Postnatal sexual development of testis and epididymis in the rabbit: Growth and maturity patterns of macroscopic and microscopic markers

Abstract We examined the macroscopic variables related to the size of testis and epididymis, and the microscopic variables related to the tissue composition of testis to determine the onset of the male reproductive activity. The present work was carried out using two genetic lines of rabbits showing different reproductive aptitudes to assess the effects of genetic line and birth season on age-related changes of the testes and epididymis. The Caldes and Prat genetic lines showed similar developmental profiles for most of the variables studied. The main changes in the development pattern were observed at younger ages. The Caldes genetic line presented a greater live weight and a smaller testicular volume that the Prat genetic line at any age. No differences in the studied microscopic variables were found between the two genetic lines, except in the variable percentage of seminiferous tubules with presence of lumen. A significant effect of the birth season was found in live weight, testis volume, epididymis volume, percentage of seminiferous tubules with presence of elongated spermatids and diameter of seminiferous tubules. The absolute values and the values relatives to its own value at the adult stage of the variables live weight, testis volume, epididymis volume and in variables related to the functional maturity were lower in animals born in the summer season. Volume growth for both testis and epididymis was delayed in animals born in the summer season.