The role of sex hormones and ROS values in the control of andrology in male double-spurred Francolin (<i>Francolinus bicalcaratus</i>)

Abstract

Background: This study explored the relationship between andrology, seasonal sex hormone fluctuations, and ROS values in adult male  Francolinus bicalcaratus while establishing baseline parameters.

Methods: Double-spurred Francolins (n=5 per season) were randomly  selected in both dry and rainy seasons from their natural habitat. They were carefully stabilized with dewormer, antibiotics, and  multivitamins, then acclimatized for two weeks at the Experimental Animal House, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The birds were weighed,  sedated, and 3 to 5 ml of blood was collected from the jugular vein in lithium heparinized bottles for serum sex hormone analysis. Testes  were excised, weighed, washed with a 1.15% KCL solution, and processed for complete andrology and oxidative stress assays.

Results:  Sperm count, activity, and morphological characteristics peaked during late rainy seasons, coinciding with increased mating and  hatchability. This correlated with high serum testosterone and low ROS titres in the testes. Conversely, early dry seasons witnessed  declines in serum testosterone, sperm parameters, and hatchability due to increased ROS titres from food scarcity. Late dry seasons saw  further declines in sex hormone levels and elevated ROS titres, leading to the absence of sperm cells.

Conclusion: This study highlights  how sex hormone and ROS titres influence sperm cell viability in double-spurred Francolins, with significant seasonal variations. These factors mainly support spermatogenesis and fertility during the breeding season, characterized by food abundance and cover. Dry  season sex hormone values serve as baselines, while wet season sperm count and ROS levels represent baseline data for this bird  species.