Thyroxine levels in male and female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
Four major findings are described: (1) The episodic secretion of thyroxine in mature male white-tailed deer is most pronounced in the warmer months (June and September) and least demonstrated during the coldest months (November and January); (2) no clear annual rhythm of thyroxine was demonstrated in juvenile or mature male or mature barren female white-tailed deer. The monthly mean levels in mature males and females oscillate between 11 and 14 microgram/100 ml throughout the year; (3) the seasonal levels of thyroxine in mature males are almost identical with the thyroxine levels of adult barren females; (4) the seasonal thyroxine levels of juvenile males are constantly higher than levels found in mature males. However, when these deer reach the age of 3 years, their thyroxine levels decrease to those of the adult. The collected data could serve as a tool of evaluation of population structure for wildlife management purposes.
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D003670:Deer / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors
D006728:Hormones; D013974:Thyroxine