The influence of gonadectomy on sexual characters in the Japanese quail

Abstract

AbstractSinistral ovariectomy in the Japanese quail resulted in some hypertrophy of the rudimentary right gonad in about 80% of the cases. The hypertrophied right gonads were composed of cords of epithelial origin, fat laden cells and a connective tissue stroma containing masses of lymphocytes. Neither cortical tissue nor germ cells were found in any of the gonads. In some cases regeneration of a testis‐like tissue was seen on the site of removed left ovary. This, however, did not alter the effects of ovariectomy on rudimentary right gonad, accessory sex organs, plumage or sexual behavior. Neither Wolffian nor Müllerian ducts exhibited hormonal stimulation in poulards showing hypertrophy of right gonad with exception of the latter in two poulards. Early orchiectomy inhibited growth and differentiation of the cloacal gland. This organ revealed no noticeable stimulation in poulards showing hypertrophied right gonads. Castration produced no significant changes in plumage of males. Similarly, sinistral ovariectomy did not effect the first juvenile, but the second juvenile, adult winter and summar plumages changed to the male type. However, the plumage of some of these poulards began to revert to the female character as early as 10 to 12 weeks following ovariectomy. The behavior of capons and poulards revealed no conspicuous difference and neither showed any masculine behavior. The average weight of adult females was 20 to 30 gm above that of adult males whereas that of capons was above normal males and that of poulards below normal females. The average weight of capons was somewhat above that of poulards.