Stilbestrol Feeding and Growth Hormone Stimulation in Immature Ruminants2

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Abstract
Nitrogen balance experiments with lambs and growth hormone assay experiments in cattle were carried out to study the physiological mechanism whereby stilbestrol in proper amounts brings about accelerated liveweight gains in immature ruminants. Nitrogen balance was favorably influenced by stilbestrol, growth hormone administration and higher ration energy and protein levels. The cattle growth hormone assay results revealed a positive relationship with the amount of stilbestrol fed. Stilbestrol feeding increased the size of the anterior pituitary, total amount of growth hormone in the anterior pituitary and the amount of growth hormone per unit of cattle weight. The results were discussed as evidence supporting the theory that the growth-stimulating influence of stilbestrol in immature ruminants is primarily mediated through growth hormone stimulation within the animal body. Copyright © . .