Effect of diethylstilbestrol on plasma urea nitrogen and plasma glucose on lambs fed processed cottonseed hulls

Blood samples were collected from four groups (11/group) of black-faced wether sheep, fed four separate 217. cottonseed hull based rations and implanted (6/group) with 3 mg Diethylstilbestrol (DES) or nonimplanted (5/group). Individual collections were made weekly, over a 71 day test period. Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and plasma glucose levels were determined using the Berthelot and Glucostat Techniques, respectively. Weekly weight gain data were obtained. The rations (isocaloric and isonitrogenous in nature) differed only with respect to hull processing procedure: ration #1 contained regular hulls; rations 2, 3, and 4 contained amraoniated, cooked and ammoniated, and cooked cottonseed hulls, respectively. Total gain and PUN levels were found not to be significantly affected by DES and/or ration effect, between groups. However, PUN levels of implanted animals appeared lower through the 7th collection period; furthermore, total weight gain within group #1 was significantly increased (P.05) due to DES administration. Plasma glucose was significantly higher in implanted animals throughout the experimental period (PC.025). Rib eye data of group 1, both implanted and nonimplanted, were larger in terms of corrected rib eye area as compared to group 4 implanted animals.