HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Brower, G. R. Articles by Kiracofe, G. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Brower, G. R. Articles by Kiracofe, G. H.

Factors Associated with the Buller-Steer Syndrome¹

Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506

Abstract

A survey of Kansas feedlots indicated that 2.2% of all steers on feed were removed from their pens because they were ridden by other steers. It was estimated that the steers being ridden commonly called "bullers", represented a minimum loss of $23 each. Stormy or wet weather, high pen density, growth stimulants, and other stress factors increased die frequency of bullers. Some bullers appeared to secrete a pheromone which was detected by other steers.

Bullers had more creatinine (P<.1) and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (P<.1) in their urine than did normal steers. Also, buller plasma contained more total estrogens (P<.05) but less serum calcium (P<.1) and albumin (P<.01) than did that of normal steers. Apparently, buller steers secrete more estrogen than do behaviorally normal steers; stress and growth stimulants may increase estrogen that accounts for a pheromone secretion partially responsible for the buller syndrome.

¹ Contribution No. 526-j Department of Animal Science and Industry, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Present address: Department of Agriculture, Fort Hays State University, Hays 67601.