کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
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2074498 | 1544811 | 2007 | 8 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |

Seasonal variations in the horn development and testicular activity of the Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) (n = 6) and European mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) (n = 5) were monitored to determine the role of increasing testosterone concentration on the arrest of horn growth during the rutting season. Marked seasonal variations in the rate of horn growth (P < 0.01) and testicular activity (P < 0.001) were seen in both species, although the magnitude and timing of these changes were different (P < 0.01). Horn growth rate was inversely correlated to seasonal levels in testosterone plasma concentration in both species (ibex: R = −0.45, P < 0.01; mouflon R = −0.51, P < 0.01). In the mouflon, the increase in plasma testosterone concentration recorded in September (P < 0.05 compared with the lowest concentration) coincided with a significant reduction in horn growth (P < 0.05). In the ibex, the increase in plasma testosterone concentration in October (P < 0.05 compared with the lowest concentration) was associated with a significant arrest of horn growth in November (P < 0.05). These results appear to support the hypothesis that high peripheral plasma levels of testosterone are linked with the seasonal arrest of horn growth during the rutting period.
Journal: Animal Reproduction Science - Volume 102, Issues 3–4, December 2007, Pages 300–307