The Age Factor in the Castration of Male Rabbit Fetuses

Abstract

Conclusion

In the male rabbit, early fetal castration (before the 21st day) prevents the formation of male secondary sex characters such as the prostate. At a later stage (24 days) established primordia continue their development even after ablation of the testes; the resulting structures are usually subnormal. The effects induced by testicular secretions are sometimes regionally restricted. Earlier observations on the differentiation and persistence of female genital ducts after early orchidectomy are confirmed and extended.