Type B triorchidism in an adult indigenous fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Sokoto, Nigeria- Case report

Abstract

This paper presents a possible first case of triorchidism in an indigenous fowl in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria. Triorchidism is an exceptionally rare congenital abnormality which has been observed in other wild birds which could be ascribed to faulty embryological development with developmental cause that are distinct from testicular asymmetry. During a comparative investigation of the reproductive tract of cock (gallus gallus domesticus) drake (Anas platyrynchos) and guinea fowl (numida meleagris) in Sokoto and her environs, three testes were observed in a cock following abdominal laparatomy. The third testis which was smaller when compared with the right and left testes was attached to the proximal end of the right testes with which it shared the same epididymis. The right, left and third testes weighed 7.40, 7.20 and 2.10gm respectively while the length of the right, left and third testes were 3.60, 3.40 and 1.40cm respectively. When the three testes were cut open, similar whitish fluid oozed out. The causes and implications of this anomaly are suggested.