Stereological Measurement of Testicular Volume in Kivircik Rams

In this study, measurement of testis volume by stereology in Kivircik rams, Turkey's traditional sheep breed, was purposed. Right and left testes with epididymis were taken from a total of 42 Kivircik rams whose carcass weights were measured previously. Fifteen, 14, and 13 of them were 5, 6, and 7 months old, respectively. Weights and morphometric measurements (length, width, and thickness) of the testis and epididymis were taken. Theirs volumes were estimated according to the Archimedes principle. According to Cavalier's principle, 0.6 cm thick 8-11 parallel sections were taken. In these sections for whole testis (testis + epididymis) volume 0.8 cm, and for testis and epididymis volumes, grids with 0.4 cm intervals randomly placed on sections and convergent points were counted. By using Microsoft Excel (XP version), contained volume, volume ratio and coefficient error estimation formulas were used for estimating values automatically. In the study, statistical difference was not observed (P>0.05) between right and left testes volumes values acquired from Archimedes and Cavalier's methods. The highest increase in epididymis, testis, and whole testis volumes, which were measured separately, was observed between rams at 6-7 months of age. In correlation analyses, estimated according to months by using mean values, it was recorded that there was a correlation between carcass weight and epididymis volume (P<0.05). Correlation was observed by ratio of P<0.01 between epididymis volume and testis thickness for 7 months old rams. Although there was no correlation observed between testis volume and epididymis volume for 7 months old rams. Instead of above evaluations, correlation ratio of P<0.01 was observed between morphometric measurements and stereological data of all analysis. Regarding features, showed higher correlations, regression analyses were made. In the presence of some morphometric data, regression equations, which required us to get stereological data, were calculated. Our thought is the collected data of this study can support the further experimental animal studies

Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Structure of the Pecten Oculi in the Common Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

This study was carried out to investigate the structural properties of pecten oculi in the common barn owl (Tyto alba) by light and electron microscope. Fourteen eyeballs from seven owls were studied. The pecten oculi was located postero-anteriorly in the retina layer where the optic nerve enters the eye. The pecten oculi that was dark brown and pleated type consisted of 7 (n=4) or 8 (n=10) vascularised pectineal pleats. Histologically, there were numerous vessels of different size and melanocytes in the area of the pleats. Melanocytes were more frequently observed in the periphery of the pecten oculi's pleats. Scanning electron microscopy showed hyalocytes on the surface of the pecten oculi. The results of the study indicated that the pecten oculi of the common barn owl was morphologically similar to that of other nocturnal birds