The effects of exogenous steroidal hormones on the testes of quail from selected high and low mating lines

Several steroid hormones were tested for their effects on the testes of lines of Japanese quail selected for high and low mating frequency. Estradiol benzoate and testosterone propionate caused a complete and partial regression of the testes, respectively, while dihydrotestosterone did not affect testicular weight. Spermatogenesis was adversely affected by both estradiol benzoate and testosterone propionate but not by dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone caused a significant increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules while estradiol benzoate and testosterone propionate caused a significant decrease in tubular diameter. Significant line differences were found; the high mating line exceeded the low mating line for each of the treatments except extradiol benzoate. Extradiol benzoate caused testicular regression in both lines.