Stirling products to test growth promotors in sheep.

Perth-based Stirling Products (ASX:STI) is preparing for the first animal trials of its ST810 growth promotion agent in sheep.

This trial will test the affect of ST810's -- a beta-2 agonist -- on tissue weight gain and carcass quality. In published scientific literature beta-agonists have been reported to increase lean meat in sheep from 15 to 35 per cent and reduce carcass fat from 25 to 45 per cent.

Because it is a pure 'single enantiomer' molecule, rather than a mix of right and left-handed enantiomers, STA-810 stimulates only beta-2 receptors. Current growth promotant products are both beta-1 and beta-2 agonists. Selectively stimulating beta-2 receptors may mean decreased side-effects, as beta-1 agonists are associated with increased heart rate.

The trial is scheduled to commence in early spring following trial protocol and animal ethics submissions.

Shares in Stirling were up 5 per cent to AUD$0.205.