Effects of oestradiol on skeletal growth in lambs
O. Mahgoub, G.K. Barrell and A.R. Sykes
Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, Lincoln College,
Canterbury
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1988, 48: 25-28
Castrate male and female lambs (n=8) received no treatment (O
dose) or a silicone rubber implant containing 3 mg (L dose), 22 mg (M
dose) or 52 mg (H dose) of oestradiol, respectively. Implants were
placed subcutaneously at 8-10 weeks of age (mean weight 20.4 kg) and the
animals slaughtered 180 d later. Oestradiol treatment decreased length
of cannon bone but increased length of vertebral column and 12th rib.
Cessation of growth in an early maturing bone (cannon bone) appeared to
be accelerated by the treatment so that length was reduced. Later
maturing bones (rib and vertebrae) showed a dose-dependent stimulation
of linear growth. It is concluded that oestrogens accelerate the
natural process of skeletal maturation.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Oestradiol; sex steroids; skeletal growth
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Last Updated 18-03-1997
