The Effects of Genistein on the Cockerel Testis during Embryonic Development

Abstract

There is no in vivo study on the effect of phytoestrogens on the development of testis in domestic fowl; therefore the aim of this study was to examine the effect of genistein on the cockerel testis during embryonic development. Genistein from soybean were injected into yolk via a small hole at the blunt end of the egg on day 4 of incubation. Cockerels were decapitated on post-hatching day 3 and paraffin sections of the testes were prepared. Nuclear volume density and absolute volume of Sertoli cells and germ cells, seminiferous tubule volume density and absolute volume were determined using the standard point counting method. Genistein did not cause any inhibitory effect on the embryonic development of cockerel testis. On the contrary it had a stimulatory effect on germ cell development.