Freemartinism in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.)

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.