Abstract: Muscle weight distribution was compared by jointing and complete tissue separation of carcasses from 277 young male progeny of eight sire breeds and two dam breeds, serially slaughtered at 300 kg live weight, 12 months and 15 months of age The sire breeds were Simmental, Charolais, Danish Red and White, Romagnola, Chianina Hereford, Blonde d'Aquitaine and Limousin; the dam breeds were Danish Red and Danish Black PiedGrowth impetus for muscle in each joint was established from the allometric equation (Y = aXb) Growth coefficients, b, were homogenous among breeds, indicating similar muscle development patterns over the range of weights studied Growth impetus waves increased centripetally on the limbs, caudocephalically on the whole of the body (being more marked dorsally) and dorsoventrally on the trunkThere were small but significant breed differences in the proportion of muscle in different joints at similar total muscle weight They probably reflect differences in maturity and other minor functional influences Chianina and Hereford crosses were the two extremes for muscle distribution with many of the remaining breed groups being very similar Differences were already established by 300 kg live weight and muscle growth patterns were similar among breeds over the range of the experiment

Abstract: Bone growth patterns and distribution were compared in joints of carcasses from 277 young bulls, progeny of eight sire breeds and two dam breeds, serially slaughtered at 300 kg live weight, 12 and 15 months of age. The growth pattern for bone in a joint was estimated from the allometric equation ( Y = a X b ). Growth coefficients ( b ) were homogeneous among breed groups for bone in each joint relative to total side bone indicating that the different breeds followed similar patterns of differential bone growth. Growth impetus of limb bones was lowest in the distal parts, increasing to the proximal regions, with the fore limb showing higher growth impetus than the hind limb. Bones of the whole thoracic region showed a high growth impetus and those of the lumbar region the highest. The cervical vertebrae showed only average growth impetus, maintaining a constant proportion of total bone. Significant sire breed differences were found in the proportion of bone in each joint when adjusted to equal side bone weight but the differences were rather small and probably commercially unimportant. Differences among sire breed groups reflected differences in maturity type, with progeny of Here-ford sires representing early maturity and progeny of Chianina sires the other extreme. Functional association between muscle and bone was not reflected in a similarity of growth patterns, except for the muscles and bones of the limbs.

Abstract: Summary The possible existence of strain and breed differences in the response of sheep to primary infections with Haemonchus contortus was examined by comparing the establishment and pathogenic effects of the parasite in Scottish Blackface and Finn Dorset sheep grouped according to haemoglobin type and infected with 7–10000 3rd-stage larvae. Homozygous haemoglobin A-type sheep of both breeds had lower worm burdens and faecal egg outputs, and suffered less severe clinical and pathophysiological disturbances than animals homozygous for haemoglobin B. In addition, Scottish Blackface sheep displayed similar advantages over Finn Dorsets with the same haemoglobin type and variations in the severity of the disease as judged by a variety of pathophysiological indices correlated closely with parasite numbers. It was therefore concluded that genetic resistance operated primarily against worm establishment and that, barring the unlikely involvement of non-specific physiological factors, this was controlled by the immune response elicited. The nature of this response is unknown, but appeared to operate only against the larval stages, since the size and metabolic activities of the surviving worms were similar in all animals. In a subsequent experiment, designed to examine the response of Scottish Blackface sheep to heavy infection (45000 larvae), there was no correlation between worm establishment and haemoglobin type. This was possibly due to a delayed immune response arising from exposure to excessive amounts of antigen.

Abstract: Breed, geographic, and seasonal distributions of canine births registered with the American Kennel Club for the years 1971 to 1973, accompanied by litter size and sex ratio data, were studied. A few breeds accounted for a large portion of the births. The breed distribution of births changed as popularity of various canine types waxed and waned. The geographic distribution of births generally paralleled the pattern of human population and was relatively stable. A distinct, repetitive seasonal distribution of births was evident. Human intervention probably molded much of this pattern, but genetic factors and environmental conditions also were involved. Litter size and sex ratio varied primarily with breed rather than with region or season and hence appeared genetically based.

Abstract: Griffon vultures feed from the soft tissues of large mammal carcasses: a diet which contains very little calcium. Comparatively large amounts of calcium are required in order to breed, first for eggshell formation and then for bone mineralization of the chick. These requirements are estimated. Adults were not found to supply the chick with a mineral-rich crop secretion during rearing, but they must feed the young with calcium-rich food items, such as bone fragments. These are not abundant, and it is suggested that the mineral requirements for breeding have determined certain features of the breeding strategy in these birds—such as laying a single egg and having a prolonged rearing period.

Abstract: 1. Twenty-two Scottish Blackface, 51 Welsh Mountain and 22 Tasmanian Merino lambs aged between 6 and 75 h were tested for resistance to body cooling in a climate chamber. Blackface lambs had long birthcoats, Merinos were short-coated. Welsh lambs were from two strains with long (L) and short (S) types of birthcoat. Some lambs were clipped before cold exposure.2. Clipping reduced cold resistance in Welsh (S) and (L) lambs by factors of 3 and 13 respectively.3. Undipped lambs showed significant breed differences, Welsh (L) and Blackfaces having the greatest cold resistance and Merinos the least. Long-coated lambs (Blackface and Welsh (L)) were on average six times more cold resistant than the average of Welsh (S) and Merino lambs; and Welsh (L) lambs were four times more resistant than the Welsh (S) type. Birth weight and age did not significantly influence cold resistance.4. In clipped lambs there was a significant positive linear regression between cold resistance and birth weight. Breed differences in cold resistance were still significant if no adjustment was made for the effect of breed differences in birth weight.5. Cold resistance was strongly influenced by breed differences in birthcoat morphology and probably by other physiological factors partly attributable to the different genetic backgrounds associated with birthcoat type. The breed differences in cold resistance were generally consistent with field data on mortality and body temperature regulation of lambs in severe weather, suggesting that climate chamber tests might be used to evaluate potential viability in the field.

Abstract: As reported in part II (LORENZ, STRAUB et al., 1978) each blood sample collected in the field had been divided into two equal subsamples in the national laboratories (NLs). One of these was immediately sent by air to Brussels, arriving at the common reference laboratory (CRL) not later than 48 hours after collection. The other subsample remained at the NL to be tested there. From all of the CRL-subsamples the leukocyte counts were determined under the standard conditions in the CRL. Results were sent to the Statistical Unit of the Federal Research Institute of Animal Virus Diseases at Tiibingen where also the parallel data obtained in the NLs were processed. Since it had been shown by a series of tests that there was a considerable variation in the leukocyte counts of subsamples of one blood sample examined in different laboratories (STRAUB, LORENZ et al., 1978), it was expected that this between-laboratory variation could be eliminated by testing parallel subsamples in the CRL.

Abstract: The IgG1 concentrations in two-day-old lambs were significantly correlated with litter size, date of lambing, length of gestation and age of the dam. When these and other effects were allowed for significant breed differences were found, the concentrations being relatively high in Finnish Landrace, Welsh Mountain and Soay lambs, and relatively low in Border Leicester, Oxford Down and Southdown lambs. The concentrations in crossbred lambs were related to those in the parent breeds. The effects of the various factors on the yields of colostrum and total IgG1 by ewes were similar to their effects on the lamb serum concentrations. The yields were highly correlated with milk production. The heritabilities for IgG1 concentration in lambs and for total IgG1 production by ewes were estimated at 0.10 and 0.45, respectively.

Abstract: This paper completes a three-part study of non-breeding individuals in the nesting population of the Ad6lie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) at Cape Crozier, Ross Island, Antarctica, where many banded, known-age individuals are present. LeResche and Sladen (1970) and LeResche (1971), who also worked with these birds, found that they first visit the breeding rookery as two-year-olds and first breed when three (female) or four (male). Moreover, many do not breed until five to seven years old. These findings suggest that the rates and processes of physiological, morphological, and behavioral maturation related to reproduction may account for non-breeding individuals. Initially, I compared degree of maturity of the reproductive systems of penguins of various ages. I found that males and most females less than four years old are physiologically or morphologically incapable of breeding (Ainley 1974a). This discovery made it even more intriguing that so many fourand five-yearolds, particularly males, failed to breed. I therefore turned my attention to these birds. A preliminary analysis showed their reproductive behavior to be immature in several re-

Abstract: Data from 675 litters were used to study the effects of type of service, number of services, parity, year, season, breed of sire, sire, type of dam (purebred or crossbred), breed of dam, dam, breed of sire × type of dam and breed of sire × breed of dam on litter size (live births), number of males, number of females, sex ratio (percentage of males) and length of gestation. Yorkshire, Landrace and Lacombe breeds and their crosses were represented. Artificial insemination significantly reduced litter size and the number of females and increased sex ratio. Parity had a significant effect on all traits except sex ratio. Lacombe-sired litters were approximately one-half pig smaller than Yorkshire- and Landrace-sired litters. Landrace-sired litters had gestations of one-third day shorter than Yorkshires. On average, crossbred dams farrowed 0·65 more pigs per litter than pure-bred dams. Litters from Yorkshire dams, however, were more than one pig larger than Landrace and Lacombes, and did not differ significantly from crossbred dams. Gestation length of Lacombe sows was 1·34 days shorter than Yorkshires. Repeatabilities of litter size, number of males, number of females, sex ratio and gestation length were 0·15, 0·08, 0·06, 0·05 and 0·32 respectively.

Abstract: It has hem established that buffaloes come to heat during summer months (low breeding period) but do not exhibit clear cut heat symptoms. Because of this, many good animals remain unmated during summer. Hence, it was felt essential to study the endocrine physiology of buffalo, which is the main dairy animal in this country. By using radioimmunoassay technique, serum prolactin and LH levels in Surti breed of Indian water buffaloes were determined. Blood samples were collected at specific phases of the estrous cycle throughout the year and the samples were divided into three categories namely, medium breeding (monsoon), peak breeding (winter) and low breeding (summer) periods. Large fluctuations in prolactin activity were observed at different phases of the estrus during monsoon and winter but not in summer. Specifically, during monsoon and winter seasons a sharp fall in prolactin levels after ovulation was noted.

Abstract: Crossbred Hampshire–Duroc boars were compared to purebred Hampshire, Duroc and Landrace boars for seven semen characteristics and for reproductive performance under competitive double mating. A total of 14 boars were represented: three Hampshire–Duroc, three Hampshire, three Duroc and five Landrace. Significant breed of boar effects were observed on semen volume (P <.01), sperm concentration (P <.10), concentration score (P <.05), morphology score (P <.10), live–dead rate score (P <.05) and total semen score (P <.01). Landrace and Hampshire–Duroc boars produced more than twice the volume of semen produced by purebred Hampshires and Durocs. Hampshire, Duroc and Hampshire–Duroc boars had greater sperm concentrations and concentration scores than Landrace. Hampshire–Duroc boars ranked highest for morphology and total semen scores, but lowest for live–dead rate score. When double-mated to Landrace sows, breed of boar had no significant effect on conception rate but significantly affected (P <.05) percent of l...

Abstract: Summary This paper comprises the hematological parameters determined in the common reference laboratory. These results are compared with the results obtained by parallel examinations of the same blood samples in the respective national laboratories. There are significant differences in the mean leukocyte counts between different breeds or breed units. It could be shown that this variability is due to specific differences in the concentration of neutrophils and eosinophils but not of lymphocytes. The conclusion is, therefore, that the lymphocyte concentration is independent of breed. Hence, it is justified to establish a common leukosis key valid for the European cattle breeds. The problems of constructing a leukosis key are discussed and the argumentation which led to the now relevant EC‐leukosis key is explained. Zusammenfassung Bovine Hämatologie III. Vergleichende Untersuchungen über das weiße Blutbild bei europäischen Rinderrassen, durchgeführt im gemeinsamen Referenzlaboratorium Die Arbeit enthält die hämatologischen Parameter, die im gemeinsamen Referenzlaboratorium ermittelt wurden. Sie werden mit jenen verglichen, die aus Paralleluntersuchungen mit denselben Blutproben in den jeweiligen nationalen Laboratorien gewonnen wurden. Es gibt signifikante Unterschiede zwischen Rassen bzw. Rassengruppen bezüglich der mittleren Leukozytenkonzentration. Diese Variabilität beruht auf spezifischen Unterschieden in der Neutrophilen‐ und Eosinophilen‐, nicht jedoch der Lymphozytenkonzentration. Als Schlußfolgerung ergibt sich, daß die Lymphozytenkonzentration unabhängig von der Rinderrasse ist. Dies rechtfertigt die Einführung eines EG‐einheitlichen Leukoseschlüssels. Es werden die Probleme bei der Konstruktion eines Leukoseschlüssels diskutiert und die Argumente erläutert, die zu dem jetzt verbindlichen Leukoseschlüssel geführt haben. Résumé Hématologie du bovin III. Recherches comparées sur les globules blancs chez des races bovines européennes faites dans l'institut de référence commun Le travail contient les paramètres hématologiques obtenus dans un laboratoire de référence commun. Ils ont été comparés avec les résultats des mêmes échantillons sanguins des laboratoires nationaux. Il y a des différences significatives entre les races et les groupes de races pour la concentration moyenne des leucocytes. Cette variation repose sur des différences spécifiques dans la concentration des neutrophiles et des éosinophiles mais pas des lymphocytes. La concentration des lymphocytes est indépendante des races bovines. Ceci justifie l'introduction d'une clé numéraire unifiée pour la leucose. On discute des problèmes inhérents à l'élaboration d'une clé pour la leucose et on explicite les arguments qui ont conduit à la clé obligatoire présente. Resumen Hematología bovina III. Estudios raciales comparados de los parámetros leucocitarios en varias razas vacunas europeas, evaluados en el instituto comparativo común El trabajo contiene los parámetros hematológicos, que se infirieron en el laboratorio de referencia común. Se comparan con aquellos que se obtuvieron de exámenes paralelos con las mismas pruebas de sangre en los laboratorios nacionales correspondientes. Hay diferencias significantes entre las razas resp. grupos étnicos relativas a la concentración media de leucocitos. Esta variabilidad estriba en diferencias específicas en la concentración de neutrófilos y eosinófilos, no en la de linfocitos. Se infiere, como conclusión, que la concentración de linfocitos es independiente de la raza vacuna. Esto justifica la introducción de una clave de leucosis uniforme para toda la CE. Se discuten los problemas que surgieron en la estructuración de una clave de leucosis y se comentan los argumentos que condujeron a la clave de leucosis ahora vigente.

Abstract: Four male and eight female fecundity criteria were statistically analyzed for 343 white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus ) from Monongalia County, West Virginia, to ascertain the duration of the breeding season, peak breeding time, and the seasonal reproductive changes among both sexes in the wild population. From May 1969 through May 1970, the breeding season extended from February through October. Two periods of intensified breed occurred, one in the early spring and one in the late summer. Between the spring and summer breeding periods, male breeding activity decreased and reached a low in June, which was similar to but shorter in duration than the period of low fertility that occurred from October through January. All four parameters examined in males showed virtually identical patterns of change. Peak pregnancies were recorded in April-May and during August. Patterns similar to that of pregnancy were observed in seven of the eight female parameters analyzed, and the reproductive activity of the females was essentially identical to that of males. Breeding activity also decreased in June for females. Both sexes began reproductive activity in February. There was no evidence that the females become reproductively active earlier or later than the males. The decline in breeding activity in June was probably associated with age structure, because of the relationship of testes size to body weight in the May–June “season,” the general decline in body weight in June for both sexes to the low point of the year, and possibly low corpora lutea and implantation counts in June. There was probably no decline in individual reproductive performance per se but young adults entering the population diluted the number of reproducing adults already present.

Abstract: A total of 702 examinations were conducted on young (16 to 31 months) beef bulls of 3 breeds and 3 breed crosses (Brahman cross--100; Africander cross--93; Shorthorn cross--109; Brahman--81; Africander--89, and Hereford--230). A high occurrence of both increased size (overall 11.7%) and consistency (overall 40.2%) of seminal vesicles was observed. The Hereford breed had most enlarged (19.1%, P less than .01) and firm (20.9%, P less than .01) seminal vesicles. The significance of these findings is discussed. Testicular hypoplasia was diagnosed in 2.7% of examinations. The Brahman breed had most testicular hypoplasia (8.6%, P less than .01). The implications of this finding are discussed and the need is stressed for a wider investigation of gonad development in the Brahman breed in Australia. Other findings included: small seminal vesicles in 1.6% of examinations (Brahman breed highest with 8.6%, P less than .001), enlarged ampullae, 1.9%, 'soft' testicles, 3.4% and small testicles, 7.5%. Abnormal carriage of the testicles was detected in 0.3% of examinations. Ulceration of the prepuce was observed in 6.8% of examinations. The highest occurrences were in the SH (13.8%, P less than .01) and Africander (13.5%, P less than .05) breed groups. Varying degrees of preputial eversion or prolapse were seen in 0.7% of examinations with the Bx breed group having highest representation (3.0%, P less than .05).

Abstract: The involvement of New Zealand dairy farmers in beef production is outlined as a perspective for this series of papers. Objectives of the experiment reported in this series are described. Data are reported on calving difficulties, cow and calf mortalities, birth weights, and gestation lengths of 2188 single-born calves out of Friesian (F) cows sired by Friesian, Hereford (H), Simmental (S), Angus (A), Limousin (L), South Devon (SD), Blonde d'Aquitaine (BA), Red Devon (RD), and Charolais (C) bulls, born on 21, 18, 16, and 19 South Auckland dairy farms in the spring seasons of 1973–76 respectively. First-calving heifers, 2 years old at calving, were not used. In each year 10 F bulls were used, together with 10 from each of 2 of the other sire breeds listed. Relative to the F in each year, cows in-calf to C, BA, SD, or S bulls required more frequent assistance at calving than those in-calf to L, A, or H bulls in the descending order given. Dystocia was positively associated with sire breed mean birt...

Abstract: Two topics related to bone growth and development are considered: 1) Breed differences in bone weight distribution, 2) The inter-relationships of carcass shape, lean to bone ratio and bone characteristics between breeds. 1) Evidence on bone weight distribution is reviewed and the results of an analysis using MLC dissection files reported. This analysis was based on 753 steer carcasses from 17 breed-type x feeding system groups and is complementary with analyses published recently on fat and lean weight distribution. Small differences of little commercial importance were recorded between groups, a finding which agrees with existing evidence. 2) Breed variation in carcass conformation and its relationship with lean to bone ratio was examined using the data files above and more recent data from the MLC breed comparison trials at Ingliston and Sutton Bonington. Results indicate that, although there is a definite trend for breeds with better conformation to have higher lean to bone ratios at constant carcass subcutaneous fat percentage, certain breeds and crosses do not relate well to this trend. The results are discussed in relation to breed differences in bone characteristics and the genetic history of the various breeds.