Histological Observations in Testes of Hybrids of Gallus Gallus x Phasianuns Colchicus

Abstract

This study performed a histological and morphometric investigation of testes in Gallus gallus x Phasianus colchicus hybrids during the seasonal reproductive period of pheasants. The trial was conducted on seven 4-year old birds originated from the mating between New Hampshire cocks and female common pheasants. After sacrifice, testes were removed, macroscopically evaluated and routinely processed for light microscopic investigations. Mean testis weight was 0.85 g and a great variability was observed between birds. Only one bird out of seven developed heavier testes each weighing almost 3g. Relative volume occupied by seminiferous tubules was 75%. Approximately 39m of seminiferous tubules were found per testis and around 96 m per gram of testis. A high correlation was observed between the number of Sertoli cells and germ cells with testis weight. Seminiferous epithelium comprised Sertoli cells and germ cells at different stages of development. Three birds presented tubules with a multilayered epithelium and germ cells developed until the stage of round spermatids. Surprisingly, one bird presented some elongated forms as well.