J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1989. 67:698-703.
© 1989 American Society of Animal Science
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Relationships among Intramuscular Collagen, Serum Hydroxyproline and Serum Testosterone in Growing Rams and Wethers1

L. F. Miller2, M. D. Judge, M. A. Diekman, R. E. Hudgens and E. D. Aberle3

Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907

Abstract

Concentration and maturation of collagen and serum concentrations of hydroxyproline and testosterone were determined in growing rams and wethers to characterize developmental changes in collagen associated with a representative testicular steroid. Groups of eight rams and eight wethers were slaughtered at 12, 18, 24 and 30 wk of age. Concentrations of collagen in longissimus, supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles and serum hydroxyproline were greater (P < .05) in rams than in wethers at all ages. Collagen stability, as measured by collagen solubility and thermal shrinkage temperature, was greater (P < .05) in wethers than in rams. Differences in collagen stability and serum hydroxyproline concentration indicated that collagen synthesis and turnover were more rapid in rams than in wethers. Serum hydroxyproline decreased (P < .05) and collagen solubility decreased (P < .05) with age, indicating that collagen turnover was occurring most rapidly in 12-wk-old lambs and that collagen maturation was predominant in 24- to 30-wk old lambs. Testosterone parameters measured in rams were unrelated within groups to collagen characteristics, possibly reflecting the high variability in testosterone secretion and the slow development of collagen. However, rams as young as 12 wk of age were under the influence of testosterone, and differences in collagen between rams and wethers were apparent at that time.

Footnotes

1 Journal Paper No. 11,245 of the Purdue Agric. Exp. Sta., Dept. of Anim. Sci.

2 Present address: IMC Pitman Moore, INC., Box 207, Terre Haute, IN 47808.

3 Present address: Dept. of Anim. Sci., Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908.






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Copyright © 1989 by the American Society of Animal Science.