Sex and Seasonal Differences in Weight of Liver and Spleen.

Conclusion

(1) Weights of liver and spleen obtained at all months of the year on 499 male and 444 females, healthy, adult ring doves demonstrate that a true sex difference exists. Though the male body weight is slightly larger, the male livers and spleens are smaller, 9.476, and 23.5%, respectively. (2) A true seasonal increase in size of liver and spleen occurs in spring and summer in both sexes (10.4% and 12.0% in 8; 6.1% and 4.3% in 9 9). (3) These changes in spleen and liver are positively correlated with size changes in testis and ovary; and negatively correlated with size changes in the thyroids of these animals.