asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will give information regarding a new drug. Prostaglandin, which is reported to be under test in Galway and Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prostaglandin Tests.
11.
Prostaglandin is not a new drug. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring substances derived from essential fatty acids in the animal body. They were first discovered and extracted in the early 1930s.
Because of the widespread physiological effects of natural prostaglandins synthetic substitutes have been developed for specific uses in the treatment of animals, mainly in relation to infertility. From the livestock production aspect the substances would appear to have possibilities in the area of controlled breeding.
The natural and synthetic forms of prostaglandins are the subject of continuous research here and in other countries. I am not, however, aware of the particular test in Galway and Dublin to which the Deputy refers.