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Intersexuality in a pig : implications for hormonal research
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| Author |
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| Abstract |
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| 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 |
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English
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| Source (journal) |
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Vlaams diergeneeskundig tijdschrift. - Antwerpen | |
| Publication |
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Antwerpen : 2002
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| ISSN |
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0303-9021
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| Volume/pages |
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71:6(2002), p. 411-418
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| ISI |
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000180374900002
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| Full text (publisher's version - intranet only) |
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