Adult Bucks Research Articles

Rutting and rambling: Movement characteristics reveal partial migration in adult male white-tailed deer at a latitude void of chronic and severe environmental fluctuations.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are generally considered a home-ranging species, although northern populations may migrate between summer and winter ranges to balance resource requirements with environmental stressors. We evaluated annual home range characteristics of adult bucks (n = 30) fitted with GPS collars from 2017 to 2021 in central Mississippi with time series segmentation and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) to determine if individuals employed varying movement strategies. We found 67% of bucks displayed a "sedentary" strategy characterized by a single KDE home range polygon with a mean size of 361 ha. The remaining 33% of bucks employed a "mobile" strategy characterized by multiple home range segments with a mean size of 6530 ha. Sedentary bucks went on an average of 5.9 excursions annually while mobile bucks went on 0.8. Excursion timing for both strategies peaked in breeding season and early spring. Mobile buck home ranges were separated by a mean distance of 7.1 km and mean duration in one home range segment before traveling to another was 78 days. Our study provides the first evidence that partial migration may apply to a larger proportion of lower-latitude deer populations than originally thought, though the environmental justification for this partial migration is not clear.

Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in domestic goat does in the United States: Prevalence, distribution, and associated risk factors

Infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii can cause coxiellosis in animals and Q fever in humans. Coxiellosis a consistently underreported infectious disease. The infection can result in reproductive consequences for humans and animals. Ruminants are a reservoir for infection and humans are generally infected via aerosolized secretions, making it a public health concern. Studies of ruminant seroprevalence are generally limited in size and scope. This study determined seroprevalence in a large-scale U.S. population of female goats using serum samples from 7736 does from 24 states.This study identified C. burnetii seroprevalence in the United States domestic goat population. Overall, 14.5 % (SE = 2.3) of does were seropositive and 21.0 % (SE = 2.4) of operations had at least 1 seropositive doe.Further, operation demographics and herd management practices associated with seropositivity were as follows: the suspected or confirmed presence of caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), caseous lymphadenitis (CL), Johne’s disease, or sore mouth in the herd in the previous 3 years, not cleaning or disinfecting the kidding areas or removing aborting does from other does, allowing visitors to access the kidding areas, and a lower percentage of adult goat inventory that were adult bucks or wethers. Furthermore, goat breed was associated with seropositivity.These data show C. burnetii seroprevalence in the United States and identify operation and animal characteristics and management practices associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. Together, this information can be used to help limit animal transmission, inform public health measures, and help educate and protect individuals working with goats.

Applicability of an international linear appraisal system in Murciano-Granadina breed: fitting, zoometry correspondence inconsistencies, and improving strategies

Linear appraisal systems (LAS) are effective strategies to systematically collect zoometric information from animal populations. Traditionally applied LAS in goats was developed considering the variability and scales found in highly selected breeds. As a result, traditional LAS may no longer cover the different contexts of goat breeds widespread throughout the world, and departures from normality may be indicative of the different stages of selection at which a certain population can be found. The present study aimed to evaluate the distribution and symmetry properties of twenty-eight zoometric traits. After symmetry analysis was performed, the scale readjustment proposal suggested specific strategies should be implemented such as scale reduction of lower or upper levels, determination of a setup moment to evaluate and collect information from young (up to 2 years) and adult bucks (over 2 years), the addition of upper categories in males due to upper values in the scale being incorrectly clustered together. The particular analysis of each variable permits determining specific strategies for each trait and serve as a model for other breeds, either selected or in terms of selection. Highlights Specific strategies must be approached for each particular zoometric trait. Scale levels for limb related traits must be readjusted. An extension of the scale in the stature of males is proposed. Males must be subdivided into two categories (below and over two years). Environment adaptability shapes progress for better dairy-linked zoometry.

Effectiveness of Bovine Tunica Vaginalis Powder in the Prevention of Tendon Adherence Following Tendon Repair Process in Bucks

The current study was designed to investigate the efficacy of lyophilized bovine tunica vaginalis powder on peritendinous adhesion of induced defect in superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in goats. The study was carried out on 18 adult bucks, the surgical procedure was done under highly aseptic conditions. Prior to surgery, animals were sedated by intramuscular injection of 2 % xylazine in a dose 0.5 mg/kg body weight, then the site of the operation is anesthetized by linear infiltration of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride. The surgical incision is made on the skin on the palmer surface of the metacarpal bone of the left forelimb to expose the (SDFT), a (0.1 depth, 0.2 width, and l Long) cm defect is made on the exposed tendon, this gap is filled with drops of sterile normal saline in (9) animals, and mentioned as a control group, while the gap of the rest (9) animals is filled with the lyophilized powder as treated group. Subcutaneous tissue was closed using absorbable suture material by simple continuous suture technique, and a simple interrupted suture mattress using non-absorbable suture material for closing the skin. The macroscopic findings exhibited a significant difference in adhesion scores between the 2nd, and 3rd periods of assessment post-operation in the first and second groups, with no significant differences between groups. The conclusion of this study is the tunica vaginalis scaffold has no obvious effect on decreasing adhesion between a tendon and surrounding tissues.

Endogenous and seasonal factors influencing circulating thyrotropin concentration in Red Sokoto and Sahel goats

Through regulating thyroid physiology, thyrotropin influences the activities of thyroid hormones, including thermogenesis and adaptation to ambient thermal challenges. This study aimed at evaluating the influences of some endogenous factors (breed, sex, age and body mass index; BMI) and season on circulating thyrotropin concentration in Red Sokoto and Sahel goats. A total of 120 goats were sampled, comprising Red Sokoto (n = 20) and Sahel (n = 20) goats in each season during the peak of the cold-dry (CDS), hot-dry (HDS) and rainy (RAS) seasons in a tropical Savannah climate. Results revealed that among Red Sokoto goats, bucks had significantly higher (P<0.05) circulating thyrotropin concentration than does during the HDS, while adults had significantly higher values than kids during the RAS. Significant (P<0.05) breed difference was only observed during the HDS, with the Red Sokoto goats having higher values among adult bucks and doelings but lower values than Sahel goats among buck-kids and adult does. Significant (P<0.05) seasonal variation was observed only in male Sahel goats with buck-kids having lower values during RAS as compared with CDS and HDS, while adult bucks had higher values during the RAS as compared with the HDS. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.29; P<0.001) was observed between thyrotropin concentration and BMI in the overall population. It was concluded that circulating thyrotropin concentration was higher in male and adult goats, and the effects of season and breed were sex and age-dependent. Moreover, the direct relationship between thyrotropin concentration and BMI may reflect the role of thyrotropin in the accumulation of body energy reserve in the savannah goats.

Lead concentrations in antlers of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from an agricultural area in Northern Germany over a 119-year period\u2014a historical biomonitoring study

We analyzed the lead content in antlers of 90 adult European roe bucks (Capreolus capreolus) that had been culled between 1901 and 2019 in an agricultural-dominated hunting district in Lower Saxony (Northern Germany). Antler lead values ranged between 0.2 and 10.9 mg/kg dry weight. Median lead concentration was highest after World War II, during a period (1956–1984) of rapidly increasing mass motorization and use of leaded gasoline. Lead levels in antlers decreased markedly after the phase-out of leaded gasoline, but high values were still found in some recently collected antlers. This could indicate persistent lead pollution from former use of lead additives to gasoline, other traffic-related sources, or from agricultural sources (e.g., sewage sludge, fertilizers). This study highlights the suitability of analyzing roe deer antlers for the historical monitoring of changing lead levels in the environment. By collecting antlers and providing them for study, local hunters can significantly contribute to environmental surveillance and the monitoring of environmental pollution by bone-seeking contaminants.

33 Effect of exogenous melatonin administration on testicular biometry, libido parameters, seminal parameters, hormone levels, and freezability of Sirohi buck semen during the non-breeding season in Southern Rajasthan

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of administration of exogenous melatonin on the testicular biometry, libido parameters, hormone levels, and freezability of semen during the non-breeding seasons in adult Sirohi bucks. Experiments of 4 and 8 weeks were carried out during non-breeding seasons at different times. Twelve bucks, 2 to 3 years of age, were split into melatonin-treated and control groups, with 6 bucks in each group. Throughout the 2 experimental periods, all bucks were permanently kept outdoors under conditions of natural daylength and at ambient temperature. Bucks in the treated group were subjected to single subcutaneous injection of a powder form of melatonin mixed with corn oil at the dose rate 18mg per 50kg on the first day of experiment; bucks in the control group received sterile corn oil injected subcutaneously in control group. Ejaculates were taken from the bucks by artificial vagina (AV) once per week and their reaction time (the elapsed time between exposure to stimuli and first ejaculation) was recorded. Testicular biometry, serum testosterone, and serum melatonin were determined weekly before semen collection. Ejaculates were cryopreserved and thawed weekly and the same quantitative and qualitative variables were measured as for fresh semen samples. Melatonin significantly (P<0.05) improved testicular biometry, libido parameters, and hormone levels compared with the control group during weeks 3 and 4 of the first experiment and from week 5 onward of the second experiment (P<0.05). Semen volume (mL) improved to 0.70±0.039 vs. 0.48±0.009 and 0.94±0.036 vs. 0.56±0.032 in first and second experiments. Greater (P<0.05) progressive motility (%) was noted in the melatonin group (84.59±1.472 and 86.88±0.797) during experiments 1 and 2. Semen quality of each straw from each ejaculate was evaluated after proper thawing within 24h. Mean post-thaw live sperm percentage for experiments 1 and 2 was 69.25±0.382 and 66.90±0.779, progressive motility was 50.42±0.948 and 58.75±1.058, and curled tail sperm count were 51.00±0.715 and 61.36±0.773, respectively. In conclusion, the results of present experiments are novel regarding the use of single subcutaneous melatonin injection during the non-breeding season to improve variables associated with the fertility potential of the Sirohi buck and frozen-thawed seminal parameters.

Electroacupuncture anesthesia for laparotomy in goats.

Background:The objective of the study to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture during laparotomy in goats. Aim:To study the abdominal anesthesia in goats by electroacupuncture using the physiological variables, vital parameters, hematological, biochemical, cortisol hormone, pain threshold, and wound healing for laparotomy in goats.Methods:Fifteen healthy adult bucks were used to receive electroacupuncture in 10 newly selected acupoints. The data (M ± SD) were assessed at intervals (0 minutes) before induction (control group), (5 minutes), (10 minutes), (15 minutes), and (20 minutes) during induction, (30 minutes), (45 minutes), and (60 minutes) throughout surgery and (24 hours) after surgery, cortisol levels in serum at (0), (24 hours), and (72 hours) throughout laparotomy. Results:The goats of the study showed improvement in the rates of eyelid closure, head, and neck relaxation, rumen motility, and tympany which were graded into mild (+), moderate (++), and severe (+++) degrees. The respiratory rates, body temperatures, and capillary fill times were not significantly different. The total mean of hematocrit was (19.9 ± 2.68), the total mean of hemoglobin was (9.9 ± 0.94), the total mean of red blood cells was (7.9 ± 0.8), the total mean of platelets was (244,861.3 ± 138,444.8) and the total mean of SPO2 was (70.5 ± 4.6). ALT and AST showed no significance. The significant mean cortisol level was (2.6 ± 2.01) and the significant mean pain threshold level was (0.02 ± 0.03). The results proved that electroacupuncture had a lot of significant parameters. The wound healing was improved by early epithelization and immature granulation tissue (at 7 days). Thick keratinized epithelization and collagen deposition in the dermal tissue with enhanced angiogenesis (at 14 days). Mild restoration of skin and the dermal tissue was well-organized (at 21 days). Besides, well-formed scar tissue covering a highly cellular organized dermal tissue (at 28 days).Conclusions:Electroacupuncture had been considered a powerful anesthetic for abdominal surgery in goats. Moreover, wound healing proved excellent and better healing.

Comparison Between Electroacupuncture, Detomidine Plus Electroacupuncture And Detomidine Alone For Laparoscopic Surgery In Goats

This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA), detomidine plus electroacupuncture and detomidine alone for laparoscopy in goats in terms of physiological variables, vital parameters, CBC and pain threshold. Fifteen healthy adult bucks divided into 3 groups (5 bucks/group); (group I) received electroacupuncture at 10 newly selected acupoints, (group II) get electroacupuncture plus detomidine and (group III) administered detomidine alone. The obtained data (M ±SD) were assessed at intervals (0 min.) before induction, (5 min.), (10 min.), (15 min.) and (20 min.) during induction, (30 min.), (45 min.) and (60 min.) throughout surgery and (24 hr) post-surgery, cortisol levels in serum at (0), (24 hr), and (72 hr) throughout laparoscopy. Group (I) showed improvement of the rates of eyelid closure, head and neck relaxation, rumen motility, and tympany. The respiratory rates, the body temperatures and capillary fill times for the three groups were not significantly different. Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, RBCs, Platelets and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were significant. ALT and AST showed no significance. Cortisol and pain threshold showed significant difference. Thus, electroacupuncture could be recommended for goat laparoscopic surgery as it works more potent and achieves sufficient abdominal anaesthesia superior to the other two regimes.

In vitro effect of nerve growth factor on the main traits of rabbit sperm

BackgroundThe nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophins family, plays an important role not only in the nervous but also in other non-nervous systems such as the reproductive system. The aim of the paper is to study the in vitro effect of NGF on rabbit sperm functions.MethodsTen adult rabbit bucks were collected five times, and pooled semen samples have been analysed. NGF was quantified in seminal plasma, and the distribution of NGF receptors (TrKA and p75NTR) in sperm was established. Moreover, the dose-effect of NGF on motility rate and track speed was evaluated. Successively, the effect of the neutralisation of NGF receptors was assessed to verify the specific role of each receptor. Untreated sperm were used as control.ResultsOur study identified several interesting results: i) We detected NGF in seminal plasma and TrKA and p75NTR in sperm surface. In particular, TrKA is localised in the head and p75NTR in the midpiece and tail of rabbit sperm. ii) Once the optimal dose of NGF (100 ng/mL) was established, its addition affected both kinetics and other physiological traits (capacitation, apoptosis and necrosis) of rabbit sperm. (iii) The neutralisation of TrKA and p75NTR receptors affected sperm traits differently. In particular, sperm speed, apoptosis and capacitation seemed mainly modulated via p75NTR receptor, whereas motile, live cells, necrosis and acrosome reaction were modulated via TrKA.ConclusionFor the first time, we showed the presence of p75NTR in rabbit sperm. NGF affects kinetic and other physiological traits of rabbit sperm. Most of these changes are modulated by the receptors involved (TrKA or p75NTR). Considering that some seminal disorders in human have been correlated with a lower NGF concentration and no studies have been done on the possible involvement of NGF receptors, these findings also provide new insights on human fertility.

Chronic use of a GnRH agonist (deslorelin) or immunization against GnRH: effects on testicular function and sperm quality of bucks

Chronic use of GnRH agonists and immunization against GnRH have been used as reversible contraceptive methods. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of both treatments to inhibit reproductive function of adult bucks, in terms of strength and duration of the effects. We used 9 control untreated bucks (CON), 7 bucks treated chronically with a GnRH agonist (subcutaneous implants with 7.4 mg of deslorelin, Suprelorin, Virbac) (AGO), and another 7 bucks were immunized against GnRH (dose of 2 mL of Improvac-Zoetis with 300 μg of a synthetic incomplete analog of natural GnRH; 300 mg of diethylaminoethyl-dextran; and 2.0 mg of chlorocresol) (IMM). Testicular and sperm evaluations, testosterone concentrations, and male odor were determined from 4 wk before applying the treatments until 17 mo of their application. Scrotal circumference of CON (21.0 ± 0.1 cm) and IMM (21.2 ± 0.2 cm) was greater than that of AGO bucks (19.9 ± 0.2 cm) (P < 0.05 for each), without difference between CON and IMM bucks. Pixels' color intensity of testicular ultrasound images was not affected by treatment (general mean ± SEM: 116.0 ± 1.8). Testosterone concentration was greater in CON than AGO and IMM in months 3 and 4, greater in CON and IMM than AGO bucks in months 15 and 16, and greater in IMM than CON and AGO bucks in month 17 (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Male odor was greater in CON (1.5 ± 0.0) than IMM bucks (1.3 ± 0.0) and greater in IMM than AGO (1.1 ± 0.0) bucks (P < 0.05 for each). Treatment negatively affected all the sperm variables: the total number of sperm in the ejaculate, sperm motility, sperm with normal morphology and sperm with integral membrane function. It was concluded that both treatments were effective in inhibiting the reproductive axis; however, neither of them produced azoospermia or decreased testosterone concentrations to undetectable levels. With both treatments, there were individual males exhibiting characteristics of fertility in all periods of the study. However, chronic use of a GnRH agonist seemed to be the most effective treatment in terms of duration and strength.

The effect of subchronic oral exposure to zearalenone on hematologic and biochemical analytes, and the blood redox status of adult rabbit bucks.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycoestrogen with a ubiquitous presence in animal feeds, which also has hematotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and immunotoxic properties. However, there is a paucity of literature that discusses the effects of ZEN on rabbits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a prolonged, low-level (50μg ZEN/kg body weight) exposure on the clinicopathologic and redox status analytes of rabbit bucks. Ten adult bucks were included in the study. Each underwent a 7-week control period, followed by a 7-week exposure period. Water or ZEN solutions were daily administered orally (0.5mL) during the control and exposure periods, respectively. Blood samples were collected weekly for Complete Blood Counts, serum biochemical analyte and reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) measurements. Data were analyzed using a mixed model, and the level of significance was set at a P of <0.05. During the ZEN exposure period, significant increases were noted in the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volumes (MPVs), as well as in the white blood cell, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. Significant increases were observed in aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin, whereas urea, creatinine, glucose, total calcium, sodium, and potassium concentrations were significantly decreased. The ROM concentrations did not differ significantly between the control and ZEN exposure periods. Under the present experimental conditions, ZEN affected some of the clinicopathologic analytes of adult rabbit bucks; these changes were mostly indicative of mild hepatocellular damage and dysfunction, inflammatory and/or allergic responses, and renal tubular damage. A ZEN dose of 50μg/kg body weight did not seem to affect the blood redox status of bucks, as evaluated by the ROM concentrations.

A comparative study of using Kessler Suture Pattern versus Polypropylene meshes implantation to repair Tenotomized Achilles tendon in bucks

The aim of the current study was to compare the efficacy of Kessler suture pattern and polypropylene meshes implantation to repair severed Achilles tendons in bucks. For this purpos 16 local adult bucks, weighing 30-35kg were used and equally distributed into two groups, the first group: (control group) and the second group (mesh group). Animals were sedated with xylazine 2% and anesthetized locally with lidocaine hydrochloride 2% infiltrated subcutaneously. Skin incision approximately 5 cm. in length was made over the Achilles tendon. The tendon was isolated by blunt dissection from the underlying tissue, then the left Achilles tendon was transected in its mid portion. In the control group, tenorrhaphy of Achilles tendons were immediately performed by using Kessler suture technique using (polypropylene No. 1). In the second group, a polypropylene mesh was wrapped around the cut ends and fixed to the tendon by simple interrupted stitches of polypropylene thread (No.1). Then skin was sutured by interrupted horizontal mattress using silk No.1. Finally plaster of Paris with window was applied. The skin stitches were removed after 10 days. The clinical signs of all animals showed severe lameness during the first three weeks with no significant differences between the two groups. Lameness reflected significant differences (P&lt;0.05) between groups with the progress of postoperative duration (i.e., starting from 4th week). Rapid absence of lameness was more observed in second group (at 4th week) than in first group (at 6th week). At two months post-operative, a higher percentage (100%) was recorded in first group. While a lower percentage (25%) was showed in the second group. Microscopical examination at two month post-suturing revealed proliferation of fibrous connective tissue around suture materials infiltrated by inflammatory cells, in addition to necrotic tissue attachment to the tendon. In mesh implantation and at the same time there were granulations tissues surrounding the narrow mesh holes with tendon fibers expressed proliferation of tenocytes. At four months, first group revealed few blood vessels, and thickened collagen fibers with mononuclear cells infiltration in cut tendon fibers. In mesh implantation the tendon was retained to its nearly normal structure with few (MNCs) in epitenon. It seemed that both groups gave best outcome in healing of operated tendons with superiority of the second group in comparison with the first group.

Comparative study for three protocols of general anesthesia in bucks

The aim of this study was to evaluate three regimens in induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in local breed bucks and the investigation of the best protocol of them based on different parameters. Eighteen healthy adult bucks weighing (27.50 ± 0.682 kg), aged (1.989 ± 0.135 years) were used. Animals were divided randomly into three equal groups to undergo pre-experiment preparation. All groups were premedicated intravenously with (0.5 mg/ kg) Diazepam, ten min. Later, the induction for first group was done by Propofol (3 mg/kg B.W), second group was done by Ketamine Hcl (2 mg/kg B.W), while in the third group was done by Thiopental sodium (3mg/kg B.W). After intubation with suitable endotracheal tube, maintenance of the three groups was done by (1.3-1.5%) isoflurane and nitrous oxide with oxygen at ratio 2:1. All the three groups underwent the measurement of the following parameters; (Induction, recovery and duration times) Clinical parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature); Clinical signs, analgesia, muscle relaxation; Liver enzyme (Aspartate Amino Transferase and Alanine Amino Transferase). The complete randomized design within statistical analysis system (SAS) program were used for statistical analysis as relevant with a significance level set at P&lt;0.05. The results of this study showed that the induction of the anesthesia was smooth and uneventful in all the three groups and recovery time was shorter in 3rd group in comparison with 2nd and 1st groups. The three regimens showed no significant differences in heart rate. The 2nd group recorded a sharp decrease in respiratory rate and body temperature in comparison with 1st and 3rd groups. Analgesia was very suitable in all the three groups. There were significant changes among groups concerning Alanine Amino Transferase and, Aspartate Amino Transferase. It was concluded that all the three protocols were safe and caused no hazard effect on the animals.

English

Previous studies have shown Costus afer to possess ethno-medical and ethno-veterinary properties, however, the link between C. afer and reproductive activities are not clear. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of C. afer leaf on semen quality characteristics and testosterone levels of adult buck rabbits. Eighteen adult crossbred New Zealand and Chinchilla breeds were divided into three treatments (A, B and C) (n=6) in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 12 weeks. The results showed significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in sperm motility, sperm count, and normal morphology due to treatment effect. Sperm abnormalities, dead cells, sluggishly motile, and pus cells were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in treated group. The treatment had no significant impact (P&gt;0.05) on parameters like appearance (normal), semen volume, and viscosity between the groups. Serum testosterone increased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) in treated groups (C: 21.0 ng/mL; B: 11.6 ng/mL) than control (A: 11.0 ng/mL), respectively. These results indicate that C. afer has a negative fertility impact on buck rabbits. &nbsp; Key words: Costus afer, semen, testosterone, rabbit, buck.&nbsp

Seasonal Influence on Semen Production Performance of Crossbred Buck (Saanen x Beetal) in an Organized Farm

Season plays an important role in semen production performance of caprines due to change in temperature, humidity, hormone level, vegetation and nutritional availability. Therefore, the present study was planned on five crossbred buck (Saanen  Beetal) maintained at Livestock Research Centre, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal to evaluate seasonal effect (Cold-humid winter: November-March; Hot-dry summer: April-June; Hot-humid summer: July-October) on fresh semen quality. Data on 625 ejaculates from five adult bucks (125×5) were collected for semen quality analysis and data was analyzed by using least square analysis. The mean ejaculate volume, mass activity (MA), progressive motility, live sperm percent, sperm concentration, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and intact acrosome percent were 1.05 ml, 3.28, 76.69%, 77.72%, 3.06109/ml, 69.4% and 94.71%, respectively. There was significant individual variation of all fresh semen quality parameters among the bucks (p

Rearing bucks isolated from females affects negatively their sexual behavior when adults.

In some domestic ruminants, contact with females is necessary for normal development of sexual behavior. The aims of this experiment were to determine if rearing bucks isolated from does affects negatively their sexual behavior when adults, and if this negative effect is overcome after four short contacts with females. Sixteen Saanen male kids were maintained during one year in two groups: kids reared in permanent direct contact with four adult goats (FEM; n = 7), and kids that remained isolated from females (ISO; n = 9). When bucks were 12 mo-old, females were removed and both groups were joined in the FEM pen. Nine months later all bucks were individually exposed four times to estrual females for 20 min every 10 days, recording courtship and mounting behaviors. Bucks that were reared with females displayed more courtship behaviors, ejaculations and total mounts (mount attempts, mounts with and without ejaculation; P < 0.0001 for all) than ISO bucks. The combined effect of number of bucks that ejaculated and the time at which they first ejaculated in the first and second tests favored FEM bucks (P < 0.03). It was concluded that the lack of contact with females during the rearing period affects negatively adult bucks’ sexual performance, an effect that could not be overcome after repeated exposures to estural does.

Microscopic and biometric investigations of the testes in adult ram and adult buck in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Province

Microscopic and biometric investigations of the testes in adult ram and adult buck in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Province

Bucks reared in close contact with adult does prefer to interact with females than with males

Social relationships at early stages of sexual development of animals may affect their adult social preferences. The aim of the present experiment was to determine if heterosexual environment during rearing influences adult bucks’ social preference for a female or a male goat. While seven Saanen male kids were maintained during their first year in permanent close contact with four adult female goats (group FEM), other nine remained isolated from females (group ISO). When bucks were 12months old, females were removed and both groups were joined together. After 11months, each buck was individually subjected to a sex choice test lasting five minutes, selecting between an unknown male or non-estrous female goat. The first proximity area at which the bucks entered, the time spent in each area, and the number of times that each buck entered into each area were recorded. Bucks of FEM and ISO groups did not have significant differences in the area they entered first. There was no difference in the number of times that FEM or ISO bucks entered into each area (FEM: 1.7±0.3 vs 1.1±0.2 for female and male areas; ISO: 1.1±0.3 vs 1.1±0.3; n.s.). However, while the time in which ISO bucks remained in the female and male areas did not differ significantly (107.4±27.0s vs 61.2±31.9s in female and male areas, respectively, n.s.), FEM bucks stayed more time in the female than in the male area (138.8±34.8s vs 47.4±23.6s in female and male areas, respectively, P=0.15). It is concluded that bucks that were reared in permanent contact with adult female goats during their pre-pubertal period preferred social contact with non-estrous females than with males, while those that were reared isolated from them did not show any social preference for males or females.

IMPACT OF LYCOPENE OR FOLIC ACID TREATMENT ON SEMEN QUALITY, BLOOD CONSTITUENTS AND FERTILITY OF RABBIT BUCKS

Effect of lycopene or folic acid supplementation in drinking water as enhancing factors on reproductive performance of NWZ rabbit bucks was investigated in this study. Total of 30 sexually adult bucks were homogeneously divided into 3 experimental groups (10 bucks/each). Bucks in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd group daily received drinking water supplemented with 0, 500 mg lycopene and 500 mg folic acid/l, respectively, for 4 weeks as a treatment period. Semen was collected twice/week for another six consecutive weeks. Blood constituents and semen quality were evaluated. At the end of the semen collection period, 90 NWZ does were divided into 6 groups (15/each). The 1st three groups were naturally mated with bucks treated with 0, lycopene or folic acid, while other three groups were artificially mated with pooled semen of each treated buck group. Results showed that lycopene or folic acid insignificantly increased final body weight and increased (P<0.05) water intake of bucks during treatment period. At the end of treatment period, both treatments increased (P<0.05) hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, count of red blood cells and platelets, serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, glucose and high density lipoproteins concentrations, while decreased (P<0.05) white blood cells count, and concentration of serum urea, creatinine, total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins concentrations. Concentrations of total antioxidant and testosterone increased (P<0.05), while malondialdehyde concentration decreased (P<0.05) in treatment groups as compared to control. Both treatments improved (P<0.05) volume, quality and total sperm output, initial semen fructose concentration, conception and kindling rates, and litter size at birth of NZW does naturally or artificially mated by treated bucks, while decreased (P<0.05) semen pH value. Although both treatments had superiority in comparing with control, most blood constituents and semen traits were better (P<0.05) for lycopene than folic acid treatment. In conclusion, treatment of rabbit bucks with lycopene at a level of 500 mg/l drinking water or as oral administration of 105 mg/buck for 4 weeks prior to natural mating or semen collection could be useful as a strong antioxidant and could have interesting applications in rabbit farms.