Theses and Dissertations

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Department "Agribusiness and Agriscience"
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    A COMPARISON OF RICE BRAN OIL AND CORN OIL IN THE EQUINE DIET
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2019) Garrick, Morgan Wright ; Agribusiness and Agriscience
    Rice bran oil (RBO) has gained attention as a fat and potential antioxidant supplement, but there is limited research examining this supplement in the equine diet. This study compared the effect of RBO versus corn oil (CO) on non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations, rump fat (RF), forearm (ARM) and gaskin (GAS) circumference, and total antioxidant status (TAS) in lightly exercised horses. Twelve mature horses were randomly assigned to a cross-over design where they received either RBO or CO at a rate of 324 mg/kg BW/d for 35 days. After 5 weeks of supplementation, the horses were given a 3-week washout period with no oil supplement, followed by 35 days of the opposing treatment. During both periods, on days 0, 17, and 35, RF, GAS and ARM circumference, and BW were measured and blood was obtained. Serum NEFA, TAS, and TG were analyzed. No differences were found in RBO vs CO in any variables measured, BW (P = 0.11), RF (P = 0.68), GAS (P = 0.70), ARM (P = 0.33), TG (P = 0.70), NEFA (P = 0.46), or TAS (P = 0.16). The current study indicates that RBO has similar effects to CO when fed as a fat supplement to horses.
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    College and Career Plans of Horse Oriented Youth; Life Skills and Academic Success of First Semester Agricultural Students with Previous Agriculture Organization Involvement
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2019) Kenderdine, Sarah Elizabeth ; Agribusiness and Agriscience
    A two-part study investigated college and career goals of horse-oriented youth and measured the effects of previous agricultural organization involvement on first semester agriculture students. Aim 1 used an online survey distributed via breed and discipline groups and social media to horse-interested youth (n=1,730). Aim 2 used an online survey distributed via the academic advisor to college freshmen at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Aim 1 showed most horse youth were interested in obtaining a career (64.5%), and a degree (53%) in the equine industry. Time spent participating in hands-on horse activities increased youth’s desire to obtain a horse-related degree, participate in collegiate horse activities, and seek an equine career. Aim 2 showed 52% of college freshmen at MTSU had previous agriculture organization involvement. Those students had higher GPAs (P = 0.0008) and scored higher on specific questions relating to persistence (P < 0.045).
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    THE EFFECTS OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND RETENTION IN THE MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY HORSE SCIENCE PROGRAM
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2013-06-27) Johnston, Lacey Hubbs ; Hoffman, Rhonda ; Gill, Warren ; Whitaker, David ; Brzezicki, Anne ; Agribusiness and Agriscience
    Student retention in college has been at the forefront of research for many years. Extracurricular activities (ECA) link the student to the institution, engage them at a level of comfort required to maintain their interest, provide greater access to mentors, and allow students to identify with peers. Students invested in an institution are more likely to persist to graduation. The objectives of this study were to explore effects of ECA in Horse Science students at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and identify variables related to retention and persistence based on level of involvement.
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    INFLUENCE OF DIETARY FAT SOURCE ON REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN MARES
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2013-11-01) Crain, Caitlin Marie ; Haffner, John ; Hoffman, Rhonda ; Spooner, Holly ; Agribusiness and Agriscience
    Sixteen cycling mares were used to study the effects of different fat supplements (corn, soybean, and fish oil) on reproductive parameters. Mares were supplemented with oil at a rate of 342 mg/kg BW/d for two consecutive estrous cycles, with blood samples collected at each ovulation and 9 days post-ovulation. Cycle length was recorded, and serum triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), progesterone, and estradiol concentrations were analyzed in serum. Fat supplementation had no effect on cycle length, serum triglycerides, progesterone, and estradiol. Decreasing NEFA concentrations throughout the study were similar to previous published literature. Cyclic changes observed in progesterone and estradiol concentrations were in accordance with expected hormone fluctuations in the estrous cycle of the mare. The results of this study indicate that the oils commonly added to feeds have no effect on the reproductive markers measured.
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    Optimization of quantitative techniques for enumerating mucosal stages of Cyathostomin nematodes in the horse
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2015-03-26) Fitzgerald, Emily Elizabeth ; Spooner, Holly ; Hoffman, Rhonda ; Haffner, John ; Agribusiness and Agriscience
    In researching equine parasites, larval cyathostomin populations must be quantified. Mechanical digestion was developed over 30 years ago to enumerate encysted stages of cyathostomes. This study examined the optimal digestion times for liberating early stage L3 larvae (EL3) and late stage L3 and L4 larvae (collectively known as DL). Mucosal samples from both the cecum and large intestine were digested for 60, 90, 120 or 150 min. A time effect (p = 0.032) was observed for EL3 in the cecum, with the greatest number at 150 min. The ventral colon showed a similar time effect (p = 0.035) being greatest at 150 min. There was no effect on DL from 60-150 min in either the cecum (p = 0.71) or ventral colon (p = 0.67). Longer time intervals should be examined to determine the optimum time for liberating EL3, while a different test for DL is recommended.
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    Perceptions of Veterinarians on the Use of Nutritional Supplements in the Horse Industry
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2019) Oliver, Naomi Elizabeth ; Agribusiness and Agriscience
    Previous studies indicated that horse owners refer to veterinarians for equine supplement information, yet veterinarian beliefs on use of supplements remain unknown. An online survey was administered via social media and veterinary groups to examine veterinarian perceptions on dietary supplements. This study hypothesized veterinarians do not perceive to be asked for supplement advice as often as horse owners report. 153 respondents were collected over 124 days. 91% of veterinarians agreed that supplements are safe to feed, and only 5% of veterinarians perceived their clients consulted them first for supplement information. 80% of veterinarians agree they should be a primary source of supplement information. Veterinarians with a mixed practice of equine and small animals reported more confidence in supplements to treat problems in horses than veterinarians seeing primarily equine patients (P = 0.039). These results suggest a disconnect between horse owners’ claims and veterinarian perceptions regarding sources of supplement information.
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    Supplement Use and Perceptions: A Survey of U.S. Horse Owners
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2015-06-25) Swirsley, Nicole ; Spooner, Holly ; Hoffman, Rhonda ; Brzezicki, Anne ; Agribusiness and Agriscience
    The pet supplement industry, including equine supplements, contributes over $1 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Little research has examined horse owner use of supplements or opinions regarding safety and efficacy. The hypothesis was that perceptions of use, safety, and efficacy of supplements would differ by rider discipline and competitive versus recreational riders. An online survey including demographics, rider discipline, and 6-pt Likert scale questions examined beliefs regarding supplements. 2,087 responses were collected over 30 days. Perceived horse health issues were positively correlated (P < 0.05; R2 > 0.10) with use of supplements to treat or prevent those issues. There was no difference by discipline or competitive status concerning perceptions on using supplements to treat or prevent issues, or the safety or efficacy of supplements. Most horse owners, regardless of discipline or competitive status, report giving supplements and indicate belief in their safety and efficacy.