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The Male Hormone Content of Ruminant Manure¹

Department of Dairy Husbandry, University of Missouri, Columbia

ABSTRACT

The male hormone (androgen) content of ruminant manure was assayed biologically by feeding it as part of the starter ration to groups of White Plymouth Rock chicks during a period of 28 days. The average comb weight of 40 chicks fed 10 per cent dried manure from lactating cows was 225.2 mg. in comparison to the comb weight of normal chicks of 61.3 mg.

Lactating cow manure dried at temperatures ranging from 45° C. to 85° C. by 10 degree intervals gradually declined in androgen potency. At temperatures of 75° C. and above all biological activity was lost.

The androgen content of the manure of other ruminants including goats and sheep of both sexes and conditions was either low or absent. The manure of dairy bulls showed indications of only small androgen excretion by that route.

Chicks fed methyl testosterone at the rate of 20 mg. per kg. of feed had combs averaging 233.8 mg. This is comparable to the effect of lactating-cow manure fed at the 10 per cent level or 100 gm. per kg. of feed.

The point of entrance of the androgenic hormone into the digestive tract of the cow has not yet been determined.

¹ Contribution from the Department of Dairy Husbandry, Missouri Agricultural Ex periment Station, Journal Series No. 1009.