Hexoestrol implantation of Blackface wether lambs

Abstract

1. Sixty-four Blackface wether lambs, weaned some 8 days previously from the hill were divided into two similar groups. One group of lambs was implanted with 15 mg. hexoestrol.2. The treated lambs had gained an average of 2·32 lb., and 3·88 lb. live-weight more than the control group, after 4 and 7 weeks respectively.3. The mean carcass weight of 23 hexoestrol-implanted lambs was 1·5 lb. greater than that of the same number of untreated lambs.4. Carcass grading provided no evidence of a deterioration in quality as the result of hexoestrol implantation.5. Light lambs responded at least as well as heavy lambs to the hormone.