Browsing by Author "Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member"

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Open Access
A study of factors that influence a horse owner's veterinary treatment purchasing decisions
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Fahey, Shannon T., author; Hadrich, Joleen, advisor; Koontz, Stephen, committee member; Frasier, Marshall, committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member
There has been very little academic research done to assess and understand how horse owners make treatment decisions for their sick or injured horses. An owner's decision to treat or euthanize their sick or injured horse is not only a financial one, but an emotional one as well. This decision can also impact the veterinarian's overall welfare. The responsibility of performing euthanasia on animals has been linked to decreased job satisfaction, health problems, and increased rates of suicide among the veterinary population. There are also potential financial implications when a veterinarian has to euthanize a patient. When a veterinarian euthanizes a patient, he or she can miss out on thousands of dollars in potential future revenues from the care of that patient. For these reasons, it is imperative that veterinarians understand what influences a horse owner's decision to treat or euthanize their sick or injured horse. This study used a choice experiment and demographics survey to gather data from Colorado horse owners that was analyzed to better understand the decision-making behavior of horse owners. The main effects fractional factorial choice experiment was designed using SAS 9. In each choice set, the respondents ranked the most preferred and least preferred of three choice alternatives (Treatment A, Treatment B, and Euthanasia) they could hypothetically face if their horse was suffering from obstruction colic. The attributes for Treatment A and Treatment B were price, recovery period length, and success rate. These three attributes varied between choice alternatives and across choice sets. The only attribute for euthanasia was price, which remained constant across all choice sets. The choice experiment was included with a demographics survey and was distributed to Colorado horse owners via an anonymous Qualtrics link. The demographic questions provided further insight information about the horse owners on an individual level. The data was analyzed using a rank-ordered logit model in STATA. The first of two regressions in this study involved only the treatment attributes and a euthanasia dummy variable, and the other including treatment attributes and demographic interactions. The initial regression found that an increase in price and recovery period decreased the probability that an alternative was ranked as a more-preferred option. An increase in success rate had the opposite effect. When the demographic interactions were included in the analysis, the impact of recovery period on the ranking of an alternative was no longer statistically significant. Only certain demographic interactions were statistically significant as well. Most notably, an increase in income only had a statistically significant effect on how changes in success rate affected the ranking of an alternative. The coefficients from the initial regression were used to calculate the willingness-to-pay (WTP) values for recovery period length, success rate, and avoiding euthanasia. The WTP values suggest that horse owners most value the success rate of a treatment and are willing to pay up to $2,610 for treatment in order to avoid euthanizing their sick or injured horse. This study can serve as a baseline for future research into the veterinary spending behavior of horse, livestock, and pet owners. The results from this study can also be utilized by veterinarians to better understand their clients. With this information, veterinary clinics can make decisions that are better for their patients, their clients, and themselves.
Open Access
Chlorela sp.: lipid extracted algae utilization of algae biodiesel co-products as an alternative protein feed in animal production
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Dib, Marco, author; Archibeque, Shawn, advisor; Engle, Terry, committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member; Van Metre, David, committee member; Wagner, John, committee member
To view the abstract, please see the full text of the document.
Open Access
Evaluation of seasonal ventilation changes and their effect on ambient dust, endotoxin and bioaerosol concentrations in a dairy parlor
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Funk, Sara, author; Reynolds, Stephen J., advisor; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member; Volckens, John, committee member
This pilot study measured the impact of seasonal ventilation changes on concentrations of organic dust, endotoxin and bacteria in one modern dairy milking parlor. Pyrosequencing, a new non-target specific molecular methodology was used to characterize airborne bioaerosols. Area samples for inhalable dust, respirable dust, endotoxin, and bacteria were collected in one modern dairy parlor during both summer and winter seasons. Five sampling sessions were performed at approximately weekly intervals during each season. The summer season included an open facility with fresh mechanical air ventilation. The winter season consisted of a closed facility with no fresh air ventilation and forced heat. Aerosol size distributions, air velocity inside the parlor, humidity, temperature, and CO2 were also sampled on each trip. Two-way ANOVA was performed to test statistically significant differences between variables. No significant differences between mean concentrations of inhalable dust, respirable dust, or bacteria were seen by season. Endotoxin showed a near significant difference (p=0.06). CO2 concentration doubled during the winter season as compared to the summer (p<0.001) due to reduced ventilation. The aerosol size distribution did not vary between seasons (MMOD=12µm) indicating that seasonal ventilation changes do not affect the particle size distribution. The most common bacterial genera in both seasons were Clostridium (anaerobic), Oscillibacter and Staphylococcus - all Gram positive bacteria. Gram-positive bacterial genera occurred more frequently during the summer than winter seasons. Gram-negative bacteria cell counts increased in the winter season. Average concentrations of total bacteria in the facility during summer and winter were 2839 and 7008 counts/m3, respectively. This study was the first to apply Pyrosequencing to measure bioaerosols in a dairy environment. The diversity of bacteria and predominance of Gram-positive bacteria is consistent with studies in swine and poultry facilities. Concentrations of dust, endotoxin, and bacteria were low during both seasons in this milking parlor, most likely due to the new construction of the facility. These study results will inform the design of future comprehensive studies of aerosol exposure interventions in dairy operations. Understanding these aerosol exposures and potential interventions is important for reducing respiratory disease among workers in the dairy industry.
Open Access
Evaluation of soil fertility and soil quality aspects of organic perennial pastures and annual forage crops
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Hurisso, Tunsisa Taffe, author; Davis, J. G. (Jessica Gwyn), 1962-, advisor; Brummer, Joe E., committee member; Stromberger, Mary E., committee member; Mikha, Maysoon M., committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member
To view the abstract, please see the full text of the document.
Open Access
Extracting copper from dairy footbaths to prevent heavy metal bioaccumulation in agricultural land
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Jalali, Sam, author; Engle, Terry, advisor; Archibeque, Shawn, committee member; Holt, Timothy, committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member
To view the abstract, please see the full text of the document.
Open Access
Nannochloropsis oculata: a safe protein feed for growing rats and rabbits
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Howe, Barbara, author; Archibeque, Shawn, advisor; Engle, Terry, committee member; Sampson, David, committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member
The challenge to replace fossil fuels as the primary source of energy has been a long and complicated task. In recent years, following a historic increase in crude oil (>$100/barrel in 2008) the focus has been shifted to the use of microalgae as a source of oil for biofuel. The utilization of algae over other biofuel sources is advantageous as algae require less water and land than traditional crops. Some microalgae species can produce upwards of 10,000 gallons of oil per acre and when compared to corn which can produce ~18 gallons of ethanol per acre, algae becomes quite interesting. The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden, Colorado has been working diligently on utilizing algae as an energy source. In 2010, NREL explained that replacing all the gasoline in the U.S.A. with corn ethanol would require a corn field 1600 km2, while replacing all the gasoline in the U.S.A. with algae oil would (theoretically) take an area only 176 km2. One of the algae species that is being closely investigated as a source of oil is Nannochloropsis oculata, from the phylum Heterokontophyta. This algal species has oil content greater than 20% (DM basis). A secondary benefit to utilizing algae as a source of biofuel is the high protein (>30% DM basis), mineral rich co-product that is produced after the oil is extracted. In order to further investigate the full potential of algae, a project was designed to determine the usability of the oil-free meal as a protein feed for animals. Within this project, two studies were done, one with 24 young, growing male Sprague-Dawley®™ rats, and one with 24 adolescent male New Zealand White rabbits. Both studies were conducted for 36 days, with 12 animals in each group. In each study, a diet was prepared with 10% Nannochloropsis oculata meal, and one without algal meal. The diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The study conducted with rats showed that the intake of DM, Crude Fat, ADF, NDF and ash was decreased in the algal fed rats (P≤0.05). The apparent digestibility of DM, Crude Fat and ADF was also decreased in the algal fed rats (P<0.05), while NDF apparent digestibility was increased (58.28% v. 51.60%) (P>0.05). More N was excreted in the feces (P>0.05) and urine of the algal group (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of macro minerals was unaffected (P>0.10). Overall the rats fed the algal diet displayed no measureable nutritional deficiencies, and no toxic effects were noted. In comparison, the study conducted with rabbits resulted in the intake of DM, Crude Fat, NDF and ash being similar between the two groups of rabbits (P>0.05), while ADF intake was decreased in the algal fed rabbits (P<0.01). The apparent digestibility of DM, NDF and ash was increased for the animals fed the algal diet (P<0.05), while Crude Fat and ADF apparent digestibility was decreased (P<0.05). No difference was seen in the fecal or urinary excretion of N between the groups (P>0.10), while fecal P excretion was decreased in the algal fed rabbits (P<0.01). The apparent digestibility of Ca, Mg and P was increased in the rabbits fed the algal diet (P<0.05), while K and Na apparent digestibility was unaffected (P>0.10). Similar to the rat study, no toxic or diagnosed metabolic distress was noted. In both studies, the histology of the liver, spleen and kidneys (P>0.10) was not negatively affected by feeding a diet with 10% algal meal. The GE of the diets fed to the rats was similar (4.40 Mcal/kg v. 4.33 Mcal/kg) and the GE of the diets fed to the rabbits was also similar (4.33 Mcal/kg v. 4.37 Mcal/kg). The energy lost in the urine was greater in the algal fed rabbits (4.50 Mcal/kg v. 3.17 Mcal/kg) (P<0.05), while the overall effect on DE was negligible (P>0.10) between the groups. Utilizing the algal meal from Nannochloropsis oculata as a source of protein in growing livestock rations is a possibility when the algal meal is priced the same as DDGs. At the same market price, the cost per kilogram of protein is quite competitive ($0.66/kg v. $0.69/kg). The algal meal could also be considered a potentially competitive source of energy compared to DDGs ($0.15/Mcal NEg v. $0.14/Mcal NEg). In summary, the utilization of oil-free algal meal from Nannochloropsis oculata can be considered a safe and possibly economic protein source for growing animals. In order to fully understand the potential of algal meal in livestock rations, more research needs to be conducted in metabolically different animals.
Open Access
Novel strategies for peripartal health improvement in transition dairy cows
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Solano-Suárez, Karol Gilberto, author; Pinedo, Pablo J., advisor; Bruemmer, Jason, committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member; Bohn, Andrea, committee member
The transition period is acknowledged as a time of increased stress and risk to develop infectious, non-infectious, and metabolic diseases due to fetal growth and the onset of lactogenesis. In the past decades, antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans has become an environmental and public health concern, and the restrictions on the use of conventional drugs in organic certified dairy farms encourage the research on novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in dairy systems. Natural alternatives and biomolecular technologies have been studied to diminish the impact of diseases during the transition period for conventional and organic certified dairy, and a couple of them will be discussed in this thesis. Chapter 1 comprehend a literature review on transition period elucidating the complex and multifactorial chain of events that lead to make the cow susceptible to develop metabolic and infectious diseases. Metabolic disorders such as negative energy balance and hypocalcemia are connected with the excessive inflammation and cellular immunosuppression occurring around calving. Then, a brief description of other related diseases and new strategies for prevention and treatment of them is discussed. Chapter 2 describes an experiment using an immunomodulator based on Mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF). We hypothesized that the subcutaneous administration of MCWF within the two weeks before calving and within 24 hours after calving could generate a nonspecific cellular immune response capable of reducing the risk of peripartal infectious diseases in dairy cows. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effect of a commercial immunomodulator based on MCWF (Amplimune®, NovaVive Inc., Belleville, Canada) on presentation of peripartal diseases and reproductive performance of Holstein cows, assessing cellular immune response and metabolic status. The presentation of clinical metritis, clinical mastitis, and pyometra in MCWF cows were significantly lower compared to CON cows, although the presentation of respiratory disease before 28 days in milk was significantly higher compared to CON cows. The overall reproductive performance was significantly improved in MCWF cows compared to CON cows. Future research at different physiological stages and using different doses and routes of administration is encouraged. Chapter 3 describes an experiment using a pulsed alternating wavelength system (PAWS). We hypothesized that PAWS could elicit a positive hormonal and metabolic response that might reduce presentation of dystocia, as well as the imbalances and stress around calving, improving peripartal health and subsequent performance in transition dairy cows. Hence, our objective was to evaluate the effect of PAWS on dystocia presentation, peripartal health, activity, and serum levels of melatonin (MEL), serotonin (5-HT), prolactin (PRL), somatotropin (BST), calcium, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) of organic certified Holstein cows. Cows exposed to PAWS reduced the presentation of dystocia and modify NEFA serum levels within 3 days after calving. However, results of melatonin were not available by the time of this writing to clarify the effect of PAWS on these outcomes.
Open Access
Oral meloxicam as an ancillary therapy for respiratory disease in dairy calves and using case-based teaching methods in an animal science course
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022) Ferree, Logan, author; Cramer, Catie, advisor; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member; Edwards-Callaway, Lily, committee member; Applegate, Tanya, committee member
To view the abstract, please see the full text of the document.
Open Access
Preweaned calf transportation practices in the United States: a survey of dairies, calf raisers, and haulers
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Machuca, Erica, author; Cramer, Catie, advisor; Edwards-Callaway, Lily, committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member; Keller, Kaleigh, committee member
Transport is recognized as a welfare concern for livestock, but young calves are especially vulnerable to transport challenges. Despite this knowledge, little research is available describing transportation practices of preweaned dairy calves in the United States. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) describe the current industry practices regarding the transportation of preweaned dairy and beef-on-dairy crossbred calves, (2) determine differences in pre-transport management on dairies between replacement heifers, beef-on-dairy crossbreds, and dairy bull calves, and (3) identify outreach and research needs to address calf welfare concerns related to transportation. Individuals who make decisions about transporting and receiving preweaned dairy or beef-on-dairy calves within the United States were recruited through digital advertisement, email, and extension agents to complete an online survey in 2023. A total of 123 responses were accepted for analysis and consisted of 69 dairy operations that sold or shipped preweaned calves, 29 operations that received preweaned calves, and 25 hauling companies that transported preweaned calves in 2022. The survey used a branching method to direct respondents to complete one of four surveys, each containing different questions based on their selected role: 1) dairies that sell or contract out calf raising for preweaned calves, 2) dairies that transport and raise preweaned calves at another location, 3) operations that receive preweaned calves after transport (e.g., auctions, livestock markets, calf ranches, etc.), and 4) haulers that transport preweaned calves. Question topics for dairy operations included pre-transport practices such as colostrum management, health evaluations, and marketing practices. Questions for operations that received calves included calf condition upon arrival, disease incidence during the preweaning period, and preconditioning requirements. Questions for hauling companies included distances traveled, number of operations, and calves' final destination. Bhapkar, Kruskal-Wallis, or McNemar tests were conducted to determine differences in management practices at the dairy prior to transport. The predictor of interest was calf class: replacement heifer, beef-on-dairy, and dairy bull. Outcomes of interest included: age at transport, timing after birth to first colostrum feeding, total colostrum quantity, milk feeding prior to transport, and access to water immediately prior to transport, median distance, and median duration. Out of the 69 dairy operations accepted for analysis, 40 dairy operations transported 284,597 replacement heifers, 58 dairy operations transported 263,104 beef-on-dairy crosses, and 57 dairy operations transported 33,146 dairy bull calves prior to weaning. The age at transport for the majority of calves differed between calf class (P < 0.009). A difference in timing to first colostrum feeding was seen between replacement heifer and beef-on-dairy calves (P = 0.02). A difference in timing to first colostrum feeding was seen between replacement heifer and dairy bull calves as well (P = 0.02). Some preconditioning practices differed between replacement heifer and beef-on-dairy calves and between beef-on-dairy and dairy bull calves (P < 0.05). Operations that received preweaned calves reported wide variabilities in the prevalences of morbidity and mortality in calves following transport, suggesting a lack of uniformity in calf care across the industry. While the study was limited by a small sample size, our findings provide a deeper understanding of transport management practices in the United States that can help guide future research and outreach efforts to promote the health and welfare of dairy calves and support the longevity of the dairy industry.
Open Access
Strategies to maintain market access for pork and enhance functionality of beef proteins
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Cochran, Hannah, author; Martin, Jennifer, advisor; Bosco-Lauth, Angela, committee member; Garry, Franklyn, committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member
African swine fever is a high-consequence foreign animal disease endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the island of Sardinia. The U.S. is the world's third largest pork producer, and ASF introduction would severely disrupt the pork supply chain, emphasizing a need to protect market access for U.S. proteins. However, niche producers raising swine intended for exhibition may not follow stringent biosecurity protocols and livestock show circuits may promote untracked animal movement across the country, potentially exacerbating virus spread in the event of ASF incursion into the U.S. Two Qualtrics surveys designed to evaluate knowledge, understanding, and perceptions of ASF and biosecurity principles of youth swine exhibitors and adults involved in the exhibition swine industry were distributed via flyers, emails, and canvassing at livestock shows. Youth exhibitors (age 21 and under) answered questions assessing their knowledge and provided basic demographic information, including their home state and states to which they traveled for exhibitions. Adult respondents answered the same questions assessing their knowledge and provided information on their time involved in the swine industry and number of shows attended by the youth they advise (if any). Youth respondents (n = 127) lived in 14 states and exhibited in 23 states, with 35% and 28% holding membership in state and national swine organizations, respectively. When provided with a list of ASF clinical signs, 34 individuals (26.9%) correctly identified all symptoms. Twenty-nine individuals (23%) incorrectly responded that ASF has been found in the U.S., and ten (7.9%) believed the virus cannot spread between pigs. Increased biosecurity understanding in youth exhibitors showed a significant relationship with an increase in years involved (p<0.05). Adult respondents (n = 211) had been involved in the swine industry for an average of 21 years, and the youth they advised attended 14 exhibitions in an average year. Nearly all adults (90.5%) identified direct contact with infected animals as a method of ASF transmission, while far fewer (36.39%) identified animal feed as a possible mechanism of transmission. These responses indicate highly varied knowledge of symptoms, routes of transmission, and biosecurity recommendations. Youth membership in state or national swine organizations offers a route for outreach and educational activities to enhance foreign animal disease preparedness, and adult presence at swine exhibitions allows for a wide variety of programming for all ages to better serve all levels of understanding. Fluctuations in the beef supply chain due to COVID-19 triggered discussions on methods to fully utilize edible proteins from beef carcasses, such as collagen. One potential method is the addition of collagen powder to beef frankfurters to replace a fraction of lean grind. The inclusion of NOVAPRO® collagen powder to beef franks at three hydration levels resulted in no significant differences (p>0.05) in water activity, pH, or shear force values between the treatment groups. Additionally, trained sensory panelists did not discern differences between treatment or control samples when asked to rate attributes that included beef flavor intensity, seasoning intensity, springiness, and mouth coating, indicating that NOVAPRO® powder could be added to processed meat products to reduce costs without compromising product quality.
Open Access
The value of preventative care versus treatment for small animal veterinary medicine clients
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2017) Guzman, Daniella, author; Koontz, Stephen, advisor; Fraiser, Marshall, committee member; Roman-Muniz, Noa, committee member; Knippenberg, Ross, committee member
The veterinary profession has witnessed a decline in the number of clients that are visiting veterinary clinics for annual preventative care exams. Studies have indicated that clients do not see the value of regular preventative care or annual examinations but clients would be willing to take their pets to their veterinarian more often and follow the recommended preventative care measures if they knew it would prevent problems and expensive treatments in the future. This paper investigates if regular preventative care in companion animal veterinary medicine is cost effective to the small animal veterinary medicine client.