STUDY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF FEMALE MOOSE IN SWEDEN

Authors

  • Susanne Sylven
  • Alex W. L. Hawley
  • Martin Wilhelmson

Abstract

Preliminary results of a 3 year study of moose ovaries, uteri and carcass weights are presented. The number of corpora lutea (NCL) was significantly correlated with carcass weight and age, but the correlation was greatest with carcass weight. The youngest animals had fewer corpora lutea than intermediate age cows. The data indicate that cows attain their maximum productivity by 4 years of age. This was evidenced in the age group 4-7 years old cows by having the greatest NCL and the greatest number of follicles (NF) greater than 5 mm in diameter. Cows greater than 7 years of age were less reproductive than cows 4-7 years old. But the small sample size in the older age class prevented a conclusion regarding reduced fertility with advancing age. The average NF in each age class did not correlate exactly with the average NCL. Females 2 years old had a large mean NF but a small mean NCL. Age, size of body and carcass weight had significant effects on ovarian weights. Ovaries from the left side were heaviest and also had the greatest NCL. Ovaries from the right side had the greatest NF however. Animals from the most northern locality were the heaviest (P < 0.1).

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Published

1980-01-01

How to Cite

Sylven, S., Hawley, A. W. L., & Wilhelmson, M. (1980). STUDY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF FEMALE MOOSE IN SWEDEN. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 16, 124–136. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1641