Effects of ewe proximity on peripheral plasma testosterone levels and behaviour in the ram

Abstract

Groups of yearling and immature rams were kept for 6 months during the breeding season either adjacent to or apart from ovariectomized ewes in which oestrus was induced by hormone therapy. The older rams kept near ewes were found to have larger testes, higher plasma testosterone levels and greater sexual and aggressive activity, although the immature animals showed no response. Plasma testosterone concentration was also found to increase after copulation in some animals.