Abstract

This study was designed to monitor the morphological development of the reproductive tract of the Nubian bucks in relation to puberty. Thirty-two Nubian male kids were used in this study. Their ages ranged between 1 day and 24 weeks. The study was undertaken to correlate the body weight (BW), heart girth circumference (HG), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular descent into the scrotum and penile separation from prepuce (PS) with age at puberty. Penile separation started slightly at 12 weeks of age and continued with advancing age till it was completely achieved between 22 and 24 weeks of age. Strong correlation has been established between the levels of the reproductive hormones and the morphological maturation of the reproductive tract. The first surge in the levels of these hormones (occurred between weeks 10 and 12) coincided with the increase in the diameters of the seminiferous tubules, the epididymis, ductus deferens and the penis. The first appearance of secondary spermatocytes and initiation of penile separation occurred during this period. The second surge was associated with the first appearance of spermatids, spermatozoa and completion of penile separation, which occurred between 20 and 24 weeks.

Key words:  Nubian bucks, spermatogenesis, body measurements.