Relationship between antler development and plasma androgen concentrations in adult roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

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Abstract
Four male deer (4-5 yr old), living in normal park conditions, were captured every 2 wk in the year to study annual variations in androgen levels and the relationship between testicular activity and the antler cycle. Data were also obtained from 77 wild adult males (G 3 yr old) caught in the forest. Plasma androgen concentrations rose briefly in April and markedly in Aug.; the high values in Aug. corresponded with the breeding period. From the time of casting to maximum growth was .apprx. 60 days; mineralization of the antlers then lasted for 45 days only. The mineralization phase of antler growth corresponded to the reactivation of testicular function in late Jan. (0.43 .+-. 0.16 to 1.99 .+-. 0.42 ng androgen/ml, n = 4).

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