Seasonal effects on behavioral estrus signs and estrus detection efficiency in Holstein heifers

Author(s):  
Adnan Unalan

In the study, 234 Holstein heifers were observed visually during a one-year period and 1622 estrus records were used to determine seasonal effects on behavioral estrus signs and estrus detection efficiency. Estrus records were classified as standing, mounting, vaginal mucus discharging, and the other estrus signs. The rates of these estrus signs were found to be 50.6%, 22.7%, 20.7% and 6.0%, respectively and the differences were significant (P<0.01). These results showed that standing behavior was the most observable estrus sign in Holstein heifers. In addition, the rates of standing behavior in each season (66.2%, 59.7%, 50.4% and 38.0% in summer, fall, spring and winter, respectively) showed that it was also more observable sign than the other signs. The rates of estrus records according to seasons were found to be 34.4%, 32.9%, 23.6% and 9.1% in winter, fall, spring and summer, respectively and the differences were also significant (P<0.01). In the study, the mean overall estrus cycle length was found to be 21.15±1.85 days. The mean overall estrus detection efficiency was calculated as 57.8%. The mean detection efficiencies according to seasons were found to be 79.5%, 75.9%, 54.6% and 21.1% in winter, fall, spring and summer respectively. These results could be interpreted that estrus detection efficiency was decreased significantly with increase of temperature.

Author(s):  
Mária Mičiaková ◽  
Peter Strapák ◽  
Iveta Szencziová ◽  
Eva Strapáková ◽  
Ondrej Hanušovský

The oestrus is defined as a complex of physiological signs and changes of behavior occurring immediately before the ovulation. It is the period of sexual receptivity of the cow and this period characterized by, typical cow behaviour which is standing when mounted by a bull or companion cow. Cow indicates this willingness by a slight arching of the back and immobility when approached. The bovine estrus cycle averages 20 days in heifers and 21 days in cows, but the fluctuations in the cycle length is laying between 18 and 25 days. As a result of this progress often only 50 % of the estrus cycles are recognized, and it is extremely hard to find all cows on heat. We state a few methods for estrus detection such as visual observation, locomotion activity and rumination time measurement and other.


2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 519-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Carminati ◽  
S. Giusti ◽  
G. Hausdorf ◽  
S. Qureshi ◽  
M. Tynan ◽  
...  

AbstractIn this review, we describe the experience from 13 European centres using the CardioSEAL and Starflex double umbrella devices to close interatrial communications within the oval fossa (so-called ‘stcundum’ defects). Between October 1996 and April 1999, the procedure was attempted in 334 patients with a mean age of 12 years and a mean weight of 44kg. The mean measured stretched diameter of the defect was 15 mm. In the overall group, the defect was solitary in 245 patients (73%), multiple in 21 (6%), associated with an aneurysm of the flap valve in 15 (5%), was represented by patency of the oval foramen in 44 (13%), and was a fenestration in a Fontan repair in 9 (3%). In all patients, the devices were inserted under general anesthesia, using fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiographic control. Implantation was achieved in 325 (97,3%). The device embolized within either a few minutes or a few hours in 13 patients (4%). Of these, uncomplicated surgical repair was undertaken in 10, while the device was retrieved in 3 using catheters and a second device was successfully implanted. Residual shunting was detected immediately after the procedure in 41% of the patients, with the incidence decreasing to 31% at discharge, 24% at 1 month, 21% at 6 months, and 20.5% at one year. During the period of follow-up, elective surgical repair became necessary in two patients, due to malposition of the device in one, and late embolization in the other. Fractures of arms were seen in 6.1%, most commonly with the largest devices. All those with fractured arms of the device were asymptomatic, and no clinical complications related to the fractures were observed. There were no arrythmias, endocarditis, valvar distortion, thromboembolic events, or other complications. After one year of follow-up, clinical success, defined as complete closure of the defect or presence of only a trivial leak, had been obtained in 92.5% of the patients. We conclude, therefore, that these devices produce excellent results when used to close defects of small to moderate size. Results are less than optimal, or else complications ensure, when attempts are made to close very large defects.


1963 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 882 ◽  
Author(s):  
NM Tulloh

A comparative growth study was made of Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, and beef Shorthorn cattle reared and kept together throughout their lives on irrigated perennial pastures at the Metropolitan Farm, Werribee, Vic. Records of body weight as a function of age were obtained on 404 Hereford, 172 Aberdeen Angus, and 127 Shorthorn cattle, representing cattle born in 1955, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. At birth, male calves were significantly heavier than females, and Hereford calves were significantly heavier than Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus calves, the birth weights of Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus calves being similar. Up to the age of 5 years, the younger and lighter 2-year-old cows produced lighter calves than cows which were both older and heavier. At weaning age (9.5 months) steers were significantly heavier than heifers. Herefords were significantly heavier than Aberdeen Angus in two years out of three; and in one year out of three, Herefords were significantly heavier than Shorthorns. Shorthorns were significantly heavier than Aberdeen Angus in one year out of three. When the steers were finally weighed off grass at the mean age of either 20 months (1958, 1959, and 1960 cattle) or 25 months (1957 cattle), Herefords were significantly heavier than Aberdeen Angus in four successive years, and in one year out of four the Herefords were significantly heavier than Shorthorns. In three years out of four, Shorthorns were significantly heavier than Aberdeen Angus. Breed differences between the mean weights of breeding cows were not significant and, up to the age of 5 years, as breeding cows grew older they became heavier. Body weight growth curves indicated that the cattle experienced a severe check in growth during the winter months (June, July, August). At other times of the year, growth rates were satisfactory. Cattle born in some years grew better than cattle born in others. This was thought to be due partly to differences between years in the quality and quantity of pasture available, even though the pastures were irrigated. Average absolute and average relative growth rates were calculated for the 1957 and 1958 steers before and after weaning. Breed differences in absolute growth rates before weaning were not statistically significant, but after weaning, rates were significantly the highest for Herefords in both years. The breed differences in average relative growth rates were in the same direction as those for absolute growth rates. However, the pre-weaning relative growth rate of Shorthorns was significantly higher than those of the other breeds among the 1957 steers. When due allowance was made for the smaller size of Aberdeen Angus steers at birth and at weaning, the relative growth rates of this breed were less than those of the other breeds. Absolute and relative growth rates were higher for all breeds before weaning than afterwards. This was mainly a reflexion of low post-weaning growth rates during the winter months. Rank correlation coefficients between birth weight and weight at subsequent ages were low and variable in different breeds and in different seasons. However, coefficients calculated between subsequent ages, beginning at weaning age, were generally highly significant. The breed and sex differences presented in this paper have been compared with the limited data from the literature and, in general, the results are similar.


1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (10) ◽  
pp. 2430-2435 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Boag ◽  
M. A. Schroeder

The number of spruce grouse (Falcipennis (Canachites) franklinii) present in the spring population on a 247-ha block of pine-dominated habitat in southwestern Alberta was counted annually over a 21-year period. During the first 5 years of this study, the population increased steadily from 7.3 to 16.6 grouse/100 ha. Subsequently, for a period of 11 years, numbers were relatively stable at higher densities (19.0–29.1 grouse/100 ha). During the last 5-year period, the population declined to levels lower than at the onset of the study (16.6–4.9 grouse/100 ha). Year to year fluctuations in the size of this population were considered in the light of two hypotheses put forward to explain such fluctuations (spacing behaviour and breeding success). We concluded that both hypotheses were needed to explain our observations. During those years when spring population size fell below the mean number of grouse recorded over the 21-year period (17.8/100 ha), there was some evidence that breeding success in one year may have influenced population size the following spring but we found no evidence that spacing behaviour was important in limiting numbers under these conditions. On the other hand, when the size of the spring population was greater than the mean there was no evidence that breeding success influenced changes in population size the following spring, but there was evidence that spacing behaviour was limiting recruitment. The long-term change in population size appeared to be tied to the status of the fire sere inhabited: maturation of the forest (principally an increase in the height) was accompanied by a decline in population size.


2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (suppl spe) ◽  
pp. 383-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divakar Justus Ambrose ◽  
Marcos Germán Colazo ◽  
John Patrick Kastelic

Fertility of dairy cattle is generally decreasing. Overall estrus detection efficiency in lactating dairy cattle is low, as expression of estrus is often compromised. Consequently, undetected estrus, low AI-submission rates, and long inter-breeding intervals are the main contributors to poor reproductive efficiency. Although failure to become pregnant is the most common reason for culling dairy cattle, pregnancy rates could be improved by increasing the AI-submission rate through increased estrus detection efficiency, timed insemination (Timed-AI), or timed embryo transfer (Timed-ET). In these protocols, ovarian follicular development and luteolysis are controlled, culminating in synchronous ovulation in most cows. There are several modifications to improve pregnancy rates in Timed-AI protocols, e.g. presynchronization with 2 doses of PGF2a 14 d apart, and starting the Ovsynch protocol 12 d after the 2nd PGF2a. Timed-AI programs ensure a timely first breeding; this should be followed with early pregnancy diagnosis to identify nonpregnant cows, and prompt re-insemination. However, in a recent field study involving 23 dairy herds, the mean interval between 1st and 2nd breeding was 42 d; only 28% of the cows were rebred within 24 d after 1st breeding. Fortunately, there are several resynchronization protocols to reduce inter-breeding intervals. Anestrus cows, or those with cystic ovarian follicles, have a good chance of conceiving when subjected to synchronization of ovulation and Timed-AI. Furthermore, Timed-ET is a practical and viable option for synchronizing and selecting recipient cattle for embryo transfers. In summary, systematic and judicious use of Timed-AI and Timed-ET protocols can greatly enhance reproductive performance, and improve herd productivity.


Ornis Svecica ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 63-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Enemar ◽  
Bengt Sjöstrand ◽  
Göran Andersson ◽  
Ted Von Proschwitz

The breeding passerine bird community of 9 km2 of a primeval subalpine birch forest in Swedish Lapland was censused yearly from 1963 through 1999. The community density remained stable, fluctuating around a mean value of 403 ± 85 territories/km2. Species richness increased by an average of one species every four years. Twenty species made up 98% of the community and Phylloscopus trochilus (40%) and Fringilla montifringilla (19%) remained the dominant species. The species turnover rate between successive seasons was on average 30%. The mean temperatures in June and July were positively correlated to the community density two years and one year later, respectively, less so for the densities of the individual species. Fringilla montifringilla increased in density during the first two years of each Epirrita autumnata caterpillar outbreak, whereas the other species responded only weakly or not at all. All species tended to fluctuate in parallel (no significant opposite trends) which together with the other results suggests that the investigated bird community is far from saturated.


1968 ◽  
Vol 8 (31) ◽  
pp. 158 ◽  
Author(s):  
JW McDonald ◽  
J Eckel

These studies were made in the Inverleigh district of Victoria where a sheep breeding problem has occurred among summer-mated ewes in some years since 1947. The possibility of onion grass (Romulea rosea L.) poisoning being responsible for this problem was investigated. The botanical composition of the diet selected by four sheep, fitted with oesophageal fistulas and grazing an onion grass dominant pasture on a problem property, was determined approximately every two weeks during the late summer and autumn of two years. One year (1965) was a problem year and the other year (1966) was a non-problem year for sheep reproduction on this property and in this district. The experimental sheep ate appreciable amounts of both dry and green onion grass, especially in the late summer and immediately after the autumn rains. The mean percentage of dry onion grass in the diet before the autumn break was 20 in 1965 and 31 in 1966 ; and after the autumn break the mean per cent of green onion grass was 16 in 1965 and 28 in 1966. Overall, the sheep did not show a dietary preference for onion grass as twice these levels were present in the dry or green pasture species. The major difference in onion grass intake between the two years was that, because of the late autumn break in 1965, the fistulated animals ate dry onion grass (and onion grass seed) for six weeks longer than in 1966.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S245-S245
Author(s):  
Amy J Mathers ◽  
Anna Sheppard ◽  
Nicole Stoesser ◽  
Derrick Crook ◽  
Katie E Barry ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae can form a reservoir in hospital wastewater biofilms. Klebsiella quasipneumoniae is increasingly recognized as an emerging nosocomial threat, frequently carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes on plasmids. The dynamics of AMR gene and plasmid gain/loss over time in this species remain unclear. Methods Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase producing-K. quasipneumoniae (KPC-Kq) isolates from patients and wastewater sites from drains and toilets were sequenced (Illumina). Sequence assemblies (SPAdes) were probed in silico for AMR genes and plasmid Incompatibility types (using AMRFinder and PlasmidFinder databases, respectively). For related isolates (<100 SNV) cultured from the same sites longitudinally, we compared the accumulation of AMR genes in patients and environmental reservoirs over time. Results From 2009 to 2016 there were a total of 15 KPC-Kq isolates from 8 patients and 17 environmental isolates from 11 rooms. The mean number of resistance genes identified in patients and environmental isolates were 15 and 14, respectively (P = NS), with five resistance genes carried by all isolates including blaKPC. There was an average of 4.4 unique incompatibility types from patients and 4.0 from the environment (P = NS). For the longitudinal subset, there were 17 related isolates from two patients and two sink drains. One hospitalized patient with repeated antimicrobial exposure had a KPC-Kq initial isolate with 3 plasmid types and 13 AMR genes and died one year later with a KPC-Kq isolated from blood with 11 plasmid types and 25 AMR genes. The other patient was primarily an outpatient with little antimicrobial exposure. His KPC-Kq lost 1 plasmid and 3 AMR genes over 15 months. One KPC-Kq strain in the environment lost 3 plasmid types and 8 AMR genes over 4 months; the other was unchanged over 5 months. Conclusion KPC-Kq has been seen in both patients and the environment for several years at our institution. Sequencing of longitudinal isolates revealed that under antimicrobial pressure a patient KPC-Kq accumulated multiple plasmids and AMR genes. This same accumulation was not witnessed environmental sites over time although the numbers are small and will require confirmatory work. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Author(s):  
Eduardo Franco ◽  
Cristina Lozano ◽  
Roberto Matía ◽  
Antonio Hernandez-Madrid ◽  
Inmaculada Sánchez ◽  
...  

Introduction. Unstable reentrant atrial tachycardias (ATs) (i.e. those with frequent circuit modification or conversion to atrial fibrillation) are challenging to ablate. We have tested a strategy to achieve arrhythmia stabilization into mappable stable ATs based on the detection and ablation of rotors. Methods and Results. From May 2017 to December 2019, 97 consecutive patients with reentrant ATs were ablated. Of these, 18 (18.6%) presented unstable circuits and were included. Mapping was performed using conventional high-density mapping catheters (IntellaMap ORION, PentaRay NAV or Advisor HD Grid). Rotors were subjectively identified as fractionated continuous (or quasi-continuous) electrograms on 1-2 adjacent bipoles of the mapping catheter, without dedicated software. 13 patients (72%) had detectable rotors (median 2 [1–3] rotors per patient); focal ablation achieved conversion into stable AT or sinus rhythm in 12 (92%). In the other 6 patients, sites with spatiotemporal dispersion (i.e. all the cycle length comprised within the mapping catheter) plus non-continuous fractionation on single bipoles were targeted. 17 sites with spatiotemporal dispersion were detected and focally ablated. Globally, and excluding 1 patient with spontaneous AT stabilization, ablation success to stabilize the AT was achieved in 16/17 patients (94.1%). One-year freedom from atrial arrhythmias was similar between patients with unstable and stable ATs (66.7% Vs 65.8%, p=0.946). Conclusion. Most unstable reentrant ATs show detectable rotors, identified as sites with single-bipole fractionated quasi-continuous signals, or spatiotemporal dispersion plus non-continuous fractionation. Ablation of these sites is highly effective to stabilize the AT or convert it into sinus rhythm.


1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (01) ◽  
pp. 035-040 ◽  
Author(s):  
A M H P van den Besselaar ◽  
R M Bertina

SummaryFour thromboplastin reagents were tested by 18 laboratories in Europe, North-America, and Australasia, according to a detailed protocol. One thromboplastin was the International Reference Preparation for ox brain thromboplastin combined with adsorbed bovine plasma (coded OBT/79), and the second was a certified reference material for rabbit brain thromboplastin, plain (coded CRM 149R). The other two thromboplastin reagents were another rabbit plain brain thromboplastin (RP) with a lower ISI than CRM 149R and a rabbit brain thromboplastin combined with adsorbed bovine plasma (RC). Calibration of the latter two reagents was performed according to methods recommended by the World Health Organization (W. H. O.).The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: 1) Is the calibration of the RC reagent more precise against the bovine/combined (OBT/79) than against the rabbit/plain reagent (CRM 149R)? 2) Is the precision of calibration influenced by the magnitude of the International Sensitivity Index (ISI)?The lowest inter-laboratory variation of ISI was observed in the calibration of the rabbit/plain reagent (RP) against the other rabbit/plain reagent (CRM 149R) (CV 1.6%). The highest interlaboratory variation was obtained in the calibration of rabbit/plain (RP) against bovine/combined (OBT/79) (CV 5.1%). In the calibration of the rabbit/combined (RC) reagent, there was no difference in precision between OBT/79 (CV 4.3%) and CRM 149R (CV 4.2%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the precision of the ISI of RC obtained with CRM 149R (ISI = 1.343) and the rabbit/plain (RP) reagent with ISI = 1.14. In conclusion, the calibration of RC could be performed with similar precision with either OBT/79 or CRM 149R, or RP.The mean ISI values calculated with OBT/79 and CRM 149R were practically identical, indicating that there is no bias in the ISI of these reference preparations and that these reference preparations have been stable since their original calibration studies in 1979 and 1987, respectively.International Normalized Ratio (INR) equivalents were calculated for a lyophilized control plasma derived from patients treated with oral anticoagulants. There were small but significant differences in the mean INR equivalents between the bovine and rabbit thromboplastins. There were no differences in the interlaboratory variation of the INR equivalents, when the four thromboplastins were compared.


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