Effects of α - naphthoflavone on body growth and gonad development in chickens (Gallus domesticus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged oral administration of α -naphthoflavone on somatic and germinal development in male and female chickens (Gallus domesticus). No significant differences were observed at any tested age (6, 8, 10 and 12 wks) between control and treated groups of either sex in total body weight and in the weights of kidney, liver, gizzard, heart, abdominal fat, breast and ovary tissues (P > 0.05). Mean testicular weights were similar between groups at 6, 8 and 10 wks but at 12 wks males supplemented with α -naphthoflavone had significantly heavier testicle weights (P < 0.01) compared to 2 control groups. Histological examination of the seminiferous tubules (ST) revealed a more advanced stage of maturation in the testes of α -naphthoflavone-treated males, and the presence of testicular spermatozoa was observable as early as at 12 weeks of age. The testes of males from the two control groups were still at an impuberal stage at this age.

Keywords

• cyp 19 inhibitor
• body growth
• testes
• broiler breeders
• poultry