Composite Score Research Articles

Changes in dual energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition scores in females following exercise-induced body fluid redistribution

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine changes in dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body composition scores in females following exercise-induced body fluid redistribution. Methods: Thirty females completed sessions of upper-body exercise (UBE), lower-body exercise (LBE), and a seated control (NEC), and body composition was assessed before and after sessions. ANOVA computed interactions between experimental conditions and body composition measurements. Results: For the arms region, fat tissue showed mean differences for NEC (M = 0.56 ± 0.20%; p = 0.009) and UBE (M = 0.68 ± 0.18%; p = 0.001). The fat region showed mean differences for NEC (M = 0.54 ± 0.19%; p = 0.007) and UBE (M = 0.59 ± 0.17%; p = 0.002). The UBE showed mean differences for tissue (M = 0.24 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001), lean mass (M = 0.19 ± 0.02 kg; p ≤ 0.0001), and total mass (M = 0.24 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001). The legs region showed for UBE a mean difference for fat tissue (M = 0.32 ± 0.14%; p = 0.025), fat region (M = 0.31 ± 0.13%; p = 0.026), and lean mass (M = 0.17 ± 0.07 kg; p = 0.021). For the total body region, significant mean differences were found for UBE (M = 0.11 ± 0.02 kg; p ≤ 0.0001) and LBE (M = 0.20 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001). Total mass for UBE (M = 0.14 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001) and LBE (M = 0.21 ± 0.03kg; p ≤ 0.0001) showed significant mean differences. Reliability scores were high within experimental conditions (CV = 0.17% to 3.76%). Conclusion: Exercise-induced body fluid redistribution in females elicited small and reliable changes in body composition scores.

Associations between physical activity and development in preschool-aged children born

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of physical activity (PA) on development (motor, cognitive, social-emotional) in children 4–5 years old born <30 weeks’ gestation, and to describe subgroups of children at risk...

Evaluation of a web-based surgical training approach and insights from the Distal Bypass Competition 2021 using a simulator kit

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess a novel web-based surgical training approach among young vascular surgeons and validate web-based evaluation methods for assessing anastomosis skills through the online Distal Bypass Competition (DBC). MethodsThe OSATS was used to assess anastomosis proficiency using a simulator among 42 participants (17 junior and 25 senior surgeons) in the DBC 2021. An initial evaluation of basic anastomosis skills was conducted via recorded videos, comparing OSATS scores with instructor-derived impression-based scores (Comprehensive Evaluation Score [CES]) during the nomination round. Real-time evaluations conducted over Zoom focused on assessing technical and composition scores of the anastomoses to determine finalists. The ice-skating method addresses potential variability among judges by excluding the highest and lowest scores for each procedural element from the final evaluation. This method, demonstrated in real time, provides trainees with valuable feedback on which movements are highly rated, enhancing the educational impact. Evaluation criteria included precision in needlework, external appearance, handling of the intima, and internal morphology of the anastomosis. Furthermore, voluntary survey questionnaires were administered to gather participant feedback on their experience with DBC 2021. ResultsThe OSATS was associated with a lower coefficient of variation (CV) than was the CES (0.19 ± 0.07 vs 0.24 ± 0.09) (P = .01) with regard to the evaluation of basic anastomotic skills in the nomination round. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in CV between the Procedural Element Score based on OSATS and CES in the senior class (0.16 ± 0.06 vs 0.22 ± 0.09) (P = .13), but a significant difference was particularly evident in the junior class (0.12 ± 0.07 vs 0.27 ± 09) (P = .03). Lower scores were associated with higher CVs in both classes, but the OSATS improved the CV among participants who had inadequate anastomosis skills. In real-time evaluation, composition scores exhibited higher CVs compared with technical scores, even among high-scoring participants. Notably, the internal morphology of the anastomosis had the largest CV in the composition scores. The ice-skating method decreased the CV as compared with the original data evaluated using the OSATS (0.15 ± 0.04 vs 0.09 ± 0.02 for the technical score [P < .01] and .18 ± 1.00 vs 0.07 ± 0.05 for the composition score [P = .03]); accordingly, the ice-skating method was more conducive to objective, real-time evaluation. The results of the post-DBC survey indicated that 89% of participants reported increased training time, and one-half of these participants indicated that their confidence in their clinical skills related to this procedure increased owing to the process of training for the DBC. ConclusionsThe OSATS yielded more detailed evaluations of anastomosis skill with a lower variability compared with the instructor's impression-based evaluation in this web-based training. Real-time evaluation methods, such as the ice-skating method, have proven to be valuable tools for the standardized assessment of web-based surgical education.

Changes In Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Body Composition Scores In Females Following Exercise-induced Body Fluid Redistribution

Changes In Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Body Composition Scores In Females Following Exercise-induced Body Fluid Redistribution

Fatty acid composition and sensory properties as descriptors of differentiation of specialty coffees based on spontaneous and induced processing methods

The composition of fatty acids (FA) and sensory properties of specialty coffees from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda processed by spontaneous methods (i.e., natural, washed, and honey) and induced methods (i.e., anaerobic fermentation and carbonic maceration) were determined. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidic acids and 10 important attributes of the coffee such as fragrance/aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, overall, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, and total score were evaluated. The FA composition and sensory scores following the Specialty Coffee American Association protocols were used to differentiate 19 coffee samples based on the processing method. Principal component analysis (PCA) effectively differentiated coffees processed by spontaneous methods from those processed by induced methods. Notably, Peruvian coffee processed by carbonic maceration exhibited the highest linoleic acid content, while the same coffee processed naturally showed the highest palmitic acid content. All coffee samples scored 10 points for uniformity, clean cup, and sweetness. The highest total scores for the spontaneous processing methods were 88.75 (washed Kenyan) and 87.75 (washed Ethiopian) but ranged from 82.75 to 85.00 for the other coffees. For the best specialty coffees processed by induced methods, scores ranged from 87.25 to 88.00 in seven out of nine coffees. Coffees from different geographical areas processed with innovative methods, such as anaerobic fermentation, carbonic maceration, and high-scoring spontaneously processed coffees, were among the highest qualities.

Exclusive and dual use of electronic cigarettes among European youth in 32 countries with different regulatory landscapes

BackgroundThe Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) partially harmonised the regulation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in Europe, but individual countries maintain jurisdiction over bans on use in public places, domestic advertising, taxation...

Regional differences in frailty among older adults with type 2 diabetes: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Japan

BackgroundSocial environment may broadly impact multifaceted frailty; however, how environmental differences influence frailty in older adults with diabetes remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate regional differences in frailty in urban and rural areas among older adults with diabetes.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the frailty prevention program for older adults with diabetes study. Older adults aged 60–80 years who could independently perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) were enrolled sequentially. Trained nurses obtained patient background, complications, body weight, body composition, blood tests, grip strength, frailty assessment, and self-care score results. Regional differences in frailty were evaluated using logistic and multiple linear regression analyses.ResultsThis study included 417 participants (269 urban and 148 rural). The prevalence of robustness was significantly lower in rural areas than in urban areas (29.7% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.018). Living in rural areas was associated with frailty (odds ratio [OR] 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38–4.71) and pre-frailty (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.30–3.41). Lower instrumental ADL (B 0.28, standard error [SE] 0.073) and social ADL (B 0.265, SE 0.097) were characteristics of rural residents.ConclusionsRegional differences in frailty were observed. Older adults with diabetes living in rural areas have a higher risk of frailty owing to a decline in instrumental and social ADLs. Social environment assessment and intervention programs that include communication strategies to enable care and social participation across environments are crucial to the effective and early prevention of frailty.

Importance of Bilateral Limb Symmetries in Olympic Clay Shooting: A Prospective Intervention Study

The presented prospective controlled trial investigated the impact of neuromuscular asymmetry correction programs on Olympic clay shooting performance. The examination involved 33 subjects over six weeks, divided into an intervention (n = 18) and a control group (n = 15). After the initial assessment, subjects in the intervention group were given personalized training protocols to correct the identified asymmetries. The analyses revealed improvements of the intervention group in grip strength asymmetry (p = 0.012), single leg balance test (p = 0.027), YBT-LQ anterior reach (p = 0.036), and composition score (p &lt; 0.001) alongside enhanced shooting scores (p &lt; 0.001). There were no significant changes in the control group. The findings suggest a direct link between asymmetry correction and shooting accuracy, which agrees with similar research findings of other sports. This is a novel insight into the specific fitness demands for Trap and Skeet athletes and underscores the value of addressing asymmetries and incorporating regular assessments of these parameters in training routines, along with individually tailored corrective programs.

Effect of high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation on knee osteoarthritis in older adults with sarcopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background & AimsSkeletal muscle is an important contributor to joint health. Previous studies have shown that age-related muscle mass and strength loss are closely associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. The objective of this study is to investigate whether a high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation can alleviate knee osteoarthritis by improving muscle mass and strength. MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included participants aged 50–70 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia was conducted in China from February 2022 to September 2022 (ChiCTR2200056415). Participants were randomized to receive a 12-week high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation or a placebo twice daily, with one serving each after breakfast and lunch, respectively. The primary outcome analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis was difference in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline to week 12 between the two groups. The secondary outcomes included changes in muscle mass, strength, symptom and imaging of knee osteoarthritis, body composition, biochemical parameters, and health quality scores. ResultsAfter 12 weeks, a total of 124 participants (38.7% male) completed the trial and were included in the final analysis. Over the 12-week follow-up, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the SPPB total score (1.03, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.38, P < 0.0001) compared with the placebo group. Grip strength (2.83 kg, 95% CI, 2.13–3.53, P < 0.0001) and skeletal muscle mass index (0.66 kg/m2, 95% CI, 0.45–0.86, P < 0.0001) were also significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the placebo group. The mean change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total score was −3.95 points (95% CI, −5.02 to −2.89, P < 0.0001) in the experimental group and 0.23 points (95% CI, −0.17 to 0.63, P = 0.253) in the placebo group. Additionally, within the experimental group, nine participants experienced an improvement in osteophyte magnetic resonance imaging results, while no improvement was observed in the placebo group. The experimental group also exhibited significant improvements in health quality compared with the placebo group as assessed by Short Form 36, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. No serious adverse event was reported during the trial. ConclusionOral supplementation with high levels of plant protein/peptides can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in elderly individuals with minor and mild knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia. The improvement may be attributed to the enhancement of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance.

Más que palabras: Understanding the mental health and behavioral consequences of sociodemographic risk and deportation fears in Latinx families.

Exponential increases in deportation and negative public discourse have resulted in heightened fears of profiling and deportation among Latinx immigrant families in the United States. Deportation fears could compound the inequalities Latinx families face, worsening mental and behavioral health. To better understand the mental health consequences of the climate of deportation concerns among low-income Latinx mothers in the United States, we conducted a linguistic analysis of interviews of Latinx mothers' parenting experiences, examining their use of words related to deportation fears (e.g., separado). We examined the interaction of sociodemographic risk with maternal deportation fears in predicting maternal and youth mental health. Recent immigrant Latinx mothers (N = 160) and youth (Mage = 12.88, SDage = 1.73) completed the Parent Development Interview-Revised (Slade et al., 2004), analyzed using a deportation fears custom dictionary (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count; Pennebaker et al., 2003). Mothers completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (Derogatis, 2001); youth completed the Youth Self-Report (Achenbach, 1991). Cumulative sociodemographic risk was assessed using a composite score of six risk variables. Regressions revealed significant Sociodemographic Risk × Deportation Fear interactions for maternal depression (p = .01) and youth depression (p < .01) but not for maternal anxiety, youth anxiety, or aggression. As sociodemographic risk increased, associations between deportation fears and psychopathology decreased. The adverse impact of maternal deportation fears on mental health is visible only when demographic stress is lower. Deportation fears may increase mental health risk, potentially reducing treatment seeking among families previously at lower risk. Findings underscore the importance of policy and sociocultural shifts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Alcohol use and its associated factors among Ethiopian military personnel

BackgroundStudies indicate that alcohol use is more prevalent in the military and that such use is related to coping mechanisms for stress. Alcohol use could result in health and social...

Correlation of chemical composition and sensory scores in Spanish Monastrell red wines: Insights from a blind wine competition

Red wine is a complex beverage, both chemically and sensorially, making it a very interesting beverage from a sensory perspective. Additionally, wine offers consumers a multitude of choices and brands. Considering this diversity, wine competitions and scoring could provide a way of helping consumers in their choices. In this study, sixty-seven commercial Spanish Monastrell red wines, which participated in an official blind contest, were grouped into different winemaking categories based on aging and wood contact. These wines were chemically analyzed to explore relationships between their allocated groups and their chemical composition. Additionally, the study aimed to find correlations between the total scores given in the contest and the wines' volatile compounds, chromatic parameters, and physicochemical properties. The goal was also to identify the chemical parameters that most strongly correlated with the obtained scores. Considering all 67 wines, the results showed a significant linear regression between the wine scores and their physicochemical and volatile compounds, with a coefficient of determination of 48.4 %. However, when the wines were analyzed considering the different categories, the coefficient of determination for those wines competing in the category of aged wines increased up to 84.8 %. In addition, some wine chromatic characteristics such as color intensity, total phenol index and polymeric anthocyanin seemed to be highly related to the score received for the wines in a contest. Therefore, the results obtained in this work can be useful to define a certain style of wine that most probably could get a higher score in a wine contest.

Gut Microbiome and Osteoarthritis: Insights From the Naturally Occurring Canine Model of Osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this study was to enhance the current knowledge of the relationship between the gut microbiome and osteoarthritis (OA) and associated pain using pet dogs as a clinically relevant translational model. Fecal samples were collected from 93 owned pet dogs. Dogs were designated as either clinically healthy or OA pain using validated methods. Metagenomic profiling was performed through shotgun sequencing using the Illumina NovaSeq platform. MetaPhlAn2 and HUMAnN2 were used to evaluate bacterial taxonomic and pathway relative abundance. Comparisons between healthy and OA-pain groups were performed individually for each taxa using nonparametric tests following Benjamini and Hochberg adjustment for multiple comparisons. Permutation analysis of variance was performed using Bray-Curtis distance matrices. All downstream analyses were completed in R. No significant differences between healthy and OA-pain dogs were observed for alpha and beta diversity. We found 13 taxa with nominally significant (P < 0.05) associations with OA case status, but none of the associations remained significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. No differences in alpha or beta diversities or the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio were found regarding pain severity, mobility or activity level, age, or body composition score. Similar to recent studies in humans, the present study did not demonstrate a significant difference in the fecal microbial communities between dogs with OA pain and healthy control dogs. Future research in this naturally occurring model should expand on these data and relate the gut microbiome to gut permeability and circulating proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules to better understand the influence of the gut microbiome on OA and OA pain.

The Effect of Passive Dehydration on Phase Angle and Body Composition: A Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

To determine the effect of body weight loss elicited by passive dehydration on body composition scores, including phase angle (PhA). Twenty-five euhydrated apparently healthy and physically active men's (age = 22.6 ± 3.3 yr.; body mass = 76.7 ± 15.9 kg; height = 172.0 ± 6.3 cm) body composition variables and PhA were measured before and after sitting quietly for 5 h in a controlled environment (26.6 ± 1.7 °C, 72 ± 4.9%RH). It was found that five hours of passive dehydration caused a loss in body weight (Δ = 0.76 ± 0.34 kg, p < 0.05) and a decrease in body fat estimation (Δ = 0.90 ± 0.87 kg, p < 0.001). Additionally, an increase in ECW (Δ = 0.12 ± 0.30 L, p < 0.021) and PhA (Δ = 0.10 ± 0.15°, p < 0.005) was observed. Body weight loss due to passive dehydration decreased BIA-derived fat mass, and increased extracellular water and PhA in physically active and apparently healthy men. Nonetheless, these changes had a negligible effect on the accuracy of the equipment, rendering them clinically insignificant.

Serum tumor marker and CT body composition scoring system predicts outcomes in colorectal cancer surgical patients.

To investigate the prognostic value of preoperative body composition and serum tumor markers (STM) in patients undergoing surgical treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to establish the prognostic score for patients with CRC. This study enrolled 365 patients (training set 245, validation set 120) with CRC who underwent surgical resection. The predictive value of various body composition features and STM for determining CRC prognosis were compared. A novel index score based on the independent risk factors from Cox regression for CRC patients was established and evaluated for its usefulness. Multivariate Cox regression showed that low skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) (p = 0.020), low subcutaneous fat area (SFA) (p = 0.029), high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (p = 0.008), and high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (p = 0.039) were all independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival (OS). The multifactorial analysis indicated that high intermuscular fat area (IMFA) (p = 0.033) and high CEA (p = 0.009) were independent prognostic factors for poor disease-free survival (DFS). Based on these findings, two scoring systems for OS and DFS were established in the training datasets. CRC patients who scored higher on the new scoring systems had lower OS and DFS (both p < 0.001) as shown in the Kaplan-Meier survival curves in the training and validation datasets. In predicting the prognosis of CRC patients, SFA and SMD are superior to other body composition measurements. A scoring system based on body composition and STM can have prognostic value and clinical applicability. This scoring system, combining body composition and serum tumor markers, may help predict postoperative survival of CRC patients and help clinicians make well-informed decisions regarding the treatment of patients. Colorectal cancer prognosis can be related to body composition. High intermuscular fat area and CEA were independent prognostic factors for poor disease-free survival. This scoring system, based on body composition and tumor markers, can prognosticate for colorectal cancer patients.

Finding Home: An Exploration of South African Art Music through the Classical Saxophone and Collaborative Practice

This research project explores South African Art Music through collaborative practice and the classical saxophone. It begins by investigating the discourse surrounding South African Art Music through testimony collected from various conversations with South African composers, musicians and academics such as Dr Kevin Volans, Dr Antoni Schonken, Professor Hendrik Hofmeyr, Dr Cara Stacey and Arthur Feder. I began collecting the scores of South African saxophone compositions which led to the development of an online catalogue system to document these works -The South African Saxophone Catalogue. This catalogue forms the base - as well as the network - for how this research was developed. To further investigate the South African repertoire, I embarked on creative journeys with four South African composers through performer-composer collaboration. I decided to use this means of investigation as the relationship formed between myself and these composers shows a different level of engagement with this music, first-hand experience in the creation of this music as well as creating an open space for discourse. These collaborations were documented through reflections, audio and video recordings and are investigated in the form of case studies. The final artistic product was a concert featuring these new compositions in Cape Town, South Africa. The data collected was organised through an amalgamation of critical reflection and thematic analysis. Through this collective music-making, I discovered the variety in thought surrounding South African Art Music and paradoxically those who vigorously deny this term. I discovered the complexity both politically and socially that the term South African Art Music implies. In conjunction with my personal reflections, this exposition explores the ideas, opinions and art of individuals in various fields in the South African classical music scene who represent a variety of South African cultural backgrounds and generations.

Low-temperature curable permalloy-based soft magnetic composites for megahertz applications

This paper proposed low-temperature curable soft magnetic composites (SMCs) cores that consisted of permalloy powders and acrylic polymer (Trimethylpropane triacrylate, or TMPTA) for high-frequency applications. The effect of TMPTA content, compaction pressure and curing temperature on the magnetic properties of synthesized cores were investigated. The coated TMPTA insulating layer can effectively increase the electrical resistivity of the core and thereby improve the frequency characteristics. The magnetic performance of cores depends on the distribution and actual content of the TMPTA after pressing although the polymer content in the mixture is increased from 2 wt% to 6 wt%. As the compaction pressure increases from 100 MPa to 400 MPa, the relative permeability of the core increases but its imaginary part of the permeability has almost no change until 10 MHz. The increased curing temperature can increase the initial permeability of the cores but deteriorates the frequency stability and greatly increase the imaginary part of the permeability. It was noted that the core with 5 % TMPTA content, compacted at 400 MPa and cured at 200 °C has the best frequency stability, the lowest imaginary part of the permeability and acceptable real permeability over 30. It is beneficial for high frequency operation of power electronics.

CT-based muscle and adipose measurements predict prognosis in patients with digestive system malignancy

The role of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in the progression of cancer has been gradually discussed, but it needs further exploration. The objective of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of skeletal muscle and fat in digestive malignancies and to construct novel predictors for clinical management. This is a retrospective study that includes data from Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University. Basic characteristic information was analyzed by T tests. Correlation matrices were drawn to explore the relationship between CT-related indicators and other indicators. Cox risk regression analyses were performed to analyze the association between the overall survivals (OS) and various types of indicators. A new indicator body composition score (BCS) was then created and a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to analyze the efficacy of the BCS. Finally, a nomogram was produced to develop a scored-CT system based on BCS and other indicators. C-index and calibration curve analyses were performed to validate the predictive accuracy of the scored-CT system. A total of 575 participants were enrolled in the study. Cox risk regression model revealed that VFD, L3 SMI and VFA/SFA were associated with prognosis of cancer patients. After adjustment, BCS index based on CT was significantly associated with prognosis, both in all study population and in subgroup analysis according to tumor types (all study population: HR 2.036, P < 0.001; colorectal cancer: HR 2.693, P < 0.001; hepatocellular carcinoma: HR 4.863, P < 0.001; esophageal cancer: HR 4.431, P = 0.008; pancreatic cancer: HR 1.905, P = 0.016; biliary system malignancies: HR 23.829, P = 0.035). The scored-CT system was constructed according to tumor type, stage, KPS, PG-SGA and BCS index, and it was of great predictive validity. This study identified VFD, L3 SMI and VFA/SFA associated with digestive malignancies outcomes. BCS was created and the scored-CT system was established to predict the OS of cancer patients.

Study on Intelligent Scoring of English Composition Based on Machine Learning from the Perspective of Natural Language Processing

Knowledge management is crucial to the teaching and learning process in the current era of digitalization. The idea of "learning via working together" is making Natural Language Processing a popular tool to improve the learning process based on the intelligent system for evaluating the composition. English language learning is highly dependent on the composition written by the students under various topics. Teachers are facing huge difficulties in the evaluation of the composition as the level of writing by the students will vary for individual. In this research, Natural Language Processing concept is utilized for getting trained with the student's writing skills and Multiprocessor Learning Algorithm (MLA) combined with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) (MLA-CNN) for evaluating the composition and declaring the scores for the students. The model's composition scoring rate is validated using a range of learning rate settings. Some theoretical notions for smart teaching are proposed, and it is hoped that this automatic composition scoring model would be used to grade student writing in English classes. When applied to the automatic scoring of students' English composition in schools, the suggested composition scoring system trained by the MLP-CNN has great performance and lays the groundwork for the educational applications of ML inside AI. The study results proved that the proposed model has provided an accuracy of 98%.

PSII-8 Analysis of maternal influence on phenotypic ultrasound measurements of weaned Angus calves

Abstract Ultrasound carcass data can be used to accurately estimate the body composition of beef cattle in comparison with a body composition score. Literature regarding the analysis of phenotypic carcass data has focused predominately on yearling or mature cattle with limited measurements on weaned calves. Therefore, the influence of the milking ability of the dam on body composition traits measured via carcass ultrasound is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate correlations between the maternal influence of the dam on the phenotypic ultrasound measurements of the calf. To quantify maternal influence, the expected progeny difference (EPD) for milk (MILK) of the dam was correlated to three ultrasound measurements of the calf: backfat thickness (BFAT), ribeye area (REA), and intramuscular fat (IMF). Ultrasound measurements were collected 1 wk after weaning on 104 purebred Angus heifer calves from the Iowa State University McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm located outside Chariton, Iowa. The average age and body weight for heifers were 187 d and 195 kg, respectively. The milk EPD of the dam was correlated to the ultrasound measurements taken on the calves. For each trait, Pearson’s correlations were calculated between the ultrasound traits of the calf to the dam’s milk EPD using R Statistical Software version 4.3.1. A small positive correlation was identified between MILK and REA (r = 0.28, P = 0.004). This suggests a weak phenotypic relationship between MILK and REA for weaned heifers. The correlation between MILK to BFAT and IMF was 0.10 (P = 0.318) and -0.05 (P = 0.619), respectively. These correlations were not significantly different from zero. This suggests the potential for milk production of the dam has little association with BFAT and IMF for weaned heifers. Although further research is needed, the results from this study indicate little to no relationship between milk EPD of the dam on ultrasound measures of the calf for BFAT, REA, and IMF.