Strain differences and effects of different stocking densities during rearing on the musculoskeletal development of pullets.

There are few published studies on the effect of stocking density (SD) of pullets, particularly between different genetic lines. The objectives of this study were to determine if strain or SD affects musculoskeletal development of pullets and determine any impact on the productivity and keel bone health of adult hens. Lohmann Selected Leghorn Lite (LSL), Dekalb White (DW), and Lohmann Brown (LB) pullets were reared at 4 different SD (247 cm2/bird, 270 cm2/bird, 299 cm2/bird, and 335 cm2/bird) in large cages furnished with elevated perches and a platform. At 16 wk of age, the keel bone, the muscles of the breast, wings, and legs, and the long bones of the wings and legs were collected to compare keel bone development, muscle growth, and bone breaking strength (BBS) between strain (adjusted for bodyweight) and SD treatments. Stocking density did not have an effect on the metasternum length, height, or area of the keel bone, the weights of the bicep brachii, pectoralis major or pectoralis minor, or the BBS of any of the selected bones. However, strain differences were found for all keel bone characteristics, all muscle weights, and the majority of BBS measures. The keel metasternum, height, and overall area of the keel bone were found to be smaller in LB pullets compared with LSL and DW pullets (P < 0.0001); however, cartilage length and overall percentage of the cartilage present on the keel bone was greatest in LB pullets (P < 0.0001). Leg muscles were heaviest in LB pullets (P < 0.05); however, breast muscles were heavier in LSL and DW pullets (P < 0.0001). Lohmann Brown pullets had lower BBS of the tibia (P < 0.0001) and femur (P < 0.0001) compared with LSL and DW pullets, whereas DW pullets had greater BBS of the humerus (P = 0.033). Additionally, there was a higher prevalence of keel bone fractures at 50 wk of age in LB hens compared with DW (P = 0.0144). Overall, SD during rearing used in this study had little impact on the musculoskeletal growth of pullets; however, significant differences were found between strains which may reflect strain-specific behavior. Additionally, differences in keel bone development between strains may lead to differences in keel bone damage in adult hens.

The ambulatory surgery unit as a learning experience.

Today's graduate nurses are expected to enter the work environment at increased levels of competence. Skills are expected to be ingrained, and health care administrators expect new graduates to be able to think critically. Nurse educators often are looking for new and creative ways to educate students. The ambulatory surgery setting can provide a plethora of clinical tasks and situations that teach students how to gather information, make judgments, prioritize, handle multiple demands and patients, and perform clinical skills quickly and efficiently. This article describes a pilot project in which eight nursing students learned valuable clinical and critical thinking skills in the fast-paced world of ambulatory care.

A pilot study appraising the climate for perioperative nursing research.

Fifty-four perioperative nurses from five Midwestern hospitals completed a questionnaire about areas of interest, perceived barriers, and experience with clinical nursing research. The 22-item questionnaire explored their attitudes, education levels, perceptions of barriers, interest, experience related to nursing research, and demographic information. Fifty-eight percent of the perioperative nurse respondents reported a definite interest in clinical nursing research, 55% had not attended a nursing research class, and only 40% had ever read nursing research. The perceived barriers included lack of on-duty time to do research, lack of administrative support, and lack of recognition.