Steroids and the Bull - Do They Really Work?
Anabolic steroids are not approved for administration in food-producing animals and are actually illegal when used. All anabolic steroids are scheduled drugs, meaning accurate records must be kept on products used, when they are used, the animal administered to and the date of administration.

Mode of Action

Anabolic steroids, “anabols” for short, are most known for their ability to enhance muscle mass and improve performance. Their function mimics the natural effect of naturally produced testosterone, the hormone primarily responsible for male characteristics. Protein metabolism is improved resulting in increased muscle mass when coupled with the appropriate muscle work. Most will induce some effect on demeanor, instigating more aggressive behavior in most cases, and sometimes creating unpredictable behavior in an otherwise predictable individual.

Because these drugs mimic the effects of naturally produced testosterone when administered to the immature animal, they may have very adverse affects on reproductive development. When administered, the anabols actually trigger a suppression of naturally-produced testosterone inhibiting its effect on reproductive development. Thus, the primary reproductive organs, the testicles, may be inhibited from properly developing and their ability to produce viable sperm will be reduced or completely blocked. In other instances, the semen produced may lack normal characteristics necessary to fertilize the egg produced by the cow.

Misconceptions About Effects

Many folks in the industry are unaware of the exact mechanism of action of anabolic steroids and therefore think their use will help their bulls attain the “golden ring.”

We witness the use of the products by human athletes and their success, and think the same thing can be done with the bull. However, human athletes may use these products, but only in conjunction with rigorous physical training, often times very specific for the particular function that is desired. It is hard, if not impossible to think we could use the anabols in a way we could control the bull’s exercise to focus his energy in the desired fashion. Besides, it seems the most popular form of steroid used by human athletes today is human growth hormone, which is specie specific. Therefore, no effect will be noted when administered to any animal other than a human. There are similar products approved for use in the bovine specie, but are very specific for certain production parameters and thought to have little effect on the traits desired in bucking bulls.

Evaluation of Usage

Currently, the PBR is working with a well-respected laboratory to adapt technology to evaluate bulls for the administration of forbidden anabolic steroids. This technology is available for use with either blood or urine; however the primary focus will be on the use of blood samples for evaluation purposes. This process has been used in the horse racing industry for several years and is a proven testing modality. Samples are stable after collection and testing protocols are proven from years of experience.

Most producers and contractors know of the dangers of the use of anabols in bulls, particularly those that are sexually immature. Use at best is probably limited, but because of the scandals observed in the human sports athlete with anabol usage, it is justified that PBR insure that the bovine athletes participating in events are doing so legally.

A veterinarian dispensing these steroids for the use in any bovine is also at risk of losing his or her license. The bulls have no say in the administration of such drugs, and therefore should be protected from their unscrupulous use.

It is our intent to inform the bull owners of the dangers of the use of these drugs and the lack of benefits from them. If you have questions regarding the use of such products please do not hesitate to contact us.