Effects of supplemental vitamin D3 on feed intake, carcass characteristics, tenderness, and muscle properties of beef steers.

Research was conducted to determine the effects of supplemental dietary vitamin D3 on DMI, carcass traits, Warner Bratzler shear (WBS) force, calpastatin activity, plasma minerals, pH (0, 3, 12, and 24 h after slaughter), water-holding capacity (WHC), and sensory characteristics of three muscles. Pre-slaughter vitamin D3 treatments included no supplemental vitamin D3, 6 x 106 IU (MIU) of vitamin D3 for 4 d, or 6 MIU of vitamin D3 for 6 d. Cattle were slaughtered and carcasses were chilled for 48 h before removal of steaks from the longissimus, gluteus medius, and biceps femoris muscles.

Naturally occurring cerebral nematodiasis due to Baylisascaris larval migration in two black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) and suspected cases in three emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae).

During September and October 1992, two black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) were housed in an outdoor wire enclosure at the Tulsa Zoological Park. The following February and April, both lemurs developed head tilt and ataxia, and they were euthanized. Necropsy revealed multifocal malacia of the white matter of the pons, cerebellum, internal capsule, and cerebral and cerebellar peduncles.

Laryngospasm, dysphagia, and emaciation associated with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in a horse.

An 18-month-old Quarter Horse gelding was examined because of weight loss and dysphagia of 1 month's duration. Clinical signs included lethargy, dehydration, ptyalism, and probable aspiration pneumonia. Severe dyspnea and cyanosis were evident after mild exercise.

A comparison of anterior compartment pressures in competitive runners and cyclists.

Anterior compartment pressure was measured in 10 competitive runners and in 10 competitive cyclists who were asymptomatic for compartment syndrome. Pressures were measured at rest, after exercise at 80% VO2max, after maximal exercise, and 15 minutes after both exercise bouts. No difference in compartment pressure was found after exercise at 80% VO2max in runners and cyclists.

Insulin, growth hormone, glucose, and fatty acids in gilts selected for rapid vs. slow growth rate.

Twelve-hour plasma profiles of growth hormone (GH), insulin, glucose, and nonesterified free fatty acids (NEFA), as well as GH, insulin, and glucose responses to saline, glucose, arginine, and human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) infusion were examined in 15 crossbred gilts, selected for rapid vs. slow growth. For experiment 1 GH and insulin patterns differed (P less than 0.

Neonatal adaptation to stress of parturition and dystocia.

The fetal animal undergoes a tremendous transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life at parturition. In this article, the maternal-fetal interactions of parturition are discussed with the aim of examining the normal stress reactions of parturition. Dystocia is discussed from the standpoint of additional distress of the newborn, with an aim toward the development of rational therapeutic support.

The physiology of stress and its relationship to mechanisms of disease and therapeutics.

Although stress reactions are organized to protect the homeostatic state of animals, they contain elements that may either enhance or diminish susceptibility to disease processes; in many instances, however, stress reactions themselves may induce pathologic change. It is important, therefore, that the veterinary clinician recognize the elements of a stress reaction and understand the mechanisms of disease with which they interact. This article provides a classification of stress stimuli that can be applied when considering interactions between stress reactions and disease processes.

Chronic heat stress and respiratory alkalosis: occurrence and treatment in broiler chicks.

The occurrence of respiratory alkalosis and potential benefit derived from treatment were examined in thermostressed 4-week-old broiler chicks. Blood pH was greater (P less than .05) in heat-stressed (32 C) panting birds (7.

An area of T cell localization in the cloacal bursa of White Leghorn chickens.

Within the cloacal bursa (bursa of Fabricius), there is a diffusely infiltrated area (DIA) of lymphoid cells just dorsal to the bursal duct opening. Because this region displayed certain histologic characteristics of thymus-dependent areas found in mammals, such as high endothelial venules, heavy reticular fiber components, and epithelium infiltrated with lymphocytes, experiments were conducted to determine whether thymus-derived cells (T cells) were present. Two independent methods substantiated the presence of T cells in the DIA.

Luminal lymphoid cells of the cloacal bursa.

Following cloacal bursal lavage of 1- to 4-week-old White Leghorn chickens, substantial numbers of viable mononuclear cells can be demonstrated in the effluent. These cells are predominantly lymphocytes and have been examined by light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Their possible origin, fate, and function are discussed.

Surgical and anatomic study of calving paralysis.

Dissections of the bovine pelvic inlet region were made to determine which nerves were vulnerable to fetal-induced traumatic damage. Surgical sections of the obturator nerves and the lumbar roots of the sciatic (ischiatic) nerves were done to determine a possible cause of calving paralysis. Only 1 of 11 cattle in which bilateral obturator nerve section was done was unable to stand after the operation, and in this individual, secondary stifle injuries were found on necropsy.