Inadequate growth due to deficiencies in growth hormone (GR), growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), or genetic diseases can be ameliorated utilizing recombinant protein therapy with a novel GHRH analog having a sequence (SEQ ID NO:1). Also included is (1) a method of treating growth hormone-related deficiencies associated with the growth hormone pathway; (2) a method for treating growth hormone-related deficiencies associated with genetic disease; (3) a method to improve growth performance in an animal; (4) a method of treating an animal having a growth deficiency disease; (5) a method of increasing the efficiency of an animal used for food; and (6) a method to enhance growth in an animal.