Effects of Fat, Oxytetracycline, and Stilbestrol on Performance and Hepatic Stores of Carotene and Vitamin A in Steers

Abstract

Results of two experiments are reported in which fat, oxytetracycline and stilbestrol were fed to yearling steers. The finely ground, all-pelleted rations with which these compounds were fed were not conducive to maximum feed consumption. Rates of gain were increased significantly by the incorporation of either oxytetracycline, stilbestrol or a combination of the two. In these experiments, fat fed at a high level (7% of the ration) did not significantly increase rates of gain, probably because of the accompanying reduction in digestibility of dry matter and crude fiber. Hepatic vitamin A levels were significantly higher in steers fed oxytetracycline. Copyright © . .