Natural sex steroids and their xenobiotic analogs in animal production: Growth, carcass quality, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, mode of action, residues, methods, and epidemiology

Abstract

Natural and xenobiotic compounds having sex-related actions have long been used for growth promotion and various changes in carcass quality in meat animals. The first compounds used were synthetic estrogens; however, later on a whole battery of compounds having androgenic, and progestogenic actions have also been involved. In surveying the effects of these compounds in meat-producing animals, it became clear that these drugs increase the growth rate of the treated animals and bring about changes in the carcass that are generally characterized by lower fat content and more lean mass. Extensive studies undertaken in various countries, including the European Economic Community (EEC), have shown that if used according to good husbandry practices, the meat from treated animals does not have excessive amounts of residues compared with the endogenous amount of steroid production in the animals in question and also in human beings. The banning of these compounds in the European community brought a new phenomenon of illegal or black market cocktails. These mixtures of anabolic steroids are injected into the body of the animals rather than implanted in the ears, which is the normal practice in countries where they have not yet been banned. Several screening and confirmatory methods are now available for monitoring programs. However, these programs need excessive resources in terms of manpower, funds, and proper legislation, which in underdeveloped countries is questionable, particularly in the absence of strong scientific evidence for the exercise.

Phenotypic connection of the main body parts of rabbits and layers

“…By binding to specific receptors in particular tissues, these hormones cause numerous physiological effects in humans (Lone, 1997) and animals (Berisha et al, 2002). Residual sex hormones taken with food of animal origin can cause the same physiological activity in humans as endogenous hormones.…”

“…However, ban has been placed on their use for anabolic purpose because of their adverse effects on human and animal health (Council Directive 1996/22/EC;Council Directive 2003/74/EC;Stephany, 2010). Therapeutic use of these substances has also been restricted (disorders of reproduction and pregnancy), while the possible accumulation of their residues in animal products and adverse effects on human health are prevented by strictly professional drug administration (Lone, 1997;FAO/WHO, 2000). Therapeutic administration of hormones and their effects on productivity have been investigated for years in numerous studies (Kesler et al, 1981;El-Zarkouny and Stevenson, 2004;Colazo et al, 2007;Alnimer and Husein, 2007).…”

Evolutionary Perspectives on Sex Steroids in the Vertebrates

“…Sex-steroids or their analogs are routinely applied in aquaculture and agriculture to manipulate the sex ratios, behavior and physiology of commercially reared vertebrates. Metabolites of steroids applied to livestock have biological activity that may affect animals at sites removed from the source of application (Shelton 1990;Lone 1997;Meyer 2001). Similarly, effluent from pulp mills, paper mills and sewage treatment plants affecting the endocrinology of aquatic vertebrates are transported far from sites of entry into the environment (Jobling & Tyler 2003a;.…”

A review of analytical strategies for the detection of ‘endogenous’ steroid abuse in food production

“…[1][2][3] Although there are a number of steroid preparations authorized for this purpose in countries such as the USA, the use of growth promoters (also including non-steroidal products such as the oestrogenic compound zeranol, growth hormone (somatotropin), thyreostats and b2-agonists) are banned within the EU. [4] The reasons for this ban were highlighted in two reports from the European Commission in 1999 and 2002, which concluded that the presence of hormones in meat products may potentially be harmful to human health through endocrine disrupting or carcinogenic mechanisms.…”