Histology and Histomorphometry of Testes in Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) Based on Age Level

Abstract

This study aims to determine the histological and histomorphometric features of the turkey testes based on age levels. Turkey testes were taken from 21 male turkeys which were grouped into 3 different age groups; 12, 20 and 33 weeks. The testes were then processed into histological preparations with a thickness of 3-5 μm and stained with hematoxylineosin (HE). The result showed that histological structure of the turkey testes has different characteristics in different age group. The spermatocytogenesis phase occurred at 12 weeks of age, while the myogenesis phase and the spermiogenesis phase were occurred at 20 weeks and 33 weeks, respectively. Histomorphometric data were analyzed by ANOVA which showed that there was a significant difference between seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous tubular epithelial thickness and seminiferous tubule lumen diameter based on age level (P <0.05). As conclusion, there were different spermatogenesis phases with different age group of turkeys. The development of the spermatogenesis phase at each age group of turkey increases the seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous tubule epithelial thickness and seminiferous tubule lumen diameter.