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Abstract
We studied androgen production during development in nestling Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio) and hypothesized that gender and hatch order might influence serum levels of testosterone and androstenedione. Testosterone levels were highest immediately after hatching and declined significantly in the 4 weeks leading to fledging. The average level of testosterone for 1-7 day-old owls was 3.99 - 0.68 ng/ml. At 22-28 days of age, the average testosterone level for nestling owls was 0.83 - 0.18 ng/ml. Testosterone levels did not differ between males or females. The average testosterone level for male nestlings was 2.23 - 0.29 ng/ml and 2.39 - 0.56 ng/ml for female nestlings. The average level of androstenedione for nestling owls was 1.92 - 0.11 ng/ml and levels remained constant throughout development. Levels were significantly higher in males than females. The average androstenedione level was 1.77 - 0.16 ng/ml for male nestlings and 1.05 - 0.24 ng/ml for female nestlings. Hatching order did not affect levels of either androgen. Our results provide a foundation for future studies of androgen production by nestling owls.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Developmental changes in serum androgen levels of Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio) |
| Series title | Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
| Volume | 122 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 2010 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wilson Ornithological Society |
| Publisher location | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 7 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
| First page | 755 |
| Last page | 761 |
| Country | United States |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |