Stilbestrol, a synthetic compound which has a hormonelike effect
when taken into the body, has been recognized as a growth-stimulating
factor in beef cattle fattening rations. Most of the market cattle in
Kansas are handled under the deferred system of feeding. Information
was needed on the value of this growth-stimulating ingredient in the
deferred cattle-feeding program.
This experiment was planned to obtain information on the value of
stilbestrol (1) in the wintering ration of beef calves, (2) during grazing,
(3) effect of removing stilbestrol from the animals while grazing,
(4) when animals return to the feed lot after grazing, (5) effect
of long-time continuous feeding, (6) effect upon digestibility of feed,
(7) carcass grade, and (8) cooking quality of the meat. The results
of the wintering phase are repeated in Table 30. For more complete
details on this and the digestion studies, see the 4 2nd Annual Livestock
Feeders' Day Report, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Circular
320, pages 50-53, 1955.
