Browsing by Author "Phillips, Hannah"

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    Alternative practices in organic dairy and broiler production and their effects on animal behavior, health, and welfare
    (2021-08) Phillips, Hannah
    The animal welfare of organic livestock is a major interest among producers, the public, researchers, and veterinarians. This dissertation presents the results from 5 experiments conducted between 2016 and 2020 on a research farm at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris. The experiments were designed to investigate novel practices in organic livestock production and their potential efficacy on improving animal welfare. These results include information on the efficacy of herbal pain management therapies for disbudded dairy calves, methods to prevent distress and mastitis in transitioning dairy heifers, efficacy of broilers to control face fly larva, and effects of outdoor stocking density on behaviors of free-range broilers. To summarize the results of ineffective practices, the tested herbal tincture did not reduce pain in disbudded calves, white willow bark did not reduce inflammatory biomarkers in calves, and broiler chickens did not reduce the survival of face fly larva in cow manure. To summarize the results of effective practices, teat dipping and acclimating heifers to the milking parlor 3 weeks prior to calving improved milking behaviors and reduced Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infections in heifers over the first 3 days after calving. Furthermore, additional outdoor space for free-broiler chickens reduced aggressive attacks and reduced some rarely observed behaviors that are akin to discomfort. To conclude, experiments on the novel topics discussed in this dissertation serve as a foundation for future comprehensive investigations related to practices that affect the animal welfare of organic livestock.
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    Forage quality of two cover crop grazing systems and meat quality of organic beef from crossbred dairy steers finished on forages
    (2017-09) Phillips, Hannah
    This study analyzed the yield, forage quality, and mineral composition of organic winter rye and winter wheat in grazing systems, and analyzed the meat quality, fatty acids, and consumer acceptability of beef from Holstein and crossbred organic dairy steers finished on winter rye and winter wheat pastures. Steers (n = 30) were assigned to one of three replicate breed groups at birth: (1) Holstein (n = 10), (2) crossbreeds comprised of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein (n = 10), and (3) crossbreeds comprised of Normande, Jersey, and Viking Red (n = 10). Breed groups were randomly assigned to graze either winter rye or winter wheat during their finishing phase. The results suggest that winter rye and winter wheat cover crops are viable options for grazing cattle, and suggest beef from crossbred dairy steers leads to an improved fatty acid profile and greater consumer acceptability compared to Holstein steers.
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    Organic Beef Data from Integration of Crops and Livestock Project
    (2017-07-20) Heins, Bradley; Phillips, Hannah; Delate, Kathleen; hein0106@umn.edu; Heins, Bradley
    As the organic forage-finished beef industry continues to grow, it is important to understand factors that affect meat quality, characteristics of beef that influence human health, and sensory attributes of cooked beef. Research on alternative breeds and forage types that influence meat quality, FA and AA profiles, and sensory attributes in an organic forage-finished production system, as well as comparisons with alternative breeds is lacking. Data release is part of data management plan with USDA-NIFA funding.