Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the testicular size and sperm production in adult bulls, immunized against testosterone during the prepubertal age. Zebu crossbred bulls (n=4 per group) were immunized prepubertally with ovalbumin (OVA), or with 5 mg (T5), or 10 mg (T10) of a testosterone-ovalbumin conjugate. Non-immunized bulls were used as a control group. At castration (29 months of age), the scrotal circumference (SC) was recorded and seminal quality was evaluated. Testes and epididymides were collected from each bull, and their weight recorded, as well as the testis parenchyma weight. Testicular tissue samples were collected for histology studies and daily sperm production quantification. Bulls from T5 group had larger SC (P0.05) for epididymis weight, Leydig cell density, diameter of seminiferous tubules, semen characteristics, and LH and testosterone concentrations. In conclusion, immunization with the small dose of the testosteroneovalbumin conjugate in prepubertal bulls increased testicular size and daily sperm production in the adult animal, with no apparent effect on seminal quality and body weight.
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