Fence Line Research Articles

Geophysical archaeology for the study of complex historical-period burial spaces: An example from the Fort Lewis military cemetery, Colorado

Geophysical methods have long been used to locate and map unmarked graves in cemeteries and burial spaces. Despite their prevalence, geophysical cemetery surveys can be extremely complex, particularly when dealing with historical-period cemeteries. Not only are there interpretive challenges from site formation processes and noncultural features, but there are also cultural challenges when seeking to study a cemetery within its historical context. Geophysical archaeology is a specialization that can guide this type of work by underscoring the cultural context for geophysical data. Beyond simply locating unmarked graves or other “anomalies,” geophysical archaeology emphasizes increasing the interpretive ability of geophysical data by situating these surveys in cultural theory. Using the example of the Fort Lewis military cemetery, which also served the Fort Lewis Indian Boarding School, in southwest Colorado, this paper highlights how geophysical archaeology was used to identify specific features about the cemetery, including the original fence line, number of likely graves, and two different burial contexts (casketed burials and exhumed graves).

Fence Line Monitoring of Petroleum Refining Plants in Korea: UV-DOAS Analysis of SO2, NO2, and Benzene Emissions for Comprehensive Management

Fence Line Monitoring of Petroleum Refining Plants in Korea: UV-DOAS Analysis of SO2, NO2, and Benzene Emissions for Comprehensive Management

The Impact of Abrupt and Fenceline-Weaning Methods on Cattle Stress Response, Live Weight Gain, and Behaviour.

The impact of abrupt (AB) and fenceline (FL) weaning methods on cattle stress response, live weight gain, and behaviour were determined across 14 days. Thirty-two cow-calf pairs were fitted with ear tag sensors (to continuously record behaviour) and allocated to two weaning treatments. After separation, FL calves were maintained in a pen adjacent to the FL cow paddock. The AB calves were transported to a pen removing all contact with the cows. After 7 d, FL cows were transported away from all calf pens. Body weights and salivary samples were collected for all animals on experimental days 0, 7, and 14. Fenceline-weaned calves had a greater duration of rest and rumination with reduced high activity across the first 3 days after separation as compared to abruptly weaned calves in line with the greater occurrences of pacing observed for AB calves. Fenceline-separated cows had greater levels of rest across the first 7 days but similar levels of rumination compared to abruptly separated cows. Fenceline-separated cow activity levels tended to be greater and eating levels were similar across the first three days. Body weight (BW) and cortisol concentrations were similar for AB and FL cattle, but FL cows had lower overall weight gain than the abrupt cows likely due to reduced eating time on days four to seven. Together, these results suggest that calves be fenceline-weaned for three days followed by total separation.

83 Effect of stocking density on F1 gilt reproductive performance

Abstract Replacement females are the future of a farm, and their development can impact production. Currently, replacement gilts are housed in many different environments. Stocking density of replacement females is one factor that varies across production systems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different stocking densities on replacement gilt reproductive performance. At 10 wk of age, DNA L241 females (n = 824; DNA Genetics, Columbus, NE) were randomly allotted to finishing pens with 3 different stocking densities. Each stocking density consisted of 12 pens of 0.71 m2 (n = 360), 0.93 m2 (n = 264), and 1.25 m2 (n = 204). Heat detection started at 20 wk of age with fence line exposure for 2 wk at 15 minutes per pen. Within pen boar exposure occurred from 22 to 31 wk of age for a minimum of 10 min per pen. Starting at 20 wk of age, females that exhibited red and swollen vulvas or standing estrus were recorded. Body weight, backfat, and loin depth measurements were collected at estrus detection. A blood progesterone assay was performed on all females at 24 wk of age. Further blood progesterone assays were performed at 27, 29 and 31 wk of age on any female for which progesterone was not detected on previous assays. Females were mated on their 2nd estrus if they were at least 136 kg or on their first estrus if they were over 145 kg. Body weight was recorded at the time of mating. For females that cycled by 31 wk, females in the 0.71 m2 treatment cycled significantly earlier than the 0.93 m2 treatment, 147 vs 153 d post-weaning respectively (P < 0.05). No difference was detected in age at mating; however, gilts in the 0.71 m2 treatment were 5.9 kg and 8.2 kg lighter than the 0.93 and 1.25 m2 treatments respectively (P < 0.01). At 31 wk of age 60% of the 0.71 m2, 71% of the 0.93 m2, and 77% of the 1.25 m2 treatments had cycled according to visual heat detection. However, according to the progesterone assay, at 31 wk of age 75% of 0.71 m2, 81% of the 0.93 m2, and 84% of the 1.25 m2 had cycled. The accuracy of visual heat detection compared with progesterone assay were 79.4% for 0.71 m2, 77.3% for 0.93 m2, and 85.8% for 1.25 m2 treatments. Overall, the 1.25 m2 treatment resulted in heavier females at mating, a greater rate of females cycling, and a more accurate detection of females cycling than the 0.71 m2 treatment. Swine producers can improve the percentage of females detected in estrus and mated in the desired period by providing additional rearing space during gilt development.

Persisting in a transformed landscape: occupancy and habitat association of the range-restricted Agulhas Long-billed Lark Certhilauda brevirostris

ABSTRACT We investigated how the presence of the highly range-restricted Agulhas Long-billed Lark Certhilauda brevirostris (ALBL) varies with vegetation type and landscape features. The lark’s distribution is nearly completely outside formally protected areas and overlaps with a region where agriculture has transformed the landscape, with very little of the original vegetation type remaining. Establishing important habitat requirements is needed to better manage conservation efforts for the species. We conducted 10-minute point counts at 51 sites along small rural roads quarterly between October 2020 and January 2022, and recorded ALBL in 58% of the counts. A subset of 45 sites was used to model occupancy. According to a null constant parameter model, occupancy at sample sites was high (0.91) with a detection probability of 0.67 for each site where the species was present. Modelling of habitat features and vegetation type found that ALBL occupancy was best explained by the presence of renosterveld, the shrubby indigenous vegetation type. Occupancy increased at a site up to 25% renosterveld cover, after which there was no effect. Occupancy was also positively associated with renosterveld vegetation presence along fence lines and a combination of renosterveld and decreasing riverine vegetation cover. Presence was little modified by seasonal changes in agricultural land use. Overall, our results suggest that although the ALBL is locally abundant, certain habitat features need to be preserved to ensure the species’ continued presence in this agricultural region.

Does calf-mother contact during heat stress period affect physiology and performance in buffaloes?

Objective of the study was to reduce heat stress in Murrah buffaloes and maintain their milk production and other vital functions during heat stress. A total of 21 dyads of calf-mother Murrah buffalo were selected for the study and equally divided in 3 treatment groups. First treatment group was restricted calf contact (RCC), second treatment group was fence line calf contact (FCC) and third treatment groups fence line calf contact and heat stress protection (FCC-HSP [time-controlled fan-fogger system] in the shed). Present study was conducted from April to mid-September 2021. Maximum temperature and temperature humidity index in FCC-HSP shed were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that in FCC and RCC shed. Higher (p<0.05) mean daily milk yield in both the treatment groups FCC (10.36±0.30) and FCC-HSP (10.97±0.31) than RCC (8.29±0.41) was recorded. Though no significant difference between FCC and FCC-HSP in daily milk yield but FCC-HSP yielded 600 gm more milk than FCC. Pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were lowest in FCC-HSP followed by FCC and RCC, respectively. Cortisol and prolactin levels were lower (p<0.05) in FCC-HSP followed by FCC and RCC, respectively. Hence, FCC along with heat stress ameliorative measures helped the buffaloes to be free of stress and maintain milk yield during heat stress period of the year in tropical conditions.

Mapping soil corrosivity potential to exclusion fencing using pedotransfer functions and open‐source soil data

AbstractSoil corrosivity is a term used to describe the corroding susceptibility (risk) of metal infrastructure in different soil environments. Soil corrosivity mapping is a crucial step in identifying potentially problematic, high‐maintenance fence lines and can help improve fence longevity by identifying soil environments where the use of more expensive, corrosion‐resistant materials would be more cost‐effective in the long term. Soil corrosion damage sustained on exclusion fences can be a serious management issue for conservation programs and initiatives, as it weakens the fence netting and provides opportunities for invasive animal migration and occupation (e.g. feral cats and foxes) into areas of high conservation value. The increasing accessibility of geospatial analysis software and the availability of open‐source soil data provide land managers with the opportunity to implement digital soil databases and pedotransfer functions to produce fence corrosion risk maps using commonly measured soil attributes. This paper uses open‐source government agency soil data (shapefiles) to map fence corrosion risk in the southern part of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, with the intention to assist with the installation of a new barrier (exclusion) fence as part of the Marna Banggara rewilding project. The risk classifications (low, moderate and high risk) made by this map were compared with rates of zinc corrosion (μm/year zinc loss) observed at field sites and correctly predicted the amount of fence damage sustained at five of the eight sites. The mapping approach outlined in this study can be implemented by environmental managers in other areas to inform strategies for enhancing fence longevity.

Influence of Maternal Contact on Hormonal, Growth, and Behavioral Responses of Murrah Buffalo Calves in Winter

Aims: The study was conducted to reveal the effect of calf-mother contact and ameliorative measures on cortisol, growth rate and behaviour of Murrah Buffalo calves during the winter season.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Livestock Research Centre (LRC) of ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, India and between November 2021 to February 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 21 advanced-pregnant Murrah buffaloes were carefully chosen and the buffalo-calf pairs were divided into three treatment groups, each consisting of 7 pairs. In the first group (T0), the Murrah buffalo mothers were permitted to nurse their calves with colostrum and later milk twice a day. In the second group (T1), the buffalo mothers had direct contact with their calves during the first five days, allowing free-choice colostrum suckling. Afterward, they were housed near their calves, separated by a fence line. These buffalo mothers were allowed to nurse their calves twice a day, following a similar routine as the T0 group. In the third group (T2), all conditions were similar to those of the T1 group, a notable distinction was that the calves in the T2 group were provided with halogen lights in the shed.&#x0D; Results: Minimum temperature in T2 shed was significantly (p &lt;0.05) higher than that in T0 and T1 shed. The mean cortisol level of T1 (6.64±0.71 ng/mL) and T2 (6.21±0.67 ng/mL) was significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) as compared to T0 (7.88±0.70 ng/mL) group of calves. The findings indicated that within the experimental calf groups, both T2 and T1 exhibited higher (P&lt;0.05) average daily gain (ADG) compared to the T0 group basis every week. Moreover, calves in T2 and T1 spent significantly (P&lt;0.05) more time resting, eating, and engaging in rumination compared to the calves in the T0 group.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings show that offering fenceline mother-calf contact can reduces stress and enhances growth, behavior, and welfare of calves more effectively than calves with restricted contact during winter season.

Impact of poaching on the population structure and insect associates of the Endangered Encephalartos eugene-maraisii from South Africa

Background: South Africa is an important centre of cycad diversity in Africa, however, the country’s cycads face extinction. Among the primary causes is the poaching of plants from the wild, even within protected areas. Objectives: This study examined poaching patterns in a local population of the Endangered Encephalartos eugene-maraisii I.Verd. and how it might affect the population structure, sex ratios, as well as interactions with associated insects. Methods: The population was surveyed in 2008 and 40% of this population was resurveyed between 2021 and 2022. We mapped missing cycads and generated heatmaps. Lastly, we investigated whether the proportion of stems from different size classes, sex ratios and abundance of insect associates varied between areas with a high and low poaching incidence. Results: Poaching, defined as the illegal removal of individuals from the wild, occurred 1.5 times more frequently along the border fence line than areas further away. Medium-sized stems (21–80 cm) are primarily targeted (likely as they can be carried more easily) and low proportions of these stems remain in areas with a high poaching incidence. While E. eugene-maraisii exhibits some resilience against poaching through basal suckering, it takes several decades for suckers to mature and replace harvested stems. No effect on sex ratios were recorded in areas with a high poaching incidence, suggesting poachers have not deliberately selected female or male cycads at this site. No pollinating insects were detected on E. eugene-maraisii, and no seedlings were observed. Conclusion: Cone production may be too rare in diminished populations to support pollinators that utilise cones as brood sites. The presence of insects that use other plant parts, including leaves, dried leaf stalks and cycad trunks, in the larger population suggests that they are more resilient to diminishing host populations. However, these insects were absent in smaller populations, and their abundances were lower in low-density sites and smaller clump sizes of their host in the larger population. This suggests these insects may be vulnerable to the decline of their host populations due to poaching.

Evidence of large-scale deposition of airborne emissions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) near a fluoropolymer production plant in an urban area

Airborne emissions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from fluoropolymer manufacturing facilities—especially those producing polyvinylidene (PVDF)—have rarely been investigated. Once PFASs are released into the air from the facility stacks, they settle in the surrounding environment, contaminating all surfaces. Human beings living in close proximity to these facilities can be exposed through air inhalation and ingestion of contaminated vegetables, drinking water or dust. In this study, we collected nine surface soil and five outdoor settled dust samples within 200 m of the fence line of a PVDF and fluoroelastomer production site near Lyon (France). Samples were collected in an urban area including a sports field. High concentrations of long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) (C ≥ 9) were found at sampling points downwind of the facility. Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) was the predominant PFAS in surface soil (12–245 ng/g dw), whereas perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) was in outdoor dust (<0.5–59 ng/g dw). The PFAS profiles observed in soil and dust samples very likely originate from the processing aids used for PVDF and fluoroelastomer production. To our knowledge, long-chain PFCA concentrations as high as reported herein have never been found outside the perimeter fencing of a fluoropolymer plant. PFAS concentrations in other environmental compartments (such as air, vegetables or groundwater) should be monitored to assess all potential pathways to exposure of nearby residents before carrying out human biomonitoring.

Thermal refugia and persistence of Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) in small towns

AbstractVegetation loss is a primary cause of habitat degradation and results in a decline in reptile species abundance due to loss of refuge from predators and hot temperatures, and foraging opportunities. Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) have disappeared from many areas in Texas, especially from urbanized areas, probably in large part due to loss of suitable habitat. This species still occurs in some small towns in Texas that still contain suitable habitat. Long‐term data from Kenedy and Karnes City, Texas indicate that when study sites experienced significant shrub and vegetation removal horned lizards declined by 79%. We hypothesize the decline was due to the degradation of the thermal landscape for these lizards. We determined the preferred temperature range (Tset25 – Tset75) of lizards at our study sites and took field measurements of body temperature (Tb). Temperature loggers were also placed in three microhabitats across our study sites. Shrubs and vegetation provided the highest quality thermal environment, especially for about 5 h midday when temperatures in the open and buried under the surface in the open exceeded the lizards' critical maximum temperature (CTmax) or were above their preferred temperature range. Horned lizard density was positively related to the thermal quality of the habitat across our sites. Texas horned lizards in these towns require a heterogeneous mix of closely spaced microhabitats and especially thermal refugia, such as shrubs and vegetation along fence lines and in open fields. Maintaining thermal refugia is one of the most important and practical conservation actions that can be taken to help small ectotherms persist in modified human landscapes and cope with increasing temperatures due to climate change.

The effect of shade on sheep grazing pasture during summer conditions

Providing shade in situ in paddocks may lead to better animal welfare and/or improved sheep production outcomes. However, there are no replicated experiments detailing the effect of the provision of shade in situ under grazing during summer on behavioral, physiological, and production outcomes of sheep in the scientific literature. This study uses a replicated field experiment to examine the effect of provision of shade in situ to sheep under grazing on animal behavior, respiration rate, core body temperature (CBT), growth, and immunological function during summer in south east Australia. The experiment consisted of eight unshaded pasture plots and eight shaded pasture plots with an 18 m2 shade structure. Each plot was stocked with 20 sheep. Sheep with access to shade chose to use the shade in the hottest part of the day, reducing their 12 pm respiration rate to 64 breaths per minute (bpm) compared with sheep without shade at 98 bpm (P < 0.0001). However, the provision of shade had no effect on CBT, immunological function, or animal production. In the hottest part of the day, sheep without shade exhibited shade seeking behavior by either being located along the fence line (P < 0.0001) or at the water trough (P < 0.001). In conclusion, provision of shade in situ to sheep under grazing during summer conditions improved the affective state, and thus welfare, of the sheep by reducing the respiration rate needed to maintain thermostability.

74 Evaluation of the Performance of a Robotic System for Spiking Thermal Desorption Sorbent Tubes with Defined Masses of Organic Compounds

Abstract Thermal desorption (TD) gas chromatography is a widely used analytical method for measuring airborne concentrations of (semi) volatile organic compounds ((S)VOCs) collected using sorbent tube samplers and is now widely used in the ambient, fence line, indoor and workplace air monitoring environments. Calibration and internal quality control check samples are prepared in end user laboratories by spiking individual TD sorbent tubes with microliter quantities of (S)VOCs in a carrier solvent such as methanol but this can be a laborious and error-prone step. Historically spiked sorbent certified reference materials were available from IRMM for confirmatory purposes but these stocks are now virtually exhausted. Hence new spiked tubes would be useful for quality control/assurance purposes. Previously HSE developed a system for the simultaneously spiking of 60 TD sorbent tubes with defined mases of VOCs from the gas-phase based upon requirements set out in ISO 6145 part 4[1]. With less volatile (S)VOCs however, spiking from the gas-phase presents challenges and hence an alternative spiking approach using liquid standards is proposed. The performance of a newly acquired automated robotic spiking system will be described. Reference [1] ISO 6145-4:2004. Gas Analysis-Preparation of calibration gas mixtures using dynamic volumetric methods-Part4: Continuous syringe injection method.

Integrated Sustainable Management of Petrochemical Industrial Air Pollution.

The emission inventory, emission factor, and spatial concentration distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a petrochemical industry (aromatics plant) were intensively evaluated in this study to elucidate the potential sources of BTX emission and their contribution to ambient concentrations. Five emission groups were quantified through direct measurement and emission models. These data were then used as input for the AERMOD dispersion model for the source apportionment analysis. The source to ambient contribution analysis revealed that a wastewater treatment facility and organic liquid storage tank were major contributors accounting for about 20.6-88.4% and 10.3-75.4% to BTX environmental concentrations, respectively. The highest annual ambient concentrations of benzene (B), toluene (T), and xylenes (X) were predicted as 9.0, 2.8, and 57.9 µg/m3 at the fence line of the plant boundary, respectively. These findings assist policymakers in prioritizing the appropriate control measures to the right source by considering not just the amount released but also their contribution to ambient concentrations. This study suggested that the wastewater treatment unit should be changed to the closed system which will benefit reduction in its emission (45.05%) as well as effectively minimizing ambient VOC concentration by 49.96% compared to its normal operation.

EMPTY CONTAINERS, OVERFLOWING RIVERS: STATE FUNDED FENCING AND IMPACTS IN EAGLE PASS, TEXAS

Abstract This study uses hydraulic modeling to examine the impacts of two new fence sections at Eagle Pass, Texas: a container fence and a state-funded fence section south, and downstream, of the already modeled federal border fence. We used the model Nays2DFlood to compare fence and non-fence conditions at various recurrence intervals to determine how the fence is affecting flood extents, water depth, and water velocity. Water depth is deeper in the channel and the floodplain and shallower directly at the fence line when compared to non-fence conditions. Water velocity is faster within the channel and the floodplain and slower at the fence line during fence conditions. These impacts have the potential to adjust sediment regimes at this location and downstream of this area, altering water quality and channel morphology. Demographic analysis also show that particularly susceptible populations, including a majority Latino, low income individuals, those under 5, and those 65–74, are present in large numbers at these fence sections and are therefore vulnerable to flooding. Supplemental material is available for this article online.

Evaluation of selenium source on nursery pig growth performance, serum and tissue selenium concentrations, and serum antioxidant status.

A total of 3,888 pigs (337 × 1050, PIC, Hendersonville, TN; initially 6.0 ± 0.23 kg) were used in a 35-d study. At the time of placement, pens of pigs were weighed and allotted to one of three dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with a blocking structure including sow farm origin, date of entry into the facility, and average pen body weight. A total of 144 pens were used with 72 double-sided 5-hole stainless steel fence line feeders, with one feeder serving as the experimental unit. For each feeder, 1 pen contained 27 gilts, and 1 pen contained 27 barrows. There were 24 replicates per dietary treatment. Diets were fed in three phases, and all contained 0.3 mg/kg added Se. A common phase 1 diet contained added Se from sodium selenite and was fed in pelleted form to all pigs from day 7 to approximately day 0. Three Se sources sodium selenite, Se yeast, and hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) were used to formulate three experimental diets in meal form for phase 2 (days 0 to 14) and phase 3 (days 14 to 35). During the pre-treatment period (days 7 to 0), there was a tendency (P = 0.097) of a difference in average daily feed intake between treatments, although no significant pairwise differences were observed (P > 0.05). There were no other differences in growth performance between treatments from days 7 to 0. Clinical disease attributed to Streptococcus suis was observed within the trial between days 0 and 14, and water-soluble antimicrobial therapy was administered to all treatment groups for 7 d. From days 0 to 35, pigs fed OH-SeMet tended to have decreased average daily gain (P < 0.10) and increased (P < 0.05) serum and tissue selenium concentration compared to other treatments. There was marginally significant evidence of a source × day interaction (P = 0.027) for total antioxidant capacity where the numerical increase over time was less for the OH-SeMet than sodium selenite or selenium yeast treatments. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in antioxidant status as measured by serum glutathione peroxidase or thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay between treatments. In summary, compared to sodium selenite and selenium yeast, OH-SeMet may have a greater bioavailability as indicated by increased serum and tissue selenium concentration; however, antioxidant status was similar between treatments and OH-SeMet tended to reduce growth performance compared with pigs fed sodium selenite.

Effect of different rearing systems on behavioural responses to novel stimuli in Murrah buffalo calves

The study reported aimed to assess the effect of different rearing systems on behavioural responses to novel stimuli in Murrah buffalo calves. Calves in the experiment were grouped in three treatments in accordance with differed maternal interaction: dam-reared through fenceline (FMC; n = 8), restricted maternal contact (RMC; n = 8); no maternal contact (NMC; n = 8). FMC calves had permanent access to their mothers for first 5 days of birth and thereafter were housed in groups with fence line separation from their mothers and suckled twice a day. RMC calves had access to their mother only twice a day during the suckling hours. NMC calves were separated from their mothers within 24 h after birth and fed via bottle with nipple. Behavioral response of each calf toward novel object (a bright coloured ball) was evaluated on exposure during the test for three consecutive days across three months. The findings showed that buffalo calves that were given fence line contact with their mothers performed significantly (P&lt;0.05) the best across all treatment groups in terms of response to a novel stimuli. Whereas the performance of calves with restricted contact with their mothers was superior to calves weaned at birth from their mothers, it was not on par with calves with full time fence line contact with their mothers, calves weaned at birth with no provision of maternal contact performed poorly in terms of behavioural response to novel stimuli.

The role of the artificial ponds for the conservation of mammals in the state of Santa Catarina

Man has profoundly modified the upper valley of the Uruguay River and its basin. The plains of these valleys and the lower areas of the hills have been modified for agricultural production, leaving small patches of wild forest on the tops of the hills, where wildlife takes refuge. These less modified sectors generally lack water. Therefore, the wild mammals must descend to the bottom of the valleys to drink. However, there are numerous fence lines between the hills and the rivers and streams which prevent the fauna access to these watercourses, so they ingest water from artificial ponds present in the agricultural establishments instead, which is reflected in the high values of δ18O observed in the bone bioapatite of local wild mammals. This finding highlights the importance of artificial reservoirs distributed in the agricultural landscape of Santa Catarina for the preservation of wildlife and the importance of their sanitary monitoring to prevent the transmission of diseases from livestock to wildlife.&#x0D; Keywords: artificial ponds, Oxygen-18, Santa Catarina, stable isotopes, wildlife preservation.

Impact of Water Sources and Shared Fence Lines on Bovine Respiratory Disease Incidence in the First 45 Days on Feed.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a frequent disease in feedlot cattle, but little is known on the role of pen housing conditions. The objective of this research is to use a retrospective analysis with data from 10 U.S. feedlots to determine potential associations between BRD risk during the first 45 days after arrival with pen-level management factors including the number of water sources, shared water sources, and shared fence lines. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate associations between management factors, cattle demographics, and BRD incidence. The effect of shared water sources on BRD risk was modified by arrival weight and cohort size (p &lt; 0.05). Cattle with two water sources had lower BRD morbidity (5.55% ± 0.98) compared to cattle with one water source (8.80% ± 1.50) when arrival weight was 227 kg to 272 kg, while there were few differences in heavier weight cattle. Cattle with two water sources had lower BRD morbidity (3.11% ± 0.56) compared to one water (5.50% ± 0.10) when cohort size was 100-175 head, but there were no BRD morbidity differences when bigger or smaller cohorts were evaluated. Shared fence lines and water sources were associated with BRD risk; however, no biologically meaningful results were identified. The number of water sources was associated with BRD risk, and effects were modified by cohort size and arrival weight.

The longevity of fencing out livestock as a method of decreasing contaminant concentrations in a headwater stream.

Water quality can be improved by fencing off streams from livestock. However, the remedial effect of fencing can fail as livestock trample near stream areas. Water samples were taken every 3-4 wk, and flow was monitored over time in a headwater stream from 2003 to 2019. In November 2005, the stream edge and an area near the stream used for wallowing by farmed red deer was fenced off and planted in native trees, shrubs, and grasses. Contaminant (nitrogen and phosphorus species, sediment, and the fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli) concentrations decreased after fencing until at least 2013 (55-84%). However, nitrate concentrations more than doubled owing to the use of a portion of the catchment for a grazed winter forage crop in 2013. Most concentrations remained low after fencing, but sediment concentrations slowing increased (3% yr-1 ), which was attributed to animal tracking near the fence line. The presence of stock in the catchment enriched stormflow losses but prevented losses during baseflow. These data indicate that, when implemented well, fencing and planting could potentially sustain good water quality for decades in farmed red deer systems.