Oxygen consumption, activity and body fat in normal and hairless mice.

The oxygen consumption spontaneous activity of A2G (hr/+), A2G (hr/hr) and NMRI mice in groups of 2, 3, or 5 were measured, and body fat content was also determined. Average rates of oxygen consumption were found to be lowest in the A2G (hr/+) and highest in the A2G (hr/hr) mice, and conversely for the proportion of total body fat. There was no difference in activity of A2G (hr/+) and A2G (hr/hr), but the NMRI mice were more active.

Survey of the numbers and species of amphibia used in the United Kingdom in 1977.

This survey suggests that about 115 000 amphibia, of which more than half were Rana temporaria, were supplied for use in teaching and research in the UK during 1977. As only 27 000 were recorded as being used by universities, polytechnics and research institutes, probably mostly for teaching, it must be assumed that the majority are used for teaching purposes in schools. There has been an increase in the proportion of amphibia supplied by Recognised Suppliers, and also in that being 'purpose-bred' although breeding in the laboratory is still restricted to Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum. Probable cost appears to be a deterent to the use of purpose-bred amphibia. A large number of respondents had encountered problems with using amphibia, mainly losses due to 'red leg' and arrival from the supplier in poor condition, probably interrelated.

Anaemia and veal calf production.

Calves have been raised for veal on liquid diets containing different amounts of iron. A concentration of 25-30 mg soluble iron/kg dietary dry matter provided sufficient haemaglobin for normal appetite, growth and oxygen transport, and also produced carcases light coloured enough for the veal trade. When anaemia was induced in calves or sheep the first measurable response from the animals was a fall in appetite which provided a more sensitive indicator than more complicated physiological or biochemical measurements.