The elusive creature is finally scanned in high definition
The Haggis is an ancient and shy creature that has adapted uniquely to the inhospitable terrain in which it lives, the mountainous highlands of Scotland. Haggis has increased in popularity as a culinary delicacy, eventually becoming an endangered species. To cope with the demand, most of the Haggii for food production in Scotland are now farmed in aid of preserving the dwindling wild stocks.
Getting into the meat of the issue
This article from The Veterinary Recorddelves into the reproductive management of Haggis, including the use of ultrasonography and artificial insemination to address problems associated with farming this species. Selective breeding has successfully modified behavior, increased body length, reduced hair coat, and improved litter size.
However, challenges such as uneven leg length and “falling-over disease” have been encountered, prompting the introduction of genetic material from various Haggii from the southern hemisphere to improve welfare and productivity under farmed conditions.
This paper looks at the ability to use ultrasound for imaging internal organs and the development of baby “hagglets”, but investigators found that the thick subcutaneous fat layer of the Scottish Haggis prevented ultrasound penetration for imaging internal organs. The authors express that the work is entirely fictitious, except for one scientific fact: Haggis contains too much fat and air for ultrasound to penetrate at diagnostic ranges.
Not so fast
One major caveat of the study is the availability of wild Haggis for future studies due to their deliciousness. Also, Haggis don’t fare well in the southern hemisphere and the authors may have mistaken them for guinea pigs. You can see why.
Why does it matter?
For all of you too lazy to Google, Dux magnus gentis venteris saginati translates to great chieftain o’ the puddin’ race’. This article was the first report of ultrasound in Haggis and is obviously fictitious, but a wee bit o’ fun for Burns Day (and Night).
Take Home Messages
1. The Scottish Haggis is a culinary delicacy and an endangered species.
2. Research into better reproductive imaging techniques is needed.
3. Ultrasound is a useless technique for pre-natal monitoring of baby hagglets.
Guest Author: Conor McQuaid, PhD
This article was written as part of a series of ‘journal club’ summaries for Scientific Writers Ltd., and is based on the following publication.
First Author: A.M. King, et al
Journal: The Veterinary Record
Date online: 20th January 2007
Thank you for giving up some of your time to read and subscribe!
