MOSS, an evaluation of software engineering techniques

An evaluation of the software engineering techniques used for the development of a Modular Operating System (MOSS) was described. MOSS is a general purpose real time operating system which was developed for the Concept Verification Test (CVT) program. Each of the software engineering techniques was described and evaluated based on the experience of the MOSS project. Recommendations for the use of these techniques on future software projects were also given

SDSU Beef Teaching Herd

A herd of Angus, Simmental and Simmental- Angus crossbreds are maintained at the Cow-Calf Teaching and Research Unit near the SDSU campus. Cattle from this herd are used for teaching, research, and extension activities. In addition to use in the classroom, cattle are used for the annual SDSU Little International, field days, and numerous 4-H, FFA, and other educational events. Research projects include reproductive physiology, creep feeding, and cow nutrition studies

Bull Behavior and Pregnancy Rates

Successful reproductive management of the beef cow herd includes having a high percentage of cows calving during the first 21 days of the calving season as well as a high percentage of cows calving. Nutrition, herd health , crossbreeding systems and evaluation of bulls for reproduction potential are all management areas that need attention in attaining these goals. Current guidelines for evaluating the reproductive potential of bulls include a \u27physical exam, measuring scrotal circumference and evaluating semen (Breeding Soundness Exam , Society for Theriogenology). When conducted by an experienced person , these are relatively simple procedures that should be considered when culling bulls of low reproductive potential. Research during the last 10 years has demonstrated that there is tremendous variability among beef bulls for their ability and desire to mate (libido or sex drive). Bulls that are rated satisfactory in a Breeding Soundness Exam may achieve unacceptable pregnancy rates due to lack of libido. Libido is much more difficult to evaluate than the other factors that affect the reproductive performance of bulls. Social dominance or peck order also affects the breeding performance of bulls used in multi-sire breeding groups

SDSU Purebred Beef Herds

A herd of purebred Angus and Simmental cows used for teaching, research and extension activities is maintained at the Cow-Calf Teaching and Research Unit near the SDSU campus. Besides use in the classroom, cattle are used for numerous student activities, field days and 4-H, FFA and other educational events. In addition to providing research information and an opportunity for education, this herd provides a stimulus for interactions between students and faculty and an avenue for communication between faculty and producers in the region

Determinants of Students’ First Impressions of Instructors and Courses

Students evaluated instructors and courses in the first two weeks of the fall semester to determine the factors that form impressions in the early stages of the semester. Results indicate differences exist between upper and lower division courses with presentation of material and perceived workload as key factors that students use to form first impressions.Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

Effects of Wheat Middlings on Utilization of Mature Prairie Hay by Steers

A digestibility trial measuring intake, digestibility, ruminal nutrient disappearance, and ruminal pH was conducted to determine the effects of wheat middlings on utilization of mature prairie hay. Treatments included supplements used in a previous winter grazing trial at the SDSU Cottonwood Research Station that were balanced to provide the following amounts of crude protein (Ib) and metabolizable energy (Mcal) per cow daily: 1) soybean meal .75 and 2.40, 2) low wheat middlings .75 and 4.76, 3) corn-soybean meal 1.50 and 9.40, and 4) high wheat middlings 1.50 and 9.40. These supplements were fed to the steers in proportional amounts based on BW75. Steers receiving the low wheat middlings supplement had similar hay and total diet intake but lower digestible dry matter intake than steers receiving soybean meal. High wheat middlings supplementation decreased hay intake and digestible hay and total diet intake compared to corn-soybean meal and low wheat middlings. The high level of wheat middlings and cornsoybean meal reduced ruminal pH at 4 and 8 hours post-supplementation. The high level of wheat middlings depressed overall ruminal disappearance of hay dry matter and NDF compared to the corn-soybean meal supplement and the low level of wheat middlings. This study indicates that wheat middlings may depress utilization of mature, low protein forages compared to soybean meal or corn-soybean meal supplements balanced to provide the same level of protein

Baleage Decision Tool for Beef Cattle Producers

This article describes a bale-wrapping decision tool designed for use by Extension educators, lenders, and beef cattle producers. Use of bale-wrapping machines reduces storage losses and increases nutritional content of stored forages. This software tool allows users to estimate costs of production associated with purchase of a bale-wrapping machine and how the purchase decision affects the potential cost savings for the cattle operation. It is available to interested users in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet

The Third Way for the Third Sector: Using Design to Transfer Knowledge and Improve Service in a Voluntary Community Sector Organisation

This paper describes a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership that concluded in September 2011. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a UK-wide activity that helps organisations to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations. This paper details the outcome of a KTP between Age UK Newcastle and Northumbria University’s School of Design that aimed to use Design approaches to improve the charity’s services. This paper will describe the recent context for organisations operating in the Voluntary Community Sector and discuss the relevance of a Design approach to both the improvement of customer services in this circumstance, as well as the transfer of knowledge to a capacity-starved organisation. It will also document how Design was used to achieve both of these aims, and the resulting impact of this engagement on the organisation and stakeholders

Effect of Source and Level of Supplemental Protein on Performance of Postpartum Range Cows

Two postpartum grazing trials were conducted from early March to mid May in consecutive years to determine the effects of supplemental rumen escape protein on the performance of spring calving beef cows grazing native range. Simmental x Angus cows were allotted within 7 to 14 days of calving to three supplement treatments formulated to provide equal amounts of energy from corn, soybean meal, and a combination of blood meal and corn gluten meal. Cows supplemented with corn lost more weight than cows supplemented with soybean meal. Supplemental escape protein did not improve weight gains over the soybean meal supplement. Supplemental treatments did not affect cow body condition, percentage of cows cycling, or calf performance. Results from this trial indicated that supplemental escape protein did not improve cow performance over that of a more rumen degradable protein source such as soybean meal

Fenceline Weaning for Beef Cattle

Weaning time can be stressful for cows and calves. Under traditional weaning systems, changes in environment, diet composition, and pathogen exposure can reduce animal performance and result in health problems. In response to these challenges, interest in fenceline weaning has grown in recent years. Fenceline weaning is a management system in which the calves are removed from their dams but are allowed to see, hear, and smell their dams. Depending on the fencing used, physical contact may also be possible. Fenceline weaning has the potential to reduce stress related to transport, changes in environment, and diet adaptation. It may also reduce labor demands and costs associated with drylot facilities