Influence of the preplacement holding time and feeding hydration supplementation before placement on yolk sac utilization, the crop filling rate, feeding behavior and first-week broiler performance

This study investigated the effects of the broiler chick preplacement holding time and feeding hydration supplementation before placement on yolk sac utilization, the crop filling rate, feeding–drinking behavior and first-wk broiler performance. Broiler hatching eggs were obtained from a commercial broiler breeder flock of Ross 308 at 37 wk of age and incubated in a commercial hatchery. At 510 h of incubation, all chicks were removed from the hatcher and separated into cardboard chick boxes containing 80 chicks each. The chick boxes were randomly separated into two groups with either added commercial hydration supplementation (gel: Hydrogel-95) or the control (no gel). Then, the chicks were randomly distributed into 5 groups with different holding times across each hydration supplementation treatment (gel and control). The preplacement holding times were 6, 24, 48, 60, and 72 h from the pull time from the hatchers in the hatchery to placement in the broiler house on the farm, at which point the chicks were able to access feed and water. There were 10 subtreatment groups comprising 5 chick preplacement holding time groups × 2 hydration supplementation groups. There were 12 replicates (160 chicks per pen) per holding period × gel treatment, with a total of 19,200 chicks placed. The feed and water access time did not influence yolk sac utilization, but the absolute or relative residual yolk sac (g, %) decreased linearly with the duration after the pull time (P < 0.001). Longer preplacement holding times were associated with a higher percentage of chicks with full crops at 3 h after placement (P < 0.001). Chicks with the shortest (6 h) preplacement holding time had a lower percentage of feed-seeking activity compared to the 24, 48, and 72 h holding time groups at 3 h after placement (P < 0.001). The highest chick eating and drinking activity was observed in the 72 h group at both 3 and 8 h after placement. Chick weight at placement was significantly reduced linearly with the duration after the pull time (0.106 g/h; R² = 0.775), and as expected, the highest and lowest BW were found in the 6 (41.51 g) and 72 h (34.50 g) preplacement holding time groups, respectively. However, BW and BW gain were higher in the 24 h group than in the other preplacement holding time groups (P < 0.001) at 7 d after placement. Mortality within the first 3 d after placement increased only when the preplacement holding time was extended to 72 h (P = 0.002). Mortality during 4 to 7 d postplacement was not affected by the holding time at all, but the 72-h holding time group still had statistically significantly higher mortality cumulatively from 0 to 7 d (P = 0.024). Neither BW nor mortality was affected by feeding the hydration supplement at placement, and the lack of effect persisted through 7 d after placement (P > 0.05).

It can be concluded that the BW at 7 d after placement was greater in the 24 h holding time group than in shorter (6 h) or longer (48, 60, and 72 h) preplacement holding time groups. In the present study, a greater number of chicks were raised, and it was clearly demonstrated that mortality, as a direct indicator of flock health and welfare, was not affected by preplacement holding times up to and including a 60 h after take-off under thermal comfort conditions, but holding for a further 12 h to 72 h, mortality at 7 d of age after placement was increased. On the other hand, holding chicks in a short period (6 h) did not improve mortality and the BW at 7 d, suggesting that some delay to placement can be beneficial. In addition, feeding hydrogel during the preplacement holding period had no positive effect on BW gain and cumulative mortality during the first week of the growing period.

Effects of flock age, storage temperature, and short period of incubation during egg storage, on the albumen quality, embryonic development and hatchability of long stored eggs

1. The effect of breeder flock age, storage temperature and a short period of incubation during egg storage (SPIDES) on albumen quality, development of blastoderm, and hatchability of long-stored eggs was evaluated.2. Hatching eggs were collected from 28-week-old (young) and 40-week-old (prime) Ross female line grandparent flocks and were stored for 14 d at 12, 15 or 18°C. During storage, the eggs were either kept continuously in the storage room (control) or were subjected to SPIDES treatment.3. Embryonic development was more advanced in eggs from the prime flock, exposed to SPIDES and warmer (18°C) storage temperature (P ≤ 0.05). There was a difference in the albumen pH for flock ages (P < 0.05), but the SPIDES treatment did not affect albumen height and pH (P > 0.05). On d 14 of storage, albumen pH was positively (P < 0.05) correlated with storage temperature. Hatchability was higher in the prime flock (P < 0.05).4. At both flock ages, hatchability increased (P < 0.05) by storing the eggs at 15°C, compared to 18°C, with 12°C intermediate. The hatchability improvement was due to reduced early embryonic mortality.5. The SPIDES treatment decreased late embryonic mortality and the percentage of second-grade chicks (P < 0.05), which increased the hatchability of fertile eggs (P < 0.05). SPIDES only reduced (P < 0.05) early embryonic mortality in eggs stored at 18°C.6. The highest hatchability was observed in the eggs stored at 15°C and exposed to one SPIDES treatment during 14 d storage.

Research Note: Effects of turning and short period of incubation during long-term egg storage on embryonic development and hatchability of eggs from young and old broiler grandparent flocks

Longer egg storage times (>7 d) are common in broiler parent and grandparent hatcheries to obtain the requested flock size. However, prolonged storage is known to decrease hatchability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of turning and short period of incubation during egg storage (SPIDES) for 14 d on the stage of blastoderm development, embryonic mortality, and hatchability of eggs from young and old grandparent flocks. Hatching eggs were obtained from Ross female line grandparent flocks aged 29 wk (young) and 58 wk (old). Eggs were stored at 15°C, and turned 90° 0 or 4 times daily during storage. On day 5 after egg collection, the eggs were either held in the storage room (control) or subjected to SPIDES treatment. The development of the blastoderm in sample eggs was determined immediately after collection on a farm and again after the SPIDES treatment. Each of the 8 subtreatments was tested on 6 replicate trays of 150 eggs (900 eggs per subtreatment) with 7,200 hatching eggs set in a single-stage setter and hatcher for the trial. The stage of blastoderm development was advanced by the old flock, by SPIDES, and by turning 4 times daily during egg storage (P ≤ 0.05). There was a significant interaction effect of flock age × turning during storage on embryonic development, which suggested that turning advanced the stage of blastoderm development only in eggs from the old flock (P ≤ 0.05). Eggs from the young flock had a better hatchability than eggs from the old flock (P ≤ 0.05). Hatchability was increased by turning 4 times/day during the storage period compared with no turning because of a decrease in the percentage of late embryonic mortality (P ≤ 0.05). SPIDES decreased early and late embryonic mortality as well as the percentage of second-grade chicks (P ≤ 0.05), which increased the hatchability of fertile eggs at both flock ages (P ≤ 0.05). The results of this study showed that a combination of turning eggs 4 times daily along with one SPIDES treatment during 14 d of storage resulted in the highest hatchability in both young and old broiler grandparent flocks.

Ossification of the phalanges of the foot and its relationship to peak height velocity and the calcaneal system

PURPOSE

There are multiple skeletal maturity grading systems, but none of them utilizes the phalanges of the foot. To minimize radiation, it would be ideal if one could assess the skeletal maturity of a foot based on bones seen on routine foot radiographs, if guided growth is being considered as a treatment option. We developed a system that correlates changes of the appearance of the foot phalanges to peak height velocity (PHV) and the recently described calcaneal apophyseal ossification grading system.

METHODS

We selected 94 children from the Bolton-Brush study, each with consecutive radiographs from age ten to 15 years old. Using the anteroposterior view, we analyzed the ossification patterns of the phalanges and developed a six-stage system. We then determined the PHV for each subject and defined its relationship with our system. Our system was then compared with the previously established calcaneal system.

RESULTS

We calculated an Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range of 0.957 to 0.985 with a mean of 0.975 and interclass reliability coefficient of 0.993 indicating that this method is reliable and consistent. Our system showed no significant difference between gender with respect to PHV, which makes it a reliable surrogate for determining bone age in paediatric and adolescent patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our system has a strong association with the calcaneal system. It is a simple six-stage system that is reliable and correlated more strongly with PHV than chronological age. The system requires knowledge of the ossification markers used for each stage but is easily used in a clinical setting.

Binary and analogue markers of skeletal maturity: clinical utility of the thenar and plantar sesamoids

PURPOSE

We investigate the thenar and plantar sesamoids as markers of skeletal maturity, and grade appearance using two scales, a binary system (absent or present), and an analogue system that relies upon judging regular changes in morphological appearance.

METHODS

We studied 94 healthy children (49 female and 45 male patients) between ages three and 18 years who had approximately 700 serially acquired sets of radiographs and physical examinations. The children had at least annual radiographs taken of the left hand and left foot. Velocity of growth was calculated and curves were fit to a cubic spline model to determine age of maximum height velocity, or peak height velocity (PHV). Appearance of the plantar and thenar sesamoids was recorded using a binary system classifying the sesamoids as absent or present and an analogue system classifying the sesamoid as absent, present as a small ossification centre or larger than a small ossification centre.

RESULTS

The plantar sesamoids appear 1.67 years before PHV and reach mature size 1.02 years after PHV. The thenar sesamoids appear 0.32 years before PHV and reach mature size 2.25 years after PHV. The plantar sesamoids are present and thenar sesamoids are absent at a mean 1.5 years prior to PHV. No patients had the thenar sesamoids present while the plantar sesamoids were absent.

CONCLUSION

As binary markers, when the plantar and thenar sesamoids are considered together it is possible to localize maturity. As analogue markers, they offer more information. The sesamoids also allow clarification of the calcaneal and Sanders stages.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Not Applicable.

Effects on vessel measurement accuracy and subsequent occlusion after calcium channel blocker infusion during treatment of cerebral aneurysms with the Pipeline embolization device

Introduction/Purpose

To achieve aneurysm occlusion, flow diverters (FDs) must be accurately sized to maximize coverage over the neck and induce thrombosis. Catheterization for diagnostic angiography can cause vasospasm that may affect vessel measurements. This study evaluates impacts of intra-arterial infusion of a calcium channel blocker (CCB) on angiographic measurements in patients treated with FDs to determine effects on final diameter of the FD and subsequent occlusion.

Materials and methods

Pre-treatment measurements were recorded for diameter of the distal and proximal landing zones and maximum and minimum diameters between these segments. Post-treatment measurements of the stent following deployment were recorded at these locations. When CCB was infused, post-infusion pre-treatment measurements were recorded. Rates of occlusion were noted for all patients. T-tests were performed to assess for differences in pre- and post-treatment measurements and rates of occlusion between groups with and without CCB infusion.

Results

Twenty-eight FDs were deployed to treat 25 aneurysms in 24 patients. CCB infusion was performed prior to deployment of 12 (42.9%) devices. No significant difference was noted between groups for pre- and post-treatment measurement changes. Confirmed aneurysm occlusion was more likely to occur in the CCB infusion group (88.9% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Optimization of device sizing is important to increase FD density over the aneurysm neck and promote thrombosis. To improve measurement accuracy, CCB infusion can reduce effects of mild vasospasm. Subsequent aneurysm occlusion was more likely to occur following FD treatment when device size selection was based on measurements performed following CCB infusion.

The relationship of calcaneal apophyseal ossification and Sanders hand scores to the timing of peak height velocity in adolescents

The accurate assessment of skeletal maturity is essential in the management of orthopaedic conditions in the growing child. In order to identify the time of peak height velocity (PHV) in adolescents, two systems for assessing skeletal maturity have been described recently; the calcaneal apophyseal ossification method and the Sanders hand scores. The purpose of this study was to compare these methods in assessing skeletal maturity relative to PHV. We studied the radiographs of a historical group of 94 healthy children (49 females and 45 males), who had been followed longitudinally between the ages of three and 18 years with serial radiographs and physical examination. Radiographs of the foot and hand were undertaken in these children at least annually between the ages of ten and 15 years. We reviewed 738 radiographs of the foot and 694 radiographs of the hand. PHV was calculated from measurements of height taken at the time of the radiographs. Prior to PHV we observed four of six stages of calcaneal apophyseal ossification and two of eight Sanders stages. Calcaneal stage 3 and Sanders stage 2 was seen to occur about 0.9 years before PHV, while calcaneal stage 4 and Sanders stage 3 occurred approximately 0.5 years after PHV. The stages of the calcaneal and Sanders systems can be used in combination, offering better assessment of skeletal maturity with respect to PHV than either system alone.

Superselective Intra-Arterial Ethanol Sclerotherapy of Feeding Artery and Nidal Aneurysms in Ruptured Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

In the endovascular treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations, ethanol sclerotherapy is seldom used due to safety concerns. However, when limited reflux of an embolic agent is permissible or when there is a long distance to the target, ethanol may be preferable. We reviewed 10 patients with 14 cerebral AVM feeding artery aneurysms or intranidal aneurysms treated with intra-arterial ethanol sclerotherapy at our institution between 2005 and 2014. All patients presented with acute intracranial hemorrhage. Thirteen of 14 aneurysms were treated primarily with 60%-80% ethanol into the feeding artery. Complete target feeding artery and aneurysm occlusion was seen in all cases; 8/13 (62%) were occluded by using ethanol alone. No retreatments or recurrences were seen. One permanent neurologic deficit (1/13, 7.7%) and no deaths occurred. In a subset of ruptured cerebral AVMs, ethanol sclerotherapy of feeding artery aneurysms and intranidal aneurysms can be performed with a high degree of technical success and a low rate of complication.

Acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis, common in soft lens wearers, is not commonly isolated. The reports of Acanthamoeba keratitis in Indian literature are few. We report here a case of Acanthamoeba Keratitis in a medical student using soft contact lenses, initially diagnosed and treated as a bacterial and later as a viral corneal ulcer, who responded extremely well to medical line of therapy.

Hallerman-Streiff syndrome

A 3 day old female neonate with Hallerman Streiff Syndrome presented with white spots in both the eyes. Both eyebrows and eyelashes were found to be sparse. Anterior chamber was found to be shallow. Total cataract was detected with posterior synechiae. Fundus could not be viewed. General examination revealed other features of Hallerman-Streiff Syndrome--short stature, bird like face, atrophy of skin and natal teeth. Lensectomy was carried out for left eye at the age of 10 weeks. However, the child had repeated respiratory tract infections and died at the age of 22 weeks.

Fraser syndrome

Fraser Syndrome is a rare disorder with only a few cases having been described in Indian literature. We report here a case of a patient aged 16 yr present with primary amenorrhea which is a very unusual mode of presentation. Multiple associated anomalies were present including those of eyelids, eyebrow, face, fingers and genitalia. Chromosome analysis revealed a normal female karyotype. Pituitary gonadotropins were within normal range.

Intraoperative measurement of intraocular pressure in vitrectomized aphakic air-filled eyes using the Tono-Pen XL

The Tono-Pen XL (Bio-Rad, Santa Ana, CA) was compared with manometer readings for intraoperative measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in 40 eyes of 40 consecutive patients after vitrectomy, lensectomy, and fluid-air exchange. Tono-Pen readings corresponding to manometer readings of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mmHg were obtained in a masked fashion with a randomized sequence of manometer readings. A correlation was obtained between the manometer and Tono-Pen readings (r = 0.96 in emmetropic eyes and r = 0.93 in myopic eyes). The regression curve that represents the calibration curve of Tono-Pen in terms of the manometer readings for air-filled vitrectomized eyes was obtained. Any Tono-Pen reading can be easily translated into the corresponding manometer reading by referring to the curve. The Tono-Pen can therefore be effectively used to accurately determine intraoperative IOP in eyes undergoing vitrectomy, lensectomy, and fluid-air exchange.

Peribulbar anesthesia for primary vitreoretinal surgery

We prospectively studied the efficacy of peribulbar anesthesia in 76 consecutive patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery. The mean duration of anesthesia was 124.74 +/- 50.17 minutes, and the mean duration of akinesia, 151.5 +/- 54.45 minutes. Adequate anesthesia and akinesia, independent of the duration of surgery, was obtained in 26 of 33 (78.8%) patients who underwent vitrectomy; 9 of 32 (28.1%) who underwent scleral buckling; and 2 of 11 (18.2%) who underwent vitrectomy combined with scleral buckling. In all, topical and systemic supplementation of drugs for inadequate anesthesia or akinesia allowed 32 of the 33 (97%) vitrectomies, 30 of the 32 (94%) scleral buckling procedures, and all 11 of the combined surgeries to be completed as planned. Three (4%) patients vomited, moved, or were restless, resulting in an operative complication or postponement of surgery. Fifty-eight (76%) said they would desire similar anesthesia if subsequent surgery was needed in the same or fellow eye. We conclude that peribulbar anesthesia should be considered primarily for patients requiring vitreous surgery alone, and as an alternative for patients requiring scleral buckling or combined surgery for whom general anesthesia is contraindicated.

Vital statistics for an experimental flock of Merino sheep. IV. Failure in conception and embryonic loss as causes of failure to lamb

Ewes which fail to lamb can be classified as failing to conceive (ENC) or conceiving but failing to carry at least one embryo to full term (ENE). Estimates of ENE have been made indirectly from mating and lambing records involving 2509 observations over 3 years in a flock of medium Peppin Merinos. Estimates of ENE and of individual embryo loss have been made directly from autopsies of 419 ewes in the same Peppin flock and in one of mixed strains. The indirect estimate of ENE (ewes served and expected to have conceived but failing to lamb, as a percentage of ewes joined) averaged 4.3% for ewes aged 1½–9½ years at joining. Two measures of early embryonic loss were obtained from the autopsies of ewes expected to have been pregnant for approximately 28 days: (i) Ewes predicted not to lamb, as a percentage of ewes expected to have conceived, gave an estimate of 2.8–3.9 % at 1½ years, and 10.1–12.0% at 8½–11½ years. (ii) By relating the number of active corpora lutea to the number of healthy embryos, the estimates of loss obtained were 4.7–5.8% for maidens and 18.6–20.6% for aged ewes. From approximately 28 days to term no significant foetal loss from resorption or abortion could be demonstrated by comparing autopsy predictions with observed performance in ewes proceeding to term, though a very small loss of one of a pair of twins may have occurred in ewes aged 1½ years. Ewes with two active corpora lutea suffered a significantly greater loss of embryos than did ewes with one. With the corpus luteum as the unit, the loss in maiden ewes was 20.0% with two corpora lutea and 2.9–4.1% with one, the corresponding figures for aged ewes being 34.7–36.1 and 9.0–11.5%. These differences are not evident with the ewe as the unit, as a ewe with two corpora lutea which had lost one embryo would remain in the group predicted to lamb. Estimates of ENE from autopsy were made on ewes selected from the complete flock because they had not returned to service. Estimates for the same ages on the complete flock were 3.6–4.5% for maiden and 8.7–10.2% for aged ewes. Calculations of ENC have been based on the estimate of ENE made here and on previously reported figures of the numbers of dry ewes per ewe joined and present at lambing. Ranges of ENC were 13.6–14.5% at 2 years, and 3.3–4.8% respectively. No identical twins were observed at autopsy, and there is no reason to believe that any would have been present at any earlier stage of pregnancy.