ABSTRACT
The research aimed to study the morphologic variation of the testis, seeking to promote the selection and genetic control of those that present appreciable spermatic production throughout the year. Testis morphology of the Rynchotus rufescens partridge was investigated, analyzing the testis weight, the seminiferous tubules diameter, the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, the amount of meiotic figures and the thickness of the tunica albuginea. Sixty male partridges were used, divided in 12 groups, and one group per month had the testis collected for the histological routine and the sections were stained using the Hematoxilin-Eosin technique. For the histological sections analysis, morphometric measures were taken, with the aid of an Image Analyzer and the resulting data were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey's test. Based on the histological modifications of the seminiferous epithelium and the morphometric analysis, the partridge testis morphology could be divided in four successive phases throughout the year. The reproductive phase occurred in the spring, characterized by the complete spermatogenesis process. The regression phase occurred in the summer, with the involution of the seminiferous epithelium. The rest phase took place in the fall, with spermatogonias presence and some spermatocytes beginning the meiosis. The phase of recrudescence occurred in the winter, with the recovery of the seminiferous epithelium and absence of spermatozoa. In conclusion, the characteristics analyzed revealed a variation over the year, with greater production of spermatozoa in the spring and less in the winter.
