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Evaluation of LH-RH stimulation of testosterone as an index of reproductive status in rams and its application in wild antelope

Summary. In rams a positive correlation (P < 0·001) existed between average testosterone levels from 30-min blood sampling for 18 h and average testosterone levels of samples taken 0, 1 and 2 h after injection of LH-RH administered 90 min after anaesthesia. Attempts were therefore made to assess testosterone status by LH-RH challenge and limited blood sampling in animals immobilized in their natural habitat. In impala (Aepyceros melampus) territorial males had higher plasma testosterone values than did bachelors after LH-RH challenge (8·1 compared with 2·6 ng/ml, P < 0·05). In blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas), the relationship was less clear, but testicular volume was correlated with plasma testosterone concentration and with testicular responsiveness measured by testosterone produced per unit of LH (P < 0·001 and P < 0·05, respectively). The LH-RH challenge technique therefore has value as a measure of testicular function and permits study of ungulates in their natural environment.