[The reproductive function of young male silver foxes Vulpes vulpes after long-term selection for domesticated...

Sperm morphology of spermaries, testosterone plasma level and sexual activity of young silver fox males selected for domestic behavior have been studied. It is established that a number of spermatozoa in semen of males from selected population is lower as compared with the control one, whereas abnormal spermatogenesis level is significantly increased. The testosterone plasma level in males after a female introduction increased to the same extent in both groups. Sexual activity in males from selected population was lower than in the control one during the first mating season. The data obtained suggest a depressing effect of selection for domestic behavior on spermatogenesis and sexual activity in the young silver fox males and point to the hereditary changes of some chains of reproductive functions of males under the selection for domestic behavior.