"Doping" in Fighting Cocks

"Doping" in Fighting Cocks
By Dr. Kaew (Asst. Prof. Dr. Sompoth Weerakul, DVM)

This article discusses the group of male hormones known as Testosterone or Androgens. Among cockfighting and bullfighting enthusiasts, these substances are sometimes referred to as "Growth Factors." They are administered in various forms and under many names—sometimes hidden within herbal remedies, energy drinks, or food supplements, while other times they are labeled explicitly as hormones.

Medical Use and Effects
In humans, these drugs must be used with extreme caution due to severe risks and should only be taken under a doctor’s prescription. They are typically prescribed for individuals with androgen deficiency, a condition found in both men and women. A lack of this hormone can lead to decreased libido, underdeveloped sex organs, low sperm count or infertility, muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, and even depression.

When administered correctly, the hormone promotes physical development, stimulates body growth, and enhances male characteristics. In the human fitness world, these effects are often exploited for bodybuilding to achieve massive, aesthetic muscles. In poultry, these hormones have been used in ostriches to improve feed conversion rates and increase muscle mass.

Effects in Fighting Cocks
In the initial stages of use in fighting cocks, the birds often respond positively. They may show increased libido, high fertility, a bright red face, and expanded, stronger muscles. The birds become energetic, aggressive, and show great courage when facing opponents.

However, using inappropriate doses—especially high doses over a long period without proper supervision—leads to the exact opposite of the desired effects and causes systemic damage to the body. The side effects in humans and chickens are remarkably similar:

Cardiovascular System: In humans, it can cause edema (swelling) and heart failure. In fighting cocks, this often results in sudden death during or after a match. This must be distinguished from other complications of fighting or the "burnout" caused by various doping agents.
Muscular and Metabolic Stress: It can lead to Capture Myopathy, a condition where muscles degenerate and produce high levels of lactic acid, leading to blood acidosis.
Liver Damage: The drugs are linked to hepatitis and liver cancer. In poultry, the liver often becomes enlarged and fragile. Upon necropsy (autopsy), the liver appears swollen, pale, and friable (easily crumbled). Observing the droppings may reveal a darker green color than usual, resembling green jelly.
Reproductive Issues: In humans, it causes prostate enlargement and decreased sperm production. In fighting cocks, particularly breeding studs that have been "doped" long-term, it results in low sperm count or poor sperm quality, eventually leading to infertility.
Kidney and Bone Health: In humans, it causes electrolyte imbalances and kidney issues. In poultry, swollen kidneys are frequently observed in X-rays and autopsies. It also stunts bone development in humans; while not yet clearly reported in chickens, it is believed to have a similar effect.
The Long-term "Crash"
Damage to the liver and kidneys is a critical issue as it compromises the body's ability to detoxify and manage metabolism and energy production. Even if the bird receives high-quality feed, once the liver is degraded by doping, negative results become apparent.

A bird that was once energetic will begin to suffer from accumulated fatigue that becomes irreversible. This decline happens even if the diet, supplements, and training routine remain unchanged. Furthermore, these hormones can interfere with the respiratory system and digestion. Eventually, muscle development becomes distorted, leading to the opposite of the intended effect: muscle atrophy and a total loss of power.

Conclusion
If possible, it is best to avoid these substances entirely. There are many other appropriate products available that achieve results with significantly fewer negative impacts on the bird's body. Stay tuned for future articles regarding other types of "doping" agents.