Morphological features of gonads during the breeding season in male fur animals

This article examines the morphological and functional changes in the gonads of male fur animals during the breeding season. Features of spermatogenesis, hormonal activity, and testicular structure in various species, including American mink, sable, and silver-black fox, were studied. The research was carried out at the Department of Anatomy, Histology, Physiology and Pathological Anatomy of the Omsk State agrarian university. The study involved sexually mature males of the following fur animals: American mink, sable, silver-black fox, totaling five individuals. In American mink, a 50% increase in testicular length was observed, indicating intensive growth of the spermatogenic epithelium and interstitial tissue. In sable, the greatest percentage increase in testicular width and thickness (63% and 58%, respectively) was noted, which may indicate more pronounced hormonal activity during the breeding season. In foxes, the increase in testicular size was somewhat less pronounced, yet still significant, reflecting the general trends of seasonal reproductive activity in fur animals. During the breeding season, a significant increase in the mass and size of the testicles was observed in all studied species.