Plasma concentrations of testosterone in the developing ram in different social environments

Abstract

Plasma testosterone profiles were determined by taking frequent blood samples at intervals from birth to 21 months of age from rams reared in isolation, in an all male group and in a mixed sex group. The testosterone pattern was not modified by these different social environments. The ability of the ram to copulate when first exposed to an oestrous ewe, apparently a maturational process, was also independent of social rearing. At birth plasma testosterone levels were detectable but low, they were higher at 10 and 16 weeks of age and showed a marked rise by 26 weeks, coincident with the time of puberty. Depressive effects of season on testosterone profiles occurred during the 2nd year of life but not the 1st year.