Function and histology of testes from aged coturnix maintained on different photoperiods.

The prolonged effects of short, medium, and long photoperiods on longevity, cloacal gland size and function, and the testicular morphology of the aged coturnix were studied. In all testes, the effects of aging were characterized histologically by decreased tubular sperm concentration, increased abnormal sperm and cellular debris, as well as dislodgement of maturing sperm from Sertoli cells. However, testicular abnormality in the long photoperiod quail was more pronounced than in the short photoperiod quail whose testes were judged to be morpholoigcally in better condition, thus indicating an aging-photoperiod relationship. Aging had little or no effect on the cloacal gland function, although its size similar to the testicular histology, was affected by different photoperiods. Cloacal gland size and function can indicate sexual potency, but not necessarily the reproductive capabilities of aged coturnix. Also, an increased incidence of cataract formation was recorded in aged coturnix, unrelated to photoperiods.