The effects of Theileria orientalis Ikeda on bull fertility and libido : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Theileria orientalis is a blood-borne parasite that is prevalent in New Zealand and other countries. The recent emergence (2012) of Ikeda-type orientalis has resulted in an epidemic of bovine anaemia in both dairy and beef cattle herds. The disease is spread by Haemaphylis longnicornis which is prevalent in the majority of the North Island. The Ikeda type has been found to be more pathogenic than previously discovered types such as Chitose and Buffeli. Little is known about how Ikeda-type affects the reproductive performance of bulls. The aim of this experiment was to examine the effects of Theileria Ikeda on the fertility and libido of bulls. A group of 17 bulls were used in the experiment with 10 being infused with Theileria Ikeda-infected blood from two donor cows and the remaining 7 bulls used as controls. All 10 of the treatment bulls were successfully infected with Theileria and became clinically anaemic (Haematocrit below 24) between days 47 and 84 post transfusion. Semen and libido was tested every 2 weeks throughout the experiment. There was no observed change in wave motion score of semen between infected (7.51 ± 0.18) and control (7.08 ± 0.35) treatment groups (P=0.2935) along with no change in forward motion between infected (7.82 ± 0.16) and control (7.64± 0.2610) treatment groups (P=0.5579). The percentage of normal sperm (P=0.0032) was lower in the infected bulls (91.9 ± 0.05) compared to the control group (94.25 ± 0.06) although the density of sperm in an ejaculate (P=0.0044) was higher in infected bulls (1.45x1010 ± 6.88x106 sperm per mL) compared to control bulls (1.14x1010 ± 9.82x106 sperm per ml). Time to first mount (P=0.7374) and gap between first and second mount (P=0.2204) was not significantly different between infected and control groups. The number of mounts was similar between infected (2.33 ± 0.28) and control (2.36 ± 0.17) treatment groups (P= 0.9269) and there was no interaction with time (P=0.2221). However, there was a significant effect of treatment on order of service with infected bulls coming in to the yard later in the herd on day 55 and was statistically significant (P=0.02). In conclusion, changes in fertility occurred in infected bulls but were not drastic enough to indicate a decrease in overall fertility. The only measure of libido affected was order and it is unknown how this would affect pregnancy rates in a herd situation

A Winning Combination for Business Researchers: A Review of Qualitative Methods in Business Research

Qualitative Methods in Business Research by Paivi Eriksson and Anne Kovalainen is a comprehensive, current, and compelling text discussing both qualitative research in general and nine specific approaches in particular. These include: case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, focus group research, action research, narrative research, discursive research, critical research and feminist research. The reviewer identifies the considerable strengths of this book, which include its attention to the writing process that differentiates qualitative from quantitative research, and recommends the book as a solid resource for both students and practitioners

A Comparison Of Student Outcomes And Student Satisfaction In Three MBA Human Resource Management Classes Based On Traditional Vs. Online Learning

The author taught three MBA Human Resource Management classes in the spring term of              2007 at a large private university in Florida. Two of the classes were taught in a 100% online format while the third was taught off campus in a university-owned building in Orlando where students met in a face-to-face, weekend setting. This traditional class was augmented by a WebCT classroom where students posted assignments, did exams, and communicated via email and discussion boards in the interims between classes. Comparisons were made regarding student performance and student satisfaction. In both areas, students in the face-to-face class scored just slightly better than their online counterparts

Employment Leave: Foundation for Family Policy

Women and men in the workforce face difficult dilemmas during family crises. Can one be a responsible family member and a responsible employee when an elderly parent is ill, a spouse is disabled, a baby is born or adopted, a child is sick? Employment leave with insurance for wage replacement is a cornerstone of family policy proposed in a workable format in H. 2191 now before the Massachusetts legislature. It can be a model for other states and, someday, the nation

Examining Management History Through The Lens Of Critical Biography

This paper builds a case for using the qualitative methodology of critical biography to illuminate the life, times, and contributions of pioneers in the field of management history. First the importance of management history is discussed and the critical biography methodology is described. Then, the methodology is applied to management history through examining several articles using the methodology including articles about Mary Parker Follett and Rhona Rapaport. Pros and cons of using the methodology are discussed including approachability and high interest level as pros and necessity to make inferences and the close interplay between researcher and research as cons. Implications for future research are presented

The Fiction of George Meredith (1828-1909) and Its Contemporary Readership: Modes of Address

This work identifies various modes of address in George Meredith's fiction in the light of a knowledge of the contemporary readership addressed. Chapter One discusses the nature of the Victorian reading public, and concludes that it was not homogeneous but fractured, with Meredith's readership being identified with an intellectual elite, rather than with a majority who shared what Meredith called "public taste", But, after a consideration of how Meredith's reputation was established, it becomes clear that this reputation masked the actual address which the novels made to their readers