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The Pituitary and Thyroid in Relation to Sperm Production in Rams^*

University of Missouri in Cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture

Abstract

Observations on twenty-four rams at the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station for over two years have shown a rather distinct seasonal variation in sperm production expressed by changes in semen volume, sperm concentration, and sperm morphology, summer being the low season. Under Missouri conditions the Hampshire rams had a higher level of sperm production than the Shropshires. All Shropshires produced semen of poor quality during the hot months, but only the poorer Hampshires declined noticeably during the summer (McKenzie and Berliner, 1937). The seasonal fluctuation and the individual differences must be due to organs in the animal which respond differently to the environment. The object of this investigation was to find, if possible, which organs were responsible for these differences in individuals and in breeds and to devise a hormone therapy to prevent the seasonal decline in sperm production or to hasten the onset of the high level of sperm production in the early fall.

At least three organs are associated with reproduction: the pituitary, the testis, and the thyroid.

^* Contribution from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series No. 543.