Abstract:
This study was conducted to investigate the seasonal variations in diameters of seminiferous tubul and spermatogenesis in
Akkaraman rams.
In this investigation, 120 Akkaraman rams, which were brought to the slaughterhouse for slaughtering and whose ages
ranged between 14-18 months, were used. Tissue samples were taken from testes and cauda epididymides. Histological
trimes were prepared in these tissues and examined. Diameters of seminiferous tubule were measured by the ocular
micrometer.
While the highest annual value of diameters of seminiferous tubule were found as 211.80±2.19 μm in October. The lowest
value of this parameter was determined as 132.30±1.59 μm in February. Diameters of seminiferous tubule reached their
maximum levels in autumn and minimum levels in winter. Variations of this parameter among months, and seasons were
statistically significant (p<0.05).
Spermatogenesis maintained throughout the year, being the most effective in autumn, but some variations were seen in the
structure of testis between autumn and the other seasons. Both mitotic and meiotic divisions increased in autumn compared to
the spring, summer and winter. Spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, round and elongated spermatids began
to increase in mid-August, full increased their maximum sizes during September-November and began to decline in December. Sertoli and Leydig cell concentrations were unaffected by the seasonal changes. Spermatozoa concentration in the
cauda epididymides was affected by the seasonal variations and it increased during autumn.
In conclusion, diameters of seminiferous tubule and the cells of spermatogenesis in Akkaraman rams were affected
significantly by month and seasonal alterations and these features had a positive effect on fertility and showed the most
improvement especially in autumn, the breeding season is for rams.
