Epididymal sperm reserve in Rams with different testicular and epididymal weight

Testicular and epididymal samples were collected from local abattoirs at Srinagar and divided into two Groups viz., Group I (testicles less than 100 g weight) and Group II (testicles above 100 g weight). The testicular weight between the two groups differed significantly (P<0.01) for both left and right sides. The average weight of left (8.50 g) and right (8.66 g) epididymis in Group I was significantly lower (P<0.01) than the corresponding values of 15.30g and 16.06 g, respectively in Group II. However, the difference in the testicular and epididymal weight within the groups was non-significant. The difference in average spermatozoa reserve of both left and right caputs was non-significant between the two groups. However, the sperm output in corpus and cauda epididymidis for both left and right epididymidis differed significantly between Group I and II. The average spermatozoa reserve (x10⁶) of left (2962.50) and right (2612.50) epididymis in Group I was significantly lower (P<0.05) than the corresponding values of 6466.67 and 6700.67 in Group II. The total epididymal spermatozoa reserve (x10⁶) of Group I (5575.00) was significantly (P<0.01) lower than that of Group II (13166.67). It is concluded that rams with large and heavy testicles and well developed epididymis particularly the cauda epididymis should be selected for breeding to get better sperm production.