Abstract: Disclosed herein are genetic markers for animal growth, appetite and fatness, methods for identifying such markers, and methods of screening animals to determine those more likely to produce desired growth, appetite and fatness and preferably selecting those animals for future breeding purposes. The markers are based upon the presence or absence of certain polymorphisms in the Ghrelin gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are genetic markers for animal growth, appetite and fatness, methods for identifying such markers, and methods of screening animals to determine those more likely to produce desired growth, appetite and fatness and preferably selecting those animals for future breeding purposes. The markers are based upon the presence or absence of certain polymorphisms in the Ghrelin gene.

Abstract: A head mounted stainless steel stereotaxic apparatus for precise locallization of probes/cannulas in selected regions of the mammalian brain. Novel aspects of this apparatus include versatility in placement of probe/cannula in selected sites in the brain, mobility of the animal after attachment of the apparatus to the frontal bone, and repeated use of the same instrument on different animal species.

Abstract: Cattle breeding herds are managed for accelerated time-controlled calving, using groups of cows predicted to calve within a period of 10 days, 1000 to 10,000 units of purified porcine relaxin are administered intramuscularly or intracervically. Auxiliary agents may also be administered such as methasone or dexamethasone. Within the selected group, parturition can be limited to time periods as short as 24 to 48 hours. Further, parturition can be accelerated from 2 to 10 days. These benefits are obtained without adverse side effects such as retained placenta or dystocia.

Abstract: An animal head restrainer for holding the head of an animal confined in an animal chute is provided and includes a pair of bracket assemblies adjustably attached to the chute and a head cradle connected to the bracket assemblies. The cradle includes a crossbar adjustably connected at opposite ends to the bracket assemblies, a clamp unit pivotally attached to the crossbar intermediate the ends thereof, a pair of spaced apart arms connected to and extending forwardly from the clamp unit, and a jaw support member slidably mounted upon the arms. The head restrainer permits the head of the animal to be raised, lowered, tilted and turned to the desired position for work thereon.