Biopsy samples were collected from the perianal
region, 5 cm below the ischiatic tuber. To cause
minimal discomfort, each steer was restrained in a
squeeze chute, the perianal region was disinfected
with a betadine scrub solution, and the steer was
anesthetized via an epidural-block (2% lidocaine HCl
solution). A sterile surgical scalpel was used to make
a small incision through which a .5- to 1.0-g sample of
s.c. adipose tissue was collected. Incision sites were
closed using metal staple sutures, and a furacin spray
was applied to prevent infection. Each animal then
was monitored by a veterinarian, and normal healing
occurred in approximately 1 wk.