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Barriers to Rural Reproductive Health Clinic Utilization & Effective Interventions Used
Get PDFSecondary data analysis of originally collected data by Phone SurveyBackground Community health clinics have surfaced to provide primary care to low-income individuals, but they are currently hurting due to overwhelmingly high no-show rates (Population Reference Bureau, 2016). The rural reproductive clinic in this study, serves a similar population as community health clinics and has found no shows and missed appointments to be significant in the clinic efficiency reports. Patients most likely to miss appointments at community health clinics were found to be younger, African American/Black patients, and lower income (Boshers, 2018; Miller et al., 2015). Interventions are defined as ways the clinic attempted to assist patients to keep appointments including reminder calls, transportation vouchers, etc. (Molfenter, 2013; Ullah et al., 2018). Studies indicate that implementing a program that provides transportation, increasing exposure of social services provided by the clinic, educating patients on the importance of preventative health care decreased barriers to care leading to missed appointments (Boshers, 2018). The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers to patients attending appointments at a rural reproductive clinic and report the most effective interventions used to address those barriers. Methods The data was originally collected for clinic efficiency compliance measures. Agency staffs collected data via phone survey including demographics, reason for missed appointment, distance from clinic, and whether the patient rescheduled the appointment during the call. Calls were made to 611 patients that missed at least one scheduled appointment by not informing clinic staff or called a "no-show". Two-hundred twenty-three (36%) patients were reached by phone. Interventions offered to patients at the time of the call to address the barrier reported included taxi vouchers, childcare and wage subsidies, gas cards, phone call and text/email reminders, and education/clarification on the importance of keeping the appointment or answering questions about offered services or cost. Results Patients most likely to miss appointments were younger (25 and under), Hispanic, female and of lower economic status. The biggest barrier to gathering data was the 61% of unreachable patients due to wrong phone number, no answer, disconnected phone number, etc. The most common reasons for missing an appointment were the patient forgot or unexpected work/school, family illness, transportation, childcare issues, or questions/concerns about the appointment. The most effective intervention used by the clinic was the follow up calls to those who missed an appointment. Almost half (46%) of the calls made to patients resulted in a rescheduled appointment at the time of the call followed by more than half (57%) of patients that were provided education. Conclusions Further investigation is needed to examine how to reach the 61% of patients that were unreachable at the time of this study. There should be comparison studies of other rural reproductive health clinics studied
Forage Production and Quality of Forage Sorghum Intercropped with Sunnhemp at Different Seeding Rates
No full textThe Texas High Plains region is primarily known for grain and forage crop production for cattle feed. It is important to determine alternative crops that provide optimal nutrition to cattle and are drought and heat tolerant due to the increasing importance to improve crop water use efficiency in crops grown in the region. Forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is well-established in the Texas High Plains as a drought tolerant forage for cattle that often requires additional feed to provide adequate amounts of protein and other necessary nutrients for livestock. By intercropping a forage legume such as sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) with forage sorghum, crude protein may be increased. However, the optimal intercrop seeding ratio of sunnhemp to sorghum to improve crude protein content and maintain sufficient biomass is unknown. In 2020 and 2021, a field experiment was conducted using sunnhemp intercropped at three seeding rates (16.8, 33.6, and 50.4 kg ha-1) with forage sorghum at four seeding rates (0, 2.8, 5.6, and 11.2 kg ha-1) under drip irrigation. One objective of this research was to evaluate the potential for the growth of sunnhemp in a semi-arid environment such as the Texas High Plains. Another objective of this research was to determine the effects of intercropping sunnhemp with forage sorghum at different seeding rates on dry matter production and forage quality. Results from this study indicate that sunnhemp does not affect dry matter and crude protein content in a forage sorghum-sunnhemp intercrop when harvested at 50% flowering of sunnhemp
To Mask or Not to Mask? Public Opinion Factors in Mask-wearing Behavior in a Pandemic A Research Note
No full textThe present research seeks to understand who wears a mask in a pandemic. Two surveys of students at a regional public university in the American Southwest were administered in October 2020 and October 2021. The online survey, distributed to students in both traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms and online classes, asked about mask-wearing habits. Respondents also were asked about their ideology and political party identification as well as traditional demographic questions. Comparing two years of survey responses adds an element of change, especially since COVID regulations in Texas changed during that time. Party identification clearly is the most important factor in mask-wearing behavior in 2020. By 2021, an examination of mask-wearing behavior becomes more complex and nuanced
A HISTORY OF 30 YEARS OF INDUSTRY SERVICE – THE WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY BEEF CARCASS RESEARCH CENTER
No full textIn the first analysis, the West Texas A&M University Beef Carcass Research Center (BCRC) carcass grading database (n = 1,079,880) generated from 1992 to 2021 was used to identify carcass outcomes, trends, and associations. Carcass data was collected at 44 federally inspected beef abattoirs in the United States and Canada. Outcomes included hot carcass weight (HCW), loin muscle area (LMA), adjusted 12th rib fat thickness (AFT), calculated yield grade (YG), LMA to HCW ratio (RATIO), marbling score (MARB), hair coat color and sex. Mean carcass outcomes were: YG (2.9), AFT (1.3 cm), HCW (369.7 kg), LMA (87.2 cm2), KPH (2.1%), RATIO (0.2446 cm2/kg) and MARB (Small23). Regression equations were calculated to determine change in carcass outcomes over time. Mean HCW, LMA, YG, and AFT were determined to annually (P < 0.01) increase linearly by 2.35 kg, 0.42 cm2, 0.0062 units and 0.012 cm whereas RATIO decreased (P < 0.01) in a linear manner by 0.00014 cm2/kg, whereas MARB increased (P < 0.01) in a quadratic manner by 0.22 units. Based on these annual trends, predicted means values for carcass outcomes at the year 2050 are as follows: HCW (477.0 kg), LMA (107.1 cm2), AFT (1.8 cm), MARB (Slightly Abundant78), YG (3.15), and RATIO (0.2377 cm2/kg). These data illustrate strong association (P < 0.01) between YG and carcass outcomes. As YG increased by one unit (i.e. YG 2.0 to 3.0), AFT, HCW, and MARB increased (P < 0.01) by 0.5 cm, 14.6 kg, and 3.9 units, whereas LMA and RATIO decreased (P < 0.01) by 7.2 cm2 and 0.0304 cm2/kg. Hot carcass weight was also influential (P < 0.01) upon carcass outcomes. As HCW increased by 100
kg, YG, AFT, LMA and MARB increased (P < 0.01) by 0.51 units, 0.3 cm, 12.7 cm2 and 3.01 units, whereas RATIO decreased by 0.0304 cm2/kg. Similarly, as AFT increased by 0.254 cm, YG, HCW and MARB increased (P < 0.01) by 0.33 units, 5.7 kg, and 1.6 units, whereas LMA and RATIO decreased by 0.54 cm2 and 0.0054 cm2/kg. Quality grade was also strongly associated (P < 0.01) with carcass outcomes; as quality grade increased from Select to Choice, YG (+0.38 units), AFT (+0.22 cm), and HCW (+8.6 kg) increased (P < 0.01), whereas LMA (-1.5 cm2) and RATIO (-0.0756 cm2/kg) decreased. Likewise, as quality grade increased from Choice to Premium Choice, YG (+0.27 units), AFT (+0.18 cm), and HCW (+4.1 kg) increased (P < 0.01), whereas LMA (-1.0 cm2) and RATIO (-0.0054 cm2/kg) decreased. Furthermore, as QG increased from Premium Choice to Prime, YG (+0.22), AFT (+0.16 cm), and HCW (+3.2 kg) increased (P < 0.01) and LMA (-2.9 cm2) and RATIO (-0.0105 cm2/kg) decreased. Steers exhibited greater (P < 0.01) YG (2.88 vs 2.81), and HCW (360.63 vs 334.15 kg) and less (P < 0.01) LMA (86.17 vs 86.64 cm2), AFT (1.24 vs 1.40 cm), MARB (Small22 vs Small44) and RATIO (0.2412 vs 0.2606 cm2/kg) than heifers. The effect of railout status was assessed; carcasses that had been railed off-line for enhanced trimming exhibited lesser (P < 0.01) YG (-0.19), AFT (-0.12 cm), LMA (-2.50 cm2), MARB (-2.10 units) and dramatically lighter HCW (-18.23 kg), but increased RATIO (+0.0074 cm2/kg) compared to non-railout carcasses. Black hided cattle were determined to have increased (P < 0.01) YG (3.04 vs 2.67), AFT (1.35 vs 1.15 cm), HCW (357.5 vs 350.6 kg), KPH (2.15 vs 2.09), and MARB (Small43 vs Small06) and lesser LMA (85.21 vs 87.15 cm2) and RATIO (0.2394 vs 0.2497 cm2/kg) compared to non-black hided cattle. Probability of carcasses grading Choice (CH), Premium Choice (PrCH), or Prime (P) was calculated. As HCW increased from 400 to 500 kg, the probability of grading CH, PrCH, or P increased by 12, 9, and 1.4%, respectively. Likewise, as AFT increased from 1.5 to 2.5 cm, an increase of 21.9, 23.5, and 4.1% occurred in the probability of grading CH, PrCH, and P. In contrast, as LMA increased from 90 to 100 cm2, a decrease of 3.5, 1.9, and 0.20% occurred in the probability of grading CH, PrCH, and P. These data serve as excellent indicators of the future of beef production to be used by beef producers and processors.
In the second analysis, the association of liver abnormalities with carcass performance was evaluated on data from 1,542,533 carcasses housed in 2 databases at the West Texas A&M University Beef Carcass Research Center, collected between 2010 and 2021. Liver abnormalities were observed during harvest and scored as: edible liver; A- = 1 to 2 small abscesses or inactive scars; A = 1 to 2 large abscesses or multiple small abscesses; A+ = multiple large abscesses; A+AD = liver adhered to diaphragm; A+OP = open liver abscess; A+AD/OP = adhered to diaphragm with an open liver abscess; cirrhosis, flukes, and telangiectasis. Liver abnormality rates in database 1 were A- = 7.4%, A = 2.7%, A+ = 2.4%, A+AD = 3.9%, A+OP = 1.4%, A+AD/OP = 0.8%, cirrhosis = 0.2%, flukes = 3.6%, telangiectasis = 0.7%, with 77.0% of livers being edible. Liver abnormality rates in database 2 were A- = 7.3%, A = 5.3%, A+ = 4.8%, A+AD = 6.2%, A+OP = 1.7%, A+AD/OP = 1.3%, cirrhosis = 0.1%, flukes = 1.3%, and telangiectasis = 0.6%, with 67.0% of livers being edible. For carcasses with severe abscesses (A+, A+AD, A+OP, A+AD/OP) and cirrhotic livers, HCW was 13.0 kg and 42.5 kg less (P < 0.01) compared to carcasses with edible livers. Carcasses with any abnormality other than telangiectasis had reduced (P < 0.05) HCW. All liver abnormalities resulted in reduced (P < 0.05) LM area, with the exception of telangiectasis, which was determined to be similar (P = 1.0) to edible livers. Less (P < 0.05) 12th-rib subcutaneous fat was observed for carcasses with A-, A, A+, A+AD, and cirrhosis abnormalities compared to carcasses with edible livers. Estimated KPH was less (P < 0.05) for carcasses with livers identified with flukes or cirrhosis abnormalities. Calculated yield grade was less (P < 0.03) for carcasses with A+AD liver scores and cirrhosis than those with edible livers. For both database 1 and 2, geographical location had an effect (P < 0.01) on liver abscess prevalence. In database 1 and 2, the greatest liver abscess prevalence was observed at Toppenish, WA (37.12%) and Arkansas City, KS (68.33%), respectively. Furthermore, seasonality of liver abscesses by month was reported to be lowest in January (14.09 and 24.08%). For database 2, liver abnormality was affected (P < 0.01) by sex class; steers had increased rates of all abscess outcomes compared to heifers. Additionally, cattle type was also observed to have an effect (P < 0.01) on prevalence of liver abscesses. Native cattle exhibited total abscess prevalence of 23.02%, compared to 16.81, 39.24 and 50.18% for Mexican, Holstein and beef x dairy cattle. Beef x dairy cattle exhibited the highest rates for A- (14.21%), A (7.94%), A+ (8.29%), A+OP (4.00%), and A+AD/OP (3.43%) liver abscess categories. These data indicate liver abnormalities, especially severely abscessed, adhered, open and cirrhotic livers, greatly effect HCW, an important economic factor effecting carcass merchandising, and other carcass outcomes. Liver abscess rate had no detrimental effect on marbling score, which may indicate the timing to which liver abscesses are developed during the feeding period compared to deposition of intramuscular fat. These results indicate control of liver abscesses is important in order to prevent losses in carcass value.
In the third analysis, the association of lung abnormalities with carcass performance was evaluated on data from 60,843 carcasses housed in the West Texas A&M University Beef Carcass Research Center database and collected from 2010 to 2021 to quantify the relationship of lung health and carcass performance. Lung outcomes were scored for severity of consolidation (N = Normal and < 5% consolidation, 1 = 5 to 15% consolidation, 2 = 15 to 50% consolidation, 3 = >50% consolidation) and presence of fibrin tags (N = None, M = Minor fibrin, E = Extensive fibrin). Lung consolidation had a strong and detrimental effect (P < 0.01) on hot carcass weight, with lung scores of 1, 2, and 3 resulting in 4.2, 13.3, and 29.9 kg less carcass weight compared to carcasses with normal lungs. Minor and extensive fibrin tags (3.5 kg and 7.1 kg, respectively), independent of consolidation, resulted in lighter carcasses (P < 0.01) compared to those with normal lungs. Lung score did not have an effect on marbling score. Both lung tissue consolidation and presence of fibrin tags affected 12th rib fat thickness; lung consolidation scores of 1, 2, and 3 (-0.09, -0.21 and -0.09 cm, respectively) and fibrin tags prevalence of minor and extensive (-0.14 and -0.19 cm) resulted in less (P < 0.01) 12th rib fat thickness compared to carcasses with normal lungs. Similarly, LM area was reduced (P < 0.01) in carcasses with lung consolidation (-1.5, -3.8, and -5.5 cm2) or presence of fibrin tags (-2.3 and -2.7 cm2) compared to carcasses with normal lungs. Additionally, severity of lung consolidation and presence of fibrin tags reduced (P < 0.01) calculated yield grade; lung consolidation and fibrin tags resulted in a 0.08 to 0.20 and 0.09 to 0.13 reduction in overall yield grade, respectively. In addition to lung outcomes, liver abscess outcomes were also collected and analyzed for synergistic effect on carcass outcomes with severity of lung scores. The greatest proportion of carcasses within lung consolidation and presence of fibrin tags (47.67 and 48.88%) exhibited edible livers with a normal lung. Whereas the lowest proportion of carcasses (1.12 and 1.89%) exhibited a 3 lung consolidation score and extensive prevalence of fibrin tags with a major abscess outcome. Severity of lung consolidation was determined to have a more dramatic effect on carcass weight than presence of fibrin tags within liver abscess categories. Within the edible, minor and major abscess category, as lung consolidation increased from normal to 3 and presence of fibrin tags increased from normal to extensive, a decrease in carcass weight (21.4, 30.9, and 50.1 kg; 5.5, 7.4, and 5.4 kg), LM area (4.7, 3.9, and 6.3 cm2; 2.0, 3.1, and 1.6 cm2), and AFT (0.02, 0.18, and 0.13 cm; 0.12, 0.30, and 0.24 cm) was observed. These data indicate that lung health is an important factor that impacts carcass performance, particularly carcass weight muscling and yield grade outcomes
LEADING SCHOOLS IN POVERTY: PRINCIPAL PERCEPTIONS, KEY FACTORS, AND STRATEGIES TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS
No full textBackground: Principals working in high-poverty schools face many challenges when working with at-risk students. The achievement gap continues to increase; students do not meet grade-level standards because of the economic disparity that takes priority in their lives. This study utilized the perspective of principals to identify key factors and strategies they implement that can positively impact the academic success of economically disadvantaged students. Purpose: This study aimed to understand how three successful rural principals, located in Texas, lead campuses with accountability “A” as assigned by TEA despite meeting the poverty requirements as stated by the NCES (2020). Findings: This study highlighted the critical role principals play working in low-income schools in improving the academic success of the students. These successful principals have an “open door” policy that fosters relationships, ensuring participation, financial support, shared decision-making, and communication amongst all stakeholders. Conclusion: Findings suggested that rural school principals must involve all stakeholders to successfully implement strategies that can positively impact the academic success of low-income students
PM 2.5 and Increased Aeroallergen: Use of Nanotechnology and AFL-Mask to Combat COVID-19
No full textWe built a Fiberglass chamber that was divided into two sub-chambers, C-1 and C-2, by placing a fiberglass wall in between. A slot was made to fit the AFL Mask® and sealed to make the chambers airtight. We placed Petri plates every 24 hours on both the C-1 and C-2 sides and counted the colonies formed while keeping the mask running. The number of microbial colonies in the Petri plates on side C-1 (No filtered air) were compared with the C-2 (Filtered Air passed through the AFL Mask) Petri plates. Every 24h-interval showed variable counts of the microbial colonies. In the next part of the experiment we compared the PM2.5 count in both of the chambers, C-1 and C2, after 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. In this experiment, we used dust consisting of Particulate Matters (PM) ranging 2.5-10 micro-meters. We purchased the ISO 12103-1 Ultrafine Dust Particle with an average size of 2.75 micron (PTI Powder Tech., Minnesota) to evaluate any reduction of the particle concentration. We have calculated the natural rate of decay of the Particulate Matters by placing a in the chambers after aerosol saturation in 24-hour periods. Using fans, we spread the PM2.5 in the chamber (C-1) uniformly and waited for 72 hours to develop an equilibrium in the contained aerosol. All chamber doors and the slot where the AFL Mask was fitted were sealed air tight using silicone grease to ensure Particulate Matters did not disperse out of the chamber. We have recorded the number of PM2.5 floating inside the chamber C-1 and C-2 by using a mobile handheld air monitor, the LightHouse Handheld Particle Counter that samples the airborne particles. We have recorded the particle concentrations in the divided chamber at various intervals to determine the percentage of the particles that were prevented to enter to the other chamber when the mask was placed in the junction of the chamber.We have used domesticated canines like dogs as the animal model to study the efficiency of the AFL Mini Sanifier II®. The objective of our study was to determine if the pollen concentration in the air has any relationship with the incidence of inhalant allergies in dogs. Dogs suffer from the same type of inhalant allergies as people such as pollen, mold, and other allergens. The data on dogs admitted to an animal hospital in Amarillo for allergy treatment were collected and compared to the aeroallergen indices of respective years. We analyzed the data to determine if there is any correlation between the increase of aeroallergen concentration and patients receiving treatment at the animal hospital. We also analyzed the effect of the AFL Mini Sanifier II® on aeroallergen in the indoor air of the clinic by setting slides with double sticky tapes and observing with a BX-40 Olympus microscope with a digital camera. Analyzed data indicate that there exists a significant correlation between the aeroallergen indices with the incidence of allergy in dogs
DIGESTIBILITY OF A DIET WITH OR WITHOUT REED SEDGE PEAT IN EXERCISED HORSES
No full textAn experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a diet containing Reed Sedge Peat (RSP) on nutrient digestibility, and serum glucose and insulin concentrations in mature exercised horses. Six stock-type geldings, ranging from 8 to 19 yr of age, were randomly assigned in a replicated 3 3 Latin Square design, and fed a diet consisting coastal Bermudagrass hay and a concentrate with or without RSP. Three dietary treatments consisted of: control with no RSP (CON); 10 lb/ton (4960 mg/kg) RSP (RSP10; Kent Nutrition Group, Muscatine, IA); and 20 lb/ton (9920 mg/kg) RSP (RSP20). The 12-wk study consisted of three 21-d dietary adjustment periods followed by a 3-d fecal collection period. Blood samples were collected via I.V. pre- and post-prandial, and before and immediately following a Standard Exercise Test (SET) on d 21 of each period. Horses were fed hay at a minimum 2% of body weight each day and 2.2 kg/d of each dietary treatment. Feed and feces were analyzed for DM, CP, ether extract (EE), ADF, NDF, ash, and calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) concentrations. Serum was analyzed for glucose and insulin concentrations. There was an effect of period on apparent DM (P = 0.02), NDF (P = 0.04), ADF (P = 0.01), Ca (P = 0.03), and P (P = 0.01) digestibility. Horses consuming RSP20 had greater (P = 0.03) overall mean serum glucose concentrations compared to horses consuming RSP10 and CON. Overall mean serum insulin concentrations increased (P < 0.01) after horses consumed the grain and hay diet, then decreased significantly 8 h post-prandial. Analysis of the data recorded during the SET indicated mean serum glucose and insulin concentrations decreased (P < 0.01) after submaximal exercise. Data reported in this study suggests no benefit was observed in nutrient digestibility when RSP was added to horses’ diets. However, greater glucose concentrations after RSP20 diet consumption suggests feeding RSP20 alters glucose metabolism and increases energy availability for performance horses, but the mode of action is not clearly understood. Therefore, further research may be warranted to investigate effects of RSP on glucose and insulin dynamics in horses
Pounding the Pavement: A Media Sales Experiential Learning Project
No full textSurveys, focus group, reflection journalsThe sales industry in the United States is an economic powerhouse and is often where recent college graduates obtain their first real-world jobs. However, there is a need to understand students' perceptions and knowledge of sales and their experience selling advertising space. This study applied experiential learning theory to a mass media sales course in spring 2021. The purpose was to explore barriers, successes, and helpful sales tools that students could incorporate should they obtain a career in advertising sales. Results indicate students' openness to joining the sales industry upon college graduation and an overall positive perception of a sales career
Teaching Environmental and Climate Science to Various Age Groups in the Texas Panhandle
Get PDFLab study & outreach educationIntegration of research and teaching is one of the most important aspects of university activities. Here, we developed three science outreach modules and hands-on education activities (primarily appropriate to the grade 5-6 age group but can be age-adjusted) to teach chemistry and physics of Arctic warming and its impact on the ecosystem, which is a key subject with regard to the concurrent global climate change issues. Replicable curriculum and teaching materials were disseminated to students at local schools in the Texas Panhandle through after school programs and local non-profit organizations (i.e., interactive science center, boy scout, and zoo). We initially targeted providing underrepresented students with hands-on activities that will foster their interest in the environmental sciences. For this reason, we prioritized choosing the schools with the socioeconomically and ethnically diverse student body (especially the ones having a Title 1 disadvantaged status). To date, from September 2020 to December 2021, we taught 288 students at 11 schools. We shared read-ahead exploration material for local teachers and officers to introduce them to the scientific concepts. This process helped to ensure that the teachers have an understanding of the science that they convey via our prefabricated teacher modules. Outcomes of the student-participating modules were assessed. Furthermore, our lesson plans and materials as Kit were borrowed by a local non-profit educational organization (i.e., Don Harrington Discovery Center) to teach their visitors about the Arctic climate during the winter camp events. In the future, local school districts also plan to facilitate the development and loaning of our Kit, ensuring that learning objectives align with the state instructional materials allotment program. Loans of this type would have a direct impact on approximately 10,000 students in grades K-12 (1,600 in middle schools) and >70 K-12 and high school science teachers
Intranasal Modified-Live Virus Respiratory Vaccination and Bovine Respiratory Disease Influence the Respiratory Microbiome of Cattle
No full textModified-live virus (MLV) respiratory vaccines are commonly administered to beef cattle upon feedlot arrival to prevent bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Yet, the impact of these vaccines on respiratory microbial communities is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an intranasal, trivalent (IBRV, BRSV, PI3V) MLV respiratory vaccine with parenteral, bivalent BVDV and a parenteral, pentavalent (BVDV type I and II, IBRV, BRSV, PI3V) MLV respiratory vaccine on the respiratory microbiome of newly received feedlot cattle. High-risk beef bull and steer calves (n =525) arrived in 5 truckload blocks and were stratified by body weight (213 ± 18.4 kg), sex, and presence of a pre-existing identification ear-tag. Pens were spatially arranged in sets of 3 and randomly assigned to vaccine treatment with an empty pen between treatment groups to minimize virus transmission among groups. The treatments included: 1) no viral respiratory vaccination (CON), 2) cattle intranasally administered a trivalent, MLV respiratory vaccine with parenteral BVDV type I and II vaccine (INT), and 3) cattle administered a pentavalent, MLV respiratory vaccine (INJ). Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected on d 0 and 28 and from cattle that were treated for BRD. For subset selection, 3 animals were chosen from each pen that were never treated for BRD and had the greatest ADG within pen to decrease the chance of selecting a false negative. Also, 3 steers classified as a BRD case were selected from each pen with number of BRD treatments administered equivalent across pens and treatments. Finally, nasal swabs from d 0 and 28 from the selected subset and from cattle classified as chronically ill and those dying from bronchopneumonia were analyzed for microbiome. The target sample size was approximately 600 samples with 50 animals per treatment in each category: healthy, morbid, chronic, and mortality. Chronic and mortality categories did not reach the 50-sample goal, and the allotment for those samples was added to healthy and morbid categories. These criteria resulted in a total of 600 nasal swab samples being selected for DNA extraction and subsequent 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the microbiome of the upper respiratory tract. Nasal swabs from d 28 in healthy cattle were used to evaluate the impact of vaccination on URT microbial communities. Pairwise Wilcoxon rank-sum with Benjamini-Hochberg correction was used in the R software package to determine differences in relative abundance of specific bacteria. Tenericutes were less abundant in INT calves (n =114; P < 0.05) and this difference was specifically attributed to decreased Mycoplasma in INT calves (P = 0.04). Members of Mannheimia and Pasteurella had lower relative abundance in INT (P < 0.05). The microbial community in healthy animals on d 28 had increased Proteobacteria and decreased Tenericutes compared to animals that were treated for or died from BRD (P < 0.05). Cattle that died had a greater relative abundance of Mycoplasma in their respiratory microbiome on d 0 (P < 0.02). Overall, richness was similar on d 0 and 28, but diversity was increased for all animals on d 28 (P > 0.05). These data indicate a distinct shift in URT community composition over the first 28 d in the feedlot regardless of health status. Furthermore, BRD caused alteration of the URT microbial community and administration INT influenced microbial community structure