Assessment of the sexual and antler potential of the male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by Gn-RH stimulation test

G. A. Bubenik, D. Schams, A. J. Sempere

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

1. 1. Twelve mature white-tailed bucks were injected with gonadotropin regulating hormone (Gn-RH, 100 μg/deer) during the rut (November) and during the spring (April). 2. 2. In the rut, superior bucks (with actual or potential large body weight, trophy antlers and a high social rank) responded to Gn-RH with a small increase of LH (below 20 μg/ml) and a profound rise in testosterone (T) (30-50 ng/ml). The inferior animals exhibited high increase of LH (30-40 ng/ml) but a low rise in T (below 10 ng/ml). FSH levels increased only slightly after Gn-RH and the concentrations were not related to reproductive performance. 3. 3. During the spring, increase in LH levels after Gn-RH administration greatly exceeded the rise of T, but no relationship was found between hormonal levels and the reproductive potential. FSH levels increased remarkably after Gn-RH administration. 4. 4. Gn-RH (administered during the rut) might be used for assessment of the potential for reproductive and antler performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)767-771
Number of pages5
JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology -- Part A: Physiology
Volume86
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1987
Externally publishedYes

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