Seasonal variations in histomorphology of testes and bursa, immune parameters and serum testosterone concentration in male guinea fowl (Numida meleagris).
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Received: Revised: Accepted: March 25, 2014 December 10, 2014 December 15, 2014 The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of photoperiod on histomorphological changes in testes and bursa, immune function parameters like total leukocyte count and lymphocyte count and serum testosterone level of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) during different breeding seasons. Bursa and testes were collected from 10 mature male guinea fowls aged 6-8 months during full breeding (summer), low breeding (autumn) and non-breeding (winter) seasons (n=10). Tissues were stained with H&E and Image J software was used for histometric analysis. Statistical analysis revealed that breeding seasons affected significantly (P 0.05) during low breeding and full breeding seasons. Immune parameters exhibited a significantly higher value during non-breeding season with a significantly declining trend during low breeding and full breeding seasons. Serum testosterone levels were also significantly (P<0.01) different during all breeding seasons. Testosterone showed a negative correlation (r =-0.946) with immune function parameters. It is conceivable that increased steroid hormone synthesis enhances testicular activity during full breeding season but depresses the immune function. This trend however, reversed in nonbreeding season, which assists the survival in the hard climatic conditions. ©2014 PVJ. All rights reserved
Source: Pakistan Veterinary Journal
Authors: Moazzam Ali, Anas Sarwar Qureshi, Sarmad Rehan, Sana Akbar, Asad Manzoor
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $300
OpenAlex ID: W2174698052