Anabolic Steroids for Veal Production

Abstract

Twenty-four Holstein calves were divided into three equal groups to test the influence of anabolic agents on growth of veal calves. One group served as a control, another received Win 14,833, stanozolol, [17/β-hydroxy-17α methylandrostano (3,2-c) pyrazole], and the other Win 18,792 [17/β-(3-cyclohexylpropionoxy) androstano (2,3–5) isoxazole]. The calves were placed on an eight-week study when they were four to six days old. Milk replacer was offered to all groups at 10% of the body weight the first week, 15% the second week, and 20% thereafter. There was a significant increase in the rate of gain due to treatment, about 34% in the group injected with Win 18,792 and 34% in those injected with Win 14,833. There was also a significant improvement in feed conversion, which amounted to 11% in the treated animals. Carcass data were collected from four animals in each group. Although the dressing per cent, weight of the round, and cm2 of rib-eye were greater in the experimental groups, these values were not significant. Composition of lean, bone, and fat of the round did not appear to be altered by treatments. © 1967, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.