bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incident Command Adaptations during Sustained Mega-Shelter Medical Clinic Operations during 2017 Hurricane Harvey Response in Dallas, Texas
Authors: Liu E. Liang , Flax Lindsay A. , Klein Kelly R. , Fowler Raymond L. , E. Swienton Raymond
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The Dallas Convention Center received over 3800 evacuees because of the unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. A multidisciplinary medical clinic was established onsite to address evacuee needs for medical evaluations, emergency care, chronic disease management, pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, and local health services integration. To operate efficiently, the Dallas Mega-Shelter Emergency Operations Center (EOC) worked with the Mega-Shelter Medical Clinic (MMC) under a fluid incident command (IC) structure that was National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant. Iterations of MMC IC demonstrated maturations in organizational structure while supporting MMC operations that varied from rigid NIMS doctrine.

Aim:

To explore the use of a fluid IC structure at a large evacuation medical shelter after Hurricane Harvey.

Methods:

We observed evolutions of IC organizational charts and operational impacts.

Results:

Modifications through just-in-time iterations of the IC organizational chart were posted and reviewed with MMC IC and EOC sector chiefs. Changes in the organizational chart were noted to improve identification of logistical needs, supply delivery, coordinate with other agencies, and to make decisions for resource typing and personnel utilization. Adaptations also improved communication, which led to timely situational awareness and reporting accuracy.

Discussion:

MMC medical services were improved by allowing modifications and adaptations to NIMS compliant MMC IC organizational roles and duty assignments. The fluidity of IC structure with ability for just-in-time modifications directly impacted the provision of disaster medical services. Unique situational awareness, coordination of care pathways within the local innate health infrastructure, compliance with health service regulations, and personnel resource typing all contributed to and benefitted from these IC modifications. MMC and EOC IC collaboration facilitated effective communication and maintained an appropriate span of control and efficient activity reporting.
An Introduction to Coastal Wilderness Medicine: BEACCHEs
Authors: Pahalawatta Upuli , Dawson Amanda
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Beginning Education at Central Coast Hospitals (BEACCHEs) was developed as an experiential wilderness experience to assist with student exposure to new hazards when commencing at a coastal regional hospital. The coast has several hazards which are specific to the area.

Aim:

To provide students with first responder education for situations commonly encountered on the Central Coast.

Methods:

Sessions on first responder training specific to coastal and remote locations included: first aid and surf safety with the Ocean Beach Surf-Lifesaving Club and anti-venom education with the Australian Reptile Park. Education was provided regarding the transition from academic to clinical medicine including support and workload management. A two-day workshop was held on the Central Coast. Pre- and post-workshop surveys were conducted with a combination of matrix questions, Likert response scales, and long answer questions. Ethics was obtained. Both quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed.

Results:

Excellent feedback regarding this program was received. All students reported an increase in knowledge in all three domains of critical medicine and evacuation issues, student health and workload management, and Central Coast community and environment. The areas of greatest knowledge in each of these domains were the management of surf incidents, signs and symptoms of PTSD, and Central Coast marine and ocean environment. A confidence increase was seen in responding effectively to an emergency, particularly, in response to improvisation in the field. All findings were statistically significant with all P-values <0.01.

Discussion:

The addition of BEACCHEs to the orientation of medical students at the Central Coast Medical School has demonstrated to be an effective program for allowing students to adjust more quickly to the new clinical environment. Following the success of this program, BEACCHEs is expected to become part of the new Junior Medical Officer orientation in 2019.
Learning Effects of Cross Road Game Using a Clicker-Nano System
Authors: Mitani Satoko
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

There are some tools for teaching disaster countermeasure in Japan. Cross Road Game was developed to get a concrete image of a disaster situation and is based on interviews from Kobe city government officers in an area affected by the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The alternative includes a lot of ‘dilemmas’ that sacrifice something based on whichever outcome is chosen. For example, “There are 2000 meals at the evacuation center with 3000 refugees. Do you distribute these foods or not?” This game was developed for five to seven players, however, it is not suitable for class lessons with a hundred students. Thus, we tried to employ the Clicker-Nano system for an interactive lesson.

Aim:

To provide a brief introduction to this new style of teaching disaster countermeasure.

Methods:

The study included involved a classroom discussion using Clickers-Nano system in addition to Cross Road Game.

Results:

Nursing students could learn the concrete details of disaster countermeasure in an enjoyable format. They could share thoughts and compare opinions while deciding how to resolve the dilemma at the time of disaster.

Discussion:

The most important issue faced was how to develop an educational effect for nursing students. Even if five or seven students (players) could enjoy the game, it would not lead to the accumulation of unified knowledge of disaster countermeasure compared to a lecture at the university. The use of the Clickers-Nano system avoided differences in the reach of learning due to differences of facilitators’ capabilities. This study suggests a new style that combines interactive discussion not only with small but also large numbers of students.
Let’s Rock and Roll Baby! Strengthening Skills to Deliver Basic Obstetric Care in Sudden Onset Disasters
Authors: Jane Kass , Lawrey Emma
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

In 2017 the New Zealand Medical Assistance Team (NZMAT) were verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an Emergency Medical Team Type 1. During the verification process, the WHO highlighted the need for further NZMAT capability in the specialty areas of reproductive, sexual, and maternal health. The NZMAT consists of doctors and nurses from many different clinical subspecialties but with a predominance of emergency and rural medicine or general practice. Due to the subspecialist nature of hospital medicine in the New Zealand environment most GPs, emergency physicians, and nurses have very little exposure to normal labor and birth in their day-to-day work and limited exposure to obstetric complications.

Methods:

To increase the knowledge and skill level of the NZMAT, a two day Basic Emergency Obstetric Care (BEOC) course was designed by Kass Jane, a midwifery educator, researcher, and member of NZMAT, in consultation with the NZMAT Clinical Director Emma Lawrey.

Results:

This presentation will outline the curriculum design, the course delivery, and the feedback from participants on this inaugural BEOC for the NZMAT, as well as the findings of a post-course review and plans for further BEOC courses for NZMAT members.

Discussion:

This presentation will address why courses of this type have value, especially where the delivery of basic obstetric care in a low technology or austere environment may translate into skills for other Australian clinicians wishing to work either in a humanitarian or developing world context.
Low-Cost Tabletop Simulation for Disaster Triage
Authors: Bonney Joseph , Osei-Ampofo Maxwell , Nuhu Zakaria Ahmed
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Disaster Medicine training in most parts of the world is done in a practical manner to allow users to practice the skills of triage and resource allocation.

Aim:

To develop a low-cost tabletop simulation and measure its effectiveness from the user perspective.

Methods:

A modified Delphi approach was used in developing a low-cost tabletop simulation exercise. Simple playing cards were used as patients with specific vitals and injuries. Two Hundred trainees of the National Ambulance Service were used to test the exercise. All the participants had an equal chance to triage a patient and arrange transport to an appropriate facility.

Results:

All participants expressed their satisfaction in the design and implementation of the tabletop exercise. Over 90% showed interest in replicating the exercise in their respective setting due to the low-cost nature of the setup. During the exercise6. 0% of the patients were triaged correctly, while 80% were transported from the scene in an orderly manner. All the participants agreed on the useful and educational value of the exercise.

Discussion:

The use of a low-cost tabletop exercise in disaster medicine training is essential for low- and middle-income countries to promote education, and has been shown to be acceptable and feasible.
Novel Delivery of Meaningful EMS and Disaster Medicine Content to Residents and Medical Students
Authors: Flax Lindsay , Liu E. Liang , Miller Brian , Morshedi Brandon , Fowler Raymond L. , Swienton Raymond E. , Mugele Josh , Klein Kelly
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Residency education delivery in the United States has migrated from conventional lectures to alternative educational models that include mini-lectures, small group, and learner lead discussions. As training programs struggle with mandated hours of content, prehospital (EMS) and disaster medicine are given limited focus. While the need for prehospital and disaster medicine education in emergency training is understood, no standard curriculum delivery has been proposed and little research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of any particular model.

Aim:

To demonstrate a four-hour multi-modal curriculum that includes lecture based discussions and small group exercises, culminating in an interactive multidisciplinary competition that integrates the previously taught information.

Methods:

EMS and disaster faculty were surveyed on the previous disaster and prehospital educational day experiences to evaluate course content, level of engagement, and participation by faculty. Based on this feedback, the EMS/Disaster divisions developed a schedule for the four hour EMS and Disaster Day that incorporated vital concepts while addressing the pitfalls previously identified. Sessions included traditional lectures, question and answer sessions, small group exercises, and a tabletop competition. Structured similarly to a strategy board game, the tabletop exercise challenged residents to take into account both medical and ethical considerations during a traditional triage exercise.

Results:

Compared to past reviews by emergency medical faculty, residents, and medical students, there was a precipitous increase in satisfaction scores on the part of all participants.

Discussion:

This curriculum deviates from the conventional education model and has been successfully implemented at our 3-year residency program of 66 residents. This EMS and Disaster Day promotes active learning, resident and faculty participation, and retention of important concepts while also fostering relationships between disaster managers and the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Preparing for Disaster: Behind the Scenes of Maintaining and Deploying an Emergency Medical Team…Equipped. Prepared. Ready.
Authors: Schobben Matthew , Acharya Inda , Alves Dinorah Caeiro , Eadie Juno , Morrow Melanie , Trewin Abigail , Sekulich Hollie
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Deploying an EMT to respond to a sudden onset disaster entails significant operational activities and support back home to deploy and support a responding team. These activities also include peacetime operations, exercising, innovation, engagement, training, and development of both team members and operational staff to further knowledge and experience.

Aim:

To exhibit the operational activities and complexities of maintaining a deployable cache of equipment and consumables for deploying a self-sustaining Emergency Medical Team (EMT). This includes the elements of managing a high-performance team, human resource management ensuring the readiness of personnel to rapidly respond, maintaining World Health Organization (WHO) international standards for EMTs, and the operational aspects and support behind the scenes to deploy a team.

Methods:

Analysis of operational activities and support for pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment phases including preparedness through innovation, collaboration, development, and maintenance of a high-performance team and cache.

Results:

The analysis of operational activities behind the scenes of deploying EMT maps the unique complexities of maintaining and deploying a high-performance team at all stages of deployment, demonstrating the success of a team in the field is attributed to the support and activities of the team back home to deploy them.

Discussion:

There is substantial preparation and behind the scenes operational activities that are undertaken to deploy and support a deployed EMT. Lessons learned from each deployment build on the operational capacity of staff deploying a team and on the future directions, innovations, and practices of a deployed team in the field.
Preparing Health Care Professionals for Public Health Disaster Management
Authors: Witt Regina Rigatto , Oliveira Alexandre Barbosa , Miranda Elaine Silva , Rocha Cristianne Maria Famer , Pires Collective health student Natalia Silva , Silva Nursing student Laura Lucas , Silva Marcio Haubert , Paz Potiguara Oliveira , Rodrigues Carla Daiane Silva , Menegat Robriane Prosdocimi , Jung Walnice
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Disasters are a major challenge for public health because of damage caused by death, injury, or illness that exceeds health services’ ability to respond. Health professionals and students require awareness and understanding of particular aspects of disaster planning, mitigation, response, or recovery. In Brazil, despite the increase in the number and intensity of disasters, there is no formal acceptance regarding the need to integrate disaster content into curriculum guidelines (1)

Aim:

To develop and test referential and models for disaster management health professional education.

Methods:

Competence-based education has been proposed. The methodology adopted was developed by the Association (2) and adapted to be used in the Brazilian context. An initial literature search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed, Google Scholar, Lilacs, and Scielo databases using disaster and competencies as descriptors.

Results:

Articles and documents in Portuguese, Spanish, and English were identified for: public health (21), nursing (20), multi-professional (16), psychology (4), pharmacy (4), dentistry (2), medicine (1), veterinary (2), and nutrition (1). Data were organized according to a proposal from the literature (3) Selection of benchmarks for the preparation of education models identified 27 referential, three of them developed in Brazil.

Discussion:

Application and evaluation of the methodology developed with undergraduate students of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul consisted of an initiative to prepare health care professionals for disaster management.
The Role of the Nurse Disaster Preparedness Coordinator at a Large Suburban Teaching Hospital
Authors: Weeks Beth
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Mass casualty incidents, whether man-made or natural, are occurring with increasing frequency and severity. Hospitals and health systems across the United States are striving to be more rigorously prepared more such incidents. Following a mass shooting in 2012 and significant growth and expansion of our hospital and health system in the following years, a need was identified for more staff to support preparedness efforts.

Aim:

To discuss the roles and responsibilities of Nurse Disaster Preparedness Coordinator (NDPC), a dedicated position in the Emergency Department (ED).

Methods:

The role of Nurse Disaster Preparedness Coordinator was implemented in 2016, is a part-time position in the Emergency Department and reports to the ED Manager while working closely with the ED Director of Emergency Preparedness and the hospital Emergency Manager. The role addresses all areas of the emergency management continuum, from planning and mitigation to response and recovery.

Results:

The NDPC’s responsibilities fall into the categories of all-hazards preparedness, chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) response, and general nursing practice. All-hazards preparedness includes ED staff training, policy and procedure development, and liaising with hospital emergency manager to coordinate hospital-wide efforts. CBRNE response includes the training and maintenance of a patient decontamination team, a high-risk infectious disease team, and their equipment. General nursing practice addresses research, nursing indicators as they apply to disasters, promoting evidence-based practice, and community outreach.

Discussion:

A dedicated Nurse Disaster Preparedness Coordinator has allowed transition from intermittent larger exercises to a regular and frequent exercise schedule and better application of full-scale exercises. Overall, the creation of the role has strengthened hospital readiness for mass casualty incidents while alleviating the vast scope of emergency management responsibilities for a large suburban hospital.
The System of Disaster Dispatch Team Corresponding to the Nuclear Disaster of Nagasaki University
Authors: Nozaki Yoshihiro
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

After accidents of Fukushima Daiichi power plant, the Japanese Government distinguished some medical institutions corresponding to the nuclear disaster by roles and functions. Nuclear Regulation Authority is managing these medical institutions. The Nagasaki University was designated as two centers for “the advanced radiation emergency medical support” and “nuclear emergency medical support”. We established “Headquarters for Nuclear Disaster Response and Preparedness in Nagasaki University” (NDRP) and prepared for emergency ordinarily. The staff of headquarters are mainly concentrating their power on the network construction and joint training with each facility. We are improving the dispatch system of nuclear emergency medical assistance team, but some problems were found through the experiences of some trainings.

Aim:

To stimulate discussion and listen to opinions from several facilities.

Methods:

The dispatch system of nuclear emergency medical assistance team imitated the system of Japan Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). Specifically, activity days of all teams are limited, and all teams should come under the command of the head of support acceptance medical institution of a disaster area. Particularly the main duties of the dispatch team, which is sent from the nuclear emergency medical support center, are unification and adjustment of the team activities from other facilities. Some other duties include offering appropriate medical care to patients at the disaster area and support of patients’ transportation from the hospital at the disaster area to “advanced radiation emergency medical support center” or “nuclear emergency medical support center.”

Discussion:

In training the many facilities that participated, we realized that we couldn’t proceed with each activity quickly and smoothly without support from the nuclear emergency medical assistance teams from outside the boundaries of disaster areas. We need to clarify the problems that are obtained from trainings and improve the current system corresponding to a nuclear disaster with efficiency.
Transformative Surgical Team Training
Authors: Gill Amanda , Read David , Williams Jodie , Holian Annette
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Sudden onset disasters exceed the capabilities of local health services. Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), including the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT), are a vital element of the Australian Governments capacity to respond to regional and international sudden-onset disasters. AUSMAT has the capacity to deploy an EMT Type 2 surgical field hospital and has been successfully verified by the World Health Organisation (WHO). All AUSMAT members must complete AUSMAT Team Member training. The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, Darwin, Australia is responsible for all AUSMAT training.

Aim:

To educate and train the Surgical Team (perioperative nurses, surgeons, and anesthetists) in preparation for AUSMAT deployments in the austere environment.

Methods:

Prior to 2015, the surgical AUSMAT training was conducted via two courses: one for perioperative nurses and a separate course for surgeons and anesthetists. In 2015, the course was redesigned with the aim of collaborative training with all the Surgical Team Members. The new Surgical Team Course (STC) engages all three professions to learn alongside each other and discuss potential difficulties in techniques, the daily running of the operating room, and ethical discussions.

Results:

Since the rejuvenation of the STC, 15 surgeons, 17 anesthetists, and 18 perioperative nurses have completed the course. The attendees are familiarized with operational and clinical guidelines, the surgical field hospital, and operating room equipment including CSSD. A pivotal component of the course focuses on the essentials of medical records and Minimum Data Set reporting for EMTs as defined by WHO.

Discussion:

Since 2015, the NCCTRC has successfully run two courses. The revised collaborative model for AUSMAT STC has enhanced the quality of the program and subsequent learning experiences for participants.
Unexpected Lessons from a Mass Casualty Simulation: Strategies for Management of the Minimally Injured Can Increase Efficiency and Decrease Chaos
Authors: McIsaac Joseph , Gentz Brenda , McFadden Patricia , Coleman John
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The SALT Triage system has been advocated as an easy-to-use sorting and treatment system for mass casualty incidents (MCI). Minimally injured (GREEN) patients tend to be in the majority and may cause impediments to access and treatment of the most critically injured (RED). By identifying flaws in MCI communications that impair effective patient care, responders can be more effective.

Aim:

To discover strategies that effectively manage the minimally injured and leverage their help, increasing triage efficiency and treatment of the immediate casualties.

Methods:

Direct observation, after-action debriefing, and literature search.

Results:

The literature was vague regarding recommendations on a bystander and trained provider communication best practices. Feedback from standardized patients (actors) and participants during a structured debriefing following a 2018 American Society of Anesthesiology MCI exercise suggested that triaging providers under stress may communicate poorly, contributing to increased patient anxiety, disruptive behavior, and less effective team dynamics during a disaster. Strategies suggested include: eye contact; therapeutic touch (culturally appropriate); using slow, clear, reassuring speech; clearly explaining what is happening and why (sickest (RED and YELLOW) first priority, minimal (GREEN) next, expectant (BLACK) last); acknowledging their emotional state and their grief (not ignoring them); assigning nontechnical tasks to those capable of helping (putting pressure on a wound, moving casualties, or comforting the injured, dying, and the emotionally distraught).

Discussion:

Bystander engagement has been repeatedly identified as a means to increase the capacity of first responders to provide care to patients during an MCI. Utilization and management of the minimally injured and any uninjured bystanders and responders can become a force multiplier for the triage/treating responders. Developing a best practice dialogue to be used in training first responders could help improve many of these issues and augment current MCI training programs.
International Emergency Medical Teams in the Aftermath of the 2015 Nepal Earthquake
Authors: Amat Camacho Nieves , Karki Khem , Subedi Shiva , von Schreeb Johan
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

International Emergency Medical Teams’ (I-EMTs) response to disasters has been characterized by a late arrival, an over-focus on trauma care, and a lack of coordination and accountability mechanisms. Analysis of I-EMT performance in past and upcoming disasters is deemed necessary to improve future response.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe the characteristics, timing, and activities of I-EMTs deployed to the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and to assess their registration and adherence to the World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams’ (WHO-EMT; Geneva, Switzerland) minimum standards compared to past disasters.

Methods:

An online literature search was performed and key web sites related to I-EMT deployments were purposively examined. The methodology used is reported following the STARLITE principles. All articles and documents in English containing information about characteristics, timing, and activities of I-EMTs during Nepal 2015 were included in the study. Data were retrieved from selected sources to compile the results following a systematic approach. The findings were validated by the Nepalese focal point for the coordination of I-EMTs after the earthquake.

Results:

Overall, 137 I-EMTs deployed from 36 countries. They were classified as Type I (65%), Type II (15%), Type III (1%), and specialized cells (19%). Although national teams remained the first responders, two regional I-EMTs arrived within the first 24 hours post-earthquake. According to daily reporting, the activities performed by I-EMTs included 28,372 out-patient consultations (comprising 6,073 trauma cases); 1,499 in-patient admissions; and 440 major surgeries. The activities reported by I-EMTs during their deployment were significantly lower than the capacities they offered at arrival. Over 80% of I-EMTs registered through WHO or national registration mechanisms, but daily reporting of activities by I-EMTs was low. The adherence of I-EMTs to WHO-EMT standards could not be assessed due to lack of data.

Conclusion:

The I-EMT response to the Nepal earthquake was quicker than in previous disasters, and registration and follow-up of I-EMTs was better. Still, there is need to improve I-EMT coordination, reporting, and quality assurance while strengthening national EMT capacity.

Amat Camacho N, Karki K, Subedi S, von Schreeb J. International Emergency Medical Teams in the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(3):260–264.
Effects of index selection on the carcass composition of sheep given eitherad libitumor controlled amounts of food
Authors: Lewis R. M. , Emmans G. C. , Simm G.
Published: May 2019

Sheep of a line (S) selected on an index to increase lean weight and decrease fatness at an age, and a control line (C), were given a high quality food at different levels including ad libitum. Live performance was measured from about 21 to 114 kg live weight. The carcasses of each line were analysed for lean, fat and bone at three widely varying weights in both males and females. Level of feeding did not affect the extent to which S was superior to C in either the level of fatness in the carcass (0·86 as much) or the ratio of lean to fat (1·28 as much). The lean to bone ratio was slightly greater in S (1·028 of the value of C; P 0·05) and was higher on the lowest level of feeding compared with the two higher levels used (P 0·05 in one experiment on females and P 0·001 in another on males). On ad libitum feeding the S line grew 1·19 times as fast and was 1·17 times as efficient compared with C. These advantages to S decreased as level of feeding decreased to become virtually zero at the lowest level of feeding used, which allowed C to grow at only 0·53 of the rate seen on ad libitum feeding. On ad libitum feeding growth was well described by a Gompertz growth function of the form W = (Z/B) exp(-exp (G0 –B t)). The maximum growth rate is (Z/e). Line S had a value of Z that was 1·10 that of C averaged across the two sexes. A Spillman function W = W0 + (A-W0) (1-exp (-k F)) was used to describe weight, W, in terms of cumulative intake, F. It worked well for ad libitum feeding and for the two restricted regimes used. The value of the combined parameter (A k) varied across treatments in the same way as efficiency did.
Anorexia and food utilization in nematode infected lambs on pasture
Authors: Thamsborg S. M. , Agergaard N.
Published: May 2019

The influence of naturally acquired nematode infections on food intake and utilization was investigated in grazing lambs. It was first demonstrated in a pilot study with penned lambs that the application of chrome-oxide in a ruminal bolus could be used for comparison of food intake in infected and uninfected lambs on grass. In a field trial, repeated in two consecutive seasons, 48 lambs grazed on clover grass in six groups. Three stocking rate groups were grazed on contaminated pastures (I-low, I-medium and I-high) and three groups on clean pastures (U-low, U-medium and U-high). Faecal dry-matter (DM) output of individual lambs was estimated in August each year by the chrome-method. DM intake and food conversion efficiency were calculated based on hand-picked herbage samples and in vitro assessment of digestibility. Substantial worm burdens, increasing from year 1 to year 2, were observed and some lambs had clinical symptoms in the 2nd year. In year 2, lambs on contaminated pastures had significantly lower DM intake (proportionately 009 lower), higher faecal protein losses and lower food conversion efficiency compared with the uninfected lambs on clean pastures. The effect of infection on food intakes was eliminated if corrected for body weight. The study showed that if exposure to nematode infections is large enough, increased protein losses in faeces and anorexia may contribute to reduced performance in lambs in late season.
Detection of quantitative trait loci for locomotion and osteochondrosis-related traits in Large White ✕ Meishan pigs
Authors: Lee G.J. , Archibald A.L. , Garth G.B. , Law A.S. , Nicholson D. , Barr A. , Haley C.S.
Published: May 2019

Data from the F2generation of a Large White (LW) ✕ Meishan (MS) crossbred population were analysed to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for leg and gait scores, osteochondrosis and physis scores. Legs, feet and gait score were assessed in 308 F2animals at 85 ( + 5) kg and osteochondrosis and physis scores were recorded for the right foreleg after slaughter. A genome scan was performed using 111 genetic markers chosen to span the genome that were genotyped on the F2animals and their F1parents and purebred grandparents. A QTL on chromosome 1 affecting gait score was significant at the genome-wide significance level. Additional QTL significant at the chromosome-wide 5% threshold level (approx. equivalent to the genome-wide suggestive level) were detected on chromosome 1 for front feet and back legs scores, on chromosome 13 for front legs and front feet scores, on chromosome 14 for front legs, front feet and back legs scores and on chromosome 15 for back feet score. None of the QTL for osteochondrosis score exceeded the chromosome-wide suggestive level, but one chromosome-wide QTL for physis score was found on chromosome 7. On chromosome 1, gait and front feet scores mapped to the middle of the chromosome and showed additive effects in favour of the LW alleles and no dominance effects. The QTL for back legs score mapped to the distal end of the chromosome and showed a dominant effect and no additive effect. On chromosomes 14 and 15, the LW allele was again superior to the MS allele. On chromosome 13, there were both additive and dominance effects in favour of the MS allele. The MS alleles on chromosome 13 may have potential for introgression into a commercial LW population. The other putative QTLs identified may have value in marker-assisted selection in LW or MS-synthetic populations.
Sensitivity to dietary lysine: energy content in pigs divergently selected for components of efficient lean growth rate
Authors: Cameron N.D. , Garth G.B. , Penman J.C. , Fiskin A.
Published: May 2019

The sensitivity to dietary lysine: energy content of pigs from lines divergently selected over seven generations for components of efficient lean growth rate was quantified by the within-selection line regression of performance test traits on diet class. Large White pigs were performance tested over three 14-day test-periods starting at 30, 50 and 75 kg and offered, to appetite, isoenergetic diets differing in dietary total lysine: energy (0•59, 0•69, 0•81, 0•91, 1•01, 1•12 and 1•23 g/MJ digestible energy (DE)). Within each litter, full-sibs were performance tested on different diets. Pigs were also performance tested on a diet-choice procedure using diets with total lysine: energy of 0•69 and 1•12 g/MJ DE to determine the correlation between performance on phase-feeding and diet-choice.

The study consisted of 578 animals with 459 pigs tested with phase-feeding and 119 tested on diet-choice procedures. The study detected significant selection line and dietary effects on performance test traits, but no significant between-selection line differences in sensitivity to dietary total lysine: energy. When combinations of performance test traits were transformed into predicted lysine and energy utilization traits there were significant selection line effects on predicted nutrient allocation, but not in responses to increasing dietary total lysine: energy. The lack of between-selection line differences in sensitivity to dietary total lysine: energy indicated that the consequences of changing dietary total lysine: energy will be broadly similar across a range of genotypes, as spanned by the selection lines of the study.

Genetic correlations between performance traits of phase-fed and diet-choice pigs suggested that predictions of genetic merit will be similar with animals tested on either procedure between 30 and 75 kg but post 75 kg predicted genetic merit for growth rate and lysine intake should be estimated separately for performance on diet-choice or for performance on a given diet. In contrast, predicted genetic merit for fat deposition with performance testing on diet-choice will be highly correlated with predicted genetic merit with testing on a single diet.
Accuracy of prediction of percentage lean meat and authorization of carcass measurement instruments: adverse effects of incorrect sampling of carcasses in pig classification
Authors: Engel B. , Buist W.G. , Walstra P. , Olsen E. , Daumas G.
Published: May 2019

Classification of pig carcasses in the European Community is based on the lean meat percentage of the carcass. The lean meat percentage is predicted from instrumental carcass measurements, such as fat and muscle depth measurements, obtained in the slaughter-line. The prediction formula employed is derived from the data of a dissection experiment and has to meet requirements for authorization as put down in EC regulations. Requirements involve the sampling procedure and sample size for the dissected carcasses and the accuracy of prediction. Formulae are often derived by linear regression. In this paper we look at a particular type of sampling scheme. This involves selection of carcasses on the basis of carcass measurements not all of which are intended to be used as prediction variables. This sampling scheme frequently appears in requests for authorization of carcass measurement instruments and accompanying prediction formulae, despite the fact that it lacks formal statistical justification when used in conjunction with linear regression. The objective of this work was to assess the performance of the prediction formula that follows from this potentially faulty combination of sampling scheme and linear regression in relation to the requirements in the EC regulations. We show that this sampling scheme may produce poor predictions for lean meat percentage compared with proper sampling procedures with selection on prediction variables only or random sampling. We do so by computer simulation. Initially, simulated data were based on recent and historic data from The Netherlands. Prediction variables are fat and muscle depth measurements. The additional variable involved in sampling, but not included in the regression, was carcass weight. We also show that due to this faulty sampling scheme there is a serious risk that a new measurement instrument may not be authorized because performance criteria in the EC-regulations are not met.
Plasma leptin concentration in pre- and post-weaning lambs
Authors: Tokuda T. , Delavaud C. , Chilliard Y.
Published: May 2019

Leptin has an important rôle in the control of appetite and energy expenditure. Several studies have reported the effects of leptin in ruminants. However, little is known about changes in circulating leptin concentrations in neonates of ruminant species, or the effects of weaning on plasma leptin concentrations. The main objectives of this experiment were: to examine plasma leptin concentrations in lambs, in the period from just after birth through to weaning; to examine the effect of weaning on plasma leptin concentrations, and to compare leptin concentrations measured using a ‘multi-species’ leptin radio-immunoassay (RIA) kit and a specific ovine RIA in lambs during the 6-month period after weaning. In a previous paper, we reported leptin concentrations using a commercial RIA during the post-weaning period. However, we were not able to measure plasma leptin concentrations from just after birth to weaning as they were apparently below the level of sensitivity of the assay. In the present study, five crossbred lambs were removed from their dams within 2 days after birth, and bottle-fed on milk replacer at a level sufficient to meet a 1•2 times maintenance metabolizable energy intake. Lambs were weaned 45 days after birth, and housed individually in pens. The lambs were offered timothy hay, rolled barley and soya-bean meal to meet a 200 g daily gain during the post-weaning period. During the pre-weaning period, blood samples were collected within 5 h of birth and thereafter at 09:00 h; every day from 2 to 6 days of age; at 2-day intervals from 6 to 14 days of age; and at 3-day intervals from 14 to 45 days of age. During the post-weaning period, blood samples were collected before and 3 and 6 h after the morning meal at the ages of 0•5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months. Plasma leptin concentrations slightly increased (P < 0•05) just after birth and then remained constant until 45 days old (P > 0•05). Additionally, plasma leptin concentration was not significantly changed following weaning. During the post-weaning period, plasma leptin concentrations were compared using two RIA systems. The correlation between plasma leptin concentrations measured by the ‘multi-species’ leptin RIA kit and specific ovine RIA was poor (r = 0•41). These findings are consistent with other reports and suggest that the ‘multi-species’ leptin RIA kit is not suitable for estimating leptin plasma concentrations in ruminants.
Daily changes in antro-duodenal myoelectric activity in weaned pigs
Authors: Yao G. , Woliński J. , Korczyński W. , Zabielski R.
Published: May 2019

The stomach and small intestine manifest a myoelectric activity pattern called the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC), which is controlled by both environmental and intrinsic factors. The daily MMC pattern has been little investigated, therefore the purpose of the present study was to study it, in weaned pigs given food twice a day. A wireless telemetric recording system was used for 24-h electromyography of the antrum and duodenum. The activity of the antrum showed little change if any, whereas the myoelectric activity of the duodenum significantly changed with respect to the time of day and feeding in conscious pigs. Namely, there were more frequent and regular MMC cycles occurring in the duodenum at night as compared with that during daytime. This change was due to the shortening of phase II of the MMC cycles that were registered at night. Phase I of the MMC showed transient variability in relation to feeding with no impact on the day/night differences. Phase III of the duodenal MMC cycle as well as the ‘feeding pattern’ did not change along with the time of day and feeding regime. In conclusion, daily variation in the duodenum may provide different conditions for digestive processes in the day and night.
Effect of lucerne-based diets on performance of reproductive rabbit does at two temperatures
Authors: Fernández-Carmona J. , Alqedra I. , Cervera C. , Moya J. , Pascual J.J.
Published: May 2019

New Zealand × Californian rabbit does were offered ad libitum three diets: diet A, with 960 g lucerne per kg dry matter (DM), having 8•7 MJ digestible energy (DE) and 108 g digestible protein (DP) per kg DM; diet AF with 920 g lucerne and 50 g animal fat per kg DM, having 9•6 MJ DE and 105 g DP per kg DM; and diet C, as a control diet having 12•0 MJ DE and 122 g DP per kg DM. Productive parameters were measured for the first five parities, and food intake and milk yield during the first two parities.

In experiment 1, 79 does (342 parities) were housed in a cooled building, litters were standardized to eight kits and weaned at 28 days of age. DM intake during lactation was lower (P < 0•001) but DE intake, milk yield and litter growth were higher for group C. Values for does on diet AF generally were between those of groups A and C. Average results for groups A, AF and C were respectively: 59, 65 and 51 days for the parturition interval; 160, 170 and 193 g for daily milk output in the first two lactations; 3•7, 4•0 and 4•5 kg for litter weight at weaning.

In experiment 2, 64 does (294 parities) were housed in a climatic chamber at a constant temperature of 30oC, litters were standardized to six kits and weaned at 35 days of age. DM intake during lactation was lower (P < 0•001) but milk yield and litter growth were higher (P < 0•001) for C does. Average results for groups A, AF and C were respectively: 70, 70 and 56 days for parturition interval; 106, 128 and 128 g for daily milk output in the first two lactations; 3•7, 4•4 and 4•4 kg for litter weight at weaning. Lucerne-based diets allowed a reasonable performance of reproductive rabbit does in the long term, even under hot conditions.
Effect of gender, terminal sire line and age at slaughter on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of heavy pigs
Authors: Latorre M. A. , Medel P. , Fuentetaja A. , Lázaro R. , Mateos G. G.
Published: May 2019

Two hundred and forty pigs of 56 ± 3 days of age were used to investigate the effects of sex (barrows; gilts), boar sire (DD, Danish Duroc; ND × LW, Dutch Duroc × Large White ; P × LW, Pietrain × Large White) and slaughter age (160; 175 days) on performance and carcass and meat quality. Treatments were arranged factorially (2 × 3 × 2) and there were four replicates (five pigs per replicate) per treatment. The female line was Landrace × Large White in all cases. Barrows had greater daily food intake (P <0·001) and average daily gain (P <0·01) and had poorer food conversion ratio (P <0·001) than gilts. Carcasses from castrates were fatter and had a lower yield of trimmed lean cuts than carcasses from females (P <0·001). Longissimus muscle from barrows had more intramuscular fat and higher a* value than muscle from gilts (P <0·05). Pigs from DD sire line grew faster (P <0·05) and had a better food conversion ratio (P <0·001) than pigs from the other two lines. Dressing proportion and backfat thickness were greatest for P × LW sired pigs (P <0·01) and proportion of trimmed lean cuts was greater for DD and P × LW than for ND × LW sired pigs (P <0·01). Longissimus muscle from DD sired pigs had less protein (P <0·01) and more intramuscular fat (P <0·001) than muscle from the remaining lines. Longissimus muscle from P × LW line had more intense colour than muscle from DD and ND × LW lines (P <0·01). Pigs slaughtered at 175 days had poorer food conversion ratio (P <0·01) and less trimmed primal cut proportion (P <0·001) than pigs slaughtered at 160 days. Also, increasing the age at slaughter increased intramuscular fat content (P <0·01), a* value (P <0·001) and colour intensity of the muscle (P <0·01). Danish Duroc boars are a good alternative to ND × LW or P × LW boars for production of heavy pigs whether the crossbreds are sacrificed at 160 or 175 days. Also, an increase in age at slaughter impairs growth efficiency and yield of lean cuts but improves some aspects of meat quality, which might be of interest in the production of heavy pigs destined for the dry-cured product industry.
The effect of increasing the salt intake of pregnant dairy cows on the salt appetite and growth of their calves
Authors: Mohamed M. O. , Phillips C. J. C.
Published: May 2019

An increased sodium appetite has been demonstrated in cattle following supplementation with sodium in the neonatal period, but it is unclear whether the sodium appetite of calves can be influenced in utero by the dam’s sodium intake during pregnancy. Twenty-two non-lactating, pregnant dairy cows received either a diet of silage and concentrates or the same diet with 70 g NaCl per day added to it for the last 2 months of pregnancy. The sodium supplement increased the birth weight of their calves but after 6 weeks there was no difference between treatments in calf weight. In addition to milk, calves in both treatments were offered a choice of concentrates with normal or high sodium concentrations (5·8 and 10·8 g/kg dry matter, respectively). Calves from the cows that had received supplementary sodium during pregnancy ate more of the high sodium concentrate than calves from cows without the sodium supplement, demonstrating that sodium appetite could be entrained by the sodium intake of the dam during late pregnancy.
Factors influencing length of productive life and replacement rates in the Bruna dels Pirineus beef breed
Authors: Tarrés J. , Puig P. , Ducrocq V. , Piedrafita J.
Published: May 2019

An analysis of the length of productive life in the Bruna dels Pirineus beef breed was performed with a non-parametric approach giving an average value of 9 years of productive life, and a corresponding replacement rate of 11%. Using a proportional hazards model stratified by herd, the influence of calf birth weight and weight gain until weaning, calving difficulty, calving interval and age at first calving on length of productive life were studied. Two models were explored: the first one included time-dependent variables taking the current value of the covariate at each calving date, while the second one also comprised time-dependent interactions between the value of the covariate of the current calving and its mean value during the last (up to) three previous calvings. Results from the first model showed that the risk of culling increases with very high ages at first calving, increasing calving difficulties, very large calf birth weights, very small weight gains until weaning and very long calving intervals. Furthermore, results from the second model showed that these increases also depend upon a sequence of values for the same covariate in previous calvings. Finally, these higher risks of culling implied lower survival functions that increased replacement rates but only slightly decreased average performances.