Initiation of Sexual Behavior in Prepuberally Ovariectomized Rabbits

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Abstract
The effect of prepuberal ovariectomy on the subsequent adult sexual behavior of New Zealand white rabbits was studied. Three groups of rabbits were ovariectomized at 30 (infantile), 60 (juvenile) and 90–100 (late juvenile) days of age. Tests for both mating and mounting behavior were initiated when the subjects (Ss) were 90–107 days old and continued twice weekly until each subject totaled 25 tests. Sporadic mating behavior was displayed by 33, 45 and 42% of the infantile, juvenile and late juvenile Ss, respectively. Nine per cent of the juveniles and 28% of the late juveniles showed mounting behavior. None of the infantiles mounted. The average age at which the Ss of the diverse groups mated for the first time was: infantile 144 days, range 135–164; juvenile 138 days, range 95–186; and late juvenile 123 days, range 109–139. No significant differences in the frequency with which sexual behavior was displayed as adults were noted between the diverse groups. It is concluded that: a) the ovaries are not indispensable for the initiation of sexual behavior in a minor proportion of rabbits, and b) previous mating experience is not essential for the persistence of sexual behavior after ovariectomy in the rabbit. (Endocrinology86: 171, 1970)

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