A note on the implantation of intensively-fed beef cattle with hexoestrol

Abstract

SUMMARYIn the first of two experiments, steers which received a single implant of 60 mg hexoestrol grew 24% faster than non-implanted controls and 7% faster than steers given 30 mg. The growth rate of the steers given a single implant of 60 mg did not differ significantly from that of animals implanted twice with 30 mg or 5 times with 15 mg. In the second experiment, steers given 60 mg grew 23% faster than controls and their feed conversion efficiency was 13% better; the hexoestrol treatment resulted in a saving of 131 kg feed per animal. The tenth-rib joints of steers given 60 mg had a higher crude-protein content and lower fat content than those from non-implanted animals.