Testosterone secretion during early pregnancy in the goat.
Increased peripheral concentrations of testosterone were detected on Days 12 and 13 of the estrous cycle (estrus=Day 0), at the onset of luteolysis in goats. In pregnant goats no increases in testosterone occurred between Days 10 and 18 after mating, and luteal regression was inhibited. It is suggested that testosterone is required for luteolysis in goats, and that the absence of any increase in testosterone concentrations is another manifestation of the mechanisms involved in the maternal recognition of pregnancy.
Cooke
R G
RG
Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, University of Liverpool Veterinary Field Station, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral, Cheshire, L64 7TE, United Kingdom.