宫内发育迟缓对生长猪肠道形态、消化吸收功能及抗氧化能力的影响

为研究宫内发育迟缓(intrauterine growth retardation,IUGR)对生长猪肠道形态、消化吸收功能及抗氧化能力的影响,该试验从30窝新生仔猪中选择了正常初生重(normal birth weight,NBW)和IUGR雄性仔猪各30头。所有仔猪断奶前自由哺乳,断奶后分为NBW组和IUGR组,饲喂相同的商品日粮,每组6重复,每重复5头仔猪。90日龄时,每重复随机选择1头试验猪进行屠宰采样。结果显示:(1)与NBW组相比,IUGR显著降低了生长猪空肠绒毛表面积和回肠绒毛高度(P0.05);(2)与NBW生长猪相比,IUGR生长猪空肠食糜脂肪酶活性显著降低(P0.05);(3)同时,IUGR生长猪空肠黏膜麦芽糖酶、回肠黏膜蔗糖酶、碱性磷酸酶和Na~+/K~+-ATP酶活性也显著低于NBW生长猪(P0.05);(4)与NBW组相比,IUGR显著升高了空肠黏膜丙二醛含量,显著降低了空肠、回肠黏膜总超氧化物歧化酶活性(P0.05);(5)IUGR导致生长猪空肠和回肠黏膜钠/葡萄糖共转运载体1、超氧化物歧化酶2及空肠黏膜超氧化物歧化酶1转录水平明显减少(P0.05)。上述结果表明,IUGR对90日龄生长猪肠道形态、消化吸收功能及抗氧化能力具有负面影响。     

宫内发育迟缓对环江香猪哺乳仔猪IGF发育模式的影响

本文旨在探讨宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)发生与胰岛素样生长因子(IGF)发育模式的联系。选用20头体况相近的环江香猪母猪，分娩后从每窝挑出1头体重最大(定义为正常出生重，NBW)仔猪和1头体重最小仔猪(定义为IUGR),分为NBW组和IUGR组，每组20头。分别于0、7、14和21日龄时，从各组随机选取5头仔猪，前腔静脉采血，离心分离血浆，检测IGF-1浓度；采集肝和背最长肌样品，检测IGF-1、IGF-1R、IGFBP-3和IGFBP-5的基因表达水平。结果表明：与NBW仔猪相比，0～21日龄IUGR仔猪体重和血浆IGF-1含量均显著降低(P<0.05);0～14日龄IUGR仔猪的体重逐渐增加(P<0.05),而21日龄IUGR仔猪的体重与14日龄差异不显著(P>0.05)。0日龄IUGR仔猪肌肉IGF-1R、IGFBP-3和IGFBP-5、肝IGFBP-5的表达显著高于NBW仔猪(P<0.05),7日龄IUGR仔猪肌肉和肝的IGF-1表达均显著低于NBW仔猪(P<0.05),21日龄IUGR仔猪肌肉IGF-1R的表达水平显著高于NBW仔猪(P<0.0...     

日粮中添加双氢青蒿素对宫内发育迟缓断奶仔猪胰岛素水平和肝发育的影响

旨在研究宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)对断奶仔猪胰岛素水平和肝发育的影响,以及日粮添加80 mg·kg~(-1)双氢青蒿素(DHA)对其修复作用。本试验选取10头正常出生重(NBW)仔猪和20头IUGR仔猪,分为NBW组、IUGR组和IUGR-DHA组,每组10头仔猪。NBW组和IUGR组饲喂基础日粮,IUGR-DHA组饲喂基础日粮+80 mg·kg~(-1) DHA。所有仔猪21日龄断奶后饲喂相应日粮至49日龄,试验期为29天。结果显示,与NBW组相比,IUGR组显著降低了血清空腹葡萄糖(FBG)和胰岛素生长因子1(IGF-1)含量以及肝重量(P0.05),显著提高了空腹胰岛素(FINS)含量和胰岛素抵抗(HOMA-IR)指数以及肝脏指数(P0.05)。同时,IUGR组断奶仔猪肝组织形态结构受损,出现明显的空泡化,细胞器结构受损,线粒体和内质网明显肿胀,细胞核严重变形。与IUGR组相比,IUGR-DHA组显著升高了肝重量和IGF-1含量(P0.05),显著降低了血清FINS含量和HOMA-IR指数,且肝组织形态结构得到明显改善。与NBW组相比,IUGR断奶仔猪显著下调了肝中IGF1、胰岛素受体底物1(IRS1)、磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(PI3K)和蛋白激酶B(AKT2)的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05)。与IUGR组相比,IUGR-DHA组显著上调了断奶仔猪肝中IRS1和AKT2的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05)。结果表明:DHA对IUGR导致的断奶仔猪胰岛素抵抗以及肝发育受损具有一定的修复作用。本研究为畜牧生产中对IUGR的早期治疗以及DHA的推广应用提供了一定的理论依据。     

日粮中添加蛋白酶对断奶仔猪生长性能、肠道形态和消化酶的影响

为研究日粮中添加蛋白酶对断奶仔猪生长性能、肠道形态和消化酶活性的影响,试验采用单因子完全随机试验设计,将50头28日龄断奶仔猪随机分为两组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在基础日粮中添加0.1%复合蛋白酶制剂。结果表明:与对照组相比,试验组断奶仔猪的平均日增重提高5.1%,料重比降低4.67%;试验组空肠的绒毛高度(VH)显著提高40.66μm(P<0.05),且绒毛隐窝比值提高了9.94%(P<0.05);试验组空肠的蛋白酶活性、淀粉酶活性均极显著升高,分别提高了2.89U/mL和23.25U/mL(P<0.01)。综上所述,在饲料中添加蛋白酶明显提高了仔猪的日增重,降低了料重比和成本,且促进了肠道绒毛和隐窝结构的发育和肠道消化酶的活性,改善了仔猪的生长性能。     

哺乳期使用植物小肽对断奶后仔猪肠道微生物及肠道形态的影响

选用(25±2)日龄的PIC五元杂交断奶仔猪300头,根据哺乳期使用的4种不同的日粮(对照日粮,以及含有2%血浆蛋白、2%植物小肽和4%植物小肽日粮)分为4组,每组设3个重复,每个重复25头,探讨哺乳期使用植物小肽对断奶后仔猪肠道微生物和肠道形态的影响。结果表明,与对照组相比,哺乳期日粮中使用植物小肽,对减少断奶后仔猪肠道内大肠杆菌和沙门菌的繁殖,增加断奶仔猪肠道内有益菌属乳酸菌的繁殖有一定作用(P>0.05)。使用4%植物小肽提高了十二指肠、空肠和回肠的绒毛高度(P>0.05)和绒腺比(P<0.05),减小了隐窝深度(P<0.05)。植物小肽能够刺激断奶后仔猪肠道发育,使断奶后仔猪肠道绒毛高度增加,隐窝深度变浅,这种趋势随着植物小肽添加量的增加而提高。     

有机酸和植物精油对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道健康的影响

本研究旨在探讨有机酸与植物精油复配使用对断奶仔猪生产性能、腹泻率、肠道结构和肠道微生物菌群的影响。研究选择120头28日龄的健康三元杂交断奶仔猪(平均体重8.56kg±0.32kg),随机分为4组,每组3个重复,每个重复10头仔猪。对照组饲喂普通基础日粮,试验Ⅰ、试验Ⅱ和试验Ⅲ组分别在普通基础日粮基础上添加0.3%复合有机酸、0.02%的植物精油、0.15%的有机酸和植物精油复配物,试验为期35d。结果表明,在整个试验期中,与对照组相比,有机酸和植物精油复配物组能够显著提高仔猪日增重和日采食量,极显著降低料肉比以及盲肠和回肠中大肠杆菌菌群数,极显著增加盲肠和回肠中乳酸杆菌菌群数,可显著增加空肠和回肠的绒毛高度(Villous Height,VH),显著降低两者的隐窝深度(Crypt Depth,CD),极显著提高VH/CD值。因此,有机酸化剂和植物精油配合使用可改善断奶仔猪生产性能和肠道健康。     

谷氨酰胺对早期断奶仔猪生长性能及肠道形态发育的影响

选21日龄断奶的杜大长仔猪72头,按试验要求分为2组,每组3个重复,每重复12头。分别饲喂基础日粮和含1%谷氨酰胺(Gln)日粮,试验期21 d,在断奶后0 d、7 d和14 d分别屠宰取小肠测重,并取十二指肠、空肠、回肠测定绒毛高度和隐窝深度。试验结果表明:断奶后7 d,日粮中添加Gln可显著提高仔猪的平均日增重和小肠相对重量,提高十二指肠和空肠绒毛的高度,降低十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度;断奶后14 d,日粮中添加Gln对断奶仔猪的生长和肠道形态发育影响与基础日粮组相比差异不显著。     

日粮添加丁酸钠对低初生重新生仔猪生长性能及肠道发育的影响

研究旨在考察代乳日粮中丁酸钠对低初生重仔猪生长性能、肠道形态、消化酶活性、肠道养分转运载体表达量的影响。选用16头正常初生重(NBW)和16头低初生重(LBW)DLY仔猪,从7日龄开始分别饲喂基础日粮或添加3 kg/t丁酸钠的代乳日粮,试验期14 d。结果表明,LBW仔猪的日增重显著低于NBW仔猪(P0.05),日粮添加丁酸钠显著提高LBW及NBW仔猪的日增重(P0.05)。日粮添加丁酸钠显著提高LBW仔猪的料重比(P0.05),但对NBW仔猪料重比影响差异不显著(P0.05)。日粮添加丁酸钠显著改善了LBW仔猪的绒毛高度、绒毛高度与隐窝深度比值、乳糖酶活性、肠道养分转运载体SGLT1和GLUT2基因表达量(P0.05)。代乳日粮中添加丁酸钠可改善新生LBW仔猪肠道发育并改善新生期的生长性能。     

高锌日粮对断奶仔猪肠道黏膜免疫及黏膜上皮形态的影响

本试验旨在研究长期饲喂不同锌源的高锌日粮对断奶应激仔猪肠道黏膜免疫及黏膜上皮形态的影响。选用临床检查健康的(26±2)日龄"杜×长×大"三元杂交断奶仔猪60头,按体质量和性别随机分成3组,每组20头,分别饲喂基础日粮、基础日粮+3 000 mg.kg-1氧化锌和基础日粮+500 mg.kg-1蛋氨酸锌。试验期70 d。于试验结束时,每组选取5头仔猪放血致死,分别取十二指肠近端、空肠近端1/4处、空肠远端1/4处和回肠中段,用于测定肠黏膜绒毛高度、绒毛宽度、隐窝深度,小肠上皮间淋巴细胞、杯状细胞数量,粘液层厚度及肠道粘液中IgA的含量。结果显示,在断奶后0～42 d,添加高锌日粮组仔猪的体重和日增重显著或极显著高于对照组仔猪(P0.05或P0.01),而在断奶后42～70 d,对照组仔猪日增重显著高于添加高锌日粮组仔猪(P0.05);两高锌组仔猪小肠黏膜结构有明显的损伤,表现为绒毛高度下降,隐窝变深,肠黏膜上皮细胞萎缩,肠道粘液层厚度变薄;上皮间淋巴细胞数、杯状细胞数和肠道黏液中IgA水平都显著或极显著低于对照组(P0.05或P0.01)。高锌日粮长期暴露引起断奶仔猪锌中毒,改变了肠道黏膜上皮结构的完整性,并降低了仔猪生长性能及肠道黏膜免疫功能。     

微生态制剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、器官重及其胃肠道发育的影响

通过给苏淮断奶仔猪饲喂微生态制剂(植物乳杆菌为主)研究其对断奶仔猪生长性能、器官重及其胃肠道发育的影响,分析仔猪生长性能与器官重、小肠形态、肠道pH的相关性,探讨微生态制剂缓解仔猪断奶应激的可能机制。选取健康、胎次和体重相近[(9.34±0.33)kg]的144头28日龄苏淮断奶仔猪,随机分为对照组(基础日粮)、抗生素组(基础日粮+抗生素)、微生态制剂组(基础日粮+微生态制剂),每组6个重复,每个重复8头仔猪。预试期为3d,试验于32日龄开始,59日龄结束时屠宰采样。结果表明,与对照组相比,微生态制剂可显著提高断奶仔猪平均日增重(ADG)和平均日采食量(ADFI)(P0.05),降低料重比(F/G)和腹泻率(P0.05);显著提高(P0.05)断奶仔猪脾脏相对重量;显著增加断奶仔猪十二指肠绒毛高度(P0.05),显著降低十二指肠、空肠、回肠绒隐比(P0.05),十二指肠、空肠、回肠隐窝深度有下降趋势,但差异不显著(P0.05);显著降低(P0.05)断奶仔猪盲肠、结肠pH。与抗生素组相比,微生态制剂组对各指标无显著影响(P0.05)。相关性分析显示,ADG增加与肝脏相对重量增加显著相关(P0.05);ADFI增加与十二指肠和脾脏相对重量、回肠绒隐比增加显著相关(P0.05),与结肠和盲肠pH、回肠隐窝深度降低显著相关(P0.05);F/G降低与结肠相对重量增加呈显著相关(P0.05);腹泻率下降与十二指肠相对重、脾脏相对重量、十二指肠和空肠绒隐比增加呈显著相关(P0.05)。由此看出,微生态制剂可通过增加器官重,改善肠道形态,降低胃肠道pH,提高断奶仔猪生长性能、降低腹泻率,缓解断奶应激对仔猪的影响,该微生态制剂具有替代抗生素的潜力。     

Stimulation of pig growth performance by porcine growth hormone and growth hormone-releasing factor

The current study was undertaken to determine the effects of human growth hormone-releasing factor [hpGRF-(1-44)-NH2] on growth performance in pigs and whether this response was comparable to exogenous porcine growth hormone (pGH) treatment. Preliminary studies were conducted to determine if GRF increased plasma GH concentration after iv and im injection and the nature of the dose response. Growth hormone-releasing factor stimulated the release of pGH in a dose-dependent fashion, although the individual responses varied widely among pigs. The results from the im study were used to determine the dose of GRF to use for a 30-d growth trial. Thirty-six Yorkshire-Duroc barrows (initial wt 50 kg) were randomly allotted to one of three experimental groups (C = control, GRF and pGH). Pigs were treated daily with 30 micrograms of GRF/kg body weight by im injection in the neck. Pigs treated with pGH were also given 30 micrograms/kg body weight by im injection. Growth rate was increased 10% by pGH vs C pigs (P less than .05). Growth rate was not affected by GRF; however, hot and chilled carcass weights were increased 5% vs C pigs (P less than .05). On an absolute basis, adipose tissue mass was unaffected by pGH or GRF. Carcass lipid (percent of soft-tissue mass) was decreased 13% by GRF (P less than .05) and 18% by pGH (P less than .05). Muscle mass was significantly increased by pGH but not by GRF. There was a trend for feed efficiency to be improved by GRF; however, this was not different from control pigs. In contrast, pGH increased feed efficiency 19% vs control pigs (P less than .05). Chronic administration of GRF increased anterior pituitary weight but did not affect pituitary GH content or concentration. When blood was taken 3 h post-injection, both GRF- and pGH-treated pigs had lower blood-urea nitrogen concentrations. Serum glucose was significantly elevated by both GRF and pGH treatment. This was associated with an elevation in serum insulin. These results indicate that increasing the GH concentration in blood by either exogenous GH or GRF enhances growth performance. The effects of pGH were more marked than for GRF. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose of GRF to administer in growth trials and the appropriate pattern of GRF administration in order to determine whether GRF will enhance pig growth performance to the extent that exogenous pGH does.     

Stimulation of swine growth by porcine growth hormone

Highly purified porcine growth hormone (pGH; USDA-B1) was administered by im injection (22 micrograms X kg body weight-1 X d-1) to rapidly growing Yorkshire barrows for 30 d. Growth hormone significantly increased growth rate (10%), feed efficiency (4%), cartilage growth and muscle mass. However, pGH did not affect carcass adipose tissue mass. Intramuscular lipid content of the longissimus was increased 50% by pGH administration. Plasma pGH concentration was elevated (7- to 11-fold) for 3 to 5 h post-injection. Chronic administration of pGH depressed pituitary GH content and concentration approximately 45%. No GH antibodies were detected in the plasma of GH-treated swine. Plasma somatomedin-C concentration was increased 55% by GH treatment 3 h post-injection. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were both significantly increased in GH-treated swine, suggesting that the animals had developed a state of insulin resistance. Plasma-free fatty acid concentration tended to be higher in GH-treated animals. Treatment of swine with pGH significantly decreased plasma blood urea nitrogen. Assessment of animal health during the trial and postmortem indicated that pGH administration did not have any adverse effects. In summary, treatment of young, rapidly growing swine with pGH stimulated growth performance without affecting animal health or inducing the production of GH antibodies.     

生长调节剂对坪用多年生黑麦草生长特性的影响

通过盆栽试验,研究了不同浓度的4种生长调节剂对多年生黑麦草(Lolium perenne)株高、叶长、叶宽、分蘖数及地上部植株鲜、干质量的影响。结果表明,多效唑和矮必施对多年生黑麦草株高、叶长及地上部植株鲜、干质量的抑制作用显著,但浓度过高会对草坪造成较大损伤。因此,建议选用浓度为200 mg·L-1的多效唑和375 mg·L-1的矮必施作为多年生黑麦草的化学修剪药剂。     

生长调节剂对紫花苜蓿微扦插试管苗生长的影响

以紫花苜蓿品种甘农3号(G3)、和田(HT)、陇东(LD)为材料,研究不同种类和不同浓度的生长调节剂吲哚丁酸(IBA)、萘乙酸(NAA)、生根粉(ABT)对苜蓿微扦插试管苗生长的影响。结果表明,0.2mg/L NAA处理下的G3紫花苜蓿试管苗生根率达100%,且具有较高的生根数(8),最大根长(17.5cm),株高和叶片数也显著高于对照和其他处理(P0.05);0.1mg/L NAA处理下的和田紫花苜蓿试管苗的根系生长状况明显优于其他处理,生根率为100%,具有较高的生根数(7),最大根长(29.6cm),株高和叶片数也显著高于对照和其他处理(P0.05);0.2mg/L NAA处理下的陇东紫花苜蓿试管苗的根系生长情况明显优于其他处理,生根率100%,并具有较高的生根数(7),最大根长(10.2cm),株高和叶片数也显著高于对照和其他处理(P0.05)。因此,在设置的浓度梯度下,甘农3号和陇东紫花苜蓿微扦插试管苗生长的最适生长调节剂及其浓度是0.2mg/L NAA,适于和田紫花苜蓿的是0.1mg/L NAA。     

Use of growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone to determine growth potential in beef heifers.

The response of GH to GHRH at weaning is known to predict postweaning growth and body composition in beef bulls. The objective of this study was to determine whether GH response to a challenge of GHRH and plasma IGF-I can predict growth rate and body composition in the beef heifer. Growth hormone response to a challenge with two doses of GHRH was measured in 67 Angus heifers averaging 225 d of age (SD = 21) and 217 kg BW (SD = 32). Blood samples were collected at 0 and 10 min relative to an initial "clearance dose" (4.5 micrograms GHRH/100 kg BW) and again, 3 h later, relative to a challenge dose (1.5 or 4.5 micrograms GHRH/100 kg BW). Each animal received each of the two challenge doses, which were randomly assigned across 2 d of blood collection. Serum GH concentration was measured by RIA. Plasma was collected every 28 d during a 140-d growth test and assayed for IGF-I by RIA. Body weight was measured every 28 d and hip height was measured at weaning and at the end of a 140-d growth test. Average daily gain was calculated on d 140 of the growth test and body composition measurements were estimated by ultrasound 2 wk after completion of the growth test. Responses to the two GHRH challenges were dose-dependent (P < 0.05). Average daily gain tended to be related to GH response to the 1.5 micrograms GHRH/100 kg BW dose (R2 = 0.05; P = 0.06), but no relationship was observed at the 4.5 micrograms GHRH/100 kg BW dose (R2 = 0.00; P = 0.93). An inverse relationship (R2 = 0.06; P = 0.02) was observed between response to the 1.5 micrograms GHRH/100 kg BW dose and intramuscular fat percentage. Mean plasma IGF-I concentration was positively associated with ADG (R2 = 0.06; P < 0.01). Growth hormone response to GHRH is modestly related to body composition but not to ADG in weanling beef heifers and likely has limited use in evaluation of growth performance in replacement beef heifers.     

Plasma growth hormone concentrations during growth in turkeys

1. The concentrations of circulating GH were low in 1‐week‐old birds (male plasma pool 30 ng/ml, female 32 ng/ml), reached a maximum at 7 weeks in male birds (142 ± 26 SEM ng/ml) or 4 weeks in females (185 ± 32 ng/ml) and then decreased to 17.3 ± 2–8 ng/ml in males and 8?7 ± 0–6 ng/ml in females at 17 weeks.

2. Significant inverse correlations between GH concentration and age or body weight were found (male, r = —0–693), female, r = —0–623).

3. In males, but not females, the weekly increase in body weight was correlated with the plasma GH concentration (r = 0–291).     

植物生长调节剂处理对金桔幼果生长的影响

为确定最适用于金桔幼果生长的植物生长调节剂种类及浓度,在金桔第二批花期后幼果膨大期,分别用4种浓度梯度的赤霉素（GA3）、6-苄氨基嘌呤（6-BA）和芸苔素（BR）对金桔果树进行喷施试验,结果表明：各处理果实的横径增加2.47%-12.21%,纵径增加6.33%-16.33%,可溶性蛋白含量增加1.07-1.87倍,过氧化物酶活性提高1.21-5.16倍,有9个处理可溶性糖含量增加,7个处理的还原糖含量提高,9个处理的果形指数增大,各处理对幼果果柄长度无显著增大。对处理后的8个相关品质指标进行主成分分析,结果表明T7(60 mg/L 6-BA)处理更有利于金桔幼果的生长。     

Immunolocalization of basic fibroblast growth factor in porcine epiphyseal growth plate

Recent evidence clearly indicates that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) signal transduction is essential for normal skeletal development. Here, we report that bFGF and its receptor are specifically localized in the terminal hypertrophic chondrocytes of the porcine epiphyseal growth plate, the tissue responsible for longitudinal bone growth. Similar observations were obtained with the chondrocytes immediately adjacent to resorbing blood vessels in the secondary center of ossification of the epiphysis. These results are consistent with a recent proposal that bFGF functions in coupling osteogenesis with chondrogenesis by attracting the vascular invasion of cartilage from adjacent trabecular bone.     

Effect of compensatory growth on regulation of growth and lactation: response of dairy heifers to a stair-step growth pattern

The primary objective of this study was to improve the productive efficiency of growth via optimal use of both high fiber-low quality and high energy-high protein feeds in diets for growing dairy cattle. Twenty Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to either a control or treatment group. The control diet met the National Research Council (NRC) requirement for .45 kg/d gain, with heifers calving at 24 to 26 mo of age. The test groups were fed according to a 5-2-5-2 mo schedule in which the nutrient density was alternately 15% below or 40% above the NRC requirement. Results showed that the heifers on the test dietary regimen (compensatory growth) gained more and consumed less, resulting in significantly improved efficiency of growth (body gain/dry matter intake X 100), energy (body gain X 1,000/metabolizable energy (ME) intake) and protein utilization (body gain/protein intake X 100) in comparison to control animals (13.0 vs 7.3%; 57.9 vs 32.6 g/Mcal ME; 96.5 vs 54.2%, respectively). Marked changes in average concentration of urea-N, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity in blood were seen for test heifers during the stair-step growth phase (i.e., alternating maintenance and compensatory). Evidence from this experiment suggests that the phased growth (stair-step) system offers a simple, practical and cost-effective method for raising dairy heifers.     

Effect of selection for growth rate on relative growth in rabbits

The effect of selection for growth rate on relative growth of the rabbit body components was studied. Animals from the 18th generation of a line selected for growth rate were compared with a contemporary control group formed with offspring of embryos that were frozen at the seventh generation of selection of the same line. A total of 313 animals were slaughtered at 4, 9, 13, 20, and 40 wk old. The offal, organs, tissues, and retail cuts were weighed, and several carcass linear measurements were recorded. Huxley's allometric equations relating the weights of the components with respect to BW were fitted. Butterfield's quadratic equations relating the degree of maturity of the components and the degree of maturity of BW were also fitted. In most of the components studied, both models lead to similar patterns of growth. Blood was isometric or early maturing and skin was late maturing or isometric depending on the use of Huxley's or Butterfield's model. Full gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, thoracic viscera, and head were early maturing, and the chilled carcass and reference carcass were late maturing. The retail cuts of the reference carcass showed isometry (forelegs) or late maturing growth (breast and ribs, loin, hind legs, and abdominal walls). Dissectible fat of the carcass and meat of the hind leg had a late development, whereas bone of the hind leg was early maturing. Lumbar circumference length was later maturing than the carcass length and thigh length. Sex did not affect the relative growth of most of the components. Butterfield's model showed that males had an earlier development of full gastrointestinal tract and later growth of kidneys than females. No effect of selection on the relative growth of any of the components studied was found, leading to similar patterns of growth and similar carcass composition at a given degree of maturity after 11 generations of selection for growth rate.