Ultrasonic assessment of meat quality traits in pigs

Meat quality indicators were studied in Large White pigs using an ultrasound real-time AQUI-LAVET PRO system. A slide-format passport specifying the fat-deposition and muscle-development topography was provided for each animal selected for a replacement stock. The lean meat yield (57.8) was associated more with a section of longissimus dorsi (r = 0.85) than with a value of backfat thickness (r = ? 0.66). Equations and coefficients were estimated for a “daughter-mother” rectilinear regression to obtain age indicators for reaching a 100-kg weight and some backfat thickness.     

Features of nitrogen microorganism assimilation of perennial grasses phytomass in soils of a different degree of erosion

In the sod-podzolic soil subject to water erosion, nitrogen incorporation of perennial grasses (clover, thimophy) is reduced in microbial biomass. When applying perennial grasses phytomass, nitrogen is lost by 4.6 times from the noneroded soil and by 1.5 times less from the eroded soil as compared to applying ammonium sulfate.     

Healthy soil as a necessary condition of human life

The extent of soil degradation and soil pathology in Russia is discussed. The concept of a federal target program “National System of the Chemical and Biological Security of the Russian Federation (2009–2013)” is examined. A definition is given to healthy soil of agrocenoses and its main functional characteristic—ecological stability (including balanced biodiversity, self-cleaning capacity, and suppressive activity of the phytopedocenosis). Urgent applied scientific problems of regional soil sanitation are formulated. Criteria and modern methods of ecological monitoring and assessment of soil quality and health are considered. A systems approach to sanitation of soils infected by highly harmful phytopathogens—the causative agents of root rots of cereal crops—is demonstrated using the induction of soil suppressiveness as an example.     

Comparison of acetate tape impression with squeezing versus skin scraping for the diagnosis of canine demodicosis

This study compared the sensitivity of acetate tape impression and skin squeezing with that of deep skin scraping for the diagnosis of demodicosis in dogs. Demodex canis was detected in 100% of acetate tape impressions obtained after skin squeezing and in 90% of deep skin scrapings. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the techniques in the total number of mites detected. Acetate tape impression with skin squeezing was found to be more sensitive than deep skin scraping and is an alternative diagnostic method for canine demodicosis.