031219 Researchers Close to New Cattle Growth Promoter

Canadian researchers have cloned the genetic sequence of a natural protein they say shows promise as a feed additive that will improve feed efficiency and reduce intestinal infections in cattle.

"Bovine EGF (epidermal growth factor) is a naturally-occurring protein with excellent potential to improve feed efficiency and reduce intestinal infection in cattle," says lead researcher Sylvie Bilodeau- Goeseels of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Lethbridge Research Center. The cloning work was accomplished in a three-year study funded in part by Canada Alberta Beef Industry Development Fund.

"By cloning its DNA sequence, we have laid the groundwork for developing this protein as a feed additive for the beef industry," says Bilodeau-Goeseels.

How it works

EGF, a "peptide" or small protein, stimulates the proliferation of different types of cells, including intestinal epithelial cells, which play a role in absorption of nutrients and protection of the intestines.

Experiments in rodents suggest EGF plays a role in increasing the efficiency with which food is absorbed by the intestine.

EGF also shows some potential as a prevention or treatment agent for intestinal infections. Oral doses of the peptide reduced the rate of intestinal infections in rabbits and prevented the reduction in weight gain caused by infection.

"Reducing the rate of infection - and the resulting deaths - would be a significant savings for producers," says Bilodeau-Goeseels. "Because of the positive effects of EGF on intestinal function, we think it has great potential as a feed additive. But, use of EGF as a feed additive will depend on the ability to produce large quantities and the cost of production."

While the cloning of the DNA sequence encoding bovine EGF is a significant scientific achievement on its own, further research will be needed to determine the biological activity of bovine EGF, the researchers say.

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