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Gonadal cycles and levels of luteinizing hormone in wild Spur‐winged geese, Plectropterus gambensis
Author(s) -
Halse S. A.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1985.tb05621.x
Subject(s) - biology , juvenile , ovary , luteinizing hormone , endocrinology , medicine , photoperiodism , follicular phase , development of the gonads , atresia , follicular atresia , testosterone (patch) , ovarian follicle , hormone , gonad , anatomy , ecology , horticulture
The gonadal cycles of wild Spur‐winged geese at Barberspan, South Africa, were examined histologically. Changes in 13 testicular parameters and penis weight and 12 ovarian and oviducal parameters were quantified. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the plasma were measured in both sexes. It was found that, in terms of their histology, the gonadal cycles of Spur‐winged geese fit conventional avian patterns. The occurrence of follicular atresia in the ovary is discussed. In males, the testes of juvenile birds (< 1 yr. old) begin developing at least a month later than those of adults; in juvenile females the ovary often does not develop at all. However, in both sexes, LH levels in juveniles appear to rise simultaneously with those in adults and to reach similar values. It seems likely that LH release and gonadal recrudescence in Spur‐winged geese are under the dual control of photoperiod and some rain‐associated factor(s). However, additional cues are required to stimulate the final stages of ovarian development in females. These are probably suitable water depth, suitable nesting cover, rainfall per se and having a mate.