In order to evaluate the effect of anabolic steroids on the semen quality of bulls, 3 treatments were tested in 9 adult bulls (3 to 5 years old). Groups I and II received subcutaneous implants in the base of the ear while group III remained as control. bulls from group I were treated with 36mg of Zeranol and group II 24mg of diethylethylbestrol (DES). A total of 31 weekly semen collections were performed, being the first, one week before the implant. No changes on semen characteristics were observed due to treatments. The 3 groups had similar weight gain. It was concluded that, in the conditions of mis experiment, there was no effect of the anabolic products on semen quality. In case that some mild genital changes had ocurred, they were subclinical or were not detected due to the number of experimental units per treatment.
bull; semen; anabolics; hormones; zeranol
