| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 1977 |
| Authors: | Lisano, ME, Kennamer, JEarl |
| Journal: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
| Volume: | 41 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| Date Published: | 1977 |
| ISBN Number: | 0022541X |
| Keywords: | Meleagris, Meleagris gallopavo, Phasianidae |
| Abstract: | Testosterone level was determined, by radioimmunoassay, on 137 plasma samples obtained from male eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) over a 15-month period, in Alabama. Ninety-three samples were obtained from 3 pen-reared birds by making collections every 2 weeks for 62 consecutive weeks; 14 samples were from trapped birds; and 30 were from gobblers killed during the regular spring hunting season. Plasma testosterone levels for pen-reared birds at 6 weeks of age (July 1974) were 32-63 ng/100 ml; whereas those at 34 weeks of age (January 1975) and just prior to breeding season were 87-108 ng/100 ml. Mean plasma testosterone level in January-February for the mostly adult trapped birds was 202.2 ± 61.9 ng/100 ml compared to 146.0 ± 62.3 ng/100 ml for the subadult pen-reared birds. Values for the mostly adult gobblers killed during the March-April hunting season was 344.9 ± 110.8 ng/100 ml compared to 254.4 ± 140.5 ng/100 ml for the subadult pen-reared turkeys. Changes in behavior and body conformation in relation to changes in plasma testosterone level are discussed for the three pen-reared turkeys. |
| URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/3800592 |
| Short Title: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
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