The Sidney herald., 1958-01-23

Shlbestrol
S~tilbestrol, the synthetic nor
none nov used extensively in
cattle fattening, came in for the
usual share of attention at the
Sidney Feeders Day program.
In cattle feeding there contin-
ues to be considerable controversy
between administering the hor-
none orally or implanting the
pellets in the animals ear. Re-
CARELESS of what method is used,
and providing a balanced ration
is fed, hundreds of experiments
have shown that the rate of gain
will be increased by 1870 and feed
efficiency by 1919 with the use
OF stilbestrol. In order, however,
for the cattle to produce the
same degree Of finish, the cattle
receiving stilbestrol should be fed
the usual length of time. When
pellets r administered, it is
highly important that they be
implanted according to the man
ufacturers directions and that the
right dosage be used. Experiment
stations have shown good results
when yearling heifers were i'm
planted but i'll effects have also
been reported by individual feed
ers when large numbers were i'm
planted under crowded conditions
and at the time Of dehorning.
Meat packers have long question
ed the carcass quality of cattle
receiving stilbestrol. AS yet no
definite experimental evidence
has come to our attention to
prove this contention.
Numerous tests by leading ex-
pertinent stations throughout the
country have proven conclusive
ly that there is no residual build
up OF the hormone in the meat of
the animals. In the case of the
~stilbestrol implant, the ear of the
animal, Of course, must be de-
stroyed.
For some unknown reason Still
beStrol has never produced the
same phenomenal results in lamb
fattening as with cattle. The oral
feeding Of the hormone, as test
ed by many experiment stations
including u own Eastern Mon
tana Branch Station, has shown
no definite advantage over the
same ration without stilbestrol.
Use Of the stilbestrol implants in
lambs has produced greater and
more economical gains, but many
bad side effects have been en-
countered. For this reason the u.
S. Food and Drug Administration
has not seen fit to approve still
bestrol implants for lambs. The
use of shlbestrol in cattle fat
tening has become an accepted
practice in the corn belt. 1t ap-
pears that more of our local cattle
feeders are also employing the
use of this embarrassing hor-
with each succeeding year.
Control Cattle Lice Now
Cattle lice often create a prob
lem about this time of year, both
in the feedlots and in breeding
herds. When lice occur in large
numbers, they u loss of con-
dition and weakness. They should
of course, be controlled before
they reach the proportions
where they are damaging.
There are a number of ways
of controlling lice - with back
scratchers and spraying, or a COM
bination of the two being the most
methods used locally. In
visiting several feedlots and
ranches in Richland county, we
have noticed back scratchers both
of the homemade and commercial
variety. Both are quite satisfac-
tory as long as a good lice kill
ing chemical is used.
Spraying is a very satisfactory
method of e~radicating lice in a
hurry. In spraying cattle this time
of year though, it is important to
pick a nice day and to stop OPP
erations early in the afternoon to
allow cattle to partially dry be-
fore night. A number Of chemi-
Gals can be used, but 1t appears
that Lindane Is the most effec-
tive for lice control. However,
Methoxychlor is recommended
for calves less than four months
old. 1t is important that the nozzle
pressure be between 800 to 400
pounds per square inch.
If you desire complete up to
date information on controlling
lice, we suggest you pick
up Extension Circular M22l, Cat
tie Lice, at our office. An extern
sion leaflet, 1907 entitled Cattle
Delouse Themselves, might also
be useful.