Variability in Holstein heifer heart-girth measurements and comparison of prediction equations for live weight

Measurement of heart-girth (chest circumference) is commonly used to estimate dairy heifer body weight from previously derived equations or tables. In this experiment, variability of heart-girth measurements as they are taken in the field was analyzed to determine the standard deviation within a group of 26 Holstein heifers of various ages weighing 42–590 kg. Standard deviations were 2.19 cm among 26 observers and 2.74 cm within any one observer. Repeatability between two heart-girth measurements by an individual observer on the same animal using a blind heart-girth tape was >0.99. Correlation coefficients between two measurements by different observers using blind measuring tapes on the same animal also were >0.99, with 99% of total differences due to observer and heifer, indicating very little random variation. A second part of this study was the validation of the most recently derived equation to calculate body weight from heart-girth. The equation was validated with data sets from universities across the United States and field data collected specifically for this study. Experimental and field data comprised of heart-girth and body weight measurements upheld the previously derived equation and support its continued use. These results allow more precise interpretation of heart-girth data collected from field studies with Holstein dairy heifers and provide more complete validation of existing body weight-prediction equations.     

Comparison of computer-assisted surgery with conventional technique for the treatment of axial distal phalanx fractures in horses: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: To compare the precision obtained with computer-assisted screw insertion for treatment of mid-sagittal articular fractures of the distal phalanx (P3) with results achieved with a conventional technique. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty-two cadaveric equine limbs. METHODS: Four groups of 8 limbs were studied. Either 1 or 2 screws were inserted perpendicular to an imaginary axial fracture of P3 using computer-assisted surgery (CAS) or conventional technique. Screw insertion time, predetermined screw length, inserted screw length, fit of the screw, and errors in placement were recorded. RESULTS: CAS technique took 15-20 minutes longer but resulted in greater precision of screw length and placement compared with the conventional technique. CONCLUSION: Improved precision in screw insertion with CAS makes insertion of 2 screws possible for repair of mid-sagittal P3 fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CAS although expensive improves precision in screw insertion into P3 and consequently should yield improved clinical outcome.     

一种新的胶凝原油管流启动屈服应力测算方法

准确预测胶凝原油的启动屈服应力,是实现含蜡原油管道安全经济输送、避免"凝管"事故发生的关键所在。以管流试验数据为基础,分析了管道轴向受压时间差异对胶凝原油启动屈服应力测量结果造成的影响。结果表明:在管流装置中,启动屈服应力的测量值随测量管段长度的增大呈减小的趋势。结合三参数双曲模式触变方程,提出了一种基于非线性最小二乘拟合原理的数据处理方法,能够求得测量管长趋于无限短时胶凝原油的启动屈服应力,统一了对特定工况下凝油结构强度的评价标准。