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Function of the cecal microflora in sage grouse nutrition

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dc.contributor.authorBarber, Thomas Amos, author
dc.contributor.authorNagy, Julius G., advisor
dc.contributor.authorNagy, Julius G., advisor
dc.contributor.authorMayeux, Jerry V., committee member
dc.contributor.authorRyder, Ronald, committee member
dc.contributor.authorMayeux, Jerry V., committee member
dc.contributor.authorRyder, Ronald, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2023-04-27T21:07:13Z
dc.date.available2023-04-27T21:07:13Z
dc.date.issued1968
dc.descriptionCovers not scanned.
dc.descriptionPrint version deaccessioned 2023.
dc.description.abstractAn investigation of the cecal bacteria of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) was undertaken in an effort to obtain information on the function of the cecal microflora in the nutrition of this species. The project included experiments in three main areas: (1) isolation and characterization of cecal bacteria; (2) gas chromatographic analysis of cecal contents for VFA produced by bacterial fermentation; (3) chemical analysis of sage grouse feed and droppings. Cultures of bacteria from the cecal contents of sage grouse showed a large bacterial population to be p re sent. Predominant organisms in cecal contents were similar to normal avian enteric types. Organisms resembling Actinomyces bifidus and a streptococcus-like form were the most numerous types in the ceca. Solid media including the supernate of centrifuged cecal contents ( CFAM) and clarified rumen fluid (RFAM) proved to be superior to all other media tested for total counts of cecal bacteria; the use of these media was a necessity for the culture of the two predominant types of cecal organisms. Total culture counts of cecal bacteria in winter-killed birds showed a mean of 18 X 109 organisms per gram of wet cecal contents as compared to 30 X 109 for those collected in summer. Only insignificant numbers of cellulose-digesting organisms were cultured despite use of several enrichment media. Large amounts of volatile fatty acids (VFA) were produced by the cecal microbial fermentations. Higher levels of VFA were present in ceca in winter when the birds were on total sagebrush leaf diets and lower total numbers of cecal bacteria were present. Analysis of cecal contents showed that they contained only about 3% fiber (of a 10-16% dry weight). The high concentration of fiber in rectal droppings accounts for nearly the total amount ingested in sagebrush leaves. Essential oils of sagebrush are present in greater amounts in the Type A-3 sagebrush leaves selected by the grouse examined as summer food. Crops of winter-killed birds contain a mixture of all three subtypes of sagebrush; total oil levels in the digestive tract at this season were higher than in the summer when forbs comprised a portion of the diet.
dc.format.mediummasters theses
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/236405
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relationCatalog record number (MMS ID): 991003643379703361
dc.relationQL863.B37
dc.relation.ispartof1950-1979
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subject.lcshCecum -- Bacteriology
dc.subject.lcshSage grouse
dc.titleFunction of the cecal microflora in sage grouse nutrition
dc.typeText
dc.typeStillImage
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineWildlife Biology
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science (M.S.)

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