Effects of Endogenous and Exogenous Growth-Promoting Compounds on Carcass Composition, Meat Quality and Meat Nutritional Value

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Abstract
Many growth-promoting compounds of both exogenous and endogenous origin affect the growth and development of livestock for red-meat production. Hormonal agents also provide a method of altering the endocrine balance and improving production efficiency and(or) carcass characteristics of meat animals. The traditional practice of castration modifies the endocrine balance of the male to improve meat quality and provide a more desirable carcass for marketing. However, castration also decreases gain, efficient feed utilization and lean production. Several natural and synthetic steroids are commonly used in steers and heifers to improve growth rate, feed efficiency and lean production. As a result of the endogenous supply of gonadal steroids in intact males, there have been inconsistent benefits obtained by implanting intact males with natural or synthetic steroids. The role of these steroids and their influence on other hormones in the regulation of lean production and meat quality are not fully understood. Continued research to evaluate natural and synthetic steroids and combinations thereof is needed to properly identify suitable anabolic agents for maximal benefit on production, meat quality and human safety. New techniques of natural and synthetic peptide-hormone administration, hormone immunization and administration of other agents involved in repartitioning of nutrients and influencing carcass composition will probably provide livestock producers with new technology to increase red-meat production. In conclusion, regulation of the endocrine system can be manipulated to alter production, composition and meat quality of meat animals. Copyright © 1986. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1986 by American Society of Animal Science

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