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Freemartinism in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.).
I A Stewart-Scott1, P D Pearce, G H Moore
1DSIR Biotechnology, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers induced mixed-sex red deer twins using hormonal treatments. Two female deer exhibited freemartinism, a condition where a female twin in a mixed-sex pair is sterile, a first for this species.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Mammalian genetics
- Veterinary science
Background:
- Mixed-sex twin births can lead to freemartinism in cattle.
- Hormonal treatments are used to induce ovulation and twinning in various species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for freemartinism in red deer.
- To report the first cases of freemartinism in the deer species.
Main Methods:
- Red deer were treated with progesterone and pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin to induce twin pregnancies.
- Karyotyping was performed on seven female red deer from mixed-sex twin pairs.
Main Results:
- Two of the seven female red deer were identified as 68,XX/68,XY chimeras.
- One male red deer shared the same chimeric karyotype as its female co-twin.
- These findings represent the initial documentation of freemartinism in deer.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal induction of mixed-sex twinning in red deer can result in freemartinism.
- Chimeric karyotypes confirm the occurrence of freemartinism in this species.
- This study establishes a precedent for freemartinism in deer, expanding knowledge of reproductive anomalies.