Genetic Evaluation for Birth Weight and First-Calf Calving Ease for the Angus Breed

Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) for birth weight and first-calf calving ease were estimated in a bivariate analysis. For both traits, a linear model was used where direct and maternal genetic effects were fitted. The data included 2,085,506 birth weight observations and 388,306 first-calf calving ease scores, and the relationship matrix included 2,817,490 animals. Correlations between breeding values for birth weight and first-calf calving ease were moderate to high. Firstcalf calving ease EPDs can give additional information to identify sires that cause calving difficulties

Implementation of National Cattle Evaluation Programs for Growth and Maternal Traits

Beginning with the fall 1997 sire evaluation, Iowa State University will be responsible for the genetic evaluation not only of carcass traits but also of growth and maternal traits for the American Angus Association. National Cattle Evaluation Programs were implemented according to the guidelines of the Beef Improvement Federation. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) for birth weight, weaning weight, postweaning gain, and yearling height were estimated from several single-trait and multiple-trait animal models using computer programs developed at ISU. A test run was conducted using the data for the spring 1997 sire evaluation, and EPDs were compared to those estimated at the University of Georgia from the same data base

Hat die Umgänglichkeit von ferkelführenden Sauen einen Einfluss auf die Aufzuchtleistung? Erste Ergebnisse

In this study the impact of defensive behavior on reproductive performance was investigated in 75 litters of German Landrace sows. Defensive behavior was assessed piglets and was categorized into three different grades (1 to 3). Performance data for a number of reproductive traits were collected from birth to weaning. The effect of defensive behavior on these traits was analyzed with the SAS procedure GLM. Even though for most traits considerable differences between categories were observed, the effects were statistically not significant. This could be due to the relatively small number of observations available for this study

Heterogeneity of variance components for preweaning growth in Romane sheep due to the number of lambs reared

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The pre-weaning growth rate of lambs, an important component of meat market production, is affected by maternal and direct genetic effects. The French genetic evaluation model takes into account the number of lambs suckled by applying a multiplicative factor (1 for a lamb reared as a single, 0.7 for twin-reared lambs) to the maternal genetic effect, in addition to including the birth*rearing type combination as a fixed effect, which acts on the mean. However, little evidence has been provided to justify the use of this multiplicative model. The two main objectives of the present study were to determine, by comparing models of analysis, 1) whether pre-weaning growth is the same trait in single- and twin-reared lambs and 2) whether the multiplicative coefficient represents a good approach for taking this possible difference into account.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data on the pre-weaning growth rate, defined as the average daily gain from birth to 45 days of age on 29,612 Romane lambs born between 1987 and 2009 at the experimental farm of La Sapinière (INRA-France) were used to compare eight models that account for the number of lambs per dam reared in various ways. Models were compared using the Akaike information criteria.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The model that best fitted the data assumed that 1) direct (maternal) effects correspond to the same trait regardless of the number of lambs reared, 2) the permanent environmental effects and variances associated with the dam depend on the number of lambs reared and 3) the residual variance depends on the number of lambs reared. Even though this model fitted the data better than a model that included a multiplicative coefficient, little difference was found between EBV from the different models (the correlation between EBV varied from 0.979 to 0.999).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Based on experimental data, the current genetic evaluation model can be improved to better take into account the number of lambs reared. Thus, it would be of interest to evaluate this model on field data and update the genetic evaluation model based on the results obtained.</p

Indications for implant removal after fracture healing: a review of the literature

Introduction: The aim of this review was to collect and summarize published data on the indications for implant removal after fracture healing, since these are not well defined and guidelines hardly exist. Methods: A literature search was performed. Results: Though there are several presumed benefits of implant removal, such as functional improvement and pain relief, the surgical procedure can be very challenging and may lead to complications or even worsening of the complaints. Research has focused on the safety of metal implants (e.g., risk of corrosion, allergy, and carcinogenesis). For these reasons, implants have been removed routinely for decades. Along with the introduction of titanium alloy implants, the need for implant removal became a subject of debate in view of potential (dis)advantages since, in general, implants made of titanium alloys are more difficult to remove. Currently, the main indications for removal from both the upper and lower extremity are mostly 'relative' and patient-driven, such as pain, prominent material, or simply the request for removal. True medical indications like infection or intra-articular material are minor reasons. Conclusion: This review illustrates the great variety of view points in the literature, with large differences in opinions and practices about the indications for implant removal after fracture healing. Since some studies have described asymptomatic patients developing complaints after removal, the general advice nowadays is to remove implants after fracture healing only in symptomatic patients and after a proper informed consent. Well-designed prospective studies on this subject are urgently needed in order to form guidelines based on scientific evidence

Diagnosis and management of adhesive capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis is a musculoskeletal condition that has a disabling capability. This review discusses the diagnosis and both operative and nonoperative management of this shoulder condition that causes significant morbidity. Issues related to medications, rehabilitation, and post surgical considerations are discussed