The results obtained in the second feeding experiment are presented in
table 2. The gains during the second trial were lower than usually obtained
from steers having this level of feed intake, but the results of the second
experiment were in agreement with the first, insofar as the effect of the
drug on rate of gain. The average daily gain was 1.69, 1.86 and 1.95 pounds
for the control group and the groups receiving 0.25 and 0.50 mg. of the drug,
representing an increase of 8 and 13 percent, respectively. Differences in
weight gains were consistent throughout the feeding period. The groups re-
ceiving the drug were consistently higher than the control group. These
differences were statistically significant.

Table 2. Summary of average weight gains, feed utilization and carcass data
 of steers on various levels of reserpine (Experiment 2, May 25,
 1960-September 30, 1960, 128 days).

Level of Reserpine (mg/an/day) 0 0.25 0.50
Number of steers 15 15 16

Initial weight (lbs.) 667 663 663
Final weight (Ibs.) 883 901 912
Total gain (Ibs.) 216 238 249
Daily gain Ibs.) 1.69 1.86 1.95
Daily feed consumption (Ibs.) 20.3. 20.0 20.1
Feed/lb. gain (Ibs.) 12.0 10.8 10.3

Intransit shrink (M) 6.0 5.8 6.8
Dressing percent (%) 64.5 63.4 63.8
48-hr. cooler shrink (%) 2.0 2.0 1.8
Increase in grade (1/3) 4 4 4


 Feed required per pound of gain is usually a function of body weight
and this was the case during the second trial where feed consumption was
relatively equal in all groups. There was no significant effect of treatment
upon intransit shrink, dressing percent or 48-hour cooler shrink during the
second trial. The higher intransit shrink during the second trial, as com-
pared to the first, is due to the steers being transported approximately 250
miles to the packing house. This also resulted in a slightly higher dressing
percent, since the weight at the packing house was considerably shrunk during
the second experiment.









EES 61-20
350 copies