Quantitative studies on spermatogenesis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The qualitative behaviour of spermatogenetic cells and Sertoli cells in the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) was studied by identifying 8 stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle based on meiotic division and morphology as well as the position of more mature spermatids. To achieve better results, stages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 were sub-divided. Six peaks of spermatogonial mitosis suggested six generations of spermatogonia. Of these, three were due to A (A1, A2, A3), two to B (B1, B2) and one to intermediate spermatogonia. However, another category of spermatogonia (A0), which divided rarely, were also present at all stages of the cycle. A1, A3, ln-, B1-spermatogonia and secondary spermatocytes showed 20, 18.75, 10.2, 15.5 and 10 p. 100 degeneration, respectively, No degeneration was observed in A2 and B2-spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes or spermatids. The degeneration of these various spermatogenetic cells greatly affected the efficiency of spermatogenesis.