Seasonal variations in rete testis fluid secretion and sperm production in different breeds of ram.
Production of spermatozoa and secretion of rete testis fluid (RTF) in rams was assessed by a rete testis cannulating technique. Four breeds (Ile-de-France, Romanov, Préalpes du Sud and cross-breed Romanov) were studied throughout the year. Inhibitory effects of the cannulation process on spermatogenesis were observed for some animals. Between-breed differences were found in sperm concentration and flow rate of the RTF. The seasonal variations in the daily sperm production of the testis were more pronounced for Ile-de-France rams than for the other breeds. There was a seasonal variation in the flow rate of RTF in Ile-de-France rams, the minimum flow being in February (winter) and the maximum in August-September (autumn).
D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D001947:Breeding; D008297:Male; D012152:Rete Testis / Q000378:metabolism*; D012621:Seasons; D012756:Sheep / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D013076:Sperm Count; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*