Patterns of sperm allocation across successive ejaculates in four species of voles (Microtus)
in ReproductionSearch for other papers by J. D. Pierce Jr in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by B. Ferguson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by A. L. Salo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by D. K. Sawrey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by L. E. Shapiro in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by S. A. Taylor in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by D. A. Dewsbury in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary. This study was designed to determine testes masses, total number of spermatozoa ejaculated per copulatory episode, and the pattern of sperm numbers in successive ejaculates in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), montane voles (M. montanus), pine voles (M. pinetorum), and meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus). Prairie voles displayed mean totals of 2·7 ejaculations and 30·5 × 106 spermatozoa before reaching a satiety criterion; montane voles 3·4 ejaculations and 19·0 × 106 spermatozoa, pine voles 2·4 ejaculations and 3·3 × 106 spermatozoa, and meadow voles 2·5 ejaculations and 25·5 × 106 spermatozoa. In all species the number of spermatozoa decreased in successive ejaculates. Significant species differences were noted for the total number of spermatozoa ejaculated and number of spermatozoa ejaculated in each of the first 3 ejaculates. Species differences also were noted for testes mass, with meadow voles having the largest testes and pine voles having the smallest. These data can be compared to similar data on laboratory rats and deer mice and related to recent theory regarding sperm numbers, testes sizes, and mating systems. In general, the species with large testes appear to ejaculate more spermatozoa. The significance of species differences in testes mass and total sperm numbers remains unclear, but may relate to the occurrence of multiple mating by females during a single receptive period.
Keywords: Microtus; spermatozoa; mating systems; copulation
Reproduction is committed to supporting researchers in demonstrating the impact of their articles published in the journal.
The two types of article metrics we measure are (i) more traditional full-text views and pdf downloads, and (ii) Altmetric data, which shows the wider impact of articles in a range of non-traditional sources, such as social media.
More information is on the Reasons to publish page.
| Sept 2018 onwards | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Text Views | 201 | 57 | 4 |
| PDF Downloads | 146 | 44 | 1 |
Online ISSN: 1741-7899
Print ISSN: 1470-1626
Strengthening biomedical communities
to advance science and health
CONTACT US
Bioscientifica Ltd | Starling House | 1600 Bristol Parkway North | Bristol BS34 8YU | UK
Bioscientifica Ltd | Registered in England no 3190519