Seasonal variations in rete testis fluid secretion and sperm production in different breeds of ram

Abstract

Production of spermatozoa and secretion of rete testis fluid (RTF) in rams was assessed by a rete testis cannulating technique. Four breeds (Ile-de-France, Romanov, Préalpes du Sud and cross-breed Romanov) were studied throughout the year. Inhibitory effects of the cannulation process on spermatogenesis were observed for some animals. Between-breed differences were found in sperm concentration and flow rate of the RTF. The seasonal variations in the daily sperm production of the testis were more pronounced for Ile-de-France rams than for the other breeds. There was a seasonal variation in the flow rate of RTF in Ile-de-France rams, the minimum flow being in February (winter) and the maximum in August-September (autumn).