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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Development of spermatogenesis in captive-bred Spix’s yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii)

P. R. S. Santos A , M. F. Oliveira B , A. R. Silva B and A. C. Assis Neto A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508 270 São Paulo, Brazil.

B Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid Northeastern Region (UFERSA), Av. Francisco Mota 52, 59625 900 Mossoró, Brazil.

C Corresponding author. Email: antonioassis@usp.br

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 24(6) 877-885 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD12015
Submitted: 20 February 2011  Accepted: 19 January 2012   Published: 24 February 2012

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phases of sexual development and spermatogenesis of Spix’s yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii) based on analyses of the structural components of the testes. The testes of animals from 0 to 150 days of age were collected by orchiectomy, weighed, and processed for analysis by light microscopy. At 45 days of age, spermatozoa were seen in the tubular lumen. Spermatogenesis was not established in animals from 45 to 150 days of age. The stages of sexual development may be classified into the following phases: from birth to the age of 15 days (immature); 30 days of age (prepubertal); 45–105 days of age (pubertal); and 120 and 150 days of age (postpubertal). This is the first study to address the male reproductive biology of Spix’s yellow-toothed cavy.

Additional keywords: puberty, rodentia, sexual development, testis, wild animal.


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