Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Abstract: Although there have been a number of studies on the effects of phytoestrogens, especially genistein, on testes, its effects on the testis tissue of birds have not been studied yet. The present study aims to reveal the effects of genistein on quail testes through the use of histological and immunohistochemical methods. In the study, a total of 64 male quails (Coturnix coturnix) were used, each of which was 50 days old. Three different doses of genistein were administered by gavage to the separate groups at intervals of 15 and 30 days. According to the results of the histological analysis and DNA in situ nick end labeling (TUNEL), it was detected that high doses of genistein, especially in 30-day applications, caused more damage compared to the control group and the group receiving 15-day applications in terms of histology and sperm number. Moreover, it was also detected in the 15-day and 30-day application results that both low and high doses of genistein induced apoptosis.

Key words: Quail, genistein, testis, apoptosis