Investigations on reproductive physiology in the male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx).
This study characterized (in vivo) morphological and functional parameters of reproductive organs of adult male lynx (n = 3) prior to, during, and after the breeding season (n = 3). Size and morphology of the reproductive tract were monitored by transcutaneous (testes) and transrectal (accessory sex glands) ultrasonography. Semen was collected by electroejaculation. Ejaculate volume, sperm number, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa as well as testosterone concentrations in blood serum and feces were evaluated. The testes and prostate had seasonal changes in size and echotexture. The mean (+/- S.D.) maximum and minimum testicular volume were 2.8 +/- 0.8 cm3 and 1.5 +/- 0.3 cm3, respectively. Fecal testosterone concentrations were highest in February (1240 +/- 393 ng/g feces), with a second increase in May (971 +/- 202 ng/g feces), but concentrations were lowest in January (481 +/- 52.9 ng/g feces). Ejaculate volume, total sperm number and percentage of motile, and intact spermatozoa were maximal in March (the middle of the breeding season). In one of the eight litters, multiple paternity was proven; however, in the remaining seven litters, all 16 cubs were sired by the same male. This particular male had the most developed and active testes and best semen quality, which may be important for sperm competition.
Göritz
Frank
F
Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, D-10252 Berlin, Germany. goeritz@izw-berlin.de
Neubauer
Katrin
K
Naidenko
Sergey V
SV
Fickel
Joerns
J
Jewgenow
Katarina
K
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D046008:Lynx / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010334:Paternity; D011467:Prostate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D012426:Russia; D012621:Seasons; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000502:physiology; D014463:Ultrasonography
D013739:Testosterone