Immaturity of veal can be deter- 1593 VETERINARY SCIENCE [Vol. 21] 176 mined by the general development of the calf, by the incisor teeth (if the corner incisors are halfway or less out, the calf is under 3 wks.), the condition of the hooves, and the state of the umbilicus, although infection may delay healing of the latter. On post-mortem examination, the umbilicus will have a fresh, easily removed clot with fresh underlying blood if the animal is a few days old; on evisceration, the end of the umbilical artery hangs in the pelvic region and contains free blood. Up until 2 wks., the little finger can be passed through the portal vein into the umbilical vein; later the umbilical vein becomes occluded. In the newly born animal, the muscles of the upper thigh and gluteal region are poorly developed; the musculature is flabby and grayish pink. Definition of immaturity varies; the Michigan law states under 4 wks. of age the calf cannot be used for food.
