Evaluation of anatomical and histopathological changes in target organs of cattle slaughtered in Sardinia as a result of the illegal use of growth hormones. Preliminary results

Abstract

Within the bovine specie, illegal use of anabolic agents can be grouped into four categories: beta-agonists, thyrostatics, glucocorticoids, sexual steroids. These substances, further their anabolic effect, cause morphological changes in target organs which can be evidenced by anatomical and histopathological testing. Such investigations are extremely important to screen and to detect in advance groups of animals in risk-breeding