Avian Semen - Anatomy & Physiology

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Introduction

Spermatogenesis and spermiation occur in much the same way as in mammals. For more information on these processes click here.

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Sperm Maturation

• Spermatozoa undergo maturation and become fully fertile in the ductus deferens.
• Time required for sperm to pass from the testes to the distal ductus deferens is ~1-4 days.
• Seminal plasma, formed in the effent ducts and ductules of the epididymis, accompanies spermatozoa.
  • Seminal plasma composition can vary among species.

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Sperm Storage

• In most birds, semen is stored in the ductus deferens.
• In Passeriformes, semen is also stored in the seminal glomulus/receptacle (enlarged terminal end of the ductus deferens).

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'Transparent Fluid'

• Lymph-like fluid called 'transparent fluid' originates in the proctodeum and mixes with the semen during ejaculation.
  • Function of transparent fluid is uncertain, but it contains blood clotting agents that are deleterious to sperm.

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Semen

Semen can be collected for artificial insemination, to evaluate reproductive potential, to detect disease and to distinguish species or subspecies.

• Consistency of normal semen ranges from watery to heavy cream.
  • Watery semen may indicate a high volume of 'transparent fluid'.
• Normal semen is white and milky.

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