Factors Associated with the Buller-Steer Syndrome

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Abstract
A survey of Kansas feedlots indicated that 2.2% of all steers on feed were removed from their pens because they were ridden by other steers. It was estimated that the steers being ridden commonly called "bullers", represented a minimum loss of $23 each. Stormy or wet weather, high pen density, growth stimulants, and other stress factors increased die frequency of bullers. Some bullers appeared to secrete a pheromone which was detected by other steers. Bullers had more creatinine (P<.1) and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (P<.1) in their urine than did normal steers. Also, buller plasma contained more total estrogens (P<.05) but less serum calcium (P<.1) and albumin (P<.01) than did that of normal steers. Apparently, buller steers secrete more estrogen than do behaviorally normal steers; stress and growth stimulants may increase estrogen that accounts for a pheromone secretion partially responsible for the buller syndrome. Copyright © 1978. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1978 by American Society of Animal Science.