Electronic Theses and Dissertations
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Browsing Electronic Theses and Dissertations by Author "Arnold, Chelsea"
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Item A Genomic and Economic Analysis of Utilizing Pooled Genotypes in a Commercial Beef Cattle Feedlot Setting(May 2023) Prosser, Haleigh M; Perkins, Tommy; Perkins, Tommy; Scott, Matthew; Arnold, ChelseaGenotyping individual animals, the primary way to identify the genetic makeup of the animal, comes at a fiscal and logistical cost commercial beef cattle feedlots cannot afford in current markets. The purpose of this study was to utilize DNA pooling and a pooled genome-wide association study (GWAS) to allow the commercial feedlot setting to ascertain the benefits of genomic testing and make predictions contingent on these tests, as well as determine its economic feasibility. A total of 1,956 commercial feedlot cattle (1,715 steers; 241 heifers) completed the project with receival information, carcass data, and tissue samples. DNA was stratified into 79 pools (mean size = 25 individuals) based on receival weight within lot and arrival date and genotyped via GGP Bovine 100K array (Illumina). Data preparation with outlier filtering (OF) and repeated measures (RM) reduced phenotypic variation within pools by removing outlier-driven pools and replicating the pool genotype to an individual level, respectively. Pool average and individual calculated yield grade (CYG) and marbling (MARB), both essential carcass value determinants, served as phenotype data. A cost comparison of pooled and individual genotyping and a cost-benefit analysis of prospective pooling displayed the economic advantage and potential economic feasibility of the process. The RM CYG, OF CYG, RM MARB, and OF MARB trial GWAS identified 20, 10, 27, and 16 significant (p ≤ 0.001) SNPs, respectively. The estimated cost of individually genotyping the study ($105,354) was 4.5 times greater than the estimated pooled genotyping cost ($23,460). Utilizing pooled genotypes to make marketing decisions had a potential benefit-cost ratio of 2.33 (SD = 1.91). This research identified biologically logical associations despite high genetic variability between pools, signifying success in utilizing prospectively pooled DNA in GWAS. Further research and exploration are necessary for developing a successful strategy for its application. With potential benefits that outweigh the cost, the pooled genetic processing and analysis should be further evaluated in additional commercial feedlot settings.Item Grain Sorghum Production Analysis in U.S. under Declining Ogallala Aquifer, U.S.-China Grain Sorghum Trade, and Food Security Issues in Bangladesh(August 2023) Islam, Tania; Almas, Lal K.; Almas, Lal K.; Guerrero, Bridget; Marcillo, Guillermo; Arnold, ChelseaThis master’s thesis investigates production patterns of grain sorghum in the United States, sorghum trade with China, and the interconnected aspects of food security in Bangladesh through three comprehensive essays. The first essay concentrates on sorghum production trends in Texas, emphasizing the adaptability and advantages of this cereal crop in regions grappling with environmental challenges. This research analyzes temporal changes in harvested acres, production, and yield patterns by utilizing state-level agricultural survey data from 1975 to 2018 and employing exponential growth and quadratic regression models. In addition, the Cobb-Douglas production function was used for identifying significant factors affecting the production. The study uncovers a consistent downward trajectory in harvested acres, and production quantity. However, it also highlights the potential for improvement by promoting the use of advanced sorghum varieties to bolster future production. The major factors influencing grain sorghum production are identified as harvested area, yield, and domestic consumption. The study indicates that providing financial support and encouraging farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies will enhance grain sorghum productivity and sustainability. The second essay delves into the intricacies of sorghum trade between the United States and China. Sorghum, an ancient grain primarily used for livestock feed, holds considerable significance in the agricultural sector of the United States. Through a comprehensive analysis, this research investigates the determinants of sorghum import demand in China from the United States. Factors such as the sorghum-corn price ratio, exchange rate, per capita gross national product (GNP), and livestock production are considered. Taking annual time series data spanning from 1991 to 2020 and utilizing the single equation import demand model, the study identifies the influential role of these factors in shaping China’s sorghum import quantity. Moreover, it presents a forecast indicating a declining trend in Chinese sorghum imports from 2021 to 2030. The research results indicate that sorghum-corn price ratio, exchange rate, and per capita gross national product are significant factors which affect grain sorghum import quantity to China from the United States. The third essay addresses the urgent issue of food insecurity in Bangladesh, exploring the relationship between food insecurity, economic growth, education, environmental risks, and rice production. By utilizing annual data from 2001 to 2019 and employing an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, this study establishes a positive relationship between food insecurity and CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it demonstrates that government investment in education improves the lower-class income and lessens the extremity of food insecurity. However, rice production exhibits a negative association with food insecurity in the long run. To tackle this challenge effectively, the study proposes the implementation of favorable policies such as climate-smart agriculture practices, including conservation agriculture, improved water management, and the use of drought-tolerant or flood-resistant rice varieties. An early warning about weather-related risks will help the farmers. By connecting these three essays, this thesis sheds light on the multifaceted nature of sorghum production patterns, sorghum trade dynamics, and global food security. The study emphasizes the importance of favorable import policies for U.S. sorghum in the Chinese market. Additionally, the findings underscore the necessity of implementing socioeconomic and environmentally favorable policies to effectively address food insecurity in Bangladesh. These insights provide a comprehensive foundation for further research and policy development, aiming to foster sustainable and secure food systems on a global scale.Item UNDER LENSES AND WITHIN A LABYRINTH: DAIRY FARMING WOMEN IN THE U.S.(May 2023) Mumbulo, Rileigh; Tarpley, Troy G.; Robertson, J. T; Arnold, ChelseaAcross all U.S. agricultural industries, women represented 14% of primary-operators in 2019. Women in the dairy industry are underrepresented with a 4.1% share of primary-operators compared to their male counterparts. The Journal of Dairy Science has approximately one published article in relation to decision-making systems or human management that includes gender demographics. Past research on agricultural decision-makers provides evidence that a productivity gap exists in male-dominated industries. A survey was conducted to investigate what factors influence a woman to become a primary decision-maker in the dairy industry. Participants were divided into two groups, a high and a low, based on the mean of total respondents’ (n=30) A-WEAI score. A Probit regression model was ran on variables to find correlation between the high group. Results demonstrate that a higher level of education was statistically significant (p>0.039) for respondents within the high A-WEAI score group. Previous research confirms that a higher level of formal education is a central theme shared by women who become decision-makers in the agricultural industries. Industry trends show that the future dairy industry will have more representation of women. As the percentage of women increases in the dairy sector, it may lower the wage for both women and men in the industry. Applicable implications for the dairy industry include bringing awareness to the barriers that women may face, restructuring of intrinsic values, monitoring the pay outlook, and working to make dairy industry employment competitive and progressive.