- François Djitie Kouatcho1*, Augustave Kenfack2, Ferdinand Ngoula3, Alexis Teguia4
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon (2,3,4)
With the aim to investigate age at sexual maturity in male quail in the
Western Highlands of Cameroon, a study was conducted on 68 quails of 4
weeks old.Data were collected during 14 weeks on FSH, LH and
testosterone levels as well as testes and semen characteristics. FSH and
LH rate were similar and higher from 6 to 15 weeks old. Highest
testosterone levels were recorded on 15 (2.25 ng/ml) and 18 (2.62 ng/ml)
weeks old quails.
Testes weight, height, diameter as well as gonado
somatic index recorded from 12 to 18 weeks old were similar but
significantly higher than others. Morphometric characteristics of
seminiferous tubules at 6 and 9 weeks old were similar but significantly
lower than later values. Comparable sizes of seminiferous tubules
circumference and
germinal epithelium height were noticed from 15 weeks old.
Histological
analysis of testes sections showed fully developed and active
seminiferous tubules from week 12 but, spermatogenic activity was more
pronounced at week 15. Mass and individual motilities were comparable
with quail age. However, the highest sperm count was recorded at 12
weeks old compared to later values. It has been concluded that age at
sexual maturity in male quail could be situated around 12 weeks in the
context of the Western Highlands of Cameroon.
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