Relationships between early-life growth, intake, and birth season with first-lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows.

The objective was to determine the relationships between early-life parameters [including average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), milk replacer intake, starter intake, and birth season] and the first-lactation performance of Holstein cows. We collected data from birth years 2004 to 2012 for 2,880 Holstein animals. Calves were received from 3 commercial dairy farms and enrolled in 37 different calf research trials at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center from 3 to 195 d. Upon trial completion, calves were returned to their respective farms. Milk replacer options included varying protein levels and amounts fed, but in the majority of studies, calves were fed a milk replacer containing 20% crude protein and 20% fat at 0.57 kg/calf daily. Most calves (93%) were weaned at 6 wk. Milk replacer dry matter intake, starter intake, ADG, and BW at 6 wk were 21.5 ± 2.2 kg, 17.3 ± 7.3 kg, 0.53 ± 0.13 kg/d, and 62.4 ± 6.8 kg, respectively. Average age at first calving and first-lactation 305-d milk yield were 715 ± 46.5 d and 10,959 ± 1,527 kg, respectively. We conducted separate mixed-model analyses using the REML model-fitting protocol of JMP (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) to determine the effect of early-life BW or ADG, milk replacer and starter intake, and birth season on first-lactation 305-d milk, fat, and true protein yield. Greater BW and ADG at 6 wk resulted in increased first-lactation milk and milk component yields. Intake of calf starter at 8 wk had a significant positive relationship with first-lactation 305-d yield of milk and milk components. Milk replacer intake, which varied very little in this data set, had no effect on first-lactation 305-d yield of milk and milk components. Calves born in the fall and winter had greater starter intake, BW, and ADG at 8 wk. However, calves born in the summer had a higher 305-d milk yield during their first lactation than those born in the fall and winter. Improvements were modest, and variation was high, suggesting that additional factors not accounted for in these analyses affected first-lactation performance.

[Criteria for socket type prescription: indications and contraindications of a liner system]. / Verordnungskriterien für Oberschenkelschaftsysteme: Indikationen und Kontraindikationen der Linerversorgung.

BACKGROUND: The prescription of socket type for above-knee-amputees is based on clinical experience. There are no official guidelines. On the basis of treatment statistics and a patient survey, this study shows the indications and contraindications of a liner system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment statistics including data from the medical reports of 183 above-knee-amputees, who were treated in our clinic from 2003 to 2007 were analysed. 32 patients had a system change between liner- and contact-shaft accommodation and were contacted by telephone. The aim was to evaluate satisfaction with the current socket type and thus be able to compare types. RESULTS: A statistically significant relation in the treatment statistics between the quality of the stump and the socket type can be shown. A mesh graft to cover the stump, extreme volume fluctuation, low activity class and co-morbidities are the main reasons for the use of a liner system. Main reasons for a change to a liner system were the preservation of individual independence, better adhesion and skin problems. CONCLUSION: The developed clinical criteria can help physicians decide which socket type is most beneficial for each individual patient.

[Walking ability in bilateral leg amputees following prosthetic rehabilitation]. / Gehfähigkeit beidseits Beinamputierter nach prothetischer Versorgung.

Between January 1989 and March 1993 117 patients were treated after acquired bilateral amputation of the lower extremities at the "Klinik und Poliklinik für Technische Orthopädie und Rehabilitation der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster", Germany. Information from patients files and telephone interviews were collected to assess the degree of use of prostheses. All patients with levels of amputation not higher than above-knee on one side and hind-foot on the other side used their prostheses for daily walking. None of the patients with bilateral knee-disarticulation or higher levels of amputation used prosthetic devices for regular walking. In patients with amputation levels between these extremes the result of rehabilitation with prostheses is determined mainly by the cause of the amputation.

[Epidemiological data on lower leg amputations. A study of 1487 amputations]. / Epidemiologische Daten zu Amputationen an der unteren Extremität. Eine Studie über 1487 Amputationen.

The examination is based on the operative amputee statistics at the university hospital Göttingen between 1983 and 1992 as well as the prosthetic treatment statistics at the university hospital for Technological Orthopedics and Rehabilitation (TO Münster) between January 1991 and March 1993. The comparison of epidemiologic data from both hospitals allow to give statements concerning etiology, level of amputation and age distribution. With a percentage of 78.6 dysvascular diseases were the principal cause for amputations at the Göttingen hospital, which is 10% less than described in modern literature. The respective percentage was 43% in Münster, followed by a 35.9% share for amputations caused by trauma. Our results demonstrate the relevance of amputations which are not due to dysvascular diseases in prosthetic treatment.

[Technical surgical possibilities for preserving an end-bearing knee exarticulation stump in skin necrosis]. / Operationstechnische Möglichkeiten zur Erhaltung eines endbelastbaren Knie-Exartikulationsstumpfes bei Hautnekrosen.

Disarticulation of the knee results in an excellent end-bearing stump. Operative technique is easy, fast and gentle. The muscular balance in the femur is not disturbed. The shape of the stump provides excellent rotation control in the prosthesis. New socket designs and prosthetic knee mechanisms have eliminated the former cosmetic problems concerning this amputation level. Nevertheless--because of external rotation of the femur, poor skin quality or wound closure under tension skin necrosis can occur, most of the times concerning the lateral condyle region. Several operative possibilities to get a satisfactory wound closure while preserving the advantages of this stump are presented.

[Charcot's elbow joint in syringomyelia]. / Charcot-Ellenbogengelenk bei Syringomyelie.

Neuropathic arthropathy is a rare case in daily orthopedic practice. The case of a 43 year old technician is reported, who developed severe destruction of both elbow joints as a result of syringomyelia. The diagnostical problems as well as the therapeutical considerations are discussed.