Pre and Peri-pubertal Feeding of Melengesterol Acetate (MGA) Alters Testis Characteristics in Bulls

Authors

Racheal G. Slattery, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Shantille G. Kruse, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jeremy L. Martin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Michelle M. Baltes-Breitwisch, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Debra T. Clopton, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Karl V. Moline, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jeffrey W. Bergman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Andrea S. Cupp, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2008

Comments

Published in 2008 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2007 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Bulls were fed 1 mg/head/day of MGA from 5.5 to 6.5 months ; 6.5 to 9; or fed a control diet. Body weight, scrotal circumference, combined testis weight, testis composition, and testosterone concentration were measured. Feeding MGA prior to puberty increased scrotal circumference and decreased testosterone concentration at 12 months compared to controls. Thus, feeding MGA prior to puberty can alter testis characteristics in bulls.