Age-related changes in the testicular and antler cycles of reindeer, Rangifer tarandus

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Abstract
Male reindeer [111] of various ages were shot in all mo. of the yr to study the relationship between the seasonal changes in testicular activity and the antler cycle. From the changes in testis wt, seminiferous tubular tissue area and plasma testosterone values and the occurrence of spermatogenesis, calves attain physiological puberty in their 1st yr, during which they also complete an antler cycle. The amplitude of the cyclical change in testis wt and plasma testosterone values increases with age and can be correlated with the earlier onset of events in the spermatogenic and antler cycles of older animals. The duration of the spermatogenic and testosterone cycles of reindeer is short, and is inversely related to the long period spent without antlers. Evidently testosterone strongly influences the antler cycle of reindeer males.

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