Reproductive capacity of male bank voles (Myodes glareolus Schreber, 1780) – age-dependent changes in functional activity of epididymal sperm

Abstract

The influence of age on male bank voles’ reproductive tract development, epididymal sperm quantity and functional activity was investigated. Experiments were carried out on male bank voles aged 1.5 to 15 months (n=10 each in 8 age groups). The developmental stage of the reproductive tract was assessed by the weight of testes, seminal vesicles and coagulation glands. In each age group the number of epididymal sperm and their functional activity were examined. Epididymal sperm functional activity was assessed by motility, viability, maturity, head morphology and integrity of the sperm tail membrane. Ageing males were heavier than pre-pubertal and mature ones. Male age also affected the testes, seminal vesicles and coagulation gland development. The heaviest accessory sex glands were noted in 3-month-old males and the lightest in pre-pubertal (1.5-month-old) and older (12- and 15-month-old) males. Sperm counts were significantly higher in 3-, 4- and 5-month-old males than in pre-pubertal and old males. Generally, adult males aged 3- and 4- months, produced sperm of better functional activity. In conclusion, the best male reproductive capacity is found in bank voles of 3 to 4 months of age.