Central nervous system regulation of gonadal development in the avian male.

Many avian species, particularly domesticated ones used for egg and meat production, are photoperiodic. Research conducted over the past several years has revealed the neural components, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and gonadotropins that play an important role in responding to changes in day length. An ultimate effect of the neuroendocrine response of birds to light is gonadal development and production of fertilized eggs and young for the next generation. The main purpose of this paper is to address the major neural systems that have been shown to affect reproductive function in males. Potential areas of research that would help elucidate the mechanism of neural activation of gonadal function are suggested.