Volume 12: 2022 - Article V

Abstract
The morphology of the epididymis and vas deferens and the spermiogram of light ecotype Nigerian indigenous chicken were examined using gross anatomical, histological and sperm evaluation techniques. The results showed that the mean weight and length of the left epididymis was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than the right counterpart. Whereas the proximal part of the efferent ductules exhibited numerous mucosal folds with ciliated simple and pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium, the distal part of the efferent ductules, the connecting ducts and duct of epididymis lacked the mucosal folds and showed rare occurrence of cilia in the epithelium. The tunica mucosa of the vas deferens was covered by pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium, and it exhibited mucosal folds and sieve-like invaginations into the subjacent lamina propria especially in the distal part. The semen evaluation showed that testicular sperm count was 14.68 ± 1.90 million cells/gram testes with 85% motility and 95% vitality, while the percentage vas deferens total sperm abnormalities were 6.50 ± 0.65% for the left and 5.50 ± 0.65 % for the right vas deferens. It was concluded that the epididymis and vas deferens of this breed of chicken play key roles in sperm storage, seminal fluid concentration and sperm release. Moreover, they also have high reproductive potentials.
Keywords: Epididymis, Vas Deferens, Morphology, Nigerian indigenous chicken, Spermiogram.

How to cite this article:
Udoumoh AF, Igwebuike UM, Ogbu IF, Oguejiofor CF and Okoye CN (2022) Morphological evaluation of the epididymis and vas deferens and the spermiogram of light ecotype Nigerian indigenous chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus). Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 12: 32 – 41.

MORPHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE EPIDIDYMIS AND VAS DEFERENS AND THE SPERMIOGRAM OF LIGHT ECOTYPE NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CHICKEN (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Anietie F. Udoumoh¹*, Udensi M. Igwebuike¹, Ifebuche F. Ogbu¹, Chike F. Oguejiofor², Chidozie N. Okoye^2
1Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
²Department of Veterinary Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

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