Age-influence variations in the levels of cholesterol and ATPase activity in the testes of prepuberal chicks

Changes in the levels of total, free and esterified cholesterol and ATPase activity were measured in male prepuberal Nigerian fowl. Results showed that in all cases, the testicular levels of these parameters increased to peak levels and decreased thereafter. Total and free cholesterol levels were maximal at 12 weeks while the esterification of cholesterol was maintained from 14 weeks through to the 16th week. The results of ATPase activity corroborated these findings. The data suggest that peak androgen formation occurred in these chicks between 14th--16th weeks of age. As evidenced by the higher percentages of esterified cholesterol at all the ages studied, it is suggested that the Nigerian male fowl is an early-maturing specie.