The Effect of Estradiol-17β-monopalmitate and Surgical Caponization on Production Efficiencies, Yields and Organic Characteristics of Chicken Broilers

INTRODUCTION As per capita consumption of poultry meat increases, the poultry industry continues to improve the quality of the meat. Appearance, juiciness, tenderness and flavor are all important factors. Surgical caponization of cockerels has been practiced for centuries to improve or maintain quality of the meat by promoting fattening and allowing the birds to grow to a larger size without their meat becoming stringy and tough. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) has been used for a number of years to promote fattening. This compound is no longer approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in birds for human consumption. Recently, estradiol-17β-monopalmitate (EMP) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in improving quality of chicken meat. Wesley et al. (1965) injected 6-week old chickens with 10 mg. of EMP and noted a highly significant strain response. Except for one strain, feed efficiency was improved. Moreng and Hopwood (1965) hormonized…