Effects of Trenbolone Acetate and Zeranol implants on performance, carcass, and meat traits of young bulls and steers

Abstract

Implanting young bulls and steers with trenbolone acetate and zeranol (Ralgro ®) resulted in increased slaughter weights and carcasses that tended to have more marbling than those of control bulls. Furthermore, steaks from both implanted bulls and implanted steers tended to have less detectable connective tissue. Control bulls had larger scrotal circumferences and heavier testicle weights than implanted bulls. Other secondary sex characteristics were not affected, but in these bulls slaughtered at an average age of 13.6 months, sexual development was minimal. Implanting steers with trenbolone acetate and zeranol resulted in performance and carcass and meat quality slightly superior to control bulls.