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.