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This study was designed to provide updated information on the separable components, cooking yields, and proximate composition of retail cuts from the beef chuck. Additionally, the impact the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Quality and Yield Grade may have on such factors was investigated. Ultimately, these data will be used in the USDA - Nutrient Data Laboratory's (NDL) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR). To represent the current United States beef supply, seventy-two carcasses were selected from six regions of the country based on USDA Yield Grade, USDA Quality Grade, gender, and genetic type. Whole beef chuck primals from selected carcasses were shipped to three university laboratories for subsequent retail cut fabrication, raw and cooked cut dissection, and proximate analyses. The incorporation of these data into the SR will improve dietary education, product labeling, and other applications both domestically and abroad, thus emphasizing the importance of accurate and relevant beef nutrient data.

Wild European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) shed Campylobacter at high rates, suggesting that they may be a source of human and farm animal infection. A survey of Campylobacter shedding of 957 wild starlings was undertaken by culture of faecal specimens and genetic analysis of the campylobacters isolated: shedding rates were 30.6% for Campylobacter jejuni, 0.6% for C. coli and 6.3% for C. lari. Genotyping by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and antigen sequence typing established that these bacteria were distinct from poultry or human disease isolates with the ST-177 and ST-682 clonal complexes possibly representing starling-adapted genotypes. There was seasonal variation in both shedding rate and genotypic diversity, both exhibiting a maximum during the late spring/early summer. Host age also affected Campylobacter shedding, which was higher in younger birds, and turnover was rapid with no evidence of cross-immunity among Campylobacter species or genotypes. In nestlings, C. jejuni shedding was evident from 9 days of age but siblings were not readily co-infected. The dynamics of Campylobacter infection of starlings differed from that observed in commercial poultry and consequently there was no evidence that wild starlings represent a major source of Campylobacter infections of food animals or humans.

The objectives of this study were to determine the nutrient composition of grass-fed beef in the United States for inclusion in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, and to compare the fatty acid composition of grass-fed and conventionally fed (control) beef. Ground beef (GB) and strip steaks (SS) were collected on 3 separate occasions from 15 grass-fed beef producers that represented 13 different states, whereas control beef samples were collected from 3 regions (Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas) of the United States on 3 separate occasions. Concentrations of minerals, choline, vitamin B 12 , and thiamine were determined for grass-fed beef samples. Grass-fed GB samples had less Mg, P, and K (P < 0.05), and more Na, Zn, and vitamin B 12 (P < 0.05) than SS samples. Fat color, marbling, and pH were assessed for grass-fed and control SS. Subjective evaluation of the SS indicated that grass-fed beef had fat that was more yellow in color than control beef. Percentages of total fat, total cholesterol, and fatty acids along with trans fatty acids and CLA were determined for grass-fed and control SS and GB. Grass-fed SS had less total fat than control SS (P = 0.001), but both grass-fed and control SS were considered lean, because their total fat content was 4.3% or less. For both GB and SS, grass-fed beef had significantly less (P = 0.001 and P = 0.023, respectively) content of MUFA and a greater content of SFA, n-3 fatty acids, CLA, and trans-vaccenic acid than did the control samples. Concentrations of PUFA, trans fatty acids, n-6 fatty acids, and cholesterol did not differ between grass-fed and control ground beef. Trans-vaccenic acid (trans-11 18:1) made up the greatest concentration of the total trans fats in grass-fed beef, whereas CLA accounted for approximately 15% of the total trans fats. Although the fatty acid composition of grass-fed and conventionally fed beef was different, conclusions on the possible effects of these differences on human health cannot be made without further investigation.

Beef nutrition research has become increasingly important domestically and internationally for the beef industry and its consumers. The objective of this study was to analyze the nutrient composition of ten beef loin and round cuts to update the nutrient data in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Seventy-two carcasses representing a national composite of Yield Grade, Quality Grade, sex classification, and genetic type were identified from six regions across the U.S. Beef short loins, strip loins, tenderloins, inside rounds, and eye of rounds (NAMP # 173, 175, 190A, 169A, and 171C) were collected from the selected carcasses and shipped to three university meat laboratories for storage, retail fabrication, and raw/cooked analysis of nutrients. Sample homogenates from each animal were analyzed for proximate composition. These data provide updated information regarding the nutrient status of beef, in addition, to determining the influence of Quality Grade, Yield Grade, and sex classification on nutrient composition.

A three-year field trial on an upland loessial soil (Belmont silt loam) in New Zealand investigated the effects of ripping, application of fertilizer N and grazing management on the recovery of some physical, chemical and biochemical properties of soil and pasture productivity following removal (mining) of topsoil. Removing the top 31 cm of soil by mining (all of the A horizon and part of the AB horizon) also removed most of the soil's labile organic matter fractions, and to a lesser extent its total organic matter. After three years, the microbial C and mineralizable N in the 0–10 cm depth of mined soil had reached 65 and 62 per cent of the corresponding levels in unmined soil. Ripping to a depth of 30 cm, application of fertilizer N and lenient grazing of the pasture failed to enhance the recovery of soil fertility. A soil sampling depth of 20 cm provided a reasonable basis to assess the microbial biomass and potential fertility. Pasture productivity was, on average, 30 per cent lower on mined land than on unmined land over the first three years after mining. Application of N proved uneconomic in terms of farm production, although a good pasture response to N fertilizer was obtained. The results from this and related trials are summarized as a series of recommendations for the monitoring and regulation of topsoil mining. An incentive regime is also recommended to encourage land owners and/or topsoil miners to use successful restoration techniques on topsoil-mined land. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Recommendations to increase dietary intakes of starch and fiber in the United States may result in increased intake of resistant starch. High-amylose starch appears to resist digestion in vitro. To investigate the in vivo effect of high-amylose starch, diets containing 70% amylose or amylopectin cornstarches were fed for 14 wk each in a crossover design to 24 men [10 control, 14 hyperinsulinemic (HI)]. Fasting breath samples and periodic postingestion samples were analyzed for hydrogen during weeks 12 (nibbling tolerance test) and 14 (acute tolerance test) of each phase. Overall breath hydrogen was significantly higher after the amylose tolerance tests (nibbling, P0.0005; and acute, P0.0006). Control subjects, regardless of body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2), appeared to adapt to the high-amylose starch diet. Fasting breath hydrogen was significantly higher at week 12 but not at week 14 in HI subjects with a low BMI (25) consuming amylose than in other subjects. Breath hydrogen of the HI subjects with a moderate (between 25 and 27.8) or high (27.8) BMI increased from week 12 to week 14. The HI subjects with a high BMI averaged lower breath-hydrogen expiration than other HI subjects. After 3 d of excess energy intake, breath hydrogen after amylose was still significantly greater than after amylopectin (P0.019); fasting breath hydrogen of the control subjects after amylose more closely resembled that of the HI subjects. HI subjects with a high BMI may be more efficient at digesting all starch, therefore decreasing the amount available for colonic digestion. This may be a factor contributing to their greater body weight.

Experiments were conducted to determine 1) whether different crating durations influence stress responses and meat quality in broilers, and 2) whether holding crated broilers after transport influences corticosterone (CORT) levels and meat quality. In a preliminary experiment, male broilers (n = 50) were held in crates (10 birds per crate) for either 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 h prior to processing. Crating duration did not affect plasma CORT level, cooking loss, shear value of breast or thigh muscles, or carcass skin discolorations. Crating duration also did not affect the color (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue angle) of breast meat, but did change the color of thigh meat, with samples from the 3 h crating group having the highest hue values (P0.01). Corticosterone concentrations and hue values of thigh samples were positively correlated (P0.05, r = 0.244). In Experiment 1, broilers (n = 36) were crated for either 1 or 3 h, with 9 birds per crate. Crating time did not influence plasma CORT, epinephrine, or norepinephrine concentrations, initial pH, color, or texture of breast and thigh meat samples. In Experiment 2, broilers were crated (nine birds per crate) early in the morning and transported 3 h to the processing facility by truck. Nine crates of birds were held in a dark quiet place for 4 h prior to processing (H) and the remaining nine crates were processed immediately (NH). Corticosterone levels were significantly lower (P0.01) in the H group than in the NH group. Initial pH of thigh meat of the H group was also significantly lower (P0.01), although breast meat pH was not affected by treatment. Holding had no effect on shear values, color (breast and thigh), or total heme concentration (thigh). There was a significant correlation (P0.01, r = 0.302) between CORT levels and hue values of thigh meat. These results suggest that higher preslaughter stress levels in broilers could influence the color of thigh meat, although overall meat quality was not affected under the conditions of this study.

Long-term consumption of high-amylose starch on insulin and glucose response was investigated in 24 men: 10 control and 14 hyperinsulinemic (HI) subjects. Subjects consumed products made with standard (70% amylopectin, 30% amylose) or high-amylose (70% amylose, 30% amylopectin) cornstarch for two 14-wk periods in a crossover pattern. Starch products replaced usual starches in the self-selected diet for 10 wk followed by 4 wk of a controlled diet. After a starch-tolerance test with bread made from the starch consumed during that period, the insulin response curve area was significantly lower in all subjects after amylose consumption (P < 0.002). Glucose responses in HI and control subjects were similar and did not vary with the type of starch. Fasting triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower in subjects who consumed the high-amylose compared with the standard-starch diet throughout the study. Chronic consumption of high-amylose foods normalized the insulin response of hyperinsulinemic subjects and showed a potential benefit for diabetic subjects.

Of the pomacanthids examined in the present study (22 species; seven genera), only Genicanthus (eight species) had unique oesophageal papillae. The papillae of the masked angelfish, Genicanthus personatus are arranged in a radial fashion, finger-like or polypoid in shape, very abundant, fill the lumen, and vary considerably in length (0·38–2.40 mm) and width (0·12–1·18 mm). The surface pores (2.8–45.2 μm in diameter) of each papilla are part of the gastric or mucus-secreting oesophageal glands as determined by histological examination. Preliminary stomach content analyses revealed that G personatus consumes a variety of animal and plant material, including algae, copepods, diatoms, and eggs, but dominated in volume by plant material. The oesophageal papillae may constitute a morphological specialization of the digestive tract at the genus level. This may enable Genicanthus spp. to utilize and process a food source not readily available to other pomacanthid species. Additional studies are necessary to determine other ecological, behavioural, social, and morphological variables that separate this large and diverse group of fishes ecologically.

Recommendations made to increase complex carbohydrate and fiber intake in the United States may result in energy loss from increased fecal losses of starch, protein, and fat. The type of fiber or starch and the amount consumed affect digestion of the carbohydrate and interactions with other nutrients. On average, 8.4 kJ (2 kcal) digestible energy/g is available from up to 70 g poorly digested carbohydrate/d. Undigested fiber and starch are important substrates for colon bacteria and are fermented to short-chain fatty acids, hydrogen, and methane. Hydrogen and methane excreted through the lungs have been used as indicators of colonic fermentation. Fermentation appears to contribute significant digestible energy when > 20 g poorly digested carbohydrate/d is consumed.

This study was designed to compare the metabolizable energy of two starch sources, standard cornstarch and high amylose cornstarch.Diets containing 70% amylose (AM) or 70% amylopectin (AP) cornstarches were fed to 10 control and 14 hyperinsulinemic men for 14 weeks. During the last 4 weeks of each period, subjects were fed a controlled diet containing 34% of total energy from fat, 15% from protein and 51% from carbohydrate (55% of carbohydrate provided AM or AP). Duplicate food and all urine and feces were collected during the second week of the controlled diets for energy, nitrogen, fiber and starch determinations. Metabolizable energy (ME) was calculated as [energy intake minus (fecal plus urinary energy excretion)].Total fiber uncorrected for resistant starch was 35.2 g and 48.8 g in the AP and AM diets, respectively. The AM diet contained an average of 29.7 g resistant starch (16% of total starch) while the AP diet averaged 0.8 g (less than 0.01%). ME was not significantly different between the AM and AP diets nor between the control and hyperinsulinemic subjects. Fecal energy and nitrogen was significantly higher after the AM compared to AP diet. Based on energy intake and fecal excretion from all subjects, the partial digestible energy value for the resistant starch averaged 11.7 kJ/g resistant starch which was 67.3% of the energy of standard cornstarch. Control and hyperinsulinemic subjects differed in their ability to digest resistant starch, averaging 81.8% and 53.2, respectively. The hyperinsulinemic, but not control, subjects had significantly higher breath hydrogen expirations (LS means, p0.05) in the fasting, 1-5 hours and 7 hour collections after consuming the AM when compared to the AP tolerance meal.The type of starch consumed in the diet did not statistically affect metabolizable energy. Based on ME and breath hydrogen expiration, amylose and the resistant starch from amylose appears to be utilized as an energy source. Resistant starch averaged 2.8 kcal/g for all 24 subjects but only 2.2 kcal/g in the hyperinsulinemic subjects.

SummaryGorse (Ulex europaeus) was harvested in late spring, summer, autumn and winter and fed to six goats kept individually in metabolism cages for 21-day periods. The same gorse was also fed to sheep during the first two periods, but not in autumn and winter, as the hardness and sharpness of the needles caused total rejection by the sheep at these times. Measurements of voluntary intake and apparent digestibility were made over the last 7 days of each period. To minimize effect of diet selection the animals were fed at hourly intervals. Dietary lignin concentration was very high, ranging from 170 to 200g/kg D.M. Voluntary metabolizable energy (ME) intake for goats was respectively 1·60, 0·82, 0·72 and 0·41 times maintenance for the four harvesting times, late spring, summer, autumn and winter. Corresponding values for sheep were 0·90 and 0·33 for gorse harvested in late spring and summer. Thus, in late spring and summer, voluntary ME intake by goats was respectively 1·8 and 2·5 times that of sheep. The reduction in ME intake with time was attributed to increases in the contents of D.M. and of lignin + hemicellulose in depressing voluntary D.M. intake and apparent digestibility respectively. Voluntary intake of both supplementary water and total water per unit D.M. intake were consistently less for goats than sheep. From a comparison with published values, it was concluded that the superiority of. goats over temperate breeds of sheep in digestible dry matter intake (DDMI)/kg W0·75per day increased as the lignin content of the diet exceeded 120 g/kg D.M., indicating that goats must possess some superior mechanism for breaking down highly lignified diets such as gorse and willow. It is proposed that cashmere fibre production from goats grazing gorse for a 7-month period of each year should be evaluated as an alternative to regulating gorse with chemicals.