Effects of Food Restriction on Sperm Structure and Function in the House Rat, Rattus Rattus L.

The effects of 25, 50 and 75% food restriction on sperm structure and function were studied in the house rat, Rattus rattus which breeds throughout the year. Compared to the ad libitum fed rats, 25% and 50% food restriction caused significant decrease in body weight, relative weights of testis and cauda epididymis, epididymal sperm concentration and percentage of live spermatozoa. However 25% and 50% food restriction had little effect on sperm structure and motility. Rats could not withstand 75% food restriction and died.