A latent class analysis of patterns of tobacco and cannabis use in Australia and their health-related correlates.

INTRODUCTION: The shifting landscape in Australia's tobacco and cannabis policies and emerging new products and modes of administration may increase experimentation and the risks of addiction to these drugs. METHODS: We analysed cross-sectional data from the 2019 National Drug Strategy and Household Survey (n = 22,015) of Australians aged 14 and above. Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct groups based on types of tobacco and cannabis products used. The socio-demographic, health-rated correlates and past-year substance use of each latent class was examined. RESULTS: A four-class solution was identified: co-use of tobacco and cannabis (2.4%), cannabis-only (5.5%), tobacco-only (8.0%) and non-user (84.0%). Males (odds ratio [OR] range 1.5-2.9), younger age (OR range 2.4-8.4), moderate to high psychological distress (OR range 1.3-3.0), using illicit substances in the last year (OR range 1.41-22.87) and high risk of alcohol use disorder (OR range 2.0-21.7) were more likely to be in the tobacco/cannabis use classes than non-users. Within the co-use class, 78.4% mixed tobacco with cannabis and 89.4% had used alcohol with cannabis at least once. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 16% of respondents used tobacco or cannabis, or both substances, and no major distinct subgroups were identified by the use of different product types. Mental health issues and the poly-substance use were more common in the class who were co-users of cannabis and tobacco. Existing policies need to minimise cannabis and tobacco-related harms to reduce the societal burden associated with both substances.

Distal radioulnar joint kinematics before surgery and 12 months following open foveal reinsertion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: comparison with the contralateral non-injured joint.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesion may cause distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Dynamic radiostereometry (dRSA) has been validated for objective measurement of DRUJ kinematics. We evaluated DRUJ kinematics by dRSA before surgery and 12 months following open foveal reinsertion of the TFCC in comparison with contralateral non-injured DRUJs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 21 patients (11 men) of mean age 34 years (22-50) with arthroscopically confirmed foveal TFCC lesion were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 and 12 months after open foveal TFCC reinsertion with QDASH, PRWE, pain on NRS, and bilateral dRSA imaging during a patient active press test motion cycle, including a force-loaded downstroke and a release phase. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the force-loaded part (> 2.3 kg; 95% CI 1.6-3.0) of the press test motion cycle (from 15% to 75%) revealed a more volar position of the ulnar head in the sigmoid notch (DRUJ position ratio) and increased distance in DRUJs with foveal TFCC lesion compared with the patients' contralateral non-injured DRUJ (p < 0.05). 6 months postoperatively, the DRUJ position was generally normalized and remained normalized at 12 months. However, the DRUJ distance remained higher on the injured side. 12 months postoperatively, patients reported less pain during activities, with improved QDASH and PRWE scores (p < 0.007). INTERPRETATION: DRUJ kinematics during the press test showed increased DRUJ translation to a more volar position of the ulnar head after foveal TFCC lesion compared with the contralateral non-injured DRUJs. Open foveal TFCC reinsertion had a stabilizing effect on DRUJ kinematics towards normalization, and improved patient-reported outcomes 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Electrochemically applied hydroxyapatite on the cementless porous surface of Bi-Metric stems reduces early migration and has a lasting effect : an efficacy trial of a randomized five-year follow-up radiostereometric study.

AIMS: BoneMaster is a thin electrochemically applied hydroxyapatite (HA) coating for orthopaedic implants that is quickly resorbed during osseointegration. Early stabilization is a surrogacy marker of good survival of femoral stems. The hypothesis of this study was that a BoneMaster coating yields a fast early and lasting fixation of stems. METHODS: A total of 53 patients were randomized to be treated using Bi-Metric cementless femoral stems with either only a porous titanium plasma-sprayed coating (P group) or a porous titanium plasma-sprayed coating with an additional BoneMaster coating (PBM group). The patients were examined with radiostereometry until five years after surgery. RESULTS: At three months, the mean total translation (TT) was 0.95 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.22) in the P group and 0.57 mm (95% CI 0.31 to 0.83) in the PBM group (p = 0.047). From two to five years, the TT increased by a mean of 0.14 mm (95% CI 0.03 to 0.25) more in the P group than in the PBM group (p = 0.021). In osteopenic patients (n = 20), the mean TT after three months was 1.61 mm (95% CI 1.03 to 2.20) in the P group and 0.73 mm (95% CI 0.25 to 1.21) in the PBM group (p = 0.023). After 60 months, the mean TT in osteopenic patients was 1.87 mm (95% CI 1.24 to 2.50) in the P group and 0.82 mm (95% CI 0.30 to 1.33) in the PBM group (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: There was less early and midterm migration of cementless stems with BoneMaster coating compared with those with only a porous titanium plasma-sprayed coating. Although a BoneMaster coating seems to be important for stem fixation, especially in osteopenic patients, further research is warranted. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):647-656.

The mechanical fixation of a cementless conical cup in cortical versus cancellous trapezial bone: an experimental study.

In a pig bone model mimicking the human trapezium, we assessed the cementless fixation of trapezial cups in cancellous and cortical bone. Thirty-two saddle-shaped pig forefoot bones were prepared for cup fixation. Conical Konos cups (Beznoska, Kladno, Czech Republic) size 9 mm or 10 mm diameter were impacted. Cup migration was evaluated with repeated radiostereometry after intervals of cyclic-load tests. Migration increased for every load-interval up to 750 N and was higher with cancellous bone fixation than with cortical bone fixation. In cancellous bone, 9 mm cups migrated more than 10 mm cups. At the highest load (1050 N), the cumulative implant survival was 88% for 10 mm cups with cortical bone fixation and 13% for 9 mm cups with cancellous bone fixation. We conclude that mechanical fixation of conical Konos cups was better in cortical than in cancellous bone. Our results further suggest that the largest possible cup diameter should be used.

Availability of substances for use in personal vaporisers on three online cryptomarkets.

BACKGROUND: Personal vaporisers are gaining popularity as an alternative route of administration for a range of substances. Online cryptomarkets are becoming increasingly popular among people who use substances due to their perceived anonymity, ease of use, and reduced risk of violence compared to traditional face-to-face dealers. We examined the diversity of substances marketed for use in a personal vaporiser on these marketplaces. METHODS: Vaping related listings were extracted from three online cryptomarkets ('Agartha', 'Cryptonia', and 'Tochka') using The Onion Router browser. Data collection occurred between October and November 2019. RESULTS: We identified 1929 listings from 201 unique sellers. The top product on Agartha, Cryptonia, and Tochka were vape cartridges prefilled with the e-liquid (70.4 %, 39.4 %, 52.3 % respectively). The most common substance in these products was cannabis oil (96.1 %, 82.1 %, 87.8 %), followed by synthetic cannabinoids (3.7 %, 9.7 %, 9.8 %) and psychedelic substances (0.2 %, 6.4 %, 1.2 %). Vendors were primarily from the USA. Many products offered worldwide shipping (96.3 %, 42.4 %, 51.2 %). CONCLUSION: Vaping products listed on online cryptomarkets in 2019 primarily contained cannabis oils. Future studies should continue to examine cryptomarkets to identify emerging trends of substances that can be used in personal vaporisers.

Splinting versus extension-block pinning of bony mallet finger: a randomized clinical trial.

Surgical treatment of bony mallet fingers is frequently recommended, but the evidence is sparse. This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare nonoperative splinting versus extension-block pinning of bony mallet fingers with involvement of more than one-third of the joint surface but without primary joint subluxation. Thirty-two patients were randomized and 28 fulfilled the protocol. At 6 months follow-up, there were no significant differences in active extension lag in the distal interphalangeal joint (the primary outcome) or in patient-reported function and pain scores. Flexion and active range of motion in the distal interphalangeal joint and finger-to-palm distance were better in the splinting group, but three patients developed secondary subluxation. We conclude from this study, that splinting these injuries is safe and efficient in restoring joint motion, but splinting does not sufficiently prevent secondary subluxation of the joint. Radiographic follow-up during splinting appears to be necessary. Level of evidence: I.

Housing and management characteristics of calf automated feeding systems in the Upper Midwest of the United States.

Automated milk feeders are used by dairy producers to manage preweaned calves in group housing, but little is known about how these feeding systems are being used in the United States. To better understand how US dairy producers are operating these systems, this study investigated characteristics of barn design, environment, and management practices on 38 farms in the Upper Midwest of the United States via a questionnaire and on-farm measurements. Farms using automated feeders ranged in size from 7 to 300 calves on site. Natural ventilation was used on 50% of the farms, followed by barns with mechanical ventilation (39.5%), tunnel ventilation (7.9%), or outdoor facilities (sheltered plastic domes; 2.6%). Calves were kept in groups of 17.6 ± 9.8 animals (range: 5.9 to 60.5) with an average space allowance of 4.6 ± 2.0 m2/animal (range: 1.6 to 11.9). Calves on these farms received 3.7 ± 0.75 L (range: 2 to 6) of colostrum, but 22% of the tested calves had serum total protein values lower than 5.0 g/dL. Calves had an initial daily allowance of 5.4 ± 2.1 L (range: 3 to 15 L) of milk or milk replacer, rising to a peak amount of 8.3 ± 2.0 L (range: 5 to 15 L) over 18 ± 11.4 d (range: 0 to 44 d). Milk replacer was fed to calves on 68.4% of the farms compared with whole milk supplemented with nutrient balancer on 23.7% and whole milk alone on 7.9% of the farms. Calves were completely weaned at 56.8 ± 9.0 d of age (range: 40 to 85.5) and 52.1 ± 7.5 d (range: 40 to 79) since introduction into the group pen with the feeder. Notably, bacterial contamination of milk was common; the median coliform count was 10,430 cfu/mL (interquartile range: 233,111; range: 45 to 28,517,000) and standard plate count was 2,566,867 cfu/mL (interquartile range: 15,860,194; range 6,668 to 82,825,000) for samples collected from the feeder tube end (or feeder hose). Some areas of deficiency might be of concern as they might be influencing the success of using automated calf feeding systems. In particular, a better understanding of the dynamics of pathogen load is needed in both the group pen area and in the automated feeder unit itself, as these reservoirs represent significant risk to calf health and welfare.

Tolerance of ambiguity, perfectionism and resilience are associated with personality profiles of medical students oriented to rural practice.

PURPOSE: Resilience, coping with uncertainty and learning from mistakes are vital characteristics for all medical disciplines - particularly rural practice. Levels of coping constructs were examined in medical students with and without a rural background or an interest in rural practice. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys identified two personality profiles, and their association with levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity, Resilience, Perfectionism-High Standards and Concern over mistakes as constructs indicative of coping. Medical students (N = 797) were stratified by rural background and degree of rural interest. Mediation analysis tested the effect of personality profile on levels of the coping constructs. RESULTS: More (72%) rural background students had Profile 1 which was associated with higher levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity, High standards, and Resilience, but lower Concern over mistakes. Non-rural background students reporting a strong rural interest also had Profile 1 (64%) and similar levels of coping constructs. Personality profile mediated the association between rural interest and levels of coping constructs regardless of background. CONCLUSIONS: Having a rural background or strong rural interest are associated with a personality profile that indicates a better capacity for coping. Personality may play a part in an individual's interest in rural practice. Rural workforce initiatives through education should encourage and nurture students with a genuine interest in rural practice - regardless of background.

Trend in alcohol use in Australia over 13 years: has there been a trend reversal?

BACKGROUND: Skog's collectivity theory of alcohol consumption predicted that changes in alcohol consumption would synchronize across all types of drinkers in a population. The aim of this paper is examine this theory in the Australian context. We examined whether there was a collective change in alcohol use in Australia from 2001 to 2013, estimated alcohol consumption in non-high risk and high risk drinkers, and examined the trends in alcohol treatment episodes. METHODS: Data from the 2001-2013 National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (N = 127,916) was used to estimate the prevalence and alcohol consumption of abstainers, high risk drinkers and frequent heavy episodic drinkers. Closed treatment episodes recorded in the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Dataset (N = 608,367) from 2001 to 2013 were used to examine the trends of closed alcohol treatment episodes. RESULTS: The prevalence of non-drinkers (abstainers) decreased to the lowest level in 2004 (15.3 %) and rebounded steadily thereafter (20.4 % in 2013; p < .001). Correspondingly, the per capita consumption of high risk drinkers (2 standard drinks or more on average per day) increased from 20.7 L in 2001 to peak in 2010 (21.5 L; p = .020). Non-high risk drinkers' consumption peaked in 2004 (2.9 L) and decreased to 2.8 L in 2013 (p < .05). There were decreases in alcohol treatment episodes across nearly all birth cohorts in recent years. CONCLUSION: These findings are partially consistent with and support Skog's collectivity theory. There has been a turnaround in alcohol consumption after a decade-long uptrend, as evident in the collective decreases in alcohol consumption among nearly all types of drinkers. There was also a turnaround in rate of treatment seeking, which peaked at 2007 and then decreased steadily. The timing of this turnaround differs with level of drinking, with non-high risk drinkers reaching its peak consumption in 2004 and high risk drinkers reaching its peak consumption in 2010.

Moderating effects of social engagement on driving cessation in older women.

BACKGROUND: Driving cessation in later life is associated with depression. This study examines if social support can buffer the negative effects of driving cessation on older women's mental health. METHODS: Participants were drawn from the 1921-1926 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) and included 4,075 older women (aged 76-87 years) who drove at baseline, following them for three years to assess driving cessation. The outcome variable was mental health, measured by the mental health index (MHI) of the SF-36. The explanatory variables were social support factors, including social interaction, whether the women were living alone or with others, and engagement in social activities. Control variables included age, country of birth, area of residence, ability to manage on income, marital status, and general health. RESULTS: Main effect results showed that poor mental health was predicted by driving cessation, low levels of social interaction, and non-engagement in social activities. There was a significant interaction effect of driving status by social activities engagement on mental health. Women who remained active in their engagement of social activities were able to maintain a good level of mental health despite driving cessation. CONCLUSION: Engagement and participation in social activities can help older women who stopped driving maintain a good level of mental health.

Management and characteristics of recycled manure solids used for bedding in Midwest freestall dairy herds.

Interest in using recycled manure solids (RMS) as a bedding material for dairy cows has grown in the US Midwest. Cost of common bedding materials has increased in recent years and availability has decreased. Information regarding the composition of RMS and its use as a bedding material for dairy cows in the Midwest is very limited. The objectives of this study were to characterize RMS as a bedding material, observe bedding management practices, document methods of obtaining RMS, and describe housing facilities. We visited 38 Midwest dairy operations bedding freestalls with RMS to collect data. Methods of obtaining RMS for bedding included separation of anaerobic digested manure, separation of raw manure, and separation of raw manure followed by mechanical drum-composting for 18 to 24 h. Average bedding moisture of unused RMS was 72.4% with a pH of 9.16. Unused samples contained (on a dry basis) 1.4% N, 44.9% C, 32.7C:N ratio, 0.44% P, 0.70% K, 76.5% neutral detergent fiber, 9.4% ash, 4.4% nonfiber carbohydrates, and 1.1% fat. Moisture was lowest for drum-composted solids before and after use as freestall bedding. After use in the stalls, digested solids had lower neutral detergent fiber content (70.5%) than drum-composted (75.0%) and separated raw (73.1%) solids. Total N content was greater in digested solids (2.0%) than in separated raw (1.7%) solids. Total bacterial populations in unused bedding were greatest in separated raw manure solids but were similar between digested and drum-composted manure solids. Drum-composted manure solids had no coliform bacteria before use as freestall bedding. After use as bedding, digested manure solids had lower total bacteria counts compared with drum-composted and separated raw manure solids, which had similar counts. Used bedding samples of digested solids contained fewer environmental streptococci than drum-composted and separated raw solids and had reduced Bacillus counts compared with separated raw solids. Coliform counts were similar for all 3 bedding sources. Addition of a mechanical blower post-separation and use of a shelter for storage were associated with reduced fresh-bedding moisture but not associated with bacterial counts. This was the first survey of herds using RMS for bedding in the Midwest. We learned that RMS was being used successfully as a source of bedding for dairy cows. For most farms in the study, somatic cell count was comparable to the average in the region and not excessively high.

Biofilter media mixture ratio of wood chips and compost treating swine odors.

Biofilter media mixtures were compared in 18 pilot-scale biofilters treating pit gases from a swine facility. The compost and wood chips mixtures ranged from 100% wood chips to a 50-50 blend in 10% increments. The effect of three media moisture contents (low, medium, and high) on biofilter performance was also evaluated. Odor and hydrogen sulfide reduction did not change significantly for mixtures with greater than 20% compost. For efficient odor, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia reduction media moisture must be greater than 40% wb. Media moisture content influenced odor, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia reduction more than the ratio of compost and wood chips. The count of heterotrophic or sulfur-oxidizing bacteria did not change in a discernable pattern with respect to media mixture or moisture content. As the amount of compost increased in the media mixtures, the pressure drop also increased. Based on this experiment, the recommended mixing ratio of compost to wood chips for biofilters on swine facilities is minimum 30% compost and 70% wood chips by weight.

Airborne transmission of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in nursery pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To document airborne transmission of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in nursery pigs. ANIMALS: 32 two-week-old pigs obtained from 3 farms, but with similar Landrace X Yorkshire genetics for trial 1 of each experiment; 16 pigs for trial 2 of the A pleuropneumoniae experiment; and 14 pigs for trial 2 of the PRRSV experiment. PROCEDURE: In experiment 1, pigs were inoculated with A pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 (6/8) or were left as contacts (2/8). At the beginning of trial 1, pigs were seronegative to A pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1 and 5 on the basis of results of an ELISA, but had positive results on the A pleuropneumoniae hemolysin I (Apx1)-neutralization test. Pigs in trial 2 had negative results on both tests. Pigs of trial 1 of experiment 2 were inoculated with a PRRSV virulent field isolate (MN-1b); pigs of trial 2 were inoculated with the virus reference strain VR-2332. Aerosol-exposed pigs were placed on the other side of the air duct and kept there for 2 to 7 weeks depending on evidence of airborne transmission. RESULTS: In trial 1 of experiment 1, evidence of airborne transmission was not found. In trial 2, most airborne-exposed pigs died as a result of A pleuropneumoniae infection 12 days after initiation of the experiment. In trial 1 of experiment 2, all inoculated pigs (8/8) seroconverted, but only 2 of 8 contact-exposed pigs seroconverted. Aerosol-exposed pigs did not seroconvert nor was virus isolated. In trial 2, all inoculated and contact-exposed pigs seroconverted. All aerosol-exposed pigs seroconverted after 21 days, and virus was isolated at 16 days. CONCLUSIONS: A pleuropneumoniae was transmitted by air at a distance of 1 m when pigs were fully susceptible to the organism. Transmission of PRRSV appeared to be strain dependent; when reference strain VR-2332 was used, airborne transmission of PRRSV was documented.

Market turkey performance, air quality, and energy consumption affected by partial slotted flooring.

Two experiments were conducted with 600 male Large White turkeys to examine performance and health when reared from 5 to 18 wk of age on litter (L) partially slotted flooring (SF), and under two ventilation rates-control and reduced ventilation (80% control). In both experiments, body weights were improved significantly (P < 0.05) for turkeys reared on SF compared to L by 11 and 16% in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In comparison to L, SF significantly decreased incidence of leg problems in Experiment 1, whereas the incidence of breast blisters and buttons were increased in Experiment 2. Ammonia levels were reduced with SF, whereas dust levels were increased. Ventilation rate did not affect turkey performance. Ammonia and carbon dioxide levels were increased with reduced ventilation in Experiment 1. Dust levels were not affected by ventilation rate. Supplemental energy use was decreased in the SF system or by reducing the ventilation rate. In comparison to the control ventilation/litter treatment, the greatest decrease in energy use was observed with SF at 80% ventilation rates. Results indicate that the use of SF in a cold climate can improve body weight and substantially reduce energy use when excessive litter moisture is a problem. However, a greater incidence of blisters will limit application of SF due to lowered carcass quality and value.

Dust suppression in swine feed using soybean oil.

Dust generation from swine feed (corn-soybean meal diet) treated with soybean oil was investigated using a cement mixer in a plywood box. Airborne total dust concentrations in the box were measured gravimetrically using a vacuum pump and filters while 12-kg feed samples were constantly mixed. The treatment factors were soybean oil concentration (0, 1, and 3%), corn bulk density (normal, 730 kg/m3 and low, 600 kg/m3), time of oil addition (before vs after grinding the corn), and storage time (0, 7, and 14 d). The feed was a mixture of soybean meal, base mix, and adjusted amounts of ground corn and soybean oil. Adding soybean oil after grinding at 1 and 3% levels to feed made with normal-bulk density corn suppressed total dust generation (3.39 and .99 mg/m3, respectively) (P < .001) compared with the no oil treatment (29.1 mg/m3). The 3% soybean oil treatment suppressed dust generation (.99 mg/m3) more than the 1% soybean oil treatment (3.39 mg/m3) (P < .001). Adding soybean oil after grinding the corn suppressed dust generation more than adding the oil to the corn before grinding for every oil level (P < .001). More dust was generated by feed made from low-bulk density corn than by feed made with normal-bulk density corn at every oil level (P < .001). There was no evidence of any storage time or treatment x storage time interactions.

Effect of diet and population density on male turkeys under various environmental conditions. 1. Turkey growth and health performance.

The performance of 1,312 male market turkeys (Large White, Nicholas strain) from 0 to 20 wk of age fed diets varying in feed form and energy level was measured under two stocking densities (.21 or .46 m2 per bird) and four lighting and temperature programs. The four diets were 1) corn and soybean meal with 1% supplemental fat, mash (CSM); 2) as 1, pelleted (CSP); 3) as Diet 1 but with 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8% supplemental fat during 0 to 4, 4 to 8, 8 to 12, 12 to 16, and 16 to 20 wk of age, respectively (CSF); and 4) as Diet 1 but with barely included at 0, 20, 35, 50, and 65% during the respective 4-wk age periods (CSB). The four light and temperature programs were 1) Environment A with intermittent light [4 [2 h light (L):4 h dark (D)]] in combination with cycling temperature at 7 and 21 C during light and dark photoperiod, respectively; Environment B with intermittent light, 21 C; Environment C with continuous light (18L:6D) and cycling temperature of 7 to 21 C; and Environment D with intermittent light, 7 C. Lighting and temperature programs started at 1 and 4 wk of age, respectively. Body weights at 20 wk of age decreased (P less than .05) with increasing temperature (13.86 versus 12.26 kg for Environments D and B, respectively) with cycling temperature intermediate (13.51 kg for Environment A). Intermittent light (P less than .05) improved BW and feed conversion by 3.4 and 2.0%, respectively, compared with continuous light. Rearing males at .21 m2 per bird versus .46 m2 per bird decreased weight (P less than .05) by 5.5%. Twenty-week BW of males fed the CSP (13.52 kg) and CSF (13.58 kg) diets were greater (P less than .05) than those fed CSM (12.90 kg) and CSB (12.69 kg) diets. Significant (P less than .05) interactions between diet, environment, and density were not detected for most performance characteristics. Environmental measurements indicated higher dust and ammonia levels in the warm environment (B). Isolates of aspergillus and incidence of airsacculitis at time of processing were greatest in Environment B.

Aspergillus and other human respiratory disease agents in turkey confinement houses.

The atmosphere of a turkey confinement house on a large Minnesota farm was examined over the course of a year in order to determine levels of airborne contaminants and to evaluate the hazard potential posed by the contaminants to farm workers. Air concentrations of total and respirable dust, ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, methane, and Aspergillus (a fungal respiratory disease agent) were evaluated. Inter- and intra-seasonal variations in confinement house contaminant concentrations were observed. The highest concentrations of dust, ammonia and Aspergillus occurred during the winter months when dust levels averaged 9.3 mg/m3 and ammonia levels averaged 35 parts per million (ppm). Aspergillus levels were lower than expected, never exceeding 73 colony forming units per cubic meter (cfu/m3). Ammonia levels were found to be particularly high during tilling of the confinement house when concentrations greater than 100 ppm were reached. Concentrations of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide and methane were below detectable levels.

Digestive parameters in young turkeys fed yucca saponin.

Yucca saponin fed in a concentration of 63 ppm to turkey poults at 6 to 14 weeks of age did not significantly improve weight gains, feed conversion, or digestive coefficients. Compared with nonstressed control groups, saponin-fed poults did not have significantly greater average weight gains or feed intakes when stressed by crowding (3 poults per cage) or by adding ammonia to the atmosphere (30 to 35 ppm).