Importation Of Animal Products Research Articles

The cecal ecosystem is a great contributor to intramuscular fat deposition in broilers

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a meat quality trait of major economic importance in animal production. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that meat quality can be improved by regulating the gut microbiota. However, the organization and ecological properties of the gut microbiota and its relationship with the IMF content remain unclear in chickens. Here, we investigated the microbial communities of 206 cecal samples from broilers with excellent meat quality. We noted that the cecal microbial ecosystem obtained from hosts reared under the same management and dietary conditions showed clear compositional stratification. Two enterotypes, in which the ecological properties, including diversity and interaction strengths, were significantly different, described the microbial composition pattern. Compared with enterotype 2, enterotype 1, distinguished by the Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, had a higher fat deposition, although no discrepancy was found in growth performance and meat yield. A moderate correlation was observed in the IMF content between 2 muscle tissues, despite the IMF content of thigh muscle was 42.76% greater than that of breast muscle. Additionally, the lower abundance of cecal vadinBE97 was related to higher IMF levels in both muscle tissues. Although vadinBE97 accounted for 0.40% of the total abundance of genera in the cecum, it exhibited significant and positive correlations with other genera (accounting for 25.3% of the tested genera). Our results highlight important insights into the cecal microbial ecosystem and its association with meat quality. Microbial interactions should be carefully considered when developing approaches to improve the IMF content by regulating the gut microbiota in broilers.

Effect of Different Salt Concentrations on Germination of Forage Pea

As a result of the rapid increase in the world population, the problem of balanced and adequate nutrition has emerged, and at this point, the importance of animal production has increased even more. In this respect, there is a need to increase the cultivation areas of forage crops, as well as the correct management and reclamation of pastures for adequate and balanced nutrition of our existing animals. For this reason, forage pea (Pisum sativum L.), which has high nutritional value and is preferred by animals, is an important forage crop to meet this need. Salinity significantly limits the growth of the plant and causes yield losses. This abiotic stress negatively affects forage peas. In order to reveal the differences in the germination of forage pea varieties at different salt concentrations and the differences in the physical properties of the roots and seedlings, the effect of different salt concentrations on nine different varieties of forage peas was carried out in Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Agricultural Research and Biotechnology Center Laboratories in 2022. In the research, the effects of nine different field types (Ürünlü, Töre, Ateş, Guifredo, Taşkent, Özkaynak, Kurtbey, Uysal and Nany) at one control and eight different salt concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175 and 200 mM) on germination and seedling growth were examined. The experiment was carried out according to Completely Randomized Factorial Designs with 3 replications. In the research; germination speed and power, root dry and fresh weight, root dry and fresh length, seedling dry and fresh weight, seedling dry and fresh length were examined. According to the results obtained, a significant decrease was observed in germination rate, germination strength, root-shoot length and wet-dry weights of forage pea varieties due to increasing salt concentration. It has been determined that Tore field pea variety has the highest germination rate and power. Tore field pea showed 100% germination speed and power up to 150 mM salt concentration. In addition, Töre variety is followed by Ateş variety in all parameters. The varieties with the lowest germination rate and vigour were Guifredo and Uysal. As a result, the growth of forage pea varieties slowed down due to increasing salt concentration.

Bazı Hayvansal Ürünlerin Beslenme ve Sağlık Açısından Önemi

For an adult to have a balanced diet; It is necessary to consume 2800-3000 calories and at least 75- 80 g of protein in a day, and at least 30-35 g of this protein must be of animal origin. Nutrients consist of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. All nutrients contain these compounds to a greater or lesser extent. Although there are these compounds in plant-based foods, animal-based foods such as meat, milk, eggs and honey are rich in protein, as well as the biological value of the protein they contain. When it comes to the use of animal products as a support for the treatment of diseases, the importance of goat’s milk should be emphasized. It is known that goat milk is used in the treatment of many diseases. It has been determined by the positive results obtained from the applications that the regular consumption of goat milk and goat milk products is beneficial in the treatment of eczema, asthma, digestive disorders, some diseases related to varicose veins, virus abscesses and some allergic conditions. “Apitherapy” is a treatment method with bee products and it shows a rapid development in our country. Products obtained from beekeeping activities; products such as honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom. These products are used in many diseases (insomnia, digestive system diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, rheumatic, influenza, orthopedic diseases, skin cancer, eczema, asthma, arteriosclerosis, gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatic diseases, kidney, urinary tract infections, etc.) used as a supplement to treatments. Honey, propolis, royal jelly have excellent antibacterial properties. Bee venom has antirheumatic properties and pollen is used in the treatment of immunological diseases. The importance of animal products in terms of health should
 not be ignored and more studies on the subject are needed.

Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Animal Products Commercialized in the Border Region of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay

The traffic in international animal products can become a public health hazard when legal import sanitary procedures are not followed. In Brazil, due to its extensive border area, the importation of animal products is a common practice in many areas, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, a state that borders Argentina and Uruguay. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of veterinary drug residues (antibiotics and antiparasitics) in animal products consumed in Rio Grande do Sul. The presence of residues of veterinary antibiotics and antiparasitics was assessed in 189 meat (beef, pork, and chicken), processed dairy, and meat product samples bought in Argentina (n = 90) and Uruguay (n = 99). Residues of these veterinary drugs were detected in 50 (26.45%) of the samples; 28 samples (14.81%) had antibiotic residues, and 22 samples (11.64%) had antiparasitic residues. Of the 50 positive samples, 40% (15 from Argentina and 5 from Uruguay) had residues above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Of these 20 samples, 12 had antiparasitic residues above the MRLs (11 beef samples had ivermectin and 1 pork sample had ivermectin and doramectin) and 8 had antibiotic residues above the MRLs (2 pork and 2 sausage samples had doxycycline, 2 cheese samples had doxycycline and chlortetracycline, 1 poultry meat sample had chloramphenicol, and 1 cheese sample had monensin). Because of the potential toxic effects on humans and the potential for pathogens to develop antibiotic resistance, the presence of these residues above the MRLs is a potential risk to public health. The negative impact of consumption of imported animal products can be reduced by implementation of an effective surveillance system and educational campaigns for the general population.

ПУТИ УВЕЛИЧЕНИЯ ОБЪЕМОВ И ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА ЖИВОТНОВОДЧЕСКОЙ ПРОДУКЦИИ В РОССИИ

The article shows the importance of animal products for the human body. The state of production of meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, as well as eggs and egg products in the Russian Federation (RF) is considered. Their shortage in the country has been revealed. Attention is paid to the great importance of increasing the volume of production of these types of livestock products in the country to meet domestic needs and increase their exports. Low efficiency is shown when feeding animals with pure grain. The necessity of feeding animals only with compound feeds and other types of feed is justified. It is recommended to cooperate with feed and small and mediumsized livestock enterprises on a mutually beneficial basis.

After the Trade Dispute: Is Indonesian Food Sovereignty Threatened?

The winning of New Zealand and the United States in a trade dispute with Indonesia regarding quantitative restrictions on the import of horticultural products, animals and animal products at the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute panel assembly with case number DS (Dispute Settlement) 477 and 478, forces Indonesia to adjust its national policies with the existing rules in the 1994 GATT. This obviously becomes a concern for Indonesia's goal of realizing national food security and food sovereignty. This article aims to discuss how Indonesia's position in the case of DS 477 and DS 478 and how policy efforts in agriculture can be implemented so that Indonesia can withstand the development of international trade liberalization. This article is normative legal research that applies case and statutory approaches. It discusses the legal position of Indonesia when defending its reasons behind the restriction policies as well as analyses Indonesia’s opportunities to create food sovereignty and proposing legitimate policies after the cases decided. This article concludes that despite Indonesia was defeated in these cases, the opportunities for Indonesian agricultural products to be internationally marketed are still available and that bilateral arrangement would enable Indonesia to discuss the upcoming legitimate measures to be adopted. Reflecting on the results of WTO DS 477 and DS 478 cases, Indonesia should propose a Mutually Agreed Solution (MAS) and improving the provisions on horticulture imports and imports of animal products, carry out intensification and extensification policy, combat food cartels, and pay concern on the creation and implementation of various international trade regulations.

A survey of retail prices of antimicrobial products used in small-scale chicken farms in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

BackgroundIn the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, high quantities of products containing antimicrobial are used as prophylactic and curative treatments in small-scale chicken flocks. A large number of these contain antimicrobial active ingredients (AAIs) considered of ‘critical importance’ for human medicine according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, little is known about the retail prices of these products and variables associated with the expense on antimicrobials at farm level. Therefore, the aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the retail price of antimicrobials with regards to WHO importance criteria; and (2) to quantify the antimicrobial expense incurred in raising chicken flocks. We investigated 102 randomly-selected small-scale farms raising meat chickens (100–2000 per flock cycle) in two districts in Dong Thap (Mekong Delta) over 203 flock production cycles raised in these farms. Farmers were asked to record the retail prices and amounts of antimicrobial used.ResultsA total of 214 different antimicrobial-containing products were identified. These contained 37 different AAIs belonging to 13 classes. Over half (60.3%) products contained 1 highest priority, critically important AAI, and 38.8% 1 high priority, critically important AAI. The average (farm-adjusted) retail price of a daily dose administered to a 1 kg bird across products was 0.40 cents of 1 US$ (₵) (SE ± 0.05). The most expensive products were those that included at least one high priority, critically important AAI, as well as those purchased in one of the two study districts. Farmers spent on average of ₵3.91 (SE ± 0.01) on antimicrobials per bird over the production cycle. The expense on antimicrobials in weeks with disease and low mortality was greater than on weeks with disease and high mortality, suggesting that antimicrobial use had a beneficial impact on disease outcomes (χ2 = 3.8; p = 0.052). Farmers generally used more expensive antimicrobials on older flocks.Conclusions and recommendationThe retail prices of antimicrobial products used in chicken production in Mekong Delta small-scale chicken farms are very low, and not related to their relevance for human medicine. Farmers, however, demonstrated a degree of sensitivity to prices of antimicrobial products. Therefore, revising pricing policies of antimicrobial products remains a potential option to curb the use of antimicrobials of critical importance in animal production.

Animal health surveillance by quadrant A new intelligent agricultural surveillance system

Brazil is the world's greatest beef exporter and Mato Grosso do Sul state is one of the most relevant states of Brazil with utmost importance for animal production. To ensure the health of the animal herd, the Livestock Defense services of all federative units perform securities activities, although not as effective as they should be, following the procedures of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). This study aims to present a brand new health surveillance system established in Mato Grosso do Sul state where each city was mapped in blocks and ranked by hazard levels. An activity planning is carried out in which all city blocks receive livestock defense surveillance. The actions are tracked and registered through GPS devices and the data are assessed by satellites images analyzer software. Therefore, the actions are auditable and the results monthly analyzed for future actions planning. As a result, the surveillance actions ceased to be performed on demand and started to cover not only the areas next to the local office but the entire city areas as well; the registration's and sanitary program's data were updated and activities had become clear and auditable, allowing all actions of the Health Defense services to be controlled and monitored. It is known that, once these actions are implemented in other federative units it may lead to a differential advantage to Brazilian Health Defense Services.

СТАН ТА РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ ТОРГІВЛІ АГРОПРОДОВОЛЬЧИМИ ТОВАРАМИ МІЖ УКРАЇНОЮ І ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКИМ СОЮЗОМ

В статті розглянуто сучасній стан торгівлі агропродовольчими товарами України та ЄС. Вста-новлено, що в останні роки країни ЄС стають одними із важливих імпортерів продукції сільського гос-подарства та харчової промисловості, що пов’язується з дією зони вільної торгівлі. В товарній структу-рі експорту переважає сільськогосподарська продукція, проте її частка скорочується. Натомість зрос-тає частка продукції харчової промисловості. Виконано порівняльний аналіз обсягів експорту та імпор-ту по товарах чотирьох розділів продукції відповідно до УКТЗЕД. Встановлено, що по товарах першогоі четвертого розділів імпорт значно перевищує експорт. Натомість по товарах другого та третього роз-ділів експорт перевищує імпорт формуючи значне додатне сальдо. В цілому результатом торгівлі аг-ропродовольчими товарами з країнами ЄС є стійке позитивне сальдо, яке за період 201 3-201 7 рр.зросло в 2,6 рази.Досліджено основні причини формування від’ємного сальдо по певним товарним групам. Встатті підкреслюється, що основним шляхом отримання додатнього сальдо є зростання експорту, а нетільки зменшення імпорту. У висновках представлено рекомендації стосовно перспектив зростаннявиробництва та продажу агропродовольчої продукції на ринках ЄС.

Phosphorus distribution and loss in the livestock sector – The case of Thailand

Mass balance analysis of phosphorus (P) flows in livestock activities in Thailand was conducted with the aim to determine quantitatively its current status coupled with recovery and recycling potentials. From the total average P input to the Thai livestock sector of 126,343 t P y−1, over 90% of these quantities come from animal feed, while the remaining is from the import of animal products. After animal feed P is contained mostly in (a) manures (103,114 t P y−1) of which 96% are recycled to cultivation fields, (b) animal products (meat, milk, and eggs) (8120 t P y−1), (c) solid waste and wastewater released from processing plants (1201 t P y−1) and (d) unidentified loss during animal husbandry activities (13,908 t P y−1). Products produced from the livestock sector are delivered to the domestic market (89%) and exported (11%). The manures recycled, however, contribute to only 41% of the country’s P fertilizers applied on crop lands. The overall mass balance for Thailand’s livestock ecosystem indicates a P utilization efficiency of 88%. Concurrently, the livestock ecosystem exhibits an annual loss of 15,311 t P y−1. The greatest loss of about 39% occurs in layer hen husbandry activities; while, the highest loss per ton product is due to layer duck farming. Based on the findings of this work it is recommended that minimization of P loss, especially from husbandry farms, via maximization of P recycling be the focus of future research. Results should be aimed at reducing P imports needed for food cultivation and curtailing pollution causing eutrophic environments.

A Review of African Swine Fever and the Potential for Introduction into the United States and the Possibility of Subsequent Establishment in Feral Swine and Native Ticks.

African swine fever (ASF) is caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), which can cause substantial morbidity and mortality events in swine. The virus can be transmitted via direct and indirect contacts with infected swine, their products, or competent vector species, especially Ornithodoros ticks. Africa and much of Eastern Europe are endemic for ASF; a viral introduction to countries that are currently ASF free could have severe economic consequences due to the loss of production from infected animals and the trade restrictions that would likely be imposed as a result of an outbreak. We identified vulnerabilities that could lead to ASFV introduction or persistence in the United States or other ASF-free regions. Both legal and illegal movements of live animals, as well as the importation of animal products, byproducts, and animal feed, pose a risk of virus introduction. Each route is described, and current regulations designed to prevent ASFV and other pathogens from entering the United States are outlined. Furthermore, existing ASFV research gaps are highlighted. Laboratory experiments to evaluate multiple species of Ornithodoros ticks that have yet to be characterized would be useful to understand vector competence, host preferences, and distribution of competent soft tick vectors in relation to high pig production areas as well as regions with high feral swine (wild boar or similar) densities. Knowledge relative to antigenic viral proteins that contribute to host response and determination of immune mechanisms that lead to protection are foundational in the quest for a vaccine. Finally, sampling of illegally imported and confiscated wild suid products for ASFV could shed light on the types of products being imported and provide a more informed perspective relative to the risk of ASFV importation.

Association of TLR6 gene polymorphisms with zootechnical parameters in Holstein cattle in northern Antioquia

Specialized dairy systems are one of the most important lines in the agricultural sector in Colombia and the world. Currently there are strategies, both of environmental management and animal breeding, seeking to optimize the production. TLR6 gene, as many others related to immunity, is proving to be a useful candidate for programs of Marker Assisted Selection (MAS). Four hundred thirty two Holstein cows from 4 municipalities of northern Antioquia were genotyped using PCR-RFLP for C1859A and A1980G polymorphism of TLR6 gene. Allelic frequencies of 57.87% were found for C allele and 42.13% for A allele of C1859A, and 57.99% for A allele and 42.01% for G allele of A1980G. Genotypic frequencies of C1859A were 84.26% and 15.74% for CA and CC, respectively, and no AA genotype for this polymorphism was found; phenotypic frequencies of A1980G were 25.93%, 64.12% and 9.95% for AA, GA and GG, respectively. Mixed models for repeated measures with random effect of the animal were used to determine the association between genotypes and milk yield, percentages of protein and fat, services per conception, calving interval, and SCS. Both polymorphisms were only significant (P<0.01) on the SCS feature, being C allele of C1859A and A allele of A1980G the most favorable. TLR6 gene showed an effect on quality milk trait SCS, as expected for its immunological role in the response against bacteria, and can be postulated as molecular marker for selection against infectious diseases of importance in animal production, such as mastitis.

The Beasts at Large – Perennial Questions and New Paradigms for Caribbean Translocation Research. Part I: Ethnozoogeography of Mammals

ABSTRACTWhile researchers have long appreciated that mammal introductions were an important aspect of Amerindian-environment interaction in the prehistoric Caribbean, persistent questions about dispersal routes, animal management practices, possible domestication, and ritual use remain unresolved. In this three-article series, offered as a model approach for prehistoric translocation studies, I review the present state of knowledge on pre-Columbian Caribbean mammal translocations, focusing on three fundamental areas: (1) ethnozoogeographic distributions; (2) the sociocultural significance of translocated fauna; and (3) the ecological impact of introduced species. Here, in Part I, I consider species introduction patterns in relation to dispersal modes, the need to distinguish live introductions from the import of animal products, and the importance of direct-dating specimens to establish translocation chronology. In subsequent papers I explore topics II and III, advocating for a holistic approach to translocation research that integrates all three investigative areas to address larger questions about the role of introduced mammals in island society and ecology and their impact on human adaptation to the landscape. This first paper provides foundations for an ensuing final discussion in which I argue that intentional faunal translocation is sufficiently robust as a behavioural phenomenon across time and space to warrant theoretical treatment from an evolutionary perspective.

Changes in Polish Foreign Trade of Cattle Livestock and Beef

The main objective of the study was to analyse the changes and the conditions of foreign traded beef. The economic and political situation has had an impact on Poland’s foreign trade of agricultural food products. The main factors affecting international trade, and which have significantly decreased the growth rate of exports and imports of animal products, are the following: decreased oil prices and exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties related to the conflict in Ukraine, restrictions in trade with Russia, destabilisation in the Middle East and concerns about the future of the euro zone.

Life cycle assessment of beef cattle production in two typical grassland systems of southern Brazil

The importance of animal production in the overall context of human activity is undisputed and influences food supply, job security, income producing, as well as landscape and local ecosystems conservation. This relevance enhances the charges by society as the environmental impacts of various activities, especially in relation to ruminant production amid the current problems of climate changes. In this context, we analyzed the main environmental impacts of two typical beef cattle production systems from southern Brazil, namely the extensive system (ES) and the improved system (IS), and identified the components that have the greatest environmental impacts using the life cycle assessment method. The basis of the system construction was a cattle herd that originated from 100 weaned heifers, four weaned calves, and the progeny of these cattle during their productive life (12 years), and the land areas, external inputs, and other natural resources and technologies necessary to the operations. The functional unit was the production of 1 kg of live weight. The values of greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and freshwater depletion in the ES were higher compared with those values obtained for the IS (22.52 and 9.16 kg CO2 equivalents; 234.78 and 21.03 m2a; and 0.217 and 0.0949 m3, respectively). These variations were attributed to the permanence time of the animals in each system and to the quality and production of the pastures. The ES presented lower potential impacts than the IS on metal depletion and soil acidification (0.000519 and 0.0536 kg Fe equivalents; and 0.0028 and 0.0038 kg SO2 equivalents, respectively) mainly due to the pasture improvement practices and the salt supply to the animals. Moreover, the values of freshwater eutrophication and fossil depletion were higher in the ES than in the IS (0.00383 and 0.00219 kg P equivalents and 0.0042 and −0.1255 kg oil equivalents, respectively). While the pasture nutrient loss from runoff and leaching defined the values of eutrophication, the introduction of legumes compensates the use of fossil fuels. The diversity of the results provides a better understanding of the environmental impacts of different production systems and of regional singularities.

Isospora suis in an epithelial cell culture system - an in vitro model for sexual development in coccidia.

Coccidian parasites are of major importance in animal production, public health and food safety. The most frequently used representative in basic research on this group is Toxoplasma gondii. Although this parasite is well investigated there is no adequate in vitro model for its sexual development available and knowledge on this important life cycle phase is therefore scarce. The use of Isospora suis , a sister taxon to T. gondii and the causative agent of piglet coccidiosis, could provide a solution for this. In the present study an in vitro model for neonatal porcine coccidiosis in cells representative for the in vivo situation in the piglet gut was developed and evaluated. The parasite development was investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy and optimum culture conditions were evaluated. Intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) adequately representing the natural host cells supported the development of all endogenous life cycle stages of I . suis , including gametocytes and oocysts. A concentration of 5% fetal calf serum in the culture medium led to highest gametocyte densities on day 12 post infection. Low infection doses (≤1 sporozoite for 100 host cells) were best for oocyst and gametocyte development. The presented system can also be used for immunostaining with established antibodies developed against T. gondii (in our case, anti-TgIMC3 antibodies directed against the inner membrane complex 3). The complete life cycle of I . suis in a cell line representing the natural host cell type and species provides a unique model among coccidian parasites and can be used to address a wide range of topics, especially with regard to the sexual development of coccidia.

Molecular genetics of behaviour: research strategies and perspectives for animal production

Genetic factors are undoubtedly involved in inter-individual variability of the behaviours that may be important for livestock production, as shown by pedigree studies, comparison of genetic stocks raised in the same environment, and selection experiments. The knowledge of gene polymorphisms responsible for genetic variability would increase the efficiency of selection, as shown for instance by the identification of the ryanodine receptor gene that harbours the mutations responsible for the porcine stress syndrome, that allows the eradication of the susceptibility allele. One strategy is to screen systematically the genes that are known to be involved in regulation of behaviour (functional candidate genes). This strategy is however very difficult for most behavioural traits, since behaviour is an emerging function from the whole brain/body and the molecular pathways involved in genetic variability are very poorly understood. Another strategy is to investigate linkage between trait variation and genetic markers in a segregating population (usually an intercross or backcross between two strains or breeds contrasting for the trait under study). It allows the detection of genomic regions influencing that trait (quantitative trait loci or QTL), and further investigation aims at the identification of the gene(s) located in each of these regions and the molecular polymorphisms involved in phenotypic variation. Although many QTL have been published for behavioural traits in experimental animals, very few examples are available where strong candidate genes have been identified. Further progress will be very much dependent upon the careful definition of behavioural traits to be studied (including their importance for animal production), on the reliability of their measurement in a large number of animals and on the efficient mastering of environmental factors of variability. The fast increase in the knowledge of genome sequence in several species will undoubtedly facilitate the application to farm animal species of the knowledge obtained in model organisms, as well as the use of model organisms to explore candidate genes detected by QTL studies in farm animals.

Global gene expression patterns spanning 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation

Adipogenesis is of significant relevance from an agricultural perspective. Traits such as subcutaneous fat thickness, marbling and waste fat are of substantial economic importance in animal production. In order to discover more about the genetic basis of this process, a study was undertaken to examine the changes that occur daily in global gene expression as 3T3-L1 cells differentiate from preadipocyte to adipocyte. Duplicate RNA samples were collected daily during the differentiation process and probed with the Affymetrix U74Av2 GeneChip® microarray to allow the time-course analysis of the gene expression profile in these differentiating cells. Self-organizing maps (SOM) clustering was performed to extract patterns of expression over the course of the experiment (day 0 to day 6). The clustering generated nine distinct expression patterns containing between 74 and 420 genes/ESTs. Functional clusters and important chronological changes in the expression of key genes and gene groups were identified. The pattern of expression observed for many genes not only confirmed what has been shown previously for the early stages of differentiation, but also expanded this pattern to cover the whole differentiation process thus giving a very comprehensive overview of patterns and changes in gene expression over the time course of adipocyte differentiation. Key words: Adipocyte differentiation, gene expression, SOM clustering

The risks posed by the importation of animals vaccinated against foot and mouth disease and products derived from vaccinated animals: a review.

The Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the OIE (World organisation for animal health) (the Terrestrial Code) makes recommendations for international movements of live animals and animal products because of a possible generic risk of foot and mouth disease (FMD) for these different commodities. For instance, international movement of vaccinated live animals or products of such animals is restricted due to the possible masking of clinical disease as a result of vaccination and to the perceived risk of persistently infected animals among vaccinated livestock. In addition, bilateral agreements between exporting and importing countries on the importation of animal products can be based on the 'equivalence' of the animal health conditions in both countries, or on formal or informal risk assessments in accordance with the norms and recommendations of the Terrestrial Code. In this regard, an exporting country may be required to prepare a complete and transparent document describing the animal health situation, including the factors required to assess the risk involved. Furthermore, expert committees of importing countries regularly evaluate and verify these conditions in exporting countries. The level of confidence in the information obtained by the expert committee can then be entered into the risk analysis equation. An important FMD risk reduction factor for the importation of animals and animal products is early recognition of the disease at the source of the commodity by alert stakeholders, such as official and private veterinarians and the chain of the livestock industry. This is true for all countries irrespective of their vaccination status. The risk posed by the importation of vaccinated animals becomes negligible when an adequate protocol--in compliance with the norms and recommendations of the Terrestrial Code--is applied. However, recently, export of live animals from countries that do not practise vaccination has also proven to pose a significant risk and the rules governing such transport may have to be reviewed. Disease surveillance, biosecurity at the farm level, traceability and control of the source cattle and slaughterhouse inspections are the main risk reduction measures for meat and meat products from vaccinated cattle. If these animals are slaughtered and processed under good management practice--in accordance with the norms and recommendations of the Terrestrial Code--these products present a negligible risk for the introduction of FMD. Risk reduction by maturation and deboning is an important procedure, but is probably overemphasised. Mechanical contamination of cattle carcasses with 'carrier virus' from the pharyngeal area during slaughter and processing is very unlikely. Risk assessments showed that the importation of milk products from countries or zones that practise vaccination of dairy herds poses a negligible risk. Risk assessments also demonstrated that the importation of bovine embryos from vaccinated cows--in accordance with the norms and recommendations of the Terrestrial Code--poses a negligible risk. Likewise, the risk from the importation of semen from vaccinated bulls is also negligible when an adequate test protocol is applied in accordance with the Terrestrial Code.

Biodiversity of domestic livestock in the Republic of Yemen.

This paper describes the domestic livestock of the Republic of Yemen and aspires to complement earlier sources listing or partially describing 'breeds'. It attempts to cover all species and provide indications of production parameters through a literature review and via field observations made by the author in 1999. Information is provided on livestock numbers and the economic importance of animal production. Most animals are kept in sedentary mixed crop-livestock production systems; transhumant systems have the next greatest number of stock; with nomadic systems being of least and declining importance. Yemen's livestock appear to comprise at least 11 breeds of sheep, 5 breeds of goat, 2 breeds of cattle, 4 breeds of camel, 2 breeds of donkey and 1 breed of horse. There are no data on breeds of poultry but domestic fowl (where clearly considerable diversity exists) and pigeons are kept. There is little formal information on the history and relationships of most breeds. Some appear to be of ancient local origin, whereas others show affinities with those of neighbouring and other countries. None of the identified types is considered endangered, so conservation would be premature. A more formal and detailed genetic characterization, to add to the largely morphological and traditional classification, may, however, reveal such a need.