Stereological Measurement of Testicular Volume in Kivircik Rams

Abstract

In this study, measurement of testis volume by stereology in Kivircik rams, Turkey's traditional sheep breed, was purposed. Right and left testes with epididymis were taken from a total of 42 Kivircik rams whose carcass weights were measured previously. Fifteen, 14, and 13 of them were 5, 6, and 7 months old, respectively. Weights and morphometric measurements (length, width, and thickness) of the testis and epididymis were taken. Theirs volumes were estimated according to the Archimedes principle. According to Cavalier's principle, 0.6 cm thick 8-11 parallel sections were taken. In these sections for whole testis (testis + epididymis) volume 0.8 cm, and for testis and epididymis volumes, grids with 0.4 cm intervals randomly placed on sections and convergent points were counted. By using Microsoft Excel (XP version), contained volume, volume ratio and coefficient error estimation formulas were used for estimating values automatically. In the study, statistical difference was not observed (P>0.05) between right and left testes volumes values acquired from Archimedes and Cavalier's methods. The highest increase in epididymis, testis, and whole testis volumes, which were measured separately, was observed between rams at 6-7 months of age. In correlation analyses, estimated according to months by using mean values, it was recorded that there was a correlation between carcass weight and epididymis volume (P<0.05). Correlation was observed by ratio of P<0.01 between epididymis volume and testis thickness for 7 months old rams. Although there was no correlation observed between testis volume and epididymis volume for 7 months old rams. Instead of above evaluations, correlation ratio of P<0.01 was observed between morphometric measurements and stereological data of all analysis. Regarding features, showed higher correlations, regression analyses were made. In the presence of some morphometric data, regression equations, which required us to get stereological data, were calculated. Our thought is the collected data of this study can support the further experimental animal studies.