Related Experiment Videos
Temporal pattern of skeletal muscle changes in lambs fed cimaterol
R M O'Connor1, W R Butler, D E Hogue
1Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
Domestic Animal Endocrinology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Cimaterol significantly increased skeletal muscle growth in lambs, with both 3- and 6-week treatments yielding similar muscle mass increases. However, the positive effects on RNA and DNA concentration were only observed with shorter, 3-week cimaterol administration.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Muscle Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Beta-adrenergic agonists, such as cimaterol, are known to influence muscle growth.
- Understanding the optimal duration for cimaterol administration is crucial for maximizing its efficacy in livestock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of 3-week versus 6-week dietary cimaterol administration on skeletal muscle growth in lambs.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms by analyzing changes in muscle nucleic acid and protein concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of lambs received either 3 or 6 weeks of cimaterol (10 ppm) in their diet.
- Muscle mass, RNA, DNA concentration, and content were measured in hind leg muscles.
Main Results:
- Cimaterol administration increased hind leg muscle mass by 25-30% in both treatment groups.
- RNA concentration and content increased significantly after 3 weeks but not 6 weeks.
- DNA concentration decreased with 3-week treatment, while total DNA content remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Cimaterol effectively promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy in growing ruminants.
- Shorter treatment durations (3 weeks) appear more effective for altering muscle nucleic acid profiles, suggesting a transient effect on protein synthesis and degradation pathways.