EP0433084A2 — Use of aromatese inhibitors for the reversal of female sexual phenotype in poultry

USPTO Abstract

Fertilized poultry embryos are treated with steroid biosynthesis inhibitors or antagonists which prevents the conversion of androgens to estrogens. By blocking the production of estrogens the genotypic female is converted into a phenotypic male. The phenotypic conversion of females to males gives the treated birds the advantage of male growth characteristics. A single administration of a steroid biosynthesis inhibitor or antagonist prior to about day 9 of embryonic incubation results in an irreversible change the sexual phenotype. <IMAGE>