Evaluation of recombinant porcine somatotropin on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and muscle biochemical properties of Belgian Landrace pigs.

The dose related effects of recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpST) on growth, carcass characteristics, muscle properties, and meat quality were investigated in lean Belgian Landrace finishing pigs. Ninety-six pigs (48 barrows and 48 gilts) were injected daily with either vehicle, 1.5, 3, or 6 mg of rpST from 60 to 97.5 kg live weight. Each treatment group consisted of six pens of four pigs each (two of each sex). Pigs were given ad libitum access to a high-protein (20.4% CP) cereal-based diet. Administration of rpST increased (P less than .05) growth rate (16.3 to 25.4%) and improved (P less than .05) feed efficiency (16.9 to 29.4%). Feed consumption was reduced (12%; P less than .05) only in the 6 mg of rpST group. Liver, kidney, and heart weights were increased (P less than .05) in the 3 and 6 mg of rpST groups. Although the Belgian Landrace pigs are bred for superior carcass quality, rpST further improved (P less than .05) carcass composition at all dose levels as evidenced by a reduction (10 to 50%) in a number of subcutaneous fat depth measurements, an increase (10 to 20%) in longissimus muscle area, and an improvement in the lean cut:fat cut ratio. Rate of pH decline in the gluteus and longissimus muscles was similar, but rapid, in all groups (pH after 30 min = 5.74 to 5.94); the ultimate (24 or 72 h) pH was .15 to .2 pH units higher (P less than .05) in the pigs that received the 3 and 6 mg of rpST doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Seasonal variation in the nyctohemeral rhythm of prolactin in cows]. / Variation saisonniére du rythme nycthéméral de la prolactine chez les bovins femelles.

Seasonal variation of prolactin nyctohemeral rhythm has been studied by radioimmunoassay on female cattle of the white blue belgian breed. Animals are divided into three groups as age is concerned : 6 calves, 6 heifers and 5 lactating cows. In december all groups of animals show a significant increase of plasma prolactin concentration between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Calves and heifers have a second secretion period either at the end of the afternoon between 17 and 19 p.m. or during the evening between 20 and 23 p.m. The circadian rhythm observed in may with heifers is similar to that in december with two waves whose relative importance is different at the two seasons considered. Nyctohemeral rhythm of prolactin in cattle is age and season dependent.