Effect on Reproduction of Feeding Diethylstilbestrol to Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Twenty-one cows from the Kansas State College purebred dairy herd and five pairs of identical-twin cows were used to determine the physiological effects of low-level diethylstilbestrol (DES) feeding on reproductive behavior. The cows were fed DES as part of their daily grain ration at levels of 0–20 mg. per 1,000 lb. of body weight. Results indicate that the feeding of DES at levels ranging from 5 to 15 mg. had no adverse effect on estrous cycle, conception, or gestation. Three cows receiving the 20-mg. level of DES feeding aborted; however, several other cows fed at this level had no reproductive difficulty. There were no observable detrimental side effects associated with DES feeding. © 1959, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.