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Little is known about the physiological effects of short-term fasting in avian species. The present study was developed to examine the alimentary mucosal changes in fasted birds by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Chickens of various ages were fasted for periods of 3, 5, and 7 days. Water was provided ad libitum. At the end of the fasting periods the birds were sacrificed along with ad libitum fed controls. Tissue samples from crop, duodenum, and ileum were processed by standard methods for scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The SEM samples were prepared by vacuum drying methods. The TEM samples were embedded in Spurrs embedding medium. Mucosal sloughing was observed in the crop and small intestine with SEM only in fasted birds. With TEM, separation was observed between the mucosal cells of fasted birds with membranous whorls in these spaces. Sloughed cells may be an endogenous protein source for the fasting bird.

Nutrient and essential amino acid analyses of the stomach contents of wild adult American lobsters (Homarus americanus) collected from offshore and inshore populations indicated lobsters consumed varying nutrient levels according to their stage of molt. For example, soft-shell lobsters ate a higher level of mineral constituent. The location of the animal had no effect on the level of nutrient intake. The essential amino acid composition of the protein in the stomach remained the same throughout the molt cycle, but indicated a change in protein source with the location of the animal. The relationship between crude protein and gross energy was constant suggesting its importance in the nutrition of the lobster. Based on this study, we recommend a basal level of nutrient constituents for ration formulation. Key words: American lobster, natural intake, dietary formulation

An Indirect, Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Elisa) Has Been Developed For Quantitation Of Soy Protein In Meat Products. The Methodology Allows Rapid Aqueous Extraction Of Meat Samples Into A Liquid Form Suitable For Assay. The Assay Is Highly Specific For Soy Protein And Is Designed To Measure Soy Protein Levels Between 1 And 10% Of The Wet Weight Of The Sample. Standardized, Stabilized Reagents For Carrying Out The Procedure Are Commercially Available In A Kit. The Analysis, Including Sample Preparation, Can Be Completed Within A Workday, And The Actual Immunoassay In Less Than 60 Min.