Genetic and non-genetic factors associated with health and vitality traits in beef calves

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Condon ◽  
Craig Murphy ◽  
Roy D Sleator ◽  
Michelle M Judge ◽  
Siobhan Ring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variance ◽  
Birth Size ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Calf Health ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Consumer Concerns ◽  
Beef Herds ◽  
Calving Season

Abstract Awareness and interest in calf health and wellbeing is intensifying, prompting change in the management and breeding decisions of producers and associated policy-makers. The objectives of the present study were to 1) quantify the risk factors associated with subjectively-measured scores of vigour and birth size as well as diagnoses of scour and pneumonia in a large national dataset of beef calves, and 2) to estimate the contribution of genetic variance to such phenotypic measures. After edits, the data consisted of health and birth size data subjectively scored by producers on 88,207 calves born in 6,126 Irish beef herds. Vigour was recorded on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). Birth size was also scored on a scale of 1 (very small) to 5 (very large). Scour and pneumonia were both scored independently based on the suspected number of occurrence of each (0 = no occurrence, 1 = one occurrence or 2 = more than one occurrence). On average, 14.7% of calves were recorded as having had at least one occurrence of scour within the first 5 months of life, whereas 6.4% of calves were recorded as having had at least one occurrence of pneumonia within the first 5 months of life. Relative to female calves, male calves had a worse vigour score and a suspected greater incidence of both scour and pneumonia. Relative to singletons, twins were, on average, smaller at birth, they had a worse vigour score, and they were more prone to scour. Calves born in the later periods of the calving season (i.e., late and very late) had a greater incidence of scour relative to calves in the herd born earlier in the calving season. Heritability estimates for vigour, birth size and pneumonia were 0.12 (0.02), 0.33 (0.03) and 0.08 (0.02), respectively; no genetic variance was detected for scour. Breeding for vigorous calves that are less susceptible to pneumonia could provide producers with an additional strategy to ensure consumer concerns regarding food quality, safety and calf wellbeing are being met.

scholarly journals Workplace Healthy Lifestyle Determinants and Wellbeing Needs across the Preconception and Pregnancy Periods: A Qualitative Study Informed by the COM-B Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4154
Author(s):  
Seonad K. Madden ◽  
Claire A. Blewitt ◽  
Kiran D. K. Ahuja ◽  
Helen Skouteris ◽  
Cate M. Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
And Control

Overweight and obesity present health risks for mothers and their children. Reaching women during the key life stages of preconception and pregnancy in community settings, such as workplaces, is an ideal opportunity to enable health behavior change. We conducted five focus groups with 25 women aged between 25 and 62 years in order to investigate the determinants of healthy lifestyle behaviors, weight management, and wellbeing needs during the preconception and pregnancy periods in an Australian university workplace. Discussions explored women’s health and wellbeing needs with specific reference to workplace impact. An abductive analytical approach incorporated the capability, opportunity, and motivation of behavior (COM-B) model, and four themes were identified: hierarchy of needs and values, social interactions, a support scaffold, and control. Findings highlight the requirement for greater organization-level support, including top-down coordination of wellbeing opportunities and facilitation of education and support for preconception healthy lifestyle behaviors in the workplace. Interventionists and organizational policy makers could incorporate these higher-level changes into workplace processes and intervention development, which may increase intervention capacity for success.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With Cost of 30-Day and 90-Day Readmissions Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Insights From the Nationwide Readmissions Database

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anshit Goyal ◽  
Archis Bhandarkar ◽  
Mohammed A Alvi ◽  
Mohamad Bydon
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Medical Diagnosis ◽  
Cervical Spondylosis ◽  
National Database ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Medical Diagnoses ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Symptom Recurrence

Abstract INTRODUCTION The rising cost of spine surgery and the resultant economic burden has attracted the attention of health policy makers. Readmissions constitute a significant economic burden to the healthcare system. METHODS We queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) for patients undergoing elective ACDF during 2012 to 2015Q3. Multivariable linear regression was performed to establish the factors associated with cost of each 30/90-d readmission episode (REC). We also determined the procedure-related and medical diagnosis at readmission associated with higher cost of hospitalization. RESULTS A total of 4792 30-d readmissions from 4512 patients and 8156 90-d readmissions from 7198 patients were included. The average 30-d REC was $11,843 (95% CI: $11,390–$12,297) and the average 90-d REC was $14,353 (95% CI: $13,962–$14,744). Number of procedures at index admission (IA), length of stay at IA, and days since IA that the readmission occurred were the top predictors of readmission cost. Other important predictors (P < .001) included a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy at IA and weekend IAs. Cervical myelopathy and aspiration pneumonia emerged as the procedure and medical-related readmission diagnoses associated with the highest 30-d readmission costs respectively. Device-related mechanical complications and symptom recurrence were the diagnoses associated with the highest cost of 90-d RECs respectively. CONCLUSION In this analysis from a national database, we determined the factors associated with cost of readmissions following elective ACDF. Our results indicate that a significant economic burden of readmissions is due to medical diagnoses, apart from procedure related complications.

scholarly journals 41 Reproductive management of beef females in South America

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 32-33
Author(s):  
Jose Luiz Moraes Vasconcelos ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Mauro Meneghetti ◽  
Isaias Claro Junior ◽  
Rogerio Peres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Tropical Pastures ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Beef Herds ◽  
Tropical Areas ◽  
Calving Season ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

Abstract The majority of beef cow herds in South America are constituted by Bos indicus females, which have particular reproductive features that contribute to reduced reproductive efficiency compared with that of B. taurus cohorts. B. indicus heifers reach puberty at an older age compared with B. taurus heifers. Nutritional challenges are critical in cows maintained on low-quality tropical pastures, given that nutrient intake during the postpartum period is not sufficient to meet their requirements for growth and lactation. Several alternatives to enhance reproductive efficiency of B. indicus heifers and cows have been developed to address their inherent reproductive shortcomings. These research-based technologies include: a) hormonal protocols to induce puberty in nulliparous heifers, b) hormonal protocols to synchronize estrus and/or ovulation in B. indicus females to exploit their reproductive responses to artificial insemination, and c) genetic and environmental factors that influence reproductive success in beef herds, including reproductive diseases and excitable temperament of B. indicus females, which have been investigated to support/promote the development of appropriate mitigation technologies. The objective of this presentation is to discuss pharmacological and management technologies to improve reproductive performance of cow-calf systems from tropical areas in South America. Currently, there are hormonal treatments allowing South American B. indicus producers to reach the benchmark of 50% pregnancy rate to TAI, as well as enhance the percentage of cows becoming pregnant to AI at the beginning of the breeding season. This outcome is expected to optimize use of labor, and increase calf weaning age and weight via genetic improvement and concentration of births at the beginning of the calving season.

Abuse of Older Persons With Dementia: A Review of the Literature

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boye Fang ◽  
Elsie Yan
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Sampling Strategies ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Cultural Considerations

In view of the rapidly aging population, increasing attention has been paid to studying persons with dementia. Factors associated with its onset, prognosis, and treatment as well as ways to support caregivers in the community have been extensively studied. Despite the fact that older persons with dementia are at higher risk of abuse compared to their cognitively unimpaired counterparts in institutions and the community, however, relatively little attention has been paid to understanding such abuse. This review summarizes the available literature on abuse of older persons with dementia. It compares methodologies used across studies and highlights the implications of using different informants, sampling strategies, and abuse subtypes in studying abuse of persons with dementia and discussed the relevant cultural considerations for research. The results of this review provide important information for researchers, policy makers, and practitioners.

scholarly journals Factors associated with secondary infertility

1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasina Momtaz ◽  
Meerjady Sabrina Flora ◽  
Sonia Shirin
Keyword(s):  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Age Difference ◽  
Secondary Infertility ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
To Come ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Control Study

Infertility is an experience that strikes at the very core of a woman’s life and as a whole her family and society. Studies in Bangladesh to evaluate the factors are difficult to come by. This case control study was carried out from Jan 2010 to June 2010 to find out the factors associated with secondary infertility. A total of 70 cases were selected from the infertility unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and 70 unmatched controls from the same hospital attending the pediatrics unit with their children were also recruited. Data were collected by interview and review of documents. No age difference was noticed between the cases (29.26 ± 4.13) and controls (29.21 ± 3.95). Association of secondary infertility was found with body mass index (p=0.036), previous bad obstetric history (p = 0.011) and previous caesarian delivery (p=0.044). Women with secondary infertility were more than four times more likely to have gynecological problem(s) than their fertile counterparts [OR 4.76 with 95% CI (2.018-11.270)]. The factors identified in this study might help the policy makers in designing prevention and health care programmes and thus reducing the hidden burden of secondary infertility.Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2011; 5(1): 17-21 Key Words: Secondary infertility; factors; association.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v5i1.9856  

scholarly journals Political history of Farakka Barrage and its effects on environment in Bangladesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abul Kawser ◽  
Md. Abdus Samad
Keyword(s):  
Water Governance ◽  
The Political ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Historical Perspectives ◽  
The Past ◽  
Farakka Barrage ◽  
History Of ◽  
Historical Developments ◽  
The Ganges

Soon after the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, India took initiative to construct a barrage on its side of the Ganges and commissioned it in 1975. In the past few decades, many of the 54 Bangladeshi Rivers that originate in India have either been diverted or dammed upstream, inside India. All of these hydro-developmental initiatives have left a profound impact on Bangladesh as it is at the receiving end of the Himalayan fluvial regime. In particular, Bangladesh’s agriculture, fisheries, and human health and wellbeing are reported to have been significantly affected by the disruption of natural water flow in its rivers. The debate over the water sharing issues between India and Bangladesh dates back as early as their birth but the historical developments of the disputes have never been adequately addressed in settling the issues. This paper analyzes the political developments in Bangladesh and India over Farakka issue from historical perspectives. It also reveals the adverse effects of Farakka Barrage on environment in Bangladesh. The aim is to provide policy makers with the insights into historical developments of disputes centred on Farakka Barrage to contribute towards better water governance.

scholarly journals ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS, ANTICIPATED RENTS AND COMMERCIALISATION IN SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (02) ◽  
pp. 1850018 ◽  
Author(s):  
HANG DO ◽  
TIM MAZZAROL ◽  
GEOFFREY N. SOUTAR ◽  
THIERRY VOLERY ◽  
SOPHIE REBOUD
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Management Of Innovation ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organisational Factors ◽  
The Relationship

The study investigates the relationship between organisational factors and the anticipated returns to the commercialisation of an innovation within small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Using a large multi-country sample, the analysis involved a structural equation model of seven organisational factors associated with the management of innovation, and their relationship with the anticipated volume of sales, profitability and lifecycle of the innovation. Significant relationships were found between the possession of an innovation strategy and formal commercialisation management, and optimism over sales volumes and lifecycle. The study provides new insights into the resource-based view and theory of entrepreneurial rents, strengthening SME owner-managers’ assessment on future investments in innovation and how to utilise their best capabilities. Policy makers also gain more insights into the commercialisation process within SMEs to foster the innovation orientation in both high and low tech sectors.

Electronic cigarette use in restaurants and workplaces where combustible tobacco smoking is not allowed: an Internet survey in Japan

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosuke Kiyohara ◽  
Takahiro Tabuchi
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Japanese Adults ◽  
Potential Factors

BackgroundThe present study aimed to examine the experience of actual electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in smoke-free areas of restaurants and workplaces and to explore the determinants associated with such use among Japanese adults who reported any experience using e-cigarettes (e-cigarette ever-users).MethodsAn Internet-based self-reported questionnaire survey was conducted in 2015 on Japanese e-cigarette ever-users. The proportion of the respondents who had ever used or frequently used e-cigarettes in smoke-free restaurants and/or workplaces was calculated. Potential factors associated with e-cigarette use in those smoke-free areas were also examined by using multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsIn total, 1243 e-cigarette ever-users (662 current and 581 former e-cigarette users) were analysed. The majority of them (1020/1243, 82.1%) were male and their mean age ± SD was 47.0±10.4 years. The proportion of those who had ever used e-cigarettes in smoke-free restaurants was 28.8% (358/1243) and that in smoke-free workplaces was 25.5% (317/1243), respectively. The proportion of those who had frequently used e-cigarettes in smoke-free restaurants was 18.5% (230/1243) and that in smoke-free workplaces was 16.3% (202/1243), respectively. In general, the proportion of e-cigarette use in those smoke-free areas was higher among those having a higher educational level than those having a lower educational level.ConclusionAmong adult Japanese e-cigarette ever-users, approximately 26%–29% had ever used and 16%–19% had frequently used e-cigarettes in restaurants and/or workplaces where combustible tobacco smoking is not allowed. Policy-makers may need to establish explicit rules as to e-cigarette use in smoke-free environments.

Are low-to-middle-income households experiencing food insecurity in Victoria, Australia? An examination of the Victorian Population Health Survey, 2006–2009

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Kleve ◽  
Zoe E. Davidson ◽  
Emma Gearon ◽  
Sue Booth ◽  
Claire Palermo
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Income Levels ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Using Data

Food insecurity affects health and wellbeing. Little is known about the relationship between food insecurity across income levels. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and frequency of food insecurity in low-to-middle-income Victorian households over time and identify factors associated with food insecurity in these households. Prevalence and frequency of food insecurity was analysed across household income levels using data from the cross-sectional 2006–09 Victorian Population Health Surveys (VPHS). Respondents were categorised as food insecure, if in the last 12 months they had run out of food and were unable to afford to buy more. Multivariable logistic regression was used to describe factors associated with food insecurity in low-to-middle-income households (A$40000–$80000 in 2008). Between 4.9 and 5.5% for total survey populations and 3.9–4.8% in low-to-middle-income respondents were food insecure. Food insecurity was associated with limited help from friends, home ownership status, inability to raise money in an emergency and cost of some foods. Food insecurity exists in households beyond those on a very low income. Understanding the extent and implications of household food insecurity across all income groups in Australia will inform effective and appropriate public health responses.

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