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Influence of trenbolone acetate, zeranol and oestradiol-17β implantation on growth performance and reproductive function in beef heifers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

A. Zarkawi
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB9 1UD
H. Galbraith
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB9 1UD
J. S. M. Hutchinson
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB9 1UD Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
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Abstract

Twenty-four Hereford ♂ × Friesian ♀ heifers were divided into four equal treatment groups and given subcutaneous ear implants as appropriate 14 days after prostaglandin treatment for the induction of synchronized cycles. Subsequently, they were observed for 75 days. One group was an untreated control, one was given 300 mg trenbolone acetate, one 36 mg zeranol and one 45 mg oestradiol-176. Growth and ovarian cyclicity, assessed by periodic progesterone measurement, were monitored. Trenbolone acetate-treated heifers grew faster (P < 0·05) than other groups which did not differ significantly. Trenbolone acetate shortened the oestrous cycle in which treatment was started in two of five heifers and lengthened it in two others. Subsequent cycles were either suppressed or of short duration. Zeranol and oestradiol-176 treatment had little effect on ovarian cyclicity apart from a small increase in the number of short cycles. It is concluded that, at the doses used, trenbolone acetate suppresses mechanisms leading to ovulation or pre-ovulatory follicular development.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1991

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References

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