Daily Output of Spermatozoa and Extragonadal Spermatozoal Reserves in Turkeys

Abstract

Daily spermatozoal output (DSO) was estimated by determining the total number of spermatozoa in ejaculates of male line breeder turkeys ejaculated daily for 15 days. The DSO was constant at 520 million spermatozoa after the first 6 days of semen collection. Testicular spermatozoal reserves (TSR) and extragonadal sperm reserves (EGR) were measured 24 h after the last semen collection from turkeys ejaculated 1 x/day for 15 consecutive days (ejaculated) and 21 days after the last semen collection from turkeys previously ejaculated 1 x/wk for 12 wk (rested). The TSR concentrations were similar (P greater than .05) for ejaculated and rested groups, respectively: 117 x 10(6) and 119 x 10(6)/g for right testis; 127 x 10(6) and 135 x 10(6)/g for left testis. The total TSR were also similar (P greater than .05): 3,308 x 10(6) (ejaculated) and 4,343 x 10(6) (rested). However, EGR for ejaculated and rested groups were significantly different, with the following values, respectively: ductus deferens, 3,160 x 10(6) and 10,320 x 10(6) (P = .0005); epididymis, 58 x 10(6) and 204 x 10(6) (P less than .004); total EGR, 3,248 x 10(6) and 10,524 x 10(6) (P less than .005). This study shows that although TSR was not affected by daily semen collection, EGR was depleted by 70% of the rested value (P less than .005) when the turkeys were ejaculated daily for 15 days.

Spermatogenesis in the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo): Quantitative approach in immature and adult males subjected to various photoperiods

“…Our observations of significant differences between testes weight within individual male turkeys supported observations by Burke [34] and Cecil and Bakst [35,36]. Hocking [37] observed that the left testis was heavier than the right in 67% of the male chickens, but concluded that the differences in weights were minor.…”

Aspects of Biological Changes in Breeder Toms after Treatment with Subcutaneous Cadmium Injection: Study of Some Semen Characteristics

“…Significant mean values between treatments were compared by Duncan's multiple range test (Duncan, 1955). (Cecil et al, 1988) was quite feasible within the time frame of our investigation, supporting the possible integrity of the seminiferous tubules of the Cd-treated toms.…”

“…These include the differences in the testicular architecture of their excurrent duct systems, especially the anatomical conformation of the ductus epjdidymis and the ductus deferens as well as the location of their spermatozoal storage sites (Tingari, 1972;Lake, 1984). The relatively shorter duration of spermatogenesis in birds (de Revier, 1968;Cecil et al, 1988) as compared to mammals and the variations in the physiological and biochemical reactivity of the tr male genital tracts (Munro, 1938;Erricsson and Baker, 1970;Jones et al, 1972) may also be relevant to the phenomenon. Whether such distinctions confer any specific biological advantages on avian species in their gonadal responses to Cd intoxication remains to be elucidated by further investigations.…”

Male sperm reserves and copulation frequency in birds

“…The cloacal protuberance is formed from the two seminal glomerae, the bulbous, coiled parts of the vas deferens, which lie beneath the skin, dorso-lateral to the cloaca (King 1981;Lake 1981). Non-passerines also possess an enlarged distal portion of the vas deferens, which serves as a storage area for sperm (Bedford 1979;Lake 1981;Clulow and Jones 1982;Cecil et al 1988), but in contrast to passerines this lies within the body cavity and does not produce a protuberance, except in a few Psittaciformes (Samour et al 1986; see also Wolfson 1960).…”