BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 125 



Additional work was completed on new methods for the analysis 

 of lime-sulphur solutions, resulting in the publication of a second 

 technical paper on the subject. The final objective of these methods 

 of analysis, namely, a study of the reactions and combinations which 

 occur in the preparation and use of lime-sulphur solutions, has also 

 been followed up and the results prepared for publication. We now 

 have more definite knowledge of just what compounds are present in 

 such solutions and of the proportions of ingredients which should be 

 used in their manufacture. 



A satisfactory formula for a "saponified cresol solution," to re- 

 place the " compound solution of cresol, U. S. P.," which can now be 

 obtained only with difficulty and at great expense, has been worked 

 out, and the formula has been adopted by the bureau and the use of 

 the new product permitted in the disinfection of stock pens, cars, etc., 

 under the bureau's regulations. The new product differs from the 

 United States Pharmacopoeia preparation in that a cheaper grade of 

 cresol is employed, caustic soda replaces caustic potash, and the pro- 

 portion of linseed oil is reduced. 



COOPEBATION WITH INSECTICIDE AND FUNGICIDE BOARD. 



The bureau has continued its collaboration with the Insecticide and 

 Fungicide Board through the examination of samples of insecticides 

 and fungicides intended for use in combating diseases of animals. 

 The Assistant Chief of the Biochemic Division continues as a member 

 of the board and gives much of his time to its work. During the 

 year samples representing 166 cases were examined, and in 111 in- 

 stances misbranding or adulteration was found. Laboratory anal- 

 yses indicate that the composition of insecticides of this class is being 

 varied considerably, thus indicating an effort on the part of manu- 

 facturers to introduce new substances of supposed value. The intro- 

 duction of new and hitherto little used substances has necessitated an 

 unusual amount of laboratory work, including some research work. 



STUDIES OF CHANGES IN MEATS DURING COLD STORAGE. 



Investigations concerning changes in meats during cold storage, 

 as outlined in last year's report, have been continued, and some of 

 the studies have been completed. 



In studies of the changes taking place in fresh beef during cold 

 storage at temperatures above freezing, beef was held at 32° to 

 38° F. for periods ranging from 14 to 177 days. From a chemical 

 standpoint the changes taking place in the muscular tissue of the beef 

 under these conditions were found to consist chiefly in an increase 

 in acidity and increases in proteose nitrogen, noncoagulable nitrogen, 

 and ammoniacal nitrogen, as well as in soluble inorganic phos- 

 phorus. There was a decrease in coagulable nitrogen and in soluble 

 organic phosphorus. In so far as the muscular tissue of the beef 

 is concerned, it appears that storage under the conditions of these 

 experiments was without effect upon either the nutritive value or 

 the wholesomeness of the meat. In the case of the kidney fat and of 

 external fatty tissues, after the longer periods of storage there was 



