Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Treatment for Sexual Immaturity in a Male Ibex (Capra Pyrenaica)

Abstract

Gonadotrophin deficiency, a condition usually present from birth, can cause delayed puberty
in humans and domestic animals, but this has not been confirmed in wild mountain ruminants.
During the rutting season (December), signs of sexual immaturity were detected in a 2.5 yearold male Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) maintained in captivity. Cryptorchidism of the right
testicle was diagnosed, along with complete adherence of the urethral process to the prepuce.
The animal was treated with five injections of 500 UI hCG, administered intramuscularly over
four weeks (two injections four days apart in the first week, and then one injection per week).
Upon completion of the treatment, the right testicle completed its descent into the scrotum, and
the urethral process detached from the preputial mucous membrane. A semen sample was collected which revealed oligoasthenospermia, confirming hCG to be at least partially effective in
the stimulation of spermatogenesis in ibexes with gonadotrophin deficiency.