Abstract
BackgroundThe present study investigated whether the administration of the progestin altrenogest provides noninvasive, temporary, and reversible suppression of gonadal function in the goat as a potential alternative to chirurgical castration, which is related with irreversibility, risks of complications till death of the animal and welfare issues. Eight sexually mature Peacock goats were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group was administered altrenogest (0.088 mg/kg) orally once daily for 7 weeks. The remaining four goats received an oral glucose solution and served as the control group. After completing the administration period, the reversibility of the medication was evaluated for another 7 weeks (observation phase). The treatment effects were assessed by clinical examination; ultrasound examination of the testes, including one-dimensional grayscale analysis, blood testosterone levels, analysis of semen parameters and libido. At the end of the observation period, the animals were castrated and the testicles were examined histologically.ResultsAltrenogest treatment had no significant effect on the physical development of the goats, the sonographic appearance of the testes, the gray values measured in the ultrasound images, or the blood testosterone levels. The effects of treatment on the testicular and semen parameters varied widely in the experimental animals; the testicle volume was significantly lower and the number of pathologically altered sperm in the ejaculate was significantly higher in treated animals.ConclusionThese findings indicate that daily altrenogest administration at a dose of 0.088 mg/kg does not reliably suppress gonadal function in the goat.
Highlights
The present study investigated whether the administration of the progestin altrenogest provides noninvasive, temporary, and reversible suppression of gonadal function in the goat as a potential alternative to chirurgical castration, which is related with irreversibility, risks of complications till death of the animal and welfare issues
On the basis of these previous findings, the present study examined whether the administration of 0.088 mg/kg altrenogest has similar effects on the gonadal function in goats
Testicle measurements, and blood parameters Clinical examination of the goats revealed no clear differences between the two groups
Summary
The present study investigated whether the administration of the progestin altrenogest provides noninvasive, temporary, and reversible suppression of gonadal function in the goat as a potential alternative to chirurgical castration, which is related with irreversibility, risks of complications till death of the animal and welfare issues. In contrast to other species, few studies have examined the effects of temporary suppression of gonadal function in the goat [1]. The chirurgical castration is a widespread method to control reproduction and behavior in the male goat, but it is irreversible, covers the risk of complications till death of the animal and is a welfare issue because of the related pain. Altrenogest administration results in reversible downregulation of male reproductive function. The molecule binds to the progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland resulting in inhibition of gonadotropins release [7]
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