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A Technique for Estimation of the Effectiveness of Goitrogens in Cattle^1,2,

Department of Dairy Husbandry, University of Missouri, Columbia

Abstract

THE role of the thyroid gland and its hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, in stimulating growth, reproduction, lactation, egg production and the skin appendages such as feathers, hair, fur and wool have been studied. These studies suggest that the secretion of optimal levels of these hormones is a prerequisite for superior reproductive processes in farm animals. On the other hand, in the rapid fattening of farm animals, a hypothyroid condition is highly desirable for most economic gains (Winchester and Andrews, 1953; Hill, 1953).

As pointed out by Blaxter et al. (1949), in the case of the thyroid gland, it is now possible to produce varying degress of hyperthyroidism simply by feeding thyroprotein and varying degrees of hypothyroidism by feeding goitregens which block thyroxine secretion.

Considerable study has been given to the use of goitrogens in partially or completely blocking thyroxine secretion in order to promote the fattening of poultry and swine (Blaxter et al., 1949; Hill, 1953; Winchester and Andrews, 1953).

¹ Contribution from the Mo. Agr. Exp. Sta., Journal Series No. 1716. Approved by the Director.

² Aided-in-part by a grant from the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission (Contract No. AT(11-1)-301).