Metabolomic and morphologic surveillance reveals the impact of lactic acid-treated barley on in vitro ruminal fermentation.

Objective: Lactic acid (LA) treatment of cereals is known to improve ruminant performance. However, changes in cereal nutrient levels and variations in rumen fermentation remain unclear. Method: This study was designed to compare the effects of 5% LA treatment on the trophic and morphological characteristics of barley and to discover the differences in rumen fermentation characteristics and metabolomes between LA-treated and untreated barley. Results: Compared with those of untreated barley (BA), the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash and water-soluble carbohydrate contents of barley plants treated with 5% LA for 48 h (BALA) decreased, but the resistant starch (RS) and non-fiber carbohydrate contents increased. Moreover, the amount of proteinaceous matrix in BA decreased in response to LA treatment. During in vitro fermentation, BALA had a greater pH but lower dry matter disappearance and ammonia, methane, and short-chain fatty acid levels than BA. The differential metabolites between BA and BALA were clustered into metabolic pathways such as purine metabolism, lysine degradation, and linoleic acid metabolism. Observable differences in ultrastructure between BALA and BA were noted during fermentation. Conclusion: Lactic treatment altered barley nutrient content, including DM, CP, RS, ash, water-soluble carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates, and affected barley ultrastructure. These variations led to significant and incubation time-dependent changes in the in vitro fermentation characteristics and metabolome.

Condensed tannin-induced variations in the rumen metabolome and the correlation with fermentation characteristics in goats.

In this study, we characterized the effects of CT dietary inclusion at 2% (wt/wt) dry matter on the goat rumen metabolome and fermentation characteristics. Barley (BA) and corn (CN) were separately used as basal grain for the control rations, and rations supplemented with CT were BACT and CNCT, respectively. The rations were tested using eight Japanese Shiba × Saanen goats in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square arrangement (28 days for each period). Ruminal fluid was obtained on day 25 of each period, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) analysis was performed. Metabolites from BACT against BA and CNCT against CN were mostly associated with purine metabolism. Moreover, BACT against BA showed intensified biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and CNCT against CN resulted in strengthened amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, strong correlations were observed between rumen NH3 -N and the copy number of total bacteria with most of the differential metabolites. The present paper provides a better understanding of the relationship between the rumen metabolome and fermentation characteristics and supports a shift in concern about using CT as a strategy to manipulate rumen metabolism.

Treatment of corn with lactic acid delayed in vitro ruminal degradation without compromising fermentation: a biological and morphological monitoring study.

Grain processed by lactic acid (LA) is known to improve ruminant growth and health. However, the exact mechanism regarding rumen hydrolysis of LA-treated grain is still ambiguous. This experiment was designed to compare the effects of 5% LA treatment on the trophic and morphological variations in corn and to discover the alternations in ruminal hydrolysis between LA-treated and untreated corn macroscopically and microscopically using in vitro fermentation method. The results showed that, compared with untreated corn (CN), corn treated with 5% LA for 48 h (CNLA) experienced a decrease in the dry matter, albumin fraction, aNDFom, and water-soluble carbohydrate content but an increase in the resistant starch content. The in vitro fermentation showed that the pH of CNLA was higher, but dry matter disappearance was lower than that of CN. Most of the fermentation indices were unaffected, except for decreased iso-butyrate and iso-valerate. The abundances of total bacteria, Prevotella spp., Streptococcus bovis, and Selenomonas ruminantium were higher, but those of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were lower in CNLA than in CN. There were differences in the scanning electron micrographs between CNLA and CN after 3 h of fermentation. This study suggests that treating corn with LA for 48 h can induce changes in its nutrient composition and alter the bacterial flora during subsequent in vitro fermentation. These changes appeared to be crucial contributors to the beneficial effects observed in rumen fermentation.

Ovarian dynamics in progesterone tablet-induced superovulation in goats assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.

Controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) devices are commonly used for superovulation in goats. However, such devices are unavailable in some countries, including Japan. In this technical note, we aimed to explore the efficacy of an alternative superovulation protocol using progesterone tablets in goats. We employed intravaginal progesterone tablets (LUTINAS® Vaginal Tablet 100 mg) following a standard superovulation protocol. Additionally, we assessed the ovarian dynamics using 3T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 day preceding the progesterone treatment (Day "-1") and 3 days before the end of treatment (Days 11-13). The ovarian monitoring was successfully performed in the short tau inversion recovery T2-weighted images of MRI, and ovulation was confirmed by the disappearance of follicles on Day 13 post-administration of the tablets. Immediately after ovulation, oviduct flushing yielded a substantial number of oocytes (13.5 ± 1.8 oocytes per animal). These findings provide evidence that the administration of progesterone tablets can serve as a viable alternative for inducing. Additionally, our findings suggest that 3T-MRI is a promising alternative to conventional ultrasonography for monitoring ovarian dynamics following superovulation in experimental goats.

Diverse forage improves lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in goats, as revealed by metabolomics.

It is well established that promoting the balance of nutrients and plant secondary metabolites (PSM) by feeding diverse forage physiologically improves ruminant production. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the physiological mechanism related to the improvement of physiological stress tolerance, ruminants were fed diverse forage. Oxidative stress markers were quantified, and serum metabolomics was performed. Six crossbred Shiba wethers (32.8 ± 9.2 kg BW) were arranged in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The treatments were feeding only Sudan grass hay (100% SDN); feeding a mixture of Sudan grass and alfalfa hay (70:30, SDN-ALF); and feeding a mixture of Sudan grass, timothy grass, and alfalfa hay (35:35:30; SDN-TMT-ALF). Each diet group was fed its specific diet for 21 days with a 14-day adaptation period. Feed intake and digestibility, blood biochemistry, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analysed. In addition, blood serum metabolites were assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The DM intake and DM, organic matter, and CP digestibility were higher (P < 0.05) in the SDN-TMT-ALF group than in the SDN group. The TAC was higher (P < 0.01) in the SDN-TMT-ALF and SDN-ALF groups (809.51 and 813.7 µM, respectively) than the SDN group (720.69 µM), while the SOD level was unchanged (P = 0.06) among the treatments. Total serum cholesterol and NH3 levels were higher (P < 0.05) in the SDN-TMT-ALF group (89.17 mg/dL and 242.42 µg/dL, respectively) than in the SDN group (71.00 mg/dL and 89.17 µg/dL). Additionally, the levels of nine metabolites in serum differed among the treatments (P < 0.05). Linoleic acid (LA) and cortisone, which are related to LA metabolism and the steroid biosynthesis pathway, were upregulated by the SDN-ALF and SDN-TMT-ALF diets compared to the SDN diet, suggesting the contribution of ALF to altering the metabolites. The levels of hippuric acid, which is a metabolite of phenolic compounds, were higher (P < 0.001) in the animals fed SDN, which contained higher phenolic and luteolin concentrations than the other diets. Pathway analysis suggested that the higher cortisone levels were derived from cholesterol due to upregulated glycolysis metabolism, which was positively related to increased ingestion, digestibility, and serum LA levels in animals given mixed forage. In conclusion, physiological stress tolerance in the animals was regulated by upregulation of LA and steroid hormone metabolism, which was associated with an increase in TAC rather than the ability of the animal to regulate its PSM intake.

Gluconeogenesis in the Yolk Sac Membrane: Enzyme Activity, Gene Expression, and Metabolites During Layer Chicken Development.

Yolk sac membranes of layer eggs were collected daily (n = 7-9) from day three of incubation to day three post-hatch, and mRNA expression and activities were quantified for key gluconeogenesis enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, cytosolic and mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases, and pyruvate carboxylase). Lactate, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, glycogen, and glucose in the yolk sac membrane, and blood glucose levels were also measured. The mRNA expression and activity were detected for all enzymes. Differences in expression levels and enzyme activities seemed to reflect the embryo's developmental environment and physiological demands at different developmental stages. During the first week to the mid-second week of incubation, the expression and activity of gluconeogenic enzymes and lactate concentrations were high, suggesting an active period of gluconeogenesis from lactate, reflecting possible hypoxia in the embryo before completed formation of the chorioallantoic capillaries. From the mid-second week to mid-third week, when embryos were in an aerobic state, the triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid contents increased in the yolk sac. Triglycerides from yolk lipids are typically hydrolyzed to produce non-esterified fatty acids as an energy source, whereas the glycerol skeleton is used for gluconeogenesis. In the late third week, when embryos were considered to re-enter an anaerobic state, the mRNA expression and enzyme activity of only glucose-6-phosphatase were high and the amount of glycogen in the yolk sac was reduced. Therefore, it is suggested that gluconeogenesis activity is low during this period, and the carbohydrates stored in the yolk sac membrane are secreted into the blood as energy for hatching. This study confirmed the role of the yolk sac membrane as a vital gluconeogenic organ during chicken egg incubation.

Differences in ingestive behavior between grazing goats and sheep at the bite scale.

This study aimed to clarify the differences in ingestive behavior between goats and sheep at the bite scale. Animals were allowed to graze a feeding station of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) with two sward heights (short and tall) to two levels of bite depletion (20 and 40 bites). Ingestive behavior variables, which represent the rate and mass of bites and chews, intake rate, bite dimensions, and bite placement characteristics, were quantified. The interspecies difference in ingestive behavior became obvious at the short sward. Goats reduced the inter-bite distance and maintained bite overlapping but took deeper bites than sheep at the short sward, resulting in slightly greater bite mass. These behavioral changes with efficient chewing may be helpful to maintain the intake rate at the short sward. Sheep maintained their inter-bite distance regardless of the sward height and decreased overlapping bites at the short sward. These behavioral characteristics in sheep in response to sward height may partly compensate for the decrease in the bite mass at the short sward, although it may not always maintain the intake rate. Thus, the present study suggests that goats and sheep implement different bite scale ingestive behaviors, including bite placement, when they eat short swards.

Modifying the diets of captive proboscis monkeys in a temperate zoo to reduce weight loss and renal disease.

In animal husbandry, diets should help in maintaining a healthy body condition, support reproduction, and promote species-specific longevity. It is recommended to feed folivorous primates kept in zoos a high-fiber diet, i.e., leaves, although satisfying such a requirement is challenging in temperate regions because it is difficult to obtain fresh leaves, especially in autumn and winter. As equally important for their appropriate treatment, it is valuable to provide details of clinical reports of medical problems and pathological findings, although such clinical reports are rather limited. Therefore, in foregut-fermenting proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), we (1) described the individual clinical reports of renal disease and weight loss at the Yokohama Zoological Gardens in Japan, (2) determined the nutritional profile of the diets supplied to these animals because other potential triggers for their renal disease and weight loss could be excluded, (3) modified the diet regimen to minimize weight loss and the development of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, and (4) assessed the effects of such dietary modification by comparing the body weight and the Ca and P concentrations and the Ca/P ratios in the blood before and after diet modification with a comparison of these measurements between zoo and free-ranging individuals. Based on the nutritional profile of the diets, we concluded that the reported cases of renal failure might be caused by consumption of leaves with a Ca/P ratio far above the appropriate level in autumn and winter. Additionally, the dietary modification of minerals and metabolizable energy achieved certain beneficial effects on zoo-kept proboscis monkeys.

High ß-carotene concentration in plasma enhances cyclic progesterone production in nonpregnant Japanese Black cows.

ß-Carotene is an essential nutrient in cattle reproduction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ß-carotene supplementation on ovarian activities throughout the estrous cycle in nonpregnant Japanese Black cows. The estrous cycles of eight nonpregnant Japanese Black cows were synchronized using a double synch protocol, and the cows were divided into two groups. The cows in the ß-carotene (BC) group received supplementation with 1000 mg/day ß-carotene for 46 days including the synchronization period. The cows in the control (C) group did not receive ß-carotene supplementation. The results showed that ß-carotene supplementation at 1000 mg/day was sufficient to maintain a high plasma ß-carotene concentration and increase the plasma retinol concentration and that ß-carotene supplementation had no significant effects on the dominant follicle diameter, total number of estrus behaviors, or length of the estrous cycle. In contrast, the areas under the P4 concentration curves in the BC group were higher than those obtained for the C group. In conclusion, a high plasma ß-carotene concentration in Japanese Black cows promotes P4 production in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle and total P4 production throughout the estrous cycle without changing the length of the estrous cycle.

Temperament Trait Changes in Japanese Black Cows Under Grazing and Confined Conditions.

The objective of the present study was to reveal the effects of grazing on the temperament traits of cows. Nine Japanese Black cows [344 ± 32 kg body weight (BW), 7.7 ± 3.0 year of age], which had various experiences, such as tethering, handling, and grazing, were used in this experiment. Five of the nine cows were grazed for 3 months on a 1.8-ha field composed of a sown pasture with forestland. The remaining cows were fed in confinement. On days 38, 52, 72, and 86 after the start of grazing, the temperament traits observed in various situations, such as moving to the body weight scale, weighing, handling, moving to the stock for blood sampling, holding in the stock, and obtaining a blood sample, were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS: 1-10) or score (1-5). During weighing and handling, the intensity of resistance exhibited by the grazing cows, as evaluated by head movement, walking/stepping, tail flicking, rope tension, and overall movement, was lower than that exhibited by confined cows (P < 0.05). The resistance score exhibited by the grazing cows during blood sampling was also lower than that exhibited by confined cows (P < 0.01). These results suggest that grazing enhances docility in cows with various experiences in different situations encountered in daily management.

Apparent diet digestibility of captive colobines in relation to stomach types with special reference to fibre digestion.

Colobine monkeys are known for the anatomical complexity of their stomachs, making them distinct within the primate order. Amongst foregut fermenters, they appear peculiar because of the occurrence of two different stomach types, having either three ('tripartite') or four ('quadripartite', adding the praesaccus) chambers. The functional differences between tri and quadripartite stomachs largely remain to be explained. In this study, we aim to compare the apparent digestibility (aD) in tripartite and quadripartite colobines. Hence, we measured the aD in two colobine species, Nasalis larvatus (quadripartite) and Trachypithecus cristatus (tripartite), in two zoos. We also included existing colobine literature data on the aD and analysed whether the aD of fibre components is different between the stomach types to test the hypothesis of whether quadripartite colobines show higher aD of fibre components than tripartite colobines did. Our captive N. larvatus specimen had a more distinctively varying nutrient intake across seasons with a larger seasonal variation in aD than that of a pair of T. cristatus, which mostly consumed commercial foods with a lower proportion of browse and less seasonal variation. We observed higher aD of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) in the N. larvatus specimen, suggesting a higher gut capacity of N. larvatus provided by the additional praesaccus forestomach chamber. Based on the analysis of literature data for aD, we also found that quadripartite species achieved higher fibre digestibility at similar dietary fibre levels compared with tripartite species, supporting the hypothesis that the additional gut capacity offered by the praesaccus facilitates a longer retention and hence more thorough microbial fermentation of plant fibre.

Effects of Grazing in a Sown Pasture with Forestland on the Health of Japanese Black Cows as Evaluated by Multiple Indicators.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of extensive grazingin a sown pasture with forestland on the health of beef cows by measuring multiple indicators. Ten Japanese Black beef cows were used in this experiment. Five of the ten cows were grazed for two months on a 1.8 ha field. The remaining cows were fed under confinement conditions. Behavioral assessments showed that grazing increased sternum lying with rumination of the cows. The grazing cows did not show any abnormal behaviors. There was a tendency for the numbers of red blood cells and lymphocytes to be lower in grazing cows than in confined cows, whereas the number of neutrophils in grazing cows was significantly higher than that in confined cows. In addition, grazing cows had a higher total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity than confined cows. These results suggest that extensive grazing in a sown pasture with forestland increases natural behaviors, decreases circulating red blood cells and lymphocytes and enhances neutrophil circulation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and antioxidant capacity.

Effects of direct exposure to cold weather under grazing in winter on the physiological, immunological, and behavioral conditions of Japanese Black beef cattle in central Japan.

This study aimed to reveal the effects of direct exposure to cold weather under grazing in winter (GW) on the health of Japanese Black beef cattle, as assessed using physiological, immunological, and behavioral parameters. Ten Japanese Black beef cattle (328 ± 45 kg, 7.6 ± 3.4 years of age) were used in this experiment. In winter, five of the 10 cattle grazed for 2 months in a 1.8 ha pasture (GW), and the remaining cattle were fed under confined conditions with tethering (control [CT]). The two groups were fed similar feed during the experiment, except for the grazing forage. Blood samples were collected approximately every 2 weeks. The numbers of neutrophils and monocytes and antioxidant enzyme activity were higher in the GW group than in the CT group (p < 0.05). The proportions of CD4-single-positive cells were lower in GW cattle than in CT cattle (p = 0.06). This study showed that direct exposure of beef cattle to cold weather under GW enhanced the levels of circulating neutrophils and monocytes and contributed to the kinetic homeostasis of lymphocytes but also activated antioxidant enzymes due to an increase in oxidative stress.

Effect of total mixed ration silage containing agricultural by-products with the fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria on rumen fermentation and nitrogen balance in ewes.

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of the fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) on the quality of total mixed ration (TMR) silage containing agricultural by-products, its digestibility, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen balance in ewes. TMR was prepared from rice straw, corn stover silage, brewer grain, tofu waste, steam-flaked corn, and a mineral mixture. The treatments consisted of silage additives added to TMR: CON (no silage additive), FJLB, COM (commercial additive), and MIX (FJLB + COM). Four cannulated ewes were assigned to the 4 × 4 Latin square design. The MIX treatment produced a lower (P < 0.01) pH than did the CON and FJLB treatments and a higher (P < 0.01) lactic acid concentration than did the other treatments. The fiber content in the COM treatment was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the other treatments. The FJLB treatment had similar fermentation quality and chemical composition to those of the CON and COM treatments in all parameters observed. Although the silage quality index (Fleig point) was higher in the MIX and COM treatments than in the CON treatment, all silages had good quality. No silage additives affected intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, or nitrogen balance. In conclusion, the TMR silage prepared from agricultural by-products mixed with wet-type food by-products with or without FJLB added resulted in well-preserved fermentation, and this product might be used as a ruminant feed.

Expression of thyroid hormone regulator genes in the yolk sac membrane of the developing chicken embryo.

Thyroid hormones (THs) are essential for the correct development of nearly every structure in the body from the very early stages of development, yet the embryonic thyroid gland is not functional at these stages. To clarify the roles of the egg yolk as a source of THs, the TH content in the yolk and the expression of TH regulator genes in the yolk sac membrane were evaluated throughout the 21-day incubation period of chicken embryos. The yolk TH content (22.3 ng triiodothyronine and 654.7 ng thyroxine per total yolk on day 4 of incubation) decreased almost linearly along with development. Real-time PCR revealed gene expression of transthyretin, a principal TH distributor in the chicken, and of a TH-inactivating iodothyronine deiodinase (DIO3), until the second week of incubation when the embryonic pituitary-thyroid axis is generally thought to start functioning. The TH-activating deiodinase (DIO2) and transmembrane transporter of thyroxine (SLCO1C1) genes were expressed in the last week of incubation, which coincided with a marked increase of circulating thyroxine and a reduction in the yolk sac weight. DIO1, which can remove iodine from inactive THs, was expressed throughout the incubation period. It is assumed that the chicken yolk sac inactivates THs contained abundantly in the yolk and supplies the hormones to the developing embryo in appropriate concentrations until the second week of incubation, while THs may be activated in the yolk sac membrane in the last week of incubation. Additionally, the yolk sac could serve as a source of iodine for the embryo.

Temporal changes in liver tissue metabolome of lambs fed low-quality roughage.

Early experience with low-quality roughage may induce adaptations in ruminants' metabolism. This study was conducted to explore the variation in the hepatic metabolomes of lambs fed low-quality roughage beginning early in life. Five lambs were fed Sudan grass hay (crude protein (CP): 4.6% of the dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber, 68.5% of DM) for 6 months during time periods P1, P2 and P3, which consisted of 2 months each. The metabolizable energy (ME) and CP intake satisfied lambs' maintenance requirements in P1 and P2, but the ME intake was 78.5% of the maintenance ME requirement in P3. Liver metabolomics was carried out in P2 and P3 by the capillary electrophoresis and time-of-flight mass spectrometry system. Eight amino acids and six amino acid metabolism-related metabolites were altered between P2 and P3. Several intermediates of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis decreased, while nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate increased in P3. Taurocholic acid and taurine increased, while glycocholic acid decreased in P3. The results suggested that amino acid utilization and the efficiency of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis might be adjusted to accommodate the low-quality roughage fed to the lambs during early stages of life. The composition of bile acids might also be optimized to promote the efficiency of lipid absorption.

Nutrient sufficiency in beef cows grazing on a dwarf bamboo-dominated forestland pasture in Japan.

The nutritional status of cows grazing on a 120-ha public alpine forestland pasture dominated by the dwarf bamboo Sasa senanensis located in central Japan was evaluated over the course of 2 years. Data were collected during grazing seasons in three periods: early (June), mid- (August) and late (late September-early October) periods. During these periods, the number of experimental Japanese Black cows varied between three and six. With the exception of the dry matter (DM) intake in 2005 and the crude protein (CP) digestibility in 2006, the DM and CP intake and digestibility were lower in the mid- and late periods than in the early period for both years (P < 0.05). Metabolizable energy intake was slightly insufficient for the requirement of the cows in the late period of 2005; in the mid- and late periods of 2006, the metabolizable energy intake was 0.4 to 0.5 times the requirement. These results suggest that the energy intake of cows grazing on forestland pasture dominated by S. senanensis would not satisfy their requirements starting in the mid-period (August) grazing, even though the pasture had abundant herbage resources during these periods.

Faecal particle size in free-ranging primates supports a 'rumination' strategy in the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus).

In mammalian herbivores, faecal particle size indicates chewing efficiency. Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) are foregut fermenters in which regurgitation and remastication (i.e. rumination) was observed in the wild, but not with the same consistency as found in ruminants and camelids. To test whether this species has exceptional chewing efficiency among primates, as ruminants have among mammals, we compared faecal particle size in free-ranging specimens with those of 12 other primate species. The discrete mean faecal particle size (dMEAN) increased with body mass (M) as dMEAN (mm) = 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.49-0.87) M((0.33 (0.23-0.43)) in simple-stomached species. At 0.53 ± 0.09 mm, dMEAN of proboscis monkeys was particularly small for their average M (15 kg) and significantly smaller than values of two other foregut fermenting primate species. While we cannot exclude other reasons for the exceptional chewing efficiency in proboscis monkeys, this represents circumstantial evidence for regular use of rumination in this species. Thus, proboscis monkeys might be a model for convergent evolution towards rumination in a non-ungulate taxon.

Distribution of radioactive cesium in edible parts of cattle.

After the disastrous incident of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, various agricultural, livestock and fishery products have been inspected for radioactive contamination with cesium in Japan. In this study, radioactive cesium was measured in various edible parts of cattle to verify the current inspection method for cattle, in which the neck tissues are generally used as samples. Radioactive cesium concentration in the short plate, diaphragm, liver, lung, omasum, abomasum and small intestine were lower and sirloin, tenderloin, top round meat and tongue were higher than that in the neck. There was no significant difference between the other organs (heart, kidney, lumen and reticulum) and the neck. Ninety-five percent upper tolerance limits of the relative concentration to the neck were 1.88 for sirloin, 1.74 for tenderloin, 1.87 for top round and 1.45 for tongue. These results suggest that a safety factor of 2 is recommended for the radioactivity inspection of cattle to prevent a marketing of meat with higher cesium than the legal limit. Re-inspection should be conducted using another part of muscle, for example, top round, when suspicious levels of 50-100 Bq/kg are detected in the neck.

Results of metabolic profile test in Japanese black cattle with growth retardation.

To evaluate the nutriture of Japanese black cattle with growth retardation, a metabolic profile test was carried out in 8 cattle with growth retardation and in 10 cattle with normal growth. During our observation for 1 month before blood sampling, the cattle with growth retardation ingested their forage completely. They showed lower low-density lipoprotein and albumin concentrations, and higher urea nitrogen, actoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations than the control. There were no significant differences in glucose, free fatty acid, total cholesterol, ammonia, inorganic phosphorus, and calcium concentrations between the cattle with growth retardation and the control. These data suggested that the cattle with growth retardation subjected to energy-negative condition in spite of their good forage intake.