Heart Girth Circumference Research Articles

PSIII-5 Confirmation of Passive Transfer of Anti-Endotoxin Igy in Neonatal Foals

Abstract Passive immune transfer in a newborn foal is highly dependent upon the quality and concentration of immunoglobulins (Ig) in maternal colostrum, primarily IgG. Anti-endotoxin IgY derived from chicken egg yolks has been used in calves to reduce morbidity and mortality. Its use may provide additional pathogen-specific immune protection to neonatal foals, but passive transfer has not been confirmed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify passive IgY transfer in neonatal foals given an egg-derived anti-endotoxin IgY supplement (Camas, Inc.) and identify effects on passive immunity. To test this, 5 neonatal foals were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Within 20 minutes after first nursing, the treated group (TRT; n = 3) was administered 40 g of the egg yolk supplement diluted in 50 mL water orally via syringe and the control group (CON; n = 2) was given isovolumetric water. At birth, physical measurements including BW, wither height (WH), hip height (HH), body length (BL), and heart girth (HG) circumference were recorded. Serum samples were collected prior to first nursing (h 0) and h 2, 6, 12, 24, 72, 168, 336 post treatment administration. Rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate were recorded at all blood collection timepoints. Serum samples were analyzed for IgG, IgA, and IgY by commercial ELISA. Custom ELISA was used to identify endotoxin-specific IgY for Salmonella and E. coli at h 6. Western immunoblotting was used to confirm that passively transferred IgY was intact. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS. Vital signs remained within normal, healthy ranges and physical measurements at birth were similar for all foals (P > 0.26). There was an effect of treatment (P = 0.05), time (P < 0.01), and treatment × time interaction (P < 0.01) for serum IgY concentrations where IgY was only detectable in TRT foals and peaked at h 6 and 12, decreasing thereafter to h 336. Concentrations of IgG and IgA increased from h 0 to 12 (P < 0.01); however, there were no effects of treatment nor treatment × time interactions (P > 0.24) for either Ig. Western immunoblotting confirmed that IgY was transferred intact and custom ELISA identified IgY specific against Salmonella and Escherichia coli. These results confirm the intact passive transfer of IgY in neonatal foals when given an IgY-infused egg yolk supplement with no negative impact on passive transfer of IgG and IgA from maternal colostrum.

Phenotypic characterization of donkey population in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The study conducted in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia with the aim of investigation within population diversification and characterization morphologically that helps to fill the gap of molecular characterization on this population. The data was collected from 500 adult donkeys from both sexes. Quantitative data was subjected to SAS GLM procedures by fitting districts and sex as the main effects. Qualitative data was subjected to a chi-square test with the district as the main effect. Color graph of donkey was done using Microsoft Excel, 2010. For both qualitative and quantitative data, the significance test was conducted at 5% of the level of error, and Tukey multiple range tests were used to separate the significance levels for the two types of data. CANDISC was used to calculate Mahalanobis distances, DISCRIM was used to cluster observations into predetermined groups, and STEPDISC was used to determine the quantitative characteristics that better differentiate populations. Roan coat color cover highest number compare with other coat color of donkey population. Quantitative traits of donkey has variation (P < 0.05) both in study areas and sex of donkeys. Overtly, except height at wither and height at the back Hammer donkey has mostly better metric value than the rest districts of the study areas. Moreover, CANDISC show variation on Hammer and Dasenech districts of donkey population. Furthermore, the longest (6.32) Mahalanobis distance observed in between Hammer and Dasenech donkey population. The Hammer and Dasenech donkey population is where the study fills in population variation the most. This can be because to management or genetics. Therefore, additional research might be required. Furthermore, morphometric measures show that donkey sex is similar, with the exception of heart girth circumference. This can be the result of poor selection, where superior male donkeys are sold for a higher price. Therefore, sound breeding programs should be used to reverse it.

Colour Doppler study of blood flow in the portal vein in relation to blood flow in the milk vein, milk yield and body condition of dairy cows during dry period and lactation

In dairy cows, the liver supports the increased nutrient demands of the udder for milk production. Blood flow is key for the transport of these nutrients. This study investigated portal vein blood flow volume (PVBFVol) in relation to daily milk yield (DMY), milk vein blood flow volume (MVBFVol) and body condition parameters of high-producing dairy cows, starting from late lactation, throughout dry period, and consecutive early lactation. Seventeen repeated examinations were performed on 19 Holstein cows and 313 measurement days were finally included. Vein morphology and blood flow were examined via B-mode and spectral Doppler (triplex) ultrasonography, respectively. Body condition parameters recorded were body condition score (BCS), backfat thickness (BFT) measurement with ultrasonography, heart girth circumference (HG) and withers height (WH). Longitudinal relationship of PVBFVol with MVBFVol, DMY, BCS, BFT, HG and WH was analyzed with linear mixed models, with random intercept effects, using restricted cubic splines. A significant increase of 8.28% (p < 0.01) in PVBFVol appeared for every 1 L/min increase in MVBFVol in the univariable model. PVBFVol presented a significant negative association with BCS (p < 0.01) and BFT (p = 0.02), while interaction with production stage was significant, too. PVBFVol significantly increased by 0.38% (p = 0.04) for every 1 kg increase in DMY in the multivariable model. In conclusion, the increased PVBFVol during lactation accompanies the escalation in metabolic activity of the liver and the increased blood circulation through the udder, coping with the udder's escalating nutrient demands for milk synthesis.

Morphometric and physical characteristics of Indonesian beef cattle.

To assess their potential for beef production, this study describes the morphometrics, physical traits, and body weight of 1034 Indonesian beef cattle from eight breeds, namely Bali, Rambon, Madura, Ongole Grade, Kebumen Ongole Grade, Sasra, Jabres, and Pasundan. An analysis of variance in addition to cluster, Euclidean distance, dendrogram, discriminant function, stepwise linear regression, and morphological index analyses were performed to describe the differences in traits among breeds. The morphometric proximity analysis revealed two distinct clusters with a common ancestor, where the first cluster included Jabres, Pasundan, Rambon, Bali, and Madura cattle and the second included Ongole Grade, Kebumen Ongole Grade, and Sasra cattle, with an average suitability value of 93.20 %. This showed that the classification and validation methods can be used to distinguish breeds. The most important factor in estimating body weight was the heart girth circumference. Ongole Grade cattle had the highest cumulative index, followed by Sasra, Kebumen Ongole Grade, Rambon, and Bali cattle. A cumulative index value can be used as a threshold for determining the type and function of beef cattle.

2 Effects of extra-label bisphosphonate use on growth parameters and endocrine biomarkers of bone health in juvenile horses

Extra-label bisphosphonate use in juvenile horses is widespread despite limited scientific understanding of biological and welfare impacts on skeletally immature, exercising horses. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of bisphosphonate (clodronate disodium; CD) on endocrine regulation of bone growth, hypothesizing there would be no effect. To test this, 32 Quarter Horses were stratified by age (500 ± 13 d of age), BW (336 ± 26 kg), sex (n = 16 males, n = 16 females), and initial bone optical density by aluminum equivalence into 4 treatment groups for a 168-d trial. The experimental period was divided into 2 phases mimicking sales preparation (Phase I: d 0–83) and early performance training (Phase II: d 84–168). Horses were housed in individual stalls (3.6 m × 7.3 m) and fed diets formulated to meet nutrient requirements. Investigators were blinded, and all horses received iso-volumetric intramuscular injections of either 1.8 mg/kg BW CD (OSPHOS®) or saline (placebo) on d 0, 42, 84, and 126. Treatments consisted of control (CON; n = 8), single-dose CD (1X; n = 8; d 84), 2-dose CD (2X; n = 8; d 0, 84), and 4-dose CD groups (4X;n = 8; d 0, 42, 84, 126). Physical measurements including BW, wither height (WH), hip height (HH), body length (BL), and heart girth (HG) circumference were recorded every 42 d from d 0. Likewise, serum samples were collected every 42 d before treatment administration to quantify growth hormone (GH), calcitonin (CT), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and ionized calcium. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. All physical growth measurements increased over time (P ≤ 0.01) but were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.62). Similarly, there was no effect of treatment (P = 0.44) for GH, but concentrations tended to decrease over time as growth rate slowed (P = 0.09). A treatment ´ time interaction was observed for PTH (P = 0.05) where concentrations increased following 2 clodronate doses. Specifically, concentrations increased on d 84 in 4X and on d 126 in 2X following the second administration of clodronate while 1X and CON remained unchanged. There was no effect of treatment (P = 0.98), time (P = 0.33), nor treatment × time interaction (P = 0.61) for CT despite the increase in PTH. Ionized calcium concentrations decreased over time (P < 0.01) with no effect of treatment (P = 0.26) or treatment × time interaction (P = 0.32). These results suggest that while administration of bisphosphonate has no effect on growth morphometrics, its repetitive use alters PTH concentrations after 2 doses.

PSXV-14 Clodronate Use Does not Influence Physical Growth Parameters in Yearling Horses Undergoing Forced Exercise

Abstract Off-label bisphosphonate use in juvenile horses is widespread despite little scientific understanding of biological and welfare impacts on skeletally immature, exercising horses. Therefore, the objective was to determine the effects of clodronate disodium on growth parameters of young horses. Thirty-two yearling Quarter horses (335 ± 4 kg, 500 ± 13 d of age) were stratified by age, BW, sex, and initial bone density by aluminum equivalence into four treatment groups for a 168-d trial. The experimental period was divided into two phases mimicking common management practices in horses undergoing sales preparation (Phase I: d 0 to 83) and early performance training (Phase II: d 84 to 168). Horses were housed in individual stalls (3.6 m × 7.2 m). Diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements including concentrate offered every 12 h and ad libitum access to coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay and water. Treatments consisted of control (CON; n = 8), single-dose (1X; n = 8), two-dose (2X; n = 8), and four-dose groups (4X; n = 8). All horses received iso-volumetric intramuscular injections of either 1.8 mg/kg BW clodronate disodium (OSPHOSÒ) or saline (placebo) on d 0, 42, 84, and 126. Physical measurements including BW, wither height (WH), hip height (HH), body length (BL), and heart girth (HG) circumference were recorded every 42 d, beginning on d 0. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. There were no treatment differences (P ≥ 0.62) or treatment ′ time interactions (P ≥ 0.25) for BW, WH, HH, BL, and HG, but all measurements increased over time (P ≤ 0.01). These results indicate that clodronate does not impact physical growth parameters in juvenile horses undergoing forced exercise. Further work is ongoing to determine tissue-specific effects of clodronate on bone growth and development in yearling Quarter horses.

Designing Statistical Models for Holstein Rearing Heifers' Weight Estimation from Birth to 15 Months Old Using Body Measurements.

Simple SummaryThe growth monitoring process represents an important part of rearing heifers. The use of a scale is not feasible in some breeding conditions; it may be interesting to investigate the possibility of evaluating body weight (BW) with body measurements. The aim of this study was to estimate heifers’ weight based on their body dimension characteristics. A total of 25 Holstein rearing heifers were monitored after birth, weekly until 2 months of life and monthly until 15 months of age. Animals were weighed, and their wither height (WH), shin circumference (SC), heart girth circumference (HG), body length (BL), hip width (HW) and body condition score (BCS) were measured using tape measure. Equations were built with a stepwise regression to estimate the BW at each time using body measures for the study group. Equations were able to estimate the BW of heifers under a 0.800 kg as an average weight gain target using different variables, representing an alternative method of BW evaluation without a scale. Three variables or fewer were needed for BW estimation at crucial growing times, making these models feasible for use in the field. Different growing rate target may be studied in order to evaluate possible modifications to our equations.Body measurements could be used to estimate body weight (BW) with no need for a scale. The aim was to estimate heifers weight based on their body dimension characteristics. Twenty-five Holstein heifers represent the study group (SG); another 13 animals were evaluated as a validation group (VG). All the heifers were weighed (BW) and their wither height (WH), shin circumference (SC), heart girth circumference (HG), body length (BL), hip width (HW) and body condition score (BCS) were measured immediately after birth, and then weekly until 2 months and monthly until 15 months old. Equations were built with a stepwise regression in order to estimate the BW at each time using body measures for the SG. A linear regression was applied to evaluate the relationship between the estimated BW and the real BW. Equations found were to be statistically significant (r2 = 0.688 to 0.894; p < 0.0001). Three variables or fewer were needed for BW estimation a total of 11/23 times. Regression analysis indicated that the use of HG was promising in all the equations built for BW estimation. These models were feasible in the field; further studies will evaluate possible modifications to our equations based on different growing rate targets.

129 Product testing as a learning activity within an equine nutrition course

The objective of this project was to evaluate product testing as a high-impact learning activity. Sophomore level ANMLTEC 3131T Equine Feeding and Nutrition students monitored assigned horses every 2 wk 4 times during the 2019 and 2020 fall semesters. Students collected data including: current diet, workload, BCS, heart girth circumference, body length, body weight, and general health observations. Students formulated a report and produced recommendations for their assigned horse's future nutritional management (13% in 2019 and 20% in 2020 of their total course grade). In 2019, 5 of the monitored horses were switched to a new feed (SAFE ‘N EASY Senior, BUCKEYE Nutrition, Dalton, OH) at the beginning of the semester. Venipuncture samples pre- and post-feeding and rump fat ultrasounds were conducted before the semester and then again as a lab activity. Plasma glucose and insulin data were discussed with the class. Another lab session was devoted to touring the feed mill manufacturing this feed. In 2020, all 12 of the monitored horses completed a crossover design study comparing 2 feed formulations. Fecal pH of freshly passed manure was measured as part of lab activities on 5 occasions. Another lab session was devoted to a virtual guest lecture and Q&A period with the industry nutritionist involved in designing the study. After turning in their projects, students took a post-pre survey (IRB 2019E0732 and 2020E1185). A post-pre survey required respondents to think back before an experience and rate themselves before and then also after the experience. Students (n = 18) rated their understanding/knowledge/ability for 7 statements before and after their project horse monitoring assignment using a Likert scale (1 = Very low to 5 = Very high). The 7 statements were:1) Apply best management practices for feeding equids;2) Monitor equine body condition;3) Monitor equine body weight;4) Find and use information, including label and lab analyses, to make equine feeding decisions;5) Evaluate, formulate, and balance rations;6) Evaluate the effect of diet on equine well-being/health; and7) Evaluate feed products for use in equine diets. Data from 2019 and 2020 were combined. Chi-squared tests for independence were conducted to determine if the students perceived a change in their abilities. The average Likert rating for every statement was greater after (overall average ± SD; 4.2 ± 0.7) the project compared with before (2.3 ± 1.2) for each statement ( P < 0.001). This activity is an example of a productive collaboration with an industry stakeholder to promote student learning.

SELECTION IN HEREFORD CATTLE II EXPECTED AND REALIZED RESPONSE

Data from 14 inbred lines and 14 linecross groups of Hereford cattled at the San Juan Basin Research Centre, Hesperus, were used to evaluate expected and realized response in birth and weapling fraits and post weaning traits in males and females over a 28-year period. There were large differences in the means and variations of the performance traits among the inbreds and lineerosses, the inbreds showing in breeding depression and greater variability while the linecrosses manifested within-breed heterosis. Except for gain from weaning to 12 months, genetic progress was expected in all traits studied, mainly due to sire selection. Regressions of annual trait means on years indicated positive phenotypic trends in the inbreds for heart girth circumference, adjusted weaning weight (adjusted for inbreeding), weaning score, final weight and feed consumption of males and the yearling weights and gains of females. Changes were negative for other traits. In the linecross group phenotypic trends were positive in all traits except heart girth circumference, weaning age, initial test weight and feed efficiency. Estimated genetic progress per generation due to within line selection was negative in the inbreds but was considerably positive for the linecrosses in most of the traits. As expected, between line selection yielded greater genetic improvement in the inbred than in the linecross population. The dissimilar patterns of response in the two populations are attributed to high rates and levels of inbreeding. Although variable, the actual progress was below prediction in most of the traits studied.

Lineal Discrimination of Horses and Mules. A Sympatric Case from Arauca, Colombia.

Simple SummaryThe recognition of morphological differences between horses and mules has received not much attention, although this topic has a great interest, between others, in zooarchaeological research. Moreover, from an ethnological point of view, local type mules have been rarely described. This investigation aimed to compare morphologically mules and horses and also to describe mule from Arauca region, in Colombia. Morphological quantitative traits for Araucan mules are presented here for first time, and moreover it is demonstrated that some postcranial anatomical elements can give enough information for a bone differentiation between horses and mules from this region. Proposed discrimant formula possibly must be changed in other areas where both species were sympatric.This is the first morphological comparative study between local horses and mules from Arauca, Colombia. It was realized to compare morphological traits between both species by analysing 15 adult mules (7 males and 8 females) and 150 adult horses (137 males and 13 females), with an age interval from 2 to 22 years. Data consisted of 24 different body quantitative traits which can explain the body conformation: thoracic circumference, body length (BL), thoracic depth and width, withers height (WH), sternum height, shoulders width, chest width, forelimb cannon perimeter and length, head length and width, skull length and width, face length and width, ear length and width, loin height, croup height (CrH), width and length, dock height (DoH), and hock height. Heart girth circumference, body length, withers height, croup height, and dock height were the most discriminative traits, showing statistical differences between species. The formula is X = (BL × 0.402) + (WH × 0.323) + (CrH × 0.352) + (DoH × 0.384). A value of X > 184.5 assigns with total certainty that a skeleton belongs to a horse, and if X < 174.0, it is a mule. The proposed formula has a 100% specificity but a 71.4% sensibility for mules and an 84.4% for horses into the rank of 174.0–184.5. Therefore, results demonstrate that some postcranial anatomical elements of Equus could give enough information for a bone differentiation between horses and mules, at least in animals from the Araucan region, but the main interest is that it reflects the possibility to differentiate morphometrically both species from bone remains when horses and mules were sympatric.

Variation of morphological features and growth traits in half sib baby calves of Pabna cattle in Bangladesh

This study was aimed to identify the phenotypic features of local Pabna calves including their growth trait attributes at BLRI Regional Station, Baghabari. Data on different phenotypic measurements and growth traits were collected from 12 half sib Pabna baby calves. Each calf was allowed to drink 10% of milk for individual’s body weight from respective dam. Data analyses were conducted following independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA using SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Although significant differences observed in body weight (p&lt;0.001), body length (p&lt;0.05), heart girth (p&lt;0.05) and mouth circumference (p&lt;0.05) based on two types of birth weight groups in calves (&lt;20 kg and ≥20 kg) but there were limited effects observed in the baby calves at three months except head length (p&lt;0.05) considering dam’s body weights. Observed growth rate has no variations (p&gt;0.05) in baby calves. This study revealed that half sib calves originated from the same sire had similar morphological features and growth in the early stage while dams’ body weight had limited effects on those aspects.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2019, 5(1): 52-55

English

This study was designed to monitor the morphological development of the reproductive tract of the Nubian bucks in relation to puberty. Thirty-two Nubian male kids were used in this study. Their ages ranged between 1 day and 24 weeks. The study was undertaken to correlate the body weight (BW), heart girth circumference (HG), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular descent into the scrotum and penile separation from prepuce (PS) with age at puberty. Penile separation started slightly at 12 weeks of age and continued with advancing age till it was completely achieved between 22 and 24 weeks of age. Strong correlation has been established between the levels of the reproductive hormones and the morphological maturation of the reproductive tract. The first surge in the levels of these hormones (occurred between weeks 10 and 12) coincided with the increase in the diameters of the seminiferous tubules, the epididymis, ductus deferens and the penis. The first appearance of secondary spermatocytes and initiation of penile separation occurred during this period. The second surge was associated with the first appearance of spermatids, spermatozoa and completion of penile separation, which occurred between 20 and 24 weeks. Key words: Nubian bucks, spermatogenesis, body measurements.

Development of a weight-estimation model to use in pregnant criollo-type mares

ABSTRACT: The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the tape weight and associated weight-estimation formula to evaluate weight gain in pregnant mares, and 2) to develop a mathematical model to estimate the weight of pregnant mares using body measurements. Thirty-four criollo-type mares were evaluated every two weeks during the middle and late pregnancy. The mares were weighed on a livestock scale, and we estimated body weight using tape weights and an associated body-weight estimation formula. Also, heart-girth circumference (heartgirth) and abdominal circumference were measured; the latter at the 12th intercostal space (12th ICS) and 18th rib (18th Rib), to use in a mathematical model to estimate the weight of pregnant mares. Observations were divided into three periods of pregnancy: 5th to 7 h month, 7th to 9 h month, and 9th to 11th month. Mares in late pregnancy showed an increase in actual weight and an increase in 12th ICS and 18th Rib measurements. Tape weight and body-weight estimation formula underestimated the weight of pregnant mares. However, the regression model using heart-girth circumference, 12th ICS, and 18th Rib measurements showed high correlation (r2 = 0.87, P&lt;0.001) with actual weight. Finally, the alternative methods usually used in horses are not accurate to estimate body weight in pregnant mares. In conclusion, the regression model Y=-540.143 + (heartgirth x 3.068) + (12th ICS x 1.278) + (18th Rib x 0.944) can be used to estimate body weight in pregnant mares from the 5th to 11th months of pregnancy.

The relationship between Norwegian Red heifer growth and their first-lactation test-day milk yield: A field study

Today's Norwegian Red (NR) is markedly different from the one that existed 25 yr ago due to the continuous genetic improvement of economically important traits. Still, current national recommendations on replacement heifer rearing largely are based on results from Danish studies from the late 1980s to the mid 1990s. The objectives of the present study were to gain information on (1) growth and growth profiles of modern NR replacement heifers in commercial dairy herds and (2) how growth during the rearing period affects the heifers' milk yield during their first lactation. To this end, we conducted a field study on 5 high-producing and 5 low-producing commercial dairy farms from each of 3 geographical regions in Norway. On these 30 farms, we combined repeated onsite registrations of growth on all available females from newborn to calving with registrations deriving from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System. Each herd was visited 6 to 8 times over a period of 2 yr. At each visit, heart girth circumference on all available young females was measured. Registrations were made on a total of 3,110 heifers. After imposing restrictions on the data, growth parameters were estimated based on information from 536 animals, whereas 350 of these animals had the required information needed to estimate the relationship between growth and test-day milk yield. Our findings pointed toward an optimal ADG of 830 g/d from 10 to 15 mo of age that would optimize first-lactation yield of heifers in an average Norwegian dairy herd. The optimum will likely increase from selection over time. Utilizing simple proportionality, the ADG between 5 and 10 mo of age ideally should be 879 g/d, taking into account the fact that animal growth rate is higher at low ages and that a high prepubertal growth rate had no negative effect on first-lactation yield. When such a rearing practice is used to meet the requirements of today's genetically improved NR heifer, heifers can both optimize production in their first lactation and enter the milking herd earlier than the current average age of 24.8 mo.

Effects of anthelmintic treatment and feed supplementation on parasite infections and morbidity parameters in Cambodian cattle

Helminth infections are the cause of morbidity in Cambodian cattle but other factors such as nutritional deficiencies and concurrent diseases may enhance the effects of parasites. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of anthelmintic treatment, feed supplementation, or both on gastrointestinal strongyle (GIS) and trematode infections as well as on morbidity parameters in Cambodian village cattle. At the beginning of the dry season, cattle populations in six villages were randomly assigned to a group: (A) receiving anthelmintic treatment (ivermectin+clorsulon) at week 0; (P) feed pellet supplementation during week 0–13 or both (AP). On five visits (week 0–29), faecal and blood samples were obtained for parasitological examination and haematocrit determination, respectively. Body condition (BCS), hind quarter fouling (HQFS), diarrhoea (DS), and conjunctiva colour (FAMACHA©) were scored and heart girth circumference was determined. To investigate the impact of treatment over time (week 0–29), a mixed model was used with treatment, time, and their interaction as fixed effects, and animal and village as random factors. At baseline, the proportion of GIS positive animals was high (67.9%), whereas trematode infections were low (Paramphistomum: 8.8%; Fasciola: 2.6%). Very thin to emaciated cattle (BCS 1–2) were more prevalent (11.4%) and FAMACHA© scores of ≤3 or below (65.8%) less prevalent than in an earlier study in the region. A Time ⨯ Treatment interaction was present for faecal egg counts (FEC) of GIS, GIS prevalence (both p<0.0001), PCV (p=0.0034), DS (p=0.0086) and HQFS (p=0.0241). For GIS FEC, treatment groups differed at a specific time point, with levels of treatment group P being higher than in A at week 6 (p=0.0054). For Paramphistomum prevalence as well as FAMACHA© scoring, heart girth and BCS, the interaction between treatment and time was not significant, yet, time in itself had a significant impact on all (p<0.0001). The beneficial effects of protein supplementation were unclear from the current study.

Weight, height, and relative-reliability indicators as a management tool for reducing age at first breeding and calving of dairy heifers

In Québec first calving occurs on average at 27mo, whereas the target is 23 to 24.5mo to maximize herd profitability. The aim of this study was to quantify current and future heifer growth using individual heifer random regressions and to generate indicators (such as heifer weight and height at 15 and 24mo, average daily gain before and after 15mo, age at which optimal weight for breeding is attained, i.e., 55% of mature weight, and reliability of the 15- and 24-mo weight predictions) that could be used as a practical on-farm tool. Dairy heifer weight estimated by heart girth circumference and height measured at the withers (from 0 to 27mo) were obtained from the Valacta database (DHI agency, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada) from 1995 to 2012. Indicators were calculated based on the current situation of Holstein (HO), Ayrshire (AY), Jersey (JE), and Brown Swiss (BS) heifer growth in Québec. Heifers with less than 2 records were excluded from the analysis. Mature weights were determined by weight at calving of cows from third or greater lactation for a given breed and were 710kg for HO, 625kg for AY, 470kg for JE, and 670kg for BS. Estimated weights at 15 and 24mo were 425 and 627, 334 and 482, 297 and 429, and 379 and 560kg for HO, AY, JE, and BS, respectively, which are heavy enough for breeding and calving, except for AY. Relative reliabilities of the 15- and 24-mo weight predictions were on average 89 and 60%, respectively, based on measurements up to 15mo. For HO, AY, JE, and BS, wither heights at 15 and 24mo were 134 and 143, 125 and 134, 122 and 131, and 130 and 140cm, respectively. Age at optimal breeding weight was 13.6, 15.5, 12.6, and 14.5mo for HO, AY, JE, and BS, respectively. These data suggest that it is realistic to expect a first calving at 24mo for HO, JE, and BS. A growth delay was observed for AY; average daily gain was 655 and 538 g/d before and after 15mo, respectively. The average daily gain before and after 15mo was 848 and 747 g/d for HO, 603 and 486 g/d for JE, and 775 and 662 g/d for BS, respectively. These indicators could be calculated for an individual heifer and on a herd-level basis and used on farm as a management tool for reducing age at first breeding and at first calving.

Determination of Akbash Shepherd Dog raised in Turkey

This study was carried out to determine the body measurements of the Turkish Akbash Shepherd Dogs raised in provinces of Afyon, Ankara, Eskisehir and Manisa by comparing with some other dog breeds of Turkey by minding factors of sex, region and age. For this purpose, a total of 59 (34 male and 25 female) dogs was included in the study and the data were statistically analysed. Descriptive statistics and comparison results for live weight 44.9±0.80 kg, and height at shoulders 75.3±0.59, height at rump 74.2±0.64, body length 81.8±1.00, heart girth circumference 86.5±0.81, chest width 32.6±0.33, and cannon circumference 13.3±0.13 cm respectively. The overall results of the study showed that Turkish Akbash Shepherd dogs had a very close resemblance to the Turkish Kangal (Karabash) and Kars (Caucasian) Shepherd dogs related with body measurements. The Akbash Shepherd dogs reach mature body weight and size at around 2 years of age. The current study also demonstrated that the Turkish Akbash Shepherd dogs raised in provinces of Afyon and Manisa are smaller than dogs raised in Ankara and Eskisehir.

Among farm variation in heifer BW gains

BW of replacement heifers is rarely measured on commercial farms, making it difficult to evaluate the success of management practices related to calf growth. Our aims were to describe variability among commercial farms in Holstein heifer BW, determine how BW differences varied with management and propose a method of estimating calf growth based upon single measurement. Heart girth circumference was used to estimate BW of 576 heifers 48 to 70 weeks of age on 33 different farms (on average 11±6 heifers/farm) in British Columbia, Canada. Regression analysis showed a linear relationship of BW with age (BW (kg)=116+5×age (weeks)). Residuals from this regression were averaged across heifers within each farm to identify farms where heifers were heavier or lighter than would be predicted on the basis of their age; farm average residuals ranged from −54 to 72 kg. Farms with heifers showing the highest residual BW also had the highest rates of gain for pre-weaned calves. These results indicate that farms able to rear faster growing calves before weaning were also rearing faster growing heifers at breeding, and suggest that management of milk-fed calves is a particularly important component of replacement heifer management.

Live weight estimation in the indigenous matebele goats using the heart girth circumference

This study was carried out to determine if the heart girth can be used effectively to estimate live body weights of the indigenous Matebele goats and help in the development of a heart girth measuring weigh belt. This is aimed at addressing the challenges that farmers face in determining the weight of their goats since they are not able to purchase their own scales. Data was collected using a weighing scale and an ordinary measuring tape from 625 Matebele goats from Matopos Research Institute. The average weight of live animals was 28.8kg. The regression coefficient of the heart girth measured against the body weight was found to be 0.77 and a coefficient of determination of 0.99 indicating a good model and strong relationship between the two variables. This shows that the heart girth can be used in predicting body weight in goats and this is a cost effective, quick and practical way of weight estimation. The live body weight can be estimated using the model: Live weight (LW) = Heart girth circumference (H) 0.77 .

Application of Morphometric Traits for Live Body Weight Estimation in Dhofari Calves

Morphometric traits measurements can be a vital tool for local farmers to make decisions of selection and breed improvement. Data of 108 records from 36 Dhofari calves aging from one month to 12 months old were used in this study. Morphometric traits of wither height (WH), body length (BL), heart girth circumference (HGC) and abdomen girth circumference (AGC) for the calves, males and females were determined to be significant (P 0.05) between the actual and predicted weights but significant (P 0.05) difference between their coefficient of determination R² which suggested the use of the proposed linear regression derived equation to be the best fit for that objective.