Abstract
Digital dermatitis may affect fertility and reproductive performance of cattle. This study evaluates serum testosterone levels of Nelore bulls before and after digital dermatitis (DD) treatment. A total of 24 animals were randomly divided into three groups: Group I – 9 animals with DD treated after the second blood collection; Group II – 7 animals with DD that did not receive any treatment; and Group III (control) – healthy animals. Seven samples were taken from each animal with a 15-day interval. Blood testosterone concentration was assessed by immunoassay (ELISA) and values were established by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney U, and Friedmann tests. GI presented a gradual increase of testosterone levels after the second blood collection, and GIII had the highest increase. Statistically significant differences were observed between GI and GIII as regards testosterone levels from the first, second, and third blood collections. We conclude that DD may influence the reproduction of bulls due to stress.
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