Factors Affecting Scrotal Measurements and Weight of Ouled Djellal Rams in Eastern and South-Eastern Algeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate some performances in Ouled Djellal (OD) rams. (21) rams divided equally into three age groups, I: 2-3 years, II: 4 years, III: 5-6 years, and were followed at farm in East Algeria, and 07 lambs, at the Artificial Insemination Centre (South-Eastern). We have determined monthly: antero-posterior diameter of testis, scrotal volume and circumference, and body weight (BW). Young rams showed an increase in values of BW and scrotal measurements (SM) with significant differences with p <0.01 and p <0.001 respectively since comparison “spring vs summer” and “spring vs autumn”, and highly significant positive correlation between BW and SM but no between left and right testicle. A highly significant correlation is noted in Adult rams between BW and SM for groups I and II, no in group III. An important effect of age on BW and SM is noted with significant variation (from p <0.01 at p <0.001), since comparison groups I vs II, and I vs III but no in groups II vs III. This study showed a positive correlation between SM and BW and the peak of measurements is reached around 4 years of age and far to stabilize relatively thereafter