The Male Hormone Content of Ruminant Manure

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Abstract
The [male] hormone (androgen) content of ruminant manure was assayed biologically by feeding it as part of the starter ration to groups of White Plymouth Rock chicks during a period of 28 days. The average comb wt. of 40 chicks fed 10% dried manure from lactation cows was 225.2 mg. in comparison to the comb wt. of normal chicks of 61.3 mg. Lactating cow manure dried at temps. ranging from 45[degree] to 85[degree]C by 10[degree] intervals gradually declined in androgen potency. At temps. of 75[degree]C and above, all biological activity was lost. The androgen content of the manure of other ruminants, including goats and sheep of both sexes and conditions, was either low or absent. The manure of dairy bulls showed indications of only small androgen excretion by that route. Chicks fed methyl testosterone at the rate of 20 mg. per kg. of feed had combs averaging 233.8 mg. This is comparable to the effect of lactating cow manure fed at the 10% level or 100 gm. per kg. of feed. The point of entrance of the androgenic hormone into the digestive tract of the cow has not yet been detd.