bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of quarter-individual and conventional milking systems on milkability traits
Authors: Müller A. B. , Rose-Meierhöfer S. , Ammon C. , Brunsch R.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This study was carried out to investigate a new quarter-individual milking system called MultiLactor® (Siliconform GmbH, Türkheim, Germany). The MultiLactor enables milking on quarter level basis with low vacuum (37 kPa), sequential pulsation and periodic air inlet. Within the same dairy farm, the influence of this quarter-individual milking system (MULTI) on milkability traits was compared with a conventional milking system (CON). CON was equipped with a conventional milking cluster and used alternating pulsation. Vacuum level was adjusted to 40 kPa. For the study, 84 Holstein Friesian cows were randomly selected and uniformly divided into two herds. During the 30-week survey, the milk flow curves were recorded every other week by using a LactoCorder (WMB, Balgach, Switzerland). Significant differences (P<0.05) between both milking systems were found for all milk flow traits, except for milk yield and decline phase. Concerning the incline (tAN) and plateau (tPL) phase, large differences existed between MULTI and CON. The estimated value of tAN calculated for MULTI (29.4 s) took only half of the time when calculated for CON (56.4 s). The estimated value of tPL at CON was reduced by 1.43 min (35 %) compared to MULTI. Milking process at MULTI (8.49 min) took longer time than for CON (7.43 min). From the study, it was concluded that the effect of shorter tAN in the quarter-individual milked cows may be related to additional prestimulation by an actuator. In contrast, the longer milking time in MULTI is possibly caused by lower vacuum level and periodic air inlet.
The bioavailability of different chemical forms of zinc in fattening lambs
Authors: Kinal S. , Slupczynska M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the presented study was an estimation of the zinc bioavailability derived from amino acid complexes with methionine, lysine and glycine in growing lambs. 48 lambs, Polish Merino × Romanowski × Charolaise crossbreed, at age about 10 weeks and average body weight of 20 kg were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups. Animals were kept collectively and fed with concentrate and hay in amount: 0.7–1.2 and 0.3–0.5 kg/day/head, respectively. After rearing period 6 rams from each group with average body weight of about 30 kg were divided into digestibility-balance experiments. At the end of the experiment the blood samples were taken, then from each group 8 lambs were chosen, killed and during dissection tissue samples were taken (liver, pancreas, kidney and rib bone). In tissue samples as well as in fodders and excrements the content of zinc was determined. Obtained data in digestibility experiments allowed on calculation of apparent absorption and retention of zinc and the level of Zn determined in tissues’ samples were used to the estimation of bioavailability of zinc from different ones applied in experiment sources. Apparent absorption and retention of zinc were higher (P≤0.01) in lambs receiving in mixtures amino acid complexes of zinc than in animals from the control group. The higher content of zinc in soft and hard tissues of lambs which received organic forms of zinc might indicate better assimilation and bioavailability of zinc from these forms than from oxide. Among tested organic forms of zinc, the zinc-lysine complex was characterized as having the most advantageous property.
Seasonal variations of the serum proteins in sheep and goats (Short Communication)
Authors: Piccione G. , Messina V. , Giannetto C. , Casella S. , Assenza A. , Fazio F.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to assess the seasonal trend of the serum protein content of sheep and goats. The tested animals were six female goats (Maltese breed) and six female sheep (Valle del Belice breed). All animals were clinically healthy and not pregnant or lactating before or during the study. On blood samples, collected through an external jugular venipuncture every 30 days for 12 months, electrophoresis was performed using a semiautomated AGE system and then electrophoretic curves with the relative protein concentrations were analyzed. One way for repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the effect of time and by means of cosinor rythmometry, mesor (mean level), amplitude (half the range of oscillation) and acrophase (Φ, time of peak) were determined. The results showed a seasonal rhythm on Albumin and Alumin/Globulin ratio for sheep and goats, with different acrophases, winter for goats and spring for sheep. A seasonal rhythm was shown also in Alpha 2 globulins by sheep and in Beta globulins by goats. The difference in the acrophase can be attributed to a different production pattern of melatonin in goat, so the liver production of albumin is major during the winter that has a longer scotophase.
The influence of condition on the metabolic profile of Czech Fleckvieh cows in the perinatal period
Authors: Kupczyński R. , Adamski M. , Falta D. , Chládek G. , Kruszyński W.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of Czech Fleckvieh cow‘s condition before parturition on chosen blood biochemical indices in perinatal period and at the beginning of lactation. The study was conducted on 38 multiparous cows 3–14 days prepartum. The cows were selected with respect to body condition score (BCS): BCS>4 points (group I, n=18) and BCS<4 points (group II, n=20). Blood was collected at 3–14 and 1–2 days prepartum and 1–2, 21 days postpartum and analyzed for lipid-carbohydrate, protein parameters and enzymatic activity. Cow‘s condition, milk yield and composition were also estimated. Changes in Czech Fleckvieh cow‘s condition in a transition period do not have any clear influence on milk yield and composition. An excessive BCS before calving leads to its higher decrease at the beginning of lactation and may indirectly point to a higher energy deficiency in the first period of lactation. It is confirmed by glucose concentration in blood serum decrease (P<0.01) in 3rd week of lactation when compared to cows with a proper condition before calving (3.39 vs. 2.45 mmol/l). Overnormative condition before calving also negatively influences the content of triacylglycerols, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin in blood serum in the first days postpartum. TAG transport from liver to blood is impaired at the beginning of lactation in cows with high condition prepartum. The study demonstrated that in Czech Fleckvieh dairy type cows intensified lipolysis and ketogenesis in perinatal period do not take place pointing to high adaptation possibilities of their metabolism.
Hypothalamic orexin A expression and the involvement of AMPK and PPAR-gamma signalling in energy restricted dairy cows
Authors: Kuhla B. , Görs S. , Metges C. C.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. A number of circuits controlling feed intake have been identified in rodents in which circulating dietary metabolites are detected by the brainstem and the hypothalamus converting these input signals to anorexic responses. Dietary metabolites used by dairy cows, however, are not identical with those of rodents calling for the elucidation of feedingrelated pathways in ruminants. In the present study we examined potentially relevant plasma metabolites and hypothalamic signalling pathways in ad libitum and restrictively fed early lactating dairy cows. 60 h feed energy restriction led to significantly increased non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), Gln, Gly, His, and 3-Me-histine but decreased Asp, Asn, beta-Ala, Tyr, and Trp concentrations. In immunohistochemical studies, we found that feed energy restriction is associated with elevated numbers of parvocellular but not magnocellular orexin A neurons in the lateral, dorsomedial and posterior hypothalamic area. In parvocellular orexin A neurons we determined complete colocalisation with cFOS in energy restricted cows. In the majority of orexin A neurons we further found colocalisation with activated adenosine monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK) as well as with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). Feed restriction also induced activation (phosphorylation) of AMPK and increased expression of PPARγ when Western Blots were normalized to β-actin. These results suggest that orexin A associated with AMPK and PPARγ signalling is involved in the control of energy homeostasis of dairy cows.
Behavioural responses, traumatic injuries and live weight losses in ostrich (Struthio camelus) chicks transported by road during hot-dry conditions
Authors: Minka N. S. , Ayo J. O.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of six-hour road transportation on behavioural activities, live weight and traumatic injuries of 40 (20 males and 20 females) ostrich chicks age 3.5 months. The average weight of the birds was 27.7 kg. Four separate journeys were conducted and each vehicle was loaded with 10 ostriches. The behavioural events, environmental data, live weights and traumatic injuries were recorded before, during and after transportation. The result showed that the most stressful behaviours exhibited by the chicks during transportation were hyperventilation (66.7±21.2 %), wing fluffing (65±12.0 %), and prolonged standing (60±15.3 %). The most frequent behaviours per hour of the journey were beak opening (5.9±1.8 bouts), elimination (5.3±2.3 bouts) and pecking (5.6±2.8 bouts). The chicks spent 27.0±11.8, 18.2±1.0, and 17.5±0.1 min per hour of the journey, standing, restless and lying down, respectively. 15.0±2.3 % of the chicks sustained mild injuries during handling and loading. The birds lost 6.5±1.4 % of their live weight after transportation. The relationships between the journey period, temperature humidity index (THI) and stressful behaviours of wing fluffing, pecking, hyperventilation (beak opening) and lying down recorded during the transportation was positive and significant (P<0.01), while behaviours of standing, elimination and restlessness were negatively and significantly (P<0.01) correlated. Student's t-test and Pearson’s correlation test were employed in the statistical analysis. The results suggest that THI of 33–40 °C constitutes moderate risk, while that of 47 °C and above may result in severe stressful behaviours, and this may be considered as recommended ranges and limits of thermal load values in transported chicks. In conclusion, six hours road transportation during hot-dry conditions and the introduction of ostrich chicks into a new environment post-transportation induce behavioural stress.
Generalized linear models with random effects for the description of data with excess zeros
Authors: Mielenz N. , Thamm K. , Bulang M. , Spilke J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In this paper count data with excess zeros and repeated observations per subject are evaluated. If the number of values observed for the zero event in the trial substantially exceeds the expected number (derived from the Poisson or from the negative binomial distribution), then there is an excess of zeros. Hurdle and zero-inflated models with random effects are available in order to evaluate this type of data. In this paper both model approaches are presented and are used for the evaluation of the number of visits to the feeder per cow per hour. Finally, for the analysis of the target trait a hurdle model with random effects based on a negative binomial distribution was used. This analysis was derived from a detailed comparison of models and was needed because of a simpler computer implementation. For improved interpretation of the results, the levels of the explanatory factors (for example, the classes of lactation) were not averaged in the link scale, but rather in the response scale. The deciding explanatory variables for the pattern of visiting activities in the 24-hour cycle are the milking and cleaning times at hours 4, 7, 12 and 20. The highly significant differences in the visiting frequencies of cows of the first lactation and those of higher lactations were explained by competition for access to the feeder and thus to the feed.
Dry period length and performance of cows in the subsequent production cycle
Authors: Sawa A. , Bogucki M. , Neja W.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The effect of dry period length on performance in the next production cycle was investigated in the active population of cows from the Pomerania and Kuyavia regions of Poland. Dry length period of the cows was calculated and classified (0, 1–20, 21–40, 41–60, 61–80, 81–100, >100 days). The GLM, FREQ and CORR PEARSON procedures of the SAS package 9.1 were used in the statistical calculations. The problem of dry period length was found to be debatable. A dry period of 40–60 days would be the most favourable in terms of milk, fat and protein yield in the next lactation, the course of parturition and the proportion of calves born alive, and a dry period of 21–60 days would be the most beneficial in terms of the proportion of cows surviving the next production cycle. Extending or shortening the standard dry period of 40–60 days by 20 days causes a slight decrease in performance determined by the above parameters, whereas extending and especially shortening the dry period by another 20 days, or the absence of a dry period, have a severely negative effect. Compared to cows that had been dry for 40–60 days, the cows whose calving was not preceded by a dry period had lower lactation yield (by 25 % for milk, by 24 % for fat and by 20 % for protein), lower daily milk yield (by 22 %), were significantly more prone to miscarriage, and more frequently gave birth to dead calves, calves with physical defects or grossly malformed calves. Too long a dry period (beyond 100 days) may carry a risk of higher culling levels in the herd, shorter lactations, health abnormalities, and poorer reproductive performance.
The use of a lesion score as an indicator for agonistic behaviour in pigs
Authors: Stukenborg A. , Traulsen I. , Stamer E. , Puppe B. , Krieter J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether a lesion score approach could be used as an indicator for agonistic behaviour in pigs. Behavioural patterns were observed directly after weaning (PIG-28, n=827), 40 days later (growing pigs, PIG-68, n=292) and immediately after mixing gilts (GILTS, n=344), over a 48 h period. For the front, middle and rear part of the body the extent of skin injuries was assessed with a lesion score (LS). The LS ranked from 0 (no wounds) to 4 (many, deep wounds) and was determined at the beginning (LSstart) and at the end (LSend) of the observation period. In all groups, the front body third was mostly stressed by fighting interactions. The highest correlations were found between the front LS and the overall fight time, with r=0.50 (PIG-28), r=0.52 (PIG-68) and r=0.48 (GILTS). The LS for the front area did not increase for 26 % (PIG-28), 39 % (PIG-68) and 40 % (GILTS) of the animals. According to this, the applied LS approach only reflected the agonistic behaviour of pigs to a certain extent.
Effect of DGAT1, leptin and TG gene polymorphisms on some milk production traits in different dairy cattle breeds in Hungary
Authors: Anton I. , Kovács K. , Holló G. , Farkas V. , Szabó F. , Egerszegi I. , Rátky J. , Zsolnai A. , Brüssow K.-P.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of acylCoA-diacylglycerol-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), leptin and thyroglobulin (TG) loci on the milk fat, milk protein and milk yield in Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Hungarian Simmental cows. Leptin and DGAT1 genotypes were determined by qPCR assay, while TG genotypes were identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). DGAT1 GC/GC cows had the highest 305-day milk yield values. Difference between AA/AA and GC/GC genotypes was significant (P<0.05). Leptin CC animals produced significantly higher 305-day milk protein percent values (P<0.05) than other genotypes in Hungarian Simmental breed. At TG locus TT cows showed the highest 305-day milk fat percent values, although differences between genotypes proved to be significant (P<0.05) only in Jersey breed.
Statistical modelling of somatic cell counts using the classification tree technique
Authors: Piwczyński D. , Sitkowska B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The research studied a sample of 455 Polish Holstein-Friesian Black and White cows. Its aim was to apply and compare two modern statistical methods, i.e. classification trees and a logistic regression in examination of the impact of selected lactation-related factors (successive lactation, herd size and production level, year of calving, calving season, test day season, lactation phases and the amount of milk obtained in a test milking) on the somatic cell counts. Two different division criteria were taken into account in the creation of classification trees, i.e. entropy reduction and Gini coefficient. The quality of classification trees and multiple regression models was compared taking into consideration the following criteria: an average squared error, cumulative lift, Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics and the area under the ROC curve. Having conducted the research, it may be concluded that from among the statistical methods applied, the best modelling of the level of somatic cell counts was obtained using the classification tree technique when the division criterion was based on the entropy function. According to the results of the study, somatic cell counts were diversified by the following factors, in a decreasing order of importance: herd production level, year of calving, subsequent lactation, calving season, day of test milking, herd size and the month used to take milk samples. Using somatic cell count as an udder health benchmark, it may be concluded that cows requiring particular attention as a result of udder diagnosis are from those in herds with high milk production levels, with individual cows producing up to 15 kg of milk.
Using pedigree information to study genetic diversity and re-evaluating a selection program in an experimental flock of Afshari sheep
Authors: Ghafouri-Kesbi F.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the inbreeding consequences of a short-term selection experiment which was initiated in 1998 in an Afshari sheep flock. Moreover, the conducted selection experiment was re-evaluated through assessing change in ranking of the first 10 influential ancestors when their genetic contributions were replaced with their breeding values. A total of 1714 animals were registered in the herdbook with a founder population comprised of 243 animals. The average coancestry (f) and inbreeding (F) in the reference population were 2.1% and 1.2%, respectively. Estimated value of the effective population size (Ne) was 50. The effective number of founders (fe) was estimated to be 40 and the effective number of ancestors (fa) was 34. Estimates of breeding values revealed that owing to phenotypic selection some ancestors with lower breeding values had greater contribution to the reference genome than those with greater breeding values and, for this reason, the population has been deprived from the maximum genetic improvement that could be achieved if selection was based on breeding values. The effective number of founder genomes (fg) was computed to be 23 and the effective number of non-founder genomes (fne) was 55. The index of genetic diversity decreased by almost 2.2% over the period studied. In general, decrease in genetic variability was low and Ne was not very low for a small-closed population under selection, indicating even in populations which undergo selection, besides achieving genetic gain, the rate of inbreeding is controllable if matings carefully planned.
Effect of genotype and sex on meat colour changes in rabbit
Authors: Maj D. , Bieniek J. , Sternstein I. , Węglarz A. , Zapletal P.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. A study based on 150 carcasses of rabbit crosses of three breeds: Flemish Giant (FG), New Zealand White (NZW) and Californian (CAL) was conducted to determine the changes that occur within the first 24 h post mortem in the meat color parameters, i.e. lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*) and hue (H*), in the rabbits of different genetic groups and sexes. Four groups were formed: FN (FG bucks×NZW does); FC (FG bucks×CAL does); FN×C (FN bucks×CAL does); FN×FN (FN bucks×FN does). Meat colour was measured on the surface of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF), 45 min and 24 h post mortem. The genetic groups differed significantly in the meat colour parameters of the LD and BF muscles at both times after slaughter. After 24 h, a* and b* values of the LD muscle were highest in FC group (18.05 and 6.65, respectively) and the lowest in FN×FN group (16.46 and 4.75, respectively). The greatest color difference (ΔE) of the LD muscle was in FN×FN rabbits (9.85) and the smallest in FC group (5.07). The differences between genetic group in color parameters of the BF muscle were smaller but significant, which indicates that crossbreeding may be used in practice to change meat color. Sex did not influence significantly the color parameters of the muscles at either time, although the a* and C* values of the BF muscle were higher in males than females.
Estimation of genetic parameters and trends for energy-corrected 305-d milk yield in Iranian Holsteins
Authors: Hossein-Zadeh N. G.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Calving records from the Animal Breeding Centre of Iran collected from January 1995 to December 2007 and comprising 217973 calving events of Holsteins from 704 dairy herds were analysed using univariate and bivariate linear animal models to estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations for energy-corrected 305-d milk yield (ECM) in the first three lactations of Holstein cows. Genetic trends were obtained by regressing yearly mean estimates of breeding values on calving year. Average ECM increased from parity 1 through parity 3. Estimates of heritabilities were from 0.14 to 0.21 for ECM and decreased over the parities. The greatest genetic correlations were between ECM2 and ECM3 (0.96), and the greatest phenotypic correlations were between ECM1 and ECM2 (0.57) and ECM2 and ECM3 (0.57). The high and positive genetic correlations between ECM traits at different lactations are evidence for common genetic and physiological mechanism controlling these traits. There were positive and increasing phenotypic and genetic trends for ECM over the years (P<0.001). Higher heritability of the ECM in the first parity along with the high genetic correlations between first-lactation ECM with these traits in other lactations shows that higher potential exists for selecting animals for ECM based on their first parity records.
Use of lactation models to develop a cow performance monitoring tool in smallholder dairy farms
Authors: Kawonga B. S. , Chagunda M. G. G. , Gondwe T. N. , Gondwe S. R. , Banda J. W.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Animal performance monitoring is of enormous value for management decision-making at the individual farmer level as well as for the industry and country as a whole. The aim of the study was to develop a performance monitoring tool for existing smallholder dairy production system based on lactation curves. For this purpose three equations of Wood (1967), critical exponential and double exponential were compared to evaluate their fitting and prediction ability. The full data set comprised of 11481 daily milk records for Holstein-Friesian in various stages of lactation. Data of 84 Holstein-Friesian cows was used to develop lactation curves. Within each lactation, only milk yield from calving until 330 days post-calving were used. The three models were evaluated using three criteria which were the amount of variation accounted for by the model (coefficient of determination), b-value and distribution of residuals. Based on these criteria, the double exponential equation was selected for developing the cow performance monitoring (CPM) curve. The CPM curve was developed based on the mean lactation curve with its confidence interval generating the upper and lower limits. The CPM curve had high prediction rates (sensitivity=93% and specificity=93%) hence efficient enough to guide routine management of dairy animals in smallholder farms.
Do mats matter? – Comparison of fertility traits and milk yield in dairy cows on rubber or concrete flooring
Authors: Kremer P. V. , Scholz A. M. , Nüske S. , Förster M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Rubber flooring in dairy cows has been discussed controversially, because different studies found as well advantages as disadvantages regarding claw health. Until today little is known regarding the effect of rubber flooring on the reproductive performance of dairy cows. Therefore, the study aimed at comparing fertility and the milk yield of dairy cows on concrete or rubber flooring. Days to first breeding (DFB), days open (DO), services per conception (SC), heat detection rate (HDR), conception rate (first service; CR1st service) and the corresponding 100 days in milk (DIM) milk yield were evaluated for 139 lactation periods of 91 cows of the University Munich Livestock Center dairy herd. The cows entered the study as heifers and were housed on the same flooring system during their whole productive life. All cows underwent the same management, feeding, and climatic conditions. A mixed model procedure was used to analyse data. Cows on rubber (RSF) compared with cows on concrete flooring (CSF) showed less DFB (76.8/94.6; P<0.01), less DO (98.8/138.4; P<0.01), and no difference regarding SC (1.5/1.7; P=0.267). Furthermore, no differences regarding the 100 DIM milk yield could be established. The calculation of HDR (54.9%/27.9%) and CR1st service (39.4/29.4) showed also high advantages for the rubber flooring. It was concluded that rubber flooring affects an earlier onset of regular oestrus behaviour and improves the economically sensible fertility trait of calving interval by earlier pregnancy and less days open but does not cause higher milk yield.
An individual-based model for Salmonella transmission along the pig production chain
Authors: Hotes S. , Traulsen I. , Krieter J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim was to develop an individual-based model for the transmission of Salmonella from farrowing farm to slaughterhouse. The present study concentrated on farrowing sows as the initial source of Salmonella transmission. The model was evaluated with a sensitivity analysis using a Plackett-Burman design. Three levels (minimum, default, maximum values) for all input factors were considered. The deviations from the default prevalences caused by the extreme values did not balance each other for several significant input factors. For these factors, the relation between input factor and regarded health states was not linear. Results showed that the probability of effective contact, to restart shedding, the shedding duration and the sow herd prevalences as well as their distribution across farrowing farms determined the Salmonella prevalence at slaughter. The study emphasised the importance of vertical and horizontal transmission. Low Salmonella prevalences obtained after nursing caused prevalences at slaughterhouse up to 12 %.
Estimation of additive and non-additive effects on milk production traits in Iranian Holstein crossbred population
Authors: Ghorbani A. , Salamatdoustnobar R.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Direct and interactive effect (individual and maternal heterosis) was estimated using data from rotational crosses between Holsteins with Iranian native breeds. Traits of interest were milk yield, fat yield, fat percent and milk days. Complete data were available on 155240 animals from 1991 through 2003. Direct additive’s effect, individual heterosis, maternal heterosis and recombination (interactions between presences of Holstein gene in two parents) effects were estimated by multiple regression method in SAS 8.2 with mixed models procedure. The least squares means of milk yield, fat yield, fat percent and milk days were 2722.68±1 541.12 kg, 122.97±47.40 kg, 3.97±0.73 percent and 260.10±89.51 days respectively. All direct and indirect genetic effects are significant in milk and milk days traits (P<0.05). Individual and maternal heterosis and recombination effect are not significant on fat yield and fat percent traits. The individual and recombination effect were negative effect on milk yield. The result suggested that the Holstein is a favourable breed for crossbreeding program in developing country as Iran.
Genetic parameters by Bayesian inference for dual purpose Jaffarabadi buffaloes
Authors: Mendes Malhado C. H. , Mendes Malhado A. C. , Amorim Ramos A. , Souza Carneiro P. L. , Siewerdt F. , Pala A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Knowledge of genetic parameters is essential for improved reproductive management and increased yield. Quantitative analysis of genetic parameters is lacking for many breeds of buffaloes. This article provides the first estimate of genetic parameters for dual purpose (meat and milk) Brazilian Jaffarabadi buffaloes, using Bayesian inference. Data on milk yield (MY), lactation length (LL), weight at 205 days (W205) and 365 (W365) days of age, and average daily gain (ADG) from 205 to 365 days of age were collected in two herds. Bivariate analyses (using the program MTGSAM) were performed with the Gibbs sampler to obtain estimates of variance and covariance. Average lactation milk yield and lactation length were 1620.2±450.9 kg and 257.6±46.8 days, respectively, and the mean values for weight traits (kg) were 181.6±63.3 (W205), 298.04±116.1 (W365), and 0.73±0.35 (ADG). Heritability estimates (modes) were 0.16 for MY, 0.10 for LL, 0.43 for W205, 0.48 for W365 and 0.32 for ADG. There was a high genetic correlation (0.96) between milk yield and lactation length and very high genetic correlations (0.99) between the three growth traits. Our data suggest that both milk production and growth traits have clear potential for yield improvement through direct selection in this dual purpose breed. The selection for weight at an early age would be successful and selection for MY can be performed in the first lactation.
Organisation of breeding under difficult framework conditions – the case of smallholder pig breeding in mountainous areas in Northwest Vietnam
Authors: Roessler R. , Herold P. , Momm H. , Valle Zárate A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The concentration process in the international livestock breeding industry has led to an increasing competitive pressure for existing regional livestock breeding institutions. This represents an almost insuperable barrier for the competitive organisation of livestock breeding under difficult framework conditions, particularly in developing countries. The present study aimed at identifying possibilities how to develop the organisation of livestock breeding under difficult framework conditions, taking smallholder pig breeding in mountainous areas in Northwest Vietnam as example. Information was collected from group discussions with small-scale pig producers in Son La province and interviews in various private and public breeding institutions across northern Vietnam, complemented by information from documents. Results show that smallholder pig breeding is influenced by numerous external private and public factors, respectively institutions. These include small private boar keepers and medium-sized commercial pig farms at village and district level, but also globally acting private breeding companies and relevant legislations. Considering the identified institutional framework situation of smallholder pig breeding at village level and the generally positive attitude of smallholders towards cooperative structures, the establishment of boar keeper cooperatives is recommended as a first step in the development of a competitive breeding organisation at village level. Altogether, the current situation of smallholder pig breeding at village level makes the establishment of village breeding programmes reasonable, given a more rigorous implementation of supportive legislations that promote and recognise the self-determination of the proposed cooperative breeding organisations.
Modifications of lampbrush chromosome structure of the European domestic goose Anser anser
Authors: Andraszek K. , Smalec E.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Lampbrush chromosomes (LBCs) represent a new model in avian cytogenetics and are increasingly more often used in poultry chromosome analyses. Additionally, lampbrush chromosomes are considered as model structures in the study of transcription regulation. Changes in transcription activity are reflected as modifications of LBC morphological structure and associated with physiological processes in the organism. The aim of the present study was to compare transcriptional activity of the first five lampbrush macrochromosomes and ZW sex lampbrush bivalents sampled from the oocytes of geese prior to and after the reproductive period. The respective bivalents sampled before and after reproduction have similar sizes but differ in morphological structure. Side loops of lampbrush chromosomes are sites of transcription activity. The activity varies according to the loop size. As the loops become more prominent, the activity grows and vice versa. Lampbrush chromosomes sampled after reproduction have smaller side loops. On the other hand, inactive chromomeres become prominent in the chromosomes. Marker loops are the last structures to be degraded after the end of reproduction. Consequently, they are used for identifying particular bivalents at different stages of cellular transcriptional activity.
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC 3D RECONSTRUCTION IN MATLAB: DEVELOPMENT OF A
FREE TOOL
Authors: Masiero A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This paper presents the current state of development of a free Matlab tool for photogrammetric reconstruction developed at the University of Padova, Italy. The goal of this software is mostly educational, i.e. allowing students to have a close look to the specific steps which lead to the computation of a dense point cloud. As most of recently developed photogrammetric softwares, it is based on a Structure from Motion approach. Despite being mainly motivated by educational purposes, certain implementation details are clearly inspired by recent research works, e.g. limiting the computational burden of the feature matching by determining a suboptimal set of features to be considered, using information provided by external sensors to ease the matching process.
A COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR CRACK DETECTION
AND MEASUREMENT ON CONCRETE SURFACE
Authors: Sarker M. M. , Ali T. A. , Abdelfatah A. , Yehia S. , Elaksher A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Crack detection and measurement in the surface of concrete structures is currently carried out manually or through Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) such as imaging or scanning. The recent developments in depth (stereo) cameras have presented an opportunity for cost-effective, reliable crack detection and measurement. This study aimed at evaluating the feasibility of the new inexpensive depth camera (ZED) for crack detection and measurement. This depth camera with its lightweight and portable nature produces a 3D data file of the imaged surface. The ZED camera was utilized to image a concrete surface and the 3D file was processed to detect and analyse cracks. This article describes the outcome of the experiment carried out with the ZED camera as well as the processing tools used for crack detection and analysis. Crack properties that were also of interest were length, orientation, and width. The use of the ZED camera allowed for distinction between surface and concrete cracks. The ZED high-resolution capability and point cloud capture technology helped in generating a dense 3D data in low-lighting conditions. The results showed the ability of the ZED camera to capture the crack depth changes between surface (render) cracks, and crack that form in the concrete itself.
The Effect of Middle School Music Ensemble Participation on the Relationship Between Perceived School Connectedness, Self-Reported Bullying Behaviors, and Peer Victimization
Authors: Rawlings Jared R.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of middle school music ensemble participation on the relationship between school connectedness, bullying perpetration, and peer victimization. Participants (N = 470) selected for this study attended 2 middle schools located in central Illinois and voluntarily responded to the questionnaire by self-reporting demographic information, including their enrollment in a music course, and their behaviors as perpetrators and victims. Data were secured from a large-scale, 2-year randomized clinical trial funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (no. CE3240). Results indicated that nonensemble students in this sample perpetrate aggressive behaviors, on average, more frequently than do music ensemble students. While participant self-reports of bullying behaviors were relatively low, their perceptions of school connectedness were relatively high. Multiple-group structural equation modeling analyses demonstrated that a stronger negative association between perceptions of school connectedness and cyberbullying perpetration exist for music ensemble students than for adolescents not enrolled in a school-based music ensemble. Included are implications for the better support of preservice and in-service music teachers with regard to bullying in schools, alongside recommendations for continued examination of adolescent musicians’ levels of school connectedness and suggestions for future research.
Music Practice Instruction in Middle School Instrumental Ensembles: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Prichard Stephanie
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of music practice instruction on middle school band and orchestra students’ practice behaviors. Participants received 4 weeks of practice strategy instruction. Prior to, and following the intervention, self-reported practice strategy lists (N = 136) and video of individual practice sessions (n = 35) data were collected from 7th- and 8th-grade band and orchestra students. Self-reported data were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. More than 23 hours of video data (participants’ independent practice sessions) were analyzed using a practice frames evaluation scheme. Video data were further analyzed using an observational measure of self-regulation. Analyses revealed that participants identified and employed significantly more practice strategies following the intervention. Although repetition was the most commonly observed practice strategy overall, posttest practice sessions included more strategic forms of repetition (e.g., repetition of shorter sections and whole-part-whole repetition). Video analysis further revealed that following practice strategy instruction, participants exhibited significantly fewer and longer practice frames as well as more varied practice objectives. Weak relationships emerged between participants’ practice behaviors and their overall degree of self-regulation. Implications for classroom practice and future research are discussed.
Hillbilly Horror and the New Racism: Rural and Racial Politics in Orange Is the New Black
Authors: Scott Jessica
Published: November 2017

In this article, I raise questions about marginalization through representational techniques that make possible the vilification of the characters Pennsatucky and Vee from the first and second seasons of Orange Is the New Black (OITNB). I suggest that the show’s narrative advances a particular story about Appalachian Americans and about black Americans that justifies their marginalization through their portrayal as villains. Such representations rely on tropes that are well documented in histories of representations as well as in critical literature that examines the form that depiction of racial others takes in our contemporary moment. Particularly, Pennsatucky and Vee’s shared homophobia allows the show to characterize entire groups of people as outside the legibility of modernity.
Dramatizing Dualism: The Use of the Literary Double in Bolesław Prus’s The Doll
Authors: Wilmes Justin
Published: November 2017

Critics have devoted much attention to the complex ideological discourse of Bolesław Prus’s The Doll, justly noting that throughout the novel its protagonist, Stanisław Wokulski, is torn between impulses to romance, political revolt, science, business, and social progress. These notions, traditionally associated respectively with the Polish Romantic and Positivist movements, are articulated and championed in the novel by various characters, and indeed compete with one another within the conflicted psyches of individual characters. While critics have increasingly characterized The Doll as a proto-modernist, dialogic novel, what has received relatively little attention among scholars of this novel is the pervasive use of the literary double as a device for exploring Wokulski’s profound ambivalence—and by extension that of the transitional generation that he represents. Recurring appearances of Wokulski’s doppelgängers, or mental projections in the form of voices and visions, manifest his repressed desires, while the novel’s numerous quasi-doubles—characters bearing an uncanny resemblance—serve as a key organizing principle of the narrative, providing the protagonist with positive and negative insight into himself. But rather than attempting to reconcile these conflicting forces in monologic or dialectical fashion, Prus creates what literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin calls a dialogic novelistic discourse, marked by multiple voices and viewpoints, unresolved ambiguities, and “unfinalized” characters, ever in the process of becoming. In such a reading, not only is Wokulski a transitional hero, negotiating social, ideological, and economic changes in Poland at the end of the nineteenth century, but the novel itself becomes a transitional work during the period of mature realism, demonstrating many formal features of the dialogic novel, and serving as a “bridge between the realist novel and modernist prose.”
Diasporic Filipinx Queerness, Female Affective Labor, and Queer Heterosocial Relationalities in Letters to Montgomery Clift
Authors: Sarmiento Thomas X.
Published: November 2017

With the narrow loss of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s bid for the Philippine vice presidency in 2016, thirty years after his late father’s authoritarian regime crumbled, and with ongoing dissent against the senior Marcos’s burial later that year in the national cemetery for heroes, the ghosts of martial law continue to haunt the Philippines and its U.S. diaspora. Noël Alumit’s 2002 novel Letters to Montgomery Clift illustrates the psychic and affective ramifications of martial law displacement and resists the idea that such wounds have healed. Rather than focusing on the intersections of identity structures on the formation of an individual, this essay looks at the protagonist’s relationships to other people to explore the gendered and queered dimensions of diaspora and exile. While the story follows eight-year-old Bong Bong Luwad’s escape from the Philippines under the Marcos dictatorship, his queer sexual discovery in the United States, his coming to terms with his mental illness as a result of being separated from his birth parents, and, importantly, the imaginary relationship he develops with dead American actor Montgomery Clift, I read Alumit’s novel through a transnational queer feminist lens to foreground women’s central role in structuring the narrative. By focusing on the cross-gender affiliations that Bong develops with women, I renew queer engagements with feminist cultural critique. Ultimately, an attention to the affective ties between femininity and queerness in the diaspora engenders alternative accounts of subalternity and the palimpsestic histories of colonization and state terror that complicate how we understand displacement and exile in our contemporary moment.
Building Homes and Building Lives: Benefits of Involvement in the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia
Authors: Barnes Sandra L. , Cowser Angela
Published: November 2017

The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) was established in 1992 as a women-lead membership-based organization (MBOP) of the poor to secure affordable housing and infrastructure services through savings and sweat-equity groups across thirteen Namibian regions. Yet, to our knowledge, a study on this organization that focuses on the voices of members to assess how they understand and prioritize Federasi involvement has not been performed. Theoretically informed by black feminism, this multidisciplinary, mixed-methodological project considers the benefits of participation for 281 members. Although anecdotal information suggests that the vast majority of women participate to secure stable housing, content and bivariate analyses illustrate the primacy of psychological benefits and collective mobilization.
Virtual mentoring in nursing education: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Clement Susan Arlene , Welch Susan
Published: November 2017

Background and objective: Large numbers of nurse educators are retiring, creating a paucity of experienced advisors and research investigators to mentor nurse educators. The guiding of doctoral students in nursing is at a demanding crossroad. A new mentoring approach is needed within nursing education to support doctoral students who wish to transition to nursing education and current nurse educators who wish to further the science of nursing education. A scoping review was conducted to determine what is currently known from the existing literature about virtual mentoring in nursing education.Methods: Literature published between 2012 and 2017 was reviewed from two electronic databases using the key words virtual mentoring, e-mentoring, cyber mentoring, online mentoring, tele-mentoring, nursing education, and college or university or higher education. The framework from Arksey and O’Malley was utilized for this study.Results: Two themes have been identified: Technological Support for the Virtual Mentoring Role and Evolving Virtual Mentoring Programs in Nursing Education.Conclusions: The available current research fails to adequately answer the research question. Further research into doctoral nursing graduates lived experience of a formal virtual mentoring program and building upon the virtual mentoring experience is needed.
Using Balanced Scorecard for Managing Performance in Selected Ghanaian Banks
Authors: Agyeman Benjamin , Bonn James , Osei Collins
Published: November 2017

Prior to 1992, Kaplan and Norton posited that organizations solely rely on financial measures to manage their performance. It has become possible for organizations to incorporate in addition to financial measures non- financial measures to manage their performance. It is in this light that balanced scorecard is one of the tools used to manage performance. However, managing the overall performance of organizations using balanced scorecard is limited in literature in Ghanaian banks. This study explores the extent of use of the four perspectives of balanced scorecard as a tool to for managing performance in selected Ghanaian banks. Survey research method was employed. In relation to the extent of used of balanced scorecard perspectives by selected Ghanaian banks to manage performance, it was found that financial perspective was used followed by customer perspective, learning and growth perspective, and internal business process. The ANOVA test showed that the mean scores of the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard was statistically and significantly different from each other. The research concludes that, Ghanaian banks relied heavily on financial perspective to measure performance.