Gestational nutrient restriction under extensive grazing conditions: Effects on muscle characteristics and meat quality in heavy lambs.

We evaluated maternal undernutrition effects induced by a lower natural pasture allowance (gestation days 30-143) on histological-biochemical and meat traits in muscles Semitendinosus, cranial Gluteobiceps and Supraspinatus from 200-day old male and female lambs. Maternal undernutrition increased oxidative and reduced glycolytic fibers in all muscles (P ≤ 0.01).

Comparison of transcriptomic landscapes of different lamb muscles using RNA-Seq.

Transcriptome deep sequencing is a powerful tool for exploring the genetic architecture of complex traits. Gene expression patterns may explain a high degree of the observed phenotypic differences in histochemical and metabolic parameters related to meat quality among different muscles. In this study, we sequenced by RNA-Seq the whole transcriptome of nine lamb muscles: Semimembranosus (SM), Semitendinosus (ST), Cranial gluteobiceps, Gluteus medius (GM), Rectus femoris, Supraspinatus (SS), Longissimus lumborum (LL), Adductor and Psoas major.

Growth, meat and feed efficiency traits of lambs born to ewes submitted to energy restriction during mid-gestation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the energy restriction of gestation of adult ewes from day 45 to day 115 on lamb live performance parameters, carcass and meat traits. In experiment I, dietary energy was restricted at 70% of the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements, after which ewes were re-fed ad libitum until lambing. In experiment II, dietary energy was restricted at 60% of the ME requirements, and ewes were re-fed to ME requirements until lambing.

Immunohistochemical determination of estrogen receptor-α in canine vaginal biopsies throughout proestrus, estrus, and early diestrus.

The aim of this study was to describe the presence of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) in several vaginal histological compartments in healthy adult bitches throughout three estrous cycle stages (proestrus, estrus, and early diestrus) and to relate ERα presence with serum progesterone and estradiol-17β concentrations. For this purpose, serial blood samples and vaginal biopsies were taken from five bitches every 48 hours, starting at the clinical onset of proestrus, marked by the beginning of serosanguineous vaginal secretion. Serum progesterone and estradiol-17β concentrations were determined by RIA, whereas detection of steroid receptors was carried out through immunohistochemistry.

14 years of experience with the artificial urinary sphincter in children and adolescents without spina bifida.

Purpose: The efficacy of the artificial urinary sphincter to treat sphincteric incontinence in pediatric patients with spina bifida has been clearly reported. The possibility of maintaining spontaneous voiding has usually been the main reason for prosthetic device surgery. We reviewed our experience with the artificial urinary sphincter in patients without spina bifida who had had previous surgery of the bladder neck or proximal urethra.