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Effects of active immunization against LHRH and melatonin on growth and plasma hormone concentrations in red deer stags during their second year

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

A. M. Ataja ,
T. N. Barry ,
R. M. Hoskinson  and
P. R. Wilson
A. M. Ataja
Affiliation:
Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
T. N. Barry
Affiliation:
Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
R. M. Hoskinson
Affiliation:
CSIRO Division of Animal Production, Blacktown, NSW, Australia
P. R. Wilson
Affiliation:
Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Summary

The effects of immunization against luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) and melatonin were studied during autumn and winter 1989 in yearling red deer stags initially aged 14 months and weighing 90–96 kg. Four out of five stags immunized against LHRH and six out of eight stags immunized against melatonin developed detectable levels of antibody titre. Immunization against LHRH reduced plasma LH concentration and both delayed and reduced weight loss associated with the rut (autumn); however, it had no effect upon carcass weight and dressing-out percentage was slightly lowered, showing that non-carcass components had been affected. Immunization against melatonin had no effect either on weight loss during the rut or on the rate of liveweight gain during winter and spring. Plasma concentrations of LH and testosterone were not affected by melatonin immunization; however, plasma prolactin concentration was consistently, but non-significantly, higher in immunized than control animals.

Type
Animals
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 118 , Issue 3 , June 1992 , pp. 371 - 377
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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