Infertility in Cattle

B) Adrenal virilism

-  The adrenal cortex of the female secretes a large amount of androgens due to lesions occurring in the adrenal cortex (tumor or hyperplasia) or the hypothalamus.

- In adrenal hyperplasia, cortisol precursors accumulate and are shunted into the production of androgens.

- Excessive sexual desire toward the masculine direction (virilization).

- The clinical symptoms correlate to:

-- The age of the animal

-- The stage of lactation.

- Heifers show enlargement of the clitoris and under development of the sexual organs.

- Old cows become fattened with cessation of sexual desire.

- The ovaries are often small or even enlarged.

- The uterus is under developed in heifers and is normal in cows.

- The treatment in such case is not useful.