ZERANOL Meaning and
Definition
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Zeranol is a synthetic steroidal compound that belongs to the class of mycotoxin derivatives known as zearalenones. It is primarily used in the agriculture and livestock industry as a growth promoter and anabolic agent. Zeranol functions by binding to estrogen receptors, mainly in the target tissues of animals, which results in enhanced growth and increased muscle mass. It has the ability to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit protein degradation, leading to improved feed efficiency and weight gain in animals.
As a veterinary drug, zeranol is commonly administered through oral and implantation routes to various animal species, including cattle, sheep, and goats. It is utilized particularly in the beef production industry to accelerate growth rates and improve carcass composition. Zeranol has been found to have a relatively high bioavailability and a long duration of action, making it a practical and effective tool for promoting animal growth.
However, it is important to note that zeranol has been subject to regulatory restrictions due to potential health risks in humans. The compound has been classified as a potential endocrine disruptor, as it possesses estrogenic activity and can interfere with normal hormone signaling pathways. Consequently, to ensure consumer safety, regulatory authorities have set maximum residue limits for zeranol in animal-derived products, such as meat, milk, and eggs.
In summary, zeranol is a synthetic compound used in agriculture and livestock production to enhance animal growth and performance. Its estrogenic properties aid in muscle development and livestock weight gain. Nonetheless, due to its potential health effects, regulatory guidelines on acceptable residue limits have been implemented for the protection of consumers.
Common Misspellings for ZERANOL
Etymology of ZERANOL
The word "Zeranol" is a compound word that consists of two parts: "zero" and "nal".
The first part, "zero", likely stems from the concept of zero, meaning nothing or absence. It is often used to indicate an absence or lack of something.
The second part, "nal", is derived from "naphthalene", which is a hydrocarbon compound commonly found in coal tar and other fossil fuels. Naphthalene has a distinctive odor and has been used in various applications such as moth repellents and industrial chemicals.
When these two parts are combined, "Zeranol" refers to a synthetic compound called zearalenol, which is derived from the mold species Fusarium. Zeranol is a non-steroidal estrogenic compound that is used as a growth promoter in livestock, particularly in beef cattle.
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