Gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of the domesticated adult African greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)

SUMMARYGonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves were determined in twenty sexually matured domesticated African greater cane rats. Mean (±SD) sperm numbers in testes and epididymides were 150.40±12.93×109 and 259.33±13.68×109, respectively. The mean epididymal distribution of spermatozoa was found as follows: 67.53±12.43×109 in caput, 89.10±13.20×109 in corpus, and 102.70 ±13.71×109 in cauda. This study provides baseline data essential for effective selection of male cane rats for breeding purposes.