Abstract
Yearling and deer (Cervus elaphus) stags were either thyroidectomized (THX; n = 3) or served as nonoperated controls (n = 5). During the following 18 months, live weight of the stags was recorded every month, and testicular diameter and neck girth were measured every 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected each week and assayed for testosterone. THX stags maintained hard antlers and did not undergo the same seasonal regression of testicular diameter and plasma testosterone concentration during spring observed in the control stags. Over the subsequent summer and autumn, THX stags exhibited seasonal changes of live weight, pelage, testicular diameter, neck girth, and plasma testosterone concentration, but these were of smaller magnitude than those of control animals. These results indicate that thyroid hormones are involved in regulation of seasonal physiological processes in red deer stags.
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