Emaciation and Sporadic Mortality in Older Laying Hens Caused by Intussusception of the Proventriculus.

Laying hens (n = 2267) ranging in age from 2 to 4 yr in a study evaluating ovarian cancer prevention were necropsied. Those that died or were culled during the 2-yr study (n = 1591) were necropsied weekly to determine the most probable cause of death or culling and cancer status. Hens surviving until the end of the study (n = 676) were euthanized and necropsied. Hens necropsied before and after a hen with proventricular intussusception served as cohorts (n = 38). Nineteen hens (13 dead, 6 culled) had intussusceptions of the proventriculus into the ventriculus. Mean age of affected hens was 154 wk (range 110-204 wk). None of the hens in the study had an intestinal intussusception, and none of the hens euthanized at the end of the study had a proventricular intussusception. Hens with proventricular intussusceptions were severely emaciated; mean body weights were 1040 and 1736 g for affected and cohort hens, respectively. Necropsy findings included prominent keel, marked muscle atrophy, generalized serous atrophy of fat, no visible proventriculus, esophagus directly entering the ventriculus, and an enlarged, spherical, firm ventriculus, which contained an invaginated, swollen, diffusely ulcerated proventriculus. Eighteen affected hens were anovulatory (94.7%) compared to 27 cohorts (71.1%). Severe, diffuse necrosis and ulceration of the proventricular mucosa was confirmed microscopically, but no etiologic agent was identified. In conclusion, proventricular intussusception of undetermined etiology was identified as a cause of sporadic emaciation, culling, and mortality in older laying hens.

Reporte de caso- Emaciación y mortalidad esporádica causadas por intususcepción del proventrículo en gallinas de postura maduras. Se realizaron necropsias de gallinas ponedoras (n=2267) de dos a cuatro años de edad en un estudio que evaluó la prevención del cáncer de ovario. Las aves que fueron eliminadas semanalmente durante el estudio de dos años (n=1591) se sometieron a la necropsia para determinar la causa más probable de muerte o de desecho y el estado de cáncer. Las gallinas que sobrevivieron hasta el final del estudio (n=676) se sacrificaron y se les realizó la necropsia. Las gallinas a las que se les practicó la necropsia antes y después de la intususcepción proventricular sirvieron como cohortes (n=38). Diecinueve gallinas (13 muertas y seis sacrificadas) tuvieron intususcepciones del proventrículo dentro de la molleja. La edad media de las gallinas afectadas fue de 154 semanas (con un rango de 110 a 204 semanas). Ninguna de las gallinas en el estudio mostró una intususcepción intestinal y ninguna de las gallinas sometidas a eutanasia al final del estudio tuvo una intususcepción proventricular. Las gallinas con intususcepciones proventriculares estaban severamente emaciadas; los pesos corporales medios fueron 1040 g y 1736 g para las gallinas afectadas y para las gallinas cohorte, respectivamente. Los hallazgos de la necropsia incluyeron la quilla de la pechuga prominente, atrofia muscular marcada, atrofia serosa de la grasa generalizada, no proventrículo visible, esófago entrando directamente en la molleja y una molleja esférica y firme, que contenía un proventrículo, invaginado, abultado y difusamente ulcerado. Dieciocho gallinas afectadas fueron anovulatorias (94.7%) en comparación con 27 cohortes (71.1%). La necrosis y la ulceración severas y generalizadas de la mucosa proventricular se confirmaron microscópicamente, pero no se identificó ningún agente etiológico. En conclusión, la intususcepción proventricular de etiología indeterminada se identificó como una causa de emaciación esporádica, sacrificio y mortalidad en gallinas ponedoras maduras.

Methodology of Maternal and Child Health Populational Surveys: A Statewide Cross-sectional Time Series Carried Out in Ceará, Brazil, from 1987 to 2017, with Pooled Data Analysis for Child Stunting.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional studies are fundamental studies in the practice of epidemiological science. This article aims to present in detail the methodology for conducting a series of cross-sectional studies, as well as the analysis of data through pooled data. METHODS: The series of studies are population cross-sectional studies, with statewide coverage, searching for representative sample of reproductive aged women and pre-school children in Ceará, Brazil. The sampling plan followed simple random, stratified, systematic and by conglomerates, in sequence. About 300 variables were collected. For each of the individual studies, multivariate data analysis was used to verify associations between dependent variables. For all the studies together, techniques used were trend chi-squared and pooled data analysis using linear mixed modeling procedures. RESULTS: There were 6 studies in sequence, for 30 years. Among other findings, the variables income, maternal education and breastfeeding time proved to be associated with the reduction of malnutrition in children considering all the period (p values 0.013, 0.033 and 0.037, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cross-sectional studies can be replicated at regular time series following the methodology exposed in this, even for locations with limited resources, ensuring adequate management of decisions of using federal funding aimed at achieving targeted programs to maximize the results obtained with the public resource available.

Regional disparities in obesity/emaciation and income in schoolchildren in Osaka City.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the association between socioeconomic status at residential area-level in the 24 wards of Osaka City, differentiated by indices of mean income-related deprivation, and inequalities in childhood obesity and emaciation. METHODS: Data from representative samples of 26 474 schoolchildren (first and fifth grades of elementary school, and third grade of junior high school [i.e. ninth grade of elementary school]) in Osaka City taken from a somatometric check in spring 2016 were analyzed. The cross-sectional association between socioeconomic factors, that is, the census-based annual income of each ward, and the prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity and emaciation, was examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight/obesity in boys and girls in the first and fifth grades of elementary school and the third grade of junior high school was 3.98% and 4.53%, 10.18% and 8.69%, and 7.02% and 5.55%, respectively. The prevalence of emaciation in boys and girls in the first and fifth grades of elementary school, and the third grade of junior high school was 0.14% and 0.10%, 0.46% and 1.06% and 3.95% and 3.05%, respectively. Mean physical value, expressed as % degree of overweight, had a negative correlation with mean annual income of each ward in girls in the first and fifth grades of elementary school, girls in the third grade of junior high school and boys in the first grade of elementary school. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight/obesity at school age is greatly affected by poverty. Efforts should be made to prevent emaciation not only in girls, but also in boys, in junior high school.

Association of some socio-economic and socio-demographic variables with wasting among pre-school children of North Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition is a global public health problem that causes premature morbidity and ill-health conditions and has long-lasting physiological effects in children. The present study assesses the prevalence of wasting [low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)-for-age] among children and to determine the association of wasting with different socio-economic and socio-demographic variables. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1222 pre-school children (boys: 589; girls: 633), aged 1-5 years, in Darjeeling district, North Bengal, India, using multistage stratified random sampling method. The MUAC was measured using the standard anthropometric procedure. Low MUAC-for-age was assessed by comparing with a standard age-sex-specific reference population (WHO, 1995). Children with MUAC value were found to be the z-scores <-3SD, and <-2 SD were considered to be severely and moderately wasted, respectively. The socio-economic and socio-demographic variables were recorded using structured schedule methods. The data were statistically analyzed based on descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis and logistic regression using SPSS (version, 17.0). RESULTS: The age-specific mean MUAC ranged from 126.1-142.5 mm (boys) and 126.9-136.4 mm (girls). The prevalence of wasting was very high (boys: 62.3%; girls: 63.3%) (p>0.05). The logistic regression analysis observed that age, gender, birth order, area (rural), maternal education, household income and mothers' age were significantly associated with the prevalence of wasting (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Using MUAC-for-age, a high prevalence of wasting was observed among the children. Birth order, maternal education and maternal occupation were important determinants of wasting. There is an urgent requirement of nutritional intervention programmes to ameliorate the nutritional status of the children.

[Impact analysis on the health management programs among community-based 0-36-month-olds on their growth and development].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of implementation on health management programs among the community-based 0-36-month-olds regarding their growth and development. METHODS: 18 Monitoring Bodies in 8 pilot areas were selected to enroll this study, using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. All the children aged 0 to 36 months were followed, according to the health management specification, and their health archives were collected. RESULTS: A total of 13 464 children were involved in the specified management program with a total of 59 648 person-time under follow-up, with 54.26% of them were boys. Results from the multi-layer linear model indicated that the average height of children in the specified management group was higher than that in the non-standardized management group. Children in the specification management group, their weight gain had also been more effectively controlled. At the same time, with the increasing number of follow-ups according to the specification, the prevalence rates of under weight, stunt, emaciation and overweight were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The implementation of the community-based programs on 0-36-month-olds regarding their health management specification had improved children's growth and development.

Emaciation and larval filarioid nematode infection in boreal owls (Aegolius funereus).

Microfilariae are considered non-pathogenic in wild birds. The objective of the current communication is to report host reactions to microfilarial infection of unusual intensity in emaciated boreal owls (Aegolius funereus). An unusually large number of boreal owls (n = 21) were submitted to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Center-Quebec Region for post-mortem examination during the winter of 2009. Nineteen out of 21 birds were considered emaciated based on atrophy of adipose tissue and pectoral muscles and suboptimal weight. A microscopic examination of a subset of nine owls revealed the presence of microfilariae in six owls. Three of the birds with a heavy parasite burden had masses of larval nematodes obstructing large vessels of the lungs. The emaciated owls are believed to have died from starvation due to a cyclic decrease in prey abundance in the boreal forest. This cycle also drives winter movements of boreal owls to urbanized areas of southern Quebec, presumably accounting for the large number of birds submitted in 2009. In the most severely infected owls, the extreme microfilarial burden might have caused an alteration in circulatory dynamics, gaseous exchanges and also probably some metabolic cost. Consequently, microfilariae could have significantly contributed to the death of some of these owls.

Domestic violence and child nutrition in Liberia.

Domestic violence against women is endemic globally and is an important social problem in its own right. A compounding concern is the impact of domestic violence against mothers on the nutritional status of their children. Liberia is an apt setting to examine this understudied topic, given the poor nutritional status of young children, high rate of domestic violence against women, and prolonged period of conflict that included systematic sexual violence against women. We expected that maternal exposure to domestic violence would predict lower anthropometric z-scores and higher odds of stunting, wasting, and underweight in children less than five years. Using data from 2467 mother-child dyads in the 2007 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) undertaken between December 24, 2006 and April 19, 2007, we conducted descriptive and multivariate analyses to examine the total, unadjusted and adjusted associations of maternal exposure to domestic violence with these anthropometric measures in children. Maternal reports of sexual domestic violence in the prior year predicted lower adjusted z-scores for height-for-age and weight-for-height as well as higher odds of stunting and underweight. The findings underscore the needs to (1) enhance and enforce conventional and customary laws to prevent the occurrence of domestic violence; (2) treat maternal survivors of domestic violence and screen their children for nutritional deficits; (3) heighten awareness of the intergenerational implications especially of recent sexual domestic violence; and (4) clarify the biological and behavior pathways by which domestic violence may influence child growth, thereby mitigating early growth failure and its adverse implications into adulthood.

Target weight gain for moderately wasted children during supplementation interventions--a population-based approach.

OBJECTIVE: In malnourished populations, the weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) distribution is shifted to the left. The aim of nutrition interventions should be to restore a normal WHZ distribution for the whole population. The present paper examines the WHZ change needed by each individual to achieve this objective. DESIGN: We developed a mathematical model of required individual change in WHZ as a function of characteristics of the initial population to restore a normal distribution. This model was then tested by simulating WHZ change needed to restore a normal WHZ distribution in a test population. SETTING: A rural area of Democratic Republic of the Congo with a high prevalence of undernutrition. SUBJECTS: Children under 5 years of age. RESULTS: To restore a normal distribution for the whole population, the WHZ of all children should be shifted. The desired WHZ change of each individual should be higher when the individual's initial WHZ is low, when the mean WHZ of the whole population is low and, for the most wasted individual, when the variance of WHZ and WHZ change in the population are high. Using the suggested model in a simulation on the test population resulted in a WHZ distribution close to the growth standard. CONCLUSIONS: To restore a normal WHZ distribution in wasted populations, nutritional programmes should cover the whole population with a higher weight gain in areas where mean WHZ is low.

Risk and indicators of condemnation of male turkey broilers in western France, February-July 2006.

A field study was conducted to estimate the sanitary condemnation proportion in male turkey broiler flocks, to describe the reasons for condemnation and the related macroscopic lesions, and to investigate whether primary production information would predict the risk of condemnation. Male turkey standard broiler flocks (117) were randomly selected in the 13 slaughterhouses located in Western France, from February to July 2006. The flocks were monitored from their arrival at the slaughterhouse until the results of the post mortem sanitary inspection. Information about rearing conditions, health history, catching and loading conditions, transportation to the slaughterhouse and slaughtering was also collected. Sampling design was considered in the calculations and the condemnation proportion was modelled using a negative binomial regression, accounting for clustering within slaughterhouse. The within-flock weighted average condemnation proportion was 1.8% (95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.3%). Emaciation, arthritis-polyarthritis and congestion were the main reported official reasons for condemnation, representing 76% of the condemned carcases. Three variables were significantly associated with increased risk of condemnation: observed locomotor disorders on the farm, high cumulative mortality 2 weeks before slaughter, and clinical signs observed by the Veterinary Services during the ante mortem inspection at the slaughterhouse. The final model explained 35% of the total variation in condemnation risk. Half of this explained variation could be attributed to locomotor disorders observed during rearing. The sensitivity and specificity of the model to predict a high flock condemnation risk were 80% and 74%, respectively, when using an optimum threshold of 0.95% to define high risk. The results of this study suggested that the variables found to be associated with condemnation proportion were markers of increased risk and could be used as indicators. These risk indicators can easily be retrieved from the pre-existing regulatory document transmitted before flock arrival at the slaughterhouse and could be used to screen flocks before slaughter, according to their expected risk of condemnation.

[Nutrition status in Argentinean children 6 to 72 months old: results from the National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNyS)]. / Estudio descriptivo de la situación nutricional en niños de 6-72 meses de la República Argentina: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición y Salud (ENNyS).

INTRODUCTION: Data availability on nutrition status from vulnerable population groups is essential for the design and evaluation of interventions. The Ministry of Health from Argentina developed in 2004-2005 the National Survey of Nutrition and Health. Our objective is to describe the nutrition status of infants and preschool children (6-72 months), globally and by region and socioeconomic level. POPULATION AND METHODS: A probabilistic, multistage sample was selected, representative at the national, regional and provincial levels. Anthropometric indices weight/age, height/age and weight/height, were estimated, according to WHO reference. Nutrient intake was estimated by a 24-hours recall, and hemoglobin, serum ferritin, retinol and vitamin D concentration were measured. RESULTS: Prevalence of stunting, wasting and obesity were 8.0%, 1.3%, and 10.4%, respectively. Prevalence of anemia was 16.5% in children <6 years and 35.3% in children aged 6-23 months. Prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency in children of 2-5 years was 14.3%, and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Patagonia was 2.8% in children aged 6-23 months. Different nutrient intake inadequacies were observed. Infants and children at the lower socioeconomic level showed higher prevalence of nutrition inadequacies. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of different nutrition deficiencies and overweight and obesity constitute the main characteristic of Argentinean infants and preschool children. Relevant differences exist according to socio-economic and geographic conditions.

[Leningrad blockade and its medical implications. Part 2].

Medical consequences of Leningrad blockade are considered from the standpoint of modern science. Pathologies acquired by blockade survivors are regarded as extreme polymorbid conditions caused by combined effect of prolonged psychemotional stress, largest-scale famine, and hypothermia responsible for undermining vital functions. Special emphasis is laid on the role of nervous system dysregulation in the development of many diseases. The influence of physiological and pathological stress on the outcome of alimentary dystrophia is discussed in the psychosomatic context. Pathogenesis of dystrophia and "Leningrad" hypertension is analysed. Mechanisms of survival and rehabilitation in subjects with persistent traces of blockade pathology are considered.

[Leningrad blockade and its medical implications. Part 1].

Medical consequences of Leningrad blockade are considered from the standpoint of modern science. Pathologies acquired by blockade survivors are regarded as extreme polymorbid conditions caused by combined effect of prolonged psychemotional stress, largest-scale famine, and hypothermia responsible for undermining vital functions. Special emphasis is laid on the role of nervous system dysregulation in the development of many diseases. The influence of physiological and pathological stress on the outcome of alimentary dystrophia is discussed in the psychosomatic context. Pathogenesis of dystrophia and Leningrad hypertension is analysed. Mechanisms of survival and rehabilitation in subjects with persistent traces of blockade pathology are considered.

[Infant-juvenile malnutrition in Fo-Boure (Benin): Anthropometric data and management of malnourished children]. / Malnutrition infantojuvénile à Fo-Bouré (Bénin): données anthropométriques et prise en charge des enfants malnutris.

UNLABELLED: Acute malnutrition or emaciation in childhood is defined by a low ratio weight/height. In Benin, 8% of the children are concerned. In the north of Benin, the situation is alarming. The aim of this survey is to specify: (1) the characteristics of infantile malnutrition in rural area in the north of Benin and (2) the management of the malnourished children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A descriptive survey was conducted in a paediatric dispensary. Anthropometric data of children from 0 to 60 months were collected. The children with severe malnutrition were admitted to a nutritional rehabilitation centre. The methods were those recommended by the World Health Organization and were adapted to the local resources. RESULTS: The anthropometric data of 239 children were analyzed. The prevalence of emaciation was 33%. Thirty-eight children were admitted to the centre. Twenty-nine of the children recovered. DISCUSSION: This survey confirms the precarious situation in the north of Benin, which may be explained by socio-economic and climatic factors. It can be prevented partly by better food availability, but also by an education on mothers. The strategies must be updated according to their effectiveness in terms of public health and their local acceptability. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malnutrition in Fo-Bouré is beyond the value used by WHO to define the zones where the nutritional situation requires nutritional rehabilitation centres.

Postmortem condemnations of processed broiler chickens in western France.

A total of 404 broiler chicken flocks processed in 15 slaughterhouses in western France were studied to estimate the condemnation prevalence and describe the official reasons for condemnation and the main macroscopic lesions observed in a sample of the condemned carcases. The condemnation rate was 87 per 10,000 birds slaughtered (95 per cent confidence interval 79 to 95 per 10,000) but differed significantly according to the type of poultry produced (standard, light, heavy or certified). The main reasons for condemnation were emaciation and congestion, with rates of 30 and 22 per 10,000 birds slaughtered, respectively. Congestion was significantly associated with arthritis and ascites, whereas infected skin lesions were associated with bruises and abnormalities of colour, odour or conformation.

[Pathogenetic correction of reproductive function disorder in patients with normogonadotropic ovary deficiency caused by body mass deficiency].

The aim of the article was the recovery of fertility and realization of reproductive function of women with body mass deficiency (BMD). Thirty seven patients with normogonadotropic ovary deficiency caused by body mass deficiency (12-15% of normal value) underwent pathogenetic treatment, starting from the disorder of hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian system. Pathogenetic therapy was directed to compensate body mass deficit. Hormonal replacement therapy aimed to restore the negative feedback. Compensation of body mass (5-7%) increases the efficiency of hormonal replacement therapy by 16% on average, while the total compensation of the deficiency is manifested in 68% cases of recovery. As a result of therapy, seven women with BMD restored fertility and realized their reproductive function.

Placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusion to combat anemia in the background of tuberculosis and emaciation and its potential role as an immuno-adjuvant therapy for the under-resourced people of the world.

Tuberculosis causes approximately 1.5 billion latent infections, 8 million new clinical cases, and 3 million deaths annually, making it the most prevalent infectious disease in the world. Anemia and malnutrition are essential comorbidities with tuberculosis. Cord blood, because of its rich mix of fetal and adult hemoglobin, high platelet and WBC counts, and a plasma filled with cytokine and growth factors, as well as its hypo-antigenic nature and altered metabolic profile, has all the potential of a real and safe alternative to adult blood transfusion. We transfused 106 units (48 ml-148 ml mean 81 ml +/- 6.6 ml SD, median 82 ml, mean packed cell volume 49.4 +/- 3.1 SD, mean percent hemoglobin concentration 16.3 g/dl +/- 1.7 g/dl SD) of placental umbilical cord whole blood (from 1 April 1999 to 1st 2005) after lower uterine cesarean section from consenting mothers to 21 informed consenting patients with tuberculosis who had percent plasma hemoglobin of 8 g/dl or less. After collection, the blood was immediately transfused following the standard adult blood transfusion protocol. Each case was passed through the institutional ethical committee. The patients received 2-21 units of freshly collected placental umbilical cord blood without encountering any clinical, immunological or non-immunological reactions. Three days after completion of the placental umbilical cord blood transfusion, the peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (CD34) estimation revealed a rise from the pretransfusion base level (.09%), varying from 2.99% to 33%, which returned to base level in 66.66% at the three-month CD34 re-estimation, without provoking any clinical graft vs host reaction in any of the patients.

A preliminary report of 123 units of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusion in HIV-positive patients with anemia and emaciation.

Cord blood, because of its rich mix of fetal and adult hemoglobin, high platelet and WBC counts, and a plasma filled with cytokine and growth factors, as well as its hypo antigenic nature and altered metabolic profile, has all the potential of a real and safe alternative to adult blood transfusion. Our team's experience (from 1st April 1999 to 1st July 2005) with 123 units of placental umbilical cord whole blood (62 ml-154 ml mean 85 ml +/- 8.4 ml SD, median 82 ml, mean packed cell volume 48.8 +/- 4.2 SD, mean percent hemoglobin concentration 16.3 g/dl +/- 1.6 g/dl SD; after collection the blood was immediately preserved in a refrigerator and transfused within 72 hours of collection) collected after lower uterine cesarean section (LUCS), and the transfusion to 16 consenting HIV-positive patients (12 cases had full blown AIDS) with anemia and emaciation is presented here. On the basis of our preliminary experience of cord blood transfusion, we are of the opinion that umbilical cord whole blood transfusion is safe in HIV-positive patients. This blood has the potential to carry more oxygen than adult blood and it does not trigger any clinical, immunological or non-immunological reaction after its transfusion to an adult host with a HIV-positive status. Apart from the correction of anemia, there was also definite improvement in the energy and fatigue levels in individuals with HIV, i.e., physical functioning, a sense of well-being and weight gain from two to five pounds, within three to ten months of the commencement of transfusion. There was also an immediate rise in CD34 levels of peripheral blood in the HLA-randomized host after transfusion, without any clinical graft vs host reaction.

[Distribution of anthropometrical parameters in infants in the Monastir region, Tunisia]. / Distribution des paramètres anthropométriques des nourrissons dans la région de Monastir (Tunisie).

We evaluated the distribution of anthropometrical parameters in infants in Monastir and compared them with the National Center of Health Statistics reference. Our prospective study included 3033 infants attending primary health care centres for vaccinations who were followed for 18 months. In each visit, we measured weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height. We found a difference between our distribution curve and the NCHS reference. The prevalence of growth retardation increased with age. The prevalence of under-weight and of wasting were less than 10%. Obesity was seen 6.2% of infants aged 3 months and 11.6% aged 9 months.

[The dietary patterns and nutritional status of adult Yi people in Liangshan autonomous region].

This study was undertaken to know about the dietary pattern and nutrition status of adult Yi people in Liangshan autonomous region so that to provide evidence to ameliorate and promote the health and prevent nutrition-related diseases. 220 families, 468 inhabitants aged from 18 to 60, were sampled for the survey by a multistage, stratified, random, cluster process. Questionnaire-survey and measurement of height and weight were executed on the spot. Between rural and urban Yi inhabitants, there were differences in income, dietary pattern and eating habit. Compared with RNIs, dietary nutrients intakes of adult Yi people were irrational and differences lay between rural and urban. For urban inhabitants, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 188%, and the prevalence of emaciation was 4.7%; while for rural inhabitants, the prevalence of emaciation was 9.8%, but no prevalence of overweight and obesity. There was obvious imbalance in energy and nutrients intakes of rural and urban adult Yi people in Liangshan. Emaciation, overweight and obesity prevalence was different between these two subgroups of population.

Effects of diet and body condition on fecal progestagen excretion in elk.

Recent research demonstrated the utility of fecal progestagens (P4) for detecting pregnancy in elk (Cervus elaphus) during mid- to late gestation. Several factors, however, may influence fecal P4 excretion and limit its use in free-ranging animals. We investigated the effects of nutrition and body condition (percent ingesta-free body fat) on fecal P4 concentrations and incidence of abortion. During mid-gestation (late December 1997 through early March 1998), 40 gravid cow elk varying in body condition were placed on three diets (high, medium, and low) in which the amount of food offered varied. Feces were collected periodically and analyzed for P4 via radioimmunoassay. We found no significant effect of dietary treatment on P4 concentrations, but as body condition declined, P4 concentrations declined significantly. This decline did not impede the ability to detect pregnancy based on previously reported criteria, even for elk in such poor condition that they aborted. However, fecal P4 concentrations in 10% (4/39) of samples collected from 13 non-pregnant animals maintained on a high plane of nutrition were false-positive for pregnancy. We suggest alternate criteria for determining pregnancy in elk using fecal P4 values: > 1.25 micrograms/g feces as pregnant, < 1.0 microgram/g feces as non-pregnant, and 1.0-1.25 micrograms/g feces as inconclusive. Finally, two cows that aborted did not abort until weeks after being classified as emaciated and near death, suggesting that nutrition-associated abortion in elk may not occur during mid-gestation except under extremely harsh conditions.