Metabolic Modifiers

Book excerpt: In the past decade, animal scientists have learned that administering recombinantly derived somatotropin (growth hormone) to cows improves milk production and that giving beta-adrenergic agonists to meat animals improves productivity and leanness. In order for these metabolic modifiers to yield benefits, however, sound management of the animals' nutrition is necessary. This volume reports on how these substances work in the animals' metabolism, what effects they might have on nutrient requirements of domestic livestock, and what information should be developed further by investigators. The book explores the current understanding of the biology, structure, mechanisms of action, and treatment effects of somatotropin, beta-adrenergic agonists, and anabolic steroids. A companion volume to the Nutrient Requirements of Domestic Animals series, this authoritative volume will be required reading for animal scientists, researchers, veterinarians, livestock farmers, and faculty and students in university animal veterinary science programs.