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Serum and urinary levels of reproductive hormones associated with the estrous cycle in white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus )
Author(s) -
Knox W. M.,
Miller K. V.,
Collins D. C.,
Bush P. B.,
Kiser T. E.,
Marchinton R. L.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430110207
Subject(s) - odocoileus , estrous cycle , biology , endocrinology , medicine , seasonal breeder , luteinizing hormone , radioimmunoassay , hormone , estrone , urinary system , zoology
Concentrations of estradiol‐17β (E 2 ), progesterone (P o ), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum and estrone glucuronide (E 1 G) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) in urine were determined by direct radioimmunoassay in five yearling and three adult female white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) from 14 October to 20 December 1985. Elevated levels of LH were recorded before the first estrus of the breeding season and immediately preceding or during behavioral estrus. Urinary E 1 G and PdG concentrations were poorly correlated with serum levels of E 2 and P o , respectively. Serum P o levels prior to the first estrus of the breeding season indicate that pubertal yearlings experience silent ovulations and suggest that silent ovulations may be important in the transition from adolescence to cycling adult in white‐tailed deer. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.