
The largest expense for beef cattle producers is feed
cost; therefore, ways to increase feed efficiency will greatly impact the
profitability of the beef industry. This study explores how efficiently certain
beef cattle use their feed. Residual feed intake (RFI) is used, in this study,
to determine efficiency. These animals are then blood-tested for certain
hormones to detect which hormones may be linked to a higher efficiency,
including T3, T4, testosterone and progesterone. The main objective is to
determine if any of these hormones can then be supplemented to produce a more
efficient animal. Blood samples were
taken from a group of bulls and heifers whose RFI was being collected. The
hormone levels were measured by radioimmunoassays; these results were then
compared to the RFI data. These computations determined correlations between
the level of the hormones and RFI and other feed efficiency measures. The
results showed that T4 and T3 were also correlated highly with DMI. RFI was
correlated with DMI at a rate of r= 0.65. T4 was correlated at r= 0.29 with
ADG, and was heritable at 0.51. Progesterone and testosterone had no
correlation. The conclusions reached based on the results were different than
expected. Rather than finding a way to supplement to gain efficiency, we found
a low-cost way to calculate RFI. This is a successful finding because gathering
the data of RFI is costly and time consuming. Other feed efficiency research
will be greatly impacted by this finding because they can save time and money;
though, we did not find a clear way to supplement in order to gain
efficiency.
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Sigal, Halli D. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
|
Research |
Joe P. Cassady/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Coat Shedding
Estimation among Angus Cows and Establishing a Working Score System |
An adequate scoring system is one that measures a
relevant trait, has an all-encompassing scope, and is eclectic in its
application. The objective of this study was to estimate variation in hair coat
shedding in cattle and to establish a scoring method that adequately assesses
shedding efficiency. Data were available from 304 registered Angus cows sired
by 41 bulls from the North Carolina State University Historic Angus Herd. Cows
were grazed on pastures which were predominantly endophyte infested fescue.
Over two years, hair coats were scored by two technicians on predetermined
dates beginning in March 2007 and approximately every 30 days there after until
July. Each animal’s coat shedding status was scored on a scale from 1 to 5. A
score of 1 signified a slick, short summer coat, while a 5 signified a full
winter coat. A score of 3 indicated that half of the winter coat had been shed,
with scores of 4 and 2 as intermediate levels of coat shedding. Productivity of
cattle was assessed in terms of calf weaning weight (kg) and body condition
score. In March, all cows had a hair coat score of 5, and weaning occurred in
July, indicative of a sufficient timeframe of study with the trait measured
prior to shedding and after the point of relevance. Using the mixed procedure
of SAS, calves from dams that began shedding by May were concluded to be 8.2 ±
3.9 kg heavier at weaning (P<0.04) than calves from later shedding cows. Our
hair coat scoring system is important in its application to farmers by
providing a way to evaluate relative future cow productivity and to scientists
by providing a new variable for study and comparison. Further collection and
analysis of hair shedding data will be needed to confirm these results.
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Stern, R. Allysa |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Shannon E. Pratt-Phillips/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Effect of Dietary Energy Intake on Digestibility in
Mature Horses |
Several life threatening conditions, such as colic
and laminitis, are associated with high rates of feed intake in horses. This study was conducted evaluate the
apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), digestible
energy (DE), and acid-detergent fiber (ADF), when feed at different rates of
energy intake. Eleven horses were
initially fed maintenance diets of 100 percent of their daily energy
requirements. The horses were then
assigned diets of 70, 100, or 130 percent of their daily energy requirements to
collect comparative data on the effects of varying rates of intake on
digestibility. Fecal collections were
performed when all horses were fed maintenance diets, as well as 10 days after
the different diets were assigned. Total
fecal and urine output was collected for four days by fitting each of the
horses with harnesses and equine “diapers.”
Fecal samples were collected and weighed every 24 hours for the last
three days. Sub samples collected from
each day were dried at 55 degrees Celsius to constant weights to determine
DM. Homogenized samples were composed
for day 0 and day 10 for analysis of CP, DE, and ADF. Repeated measurements ANOVA were used to
determine the effects of treatment (gain, lose, or maintenance) and day (0 vs.
10) on the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, DE, and ADF. In terms of CP analysis, ANOVA revealed a
significant overall treatment effect when ignoring time, but no significance
between the different treatment groups when comparing day 0 to day 10. DE revealed a significant treatment by time
interaction (P=0.0335) such that the lose group had lower energy digestibility
than both maintenance and gain (gain vs. lose P<0.001 and maintenance vs.
lose P<0.01). Similar results were
seen in DM and ADF. Additional research would
be required to fully explain the results of this study.
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Tyndall, James M. Chitwood, M. Colter |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
|
Research |
Shannon Pratt-Philips/Animal Science Christopher S. DePerno/Fisheries and Wildlife
Sciences |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Leptin Radioimmunoassay Validation and Correlation
to Body Condition in White Tailed Deer |
Leptin is an adipose hormone that plays a key role in
regulating energy intake, appetite, and metabolism and has been found to
circulate at levels proportional to body fat. The objective of this study was
to validate a radioimmunoassay for leptin in White Tail deer serum and to
determine if a correlation exists between adiposity and leptin concentration.
This would be of importance because nutritional condition could be assessed
from blood samples collected during field studies, instead of the traditional
methods that are available only from dead animals. Blood, serum, body condition
and femur score samples from thirty doe and five bucks were collected in July
2008. The Linco Multi-Species Leptin RIA Kit was used to quantitate leptin
concentration in the deer serum. The kit standards were diluted to accommodate
low concentrations found in deer serum. The immunoassay was validated through
repeatability and serial dilution techniques. Intraassay variation of leptin
concentration was 6.45% and interassay variation was 19.16%. Serial dilution
resulted in a linear curve with a slope of 0.019 and a Pearson correlation
coefficient of .99. Unpaired t-tests were used to compare two groups and ANOVA
was used to compare leptin concentrations in more than two groups. There was no
correlation between leptin and age, condition score, femur score, kidney score,
kidney fat index, or marrow fat index. There was also no difference in leptin
concentrations between does and bucks, across condition scores or across kidney
scores. It is likely that the number of animals were too small to detect
significant trends, nor were there adequate numbers of animals across all
condition scores. There was however, a significant difference in the amount of
serum leptin between 15 lactating and 15 non-lactating doe (P=0.22). This is
consistent with previous work, as leptin concentrations have previously been
found to be lower post partum.
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Watson, Andrea G. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Gerald B.
Huntington/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Diet Digestibility and Efficiency in Beef Cattle |
The objective of this study is to predict dry matter
(DM) intake and apparent DM digestibility (DMD) from near-infrared reflectance
spectroscopy (NIRS) of bovine fecal samples.
NIRS can be very useful in examining bulk samples with little or no
preparation. The technology utilizes the
near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and is based upon
molecular overtone and combination vibrations.
Instrumentation includes a light source, a detector, and a prism, or
other dispersive element. Fecal samples from 69 Angus bulls fed a corn
silage-based diet were collected over an 84-day period. A digestion trial was
conducted with 12 beef steers to predict dry matter (DM) intake and apparent DM
digestibility (DMD) of the diet. Fecal
samples were dried, ground, and scanned by NIRS. These spectral data were added to 2006/2007
data from similar animals and diet to predict DM intake (percent of body weight
[BW]) and DMD. The bulls' DM intake in September (2.43±0.22%), was greater (P
< 0.01) than intake predicted by the 2006/2007 equation (1.85±0.22% ), and
greater (P < .01) than intake predicted by an equation that included 2008
data (2.30±0.22 % ). The bulls' DM intake in November (2.29±0.22 %) was greater
(P < 0.01) than intake predicted by the 2006/2007 equation (2.08±0.13%), but
similar (P <0.48) to intake predicted by an equation that included 2008 data
(2.30± 0.13%). The steers' DMD was 70.5±3.5 %. Predicted DMD with the 2006/2007
equation (69.3±2.1 %) was lower (P < 0.01) than measured. Predicted DMD with
an equation that included some 2008 data (69.8±3.3 %) was not different (P <
0.30) from measured. The potential does
exists for accurate prediction of intake and digestibility by NIRS.
|
White, Stacey M. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
|
Research |
Matthew H. Poore/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Influence of
Sampling Method and Plant Part on Nutritional Analysis of Corn Stover |
In 2007-2008 North Carolina experienced extreme
drought, forcing producers to use alternative feeds, such as corn stover, to
feed their herds during winter. The purpose of this work was to determine
nutritional value of different corn plant fractions and to determine if
techniques used to sample hay work on corn stover. In experiment 1 different
sampling methods were used on stover and hay. Two different types of commercial
hay samplers were used, and compared to a cross-section cut from the bale.
Crude protein (CP) and NDF both showed an interaction between forage type and
sampling method. CP and NDF of corn stover averaged 3.28, 83.7; 3.61, 82.95;
and 3.58, 82.96%; and hay averaged 12.47, 52.43; 13.89, 47.83; and 13.81,
47.74%, for cross section, sampler 1 and sampler 2, respectively. Experiment 2
was done to determine the amount and nutritional value of each component of a
mature corn plant. Whole corn plants were collected from four field replicates
and separated into cobs, husk and silk, grain, upper stalk, lower stalk, and
leaf. Each component was analyzed for
nutritional fractions. Corn plants were 9.5% cob, 42.7% grain, 6.8% husk, 17.0%
leaf, 18.4% lower stalk, 5.7% upper stalk. Grain had the highest CP and lowest
NDF of all components (9.0 and 10.6%, respectively). Leaf was next highest in
nutritional value (6.1% CP and 76.2% NDF) while cobs had the lowest nutritional
value (2.1% CP and 88.0% NDF). Husk, upper stalk, and lower stalk were
intermediate with 4.2, 3.6, and 4.1% CP and 84.9, 83.1, and 83.1% NDF
respectively. Both commercial probes gave representative samples of corn stover.
All components of the corn plant were indicative of low quality forage as
compared to grass hay. The data collected from these experiments may be used
for future analysis of corn stover as an alternative feed.
|
Whitener, Gregory S., Jr. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
|
Research |
Matthew H. Poore/Animal Science |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Effect of Wet vs. Dry Baling on Nutritional Value
of Corn Stover |
The summer of 2007 brought about intense drought
conditions all across the state of North Carolina. During the drought it became evident that
alternative feedstuffs were needed for cattle.
As part of the relief program in coordination with the NCDA and CS, a
research project was completed to test the effectiveness of corn stover as an
alternative feedstuff. This project
tested the hypothesis that the corn stover when baled immediately after cutting
(wet), would heat, causing a decrease in nutritive value compared to stover
baled after curing (dry). Twenty-seven
round bales (15 wet and 12 dry), were sampled the day they were baled and again
two and a half months later to test the effects of storage. The wet bales (70.9% DM), reached a maximum
of 61.9°C 96 hours
after baling, while the dry (89.9% DM), reached a maximum of 42.3°C 24 hours after baling. After storage the % DM recovered tended to be
higher (p=.13) for dry than wet stover (99.7 vs. 98.5%, respectively). The NDF was significantly higher (p=.0003) in
wet compared to dry (85.8 vs. 83.8%, respectively); which made cell content
lower (p=.0003) in wet compared to dry stover (14.2 vs. 16.2%,
respectively). The ADF was significantly
higher (p<.0001) in wet compared to dry stover (54.4 vs. 51.7%), as was the
lignin (p=.008) which was 6.6 vs. 6.3%, respectively. Hemicellulose was higher (p=.003) for dry
compared to wet stover (32.4 vs. 31.3%).
Cellulose was somewhat higher (p=.02) in wet than dry stover (45.1 vs.
44.0%). The OM and CP did not change due
to moisture level. The components that
differed greatly between the wet and dry bales were the NDF, cell contents and
ADF. However, compared to hay baled at
these moisture levels, the nutritional value change of the stover was
minimal.
|
Willams, Nicholas S. |
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Department(s): |
Forestry and Environmental Resources |
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Research |
Bronson P. Bullock/Forestry and Environmental
Resource |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Detecting Allometric Trends in Differing
Levels of Genetic Control in Juvenile
Loblolly Pine |
A study was conducted on the Loblolly Pine Genetics x
Spacing x Thinning trial on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina to make
comparisons between genetic families on an individual-stem and stand-level
basis. Measurements were taken on each level of genetic control represented in
the study to determine the volume per stem for comparison. This study seeks to
determine if allometric trends, in differing levels of genetic control in
juvenile loblolly pine, as early as age two, can be detected. Data collection on elite genetic loblolly
pines at early ages of growth will help to develop growth rankings at early
ages.
|
Winslow, Benjamin L. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Joseph P. Cassady/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Relationships among Feed Utilization, ADG,
Behavior, and Carcass Ultrasonic Measures in Angus Heifers |
The objective of this study was to evaluate
relationships among feed utilization, backfat, rib eye area, temperament, and
frame size in Angus heifers. Data were collected over 3 yrs (2006-2008) from
females raised at the Upper Piedmont Research Station in Reidsville, NC.
Heifers (n = 156) began the feeding trial at age 299 ± 2.2 d,
weighing 270 ± 3.5 kg. Heifers were allowed a 2-wk period of
adaptation to Calan® gates and the
roughage-based ration (target gain rate of 1 kg/d). Following adaptation,
heifers began an 84 d test. Feed offered was recorded daily and body weights
were taken every 14 d. Linear regression of weight on time was used to estimate
ADG. Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated with a model including the
dependent variable DMI/d, year as a fixed effect, and regression covariates
42-d mid-weight and ADG. Means and SE for ADG and DMI were 0.93 ± 0.014 kg and
6.70 ± 0.107 kg/d,
respectively. Average feed conversion ratio (FCR; DMI/d /ADG) was 7.41 ± 0.157. At the beginning, middle, and end of the test
chute exit velocity (EV), chute temperament scores (TS; TS = 1 = most docile to
TS = 5 = highly agitated), ultrasound scans, and hip heights were recorded.
Partial correlation coefficients adjusted for year were found to be 0.30 (P
< 0.01) between RFI and FCR and 0.40 (P < 0.01) between RFI and DMI/d. No
phenotypic correlations between RFI and ultrasonic measurements of body
composition, hip height, TS, or exit velocity were statistically different from
zero. Heritability of RFI, ADG, DMI, and FCR, and genetic correlations among
these traits, were then estimated.
|
Wray, Shequenta L. |
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Department(s): |
Animal Science |
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Research |
Sheila K. Jacobi/Animal Science Jack Odle/Animal Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Inflammation
in Porcine IPECJ2 Cells |
According to the USDA (2006) 83% of all swine farms
surveyed have significant problems with enteric diseases, there by contributing
to considerable economic loss to the industry. Dietary intervention is a potential
target for modulating enteric inflammation. In fact, dietary polyunsaturated
fatty acids (PUFA) are known to play a role in regulating inflammation.
Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if PUFA supplementation
to inflammatory challenged neonatal enterocytes would alter proinflammatory
immune response. Porcine jejunal epithelial cells (IPECJ2) were grown on
transwell inserts to develop cell polarization which occurs in intestinal
epithelium. The IPECJ2 cells were supplemented with 30 uM arachidonic acids
(ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for 96 h to enrich the phospholipid
membranes of the cells with the fatty acids (FA). Following the enrichment
period cells were stimulated with 10 ng/ml bacterial flagellin on the basolateral
side for either 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 or 24h to stimulate inflammation. At the
given time points cells were harvested for RNA analysis of tumor necrosis
factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and basolateral media were collected to analyze
TNF-alpha secretion. Following the 96 h FA enrichment period ARA and EPA
incorporation increased from 0.96 to 5.47 and 0.025 to 1.23 percent of FA,
respectively (P<0.05). Additionally, in cells enriched with ARA,
prostaglandin E2 was significantly elevated (from 15 ng/ml to 80 ng/ml; P<0.05)
compared to cells grown in control media. TNF-alpha mRNA expression was
numerically increased ~2-fold from 0 to 24h, and ARA and EPA treatment overall
increased TNF-alpha mRNA expression. TNF-alpha protein secretion was inversely
related to the mRNA abundance. There was decrease in protein secretion from
time 0 to 24 h (P<0.05), and ARA numerically decreased TNF-alpha secretion
compared to control (P=0.08). In conclusion, PUFA have the potential to
modulate proinflammatory immune response in IPECJ2 cells.
[ 2009 Undergraduate Research Symposium Main Page ]
Last modified March 2009 by Sharon E. Hunt, WordHunting