Influence of genetic type, slaughter weight and sex on ovine muscle fiber and fat-cell development

Histological properties from the longissimus (LD) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles of 51 wether and ewe lambs from Hampshire rams and two ewe genetic types (SR, 1/2 Suffolk and 1/2 Rambouillet, and FS, 1/2 Finnish Landrace and 1/2 Southdown) and three slaughter live weights (32, 41 and 50 kg) were compared. Fibers in both muscles were classified as beta R (red), alpha R (intermediate) or alpha W (white). All LD muscle fiber types from FS ewe lambs increased in diameter from 32 to 41 kg, but decreased in diameter from 41 to 50 kg. Also, this quadratic effect with slaughter weight was found in alpha R and alpha W fibers from the SM muscle of FS wether and ewe lambs. However, diameters of alpha R and alpha W fibers from SR wether and ewe lambs and beta R fibers from SR ewe lambs increased linearly in the SM muscle with increasing slaughter weight. As slaughter weight increased, the proportion of alpha R fibers decreased in both the LD and SM muscles for SR wether and FS wether and ewe lambs. Concurrent with the increase in slaughter weight and decrease in alpha R fiber percentage, the proportion of alpha W fibers increased in the LD muscle of SR wether lambs, the SM muscle of SR ewe lambs and both muscles of FS wether and ewe lambs. Genetic type and sex groups, except SR ewe lambs, support the theory of transformation of alpha R to alpha W fibers with increasing slaughter weights. Fat-cell diameters increased in both muscles of SR wether and FS ewe lambs with increasing slaughter weights. Increases in fat traits of lamb carcasses were related to increases in red-fiber size. Alpha red fiber numbers were inversely related (P less than .05) to alpha W fiber numbers in both the LD and SM muscles (r = -.83 and -.79). The proportion of alpha R to alpha W fibers might be used as an indicator of physiological maturity for lambs.     

HEMANGIOMA OF THE DISTAL PHALANX IN A COLT

A yearling Thoroughbred colt was admitted to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with severe, progressive lameness of the left forelimb. A centrally located expansile lytic lesion involving approximately 40% of the distal phalanx with a large associated vascular channel was identified by radiography. Increased vascular phase pooling, increased soft tissue phase uptake, and a photopenic area on bone phase images corresponding to the lytic lesion within the left distal phalanx were identified by vascular, soft tissue, and bone phases of a three phase bone scan, respectively. Contrast medium accumulation and disappearance in dilated vessels within the lesion was apparent angiographically. The colt was euthanized and the histologic diagnosis was hemangioma of the distal phalanx with a pathologic fracture.     

PASTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE BEEF CATTLE REGIONS OF ARGENTINA

An account is given of the climate, vegetation and native pastures of the beef-cattle regions of Argentina. Though some of these native pastures have a satisfactory carrying capacity, most of them are defective in quality or low in productivity; there is considerable scope for increasing production through the establishment of sown pastures. Trials have been made with a wide range of grasses and legumes, principally of African and European origin. Though the pattern of species to be used in these regions is imperfectly resolved, the authors present a map showing tentative boundaries for temperate, sub-tropical and tropical species. Work to date suggests that pasture development can probably proceed over great areas without the use of fertilizers, and this adds to the attractiveness of pasture programmes. A problem of no less importance than the technical aspects of pasture improvement is that of gaining a greater investment of capital into the development of cattle estancias.     

Presumptive keratoglobus in a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

A juvenile to young adult, male, great horned owl (Bubo virginianus,GHOW) was presented to the wildlife rehabilitation hospital at Lindsay Wildlife Museum (WRHLWM) due to trauma to the right patagium from barbed wire entanglement. On presentation, both corneas were irregular, dry, and no movement of the third eyelid was noted. A severe corneal enlargement/globoid appearance was the predominant ophthalmic feature. The fundus was normal in both eyes (OU). Over the course of several days, both corneas developed edema combined with further dessication at the ocular surface associated with diffuse dorsal fluorescein stain uptake. Repeated ophthalmic examinations found normal intraocular pressures and an inability to move the third eyelid over the enlarged corneas. The bird was deemed nonreleasable due to severe wing damage and poor prognosis associated with eye abnormalities and was humanely euthanized. Postmortem CT, enucleation, and histopathology were performed to evaluate the ocular anatomical abnormality and confirm the suspected diagnosis of keratoglobus. This GHOW represents the first reported case of presumptive keratoglobus in a raptor.     

High Periconceptional Protein Intake Modifies Uterine and Embryonic Relationships Increasing Early Pregnancy Losses and Embryo Growth Retardation in Sheep

The effects of supplemented protein level (PL) during the periconceptional period and their interaction with body condition were evaluated in sheep. Multiparous Rambouillet ewes (n = 12) received two PL of rumen undegradable protein (UIP) during a 30‐day pre‐mating and 15‐day post‐mating period: low [LPL, 24% crude protein (CP), 14 g UIP and 36 g/CP animal/day] and high [HPL, 44% CP, 30 g UIP and 50 g/CP animal/day]. While ovulation rate (OR) did not differ between treatments (1.6 ± 0.5, mean ± SEM), a lower fertility rate, a decreased embryo number and a reduced uterine pH (UpH) was observed in the HPL group (p < 0.05), irrespective of BC. Luteal tissue weight, volume and progesterone secretion did not differ among treatments. Sheep with lower UpH also had lower conceptus weight (Cwt; p < 0.05, r = 0.65) and conceptuses with lower mass tended to secrete less INF‐τ and IGF‐1, and the correspondent endometrial explants had a higher basal PGF_2α release. Current study indicates that high protein diets during the periconceptional period in sheep modify uterine and embryonic relationships, increasing early pregnancy losses and inducing embryo growth retardation. Surviving embryos were affected by weight reductions, which could compromise later foetal growth and birth weight. Results evidence the key role of a balanced diet in reproductive success and indicate that the quality and nutrient composition of the maternal diet are essential for an adequate establishment of pregnancy, having paramount effects on the interplay of the embryo and the uterus.     

Soil CO2 emissions in cropland with fodder maize (Zea mays L.) with and without riparian buffer strips of differing vegetation

Agroforestry Systems - Vegetated land areas play a significant role in determining the fate of carbon (C) in the global C cycle. Riparian buffer vegetation is primarily implemented for water...