PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Calver

Publications and source records attributed to P Calver.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Prevalence, heritability and significance of musculoskeletal conformational traits in Thoroughbred yearlings.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The assessment of belief that equine conformation is associated with performance and durability is a fundamental concept of horsemanship. Surprisingly, there is almost no quantitative evidence to support these beliefs. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and heritability of conformational traits in Thoroughbred yearlings, and investigate their significance for subsequent turf flat-racing performance and durability. METHODS: Nine selected conformational traits were assessed in a consistent, qualitative manner by a single veterinary observer and entered into a database together with details of pedigree and racing records. RESULTS: Conformational data were collected from 3916 Thoroughbred yearlings sold at public auction during the 7 year period 1993-1999. Most of the horses (72%) raced in the UK in turf flat races; just 7% of the yearlings failed to race. Prevalence of conformational defects for the UK horses was reported, with turned out feet the most commonly recorded defect (30% of all horses). There was a tendency towards a greater proportion of horses with defects in the group of unraced horses compared with horses that raced, but this was not statistically significant. There were some significant associations between racing performance and conformational defects but these were found to be almost completely explained by an effect of sire. All of the conformational traits showed considerable evidence of genetic influence, with heritability indices ranging 0.16-1.00. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Overall, there were only weak associations between performance and conformation that could not be accounted for by the very strong relationship between pedigree and conformation. Further study of potential association between highly heritable conformation traits and racing durability and racing performance should be undertaken utilising validated, quantitative methods and technology.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Following up on treated stutterers: studies of perceptions of fluency and job status.

The present research aimed to investigate perceptions of fluency of persons treated with a fluency shaping technique called smooth speech. Four separate studies were conducted. The first showed that virtually all those treated were satisfied with their fluency following treatment. However, this satisfaction decreased to under half in the long term. The second study showed considerable opportunity in the long term for job promotion and upgrade in occupation for persons successfully completing a smooth-speech program. The third study compared employer perceptions of their employees' speech between a group who had received treatment for stuttering and a nontreatment control. The employers' perceptions of the treatment group were significantly enhanced, whereas no significant change occurred in employers' perceptions for the control group. The last study explored possible determinants of relapse in a population of treated stutterers. Results showed that most had experienced some degree of relapse, but had subsequently recovered. Few believed their relapse was associated with being embarrassed about using smooth speech. The majority believed their relapses were related to feeling pressured to speak faster. Investigating perceptions of fluency following treatment for stuttering seems an important goal for research in order to enhance treatment effectiveness. Directions for further research into this area are discussed.

Adult↗