Detection of steroid hormone (estrogen) residues in imported red meat

28 immature female albino mice were utilized to clarify, if hormonal agents used in the production of meat for human consumption, such as estrogen, remained in higher quantity in meat cut from carcasses of animals which had received hormones for finishing, and if those residues were harmful to the human consumer. The animals were subdivided into 4 equal groups. Group A for control were fed a normal ration. Each mouse in Group B received one daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 micrograms of oestradiol propionate. Group C were fed a daily normal ration of 5 g per animal mixed with imported minced meat. Group D were fed as Group C, but local minced meat was used. Sera were collected after one week. There were significant increases in both FSH and LH in Group B. A slight rise in both FSH and LH in Groups C and D. Group A exhibited lower levels of both FSH and LH. The number of Graafian follicles was significantly higher in Group B. Body weight (b.w.) of Group B increased faster than in other groups. Groups C and D were very close to each other in b.w., indicating that imported meat and our local meat were free of any estrogenic residues.