Growth response, sexual development, carcass and meat quality of zinc tannate treated bulls

Effects of intratesticularly administered zinc tannate (ZT) on growth performance, sexual development, slaughter, carcass and meat quality characteristics of young bull calves (-225 kg, 7 months old) were investigated. Comparisons were made across a three (treatments: ZT animals, intact bulls and burdizzo-castrated steers) by two (slaughter masses: 350 and 440 kg) factorial arrangement. In a separate trial, sexual male behaviour of ZT animals was compared to that of bulls, surgicallyand burdizzo-castrated animals. Bulls (B) and ZT animals gained mass faster (P 0.05). Signs of pain and discomfort were observed directly after treatment with ZT. The study of the behaviour of ZT animals in a feedlot, indicated that they persisted with bulling and mounting behaviour normally associated with intact animals. Although ZT offers positive growth response and therefore seems to be a promising alternative to surgical or burdizzo castration, the negative side-effects hamper its further development.