Effects of Orally Administered Stilbestrol upon Growth and upon Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism in Lambs1

Abstract

The response of lambs to stilbestrol feeding was measured using autoradiograph techniques as an indicator for bone growth. In addition concurrent chemical and radiochemical blood and balance studies were made with growing lambs to determine the effects of orally administered stilbestrol upon calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Results of these investigations indicated that in the ruminant animal the primary effect of stilbestrol administration was that of growth stimulation. This was manifested by a reduction in fecal endogenous calcium of approximately 20% with little apparent influence upon calcium absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Phosphorus absorption was increased, but fecal endogenous phosphorus was only slightly decreased by the treatment. Copyright © . .