The newest case of mad-cow disease in Canada reportedly did not enter the food or feed systems. The 6-year-old animal from central Alberta was tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in late January, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The cow showed progressive symptoms for BSE, and it was destroyed following a veterinarian examination. Carcass samples were sent to Winnipeg for confirmatory testing.
The country`s public health service has since launched a `comprehensive investigation` to identify other animals of interest to determine how this animal was exposed to the BSE agent.
The myostatin gene and its relevance to livestock animals
Myostatin, also known as growth differentiation factor 8, a member of the transforming growth factorâ€beta superâ€family, is a negative regulator of muscle development. Myostatin acts at key points during pre†and postâ€natal life of amniotes that ultimately determine the overall muscle mass of an animal. A fascinating summary about the current an overview of mechanisms of action and its potential relevance in livestock animals.
