Recent developments in the use and abuse of growth promoters

Abstract

During the last few years, control within the European Union (EU) for illegal growth promoters in cattle and pigs revealed only a limited number of positives. Analysis of illegal preparations, however, showed that steroids, often (esters of) natural hormones, and β-agonists are still used. Corticosteroids, controlled to a much lesser extent, seem to have become the most important group, while even thyreostats remain. Alarming information was obtained from specific investigations in which a large variety of products were found, some of which had never been reported to be misused in the field of growth promotion. For β-agonists and quinoxaline compounds, analogues of known compounds are synthesised. Other compounds are readily available as they are registered as growth promoters in some countries outside Europe or are allowed for specific veterinary purposes. Some classes of veterinary drugs are misused for their secondary pharmacological effects, e.g. benzodiazepines as feed intake enhancers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as pale meat-making agents. Several non-traditional substances are suspected to be used in the field of breeding animals. This is the case for growth hormones (GHs) and all substances acting over this anabolic compound, as for instance, orally GH secretagogue. Moreover, ecdysteroids, which according to old Russian studies, have anabolic activity, are actually very easy to purchase on the Internet. Recent findings in different classes of growth promoters are discussed in detail.