Duration Of Sucking Research Articles

FEATURES OF SUCKLING BEHAVIOUR OF GAZELLA MARICA FAWNS IN SEMI-CAPTIVE CONDITIONS

In ungulate species, adequate and balanced nutrition for newborns is crucial, and it is primarily achieved through effective suckling by their mothers. This study investigated the sucking behavior of Gazella marica fawns under semi-captive conditions. Observations were conducted using the Focal Animal Sampling Method, and in total 177 gazelles were observed in the study period. The Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to analyze the duration between long suckling bouts and total suckling duration, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparisons of suckling duration, duration between short suckling bouts, and total suckling duration. Results showed a significant difference in sucking duration between twin fawns (14.1 seconds) and single fawns (16.5 seconds) (P < 0.001). Additionally, the average sucking duration was higher in May compared to other months (P < 0.001). As the fawns matured, the frequency of suckling bouts increased, with the duration between long suckling bouts reaching 321 minutes in August (P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in the total suckling duration between twin and single fawns (P > 0.05). These findings indicate some differences in the suckling behavior of gazelle fawns in semi-captivity compared to those in the wild. Further research on gazelles under consistent conditions across different breeding stations is necessary to fully understand the suckling behavior of gazelle fawns. Keywords: Gazella fawns, average suckling duration, suckling bouts, total suckling.

The effect of early childhood non-nutritive sucking behavior including pacifiers on malocclusion: a randomized controlled trial.

Systematic reviews on the effects of pacifiers on occlusion have highlighted the need for quality RCTs. Single region, three parallel-armed, prospective, randomized controlled trial. To investigate the correlations between early childhood non-nutritive sucking habits and malocclusion. Specifically to test whether the use of a study pacifier has differing effects compared to other pacifiers and control, and whether the duration of pacifier use or digit sucking influence the occlusion. The subjects were firstborn children, born in 2008 in Vantaa, Finland. One-third of participants were offered study pacifiers, free of charge, from birth up to 2 years of age. The history of the subjects' sucking habits, including pacifier use was screened in a questionnaire at the age of 2 years, and clinical examinations were performed at the age of 7 years. In addition, the subjects were divided into groups that were equally matched regarding their mother's level of education. Posterior crossbite, anterior crossbite, overjet, deep bite, open bite, and crowding. Three districts were randomly allocated to three study groups by drawing lots. It was not possible to blind the clinicians or parents from the intervention. Blinding during data analysis was performed. From the original cohort of 2715 children born in the town of Vantaa, 1911 were excluded and 353 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 451 children were divided into three groups according to the use of pacifiers. The prevalence of posterior crossbite at the age of 7 years was higher if a non-study pacifier had been used (P = .005) even when matched for the mother's level of education (P = .029). The prevalence of posterior crossbite was higher if the pacifier habit had continued for 12 months or more compared to 11 months or less, 7% and 1%, respectively, (P = .003). Digit sucking for 12 months or more was associated with crowding (P = .016). The prevalence of crossbite in the study pacifier group was less than in control pacifiers. No adverse harms were reported other than effects on the dentition. The use of pacifiers is associated with the posterior crossbite, especially if their use continues for a year or more. Parents/guardians should be advised to stop the use or reduce the use of pacifiers to a minimum after their child's first birthday. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01854502.

Gradual weaning of 3-month-old calves from foster cows in dairy production

When calves are reared by cows, separation can be stressful, and it is often advised to use gradual weaning to minimize this stress. In foster cow systems, one gradual weaning method is to remove the foster cows, one by one, from the cow-calf group. The response to one-by-one removal of foster cows of 32 calves housed in 5 groups was studied. Calves were fostered to a designated foster cow individually, in pairs, or in trios, at the age of 1 to 2 wk and then housed in groups of 4 to 6 foster cows and 6 to 11 calves until gradual weaning started at 3 mo of age. Calf behavior and aggression received by calves from cows were recorded using video during 18 h before any foster cow was removed, as well as 18 h before and 18 h after the designated foster cow was removed from the group. Before any foster cow was removed, the calves spent a similar amount of time sucking the designated foster cow and other cows (in total 43 ± 5 min/18 h). The total duration of sucking was similar before and after the designated foster was removed, as the duration of sucking other cows increased. The number of aggressive events received from other cows also increased. The results indicate that milk availability for the group of calves decreases as foster cows are gradually removed and that the older and heavier calves increasingly compete with the younger and lighter calves for the available milk. This weaning method may also compromise the welfare of the foster cows that are left to wean off an increasing number of calves, and this warrants further research.

Profiling non-nutritive sucking skills in full-term and preterm neonates

BackgroundNon-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a reflex in neonates where they suck on objects without receiving food. It aids in oral development and self-regulation. Preterm birth can affect NNS and feeding. Based on current guidelines, early evaluation is crucial for identifying any delay in normal development in this population. Hence, the current study aims to profile non-nutritive sucking skills in full-term (37 to < 42 weeks) and preterm (32 to < 37 weeks) neonates and to compare non-nutritive sucking skills between the groups.MethodA total of 180 neonates completed this study. “The test for oropharyngeal dysphagia in Indian neonates” (TOD-IN) was used to profile non-nutritive sucking. The number of sucks, swallows, bursts, duration of sucking, suck/le per swallow, and pause duration was also assessed.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the groups for non-nutritive sucking at p = < .001 and Cohen’s d had a large effect size (d = 1.42). Preterm neonates had a lesser number of sucks, bursts, swallows, and duration of sucking but had a higher pause duration compared to full-term neonates.ConclusionNon-nutritive sucking skills develop with advancing postmenstrual age and a detailed profile is imperative for a proper assessment to identify progress and delays.

Consequences of Thumb Sucking Habit among School Going Children: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Thumb-sucking, a non-nutritive sucking behavior, is a natural reflex seen in infants but can persist into childhood if not addressed leading to various dental and orofacial issues, including malocclusion, dental arch deformities, speech difficulties, and facial asymmetry. The aim of the study was to explore the consequences of thumb-sucking habits among the school going children. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved among purposively selected 124 school going children, aged between 5-8 years with their parents attended in the outpatient department of University Dental College at Moghbazar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The data were obtained through a pretested structured questionnaire and checklist through face-to-face interview from parents regarding background characteristics, consequences of thumbs sucking and oral examination of children respectively. Then, data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 27 for descriptive analysis (frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (chi-square test or fisher’s exact test) at 5% level of significance (P&lt;0.05). Results: The study revealed that 77.4% of children aged 5-6 years and about 41.9% of parents reported that their child had thumb sucking habit. The thumb sucking habit was found to be statistically significant with start of age thumb sucking( p= &lt;0.001), duration of thumb sucking ( p= &lt;0.001), pronunciation of word clearly( p= &lt;0.001), proclination of maxillary anterior teeth (P=0.002), asymmetry of face (P=0.002) and seek for dental advice or treatment(p=0.002). Majority of children (21.8%) start thumb sucking at the age 6-7 years. Only 8.1% of the children didn’t pronounce words clearly whereas only 5.6% had proclined maxillary anterior teeth, facial asymmetry and sought dental advice or treatment. Conclusion: This study found a significant association of thumb-sucking habit among children with notable consequences. It highlights the importance of early intervention and parental education and awareness regarding this habit's potential consequences on children's oral health and overall development. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2023; 13(2): 19-22

Effect of maternal experience and body condition on patterns of ewe-lamb bonding behaviors and pre-weaning growth performance of lambs

Many factors, involving parity and body condition can have a profound effect on physiological and sensory determinants of maternal behavior and, consequently, the establishment of the ewe-lamb bond. Thus, exploring the factors and their interactions that influence maternal behavior is critical to improve the overall lamb survival and welfare. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of parity and body condition score (BCS) on early ewe–lamb bonding behaviors and pre-weaning growth performance in lambs. The study was carried out with 12 first-parity (primiparous; PP), 12 second-parity (biparous: BP), and 14 third or more parity (multiparous: MP) Norduz ewes and 38 singleton lambs. In the study, ewe–lamb bonding behaviors were analyzed based on parity (PP, BP, and MP) and body condition score groups (BCS ≤ 3 and BCS > 3). Behaviors of ewes and lambs from each group were monitored for a period of 3 hours after parturition, and the ewe–lamb separation test was performed within the first 24 hours after parturition. Maternal behaviors such as latency to grooming, the number of low and high pitch bleats, and preventing sucking and neonatal behaviors such as latency to successful suck, the number of bleats and the total sucking duration were determined. The live weights of the lambs were recorded every 2 weeks until the 90th day. Ewes were grazed entirely on pasture without extra feed supplementation during the pasture season. Ewes were fed with alfalfa hay and gradually supplemented with barley and concentrate throughout the winter. While the grooming duration was not affected by parity, BCS > 3 ewes had longer grooming duration than BCS ≤ 3 ewes (P < 0.05). More prevention of sucking, butting, and low and high pitch bleating were counted for PP ewes than BP and MP ewes (P < 0.05). Parallel to these results, PP lambs had the longest latency to successful suck (P = 0.046) and the highest number of sucking attempts (P = 0.033). The mean sucking duration of MP lambs was significantly longer than PP lambs (P < 0.038). Birth weight of PP lambs was lower than MP lambs, but neither parity nor BCS had a significant effect on growth performance of lambs. In conclusion, the findings of the study showed that lack of maternal experience caused a negative effect on co-operation with lamb sucking attempts, but did not significantly affect growth performance. It can be suggested that BCS had little effect on maternal behavior and growth performance of lambs for ewes with a body condition score of 2.85-3.33 during the mating period.

Effects of different doses of synthetic oxytocin on neonatal instinctive behaviors and breastfeeding

Synthetic oxytocin is the current domestic first-line agent of induced labor and labor augmentation, and its potential effects on neonatal neurobehavioral development is currently attracting increased attention. To explore the effect of different doses of synthetic oxytocin on neonatal instinctive breastfeeding behavior and breastfeeding by observing neonatal behaviors during skin-to-skin contact with mothers after delivery. Observations and comparisons of neonatal instinctive behaviors were conducted by using Widström's 9 Stages method. According to the total dosage of oxytocin administered during labor, participants were divided into a low dose group (≤ 2.5 U) of 39 pairs, a medium dose group (> 2.5 U) of 38 pairs, a high dose group (> 7.5 U) of 38 pairs and a control group (no synthetic oxytocin use) of 39 pairs. The occurrence time of newborns' instinctive movements and the duration of each behavior stage for the four groups were also analyzed. The number of exclusive breastfeeding sessions within 3 days after birth and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months were collected and compared. There were significant differences among the four groups in the occurrence time of raising head or turning head (p = 0.004), eating hands (p = 0.011), moving body (p = 0.001), locating areola (p < 0.001), licking nipples (p = 0.002), containing nipple (p = 0.001), sucking (p < 0.001). There were significant differences among the four groups in the duration of activity (p = 0.004), clawing (p = 0.001), familiarization (p = 0.001), and sucking (p < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in the number of exclusive breastfeeding sessions of 24 h (p = 0.011), 48 h (p < 0.001), 72 h (p = 0.001) after birth among the four groups, but there was no statistical difference in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months after birth. The intrapartum administration of synthetic oxytocin was associated with the expression of neonatal instinctive breastfeeding. With increases in drug dose, the effect of breast seeking activity and breast attachment was more significant, and the association of synthetic oxytocin on sucking and breastfeeding was dose-dependent.

Morphological and functional abnormalities of the orofacial sphere associated with thumb sucking in children aged 3 to 10 years old in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Introductionthumb sucking is one of the most common oral habits in infants and children. In our context, little is known about the effects of prolonged thumb sucking on the orofacial sphere. Objective: determine the prevalence of thumb sucking and, identify the morphologic and functional abnormalities of the orofacial sphere associated with the duration and frequency of thumb sucking in children aged 3 to 10 years.Methodsa cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out in the pediatric units of the District Hospitals of Biyem-assi and Efoulan from February to June 2020 in children aged 3 to 10 years. Recruitment was consecutive, not probabilistic. After obtaining informed parental consent, a clinical examination was performed and the criteria retained were based on the ANGLE classification of the malocclusions. Socio-demographic, socio-economic, clinical characteristics were collected and morphological and functional abnormalities were observed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 23.0. The significance threshold was set at 5%.Resultsof the 116 enrolled children; 74 girls (63.79%) and 42 boys (36.21%) with a mean age of 4.80 ± 0.5 years. The highest proportion of thumb sucking was found in firstborn children (n=46, 39.65%), and in those who breastfed for less than 6 months (n=99, 85.62%). The prevalence of thumb sucking was 17.4%. Using the multivariate analysis, class II division 1 canine occlusion [OR=1.52 (1.27-2.68), p=0.03] and decreased overbite [OR=4.5 (2.5-9.3), p=0.001] while class II division 1 canine occlusion [OR=2.59 (1.3-10.1), p=0.009] and increased overjet [OR=1.89 (1.06-6.75), p=0.005] were independent morphologic abnormalities significantly associated with the frequency and the duration of thumb sucking respectively. There was no association between the duration and frequency of thumb sucking and the functional abnormalities.Conclusionthumb sucking is more common in girls and the likelihood of thumb sucking decreases with age. The prevalence of thumb sucking was 17.4%. The malocclusions observed in our population are class II division 1 canine relationship, decreased overbite and increased overjet.

Effect of udder morphology on milk yield and suckling behaviour of patanwadi lambs

A study was conducted to determine the relationship between udder traits, milk yield and lamb suckling behaviour in Patanwadi lambs (n=30) during August to October 2019. The mean body condition score was significantly (p<0.05) less at 40 and 60 days of lactation The average udder tissue content score, udder circumference, udder depth and udder width showed significant (p<0.05) difference between 1st (4.37±0.14, 41.80±0.87cm, 16.90±0.53 cm and 14.93±0.28 cm) and 60th (3.23±0.10, 35.47±0.73 cm, 14.33±0.33 cm and 13.43±0.27 cm) days of lactation. The total sucking duration, sucking frequency, sucking bout, suckling bout frequency, mean bout duration and hindering attempts by dam significantly (p<0.01) decreased from 1st (5.24±0.22, 4.49±0.20/min, 9.16±0.39, 2.62±0.14/min, 45.27±2.09 sec and 1.30±0.31no) to 60th (1.60±0.11, 1.59±0.11/min, 3.67±0.17, 0.94±0.07/min, 18.01±1.61sec and 7.33±0.31) day of lactation while number of sucking attempts non-significantly decreased during the same period. The average daily milk yield of sheep significantly (p<0.01) decreased from 897±35.47g in 1st day to 686±33.56g in 60th day of lactation. The total sucking duration, sucking number and frequency, sucking bout number and frequency and mean bout duration were significantly (p<0.05) correlated with milk yield, udder tissue content and overall shape or suspension of udder. It was inferred that udder conformation and morphology affect suckling behaviour of lambs, dams having symmetrical, wider and capacious udders with clear demarcation between left and right mammary quarters favoured longer sucking durations with a greater number and longer sucking bouts in lambs.

The effect of behavioral reactivity on maternal behavior and offspring growth performance in Norduz ewes

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of behavioral reactivity on maternal behavior of ewes and early postnatal behavior and growth in lambs until weaning. The study was carried out with 100 multiparous Norduz ewes and 30 lambs. The study began by performing arena and scale tests and determining the test cortisol level in ewes during the anestrus period. Then, ewes were divided into two groups according to test reactivity as either “reactive” or “proactive” by using hierarchical cluster analysis. On the 50th day after mating, 15 reactive and 15 proactive gestating ewes of similar live weight, body condition and age (54.5 ± 0.58 kg, 3.19 ± 0.023 points and 4.07 ± 0.089 years, respectively) and carrying a single fetus each were selected and placed in one of two groups. Behavior of ewes and lambs from each group were monitored for a 3 -h period post-partum and the ewe-lamb separation test was performed within first 3 days postnatal. Ewes were phenotyped according to grooming duration, number of bleats, leaving lamb, preventing sucking etc., while lambs were phenotyped based on number of successful sucks, bleats, total suck duration, etc. Growth was determined by recording live weights of lambs at 2-week intervals until the 90th day. The whole trial lasted a total of 9 months. Ewes grazed entirely on rangeland with no extra feed supplementation. Ewes were fed with alfalfa hay and gradually supplemented with barley and concentrate during the winter. Serum cortisol levels were found significantly different in reactive and proactive ewes (1.57 ng/ml and 0.86 ng/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). During the early postnatal period, more high-pitched bleats were counted for proactive ewes, who also left their lambs alone more often than reactive ewes (p < 0.01), whereas reactive ewes had higher scores for following during ewe-lamb separation tests (p < 0.05). Lambs of reactive ewes had a higher total number of successful sucks, longer sucking duration (p < 0.05), and better growth performance at day 30 and day 45 (p < 0.05) as compared to lambs of proactive ewes. However, the weaning weights of reactive and proactive lambs were found similar as 30.3 ± 1.01 vs 30.2 ± 0.71 kg, respectively. In sum, the results of the present study indicated that some early postnatal ewe-lamb behaviours, ewe-lamb separation test score and lamb growth may be associated with behavioral reactivity. Given these findings, it was concluded that behavioral reactivity has potential use in efforts to improve maternal care and lamb welfare.

Characterisation of anterior open bite in primary school-aged children: A preliminary study with artificial neural network analysis.

Non-nutritive sucking habits, bottle feeding, and facial hyperdivergency have been suggested as the influencing factors of anterior open bite (AOB). There was inconsistent reporting of prevalence and a gap of knowledge in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of AOB in 7- to 12-year-olds, with a special interest to characterise the determinants of this malocclusion. A sample of 203 children aged 7 to 12years were selected from a primary school in regional Australia. The legal guardian of each child completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data were assessed using methods of univariate statistics and neural analysis. The prevalence of AOB and thumb sucking was 24.1% and 23.2%, respectively. AOB was associated with the habit (correlation=0.754) and duration (correlation=0.574) of thumb sucking. Age, gender, birth order, feeding modality, sleep patterns, history of orthodontic treatment and tonsil, adenoid or grommet surgery, and parents' level of education were not related to AOB (correlation absolute value≤0.474). Thumb sucking, specifically for prolonged duration, increases the risk of development of AOB. Cessation of thumb sucking habits should be encouraged at an early age to avoid the development of AOB.

The effect of age when group housed and other management factors on playing and non-nutritive sucking behaviour in dairy calves: a cross sectional observational study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate if calves’ play behaviour and non-nutritive sucking behaviour, as indirect measures of welfare status, are associated with the age of the calf when group housed, age when observed, age difference within the group, pen size, milk feeding system, current or previous sicknesses, access to dry teat, indoor/outdoor rearing, sex, organic/conventional farm, group size and regrouping events. An observational study was conducted on 176 Danish dairy calves in the age range of 1–12 weeks, on both conventional (n = 17) and organic (n = 5) farms. All calves had been group housed before 8 weeks of age and had spent various periods of time with the dam and/or individually housed before being group housed. Behaviour was recorded continuously by filming each individual calf over a period of 30 min.ResultsThe calf’s age when group housed for the first time was not found to be significantly associated with duration of either play behaviour (P = 0.55) or non-nutritive sucking behaviour (P = 0.44). It was found that calves had significantly reduced odds of playing for longer than the mean play duration (5.5 s) for each day of their lives (OR = 0.97, P = 0.003). Also, they had reduced odds of performing non-nutritive sucking behaviour for longer than the mean non-nutritive sucking duration (145.5 s) when milk was allocated by drinker buckets fitted with a teat compared to by bowl or trough (OR = 0.06, P = 0.02).ConclusionNo significant associations were found between calves’ age when group housed for the first time and play and non-nutritive sucking behaviour. It was found that calves’ play behaviour decreased with increasing age, and that non-nutritive sucking behaviour decreased when milk was allocated with a teat compared to no teat.

Quantifying the Impact of Common Feeding Interventions on Nutritive Sucking Performance Using a Commercially Available Smart Bottle.

An estimated 25% to 40% of infants experience difficulties with learning to breast- or bottle-feed. Yet, guidelines and evidence-based support for common feeding practices are limited. The objective of this case report was to quantify the impact of feeding interventions on nutritive sucking performance after discharge in an outpatient setting. This observational case series involved 2 infants. To determine the impact of cumulative interventions, pre- and postintervention effect sizes were calculated. Sucking performance metrics of interest included nipple movement peak sucking amplitude, duration, frequency, and smoothness. Interventions included positional changes and changes in nipple flow rate, among others. For both infants, cumulative interventions had the greatest impact on suck frequency; postintervention, infants were able to increase their rate of nutritive sucking per burst. Other aspects of sucking performance were differentially impacted for each baby. Researchers agree that neonatal and infant feeding has been understudied and that the evidence for common interventions needs to be strengthened. We have demonstrated the implementation of readily available technology that can be used to quantify the direct impact of any intervention on actual sucking performance. In doing so, we can individualize care to support skill development and improve outcomes for infants at risk for ongoing feeding challenges.

On-farm factors associated with cross-sucking in group-housed organic Simmental dairy calves

In EU organic dairy farming, group housing of calves is required after the first week. Especially in Simmental herds, this is perceived as a risk factor for cross-sucking (CS), i.e. sucking the udder-region or the scrotal area or any other body part of another calf, which may reflect frustrated motivation, lead e.g. to umbilical infections or be continued after weaning. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying factors associated with cross-sucking to provide farmers with effective preventive measures and to investigate potential relations of cross-sucking with treatment incidences. During one-day visits data were collected by the same observer on 31 organic dairy farms with Simmental cattle. The visits included 90 min of direct continuous behaviour observation starting at the morning milk meal, semi-structured interviews and analysis of treatment records (available from n = 25 farms). The average herd size was 31 ± 10 cows (range: 17–59) and 11 ± 7 calves (range: 3–37) with a mean of 4 ± 2 calves per group (range: 2–8). Potential risk factors were screened using univariable analyses or Spearman rank correlation (inclusion threshold P < 0.2). General linear models with backward selection of factors were applied for final modelling. Associations between behaviour and health data were identified using Spearman rank correlation. CS was observed on 29 farms (94%) at a median rate of 1.66 (Q1 = 0.70, Q3 = 3.00) events/calf*hour. CS (explained variation 61.3%, Intercept = 2.75) decreased when age was similar within group (estimate=−2.40, p = 0.001) and increased when calves were not restrained during the milk meal (as compared with restraint for > 30 min; 1.46, p = 0.026). It was shown less frequently when use of nose-clips was not reported as a countermeasure (−2.22, p = 0.008). Duration of sucking at teat buckets was negatively correlated with CS (−0.23, p = 0.018) and the age at grouping had no significant effect on its occurrence. There were no significant correlations of cross-sucking and treatment incidences of diarrhoea, respiratory diseases and umbilical infections. This on-farm study comprising Simmental organic dairy herds partly confirms existing knowledge on preventive measures (e.g. homogenous age groups, long duration of sucking) to be applicable on-farm. Furthermore, it provides evidence that grouping after the first week of life is possible without an increased risk for cross-sucking. The perceived risk of cross-sucking leading to infections could not be proven, as most likely other factors are more relevant.

Behavioral genetics and thumb sucking in adolescents

Thumb sucking is a common habit developed by children and begins as early as in utero. However, it becomes problematic when a child continues to suck their thumb past the age of 4 years, when their secondary dentition is developing and preparing to erupt. Prolonged thumb sucking into adolescence can have deleterious effects on dental and skeletal structures based on the duration and how frequent the child engages in this nonnutritive sucking habit. Thumb sucking can lead to various types of effects such as increased overjet, anterior open bite, posterior cross bite, maxillary arch constriction, high palatal vault, and Class II malocclusion. This paper presents a case study, which focuses on chronic thumb sucking in a family, the dental and skeletal changes that the family members experienced, and whether or not this prolonged behavior can be genetically influenced. Based on this case study and the field of behavioral genetics it is possible that there can be a genetic component to the duration of thumb sucking into adolescence.

Vigour in West African Dwarf kids within the first 24h post-partum.

One hundred and fifty West African Dwarf (WAD) kids were tested at the National Goats Breeding Station to determine the effects of some neonatal factors on their vigour levels within the first 24h post-partum. The kids were also tested to establish the relationship between maternal weight, rectal temperature, times of first standing and sucking, sucking period and vigour. The distance covered (in meters) by a kid towards its mother during a 5-min test period was considered as vigour trait. Vigour levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing age within the first 24h post-partum. Kids born to second parity mothers had higher (p < 0.05) vigour than those born to first parity mothers. Similarly, high birth weight kids had higher (p < 0.05) vigour levels than low birth weight kids. Weak positive and negative correlations (p < 0.05), respectively, were found between vigour and rectal temperature, and vigour and the time of first successfully standing. However, there was moderate positive correlation (p < 0.01) between vigour and sucking period. The time it took for the newborn kid to stand up for the first time also correlated weakly and negatively (p < 0.01) with the duration of sucking by the newborn within the first 5min of accessing the teat. Vigour within the first 24h post-partum in WAD kids increased with increasing age, parity and birth weight and might be responsible for the earlier and longer sucking time and periods, respectively, in high birth weight kids and those dropped by multiparous does.

Are Prolactin Levels Linked to Suction Pressure?

Suction pressure has been reported to be a key driving force of lactation. An infant's sucking at its mother's breasts is the major stimulus to post-natal prolactin (PRL) secretion, and PRL is the essential hormone for lactation and milk production. It is unknown what role suction pressure has in PRL secretion and milk supply postnatally. To explore the relationship between the suction pressure, PRL level, lactation, and milk supply in breastfeeding mother-infant dyads. Healthy women with normal full-term infants were enrolled (n = 122). Data collection included suction pressure, PRL level, and the mother's perception of both the onset of her lactation and her milk supply at 1 month. Suction pressure was measured with a pressure sensor connected to a tube placed alongside the nipple. The chemiluminescence method was used to quantify maternal serum PRL level both before and after a breastfeed to explore the effect of suckling on PRL increment. The mother's perception of the onset of her lactation was evaluated by the mother's sense of fullness in her breast. The mother's perception of milk supply was evaluated by using the H&H Lactation Scale. Data from 117 participants were included in this analysis. Low suction pressure, a shorter gestational age, a high pre-gestational body mass index (BMI), and high infant birth weight were associated with a smaller than average PRL increment. High suction pressure, longer sucking duration, and a low gestational weight gain were related to a mother's perception of an earlier onset of her lactation. However, low suction pressure, a high frequency of giving formula, a small PRL increment, and the mother's perception of a later onset of her lactation were correlated with her perception of an insufficient milk supply. Suction pressure varied directly with the post-natal PRL increment. Suction pressure was associated with the timing of the mother's perception of her lactation. Strong suction pressure by the infant is likely to enhance the mother's confidence in her lactation. Additionally, sucking duration, frequency of giving formula, maternal BMI, and infant birth weight played a role in early breastfeeding success.

Reciprocated cross sucking between dairy calves after weaning off milk does not appear to negatively affect udder health or production

Cross sucking by dairy calves occurs most commonly before weaning, but is of most concern in older animals where it has been claimed to cause mastitis and udder damage. Providing ad libitum milk allowance via a teat and gradual weaning reduces cross sucking, but low levels of this behavior still persist. Our aims were to understand why this behavior persists in some calves after weaning off milk and to examine whether individuals which are cross sucked postweaning are more likely to sustain teat injury or develop mastitis during their first lactation. Fifty-six female Holstein calves were housed in groups of 8 and fed milk, grain, and hay ad libitum from automated feeders. During weaning, milk allowance was gradually reduced according to grain intake. Cross sucking was recorded using overhead video cameras (5 observation periods of 72h). The effects of weaning on cross sucking were examined; to examine whether cross sucking affected udder health, all incidences of damaged quarters or clinical and sub-clinical mastitis in the first lactation were recorded, as was milk production. The overall level of cross sucking after weaning, at 4 to 5mo of age, was low and a small proportion of individuals accounted for the majority of events. The duration of cross sucking that occurred at 4 to 5mo of age was correlated with the amount of cross sucking done before and immediately after weaning. After weaning, the calves that cross sucked did so on certain calves, with the most sucked calf within each pen accounting for 73.98% of all cross-sucking events. No relationship was found between cross sucking and being cross sucked in the period before weaning but a positive correlation was found by 4 to 5mo of age. The majority of calves reduced or ceased cross sucking after weaning. Individuals still observed to be cross sucking by 4 to 5mo of age had formed pairs with other cross-sucking individuals and cross-sucking events occurred almost exclusively between these pairs. Cows that were cross sucked as heifers were no more likely to develop mastitis or have higher somatic cell count in their first lactation than those which were not involved in cross sucking. Cross sucking typically begins before weaning, but the formation of lasting pairs of reciprocal cross-sucking partners after weaning may be responsible for this behavior persisting in group housed dairy calves after weaning off milk. Low levels of cross sucking did not appear to have a negative effect on udder health.

Factors associated with prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits in two cohorts of Brazilian children.

BackgroundNon-nutritive sucking habits (NNSH) are very common during childhood. However, if these habits were maintained for 36 months of age or more, they are considered to be prolonged (PNNSH) and can cause occlusal, physiological and esthetic changes. There is controversy about their prevalence and whether perinatal, social, demographic and health characteristics influence their onset and duration. So, the objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of PNNSH and to evaluate perinatal, early life and school age factors associated with their occurrence in children.MethodsA sample of 1,463 children aged 7–11 years born in Ribeirão Preto (RP-1994) and São Luís (SL-1997/98), Brazil, was reevaluated at school age in 2004/05. Birth weight, gestational age and perinatal variables were obtained at birth. Type of feeding, occurrence and duration of finger and pacifier sucking were recorded retrospectively at school age. PNNSH were defined when persisted for 36 months of age or more. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by Poisson regression (alpha = 5%).ResultsPrevalence of PNNSH was higher in RP (47.6%) than in SL (20.2%) – (p < 0.001). Perinatal variables were not associated to PNNSH, whilst female sex (PR = 1.27 in RP; PR = 1.47 in SL) and bottle feeding for 24 months or more (PR = 2.24 in RP; PR = 2.49 in SL) were risk factors in both locations. Breast feeding for 12 months or more (PR = 0.53 in RP; PR = 0.31 in SL) was associated with lower prevalence of PNNSH in both places. In SL, children whose mothers lived in consensual union (PR = 1.62) and worked outside the home (PR = 1.51) showed higher prevalence of PNNSH compared to their counterparts.ConclusionsPrevalence of PNNSH was high especially in RP and was not associated with perinatal variables. In both cities there was an association between female sex, shorter breast-feeding duration, longer bottle feeding duration and higher prevalence of PNNSH.

Prevalence and associated factors for the development of anterior open bite and posterior crossbite in the primary dentition.

The aim of the study was to verify the prevalence of anterior open bite (AOB) and posterior cross-bite (PC) in the primary dentition and the association with sociodemographic factors, presence and duration of nutritive and non-nutritive habits. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 732 preschoolers in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Clinical exams were performed by three calibrated examiners (Kappa: 0.85-0.90). A questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data as well as nutritive and non-nutritive sucking habits was administered to parents/caregivers. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Poisson regression analysis (α=5%). The prevalence of AOB and PC was 21.0% and 11.6%, respectively. AOB was significantly associated with the three-year-old age group (PR: 1.37; 95%CI: 1.24-1.52), enrollment in public school (PR: 1.09; 95%CI: 1.01-1.17) and duration of pacifier sucking ≥ 36 months (PR: 1.41; 95%CI: 1.30-1.53). PC was associated with pacifier use (PR: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.05-1.17) and duration of breastfeeding <12 months (PR: 1.05; 95%CI: 1.00-1.10). Socioeconomic factors appear not to be related to AOB or PC in the primary dentition, except type of preschool. Breastfeeding should be encouraged for longer periods and the use of pacifier beyond 3 years of age represents a predisposing factor for both types of malocclusion, especially AOB.