The Effect of a Single Subcutaneous Injection of Estradiol-17-Monopalmitate on Growth in Turkeys

IT HAS been well established that synthetic estrogenic compounds such as diethylstilbestrol and dienestrol diacetate when administered to chickens or turkeys will result in increased weight gains and fat deposition (Lorenz, 1944, 1954; and Moreng et al. 1963). Resulting improvement in fat deposition has been verified by many workers and residue studies extensively investigated; excellent reviews of the residue problem have been presented by Umberger et al. (1959) and Umberger and Goss (1959). The present study was carried out to evaluate various levels of estradiol-17-monopalmitate (EMP) in polyethylene glycolic paste with respect to improving gain and carcass qualities of young torn turkeys. In addition, tissue residues were determined. A preliminary investigation (Trial 1) was designed to provide a reference point of EMP to the action of diethylstilbestrol (DES) in turkeys. Four treatment groups of a commercial line of Broad White turkeys consisting of approximately 21 males each, were individually …