Nitrogen And Carbon Isotope Signatures In Cattle Hair

This dissertation explored the use of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotope composition in cattle hair to record and integrate C and N cycling in organisms and ecosystems. By analyzing 10-mm sections of cattle tail switch hair, researchers found that isotope signatures were consistent along paired hairs, indicating a single hair could represent an animal's dietary history. The study revealed that hair isotope signatures varied with feeding practices and farm characteristics, with d13C reflecting maize diet proportions and d15N indicating nitrogen losses in farm systems. The research demonstrated that hair C and N isotope analysis could effectively study cattle nutrition, physiology, and agroecosystem ecology.