Diethylstilbestrol metabolism in food-producing animals

The metabolic fate of diethylstilbestrol (DES) in food-producing animals is described in this paper. Emphasis is on ruminant animals because DES is currently used in their production. Data presented from recent studies in ruminants show 14C excretion (rates and routes) and distribution after ingestion or subcutaneous implantation of 14C-labeled DES. The chemical nature of the radioactive compounds in excreta and liver is described. In addition, DES metabolism in cockerels and swine and degradation of DES in feces are discussed. The sources of data in this review are published studies, and a limited amount of unpublished data from the author's laboratory are included.