The Influence of Age, Gender and Weight on Sex Hormone Levels and Histological Development of Reproductive Organs in Arabi Sheep

This study was conducted in the College of Agriculture - University of Basra from 1/9/2020 to 15/1/2021 by collecting 120 blood samples from males and females of the Arabi sheep breed, as well as taking samples from reproductive organs (testes and ovaries) to evaluate the effect of age, weight and sex of animals on sexual hormone levels . Samples were divided into three age groups (5-8 months, 9-12 months and 1-1.5 years) and three body weight groups (15-25, 26-36, 37-47) kg. The results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the concentration of gonadotropin hormones (FSH, LH) and steroidal hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) in animals older than 9 months. The concentration of FSH and LH hormones were higher females compared to males. All levels of sex hormones significantly (P<0.05) increased when the body weight increased to more than 26 kg in both sexes. Reproductive organs in both sexes (testes and ovaries) developed when the animal age and weight increased.