Concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone and LH in the blood before and after the onset of spermatogenesis in the cockerel

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Abstract
Spermatogenesis begins at about 16 wk of age in Thornber 909 cockerels when subjected to a lighting schedule of 14 h light/day. Most birds produce semen by 24 wk. The onset of spermatogenesis is associated with increases in the concentration of plasma LH [luteinizing hormone] and testosterone. These increases are related to changes in the concentration of circulating androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (androstenedione). This steroid is 1 of the androgens secreted by the mammalian testis but little is known about its secretion in birds. Concentrations of LH, testosterone and androstenedione were measured for 4 mo. after the birds began to produce semen. The increase in the concentration of testosterone in the blood when semen production begins is accompanied by a rise in the concentration of androstenedione. The increased secretion of both androgens follows a rise in plasma LH levels.

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