Influence of thyroidectomy on reproductive responses of male domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

1. The influence of age at thyroidectomy on reproductive activity of male turkeys was investigated. 2. Thyroidectomy of 53-week-old male domestic turkeys that had been reproductively active for 25 weeks resulted in undetectable plasma thyroxine concentrations, termination of semen production and testicular regression. Daily light-dark treatment was 14L:10D before and after thyroidectomy. 3. Thyroidectomy of 28-week-old, reproductively inactive, males maintained on a daily light-dark cycle of 8L:16D resulted in increased semen volumes following photostimulation with 14L:10D at 32 weeks of age. Semen quality was not affected, while plasma thyroid hormone concentrations were undetectable. The moult and termination of semen production that occurred in response to changing the daily light-dark cycle from 14L:10D to 8L:16D near the end of the study were inhibited by thyroidectomy. 4. The requirement for the thyroid glands in the reproductive processes of male turkeys changes either with age or after an extended period of reproductive activity.