Abstract
The relationship between the reproductiveness of ewes and testicle size of related rams
Highlights
The gonadotrophic hormones, FSH and L H, take part in regulating both spermatogenesis and the development of ovarian follicles and ovulation, forming the basis for a correlation between male and female fertility
Mean periods of manifestation of sexual activity of ewes and a comparison of the range of these means for paternal groups of ewes are presented in Tables 1 and 2
The lower mean prolificacy of ewes (Table 1) in the first breeding season can be related to the early mating season (May), since the sexual activity of yearling ewes is lower and occurs during the peak activity of older ewes (Bielański, 1977)
Summary
The gonadotrophic hormones, FSH and L H , take part in regulating both spermatogenesis and the development of ovarian follicles and ovulation, forming the basis for a correlation between male and female fertility Sheep have a seasonal breeding period resulting from the sensitivity of their endocrine system = genotype, to changes in the photoperiod (Ortavant, 1977). This is manifested in males by an increase in testicular size, mass and volume during longer photoperiods (Doufour et al, 1984). Ringwall et al (1985) found that changes in testicle size were correlated with changes in ovary function of related females. This would suggest that it is possible to select for longer breeding periods in ewes by chosing rams with the least fluctuating testicle size
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