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Morphological alterations in the reproductive organs of ewe lambs reared on lucerne

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. Valderrábano ,
J. P. Ramón  and
M. Barberán
J. Valderrábano
Affiliation:
Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Aula Dei, Apartado 727 — 50080 Zaragoza, Spain
J. P. Ramón
Affiliation:
Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Aula Dei, Apartado 727 — 50080 Zaragoza, Spain
M. Barberán
Affiliation:
Facultad de Veterinaria, Miguel Servet 177 — Zaragoza, Spain
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Abstract

The effect on the morphology of the reproductive organs of ewe lambs of exposure to phyto-oestrogens for long periods of time were studied in 10 ewe lambs reared on lucerne compared with 10 controls on Italian ryegrass.

Anatomical studies of the reproductive organs showed that the ewe lambs reared on lucerne had significantly bigger reproductive tracts than the controls, the thyroids and the mammary glands were heavier and the latter showed secretory activity. The ovaries of the ewes fed on lucerne were smaller and lighter than those of the controls but no difference in ovarian activity was detected.

Microscopic examination showed specific features affecting the uterus, cervix and vagina. The prevalence of neutral mucopolysaccharides in the composition of the cervical mucus found in ewe lambs fed on lucerne indicated a decrease in viscosity of the mucus.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 47 , Issue 2 , October 1988 , pp. 271 - 274
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1988

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References

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