Pelvic Width Research Articles

Bodyweight Estimation From Linear Measures of Growing Warmblood Horses by a Formula

Formulas for the estimation of bodyweight (BW) are generally used when no scale is available. The objective of this study was to develop a suitable formula for the BW estimation of warmblood horses of different age that were based on linear relations. Five hundred twenty-four warmblood horses from 97 to 1,290 days were weighed, and 13 body measurements, BW, and body mass index were taken. Because of the closest linear correlation with weight, four measurements were selected for weight estimation: body length (BL), heart girth (HG), sternum height (SH), and front pelvis width (FPW). The formula value = [(2 × SH + HG) × 2 × BL × BL × FPW]/10,000,000 was developed from the four selected parameters. Taking into account the variable growth intensity during horse maturation, four age groups with boundary values of 365, 650, and 950 days were created. Using the coefficients of linear correlation between the value and actual weight, the formula for BW estimation was adjusted for each age group: mass = coefficient_1 × value + coefficient_2 (horse age < 365 days: coefficient_1 = 4.46, coefficient_2 = 91.12; 365 days < horse age < 650 days: coefficient_1 = 3.83, coefficient_2 = 135.87; 651 days < horse age < 950 days: coefficient_1 = 3.60, coefficient_2 = 168.09; horse age > 950 days: coefficient_1 = 3.23, coefficient_2 = 221.55). In comparison with past BW estimation formulas, the new equation is the most suitable for BW estimation in warmblood horses of different age (P value < .001).

Relationships of maternal body size and morphology with egg and clutch size in the diamondback terrapin,Malaclemys terrapin(Testudines: Emydidae)

Because resources are finite, female animals face trade-offs between the size and number of offspring they are able to produce during a single reproductive event. Optimal egg size (OES) theory predicts that any increase in resources allocated to reproduction should increase clutch size with minimal effects on egg size. Variations of OES predict that egg size should be optimized, although not necessarily constant across a population, because optimality is contingent on maternal phenotypes, such as body size and morphology, and recent environmental conditions. We examined the relationships among body size variables (pelvic aperture width, caudal gap height, and plastron length), clutch size, and egg width of diamondback terrapins from separate but proximate populations at Kiawah Island and Edisto Island, South Carolina. We found that terrapins do not meet some of the predictions of OES theory. Both populations exhibited greater variation in egg size among clutches than within, suggesting an absence of optimization except as it may relate to phenotype/habitat matching. We found that egg size appeared to be constrained by more than just pelvic aperture width in Kiawah terrapins but not in the Edisto population. Terrapins at Edisto appeared to exhibit osteokinesis in the caudal region of their shells, which may aid in the oviposition of large eggs.

Frontal plane kinematics of the hip during running: Are they related to hip anatomy and strength?

Excessive hip adduction has been associated with a number of lower extremity overuse running injuries. The excessive motion has been suggested to be the result of reduced strength of the hip abductor musculature. Hip anatomical alignment has been postulated to influence hip abduction (HABD) strength and thus may impact hip adduction during running. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hip anatomy, HABD strength, and frontal plane kinematics during running. Peak isometric HABD strength, 3D lower extremity kinematics during running, femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA), and pelvis width–femur length (PW–FL) ratio were recorded for 25 female subjects. Pearson correlations (p<0.05) were performed between variables. A fair relationship was observed between femoral NSA and HABD strength (r=−0.47, p=0.02) where an increased NSA was associated with reduced HABD strength. No relationship was observed between HABD strength and hip adduction during running. None of the anatomical measurements, NSA or PW–FL, were associated with hip adduction during running. Deviations in the femoral NSA have a limited ability to influence peak isometric hip abduction strength or frontal plane hip kinematics during running. Hip abduction strength does also not appear to be linked with changes in hip kinematics. These findings in healthy individuals question whether excessive hip adduction typically seen in female runners with overuse injuries is caused by deviations in hip abduction strength or anatomical structure.

On the implementation of predictive methods to locate the hip joint centres

The purpose of this short communication is to discuss the relative benefits of various anthropometric parameters to drive predictive equations to locate the hip joint centres. The effect of soft tissue thickness over the anterior and posterior superior iliac spines on pelvic depth, pelvic width and leg length and position of the hip joint centres was discussed theoretically and experimentally, from a secondary analysis of previously published data.Results highlighted that anthropometric measurements of pelvic width and leg length were similar when obtained from MRI images or during gait analysis whereas pelvic depth was different. The secondary analysis showed that Harrington et al. [5] equations using either only pelvic width or only leg length would lead to 3mm improvement, in average over 164 limbs, over the equations using the best anthropometric predictors from MRI data.

Comparison of Selected Herds of Hutzul Horses Bred in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

The objective of the present study was to compare the individual breeds of Hutzul horses in Slovakia and in the Czech Republic in terms of their age, gender, line and conditions of breeding in which the horses live. First of all in each herd we analysed 14 body dimensions, from these data the hippo-metric indices were calculated and processed statistically using the statistical programme Unistat version 5.1. Then they were compared mutually. Most of the statistically significant differences were related to the effect of the place of measurements. According to the place of measurement only the tape measure and height in saddle were statistically insignificant. On average the largest horses come from the ranch in Janova Hora and the smallest from the Slovakian Hutzul Club and Zmrzlík. In the effect of a gender the geldings exhibited the highest average values of all the dimensions, with the exception of the front width of pelvis, while the stallions showed the lowest (with the exception of the cannon girth). In the effect of a line the average values were the highest in the Prislop line and the lowest in the lines Hroby and Gurgul. The age affected only one dimension, i.e. the chest width behind the shoulder blade. Eight-year-old horses exhibited the highest average values and 3-year-old and 19 to 20-year-old horses the lowest values.

Optimal central obesity measurement site for assessing cardiometabolic and type 2 diabetes risk in middle-aged adults.

ObjectivesDespite recommendations that central obesity assessment should be employed as a marker of cardiometabolic health, no consensus exists regarding measurement protocol. This study examined a range of anthropometric variables and their relationships with cardiometabolic features and type 2 diabetes in order to ascertain whether measurement site influences discriminatory accuracy. In particular, we compared waist circumference (WC) measured at two sites: (1) immediately below the lowest rib (WC rib) and (2) between the lowest rib and iliac crest (WC midway), which has been recommended by the World Health Organisation and International Diabetes Federation.Materials and MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study involving a random sample of 2,002 men and women aged 46-73 years. Metabolic profiles and WC, hip circumference, pelvic width and body mass index (BMI) were determined. Correlation, logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to evaluate obesity measurement relationships with metabolic risk phenotypes and type 2 diabetes.ResultsWC rib measures displayed the strongest associations with non-optimal lipid and lipoprotein levels, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, impaired fasting glucose, a clustering of metabolic risk features and type 2 diabetes, in both genders. Rib-derived indices improved discrimination of type 2 diabetes by 3-7% compared to BMI and 2-6% compared to WC midway (in men) and 5-7% compared to BMI and 4-6% compared to WC midway (in women). A prediction model including BMI and central obesity displayed a significantly higher area under the curve for WC rib (0.78, P=0.003), Rib/height ratio (0.80, P<0.001), Rib/pelvis ratio (0.79, P<0.001), but not for WC midway (0.75, P=0.127), when compared to one with BMI alone (0.74).ConclusionsWC rib is easier to assess and our data suggest that it is a better method for determining obesity-related cardiometabolic risk than WC midway. The clinical utility of rib-derived indices, or alternative WC measurements, deserves further investigation.

Contribution to the Anatomical Study of Urinary System in Pigs

Introducción: son pocos los estudios e investigaciones realizados sobre la caracterización externa e interna del riñón porcino a diferencia de otras especies. El propósito de este estudio fue establecer la incidencia que presenta cada tipo de patrón anatómico de las estructuras vasculares intrarrenales y del sistema de excreción del cerdo, además de su caracterización externa. Materiales y métodos: las variables fueron analizadas en 60 bloques renales provenientes de animales destinados para el consumo humano, lo cuales se obtuvieron éticamente de la planta de beneficio Vijagual de Bucaramanga, Colombia, mediante la inyección de estos con resina poliéster. Resultados: la morfometría externa para ambos riñones presentó una longitud de 120 mm y un ancho de 27,3 mm. Las arterias renales presentaron tres tipos de patrones de bifurcación (patrón I: 96,7%, patrón II: 1,7 % y patrón III : 1,6 %). Un tercer subpatrón (Ic) del grupo I fue encontrado en el 9,4 % del total de muestras. La distribución de las venas tributarias presentó el patrón tipo I (81%) y el patrón II (20%). El patrón III no se evidenció en ninguna muestra examinada. El calibre de los uréteres fue en promedio de 6,9 mm y el ancho de la pelvis renal fue de 12,2 mm. Los patrones de distribución de los cálices se dividieron en dos grupos (A: 30% y B: 70%). Cada patrón presentó una subdivisión en AI , AII y BI , BII. Conclusiones: los patrones de distribución de las estructuras renales encontradas en este estudio son similares a las reportadas en estudios previos, además de la contribución de un patrón arterial (Ic) que se evidenció en esta investigación.

English

This study was conducted on 810 goats in three agro ecological zones (Highland, Midland and Lowland) of Loma district in southern Ethiopia were considered with sex and age groups factor to characterize morphologically Woyto Guji goat types in their home tract. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for recording morphological features, body weights and linear body measurements. Both qualitative and quantitative traits were recorded on randomly sampled goats from three agro ecologies and the data were analyzed using SPSS and SAS software. The goat type in the study area was characterized by higher proportion of plain coat patterns (91.2%) with brown coat color (45.7%), straight head profile (80.6), semi pendulous ear formation (69.8%) and long ear type (97.3%). The horns were characterized by backward orientation with a straight shape. Body weight of the goats&rsquo; changes at increasing rate at 0PPI to 3PPI and gradual increase was observed at older ages. Sex, age, agro ecological zones, sex by age and age by agro ecologies interaction had a significant (p&lt;0.05/p&lt;0.01) effect on body weight and many of the linear body measurements. The mean live body weight (BWT), heart girth (HG), height at wither (HW), chest width (CW), pelvic width (PW), rump height (RH), rump length (RL), ear length (EL), and horn length (HL) of females were 26.53&plusmn;2.91 kg, 57.48&plusmn;0.64 cm, 70.20&plusmn;0.21 cm, 64.12&plusmn;0.18 cm, 13.74&plusmn;0.07 cm, 13.20&plusmn;0.19 cm, 66.04&plusmn;0.52 cm, 11.97&plusmn;0.13 cm, 13.74&plusmn;0.16 cm and 11.20&plusmn;0.10 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for male counterpart were 27.16&plusmn;0.70 kg, 60.13&plusmn;1.17 cm, 74.98&plusmn;0.33 cm, 68.34&plusmn;0.05 cm, 14.48&plusmn;0.41 cm, 13.25&plusmn;0.37 cm, 68.37&plusmn;0.50 cm, 12.83&plusmn;0.43 cm, 14.02&plusmn;0.020 cm and 13.22&plusmn;0.47 cm respectively. Heart girth had the highest correlation with body weight at various ages and in both sexes compared with other parameters, except in females of zero dentition was not significant. The regression equation for pooled overall age groups was estimated as Y = (-28.20) + 0.74 X; (where X stands for HG), with R2 value of 0.68 for female and Y = (-39.12) + 0.88 X; (where X stands for HG), with R2 value of 0.78 for male goat in the present study. The result indicated that phenotypic characterization, body weight and linear body measurement description could help as an input for efficient utilization, conservation and designing improvement strategy for this genetic resource in the community. &nbsp; Key words: Age, agro ecology, body weight, linear body measurements, sex.

Sexual dimorphism based on body proportions and ontogenetic changes in the Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (von Olfers, 1831) (Chondrichthyes: Narcinidae)

Sexual dimorphism in the Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis from the south‑western Atlantic coast was evaluated based on body proportions and ontogenetic changes. All regions of the body were found to have differences in body proportions between the sexes, except the spiracles. The nature of allometric and isometric relationships differed mainly in terms of the six largest body dimensions. Some of these differences can be supported by the species’ life history. Principal components analysis (PCA) and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) distinguished the adults’ body proportions by sex. Similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) selected six variables that best discriminated between the sexes with a cumulative difference up to 70% (tail width, disc width, length between snout and first dorsal fin, pelvic fin width, length between snout and the widest part of the disc, and disc length). It was possible to select seven stable dimensions, both ontogenetic and sexual, that are recommended for use in taxonomic studies. These dimensions were interspiracular distance, spiracle length and width, upper and lower tooth band width, pelvic fin length, and length of posterior lobe of the pelvic fin. It is important to consider the differences in body proportions within a species in order to properly characterise the population and estimate its most reliable parameters.

La largeur pelvienne influence-t-elle la course patellaire ? Une étude radiographique comparative entre les sexes

IntroductionPelvic width has been believed to affect patellar tracking by influencing the quadriceps angle (Q-angle). Anatomically, the upper arm of the Q-angle does not closely match the orientation of the quadriceps femoris. The pelvis is often considered wider and the Q-angle larger in female than in male individuals. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the accuracy of such an assumption by using a radiologic comparison, which might be more objective. Materials and methodsOne hundred consecutive adult patients (50 men and 50 women) aged 18–30 years with unilateral injury to the lower extremity were studied. Full-length standing X-rays of these patients were used to analyze the relationship between the pelvis and the uninjured lower extremity and compare it between the sexes. The pelvic width was defined as the distance between the centers of the bilateral femoral heads. ResultsThe pelvic width did not differ statistically between male and female (P=0.74). The femur length and sum of the lengths of the femur and tibia differed between the sexes (both P<0.001). Normalization of the pelvic width to the femur length or sum of the lengths of the femur and tibia resulted in a significant difference between male and female (P<0.001). The angle formed by the femoral and tibial mechanical axes correlated strongly with the angle formed by the femoral anatomic and tibial mechanical axes (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.89). DiscussionPelvic width does not differ with respect to gender. The pelvis may appear relatively wider in women due to the difference in body height. However, this difference may not increase Q-angle. Patellar mal-tracking may stem from other, more critical predisposing factors. Level of evidenceLevel IV. Anatomic study.

Defining the “Hostile Pelvis” for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: The Impact of Anatomic Variations in Pelvic Dimensions on Dose Delivered to Target Volumes and Organs at Risk in Patients With High-Risk Prostate Cancer Treated With Whole Pelvic Radiation Therapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of variations in pelvic dimensions on the dose delivered to the target volumes and the organs at risk (OARs) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) to be treated with whole pelvic radiation therapy (WPRT) in an attempt to define the hostile pelvis in terms of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In 45 men with high-risk PCa to be treated with WPRT, the target volumes and the OARs were delineated, the dose constraints for the OARs were defined, and treatment plans were generated according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0924 protocol. Six dimensions to reflect the depth, width, and height of the bony pelvis were measured, and 2 indexes were calculated from the planning computed tomographic scans. The minimum dose (Dmin), maximum dose (Dmax), and mean dose (Dmean) for the target volumes and OARs and the partial volumes of each of these structures receiving a specified dose (VD) were calculated from the dose-volume histograms (DVHs). The data from the DVHs were correlated with the pelvic dimensions and indexes. According to an overall hostility score (OHS) calculation, 25 patients were grouped as having a hospitable pelvis and 20 as having a hostile pelvis. Regarding the OHS grouping, the DVHs for the bladder, bowel bag, left femoral head, and right femoral head differed in favor of the hospitable pelvis group, and the DVHs for the rectum differed for a range of lower doses in favor of the hospitable pelvis group. Pelvimetry might be used as a guide to define the challenging anatomy or the hostile pelvis in terms of treatment planning for IMRT in patients with high-risk PCa to be treated with WPRT.

A wider pelvis does not increase locomotor cost in humans, with implications for the evolution of childbirth.

The shape of the human female pelvis is thought to reflect an evolutionary trade-off between two competing demands: a pelvis wide enough to permit the birth of large-brained infants, and narrow enough for efficient bipedal locomotion. This trade-off, known as the obstetrical dilemma, is invoked to explain the relative difficulty of human childbirth and differences in locomotor performance between men and women. The basis for the obstetrical dilemma is a standard static biomechanical model that predicts wider pelves in females increase the metabolic cost of locomotion by decreasing the effective mechanical advantage of the hip abductor muscles for pelvic stabilization during the single-leg support phase of walking and running, requiring these muscles to produce more force. Here we experimentally test this model against a more accurate dynamic model of hip abductor mechanics in men and women. The results show that pelvic width does not predict hip abductor mechanics or locomotor cost in either women or men, and that women and men are equally efficient at both walking and running. Since a wider birth canal does not increase a woman’s locomotor cost, and because selection for successful birthing must be strong, other factors affecting maternal pelvic and fetal size should be investigated in order to help explain the prevalence of birth complications caused by a neonate too large to fit through the birth canal.

Phenotypic and Morphometric characterization of indigenous chickens at Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district in Bangladesh

The study was conducted at Rangtia, Shalchura and Dudhnoi villages under Jhenigati upazilla of Sherpur district in Bangladesh for phenotypic and morphometric characterization of indigenous chickens. Among three types of indigenous chickens, Non-descript Deshi were prominent (86%), compared to Cap Headed (10%) and Naked Neck (4%) and the overall mean body weight, back length, body circumference and pelvis width were 961.50 ± 17.79 gm, 152.70 ± 1.29 mm, 219.20 ± 1.89 mm and 25.57 ± .62 mm respectively. The prominent colors of plumage, shank, skin, earlobe and eggshell were multiple (24%), white (52%), white (89%), white &amp; red (47%) and white (48%), respectively while 99% chicken’s had single comb. The highest correlation (0.70) was observed between body weight &amp; body circumference followed by (0.36) between body weight &amp; back length and (0.27) between body weight &amp; pelvis width while eggshell color was significantly correlated with body weight (-0.48), body circumference (-0.41) and pelvis width (-0.26). However, comb type was significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected body weight and pelvis width. But bird type had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on pelvis width only. Present study reveals that variations in some phenotypic characteristics have significant influence on the pelvis width and body weight while a little change in some morphometric traits may affect body weight of indigenous chickens in Bangladesh which may serve as important indicator trait(s) for future research on the conservation and development of indigenous chicken ecotypes in- situ. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v12i2.21927 SAARC J. Agri., 12(2): 154-169 (2014)

Does pelvic width influence patellar tracking? A radiological comparison between sexes

IntroductionPelvic width has been believed to affect patellar tracking by influencing the quadriceps angle (Q-angle). Anatomically, the upper arm of the Q-angle does not closely match the orientation of the quadriceps femoris. The pelvis is often considered wider and the Q-angle larger in female than in male individuals. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the accuracy of such an assumption by using a radiologic comparison, which might be more objective. Materials and methodsOne hundred consecutive adult patients (50 men and 50 women) aged 18–30 years with unilateral injury to the lower extremity were studied. Full-length standing X-rays of these patients was used to analyze the relationship between the pelvis and the uninjured lower extremity and compare it between the sexes. The pelvic width was defined as the distance between the centers of the bilateral femoral heads. ResultsThe pelvic width did not differ statistically between male and female (P=0.74). The femur length and sum of the lengths of the femur and tibia differed between the sexes (both P<0.001). Normalization of the pelvic width to the femur length or sum of the lengths of the femur and tibia resulted in a significant difference between male and female (P<0.001). The angle formed by the femoral and tibial mechanical axes correlated strongly with the angle formed by the femoral anatomic and tibial mechanical axes (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.89). DiscussionPelvic width does not differ with respect to gender. The pelvis may appear relatively wider in women due to the difference in body height. However, this difference may not increase Q-angle. Patellar mal-tracking may stem from other, more critical predisposing factors. Level of evidenceLevel IV. Anatomic study.

Spine-pelvis index: a novel ratio to predict spinal growth in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients

Methods A total of 75 female patients with AIS, 86 healthy agematched girls and 40 age-matched patients with CS due to excrescent hemivertebra were included into this study. Long-cassette standing coronal radiographs of the spine and pelvis were obtained from the subjects in fiston-clavicle position. The radiographic parameters were measured including length of spine (LOS), height of spine (HOS), length of thoracic vertebrae (LOT), height of thoracic vertebrae (HOT), width of pelvis (WOP), height of pelvis (HOP) and width of thorax (WOT). SPI was defined as the ratio between length of the spine and height of the spine, namely LOS/HOP. Four age cohorts (10~11 yrs, 12~13 yrs, 14~15 yrs and 16~18 yrs) were determined in AIS patients and normal controls. In addition, the theoretical value of LOS in CS patients was calculated according to the normal SPI measured in healthy controls.

Secular trends in average height and age at menarche of ethnic Russians and Komi-Permyaks of the Permsky Krai, Russia.

The aim was to describe the changes in body size and age at menarche in anthropologically distinct ethnic groups - Komi-Permyaks (KP) and Russians (RU) - of Permsky Krai that occurred in the last century, with a special concern to the urban-rural differences. The comparison of the 1861 - 1865 and 1990 birth cohorts (BiCo) revealed following results. In RU rural males the increase in stature (ST) was 10.8 cm (p < 0.001). The chest circumference has increased by 5.9 cm, but it is unsubstantial 0.25 % when measured in relative to ST values. In RU urban males the overall increase in ST was 10.8 cm (p < 0.001), chest circumference increased by 10.5 cm. The peak increase in ST (+1.36 cm per decade) was attained between the 1964 and the 1990 BiCo. The data on body dimensions of RU females available only from the 1960s to 1990. The ST of rural females has not changed, but the absolute and the relative (to ST) values of pelvic width of the 1980 - 1989 BiCo are significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in the 1966 - 1975 and 1965 BiCo. The RU urban females of the 1985 BiCo are 3.6 cm taller than 1964 BiCo (p < 0.001), but over the next 5 years the ST decreased by 2 cm (p = 0.06). The relative pelvic width has decreased from 17.57 % (BiCo 1965 - 1969) to 17.18 % (BiCo 1980 - 1989; p < 0.05). Menarcheal age of Perm females declined from 14.5 yrs in the 1930 - 1939 BiCo to 13.3 yrs in 1950 - 1965 BiCo, then ceased to change. The changes across generations in rural KP were weak. The rural males born in 1885 were 2.1 cm taller than BiCo 1861 - 1865. From the 1925 to 1975 BiCo the average ST increased by 6.2 cm (1.24 cm/decade). KP rural females became 6.4 cm taller from the 1885 to 1985 BiCo. Pelvic width in the 1985 BiCo (27.4 cm) is significantly bigger (p < 0.05) than in the 1975 BiCo (26.9 cm). The changes in ST of urban KP females were more obvious than in rural groups. The 1985 BiCo of urban KP females (ST 161.8 cm) are taller than those born in 1965 (159.4 cm; p < 0.05), but their pelvic width does not differ. In urban and rural KP females age at menarche is earlier in the 1976 - 1985 than in the 1966 - 1975 BiCo (p < 0.01). In all the KP cohorts, urban females have earlier menarche than rural (p < 0.05).

Productive characteristics and body measurements of alpine goats raised under smallholder production systems in central Serbia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate present level of productivity and determine linear body traits of Alpine goats raised in Serbia on smallholder farms. Data were collected from 22 smallholder farms located in Belgrade district, with total of 330 purebred Alpine does 2-9 years of age, 145 yearling does and 476 kids. Traits measured were: body weight of does, body weight of kids at birth, 30 days of age and at weaning (90-120 days), prolificacy of mature and yearling (primiparous) does, six linear body traits of does (wither height, body length, hearth girth, chest depth, chest width, pelvic width) and milk production (milk yield, milk fat and milk protein content). The analysis showed the average body weight of does to be 54.96 kg, while the average body weight of kids at birth, 30 days of age and weaning was 2.73 kg, 8.7 kg and 18.3 kg., respectively. Prolificacy was 144% in mature and 125% in yearling does. Measurements of linear body traits were: wither height 67.87 cm, body length 71.92 cm, hearth girth 81.79 cm, chest depth 32.93, chest width 21.49 cm and pelvic width 17.63 cm. Among dairy production traits, following results were obtained: lactation length 220.73 days, total milk yield 531.66 kg, milk fat content 3.33% and milk protein content 3.16%. It was concluded that the overall productivity of Alpine goats raised under smallholder production systems in Serbia is satisfying. Giving the fact that these animals are usually kept under poor conditions, many of these productive traits are very good.

On-Farm Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Begait Cattle in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

The survey was carried out in western zone of Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia with the aim to describe phenotypic characteristics, cattle production system, trait preferences, breeding practices, constraints in efficient utilization of the breed and to use the information generated as baseline data to design breeding strategy of the breed. To collect the data, in-depth interviews, group discussions, and structured questionnaire were used. The production system employed, purpose of keeping the animals, preferred cattle traits by farmers were assessed. Phenotypic descriptors were directly measured using measuring tape. A total of 12 linear and morphological measurements including heart girth, body length, height at withers, tail length, ear length, horn length, cannon length, pelvic width, dewlap width, perpetual length, naval flap length and teat length were collected from 140 female and 52 male cattle. Reproduction and production performance data was collected and battle necks for Begait cattle production were investigated. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was employed to analyze the data. Results showed Begait cattle are kept in a mixed crop-livestock production system and are the dominant livestock species in the area. Cattle have multi-functional roles in the production systems. Among reason of keeping cattle, breeding was ranked first followed by milk production. Farmers prefer composite traits from their male and female cattle. Reproduction performance, body size, and physical appearance were among the highly ranked preferred traits for male cattle in that order. Preferred traits for female cattle include reproduction, milk yield, and mothering behavior. The mean linear measurements of female Begait cattle were: height at wither (131. 48±0.25cm), body length (128.13±0.16cm) heart girth (159.55±0.24). In male Begait the values were: height at wither (136.99±0.10cm), body length (135.96±0.09cm), and heart girth (168.91±0.10). The reproduction and production performance results showed; age at first puberty (female) (35.51±0.14 months), age at first calving (48.68±0.16 months), calving interval (17.06±0.11 months) and lift time productivity (8.2±0.02 years); daily milk yield (2.52±0.03 liter), lactation length (6.38±0.03 months) and lactation milk yield (482.95±6.24 liters). The breeding system is pure breeding and cattle owners had developed a culling mechanism for maintaining the desired quality of their animals. Among the problems of cattle production in the area, seasonal feed shortage, diseases and drinking water scarcity were the major ones. Farmers perceived that Begait cattle population decreased over the years and it is on the verge of extinction. It is concluded that appropriate breeding strategies and conservation models should be designed for overall breed improvement that consider the important traits of Begait cattle under proper feeding and management practices.

Computed Tomography Lung Volume Changes After Surgical Treatment for Early-Onset Scoliosis

Study DesignSingle-center review of prospectively collected data. ObjectivesTo document anatomic lung volume and thoracic parameter changes in early-onset scoliosis patients undergoing rib-based (RB), or spine-based (SB) distraction surgical treatment who were too young to perform pulmonary function tests. MethodsTwenty patients undergoing growth-sparing treatment had computed tomography lung volumes (CTvol) determined by controlled-ventilation CT scanning preoperatively and at a mean of 2.7 years later under an institutional review board (IRB)-approved protocol. Twelve patients had non-congenital curves and 8 had congenital curves. Eleven patients had SB constructs and 9 had RB ones. Computed tomography lung volumes were correlated to T1–12 length, T6 coronal width, pelvic width, and curve magnitude, and were normalized by comparison with age standards and pelvic width. ResultsAll patients had increased CTvol at follow-up (RB 51%, SB 46%; p < .001). All increased T1–12 length from 128 mm (range, 39–160 mm) preoperatively to 154 mm (range, 61–216 mm) at follow-up. Both RB and SB gained 2.6 cm; this measurement was significant in RB (p < .001) owing to the shorter preoperative length. The T1–12 length correlated well with CTvol preoperatively (p = .002) and at follow-up (p = .007). The T6 width correlated best with CTvol (r = 0.76; p < .001 preoperatively and at follow-up). Main thoracic curves improved 21° in SB (preoperatively, 78°) versus 1.5° correction in RB (preoperatively, 60.2°). There was no correlation between curve magnitude and CTvol preoperatively or at follow-up. Follow-up CTvol percentile decreased in 10 patients, increased in 6, and was unchanged in 4. The T1–12 length was less than the fifth percentile in all patients preoperatively and increased in 9 patients at follow-up, whereas 11 remained at less than the fifth percentile. ConclusionsThe CTvol quantitates anatomic results of early-onset scoliosis growth-sparing surgery in patients too young for standard pulmonary function tests. Thoracic length and width correlate well with absolute CTvol and are possible surrogate measures. Curve magnitude and correction correlate poorly and assume less importance in outcome evaluation. Thoracic volume and length gains exceeded normal growth in about half of the patients.

Three-dimensional vertebral wedging and pelvic asymmetries in the early stages of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Background contextScoliosis is a three-dimensional (3D) deformation of the spine and the pelvis. Although the relation between the pelvic asymmetries and scoliosis progression was proposed by several authors, it has not been documented over time in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). PurposeThe objective was to determine whether vertebral wedging and pelvic asymmetries progress in the early stages of AIS before any orthopedic treatment. Study designThe study design included an observational cohort study. Patient sampleNineteen AIS girls participated in this study. Outcome measuresThe outcome measures were pelvic and spine geometries from simultaneous biplanar radiographs. MethodsAt the diagnosis, the girls (12.6±1.3 years) had a Cobb angle of 13.9°±6.0°. At the end of their observation period (11 months on average), the scoliosis progressed to 20.5°±5.5°. Bone 3D geometry was reconstructed from biplanar radiographs. Sagittal and frontal wedgings were calculated for five vertebral levels, namely, at the apex and at the two vertebral bodies above and below it. The pelvic geometry was described using five 3D homologous right-left lengths to estimate pelvic asymmetries. Paired t tests were performed on vertebral wedging and pelvic asymmetries to assess their progression between the two evaluations. Principal component (PC) analyses were applied to determine whether vertebral wedging or pelvic asymmetries were predominant at each evaluation. ResultsVertebral wedging was present at the diagnosis (1.76°–5.92°) and generally did not progress until brace prescription. The mean difference between the right and left pelvic normalized lengths was 1.4% and 2.4% for the initial and final evaluations, respectively. Results revealed the width of the right pelvis to be superior by 3%, and this asymmetry progressed to 4.0%. Principal component analysis revealed that initial vertebral wedging was present in seven out of eight parameters of the first three PCs, whereas at the final examination, vertebral wedging and pelvic asymmetries were evenly present. ConclusionsOur study confirms the presence of vertebral wedging at the early stages of scoliosis. This is the first to document the association between spinal and pelvic deformities over time. Pelvic asymmetries could be responsible for trunk muscle imbalances and lead to reduced neuromuscular control reported in AIS patients. These results could influence body brace fitting.