Evaluating consumer acceptability of various muscles from the beef chuck and rib

One hundred thirty-eight consumers evaluated steaks from the complexus (CX), infraspinatus (IF), serratus ventralis (SV), supraspinatus (SS), and triceps brachii (TB) from the wholesale beef chuck; the deep pectoral (DP) from the wholesale brisket; and the longissimus thoracis (LT) from the wholesale rib. The LT was used as a reference for comparison to the other muscles. Ten USDA Choice and ten USDA Select boneless boxed beef subprimals were used for each muscle. Subprimals were aged 14 d from box date, frozen, and cut into 2.5-cm-thick steaks. Consumers rated the IF highest (P < 0.05) for overall like, tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, and assigned it the highest (P < 0.05) price/0.45 kg. The TB also was rated higher (P < 0.05) than the LT for overall like, tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and price/0.45 kg. The SV and CX were rated as being similar (P < 0.05) to the LT for overall like, tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and price/0.45 kg. Consumers rated the SS lower (P < 0.05) than the LT for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and price. The DP was rated as the toughest, driest, and blandest (P < 0.05), resulting in assignment of the lowest (P < 0.05) price/0.45 kg. Differences in palatability ratings due to quality grade were found for several muscles; USDA Choice SV and SS were rated higher (P < 0.05) for overall like, tenderness, and juiciness than USDA Select SV and SS. For the IF, USDA Choice was rated higher (P < 0.05) for tenderness and juiciness than USDA Select. The USDA Choice TB was rated higher (P < 0.05) for juiciness, and the USDA Choice DP was rated higher (P < 0.05) for overall like, than their USDA Select counterparts. Tenderness, juiciness, and flavor ratings were correlated with overall like ratings (r = 0.84, 0.77, and 0.76, respectively) and with price (r = 0.73, 0.70, and 0.68, respectively). These results indicate the IF, TB, SV, and CX were acceptable, whereas and the SS and DP were unacceptable as steaks.     

Apparent digestibility of macronutrients in captive babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa).

The apparent digestibilities of macronutrients by babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) were measured. Three group-housed captive babirusa were fed a diet of pelleted feed, boiled potatoes, grains, vegetables, and fruits. To determine reproducibility of the results, two digestibility trials were conducted 5 wk apart. The apparent digestibilities for crude protein, crude fat, and nonstructural carbohydrates (nitrogen-free extract) were 71, 76, and 78% of intake, respectively. Average apparent digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were 62 and 19% of intake, respectively. Hemicellulose (neutral detergent fiber minus acid detergent fiber) digestibility was 75%. Cellulose digestibility on average was 19% of intake, i.e., identical to acid detergent fiber digestibility because the diet did not contain a detectable amount of acid detergent lignin.     

Immunohistochemical study on the distribution of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the babirusa, Babyrousa babyrussa (Suidae)

The distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the babirusa were studied immunohistochemically using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Thirteen types of gut endocrine cells were detected; they were immunoreactive for chromogranin, serotonin, somatostatin, gastrin, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP), glucagon, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), methionine-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MENK8), motilin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY). Cells that were immunoreactive for chromogranin, serotonin, somatostatin and glucagon were found in all portions of the gastrointestinal tract. MENK8-immunoreactive cells were observed in the stomach and small intestine. Gastrin-immunoreactive cells were detected in the pyloric region and duodenum. PYY-immunoreactive cells were found in the small and large intestine. Cells immunoreactive for motilin, CCK, GIP, and secretin were observed in the proximal small intestine and those immunoreactive for neurotensin were found only in the ileum. Although the distribution pattern of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of babirusa was similar to those reported for pig, restricted distribution of several endocrine cells, gastrin, BPP, MENK8, motilin, CCK, GIP, secretin and neurotensin and wider distribution of glucagon and PYY were observed in the babirusa. The unexpected presence of MENK8 in all glandular regions of the stomach and PYY in the small intestine was also noted. The distribution of gut endocrine cells might be related to the regulatory characteristics of the babirusa digestive tract.     

Immobilization of babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) with xylazine and tiletamine/zolazepam and reversal with yohimbine and flumazenil.

Twelve babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) (four females/eight males) were immobilized 30 times during a 4-yr interval. Significantly higher premedication and immobilizing doses were needed for females than for males (P < 0.05). An i.m. preanesthetic xylazine dose of 1.88 +/- 0.37 mg/kg (range = 1.20-2.12 mg/kg) was used for females and 1.22 +/- 0.16 mg/kg (range = 0.82-1.43 mg/kg) for males. After xylazine, the animals were induced with i.m. tiletamine/zolazepam; females received 2.20 +/- 0.47 mg/kg (range = 1.78-3.33 mg/kg) and males received 1.71 +/- 0.34 mg/kg (range = 1.08-2.05 mg/kg). Anesthesia was reversed with yohimbine (0.14 +/- 0.03 mg/kg; range = 0.07-0.20 mg/kg) and flumazenil (1 mg flumazenil/20 mg zolazepam) either i.m. or i.v. This anesthetic combination produced smooth induction, good relaxation, and sufficient immobilization to perform routine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (venipuncture, hoof and tusk trims, transportation, radiographs, ultrasound examination, weight determinations, and skin biopsies). Supplemental ketamine HCl or isoflurane was administered to two animals to effectively deepen or prolong the anesthetic plane, with no resultant adverse effects.     

分子证据表明苏拉威西岛特有鸟种苏拉山鸫(Geomalia heinrichi)属于地鸫属(Zoothera)(鸫科,鸟纲)(英文)

苏拉威西地区特有鸟种苏拉山鸫(Geomalia heinrichi)的分类地位,是属于画眉科还是鸫科,长期以来一直备受争议。基于线粒体细胞色素 b 基因、细胞核肌红蛋白内含子 2 以及鸟氨酸脱羧酶内含子 6–7 基因,我们估计了鸫科 43 个分类群的系统发育关系。结果表明,苏拉山鸫是地鸫属的一个分支,并具有较高的支持率。我们建议将 Geomalia 并入地鸫属(Zoothera),并命名为 Zoothera heinrichi。     

Thoracic, Abdominal and Vertebral Actinomycosis

The clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and histologic features and the response to therapy in three dogs with actinomycosis are reported. One dog (dog 1) had a 12-cm nonresectable mass extending from the ventrolateral chest wall into the left ventricular myocardium. Another dog (dog 2) had a diffuse peritonitis with "sulfur granules" and two large masses. One of these masses was nonresectable involving adjacent abdominal structures. A third dog (dog 3) had a subvertebral mass at T1-3 producing quadraplegia. Two dogs had periosteal reactions involving adjacent sternebrae (dog 1) or ribs and vertebral bodies (dog 3) that are characteristic of Actinomyces spp infections. In dogs 1 and 2 the diagnosis was based on the morphologic and tinctorial properties of free sulfur granules and/or tissue granules. Culture results were variable. Tissue from dog 1 yielded no growth, while polymicrobial infections, which included Actinomyces spp, were identified in dogs 2 and 3. Actinomyces odontolyticus was isolated from dog 3. Although the actinomycotic granulomas were either not excised or only partially excised from dogs 1 and 2, both animals were cured by the oral administration of high doses of penicillin G for 19 and 6 months, respectively. Dog 3 responded dramatically to the same antibiotic therapy given for 5 months. However, within 4 months of discontinuing treatment an abscess and draining fistulous tracts developed in the left axillary region. Two surgical fistulectomies and additional penicillin therapy were required to cure this animal. These cases and the current veterinary and human literature on actinomycosis are used to propose a rational approach to the treatment of actinomycosis in the dog.     

Vertebral fracture, extensor hypertonia of thoracic limbs, and paralysis of pelvic limbs (Schiff-Sherrington syndrome) in an Arabian foal

An Arabian foal, which was recumbent for 4 days, had signs of extensor rigidity of the thoracic limbs and hypotonic paralysis of the pelvic limbs. Survey radiography revealed a lesion at T15, with radiographic impression of a compression fracture or a hemivertebra. Postmortem examination revealed a fracture at T15. Clinical and pathologic findings in this case were compatible with the Schiff-Sherrington syndrome, which is characterized by thoracic limb extensor hypertonia associated with paraplegia from acute thoracolumbar trauma.     

Syphacia (Syphacia) maxomyos sp. n. (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) from Maxomys spp. (Rodentia: Muridae) from Sulawesi and Sumatra,Indonesia

The present report describes Syphacia (Syphacia) maxomyos sp. n. (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) from two species of spiny rats, Maxomys musschenbroekii from Sulawesi and M. whiteheadi from Sumatra. It is characterized by a cephalic plate extending laterally with dorsoventral constriction and stumpy eggs with an operculum rim reaching pole. It is readily distinguishable by the former feature from all of hitherto known representatives of this genus in Indonesia, but it resembles parasites in Murini and Hydromyni rodents in continental Asia and Sahul. This is the first Syphacia species distributed in both the Sunda Shelf and Sulawesi with the exception of Syphacia muris, a cosmopolitan pinworm found in rodents of the of genus Rattus. It is surmised that S. maxomyos is specific to Maxomys and that it was introduced to Sulawesi by dispersal of some Maxomys from the Sunda Shelf.     

荷斯坦牛脊椎畸形综合征分子诊断方法的建立与应用

脊椎畸形综合征(Complex Vertebral Malformation,CVM)是由常染色体上SLC35A3基因单碱基突变(G→T)引起的隐性遗传疾病,该基因隐性纯合(CV/CV)时奶牛致死,但CVM携带者表现正常,所以CVM携带者公牛可以通过人工授精技术传播CVM缺陷基因。本研究自行设计检测CVM特异性PCR引物,扩增长度为173bp,然后利用PCR-SSCP方法对186个公牛样品和140个母牛样品进行了检测分析,该方法简便快捷、准确率高,使用样品宽泛,适合大样本筛选。研究结果表明,在所检测的样本中,荷斯坦种公牛和母牛CVM携带率分别为11.3%和12.1%,并通过系谱追踪发现,CVM遗传缺陷的共同祖先是美国名牛"Penstate Ivanhoe Star"(USA.1441440,CV)。通过剔除CVM携带者公牛可以有效地控制CVM遗传缺陷,但是,我国许多CVM携带者公牛冻精依然在商业化使用,所以,有效地监控CVM携带者在奶牛群中的状况对CVM防控计划是有益的。     

Suspected Spinal Epidural Empyema and Associated Vertebral Osteomyelitis (Physitis)in a Dog

A 1 year old female Aurstralian Heeler dog was presented for fever and paraplegia of recent onset. Radiography and myelography revealed osteolysis of the first lumber (L₁) vertebra and extensive epidural spinal cord compression from the level of the thirteenth thoracic (T₁₃) to the fourth lumbar (L4) vertebra. A decompressive hemilaminectomy was performed; purulent-appearing fluid and inflamed epidural fat were present in the vertebral canal. The neurologic recovery of the dog was satisfactory 6 months following surgery.     

北京地区荷斯坦牛脊椎畸形综合征的调查研究

脊椎畸形综合征（Complex Vertebral Malformation,CVM）是由常染色体上SLC35A3基因单碱基突变（G→T）引起的隐性遗传疾病,该基因隐性纯合（CV/CV）时奶牛致死,但CVM携带者表现正常,所以CVM携带者公牛可以通过人工授精技术传播CVM缺陷基因。本研究利用PCR-SSCP方法对北京地区242头公牛样品和403头母牛样品进行了检测分析,研究结果表明,在所检测的样本中,荷斯坦种公牛和母牛CVM携带率分别为8.82%和5.71%,CVM基因频率分别为4.41%和2.85%。通过系谱追踪发现,CVM遗传缺陷的共同祖先是美国名牛＂Penstate Ivanhoe Star＂（USA.1441440,CV）。通过剔除CVM携带者公牛可以有效地控制CVM遗传缺陷的传播,但是,我国许多CVM携带者公牛冻精依然在商业化使用,所以有效地监控CVM携带者在奶牛群中的状况对CVM防控计划是有益的。     

Lesions of articular, sternal and growth plate cartilage in rats

Degenerative osteoarthritis was observed in the femur and sternum in specific pathogen free Fisher 344 rats at 13 and 19 months of age. Histological changes consisted of degeneration of the matrix and erosion in the articular cartilage of the femur. In the sternal cartilage, degeneration and necrosis of the matrix, formation of cysts, and cleft-like fractures were observed. In addition, degeneration of the matrix, appearance of eosinophilic streaking, and necrosis and fissure between the growth plate and epiphyseal trabeculae were seen in the femur. The changes in the sternum were essentially the same as the femur.