Morphological features of the annual testicular cycle of quail (Coturnix coturnix) of the italian variety

Abstract

The histologic structure of the tubullar seminiferous epithelium and gonadosomatic index averages of domestic quail of the italian variety verified in all the seasons of the year was characterised that the spermatocytogenesis in this bird with a constant rhythm during the spring, the more active phase of the annual testicular cycle, and also the spermatogenesis did not stopped in the winter and summer, respectively. A quiescent phase of the cycle was observed from the beginning to the medium autumn in which the spermatogenesis was incomplete concerning the spermiogenesis, with consequent absence of spermatozoa formation. These features had an annual recurring pattern, which allowed to characterise a circannual cyclic rhythm to the quail's testis concerning to the spermatogenesis kinetics.