Ten Holstein-Friesian streers 12-16 months old were implanted subcutaneously at the base of the ear with 20 mg of estradiol benzoate and 200 mg progesterone. They were slaughtered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after implantation, two at a time. The concentrations of these steroids in blood and tissues were measured by enzyme immunoassay. They serum level of estradiol-17β increased, reaching a peak 2 months after implantation, and decreased thereafter to the basal level. No significant changes were obscrved in progesterolle levels. The concentrations of estradiol-17βin liver, kidney and muscle increased significantly 2-4 months after implantation, but not in any other tissue. The tissue concentrations of progesterone did not increase significantly.
The residual levels of estradiol-17 β and progesterone in all the tissues and blood were lower than the physiological levels in cows during estrus or the late stage of pregnancy. The recommended doses of estradiol benzoate and progesterone implanted caused no harmful residual levels of these steroids in bloodor tissues for human consumption
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