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Seasonal changes in the testis, accessory glands and ejaculate characteristics of the southern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus latifrons (Marsupialia: Vombatidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 April 2005

D. A. Taggart ,
G. A. Shimmin ,
J. R. Ratcliff ,
V. R. Steele ,
R. Dibben ,
J. Dibben ,
C. White  and
P. D. Temple-Smith
D. A. Taggart
Affiliation:
Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001 The University of Melbourne, Zoology Department, Parkville 3056, Victoria, Australia, 3011 Department of Anatomical Science and School of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005
G. A. Shimmin
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomical Science and School of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005 Department of Environment and Heritage, G.P.O. Box 1047, Adelaide, South Australia
J. R. Ratcliff
Affiliation:
The University of Melbourne, Zoology Department, Parkville 3056, Victoria, Australia, 3011
V. R. Steele
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, 3168
R. Dibben
Affiliation:
6 Marsh Avenue, Gawler, South Australia, 5118
J. Dibben
Affiliation:
6 Marsh Avenue, Gawler, South Australia, 5118
C. White
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomical Science and School of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005
P. D. Temple-Smith
Affiliation:
The University of Melbourne, Zoology Department, Parkville 3056, Victoria, Australia, 3011
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Abstract

Most mammals exhibit seasonal variation in the reproductive capacity of one or both sexes. While the female southern hairy-nosed wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons is a known seasonal breeder, the extent of seasonality in the male has not been documented. To examine this, gross body measurements including scrotal diameter and the dimensions of the accessory gland bulge were recorded and male reproductive tracts were examined between 1993 and 2000. Testes, epididymides and accessory glands from all males were dissected free of connective tissue and weighed. In addition, matched semen samples were collected over four time points in 2000 corresponding to the breeding season (September), immediately post-breeding season (November), during the non-breeding season (January), and immediately before the onset of the next breeding season (June) as determined from female reproductive status. Semen was collected by electro-ejaculation and analysed for volume, sperm number and motility characteristics. Ejaculate volume, total ejaculate sperm number, percentage motile sperm, and the sperm motility rating and index were all significantly elevated in September and significantly lower in November and January. This correlated with a significant increase in body weight, peri-cloacal gland width, and the weights of the prostate, Cowper's glands, urethral bulb and crus penis. The data confirm that male reproduction in the southern hairy-nosed wombat, like that of the female, is highly seasonal with a peak in reproductive capacity occurring in August–September and a reduction by November.

Keywords

marsupialwombatLasiorhinus latifronsmale reproductionspermatozoaseasonality
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 266 , Issue 1 , May 2005 , pp. 95 - 104
Copyright
2005 The Zoological Society of London

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