Publication
Title
Intersexuality in a pig : implications for hormonal research
Author
Abstract
During a routine inspection on a pig farm, nortestosterone was found in faecal samples. An intersexual pig held responsible for this finding was slaughtered and further investigated anatomically, histologically and chemically. Macroscopic inspection revealed a mainly female reproductive tract consisting of a vagina, a uterus and on the left side a normal ovary and uterine tube. However, on the right side a hypoplastic testis with an epididymis was found together with a well developed plexus pampiniformis-like structure. Histologically no spermatozoa were found in this testis, but Leydig cells were numerous. Chemical analysis showed the presence of 17--nortestosterone in the urine, fat, kidney and testicular tissue, as well as the precursor noradrenostenedione in the urine, kidney and testis. As intersexuality is a frequent phenomenon in pigs, veterinarians who are responsible for food safety must be aware of this problem which interferes with the inspection on hormonal products in meat.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Vlaams diergeneeskundig tijdschrift. - Antwerpen, 1931, currens
Publication
Antwerpen : 2002
ISSN
0303-9021
Volume/pages
71 :6 (2002) , p. 411-418
ISI
000180374900002
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 16.04.2012
Last edited 28.01.2023
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