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A comparison of entire and ovariectomized beef heifers treated with ethylestrenol

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

J. L. Hubard Ocariz ,
A. Little John  and
I. S. Robertson
J. L. Hubard Ocariz
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh, Veterinary Field Station, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland
A. Little John
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh, Veterinary Field Station, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland
I. S. Robertson
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh, Veterinary Field Station, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland
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Summary

Twenty-eight Hereford cross Friesian heifer calves aged 3 months were allocated in randomized blocks to two main treatments, namely, ovariectomy (spaying), performed by flank laparotomy, and anabolic steroid oral administration (Ethylestrenol). The cattle were tied in stalls and individually fed ad libitum on a ‘barley-beef’ type cereal mixture until slaughtered weighing approximately 340 kg.

Ovariectomy reduced overall rate of live-weight gain and food conversion efficiency but differences were not significant. Spayed heifers, however, grew significantly taller than entires. Although fat and bone proportions of the side were increased slightly, carcass grading and composition were not appreciably altered by ovariectomy.

Steroid treatment failed to improve performance but lean content of the side was slightly increased. This failure in response may have been due to incorrect dosage.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 74 , Issue 2 , April 1970 , pp. 349 - 356
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1970

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References

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