Features of spermatogenesis in the laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis

Abstract

Spermatogenesis in the testis of the laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis, a non-seasonal breeder, differs markedly from that in seasonal breeding birds. The testes probably never regress fully after reaching the mature stage and the tubules are kept in a development/regression equilibrium which allows mature spermatozoa to be produced throughout but also leaves some parts of the tubules in a resting condition. Spermatogenic development in the longitudinal as well as the horizontal level of each tubule can range from primary spermatocytes to mature spermatozoa.