HARVEST
University of Saskatchewan's Repository for Research, Scholarship, and Artistic Work
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Recent Submissions
PHYSIOCHEMICAL AND NUTRIENT PROPERTIES AND TRUE NUTRIENT SUPPLY OF WHOLE OAT GRAINS IN RUMINANT SYSTEMS: EFFECT OF OAT VARIETIES AND TYPES (FEED TYPE VS. MILLING TYPE)
(2024-04-26) Deng, Ganqi; Yu, Peiqiang; Christensen, David; Lardner, Herbert (Bart); Brook, Ryan
The general objectives of this study were to determine the effect of four varieties and two types of oats (feed type vs. milling type) on the physiological and nutrient properties and true nutrient
supply in ruminant system as an alternative feed source for ruminants. This project was carried out in three major phases. In the first phase, results showed that CDC Nasser had highest EE, NPN
and lowest ADL among four varieties (P<0.05). CDC Haymaker had highest CP content among four oat varieties (P<0.05), and the value of iNDF120h on CDC Haymaker were largest among four varieties. CDC Nasser had highest TDN and energy values among four varieties (P<0.05). Based on the CNCPS 6.5 model, the CC fraction of CDC Nasser was lowest among four varieties (P<0.05). In the second phase, results also showed that CDC Haymaker and Arborg had higher Kd of DM, CP, and starch than that of CDC Nasser (P<0.05), and these Kd values of CDC Nasser were much smaller than other oat varieties. The EDDM, EDCP, and EDST of CDC Nasser were
smallest among varieties as well (P<0.05). Oat varieties also had significant impact on N/OM and ED_N/ED_OM, and CDC Arborg was closest to the optimal ratio of ED_N/ED_OM (25 g/kg). In the third phase, results revealed that CDC Nasser had lowest MREE, DVME, DVE and FMV based
on the Dutch DVE/OEB system (P<0.05), and all the OEB values of oats were much larger than zero indicating had potential N losses in the rumen. As for the oat types, significant impact was
observed on EE, CP, NPN, ADL, TDN, Kd of DM, starch and CP, BDM, EDDM, BST, EDST,
TDDM, TDST, DVE, OEB and FMV between feed and milling type (P<0.05). Milling oats had
higher non-fiber carbohydrate values, while feed oats had higher structure carbohydrate values and FMV comparing to milling oats. In conclusion, all the oat varieties could be a good feed source for the dairy cows. CDC Nasser had largest TDN and energy values on dairy cows. CDC Nasser
was the optimal variety to replace the barley grains of rations of dairy cattle based on this study.
The loss of matrix norm equivalence in big data analysis and the Marchenko-Pastur Law
(2024-04-26) Heidorn, Emma Fan; Wang, JC; Li, Longhai; Xing, Li; Rayan, Steven
In statistics, p dimensional data are collected n times. Traditionally, the dimension of
p would be larger than n; however, as technology progresses, we enter the era of big data
where n is no longer much larger than p. The large ratio of p
n causes pitfalls in methods and
algorithms that were developed with the opposite in mind. To solve this problem, methods
using random matrix theory were brought up in [4], this thesis will be focusing on results
concerning the Marchenko-Pastur Law.
This thesis is not a cutting-edge research, but an organized presentation of the Marchenko-
Pastur Law. This is written so students and researchers can quickly grasp the ideas and
methods without difficulty.
Identification of QTL and Candidate Genes for Protein Concentration and Protein Quality in Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
(2024-04-26) Zhou, Junsheng; Warkentin, Tom; Bueckert , Rosalind; Nickerson, Michael; Tar’an, Bunyamin; Willenborg, Christian; Duncan, Robert
The abstract of this item is unavailable due to an embargo.
Using Minimally Invasive Sampling Methods to Evaluate Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Visitation in Response to Environmental and Anthropogenic Stimuli
(2024-04-25) Rivet, Danielle R; Clark, Douglas A; Wilson, Kenneth E; Brook, Ryan K; McLoughlin, Philip D; Benson, James D; Thiemann, Gregory W; Rode, Karyn D; Todd, Christopher D
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are spending more and more time on land in an increasingly warming Arctic, raising concerns for both human safety and polar bear conservation. This research aimed to investigate the ecological and anthropogenic influences on polar bear visitation to infrastructure in western Hudson Bay, and how these factors drive the growing risk for human-polar bear conflict. More specifically, examining the links between sea ice breakup and freeze-up dates, the length of the onshore season, polar bear body condition, human presence, and polar bear visitation to infrastructure shed light on valuable insights into the complex interplay between environmental conditions, human activities, and the potential for conflict between humans and polar bears, ultimately informing management efforts. The data for this project were collected via a combination of camera trap surveys, evaluation of sea ice charts, and human use observations in the western Hudson Bay region.
Using mixed effects logistic regressions, generalized linear models, and negative binomial regressions, I validated camera trap efficacy for monitoring polar bear populations, evaluated the relationship between changing sea ice, polar bear body condition, and patterns in polar bear visitation to infrastructure, and determined the effects of body condition and levels of human presence on polar bear visitation frequency. In western Hudson Bay, lone female bears were in the best body condition, while females with young, especially cubs of the year, tended to be in the worst body condition, suggesting a potential paradigm shift away from subadults being the bears most involved in human-polar bear interactions and conflict. Moreover, polar bears in this region were observed more frequently at infrastructure during years where the ice-free season is the longest, increasing chances of interactions with people. However, neither the Churchill Northern Studies Centre nor the remote camps in Wapusk National Park were serving as attractants to polar bears, and the group size or duration of human presence did not play an important role in this. Lastly, I determined camera trapping surveys are a valid method of monitoring polar bear populations, but multi-camera setups are encouraged for highest efficacy.
Further monitoring is warranted. While camera traps are a reliable method for monitoring polar bear populations, especially for Arctic communities, an expansion of the camera array on the landscape and collaboration with Indigenous communities will help to create a more robust data set with higher statistical power and from which to make better inferences in the future.
Working for our water future : knowledge to strengthen Saskatchewan's water assets
(Global Institute for Water Security, 2023-03-31)
Increased flooding, drought, and upstream use continue to put Saskatchewan’s freshwater resources at risk. Water needs for irrigation, industry, municipalities, recreation, and nature are increasing, along with impacts of runoff from rural and urban development, much of it upstream in the sources of the Saskatchewan River. Saskatchewan’s economy is especially water-dependent and subject to widely-varying water availability. We need intelligence on our waters to predict and plan for our farmers, food processors, marketers, hydroelectricity managers, municipalities, and suppliers to our industries. Research at the University of Saskatchewan, and data provided by Global Water Futures Observatories, is helping the people of Saskatchewan prepare for a water-secure future.
Effect of Root Carbon on Microbial Abundance and Carbon Cycling in the Topsoil and Subsoil
(2024-04-25) Adams, Kehinde; Helgason, Bobbi; Peak, Derek; Arcand, Melissa; Mevin, St Luce
Understanding the interaction between root carbon (C), microbial C cycling and soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics is crucial for C sequestration. This study aimed to look at the interaction between root C, soil microorganisms and their microhabitat on microbial C cycling and the potential for more SOM storage on a cropland. We investigated the turnover of root exudate proxies (glucose, alanine, and citric acid) and their effect on short term apparent soil organic carbon (SOC) priming and microbial abundance in cropland soils obtained from different depths (10-15 cm, 30-35 cm, 50-55 cm). We added exudates to 30 g soil at rate of 28.3 mg C g-1 SOC and measured CO2 fluxes over 408 hrs under controlled conditions and their effect on apparent priming within 22 hrs. The normalized CO2 efflux to the concentration of substrate C added was lowest at the 50-55 cm depth, indicating greater substrate C retention in the 50-55 cm soil. CO2 efflux from citric acid addition was higher than from glucose and alanine at the 10-15 cm and 30-35 cm depths and resulted in the greatest SOC priming. Alanine addition resulted in a notable increase in microbial abundance after a 22-hour period in comparison to both the control soil and other added substrates. We further conducted a field study, mixing canola root with soil from the topsoil (10-15 cm) and with the subsoil (50-55 cm) at different rates (high root biomass vs low root biomass), to test the effect of root biomass rate on C storage in different SOM fractions (mineral associated organic matter and particulate organic matter) and microbial abundance. Using reciprocal transplant, the litterbag mixture was placed at the same depth of soil collection (non-translocated) or flipped (translocated) to evaluate the effect of microhabitat on microbial abundance and C storage. We found that microhabitat but not the root biomass quantity affected microbial abundance and community structure. This finding suggests the potential for more C storage at depth due to the ability of deeper soil layers to retain more C, because of the lower mineralization rates and microbial abundance observed in the subsoil.
The effects of LED light flicker on turkey hen production, health, and welfare to 11 weeks of age
(2024-04-25) Hammond, April Elena; Schwean-Lardner, Karen; Crowe, Trever; Brown, Jennifer; Brook, Ryan; Carney, Valerie
This study examined the impacts of light-emitting-diode flicker on Nicholas Select turkey hens (n=3267) to 11 weeks (wk) of age. There were three treatments: the 30 Hertz (Hz) treatment (30HZ) the 90 Hz treatment (90HZ) and the 195 Hz treatment (195HZ). Birds were randomly assigned to nine independently controlled rooms (364 birds/room at placement). Performance was evaluated through body weight (BW) at 0 days (d), 4, 8, and 11 wk of age. At 0d-4, 4-8, and 8-11 wk BW gain, feed intake (FI) and feed-to-gain ratio were examined. At 10 wk, a sample of 30 birds/room was individually weighed to examine uniformity. Mortality and culls were also collected twice daily. Video recordings were taken at 4, 8, and 10 wk for 18 hrs which were scan sampled at 20-minute intervals to determine the percentage of time (%t) birds spent performing different behaviours. At 10 wk, 20 birds/room were examined for mobility (gait score), footpad lesions, feather condition, and feather cleanliness. At 11 wk 4 birds/room were euthanized and the right eyeball was excised and measured for weight, medio-lateral diameter, dorso-ventral diameter (DV), and anterior-posterior size (AP). Heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratios were determined using blood samples at 4, 8, and 11 wk (20 birds/room). Litter quality was examined at 11 wk. Incidences of aggressive damage on birds were monitored twice daily. For the first 7 d and at 4, 8, and 11 wk, a novel object test (NOT) was performed to examine fearfulness. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS 9.4). Tukey’s range test was used to separate means with significance declared when P<0.05. Birds in the 30HZ weighed less than those in the 195HZ at 8 wk with those in the 90HZ intermediate (P=0.025). The birds in the 30HZ had higher BW gain from 8-11 wk compared to those in the 90HZ with those in the 195HZ intermediate (P=0.003). From 0d-4 wk and 4-8 wk, birds in the 30HZ had reduced FI (P≤0.001, 0.001, respectively). Mortality corrected feed-to-gain was improved from 8-11 and 0d-11 wk in the 30HZ compared to the 90HZ with the 195HZ intermediate (P=0.048, 0.040 respectively). Infectious mortality was reduced (P=0.049) in the 195HZ versus the 90HZ from 0d-11 wk with the 30HZ intermediate. Total mortality was reduced in the 195HZ from 0d-11 wk (P=0.024) and 0d-4 wk (P=0.005). From 4-8 wk, round heart mortality was higher in the 30HZ (P=0.040). Footpad scores of 0 were seen more frequently for birds in the 90HZ, resulting in better average footpad scores (P=0.011, 0.021, respectively). Average feather cleanliness was improved and scores of 1 were more frequent for birds in the 90HZ compared to those in the 195HZ with those in the 30HZ intermediate (P=0.021, 0.030, respectively). Flicker frequency did not affect litter quality or NOT. The DV (P=0.046) and AP (P=0.033) of birds in 30 Hz were increased compared to 195 and 90 Hz, respectively. Bird behaviour varied across treatments with no clear pattern. The %t birds spent gentle feather pecking was reduced at 4 and 8 wk in the 30HZ (P=0.040, 0.016 respectively). At 8 wk, %t wing flapping was reduced by birds in the 195HZ (P=0.004). The %t birds spent fighting (P=0.049) and aggressive pecking (P=0.022) was reduced in the 30HZ compared to the 90HZ at 8 wk with the 195HZ intermediate. Birds reduced the %t preening in the 30HZ compared to the 90HZ and 195HZ at 10 wk (P=0.034). Incidences of aggressive damage were reduced at all ages at various locations for birds in the 30HZ with the exception of damage directed towards the neck at 11 wk (P<0.001). The H/L ratio of birds in the 30HZ was reduced compared to those in the 195HZ at 11 wk with those in the 90HZ intermediate (P=0.044). Overall, visible light flicker had negative impacts on production early in a turkey’s life; however, effects were not seen by the end of the production period. Aggression was reduced under the 30HZ; however, this may not be beneficial as other behaviours indicate this may have been due to a reduction in activity. Stress also seems to be reduced, based on H/L ratios, when lamps flicker at 30 Hz, though this is likely due to the reduction in aggression rather than a direct effect of flicker.
The effects of LED light flicker on turkey hen production, health, and welfare to 11 weeks of age
(2024-04-25) Hammond, April Elena; Schwean-Lardner, Karen; Crowe, Trever; Brown, Jennifer; Brook, Ryan; Carney, Valerie
This study examined the impacts of light-emitting-diode flicker on Nicholas Select turkey hens (n=3267) to 11 weeks (wk) of age. There were three treatments: the 30 Hertz (Hz) treatment (30HZ) the 90 Hz treatment (90HZ) and the 195 Hz treatment (195HZ). Birds were randomly assigned to nine independently controlled rooms (364 birds/room at placement). Performance was evaluated through body weight (BW) at 0 days (d), 4, 8, and 11 wk of age. At 0d-4, 4-8, and 8-11 wk BW gain, feed intake (FI) and feed-to-gain ratio were examined. At 10 wk, a sample of 30 birds/room was individually weighed to examine uniformity. Mortality and culls were also collected twice daily. Video recordings were taken at 4, 8, and 10 wk for 18 hrs which were scan sampled at 20-minute intervals to determine the percentage of time (%t) birds spent performing different behaviours. At 10 wk, 20 birds/room were examined for mobility (gait score), footpad lesions, feather condition, and feather cleanliness. At 11 wk 4 birds/room were euthanized and the right eyeball was excised and measured for weight, medio-lateral diameter, dorso-ventral diameter (DV), and anterior-posterior size (AP). Heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratios were determined using blood samples at 4, 8, and 11 wk (20 birds/room). Litter quality was examined at 11 wk. Incidences of aggressive damage on birds were monitored twice daily. For the first 7 d and at 4, 8, and 11 wk, a novel object test (NOT) was performed to examine fearfulness. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS 9.4). Tukey’s range test was used to separate means with significance declared when P<0.05. Birds in the 30HZ weighed less than those in the 195HZ at 8 wk with those in the 90HZ intermediate (P=0.025). The birds in the 30HZ had higher BW gain from 8-11 wk compared to those in the 90HZ with those in the 195HZ intermediate (P=0.003). From 0d-4 wk and 4-8 wk, birds in the 30HZ had reduced FI (P≤0.001, 0.001, respectively). Mortality corrected feed-to-gain was improved from 8-11 and 0d-11 wk in the 30HZ compared to the 90HZ with the 195HZ intermediate (P=0.048, 0.040 respectively). Infectious mortality was reduced (P=0.049) in the 195HZ versus the 90HZ from 0d-11 wk with the 30HZ intermediate. Total mortality was reduced in the 195HZ from 0d-11 wk (P=0.024) and 0d-4 wk (P=0.005). From 4-8 wk, round heart mortality was higher in the 30HZ (P=0.040). Footpad scores of 0 were seen more frequently for birds in the 90HZ, resulting in better average footpad scores (P=0.011, 0.021, respectively). Average feather cleanliness was improved and scores of 1 were more frequent for birds in the 90HZ compared to those in the 195HZ with those in the 30HZ intermediate (P=0.021, 0.030, respectively). Flicker frequency did not affect litter quality or NOT. The DV (P=0.046) and AP (P=0.033) of birds in 30 Hz were increased compared to 195 and 90 Hz, respectively. Bird behaviour varied across treatments with no clear pattern. The %t birds spent gentle feather pecking was reduced at 4 and 8 wk in the 30HZ (P=0.040, 0.016 respectively). At 8 wk, %t wing flapping was reduced by birds in the 195HZ (P=0.004). The %t birds spent fighting (P=0.049) and aggressive pecking (P=0.022) was reduced in the 30HZ compared to the 90HZ at 8 wk with the 195HZ intermediate. Birds reduced the %t preening in the 30HZ compared to the 90HZ and 195HZ at 10 wk (P=0.034). Incidences of aggressive damage were reduced at all ages at various locations for birds in the 30HZ with the exception of damage directed towards the neck at 11 wk (P<0.001). The H/L ratio of birds in the 30HZ was reduced compared to those in the 195HZ at 11 wk with those in the 90HZ intermediate (P=0.044). Overall, visible light flicker had negative impacts on production early in a turkey’s life; however, effects were not seen by the end of the production period. Aggression was reduced under the 30HZ; however, this may not be beneficial as other behaviours indicate this may have been due to a reduction in activity. Stress also seems to be reduced, based on H/L ratios, when lamps flicker at 30 Hz, though this is likely due to the reduction in aggression rather than a direct effect of flicker.
SOIL PHOSPHORUS AND NITROGEN EXPORT AND RETENTION IN RAINFALL RUN-OFF FROM MANURED LANDSCAPES
(2024-04-25) Hlus, Quinn; Schoenau, Jeff; Asgedom, Haben; Si, Bingcheng; Stewart, Katherine; Peak, Derek
Rainfall run-off from manured agricultural fields can be high in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) due to excess nutrient application that is unused by crops. This can pose the risk of eutrophication of nearby surface water bodies receiving run-off. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of precision variable rate application of feedlot cattle manure compared to traditional constant rate applications on nutrient losses in rainfall run-off. A silage barley field at the Livestock and Forage Center of Excellence (LFCE) research facility near Clavet, SK was used for the field study. Additionally, the ability of gypsum and biochar to reduce nutrient losses in leachate was evaluated in a controlled environment study. For the field study, three zones utilizing different nutrient application strategies with three replicate micro-watersheds within each zone were used. The zones were precision variable rate manure application with setbacks from micro-watershed basins, traditional constant rate manure application with no setbacks, and a commercial fertilizer (control) application zone which only received annual synthetic fertilizer applications. The manured zones received manure applications in the spring of 2019 and 2021. Rainfall simulations were conducted in each micro-watershed at different landscape positions (upper east, upper west and depression) in the summers of 2021 and 2022 and nutrient concentrations were measured in the collected run-off. For the controlled environment study, nutrient concentrations in actual rainfall collected from the constant rate and variable rate manure zones was measured before and after being added to columns of soil that were either unamended, or amended with cattle manure-derived biochar or gypsum to determine the effectiveness of these amendments in removing nutrients from leachate. The mean concentrations of total dissolved and soluble reactive P (SRP) in simulated rainfall run-off from the landscape positions were significantly lower in the variable rate manure zone than the constant rate zone in the year of manure application. Biochar did not sorb any nutrients from leachate except for nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N) in the 2022 season. Both biochar and gypsum contributed ammonium-nitrogen (NH4+-N) to leachate consistently, and gypsum sorbed SRP from leachate in both study years. The contributions of nutrients from biochar to leachate is attributed to the biochar feedstock material (manure) containing high concentrations of nutrients. Variable rate manure application with setbacks may be considered a suitable management practice to limit the export of nutrients in run-off, thus limiting potential negative environmental impacts. Further research is needed to better characterize the contribution/ sorption of nutrients by biochar and gypsum.
Characterization of Psilocin and Psilocybin Pharmacodynamics in Mouse Models for the Development of Novel Anti-Depressants
(2024-04-25) Ezeaka, Udoka Chidinma; Lapriarie, Robert; Lapriarie, Robert; Dadachova, Ekaterina; Chlan-Fourney, Jenifer; Evans, Charity; Botterill, Justin
The abstract of this item is unavailable due to an embargo.