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Further proceedings of the CEC beef production research seminars
Livestock Production Science, 13 (1985) 313--316 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam -- Printed in The Netherlands
313
Publications of Interest FURTHER PROCEEDINGS SEMINARS
OF THE CEC BEEF PRODUCTION
RESEARCH
This last review of proceedings of research seminars and workshops under the beef production research programme of the Commission of the European Communities covers the period from 1979 up to the end of 1983, the expiry date. Almost all proceedings have appeared in the meantime. The 12 preceding seminar proceedings have already been reviewed briefly in Livest. Prod. Sci., 3:397--399 and 7: 516--519. The seminars and workshops reviewed briefly here dealt with a broad variety of subjects relevant to beef production. Moreover, the proceedings have been published in different series, mostly in the series of the European Commission and in the series of Martinus Nijhoff Publishers on current topics in veterinary medicine. Therefore in no w a y do these proceedings form a coherent group. Each of them is a valuable up-date of the state of the art in a specific area, evaluating scientific progress and outlooks. S o m e proceedings relevant to the beef programme have been published as part of the E E C animal welfare series, e.g. the one on dark cutting in beef (Livest. Prod. Sci., 11 (1984) 535--537). The proceedings are first of all o f interest for research workers, but most are of a broader interest as well, depending on the topic. Because the proceedings deal with areas of an actual interest they are listed below, with a short description of the objectives and the main topics included. E UR 6812. Energy and Protein Feeding Standards Applied to the Rearing and Finishing o f B e e f Cattle. A Seminar in the EEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held in Theix, France, 1979. C. B~ranger (Editor), Special issue Annales de Zootechnie (no hors s~rie 1980), INRA Publications, Rte de St-Cyr, 78000 Versailles, France, 1980, 424 pp., 22 papers and discussions, FF 188.00, ISBN 2-85340-304-1. Objectives: to evaluate and synthesize the research results and resulting recommendations on feed evaluation and feeding standards for beef in the various countries, in order to promote harmonization at the European level. Principal sections: Energy and protein feeding standards/Feed requirements/Feed intake/Influence of energy and protein levels on growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass and meat quality/Simple methods to predict feeding value/Recommendations and needs for future research. A n Appendix listsenergy and protein feeding standards for growing and fattening cattle used in various countries. Anabolic Agents in Beef and Veal Production. A Workshop in the EEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held in Brussels, Belgium, 1981. J. Roche (Editor). Veterinary Field Station, Ballycoolin Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland, 1981, 156 pages, 10 papers, £5, ISBN 0-905442-54-7. Objectives: to up-date existing scientific knowledge on efficacy, metabolism, toxicology and residues of anabolic agents used in beef and veal production. The conclusions refer to lines of policy in the use of anabolics and to areas of research and development. E U R 7326 EN. The Cull Cow as a B e e f Producer. A Seminar in the CEC beef research programme, held in Rome, 1980. D.M. Allen and A. Romita (Editors). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1981, 158 pp., 15 papers and discussions, Bfr. 500, ISBN 92-825-2484-1.
314 Objectives: to describe the contribution of beef from cull cows to total supplies, its marketing and utilization in member states. Secondly to study cull cows, including their derivation, further feeding to increase weight and carcass quality, carcass description and meat quality. Principal topics: Production and marketing/Derivation of cull cows/Feeding/Carcasses/Conclusions.
EUR 7640 EN. Ultrasonic Techniques for Describing Carcass Characteristics in Live Cattle. A report in the CEC beef research programme. B. Bech Andersen, H. Busk, J.P. Chadwick, A. Cuthbertson, G.A.J. Fursey, D.W. Jones, P. Lewin, C.A. Miles and M.G. Owen. O f i c e for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1982, 78 pp., 5 figs., 30 tables, 2 plates, Bfr. 250, ISBN 92-825-2912-6. The report describes a CEC-sponsored experiment involving various ultrasonic instruments to be used for the prediction of beef carcass composition, in order to provide potential users with adequate background information upon which to select the most suitable equipment and]or the best way of using it. In most cases the machine/operator combinations predicted carcass composition with similar degrees o f accuracy, and therefore other factors may be decisive in making the choice of the equipment to use.
524. Beretning fra Statens Husdyrbrugsfors$g. In Vivo Estimation o f Body Composition in Beef. A workshop in the CEC beef research programme held in Copenhagen, 1981. B. Bech Andersen (Editor). Landhusholdnings selskabets forlag, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Copenhagen V, 1982, 195 pp., 9 status reports by country and 13 papers, Dkr. 30. Objectives: to review current techniques for the in vivo estimation of body composition and to discuss the potential use and the limitations of various techniques for application in breeding work and in nutrition and growth studies. Emphasis was placed on interdisciplinary exchange of views and ideas. Principal topics: Comparison of ultrasonic equipment/Current use of in vivo techniques]Potential and limitations of in vivo techniques/Various techniques/Conclusions.
EUR 6896 EN. Muscle H y p e r t r o p h y o f Genetic Origin and its use to Improve Beef Production. A Seminar in the EEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production held in Toulouse, France, 1980. J.W.B. King and F. Menissier (Editors). Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague -- Boston -- London, 1982, 658 pp., 35 papers and discussions, Dfl. 175, ISBN 90-247-2637-9. Objectives: to bring together available experience on the utilisation of hereditary muscular hypertrophy for meat production in EC countries. Contributions ranged from those on the inheritance of muscular hypertrophy to alternative production systems, and from fundamental studies o f muscle growth to practical ways of selling the additional muscle found in animals with muscular hypertrophy. The complete papers represent one of the most extensive reviews of the subject that has been attempted. Principal sections: Effect on performance/Nature and origin of the trait and its biological determination/Genetics and selection/Use of double muscled cattle/Conclusions and perspectives.
EUR 7895 EN. Factors Influencing Fertility in the Post-partum Cow. A Seminar in the CEC programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production held at Freising, 1981. H. Karg and E. Schallenberger (Editors). Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague -- Boston -- London, 1982, 585 pp., 37 papers and discussions, Dfl. 175, ISBN 90-2472715-4.
315 Objectives: to review the current knowledge and recent research concerning factors influencing the fertility of the post-partum cow and to examine possibilities and limitations for measures of improvement in an interdisciplinary group of scientists consisting of physiologists, clinicians, economists and animal scientists. Principal sections: Impact of physiological events on post-partum performance/ Post-partum morphology and physiology of the uterus and ovary/Neuroendocrine and endocrine regulation of pituitary and ovarian function post-partum/Environmental influences/Economical aspects/Treatments and biotechnical measures/Conclusions and outlook. EUR 8073 EN. Beef Production from Different Dairy Breeds and Dairy Beef Crosses. A Seminar in the CEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held at Castleknock, Co. Dublin, 1981. G.J. More O'Ferral (Editor). Martinus Nijhoff, The H a g u e - Boston -- London, 1982, 395 pp., 25 papers and discussions, Dfl. 135, ISBN 90-247-2759-6. Objectives: to review recent comparisons of Holstein and Friesian strains with other dairy breeds for beef and veal production; to look at the use of beef breeds for crossing on dairy herds in various E E C countries, and to examine the economic and genetic balance between milk and beef traitsin dual-purpose bull testing and selection. Principal sections: Comparison of Friesian strains and other dairy breeds for beef and veal production/Beef crossing in dairy herds/Modelling studies on the balance between milk and beef/Practice and future of beef production from dairy herds/Conclusions.
EUR 8075 EN. Electrical Stimulation and Hot Boning: Effects on Meat Quality Attributes. A workshop in the CEC beef research programme held in Utrecht, 1981. C. Valin and A.A. Taylor (Editors). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1983, 54 pp., 6 papers, Bfr. 150, ISBN 92-825-3508-8. Objectives: to review the current knowledge on the effects of electricalstimulation and hot boning of carcasses in terms of microbiological quality, meat yield and meat properties, and to consider safety and training aspects. In addition, the necessity to standardize procedures and methods of assessment was considered. Principal topics: Hygienic aspects/Factors associated with meat yield/Water retention/ Meat colour/Meat tenderness.
EUR 8465 EN. Comparative Retail Value o f Beef Carcasses. Proceedings of two meetings in the CEC beef research programme held in Copenhagen, 1980 and in Langford, 1981. A.V. Fisher (Editor). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1983, 167 pp., 12 papers and discussions, Bfr. 500, ISBN 92-825-3694-7. Objectives: to assess and to quantify the factors determining the retail value of beef carcasses under the various conditions in the E C countries. Apart from composition in terms of muscle, fat and bone, different methods of retail cutting are involved, interfering with quality concepts of butchers and consumers. S o m e different approaches to establish the economical value of beef carcasses were explored. Principal topics: Factors influencing retail value/Method of retail cutting/Price differentiation of carcasses. E U R 8814 EN. Grassland Beef Production. A Seminar in the C E C Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held in Wye, Ashford, Kent, U.K., 1983. W. Holmes (Editor). Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Boston -- The Hague -- Dordrecht -Lancaster, 1984, 195 pp., 22 papers, 100 Dfl, ISBN 0-89838-650-0.
316 Objectives: to consider h o w better use can be made of grazed and conserved grass, aiming at reduced costs of beef production, at the same time reducing the need for feeding supplementary plant proteins. In particular, to focus on the relation between predicted herbage production and animal production, and on bull beef production. Consequences of grass-based systems for the system of selection should also be considered. Principal sections: Description of actual production conditions/Beef suckler systems/ Dairy beef systems/Beef cattle improvement/Experimental methods/Conclusions.
E U R 8919 EAT. Manipulation o f Growth in Farm Animals. A Seminar in the CEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held in Brussels, 1982. J.F. Roche and D. O'Callaghan (Editors). Martinus Nijhoff, Boston -- The Hague -Dordrecht -- Lancaster, 1984, 306 pp., 17 papers and discussions, Dfl. 125, ISBN 0-89838-617-8. Objectives: to update the existing position as regards use, safety, metabolism and residues of anabollc agents. The endocrine control of growth was discussed and alternative methods to increase growth were outlined. Priority areas for further research were identified, stressing the importance of multi-disciplinary approach. Principal sections: Residues and tolerance levels of anabolic agents/Metabolism and effects of anabolic agents/Immunization against somatostatin/Immunological castration/ Growth regulation in ruminants/Photoperiodic effects on growth/Conclusions.
EUR 8988 EN. The Long-term Definition o f Meat Quality: Controlling the Variability in Beef, Veal, Pigmeat and Lamb. A symposium in the CEC programme for the coordination of agricultural research, held in Brussels, 1983. G. Harrington (Editor). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1985, 213 pp., 17 papers and discussions, Bfr. 700, ISBN 92-825-4938-0. Objectives: to review trends in the requirements of consumers and meat industry to red meats, to evaluate "quality" concepts and their relevance to successive stages of the meat chain, and to consider quality schemes to increase consumer satisfaction and interest. In particular, the scope for future E C research cooperation on red meat quality should be considered, as a follow-up to the extensive work on beef under the expiring C E C programme for agricultural research. Principal sections: Evidence on consumer habits, expectations and preferences/Factors affecting the control of variability/National schemes for identification of "quality" to improve consumer satisfaction/Trade experience in controlling variability and the application of research results/Notes from the meeting (conclusions).
E U R 9001 EN. In Vivo Measurement o f Body Composition in Meat Animals. A workshop in the CEC programme of coordination of agricultural research, held in Langford, Bristol, U.K., 1983. D. Lister (Editor). Elsevier Applied Science Publishers, London and New York, 1984, 241 pp., 30 papers, discussions and conclusions, £29.75 incl. postage, ISBN 0-85334-319-5. Objectives: to consider the latest techniques, e.g. X-ray Computed Tomography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Neutron Activation Analysis, which are becoming increasingly important as diagnostic aids in human medicine. Consequently much of the experience and expertise in these fields comes from the medical world, and medical colleagues made a substantial contribution to the meeting. Opportunities of application in animal production were to be considered. Principal sections: State of the art in animal production/Body composition measurements in man/Computed tomography in farm animals/Short miscellaneous papers and posters/Cost-benefit analysis/Future developments.
313
Publications of Interest FURTHER PROCEEDINGS SEMINARS
OF THE CEC BEEF PRODUCTION
RESEARCH
This last review of proceedings of research seminars and workshops under the beef production research programme of the Commission of the European Communities covers the period from 1979 up to the end of 1983, the expiry date. Almost all proceedings have appeared in the meantime. The 12 preceding seminar proceedings have already been reviewed briefly in Livest. Prod. Sci., 3:397--399 and 7: 516--519. The seminars and workshops reviewed briefly here dealt with a broad variety of subjects relevant to beef production. Moreover, the proceedings have been published in different series, mostly in the series of the European Commission and in the series of Martinus Nijhoff Publishers on current topics in veterinary medicine. Therefore in no w a y do these proceedings form a coherent group. Each of them is a valuable up-date of the state of the art in a specific area, evaluating scientific progress and outlooks. S o m e proceedings relevant to the beef programme have been published as part of the E E C animal welfare series, e.g. the one on dark cutting in beef (Livest. Prod. Sci., 11 (1984) 535--537). The proceedings are first of all o f interest for research workers, but most are of a broader interest as well, depending on the topic. Because the proceedings deal with areas of an actual interest they are listed below, with a short description of the objectives and the main topics included. E UR 6812. Energy and Protein Feeding Standards Applied to the Rearing and Finishing o f B e e f Cattle. A Seminar in the EEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held in Theix, France, 1979. C. B~ranger (Editor), Special issue Annales de Zootechnie (no hors s~rie 1980), INRA Publications, Rte de St-Cyr, 78000 Versailles, France, 1980, 424 pp., 22 papers and discussions, FF 188.00, ISBN 2-85340-304-1. Objectives: to evaluate and synthesize the research results and resulting recommendations on feed evaluation and feeding standards for beef in the various countries, in order to promote harmonization at the European level. Principal sections: Energy and protein feeding standards/Feed requirements/Feed intake/Influence of energy and protein levels on growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass and meat quality/Simple methods to predict feeding value/Recommendations and needs for future research. A n Appendix listsenergy and protein feeding standards for growing and fattening cattle used in various countries. Anabolic Agents in Beef and Veal Production. A Workshop in the EEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held in Brussels, Belgium, 1981. J. Roche (Editor). Veterinary Field Station, Ballycoolin Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland, 1981, 156 pages, 10 papers, £5, ISBN 0-905442-54-7. Objectives: to up-date existing scientific knowledge on efficacy, metabolism, toxicology and residues of anabolic agents used in beef and veal production. The conclusions refer to lines of policy in the use of anabolics and to areas of research and development. E U R 7326 EN. The Cull Cow as a B e e f Producer. A Seminar in the CEC beef research programme, held in Rome, 1980. D.M. Allen and A. Romita (Editors). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1981, 158 pp., 15 papers and discussions, Bfr. 500, ISBN 92-825-2484-1.
314 Objectives: to describe the contribution of beef from cull cows to total supplies, its marketing and utilization in member states. Secondly to study cull cows, including their derivation, further feeding to increase weight and carcass quality, carcass description and meat quality. Principal topics: Production and marketing/Derivation of cull cows/Feeding/Carcasses/Conclusions.
EUR 7640 EN. Ultrasonic Techniques for Describing Carcass Characteristics in Live Cattle. A report in the CEC beef research programme. B. Bech Andersen, H. Busk, J.P. Chadwick, A. Cuthbertson, G.A.J. Fursey, D.W. Jones, P. Lewin, C.A. Miles and M.G. Owen. O f i c e for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1982, 78 pp., 5 figs., 30 tables, 2 plates, Bfr. 250, ISBN 92-825-2912-6. The report describes a CEC-sponsored experiment involving various ultrasonic instruments to be used for the prediction of beef carcass composition, in order to provide potential users with adequate background information upon which to select the most suitable equipment and]or the best way of using it. In most cases the machine/operator combinations predicted carcass composition with similar degrees o f accuracy, and therefore other factors may be decisive in making the choice of the equipment to use.
524. Beretning fra Statens Husdyrbrugsfors$g. In Vivo Estimation o f Body Composition in Beef. A workshop in the CEC beef research programme held in Copenhagen, 1981. B. Bech Andersen (Editor). Landhusholdnings selskabets forlag, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Copenhagen V, 1982, 195 pp., 9 status reports by country and 13 papers, Dkr. 30. Objectives: to review current techniques for the in vivo estimation of body composition and to discuss the potential use and the limitations of various techniques for application in breeding work and in nutrition and growth studies. Emphasis was placed on interdisciplinary exchange of views and ideas. Principal topics: Comparison of ultrasonic equipment/Current use of in vivo techniques]Potential and limitations of in vivo techniques/Various techniques/Conclusions.
EUR 6896 EN. Muscle H y p e r t r o p h y o f Genetic Origin and its use to Improve Beef Production. A Seminar in the EEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production held in Toulouse, France, 1980. J.W.B. King and F. Menissier (Editors). Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague -- Boston -- London, 1982, 658 pp., 35 papers and discussions, Dfl. 175, ISBN 90-247-2637-9. Objectives: to bring together available experience on the utilisation of hereditary muscular hypertrophy for meat production in EC countries. Contributions ranged from those on the inheritance of muscular hypertrophy to alternative production systems, and from fundamental studies o f muscle growth to practical ways of selling the additional muscle found in animals with muscular hypertrophy. The complete papers represent one of the most extensive reviews of the subject that has been attempted. Principal sections: Effect on performance/Nature and origin of the trait and its biological determination/Genetics and selection/Use of double muscled cattle/Conclusions and perspectives.
EUR 7895 EN. Factors Influencing Fertility in the Post-partum Cow. A Seminar in the CEC programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production held at Freising, 1981. H. Karg and E. Schallenberger (Editors). Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague -- Boston -- London, 1982, 585 pp., 37 papers and discussions, Dfl. 175, ISBN 90-2472715-4.
315 Objectives: to review the current knowledge and recent research concerning factors influencing the fertility of the post-partum cow and to examine possibilities and limitations for measures of improvement in an interdisciplinary group of scientists consisting of physiologists, clinicians, economists and animal scientists. Principal sections: Impact of physiological events on post-partum performance/ Post-partum morphology and physiology of the uterus and ovary/Neuroendocrine and endocrine regulation of pituitary and ovarian function post-partum/Environmental influences/Economical aspects/Treatments and biotechnical measures/Conclusions and outlook. EUR 8073 EN. Beef Production from Different Dairy Breeds and Dairy Beef Crosses. A Seminar in the CEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held at Castleknock, Co. Dublin, 1981. G.J. More O'Ferral (Editor). Martinus Nijhoff, The H a g u e - Boston -- London, 1982, 395 pp., 25 papers and discussions, Dfl. 135, ISBN 90-247-2759-6. Objectives: to review recent comparisons of Holstein and Friesian strains with other dairy breeds for beef and veal production; to look at the use of beef breeds for crossing on dairy herds in various E E C countries, and to examine the economic and genetic balance between milk and beef traitsin dual-purpose bull testing and selection. Principal sections: Comparison of Friesian strains and other dairy breeds for beef and veal production/Beef crossing in dairy herds/Modelling studies on the balance between milk and beef/Practice and future of beef production from dairy herds/Conclusions.
EUR 8075 EN. Electrical Stimulation and Hot Boning: Effects on Meat Quality Attributes. A workshop in the CEC beef research programme held in Utrecht, 1981. C. Valin and A.A. Taylor (Editors). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1983, 54 pp., 6 papers, Bfr. 150, ISBN 92-825-3508-8. Objectives: to review the current knowledge on the effects of electricalstimulation and hot boning of carcasses in terms of microbiological quality, meat yield and meat properties, and to consider safety and training aspects. In addition, the necessity to standardize procedures and methods of assessment was considered. Principal topics: Hygienic aspects/Factors associated with meat yield/Water retention/ Meat colour/Meat tenderness.
EUR 8465 EN. Comparative Retail Value o f Beef Carcasses. Proceedings of two meetings in the CEC beef research programme held in Copenhagen, 1980 and in Langford, 1981. A.V. Fisher (Editor). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1983, 167 pp., 12 papers and discussions, Bfr. 500, ISBN 92-825-3694-7. Objectives: to assess and to quantify the factors determining the retail value of beef carcasses under the various conditions in the E C countries. Apart from composition in terms of muscle, fat and bone, different methods of retail cutting are involved, interfering with quality concepts of butchers and consumers. S o m e different approaches to establish the economical value of beef carcasses were explored. Principal topics: Factors influencing retail value/Method of retail cutting/Price differentiation of carcasses. E U R 8814 EN. Grassland Beef Production. A Seminar in the C E C Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held in Wye, Ashford, Kent, U.K., 1983. W. Holmes (Editor). Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Boston -- The Hague -- Dordrecht -Lancaster, 1984, 195 pp., 22 papers, 100 Dfl, ISBN 0-89838-650-0.
316 Objectives: to consider h o w better use can be made of grazed and conserved grass, aiming at reduced costs of beef production, at the same time reducing the need for feeding supplementary plant proteins. In particular, to focus on the relation between predicted herbage production and animal production, and on bull beef production. Consequences of grass-based systems for the system of selection should also be considered. Principal sections: Description of actual production conditions/Beef suckler systems/ Dairy beef systems/Beef cattle improvement/Experimental methods/Conclusions.
E U R 8919 EAT. Manipulation o f Growth in Farm Animals. A Seminar in the CEC Programme of Coordination of Research on Beef Production, held in Brussels, 1982. J.F. Roche and D. O'Callaghan (Editors). Martinus Nijhoff, Boston -- The Hague -Dordrecht -- Lancaster, 1984, 306 pp., 17 papers and discussions, Dfl. 125, ISBN 0-89838-617-8. Objectives: to update the existing position as regards use, safety, metabolism and residues of anabollc agents. The endocrine control of growth was discussed and alternative methods to increase growth were outlined. Priority areas for further research were identified, stressing the importance of multi-disciplinary approach. Principal sections: Residues and tolerance levels of anabolic agents/Metabolism and effects of anabolic agents/Immunization against somatostatin/Immunological castration/ Growth regulation in ruminants/Photoperiodic effects on growth/Conclusions.
EUR 8988 EN. The Long-term Definition o f Meat Quality: Controlling the Variability in Beef, Veal, Pigmeat and Lamb. A symposium in the CEC programme for the coordination of agricultural research, held in Brussels, 1983. G. Harrington (Editor). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1985, 213 pp., 17 papers and discussions, Bfr. 700, ISBN 92-825-4938-0. Objectives: to review trends in the requirements of consumers and meat industry to red meats, to evaluate "quality" concepts and their relevance to successive stages of the meat chain, and to consider quality schemes to increase consumer satisfaction and interest. In particular, the scope for future E C research cooperation on red meat quality should be considered, as a follow-up to the extensive work on beef under the expiring C E C programme for agricultural research. Principal sections: Evidence on consumer habits, expectations and preferences/Factors affecting the control of variability/National schemes for identification of "quality" to improve consumer satisfaction/Trade experience in controlling variability and the application of research results/Notes from the meeting (conclusions).
E U R 9001 EN. In Vivo Measurement o f Body Composition in Meat Animals. A workshop in the CEC programme of coordination of agricultural research, held in Langford, Bristol, U.K., 1983. D. Lister (Editor). Elsevier Applied Science Publishers, London and New York, 1984, 241 pp., 30 papers, discussions and conclusions, £29.75 incl. postage, ISBN 0-85334-319-5. Objectives: to consider the latest techniques, e.g. X-ray Computed Tomography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Neutron Activation Analysis, which are becoming increasingly important as diagnostic aids in human medicine. Consequently much of the experience and expertise in these fields comes from the medical world, and medical colleagues made a substantial contribution to the meeting. Opportunities of application in animal production were to be considered. Principal sections: State of the art in animal production/Body composition measurements in man/Computed tomography in farm animals/Short miscellaneous papers and posters/Cost-benefit analysis/Future developments.