Title
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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. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Vlaams diergeneeskundig tijdschrift. - Antwerpen, 1931, currens
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Publication
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Antwerpen
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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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