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PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF MALE FALLOW DEER (DAMA DAMA L.)

Summary.: The weights and histological appearance of the testes and epididymides of both immature and adult fallow deer are described. The weights of the testes and epididymides reach a maximum in October and November at the time of the rut and fall to an appreciably lower value in the spring and summer at the time of minimal sexual activity. This seasonal weight change is comparatively greater in the testes than in the epididymides; the testes increase nearly three-fold whereas the epididymides approximately double their weight. Primary spermatocytes were first seen at 6 months of age and all stages of spermatogenesis were seen by 11 months. The epididymides were devoid of spermatozoa until 16 months of age. The degree of spermatogenesis appears to parallel the weights of the testes and epididymides. Male fallow deer reach puberty at about 16 months, although it is not known whether breeding takes place at that age. Adult deer appear to be capable of breeding over a more extended period than is usually recognized. The antlers are cleaned of `velvet' in August and September when testicular activity is increasing and are shed in the spring and summer when activity is at a minimum.