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Abstract Male and female albino rats were obtained as weanlings and divided into 2 groups, vitamin D-deficient group and vitamin D-replete group. The results revealed detection and expression of vitamin D receptor gene in the testis and ovary of young rats at 2 months of age. Both replete males and females had higher body weights than deficient males and females. The expression levels of aromatase gene and serum estrogen levels were significantly higher in replete males and females. There was a significant increase in acrosome reaction percentage and semen properties in the vitamin D-replete males. The vitamin D deficient females had longer and irregular estrus cycle. There was testicular degeneration in deficient males while the deficient females showed abnormal development of follicles and uterine hypoplasia. Vitamin D deficiency decreased mating and fertility ratio in both male and female rats |