Andrological Examination Research Articles

HEMATOCELE TESTICULAR EM GARANHÃO EQUINO: RELATO DE CASO

The purpose of the andrological examination is to diagnose possible reproductive failures, as well as to investigate the animal's ability to mate. It includes physical examinations of the external and internal reproductive region, ultrasound examinations, semen collection and macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the semen to certify reproductive and fertility conditions. The aim of this paper was to report the clinical case of a stallion who presented with enlargement and asymmetry of the scrotal region with a diagnosis of hydrocele, hematocele and testicular degeneration. The case report is of a Mangalarga Marchador stallion with no reproductive history of low fertility or trauma. Physical examination revealed asymmetry in the testicular region. The ultrasound showed that the testicles were hyperechoic, with free fluid between the testicular parenchyma and the tunica albuginea on the left, characterizing a testicular hydrocele process. On the right side, there was a septate liquid characteristic of fibrin in the ventral region of the testicle near the tail of the epididymis, characterizing a hematocele process. The seminal evaluation showed an increase in total sperm pathologies (39.5%). Based on the tests, the clinical diagnosis was a hydrocele associated with a hematocele in the testicular region generating testicular degeneration. The treatment indicated was pentoxifylline 8 mg/kg, shower 3 times a day and that the stallion should be released in a paddock every day for 30 days. It was concluded that the prognosis and therapeutic approach adopted by the veterinarians were in line with the literature, providing the animal with comfort, well-being and clinical improvement.

Initiating male contraception methods.

Non-surgical (reversible) male contraception methods, when approved for general clinical application, should be made available to all interested men aged 18 50 years in good general health regardless of their semen parameters. In the preliminary workup, a complete personal and family history aimed at identifying specific conditions that may potentially increase the risks for adverse effects (associated with testosterone replacement) is advisable but a general or andrological examination is not required, unless indicated by the history. Baseline body weight, blood pressure and haemoglobin should be recorded for the purpose of future monitoring. While risks and benefits of vasectomy have been well established, appropriately nuanced patient counselling and assessment are essential for ensuring a satisfactory outcome of vasectomy.

Impaired Semen Quality in Patients with Chronic Prostatitis.

Background/Objectives: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome CP/CPPS is a rather common condition and in recent years many studies have shown contradictory results regarding its impact on semen quality. This prospective cohort study set out to investigate how CP/CPPS affected the parameters of semen in a prospective cohort of patients compared with the WHO 2021 reference group. Methods: From 2013 to 2022, a total of 1071 patients with suspicion of CP/CPPS received a comprehensive andrological examination. Complete semen analysis was carried out in compliance with WHO 2010 guidelines, comparing every study population semen variable to the WHO 2021 reference group (n~3500). Results: All evaluated semen parameters had median values that fell within a normal range. Nonetheless, approximately 25% of patients had values for each semen variable that were lower than the WHO reference group's fifth percentile. In particular, bacteriospermia was associated with a negative impact on semen volume. Conclusions: This is the largest study that compares all standard semen parameters in patients suffering from CP/CPPS to WHO 2021 reference values. It provides evidence of an impairment of conventional semen parameters.

Digital postprocessing analysis of prostatic perfusion in neutered dogs.

B-mode ultrasound is routinely performed to evaluate the prostate gland in neutered dogs, although, the detection of malignancies may be challenging. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has shown to be useful for the assessment of prostatic perfusion in normal and diseased dogs, although the interpretation of contrast ultrasonographic features may still be subjective. A quantitative tool for evaluating prostatic perfusion might improve the reliability of the results in terms of early detection of prostate neoplasia in neutered dogs. The present study aimed to evaluate the applicability of a postprocessing analysis tool to CEUS of the prostate in healthy neutered dogs, to provide quantitative measurements, and to study the influence of individual characteristics on prostatic regression. Twenty-three neutered dogs underwent a B-mode and CEUS examination of the prostate to acquire data about prostatic morphology and microcirculation. The prostate was imaged using a 5-7.5MHz linear transducer and contrast was administered intravenously. Videoclips were analyzed by using Qontrast software and a postprocessing digital analysis tool (ImageJ) to measure perfusion peak intensity, time to peak, and vascularization ratio at the moment of the peak, which were then related to body weight, age, and time elapsed since orchiectomy. Correlation tests revealed higher vascularization in younger compared with older dogs (P<.05) and in smaller compared with larger dogs (P<.05). Time elapsed since orchiectomy (P>.05) did not affect prostatic perfusion. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and the postprocessing analysis tool ImageJ allowed analysis of vascular perfusion in all dogs and have the potential to improve the diagnostic possibilities for andrological examination.

ANDROLOGICAL EVALUATION OF BULLS PRESENT ON RURAL PROPERTIES IN THE LOCAL DAIRY PRODUCTION ARRANGEMENT (APL) OF WEST GOIANO

The andrological examination is a periodic evaluation that corresponds to the set of methods that aim to obtain information, such as changes in the reproductive system, pathologies and semen evaluation, with the aim of estimating the reproductive potential of males. The main objective of the examination is to select sires and estimate the reproductive potential of bulls, in addition, to identify animals with fertility problems. Therefore, the andrological examination must be seen as an integral part of the reproductive season, being a foundation to guarantee good results for beef and dairy cattle herds. Despite the increase in technology on properties in Brazil, the vast majority of producers have little information about the importance of carrying out andrological examinations before the reproductive season. Thus, the literature review aims to address the andrological examination and its benefits and encouragement in carrying out the examination on properties belonging to the local dairy production arrangement (APL) in western Goiás.

Stiffness estimated by strain elastography reflects canine testicular spermatogenesis and histology

Ultrasound elastography was proposed for the evaluation of testicular focal lesions, but no studies verified the agreement between the whole histological architecture of the testis and the stiffness measured by elastography. The present study explored the use of strain elastography in the evaluation of testis with normal or abnormal spermatogenesis, classified based on epididymal sperm attributes, and the consistency between elastographic parameters and the testicular histological feature. Strain elastography was performed during the routine andrological examination in 22 dogs presented for elective orchiectomy. Epididymal sperm attributes and testicular histology were analyzed after orchiectomy. Based on the epididymal sperm characteristics, testes were classified according to normal or abnormal spermatogenesis, and strain elastographic attributes were compared between groups. Possible correlations between strain elastography and histological features were also explored. Consistent with the literature in humans, testes with abnormal spermatogenesis were stiffer (mean strain elastographic index 3.6 ± 0.6) compared with normal testes (mean strain elastographic index 1.9 ± 0.2; P < 0.01). The strain elastographic index was negatively correlated with the area occupied by seminiferous tubules (Pearson's rho = −0.716; P = 0.0003), the mean diameter (Pearson's rho = -0.742; P = 0.0002), and thickness of the seminiferous tubule (Pearson's rho = −0.728; P = 0.0002). Surprisingly, no correlations were found between the area occupied by connective tissue in histological sections and elastographic attributes, suggesting that the increased stiffness was not related to the increased amount of connective tissue. This study demonstrated that strain elastography could be used to support the andrological examination, but measurements should be acquired in specific regions to be reliable.

Severe subfertility in Thoroughbred stallions positive for the Impaired Acrosome Reaction susceptible gene (FKBP6) in Argentina

Subfertility in stallions is one of the major causes of reproductive and economic loss in the equine industry. Low pregnancy rates have been reported in stallions with normal semen quality after conventional evaluation. Acrosome reaction (AR) is necessary for fertilization and impaired acrosome reaction (IAR) leads to subfertility or infertility in horses; however, the AR test is not included in routine semen analysis. Failure of AR may affect more than 90% of sperm, although the remaining sperm can perform normal AR during fertilization. Up to date, IAR has been confirmed as a cause of subfertility only in Thoroughbred stallions. A genome-wide association study identified FKBP6 as a strong candidate gene responsible for this failure. The gene encodes for FK506 binding protein 6 (FKBP6) which is involved in sperm development and function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of IAR susceptibility genes in stallions with satisfactory breeding soundness examination (BSE) and acceptable semen parameters but a history of severe subfertility. Thoroughbred stallions (A, B and C), between 6 and 9 years old with satisfactory BSE but with a history of low pregnancy rates during the 2020 (stallion A = 11%) and 2021 breeding seasons (stallion A= 0%; stallion B= 29%; stallion C= 10%) were included. They were referred after several consultations, andrological examinations and non-specific treatments by differentveterinarians. Ejaculates of stallions A, B and C in DSO had the following values of total number of spermatozoa/ejaculate (4.6 × 109, 8.5 × 109, 6.7 × 109); progressive motility (40%, 60%, 60%); hypo-osmotic swelling test (73%, 60%, 72%); and normal sperm morphology (58%, 68%, 76%), respectively. Evaluation of acrosome status by FITC-PSA showed 12%, 84% and 20% intact acrosomes for stallion A, B and C, respectively. Based on history and results of BSE, hair samples of the three stallions were sent to Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Texas A&M University, and all three stallions, tested positive for the IAR susceptibility gene (FKBP6). The IAR is associated with male subfertility in humans and some domestic species including horses. A/A-A/A genotype of FKBP6 gene is considered a susceptibility gene for IAR in thoroughbred stallions with idiopathic subfertility. Hernandez Aviles et al. (Theriogenology. 2022; 186, 40-49) reported a low prevalence (0.7%) of acrosomal dysfunction in the overall population of breeding stallions but a significantly higher rate (38.1%) in idiopathically subfertile stallions. New developments in equine genomics provide tools for mapping fertility traits and discover causes of subfertility by genetic defects. Therefore, we must consider this analysis within the andrological examination in stallions with idiopathic infertility.

The effects of non-andrological medications on erectile dysfunction: a large single-center retrospective study

PurposeTo evaluate the association among andrological diseases at the first outpatient visit and the medications taken by patients for other comorbidities, as well as the differential impact between specific medication and relative comorbidities.MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective study based on subjects who referred to the Andrology Unit with a well-defined andrological diagnosis.ResultsA total of 3752 subjects were studied (mean age ± DS 46.2 ± 16.5 years). A total of 19 categories of andrological diseases and 110 type of medications for other comorbidities were identified. ED was the most frequent andrological pathology at the first andrological examination (28.7%), followed by infertility (12.4%). The couple of variables that were statistically significant in the univariate association analysis (p < 0.001) were: ED and (a) antihypertensives; (b) antihyperglycemics; (c) lipids-lowering; (d) psychotropics. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses confirmed the association. All the related comorbidities were also significantly associated with the univariate analysis, and all remained significantly associated with multivariate analysis. A multivariate analysis was also conducted to analyze the association between ED and the following pairs of variables “DM-antihyperglycemics”, “dyslipidemia-lipids-lowering”, and “hypertension-antihypertensives”. In all cases, the pathology, but not the specific treatment, was significantly associated with ED.ConclusionED is significantly associated with antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, lipid-lowering, psychotropic drugs’ intake. Anyway, ED appears to be more related to the diseases than to the specific therapies. The definitive cause/effect relationship should be established based on future prospective studies.

Follicle-stimulating hormone effectiveness in male idiopathic infertility: What happens in daily practice?

To assess the effectiveness of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration in male idiopathic infertility in a clinical setting. A retrospective real-world study was carried out, including all consecutive FSH-treated infertile men attending the Andrology Unit of Modena (Italy) from June 2015 to May 2022. Medical history, physical and andrological examinations, hormonal and seminal parameters, therapeutic management and pregnancy data were collected. The primary endpoint was the number of pregnancies obtained after FSH administration, whereas semen parameters change was the secondary outcome. A total of 194 of 362 (53.6%) infertile men, eligible according to the Italian Health System regulations, were treated with FSH (mean age 37.9±6.1 years). Following FSH administration (mean therapy duration 9.1±7.1 months), 43 pregnancies were recorded (27.6%), of which 22 occurred naturally and 21 after assisted reproduction. A significant increase in sperm concentration (9.9±12.2 vs. 18.9±38.9 million/mL, p=0.045) was detected after treatment, together with a significant increase in normozoospermia (from 1.0% to 5.1%, p=.044) and a reduction in azoospermia rate (from 9.8% to 7%, p=0.044). Dividing the cohort in FSH-responders and non-responders, in terms of pregnancy achieved, higher sperm concentrations (15.7±26.6 vs. 22.2±25.7 million/mL, p=0.033) and progressive sperm motility (18.0±18.2 vs. 27.3±11.3, p=0.044) were found in pregnancy group. Our experience suggests that FSH, empirically administered to men with idiopathic infertility, leads to pregnancy in one out of four patients and increases sperm concentration. Although the expected limits because of a real-world data study, the number of FSH-treated patients required to achieve one pregnancy seems to be lower in clinical setting if compared to previously published data.

Diagnostic tests in canine andrology - What do they really tell us about fertility?

Dog breeders often require breeding soundness evaluations which include andrological examinations of the genital organs, hormone measurements, and semen analyses. During the past decades, a considerable number of research results have been published, allowing diagnoses of specific andrological conditions and fertility assessment.For specific examinations, however, no standard procedures have been defined and for some parameters different reference ranges have been published. Therefore, examination results from different facilities are difficult to compare and profound conclusions regarding health and fertility of a male dog are not always possible.Conventional semen examination, however, is still useful in identifying deviations or no deviations from normality, especially if confounding factors are taken into account and if the exam is repeated in case of inconclusive findings. A standardization of examination procedures and reference ranges would help to harmonize the exchange of examination results and interpretation of the findings.

What Happens in Male Dogs after Treatment with a 4.7 mg Deslorelin Implant? II. Recovery of Testicular Function after Implant Removal.

Simple SummaryAlthough widely used in clinical practice as an alternative to surgical castration, the recovery of testicular endocrine and germinative function subsequent to treatment with a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant has not been well characterized until now. It is, however, relevant for the veterinary practitioner to advise the pet owner about the expected return to “normal” testosterone concentrations, prostatic volume, and pre-treatment semen quality. Our study showed that testosterone was no longer different from untreated controls on D14 after implant removal, whereas normospermia was reached on D84-133. All of the effects induced were fully reversible, albeit after individually varying time periods.Although deslorelin slow-release implants are widely used in the clinic, detailed published information about the recovery of testosterone concentrations (T), semen quality, and testicular and prostatic volume (TV, PV) after treatment is still missing. This article aims to characterize changes during restart after a five-months treatment and subsequent implant removal. Seven male Beagle dogs were treated with deslorelin (treatment group, TG), and three saline-treated dogs served as controls (CG). Deslorelin implants were removed after five months (D ex), followed by detailed andrological examinations for TV, PV, semen collection, and blood sampling for T-analysis with/without GnRH/hCG stimulation tests. TV, PV, and T increased rapidly after D ex in TG, not differing from CG from D91 (TV), D49 (PV), and D14 (T). The first sperm-containing ejaculates were collected between D49 and 70, whereas the samples were normospermic between D84 and 133. A T increase (>0.1 ng/mL) subsequent to the GnRH/hCG stimulation test was observed from D28/29 onwards, respectively. Histological assessment of testicular tissue at the end of the observational period (D149 after implant removal) revealed normal spermatogenesis. Our data confirm that the restart of endocrine and germinative testicular function is highly variable, but nevertheless, all of the effects induced were reversible.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of doctor-patient interactions during andrological consultations.

IntroductionAlthough a trustworthy connection between doctor and patient is crucial in clinical practice, it could be hindered by different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Moreover, an effective doctor–patient interaction could be even more challenging in andrological fields, in which psychological and social components are predominant.AimTo analyse the doctor–patient relationship in the andrological field, applying both qualitative and quantitative analyses.Methodsmonocentric, cross‐sectional, observational study was performed between May and December 2018. During the study, all patients aged >18 years attending the Modena Andrology Unit for couple infertility or erectile dysfunction were enrolled and the doctor–patients interaction recorded. Patients were divided into two groups depending on their medical seeking and were further divided between native and non‐native speakers of Italian. All patients underwent a routine andrological examination. Every first medical consultation was audio‐recorded and transcribed using “ELAN” software for socio‐linguistic analysis. Transcriptions underwent qualitative analysis through conversation analysis. Then, quantitative analyses were performed, and interaction parameters underwent correlation analyses.ResultsTwenty‐five patients were enrolled. The analysis of the andrological interview allowed to recognise five consecutive phases, following a semi‐standardized pattern. Patients without linguistic barriers and with infertility problems showed more autonomous contribution during the consultation. No difference arose in the sexual dysfunctions group. Doctor's explanations were frequent, but when linguistic barrier was present or Italian patients seemed less talkative, explanations were shorter, and doctors tried to use other conversational mechanisms to promote understanding. Patient's variables were significantly lower compared to the doctor, considering the number of turns (p = 0.025) and their minimum (p = 0.032), maximum (p < 0.001), and average durations (p < 0.001). Only patient's latency was significantly higher than the doctor's (p = 0.001).ConclusionThis is the first attempt to analyse the doctor–patient relationship in andrology using authentic audio‐recorded consultations. The results confirmed that a patient‐centred communication must be applied also in andrological consultations. However, the topics discussed may require more “medical formulation” to be acceptable to the participants in this context.

Chronic Immune-Mediated Orchitis Is the Major Cause of Acquired Non-obstructive Azoospermia in Dogs

Azoospermia, the lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, is the most common finding in infertile but otherwise healthy male dogs and represents an increasing reproductive health issue in men, too. The diagnosis can be further classified as non-obstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia due to an obstruction of the deferent ducts. Although non-obstructive azoospermia comprises more than half of azoospermic cases in men and is a common cause of infertility in the male dog, knowledge of the underlying etiology and pathophysiology is still strongly limited, and much uncertainty exists about the true incidence and possible treatment options. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and characterize infertile canine patients in detail by combining results of andrological examinations (clinical parameters, semen analysis, bacterial examination of semen, and Brucella canis serology), endocrine analysis (luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol-17ß, and thyroid function), analysis of the alkaline phosphatase in seminal plasma, and histological assessment of testicular biopsies of 10 azoospermic dogs. Our results not only verify non-obstructive etiology for 9/10 cases of canine azoospermia but also further identified significant histopathological changes of the testicular tissue with severely disrupted spermatogenesis, including fibrotic remodeling, vacuolization, Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, tubular shadows, and an increase of the interstitial and vascular area. In addition, three dogs showed local and six dogs generalized immune-cell infiltration, indicating chronic immune-mediated orchitis. Only in one case (no. 1) that no immune cells were found, and obstructive azoospermia was suspected due to low alkaline phosphatase activity. Furthermore, the detection of anti-thyroideal antibodies in two dogs indicates an autoimmune thyroid disease and a correlation between the occurrence of thyroidal disorders and azoospermia. Our results confirm previous findings and contribute additional evidence suggesting that chronic immune-mediated orchitis is the major cause of infertility in dogs. Further studies should focus on uncovering underlying inflammatory processes behind spermatogenic failure in these cases and identify possible treatment options to (re-)initialize spermatogenesis.

Quantitative analysis of echotexture and testicular biometry in asinines used in animal-drawn vehicles

Testicular ultrasound analysis is a non-invasive diagnostic method and an important step in andrological examination, which enables the early assessment of fertility disorders. Given the importance that asinines have for low-income families, and the need for experiments to establish these patterns of andrological evaluation for donkeys, this study aims to quantitatively determine the testicular echogenicity without a defined racial pattern, as well as to evaluate the testicular biometry and ultrasound changes observed in the testicles of these animals. 30 asinines without a defined racial pattern were used, divided into two groups according to age group (AG1 - 15 animals from 16 to 50 months of age and AG2 - 15 animals over 50 months of age and maximum 130 months). Ultrasound scanning was performed in longitudinal and transverse sections of the testicles. The images obtained were analyzed using GIMP 2.8 software (2012) and a standard gray scale graph (histogram) was generated. The AG2 group showed a significant difference in testicular length, width, and height (P 0.05) between echogenicity (gray scale histogram) of the parenchyma and left testicular mediastinum, between the studied age groups. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the echogenicity of the mediastinum of the right testicle between the age groups. Key words: Diagnostic imaging, reproduction, ultrasound, asinines.

Male fertility: a review of the publications from January - March 2021

The article provides an overview of the most significant publications on the topic of male infertility. The main selection criteria were the practical significance of the article, as well as the impact factor of the journal in which it was published, according to the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR). As a result, a list of 10 works published in the first quarter (January - March) of 2021 was formed. The review included articles related to the following issues: sperm DNA fragmentation, the use of testicular spermatozoa in ART programs (assisted reproductive technologies), advanced paternal age, the role of the human papillomavirus for male fertility, hormonal modulation by clomiphene, the risk of birth defects in children in ART programs, andrological examination of patients with CFTR gene mutations. And also, an analysis of the new clinical guidelines of the American Urological Association (AUA) was carried out.

Male fertility during and after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A cross-sectional pilot study

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used and may induce long-term survival in various types of cancer. Yet, there is scarce evidence on potential effects on patient fertility and the necessity of cryopreservation before treatment onset. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of male infertility after initiation of ICI treatment. MethodsThis is a monocenter, cross-sectional pilot study. Fertility was investigated by spermiogram, analysis of sexual hormones and questionnaires on sexual function and sexual activity. Male patients under the age of 60 years previously or currently treated with ICI for cutaneous malignancies or uveal melanoma were included. ResultsTwenty-five patients were included, with a median age of 49 years. Eighteen of 22 (82%) available spermiograms showed no pathologies, all patients reported a normal sexual function and sexual activity. Of four patients with pathological spermiogram, three patients were diagnosed with azoospermia and one with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Three patients had significant confounding factors (previous inguinal radiotherapy, chemotherapy and chronic alcohol abuse, and bacterial orchitis). One patient with normal spermiogram before ICI treatment presented 1 year after initiation with azoospermia, showing an asymptomatic, inflammatory infiltrate with predominantly neutrophil granulocytes, macrophages and T-lymphocytes in the ejaculate. Infectious causes were ruled out; andrological examination was unremarkable. A second case with reduced sperm counts during treatment may be ICI-induced also. ConclusionsMost patients had no restrictions in fertility, yet an inflammatory loss of spermatogenesis seems possible. Cryopreservation should be discussed with all patients with potential future desire for children before treatment.

Defects in the cytoplasmic assembly of axonemal dynein arms cause morphological abnormalities and dysmotility in sperm cells leading to male infertility.

Axonemal protein complexes, such as outer (ODA) and inner (IDA) dynein arms, are responsible for the generation and regulation of flagellar and ciliary beating. Studies in various ciliated model organisms have shown that axonemal dynein arms are first assembled in the cell cytoplasm and then delivered into axonemes during ciliogenesis. In humans, mutations in genes encoding for factors involved in this process cause structural and functional defects of motile cilia in various organs such as the airways and result in the hereditary disorder primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Despite extensive knowledge about the cytoplasmic assembly of axonemal dynein arms in respiratory cilia, this process is still poorly understood in sperm flagella. To better define its clinical relevance on sperm structure and function, and thus male fertility, further investigations are required. Here we report the fertility status in different axonemal dynein preassembly mutant males (DNAAF2/ KTU, DNAAF4/ DYX1C1, DNAAF6/ PIH1D3, DNAAF7/ZMYND10, CFAP300/C11orf70 and LRRC6). Besides andrological examinations, we functionally and structurally analyzed sperm flagella of affected individuals by high-speed video- and transmission electron microscopy as well as systematically compared the composition of dynein arms in sperm flagella and respiratory cilia by immunofluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, we analyzed the flagellar length in dynein preassembly mutant sperm. We found that the process of axonemal dynein preassembly is also critical in sperm, by identifying defects of ODAs and IDAs in dysmotile sperm of these individuals. Interestingly, these mutant sperm consistently show a complete loss of ODAs, while some respiratory cilia from the same individual can retain ODAs in the proximal ciliary compartment. This agrees with reports of solely one distinct ODA type in sperm, compared to two different ODA types in proximal and distal respiratory ciliary axonemes. Consistent with observations in model organisms, we also determined a significant reduction of sperm flagellar length in these individuals. These findings are relevant to subsequent studies on the function and composition of sperm flagella in PCD patients and non-syndromic infertile males. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the fertility status in PCD-affected males and should help guide genetic and andrological counselling for affected males and their families.

The Main Aspects of Andrological Evaluation of Bucks

Goat breeding has economic importance specifically in developing countries in terms of fiber, milk, and meat production. To reach the increasing market demands, a thoroughly organized breeding program is required. While most breeders focus on the female part of reproduction management, male selection constitutes the overlooked half. However, this forgotten part should begin with male selection through an andrological evaluation examination (Breeding soundness exam (BSE)). After the male selection, semen collected from these bucks can be transported to other herds easily and genetic advance can be achieved in a shorter period with the help of assisted reproductive techniques. Using selected males’ semen with artificial insemination (AI) in goats can bring huge improvement at goat breeding with its rapid and reform triggering effects. However, there are still missing pieces in terms of andrological examination evaluation and assisted reproductive techniques in goats and future research is still required to complete this puzzle. This review will focus on the selection of bucks and the advances in most commonly used assisted reproduction techniques in the field level.

Reproductive disorders affecting 21-month-old bulls assessed by andrological examination

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of the main pathologies that affect the genital organs of young bulls. We used a database that contained data for 6,408 young Nelore bulls. The data were collected from June to August 2004 and 2005. The bulls were evaluated by andrological examination and semen samples were collected with the aid of an electroejaculation device. The animals were classified in terms of their sexual maturity as animals suitable for reproduction, animals suitable for reproduction in terms of natural service, animals temporarily unfit for reproduction, and animals excluded from reproduction. The reproductive disorders recorded in the excluded animals were classified as penile, testicular, anterior or posterior limb, epididymal, spermatic cord, spermatic, anal sphincter, foreskin, systemic, and seminal vesicle alterations. We used descriptive statistics and analysis of variance to analyze the data. Of the 6,408 bulls evaluated, 309 animals were excluded from reproduction (4.82%). The majority of the excluded bulls (31.7%) suffered from testicular-related pathologies (testicular asymmetry, small scrotal circumference for their age, orchitis, and hydrocele (64.28%, 32.65%, 2.04%, and 1.02%, respectively), seminal vesicle alterations (31.39%), sperm defects (17.15%), and penile alterations (6.79%). Of the 309 animals excluded from reproduction, 21 (6.79% of the excluded and 0.32% of the total animals) suffered from some type of penile alteration, such as persistence of the frenulum (16/21) and total or partial penile adhesion (5/21). Confining the herd for two months and subjecting the animals to their first andrological examination at a younger than usual age, with the objective of selling them, could be why there were high incidences of seminal vesicle pathologies (owing to the homosexual behavior of the males) and of penises with high adhesion rates, which are characteristic of animals that have not yet entered puberty. In general, the low percentage of animals excluded from reproduction in the studied herd indicates the adequacy of the selection program.

The use of Doppler ultrasound as a potential fertility predictor in male goats

The aim of the current study is to correlate Doppler flowmetry with andrological features in male goats belonging to different age and fertility groups. Thirty native crossbreed bucks bred in Northeastern Brazil were subjected to B-mode, spectral and color Doppler ultrasound, as well as to andrological examinations. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow in the pampiniform plexus and testicular parenchyma. Semen was collected through the electroejaculation method in order to have its physical and morphological features evaluated. The animals were grouped based on age (young, mature, and old) and fertility level (high and low) before analysis. Data were subjected to Poisson regression analysis. The fertile bucks have shown higher plexus and parenchyma pixel responses (P &lt; 0.05). Old animals had the highest values for plexus and parenchyma pixels, and for parenchyma score, and they were followed by mature and young animals, respectively. There was a significant correlation among testicular vascular flows, age, testicular morphometry, and fertility; however, there was no correlation between Doppler variables and sperm morphology. In conclusion, Doppler ultrasound had a potential effect on the assessment of testicular artery hemodynamics in male goats. Thus, it can be used as a complementary tool to indicate seminal quality, or even as a potential fertility predictor.