The peptide hormones of the anterior pituitary are critical for the regulation of growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Their secretion is not only controlled by stimulatory and inhibitory peptides of hypothalamic origin, but also is influenced by hormones of the peripheral endocrine glands, by disease, and buy many drugs. The interrelationship between the pituitary and its target tissues represent elegant examples of feedback
regulation. These interactions have been exploited for many years in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical disorders in endocrinology.

Hormones are widely used by veterinary practitioners all around the world and on various indications. The use of hormones can be divided in therapeutic use or other in which hormones are used to interfere with the physiological functions of normal animals (i.e., regulate reproduction or the enhance production).