Blanvillain C., Ancrenaz M., Delhomme A., Greth A., & Sempéré A.J. 1997. The presence of the male stimulates puberty in captive female Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx). Journal of Arid Environments 36(2): 359-366.

Summary: In order to analyse the influence of the male on the onset of puberty in captive female Arabian oryx Oryx leucoryx, eight females calves were removed from their mothers immediately after birth and kept without (group 1) or with (group 2) male contact until day 430 when a mature male was placed with each female. According to progesterone concentrations in plasma, the first ovulation was at day 525 ± 16 days in group one whereas it advanced to day 397 ± 40 days in group two (p<0.05). In this species, therefore, a male effect promotes attainment of puberty in females.

#1-1997-002