Metabolism of exogenous androgens in rams and wethers: differential clearance rates

The effect of the presence of the testes on the clearance rates of 5 and 50 mg of testosterone and androstenedione was examined in 8-month old rams and wethers. Castration did not affect (P greater than 0.10) the clearance of androstenedione or testosterone at the 5 mg dosage. Castration had an effect (P less than 0.05) on the clearance of 50 mg of androstenedione and testosterone. These data indicate that reproductive status has a differential effect on the metabolism of exogenously administered steroids.