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Beta-agonists and their effects on animal growth and carcass quality
Animal Feed Science and Technology,22 (1989) 355-359 Elsevier SciencePublishersB.V., AmsterdAm-- Printed in The Netherlands
355
Book Reviews BETA-AGONISTS Beta-Agonists and Their Effects on Animal Growth and Carcass Quality. J.P. Hanrahan (Editor). Elsevier Applied Science, London and New York, 1987, commision of the European Communities, hardcover, viii+ 201 pp., illus., £22.00, ISBN: 1-85166-176-X. This book compiles the proceedings of a workshop held in Brussels during May 1987 on pharmacological modification of carcass composition. The papers either present current theories of the pharmacology and mode of action of betaagonists or summarize recent research results from using these compounds on the meat-animal species; cattle, sheep, swine and broilers. The 19 papers are from European and British authors (with three exceptions), so this publication provides readers from other parts of the world with access to insights and research activity that they might otherwise miss. Each paper includes an appropriate bibliography; the book is an excellent place to initiate a comprehensive review of this topic. Beta-agonists may be the most exciting technology concerning farm animals introduced in this decade; even more important than the companion effort with growth hormone. (It is unfortunate that such a supercilious term as "betaagonists" was chosen to identify these compounds; it is so imposing that it has probably discouraged some people from following their development.) This book provides an opportunity for animal production scientists, especially those not directly involved with these additives, to quickly obtain a working familiarity with the subject. The papers are concisely written; it is a book that a reader will select on the first available evening because it is immediately apparent that one does not have to wade through superfluous material before finding the required facts and knowledge. The papers are actually reproductions from the authors' camera-ready manuscripts (this does not impinge on content - - it is like comparing a good, hearty farm meal to a gourmet dinner). On the other hand, in this age of wordprocessing capabilities, it would seem feasible to have done a little redacting (to spare the reader the task of interpreting an occasional ambiguous sentence) and also to have reproduced the copy with a laser printer into the most readable and pleasing type font. However, this is a small price to pay for the privilege of getting a hardcover copy of the proceedings of such an exciting symposium so soon after it was held. (One wishes that comments from the general discussion had been taped and included). Although the beta-agonists constitute the principal topic, it is fascinating how the discussion of their mode of action adds to the understanding of the
356
activity of other endocrines and paracrines. The reviews also provide a synopsis of receptor mechanisms and secondary messengers inside the cell, vital to an appreciation of modern endocrinology. It is a pity that there is not space to recognize all authors, because they and their laboratories are internationally known and regarded. Dr. H. T i m m e r m a n from The Netherlands has an especially lucid section that makes the difficult pharmacology of the beta-agonists understandable. Denmark's Dr. K. Sejrsen ties together the important relationships between growth hormone and the beta-agonists. Dr. Peter Buttery (Nottingham) presents new evidence to support his contention that the net increase in lean tissue resulting from endocrine manipulation is via reduced protein degradation. This seems to jeopardize using the term "repartitioning agents" as a precise synonym for these compounds. The various animal species are treated evenly in the presentations, but responses with cattle have been especially remarkable. Those not aware of the Irish work with Friesian steers or .the Belgian experiment with White-blue bulls can be tantalized into searching for a copy of the book just to see these extraordinary results. I appreciated the participants' efforts to address the problems and pitfalls inherent in adapting this technology, and their willingness to consider possible detrimental effects on the animal itself and on meat quality (especially important in those parts of the world where meat is consumed for satisfaction and enjoyment). One has to sympathize with our colleagues who must endure the climate of political paranoia that accompanies any additive proposed for improving the efficiency of food production in their part of the world. Some will object to the price asked for such a little book; but I prefer to buy something that is condensed so that I will read and use it. (It would have cost me 100 times more to have attended the symposium. How does one attach a value to fresh ideas, new knowledge and current research results? ) Those who are interested in meat animal production {scientists, students, and consultants) should reconsider before ignoring this fine publication. JOHN R. BRETHOUR
Fort Hays Branch Agricultural Experiment Station Kansas State University Hays, KS 67601 U.S.A.
FEED SCIENCE
Feed Science. E.R. Orskov (Editor). Elsevier, Amsterdam and New York 1988, Volume B4 of World Animal Science, 336 pp., Dfl. 300, ISBN: 0-44442662-0.
355
Book Reviews BETA-AGONISTS Beta-Agonists and Their Effects on Animal Growth and Carcass Quality. J.P. Hanrahan (Editor). Elsevier Applied Science, London and New York, 1987, commision of the European Communities, hardcover, viii+ 201 pp., illus., £22.00, ISBN: 1-85166-176-X. This book compiles the proceedings of a workshop held in Brussels during May 1987 on pharmacological modification of carcass composition. The papers either present current theories of the pharmacology and mode of action of betaagonists or summarize recent research results from using these compounds on the meat-animal species; cattle, sheep, swine and broilers. The 19 papers are from European and British authors (with three exceptions), so this publication provides readers from other parts of the world with access to insights and research activity that they might otherwise miss. Each paper includes an appropriate bibliography; the book is an excellent place to initiate a comprehensive review of this topic. Beta-agonists may be the most exciting technology concerning farm animals introduced in this decade; even more important than the companion effort with growth hormone. (It is unfortunate that such a supercilious term as "betaagonists" was chosen to identify these compounds; it is so imposing that it has probably discouraged some people from following their development.) This book provides an opportunity for animal production scientists, especially those not directly involved with these additives, to quickly obtain a working familiarity with the subject. The papers are concisely written; it is a book that a reader will select on the first available evening because it is immediately apparent that one does not have to wade through superfluous material before finding the required facts and knowledge. The papers are actually reproductions from the authors' camera-ready manuscripts (this does not impinge on content - - it is like comparing a good, hearty farm meal to a gourmet dinner). On the other hand, in this age of wordprocessing capabilities, it would seem feasible to have done a little redacting (to spare the reader the task of interpreting an occasional ambiguous sentence) and also to have reproduced the copy with a laser printer into the most readable and pleasing type font. However, this is a small price to pay for the privilege of getting a hardcover copy of the proceedings of such an exciting symposium so soon after it was held. (One wishes that comments from the general discussion had been taped and included). Although the beta-agonists constitute the principal topic, it is fascinating how the discussion of their mode of action adds to the understanding of the
356
activity of other endocrines and paracrines. The reviews also provide a synopsis of receptor mechanisms and secondary messengers inside the cell, vital to an appreciation of modern endocrinology. It is a pity that there is not space to recognize all authors, because they and their laboratories are internationally known and regarded. Dr. H. T i m m e r m a n from The Netherlands has an especially lucid section that makes the difficult pharmacology of the beta-agonists understandable. Denmark's Dr. K. Sejrsen ties together the important relationships between growth hormone and the beta-agonists. Dr. Peter Buttery (Nottingham) presents new evidence to support his contention that the net increase in lean tissue resulting from endocrine manipulation is via reduced protein degradation. This seems to jeopardize using the term "repartitioning agents" as a precise synonym for these compounds. The various animal species are treated evenly in the presentations, but responses with cattle have been especially remarkable. Those not aware of the Irish work with Friesian steers or .the Belgian experiment with White-blue bulls can be tantalized into searching for a copy of the book just to see these extraordinary results. I appreciated the participants' efforts to address the problems and pitfalls inherent in adapting this technology, and their willingness to consider possible detrimental effects on the animal itself and on meat quality (especially important in those parts of the world where meat is consumed for satisfaction and enjoyment). One has to sympathize with our colleagues who must endure the climate of political paranoia that accompanies any additive proposed for improving the efficiency of food production in their part of the world. Some will object to the price asked for such a little book; but I prefer to buy something that is condensed so that I will read and use it. (It would have cost me 100 times more to have attended the symposium. How does one attach a value to fresh ideas, new knowledge and current research results? ) Those who are interested in meat animal production {scientists, students, and consultants) should reconsider before ignoring this fine publication. JOHN R. BRETHOUR
Fort Hays Branch Agricultural Experiment Station Kansas State University Hays, KS 67601 U.S.A.
FEED SCIENCE
Feed Science. E.R. Orskov (Editor). Elsevier, Amsterdam and New York 1988, Volume B4 of World Animal Science, 336 pp., Dfl. 300, ISBN: 0-44442662-0.