Promoting public engagement in interdisciplinary biological systems education by leveraging American sports-inspired bracket contests on social media and web.

The complexity of modern biology poses challenges in fostering interdisciplinary understanding, particularly between practicing scientists and the public. Furthermore, scientists often lack formal training in science communication, despite various motivations to engage the public. The science literacy of the public in the biological sciences can also vary across socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Effects of protein concentration and beta-adrenergic agonists on ruminal bacterial communities in finishing beef heifers.

To improve animal performance and modify growth by increasing lean tissue accretion, beef cattle production has relied on use of growth promoting technologies such as beta-adrenergic agonists. These synthetic catecholamines, combined with the variable inclusion of rumen degradable (RDP) and undegradable protein (RUP), improve feed efficiency and rate of gain in finishing beef cattle. However, research regarding the impact of beta-adrenergic agonists, protein level, and source on the ruminal microbiome is limited.

Beta-Adrenergic Agonists, Dietary Protein, and Rumen Bacterial Community Interactions in Beef Cattle: A Review.

Improving beef production efficiency, sustainability, and food security is crucial for meeting the growing global demand for beef while minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, ensuring economic viability, and promoting animal welfare. Beta-adrenergic agonists and dietary protein have been critical factors in beef cattle production. Beta-agonists enhance growth, improve feed efficiency, and influence carcass composition, while dietary protein provides the necessary nutrients for muscle development and overall health.

Cow-calf performance, forage utilization, and economics of warm-season annual baleage in beef cattle winter feeding systems.

A 52-d winter feeding trial was conducted to determine animal performance, utilization, and economics of pearl millet (PM) baleage, sorghum × sudangrass (SS) baleage, and "Tifton 85" bermudagrass (B) hay for lactating beef cow-calf pairs. Cone (C) and open-shaped (O) rings were evaluated for potential to minimize forage wastage. The experiment was a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments for each forage type × hay ring (3 cow-calf pairs per treatment; 2 replications per treatment).