Determination of testis temperature rhythms and effects of constant light on testicular function in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus)

Abstract

There is a wide range of opinions regarding the operating temperature of the testis in the domestic fowl. We used physiological monitoring techniques to investigate testis and body temperature over daily periods and under various light regimes to elucidate body temperature gradients in the fowl. We confirm that the operating temperature of the adult fowl's testes is equivalent to core body temperature (40-41°C). Long-term continuous temperature monitoring showed that there was no difference between the temperature of the testis, liver, and peritoneum during a 24-h period either in a normal light:dark cycle of under constant light conditions. However, there was a slight decrease in all temperatures at subjective night in each case, a decrease that does not appear to be sufficient to influence spermatogenesis. Birds maintained under constant light throughout two cycles of the seminiferous epithelium (28 days) still exhibited normal testis function and structure, even when 'nightly' testis temperature decrease was the lowest. Thus, by undergoing spermatogenesis at an elevated temperature, the domestic fowl system is unique among the homeothermic animal systems studied to date.