EFFECT OF PROGESTERON ON THE GROWTH-CYCLE OF ANTLERS IN RED DEER (CERVUS-ELAPHUS L)

As a result of the administration of Testosteron and subsequent traumatisation, four male red deer which were castrated before or at puberty, developed antlers. During the autumn-winter period, Testosteron, Oestradiol or Progesteron were administered to the animals in order to induce cleaning. After the hormone treatment ceased, the antlers were shed in spring, whereupon the next period of antler growth began. The research showed that the effect of Progesteron on the antler cycle is similar to that of Testosteron, though Progesteron is at least 2-3 times less effective. In two cases antlers were generated without producing a trauma. These antlers did not develop in the normal way but grew bent over downwards, and in one case a pendulous beam developed. © 1979 Verlag Paul Parey.