Milk production and survival of spring-calving carryover cows in New Zealand dairy herds : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Animal Science at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

Non-pregnant cows are generally culled from dairy herds and replaced with two-year-old heifers. Alternatively, non-pregnant cows can be dried-off at the end of lactation, retained for one year (carried over), before being mated and returned to a milking herd in the following year. In this study, calving interval was used as a tool to identify and define the carryover cow population in spring-calving dairy herds. Linear modelling methods were used to compare carryover cow milk production with that of heifers, lactation-matched and age-matched non-carryover cows. Lastly, the survival for second-lactation carryover cows was compared with that of two-year-old heifers and lactation-matched non-carryover cows. Results showed that annually, 2.5% of spring-calving cows had returned to a milking herd after a carryover period in the previous year. Of those carryover cows, 43% returned to a milking herd at four years old, after failing to conceive in their first lactation. Most (69%) dairy herds contained less than 5% carryover cows and 17% of dairy herds comprised of zero carryover cows. The difference between the proportion of Holstein-Friesian in the carryover cow and non-carryover cow group was minimal (2%) but statistically greater (P<0.01) for the carryover cow group. Estimated breeding values (EBVs) for milk traits (milk yield, fat yield, protein yield and somatic cell count) were greater (P<0.01), but fertility EBVs were lower (P<0.01) for the carryover cow group in the year when they failed to conceive, compared to those for the non-carryover cow group. These were reflected in greater (P<0.01) selection indices (Breeding Worth and Production Worth) for carryover cows. After the carryover period, EBVs for milk traits and fertility decreased, and Breeding Worth was lower (P<0.01) for the carryover cow group, compared to the non-carryover cow group. Carryover cow milk yield, fat yield, protein yield and somatic cell score was greater (P<0.01) than those for heifers, lactation-matched and age-matched non-carryover cows in their first carryover year. This milk production advantage was maintained for up to three carryover years, if the carryover cow maintained an annual calving pattern, but at a decreasing rate. The probability of survival (days) was lower (P<0.01) for second-lactation carryover cows when compared to heifers and lactation-matched non-carryover cows. These findings are important for the New Zealand dairy industry as they can aid on-farm culling (removal from the herd) decisions

Silver Dreams Fund Learning and Evaluation Contract: Final report June 2014

This is a summary of the Final Report which presents the findings of the evaluation of the Big Lottery Fund's Silver Dreams Fund conducted by Ecorys.The Silver Dreams Fund was a £10 million programme which sought to address the gaps in provision by challenging organisations to come up with an innovative idea for a project that would "pioneer ways to help vulnerable older people deal more effectively with life-changing events".Our approach involved both formative and summative elements and was based upon a robust and evidence-based outcome evaluation framework. In addition, we have also undertaken an evaluation of the new programme management processes employed by the Big Lottery Fund which has been reported separately.In summary, the evaluation involved:- development of an evaluation framework and common indicators to measure outcomes;- provision of a package of self-evaluation support to projects;- programme level work to provide independent primary qualitative research and to validate findings from self-evaluations;- a range of learning activities; and- analysis and reporting

Measuring the Impact of Library Instruction on Freshmen Success and Persistence: A Quantitative Analysis

This study examines the relationship between formal library instruction and undergraduate student performance and persistence in higher education. Researchers analyzed two years of academic and demographic data collected from first-time freshmen at Middle Tennessee State University in an attempt to quantify the effect of librarian-led one-shot classroom instruction on students\u27 grade point averages and their likelihood of returning to school for the sophomore year

Limitations in the Use of Archived Vent Mussel Samples to Assess Genetic Connectivity Among Seafloor Massive Sulfide Deposits: A Case Study with Implications for Environmental Management

Genetic connectivity studies can inform the design of mitigation strategies used in environmental management. However, the expense of developing species-specific molecular markers and collecting samples at appropriate spatial and temporal scales can be prohibitive. Using archived material and existing molecular markers may provide a cost-effective way to assess population connectivity. Genetic connectivity studies are increasingly in demand in the deep sea in response to mounting anthropogenic pressures, including seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) mining. The feasibility of using archived material was assessed using the New Zealand-endemic vent mussel Gigantidas gladius, which inhabits areas licensed for the prospecting phase of SMS mining. Four molecular markers were tested, but only one (mitochondrial COI) provided suitable sequences. Of 942 specimens, only 150 individuals were informative, largely due to poor tissue quality of archived samples. Seven populations spanning the distributional range of G. gladius were assessed. The results indicate that G. gladius has high levels of gene flow among sites 10s to 100s km apart and limited genetic structure. Haplotypic diversity was not equally distributed among populations, with lower diversity for the Macauley Volcano population at the northern extent of the species distribution and greater diversity within central populations. Migrant exchange was also greatest between central populations, with one population at Rumble V Seamount appearing important in terms of maintaining genetic diversity within the Kermadec Volcanic Arc region. However, interpretation of the results should be viewed with caution as small sample sizes may have limited the ability to detect genetic structure. Despite these limitations, mitigation strategies that protect areas of seabed from mining activities should consider the genetic vulnerability of the population at the northern edge of the species’ distribution and the significance of certain central populations

Propranolol for Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma: Efficacy and Effect on Pediatric Growth and Development

Purpose. Propranolol has been successful in treating problematic infantile hemangiomas (IH) but concerns regarding its effect on normal growth and development have been raised. This study examines physical growth, developmental milestones, and human growth hormone (hGH) levels in infants receiving propranolol for problematic IH. Method. Monthly heights and weights of children undergoing propranolol therapy for IH were prospectively collected and tabulated. Data analysis and comparison to World Health Organization (WHO) weight-for-age and weight-to-length z-scores was performed. Questionnaires regarding milestones, efficacy, and guardian satisfaction were performed, and a combination of both chart results and phone conducted surveys was tabulated. Serum from a small representative cohort of age-matched children with IH treated and not treated with propranolol was collected. Results. A total of 185 children receiving propranolol therapy between 2008 and 2013 for IH were assigned to this study. The children were divided into two cohorts based on the presence of comorbidities or risk factors that may affect growth and development (n = 142 no comorbidities, n = 43 with comorbidities). Neither cohort demonstrated deviation from normal weight in comparison to WHO normative data. There was a significant deviation for BMI-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores in our population, especially in patients on propranolol for more than 7 months. Based on data from participants, via either completed questionnaires or chart results, most children met their developmental milestones at or before target ages, regardless of the presence of comorbidities. Eighty percent of guardians noticed clinical improvement of the IH, with 91% either happy about or neutral to using the medication. hGH levels were higher in patients receiving propranolol therapy, but not significantly different. Conclusion. Propranolol therapy is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas. This study suggests that propranolol does not impair growth and has no impact on normal pediatric development

International Space Station Major Constituent Analyzer On-Orbit Performance

The Major Constituent Analyzer is a mass spectrometer based system that measures the major atmospheric constituents on the International Space Station. A number of limited-life components require periodic change-out, including the ORU 02 analyzer and the ORU 08 Verification Gas Assembly. Improvements to ion pump operation and ion source tuning have improved lifetime performance of the current ORU 02 design. The most recent ORU 02 analyzer assemblies, as well as ORU 08, have operated nominally. For ORU 02, the ion source filaments and ion pump lifetime continue to be key determinants of MCA performance and logistical support. Monitoring several key parameters provides the capacity to monitor ORU health and properly anticipate end of life