Comparisons of endocrinological and testis parameters in 18-month-old Ile de France and Romanov rams

Abstract

Endocrinological and testis parameters of adult 18-month-old Ile de France (IF) and Romanov (Ro) rams were compared during sexual season. Testis weights, total volumes of intertubular tissue, and of blood and lymph vessels, total seminiferous tubule length, rete testis flow rate and daily production of germ cells were significantly higher in IF than in Ro rams. These variations originated from differences in Sertoli cell numbers, which were established before puberty. When daily productions of germ cells, of ABP or of RTF were expressed per Sertoli cell, they were higher in Ro than in IF rams. Quality of spermatids, as measured by their cellular size prior to elongation, was lower in Ro than in IF. The number of FSH-binding sites per Sertoli did not differ between the two breeds but FSH plasma levels were higher in Ro than in IF rams. Total numbers of Leydig cells per testis, their individual size or their LH-binding capacity did not differ significantly between the two breeds. However, the ratio of mean testosterone upon mean LH plasma levels were greater in Ro than in IF rams while both breeds had identical LH mean plasma levels.