Review on Growth Hormone in Animals

Abstract

Hormones are chemicals produced by animals to co-ordinate their physiological activities. Steroid hormones fulfill an important role at different stages of mammalian development comprising prenatal development, growth, reproduction and social behavior. One hormone can have multiple actions; example the male hormone testosterone controls many processes from the development of the foetus, to libido in the adult. Hormones produced by the bodies of humans and animals are called endogenous or natural hormones. Compounds chemically synthesised to mimic the effect of natural hormones are called synthetic or xenobiotic hormones. Hormones are vital in normal development, maturation and physiological functioning of many vital organs and processes in the body. However, like any other chemicals of natural or synthetic origin, hormones may be toxic to living organisms under certain circumstances. The toxicity may be due to an excess of its normal physiological action. This may be the result of excessive exposure to the substance. Bovine somatotropin, also known as bovine growth hormone, is a protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland of bovines. Growth hormone and Prolactin are polypeptide hormones, which have evolved from a common ancestral gene. Estrogen is the main hormone affecting growth, development, maturation and functioning of reproductive tract as well as the sexual differentiation and the behavior. Finally growth hormones must be used properly in relation to their dose, site of administration and implantation by professionals was recommended.

Keywords: Bovine Growth Hormone, Implantation, Natural Growth Hormone,