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Camelid Breeding Cycle - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 07:33, 4 August 2008
, 07:33, 4 August 2008→Seasonality
== Seasonality ==
== Seasonality ==
* Changes in sexual behaviour, morphology and function of the genital organs, as well as changes in endocrinological profiles.
* Very variable but generally coincides with the period of low humidity, low temperature, and increased rainfall.
=== Anatomical Evidence for Seasonality ===
* Increase in size and activity of the testis and accessory glands during the coolest months of the year.
* Increased spermatogenic and secretory activity during the rutting season.
* Increased secretory activity of the poll glands giving the characteristic smell of the rutting male.
=== Endocrinological Evidence for Seasonality ===
* Increased secretion of androgen, especially testosterone.
** May be due to increased synthesis and release of testosterone either by an increased sensitivity of Leydig cells to LH, or an enhanced secretion of LH from the pituitary gland or both.
Pituitary and circulating Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels are significantly affected by season.
** The highest concentrations are reached during winter and tends to drop reaching a minimum in summer before increasing again in Autumn.
** Highest frequency and amplitude of LH pulses during the cooler months (December - January).
* Serum prolactin levels are high during the non-breeding season and decrease significantly in the rutting season.
= Female =
= Female =