Libido Score Research Articles

Effect of Season on the Scrotum, Seminal Characteristics, Spermatozoa Integrity and Sexual Behavior in Ganjam Buck

Background: Bucks raised for breeding purposes receive no special attention and are raised at random without following the correct selection process. Besides, the fertility of the male bucks is never addressed. Goat breeders have noted a sharp decline in the reproductive efficiency of Ganjam goats, associated with a lengthened kidding interval, fewer successful pregnancies and decreased twining frequency. The measurement of male fertility parameters is crucial for estimating the breeding performance of any species since males contribute 50% of the reproductive efficiency. Methods: A total of 120 Ganjam bucks of different age groups reared by the local farmers of Rambha, Khalikote and Chhatrapur areas of Ganjam district were used for the present study. A total of six healthier bucks of age 1.5(B1), 2(B2), 2.5(B3), 3.5(B4), 4(B5) and 4.5(B6) years were procured from the Farmers for the experimental purpose. For study on effect of season on the semen qualities, twelve ejaculates from each buck were collected, six ejaculates between the month of July to August (season 1) and six ejaculates during October to November (Season 2). Result: The scrotal length, scrotal width, scrotal circumference have highly significant positive degree of association with Flehmen’s reaction and Libido score and all the parameters exhibited highly significant negative degree of association with reaction time. Moreover, the scrotal length, scrotal width and scrotal circumference had significantly higher positive degree of association with colour, volume of the semen and negative degree of association with MBRT. Further, the sperm concentration revealed a highly significant degree of association with scrotal length, scrotal width, scrotal circumference, livability % and acrosome integrity and a significant degree of association with mass activity. Livability % of the semen samples of the six bucks revealed a highly significant degree of association with scrotal length, scrotal width, scrotal circumference, sperm concentration and acrosome integrity.

Effects of Dietary Thymoquinone Inclusion on Antioxidative, Oxidative, Pro-Inflammatory Responses, Semen Attributes and Testicular Changes in Heat-Stressed Rabbit Bucks

Abstract Heat stress (HS) is considered a severe concern for rabbit buck’s health, welfare and reproductive features. Thymoquinone (THQ) is a natural molecule with robust antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thereafter, three months of feeding research was applied to assess the role of THQ-enriched diets in improving the health, semen attributes and testicular changes of stressed rabbit bucks. Forty rabbit bucks were used in this research, and animals were fed diets containing 0 (THQ0; serve as a heat stress group), 100 (THQ100), 200 (THQ200), and 400 (THQ400) mg/kg of THQ for three months continually during the summer season. Outcomes displayed that THQ significantly enhanced FBW (final body weight), DBWG (daily body weight gain), and FI (feed intake) but did not affect FCR (feed conversion ratio). Compared with the THQ0 group, dietary THQ addition significantly decreased creatinine, TB (total bilirubin), TG (triglycerides), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) levels. Bucks receiving 200 mg of THQ had higher TAC (total antioxidant capacity) and GSH (glutathione) than other groups. At the same time, MDA was significantly shrunk in THQ-treated groups relative to the THQ group. The levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were significantly diminished (P <0.001), but nitric oxide and lysosome activity were significantly increased in bucks given diets containing THQ (200 and 400 mg/kg) as relative to the TH0 group. Libido score and reaction time were significantly improved by THQ dietary inclusion. Semen attributes, including volume, motility, concentration, and vitality, were significantly augmented in THQ100 and THQ200 groups. Histological screening of testicular tissues showed moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in the testicular tissues of bucks exposed to HS. This was enhanced with the supplementation of THQ at different levels. Collectively, THQ (200 or 400 mg/kg diet) can improve health, semen attributes and restore testicular damage in rabbit bucks via boosting antioxidant and reducing inflammatory cytokines.

Flaxseed oil modulates testicular biometrics, hormone, libido, antioxidant and semen profiles in endangered Teressa goat of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Teressa goat is a unique goat breed in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) of India. Effects of Flaxseed oil (FSO) supplementation in body weight (BW), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular volume (TV) and testicular weight (TW), endocrinological profiles, sex behavioural profiles (SBPs), oxidative stress markers and semen production and its quality profiles in rainy and dry summer season were studied in Teressa goat. Male goats (n=12) of 3-4 years old were equally divided into control and treated groups. Treated animals received 25mL FSO per day. Oral drenching of FSO was done in the morning before feeding the concentrate ration. Body weight, scrotal circumference, TV and TW were measured in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cortisol and prolactin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Libido score (LS), mating ability score (MAS) and sex behavioural score (SBS) were estimated at time of semen collection in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Semen samples (n=100; 50 semen samples from each season; each 25 semen samples from control and treatment groups per season) were collected and analysed for semen quality profiles. One-way ANOVA (control rainy, control dry, treated rainy and treated dry) revealed that BW, SC, TV and TW, FSH, LH, testosterone, TSH, T3 and T4 were higher (P<0.05) and cortisol and prolactin were lower (P<0.05) in FSO treated bucks of rainy season followed by untreated bucks of rainy season, FSO treated bucks of dry summer season and were lower (P<0.05) in untreated bucks of dry summer season. Similarly, TAC, CAT, SOD and GSH, LS, MAS and SBS, and volume, pH, sperm concentration, mass activity, total motility (TM), viability, acrosomal integrity (AcI), plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and nuclear integrity (NI) were higher (P<0.05) and MDA and TSA were lower (P<0.05) in FSO treated bucks of rainy season followed by FSO treated bucks of dry summer season, untreated bucks of rainy season and were lower (P<0.05) in untreated bucks of dry summer season. The results of the present study indicated that the breeding bucks suffered physiological stress (higher cortisol), oxidative stress (higher MDA and deficiency of antioxidants), hormonal imbalance (higher prolactin and cortisol and deficiency of gonadotropins, gonadal hormone and thyroid hormones) and infertility due to poor libido and poor semen production and its quality profiles during dry summer season. Thus, dry summer was more stressful season compared to rainy season for the goat bucks. FSO supplementation mitigated these stresses and improved the scrotal and testicular biometrics, libido, antioxidants, hormones and semen quality profiles in Teressa goat bucks. The current study concluded that FSO effectively improved the hormones, libido, antioxidant profiles, and scrotal and testicular biometrics with cascading beneficial effects on semen quality profiles in Teressa goat bucks under humid tropical island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Comparison of reproductive performance of Gembrong goats and male Boerka goats

&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;This study aims to compare the reproductive performance of Boerka goats and Gembrong goats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The research was conducted at the Sei Putih Slaughter Goat Research Workshop in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. In this study, male Boerka (n=3) and Gembrong (n=3) goats, aged 3 years and having the same average Body Condition Score (BCS) of 3.83±0.29, were used. Reproductive performance observed included scrotal circumference, libido score, and semen quality macroscopically (volume, color, odor, and consistency) and microscopically (concentration, motility, viability, and abnormalities). The data collected was tabulated and analyzed by t test.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Of all the parameters of reproductive performance examined, it is known that only the parameters of semen volume (ml) and sperm concentration (x106 cells/ml) showed a significant difference (P&amp;lt;0.05) between Gembrong goats vs. Boerka goats with values of 0.50±0.0 vs. 1.0±0.20 and 1.557±712 vs. 4.500±317.65, respectively, while the other parameters did not show a significant difference (P&amp;gt;0.05).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; It was concluded that the volume and concentration of Boerka goats were higher than Gembrong goats.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on the reproductive indices of male rabbits

Abstract The study evaluated the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on semen indices, serum testosterone and sperm reserve of male rabbits. Forty rabbit bucks were randomly assigned into four groups and fed the experimental diets containing Vernonia amygdalina (VLM) at 0, 5, 10 and 15 % levels for 84days. Reproductive indices were evaluated using standard procedures. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance at p&lt;0.05. All semen in rabbits fed 0, 5 and 10 % VLM had milky colour while 14.8% light green and 85.2% milky semen colour was observed in bucks fed 15%VLM. Libido score reduced in rabbits fed VLM diets. Bucks fed 15%VLM had significantly higher semen volume (0.47ml). VLM had no significant effect on spermatozoa mass motility, progressive motility and sperm concentration. Live sperm cells significantly increased in bucks fed 5 and 10% VLM diets. VLM had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on spermatozoa morphology. Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal had no significant (p&lt;0.05) impact on testosterone, testicular and epididymal indices. In conclusion, up to 10%VLM can be adopted as feed ingredient for male rabbit breeder stock without deleterious effect on reproductive indices.

Seasonal Variation in Sexual Behaviour of Deoni (Bos indicus) Bulls

Background: Sexual behaviour is an intricate process, controlled by the endocrine constitution of an animal and influenced by the social environment, sensory capability and sexual stimuli. Variations in temperature associated with global warming are startling for fertility of animals. The objective of the present study was to assess the seasonal variation in sexual behaviour of Deoni (Bos indicus) breeding bulls. Methods: A total of six mature Deoni bulls, maintained for artificial insemination at Livestock Research Center, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-NDRI, Bengaluru, were monitored for sexual behavior during the semen collection at weekly intervals throughout the year using standard techniques. The period of study was divided into three seasons i.e., winter (November to February), summer (March to June) and rainy (July to October). Result: The season had a non-significant (P greater than 0.05) effect on sexual behavior except dismounting time in Deoni bulls. The libido score (0-10), reaction time (seconds) and the total time taken in mounting (seconds) were non-significantly (P greater than 0.05) higher during winter (7.50±0.23, 42.00±4.8, 44.00±4.8, respectively) as compared to the other seasons. The protrusion score (0-4) and the intensity of thrust (0-4) were non-significantly (P greater than 0.05) higher during summer (2.60±0.14 and 2.50±0.13) as compared to the other seasons. The dismounting time (seconds) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher during summer (2.90±0.16) as compared to the other seasons. It can be concluded that Deoni bulls had good sexual behavior throughout the year, however, bulls showed better sexual behavior except for dismounting time during winter as compared to the other seasons.

Exogenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) modulates scrotal and testicular biometrics, libido, endocrinological and heamatological profiles in Ganjam goat under humid tropical coastal ecosystem of Odisha

Objective: To assess the effect of exogenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in libido, scrotal and testicular biometrics, endocrinological and heamatological profiles of Ganjam goat buck during winter and pre-monsoon seasons. Methods: Forty eight healty Ganjam goat bucks of 3-4 years old were equally divided into the control and treatment groups. The control group received distilled water as placebo, while the treatment group received GnRH injection (4 μg Buserelin acetate/mL) once a week for four months. Body weight, scrotal circumference and testicular parameters (testicular volume, testicular weight and testis index), endocrinological profiles [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone], sex behavioural profiles (libido score, mating ability score, and sex behavioural score) and heamatological profiles (red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, and packed cell volume) were estimated. Results: The libido, scrotal and testicular biometrics, and endocrinological profiles significantly differed between the control and GnRH-treated bucks within and between the seasons within the two groups (P&lt;0.05). Body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular weight, testis index, FSH, LH, testosterone, libido score, mating ability score, sex behavioural score, red blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were significantly higher in the GnRH-treated bucks compared to the control bucks in pre-monsoon and winter seasons (P&lt;0.05). Body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular weight, testis index, FSH, LH, testosterone, libido score, mating ability score, sex behavioural score, red blood cell counts (in treatment), and haemoglobin were significantly higher in pre-monsoon compared to winter season in the experimental groups (P&lt;0.05). The white blood cell counts neither differed between seasons nor between the two groups. Conclusions: Exogenous GnRH supplementation and pre-monsoon season have higher beneficial effects in improvement of endocrinological profiles with cascading beneficial effects on scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular weight, and sex behavioural profiles, which in turn will improve the sperm production and its cryo-survivability and fertility rate in Ganjam goat.

The Influence of a Tropical Climate with a Long Dry Season on Goat Semen Quality and Seminal Fluid Change in the Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

At present, there is no information about the difference between the three seasons with a long dry period, such as Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, on goat semen quality. This study observed the climate and daytime length effects of a long dry period in three seasons in a tropical climate country on goat semen quality and seminal fluid change. The semen was collected from eight male goats once a month for one year. The libido score was assessed during semen collection. Semen volume, semen sediment volume, percentage of seminal fluid volume, seminal fluid protein, mass movement, motility, concentration, and spermatozoa membrane integrity were evaluated. Libido scores were not different between the seasons. Semen volume, seminal fluid volume, and seminal fluid protein concentration in the rainy season were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the summer and winter. Semen sediment volume was relatively stable in all seasons and months. Meanwhile, the concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the summer and winter than in the rainy season. In summer and winter, spermatozoa motility and normal spermatozoa membrane were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the rainy season. In conclusion, temperature, THI, and daytime changes in tropical climate countries with long dry seasons were unrelated to semen quality, seminal fluid change, and sexual behavior. But the increase in humidity in the rainy season after long dry seasons has dropped semen quality, resulting from increased volume and protein levels in seminal fluid.

Marathon Running and Sexual Libido in Adult Men: Exercise Training and Racing Effects

We examined whether endurance training for a standard marathon (42.2 km) had a greater influence on male libido than more generalized endurance exercise training. We surveyed adult men (>1000) who regularly engaged in endurance running to evaluate exercise training histories-patterns and libido characteristics. Our participants were primarily recruited from North America and Europe. Results indicate men conducting marathon training had lower libido scores (p<0.05; ~20%, d=0.44) than those not doing such specific training. Factors most related to libido were: 1) the number of years of training, and 2) the proportion of high-intensity effort conducted in training (inverse relationships); regardless of whether marathon training was performed or not. Our survey approach did not allow us to determine the cause of the reduced libido, but we speculate it could relate to: 1) chronic physical fatigue from high volumes of exercise training, 2) behavioral accommodations in energy expenditure, or else 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (RED-S) syndrome, and/or 3) endocrinological adaptations as a result of the exercise training (i.e., low testosterone). From a practical perspective, we recommend couples attempting conception should inform their healthcare providers of the male partner's exercise habits concerning endurance running as this may be a factor relative to potential infertility.

Season modulates endocrinological profiles and sex behavioural characteristics in indigenous male goats under tropical humid island ecosystem

Objective: To measure the seasonal effect on endocrinological profiles and sex behavioural profiles during rainy and dry summer seasons in male Andaman local goat in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Methods: Ten adult male Andaman local goats were selected from the goat breeding farm, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Endocrinological profiles such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cortisol and prolactin were analysed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Sex behavioural profiles such as libido score, mating ability score and sex behavioural score were measured during rainy and dry summer seasons in male Andaman local goat. Results: Endocrinological profiles as well as sex behavioural profiles differed significantly between rainy season and dry summer season (P&lt;0.05). The levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, TSH, T3, and T4 were significantly higher in rainy season than in dry summer season whereas cortisol and prolactin were significantly higher in dry summer season than in rainy season (P&lt;0.05). The ratio of T3:T4 was significantly higher in rainy season than in dry summer season. Similarly, libido score, mating ability score and sex behavioural score were significantly higher in rainy season than in dry summer season (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Rainy season has significantly higher beneficial effects than summer season on reproduction and artificial breeding programmes in semi-intensive management of goat under the tropical humid island ecosystem in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Concentrations of Boar Taint Compounds Are Weakly Associated with Sexual Behavior of Young Boars.

Simple SummaryBoar taint is an off-odor and off-flavor affecting pork meat caused by the accumulation of three main compounds in the adipose tissue of uncastrated male pigs: androstenone, skatole, and indole. Boar taint occurrence is associated with sexual maturity onset; thus, strategies for reducing boar taint compound concentrations might lead to impaired male sexual behavior. This study investigated the relationships between boar taint compound concentrations and sexual behavior traits (sexual arousal, salivation, mounting performance, interest in the dummy sow, penis unsheathing, and overall libido) scored during training with the dummy sow in 391 young boars. Overall, our results suggest that a weak relationship between boar taint compounds and sexual behavior traits exists. The maximization of libido performances was observed at high levels of androstenone, intermediate or low levels of skatole, and intermediate to high levels of indole, but the relationship between BT compounds and sexual behavior appears to be weak.Strategies to control boar taint (BT) in meat relies on the reduction of skatole, indole, and androstenone concentration. This might have unfavorable effects on the libido of breeding boars. The association between BT compound concentration in backfat and libido was investigated in 391 commercial breeding boars. Six sexual behavior traits (SBT; sexual arousal, salivation, mounting performance, interest in the dummy sow, penis unsheathing, and overall libido score) were scored during the training of the boars with the dummy sow. Variation in SBT was analyzed by proportional-odds cumulative logistic models. Overall, indole, skatole, and androstenone concentrations were weakly associated with libido. Farm of origin, age at training or body weight, and BT compound levels were poor predictors of boar performance (the area under the ROC curve ranged from 0.60 to 0.69). This indicates that BT compound concentrations were weakly associated with libido, even though the probability of observing good SBT scores increased with high levels of androstenone, intermediate or low levels of skatole, and intermediate to high levels of indole. Hence, practices aiming at reducing androstenone, and controlling the concentrations of skatole and indole to intermediate levels are not expected to impair the libido of young boars.

Patient Reported Sexual Function Outcomes in Male Patients Following Open Radical Cystoprostatectomy and Urinary Diversion

To report sexual health outcomes in male patients undergoing open radical cystoprostatectomy using a validated questionnaire. Beginning in 2017, male patients were asked to complete a validated questionnaire during scheduled post-cystectomy clinic visits that assessed sexual function using the 5 item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and supplemental questions which evaluated libido, orgasm, partner interest, and adequacy of pre-operative counselling. Baseline data and functional outcomes were compared and multivariable analysis performed. A total of 134 patients who met inclusion criteria completed the questionnaire. Pre-operative IIEF-5 was available in 78 patients with a median score of 16 (IQR:5-23). In those patients, median age at cystectomy was 68.9 years (IQR:60.2-72.4) and median duration of follow-up was 17.3 months (IQR:6.3-28.7). Median IIEF-5 score at time of survey completion was 1 (IQR:1-11). Increasing age, shorter follow-up duration, insufficient counselling, and absence of partner interest were predictive of lower scores. Younger age, pre-operative erectile function, and neurovascular preservation were predictive of a higher IIEF-5 score on univariate and multivariate analysis. Median libido score was 2 "low" (IQR:1-3) and ability to orgasm was reported by 34 (43.6%) patients. Neurovascular preservation (OR:3.03 95% CI:1.10-8.26, P=.03) and sufficient preoperative counselling (OR:3.078 95% CI:1.17-8.098, P=.02) were associated with preserved ability to orgasm. Libido was influenced by partner interest (OR 11.7, 95% CI:3.793-6.14, P <.0001). Sexual dysfunction after radical cystoprostatectomy is prevalent with many contributing factors. As such, establishing appropriate expectations and goals during preoperative counseling, performing neurovascular preservation when appropriate, and readily identifying and treating dysfunction in follow-up may improve sexual recovery.

Effect of housing conditions, management procedures and traits of the external male reproductive tract on the sexual behaviour of natural mating boars

Although artificial insemination in pig production is widespread, many farms rely on natural mating (NM). For NM to be successful, adequate sexual behaviour and a sufficient libido level in boars is crucial for appropriate reproductive performance. Therefore, this observational study evaluated the libido level of 59 boars of different breeds used for NM by a scoring system ranging from 0 (no libido) to a maximum of 23 points (perfect libido) and analysed their general and andrological health as well as housing and management factors influencing the libido.The boars showed a mean libido score of 16.7 (SD ± 2.3). Crossbreed (median: 17.5, min: 14.0, max: 21.0) (p < 0.01) and Landrace (median: 17.5, min: 17.0, max: 21.0) (p < 0.05) boars showed significantly higher libido scores compared to Piétrain boars (median: 14.0, min: 13.0, max: 17.0). A non-slippery mating area was found to be positively associated with libido (p < 0.05), whereas disorders such as lameness showed a negative correlation (p < 0.01). In winter, significantly higher libido values (median: 17.0, min: 14.0, max: 21.0) were recorded compared to spring (median: 16.0, min: 11.0, max: 21.0) (p < 0.05). In addition, high number of supports by farmers during natural mating and frequency of use for NM and for stimulation of artificially inseminated sows did not negatively influence the libido score. No significant correlation between the satisfaction of the farmer about the libido level of the boars and the evaluated libido score was detected.This is the first study investigating the effect of housing conditions and management procedures on the libido of boars used for NM under field conditions. The findings may therefore help to establish a successful mating management for herds applying NM on a regular basis. A systematic evaluation of the libido score is needed to detected boars with low libido levels, because it is often overlooked by the farmers. Moreover, genetics, general health condition and flooring in mating areas turned out to be critical parameters that influence the libido score of boars used for NM and therefore should be considered when examining natural mating on farm.

Reproductive characteristics of rabbit bucks administered Panax ginseng extracts

This study was conducted for 4 months in the quest to discover natural materials, especially of plant origin, capable of substituting the roles of synthetic materials, especially drugs, in reproductive enhancement of livestock species. Such natural materials will help eliminate the menace of residual effects of synthetic materials on livestock products and probably attract more revenue from them. A total of 24 New Zealand White (NZW) weaned rabbit bucks were used and the study was carried out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD), comprising three treatments replicated four times; MT1 (control), MT2 and MT3 , containing 0, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of Panax ginseng extracts (PGEs), respectively. Assessment for attainment of puberty started from the age of 11 - 14 weeks on a weekly basis and at 72 h interval thereafter by examining their ejaculate and preputial fluid smeared on a glass slide under a microscope for sperm cells. Semen was collected twice a week for 3 weeks after maturity (6 months old) with the aid of an artificial vagina (AV), using rabbit does as teasers. Semen analysis was done within 20 minutes of collection, following standard procedures. Libido was determined weekly for 3 weeks by recording the time it took the matured rabbit bucks to sniff, groom, and mount the rabbit doe in the initial instance (reaction time); and by counting the number of times the matured buck attempts to mount the doe per minute (libido score). Data generated from this study was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Age at puberty (MT1 = 116.00 days; MT2 = 112.50 days; MT3 = 100.50 days) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in MT3 (400 mg/kg b.w), and weight at puberty (MT1 = 1483.33 g; MT2 = 1475.00 g; MT3 = 1378.50 g) recorded a dose dependent significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in the male rabbits. Semen volume (MT1 = 0.95 mL; MT2 = 1.25 mL; MT3 = 1.55 mL), total sperm count (MT1 = 115.00 x 10 ; MT2 = 125.50 x10 ; MT3 = 146.20 x 10 ), progressive sperm motility (MT1 = 78.50 %; MT2 = 83.00 %; MT3 = 82.30 %), live sperm proportion (MT1 = 80.63 %; MT2 = 85.40 %; MT3 = 89.75 %) and libido score (MT1 = 7.00 mounts/min; MT2 = 9.00 mounts/min; MT3 = 11.50 mounts/min) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in adult rabbit bucks administered PGEs, while reaction time (MT1 = 9.45 s; MT2 = 3.15 s; MT3 = 2.60 s) significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased in PGEs treated rabbits. This study shows that PGEs can orally be administered up to 400 mg/kg body weight in NZW rabbit bucks to enhance their reproductive potential, through early attainment of puberty, improved semen quality and enhanced libido.

Comparison of hormone profile and systemic inflammation in patients presenting with sexual dysfunction: Which is important?

IntroductionErectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Although the definition is well known, there are controversial issues about the effects of hormones and inflammation on ED. ObjectivesWe aimed to compare the clinical value of the hormonal and inflammation parameters in sexual dysfunction. Materials and methodsA total of 152 patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction between September 2018 and March 2019 and 101 healthy males were included in this prospective study as case group and control group, respectively. The 152 patients were divided into three groups based on their total International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores: (I) severe ED, (II) mild-moderate ED and (III) mild ED. All groups were compared in terms of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and total testosterone (TT), estradiol, prolactin, testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and 25 (OH) vitamin D. ResultsPatient and control groups differed significantly in term of NLR, PLR, prolactin and vitamin D (p<0.001, p=0.004, p=0.002, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). NLR was more significant in determining the severity of ED (p<0.001). It was observed that libido score (the total score of IIEF items #11 and #12) was negatively associated with prolactin and NLR (p<0.001, p=0.023, respectively), was positively associated with vitamin D and TT (p<0.001, p=0.02, respectively), and was lower in severe ED patients. ConclusionsAlthough more clinical studies are needed, we think that our findings may be useful on these controversial issues of ED.

Slow release exogenous melatonin modulates scrotal circumference and testicular parameters, libido, endocrinological profiles and antioxidant and oxidative stress profiles in mithun

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a unique domestic free-range bovine species available in North Eastern hilly (NEH) regions of India and is reared for its protein rich meat. Although, mithun suffers from severe non-cyclical population fluctuations, it is not yet declared as endangered. Therefore, present study was conducted to assess the effect of slow release subcutaneous exogenous melatonin (MT) implant on sexual behaviour, scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular parameters, endocrinological profiles and antioxidant and oxidative stress profiles in mithun during different seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn) to improve its reproductive efficiency. Experimental mithun bulls (5–6 years of age) were selected and divided randomly into two groups, Gr I: Control (n = 6) and Gr II: Treatment (n = 6; melatonin implant @ 18mg/50 kg B. Wt). Scrotal circumference and testicular parameters [total testicular volume and weight], endocrinological profiles [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone/interstitial cell stimulating hormone (LH/ICSH), testosterone, thyroxine (T4), cortisol, prolactin and melatonin (MT)], sex behaviour profiles [libido score, mating ability score and sexual behaviour score], antioxidant profiles [total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSHRx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and oxidative stress profile [malondialdehyde (MDA)] were estimated. Statistical analysis revealed that these experimental profiles differed between treatment and control groups within the seasons and among the seasons within the experimental groups. FSH, LH, testosterone, T4 and MT were higher and cortisol and prolactin were lower in spring and winter than in summer season. Concentration of FSH, LH, testosterone and MT were higher and concentration of T4, cortisol and prolactin were lower in MT treated than in untreated control group. Similarly, sexual behavioural scores, SC, testicular parameters and antioxidant profiles were higher and oxidative stress profile was lower in MT treated than in untreated control group and in winter and spring than in summer season. The study concluded that exogenous slow-release melatonin implantation and spring and winter seasons had significant beneficial effects in improvement of the antioxidant profiles, minimization of oxidative stress with cascading beneficial effects on endocrinological profiles, SC, testicular parameters and libido, which will improve the semen production, higher sperm cryo-survivability and fertility rate in mithun species.

Seasonal effect on sexual behaviour of Kankrej bull

A study on sexual behaviour in Kankrej bull was carried out at the Semen Processing Unit; with the objectives to study the seasonal effect on sexual behaviour traits of Kankrej bulls. The period of investigation was divided into three seasons viz., summer, monsoon and winter. Eight apparently healthy Kankrej bulls of 4-5 years of age were selected. For each of the bull, fortnightly observations of semen collection were recorded and total 192 collections, 64 from each season were recorded and evaluated. The mean values for different sexual behaviour traits were; temperament score (0-5 scale) 1.96 ± 0.02, libido score (0-9 scale) 6.20 ± 0.12, erection score (0-4 scale) 3.36 ± 0.04, protrusion score (0-4 scale) 2.90 ± 0.02, intensity of thrust (0-4 scale) 3.42 ± 0.06, reaction time 112.20 ± 5.09 seconds, total time taken to successful mount 165.68 ± 6.53 seconds and Flehmen reaction (0-1 scale) 0.49±0.04. Libido was significantly higher in June (7.31±0.35) and July (7.25±0.41) months, compared to rest of the months. Significantly (P<0.05) lower libido was observed in October (5.31±0.45) and November (5.13±0.34) months. Libido score was significantly (P<0.05) higher during summer (6.70 ± 0.18) season compared to winter (5.70 ± 0.19). However, libido score during monsoon (6.20 ± 0.23) was non-significant with both summer and winter seasons. Seasonal variation was comparable for rest of the sexual behaviour traits viz., temperament, erection, protrusion, intensity of thrust, reaction time, total time taken to successful mount and Flehmen reaction. Positive correlation was observed between libido score and reaction time; erection score with protrusion score and intensity of thrust; protrusion score with intensity of thrust and reaction time with total time taken in successful mount.

Seasonal Influence on Sexual Behaviour of Jaffrabadi Buffalo Bulls

The study was carried out on four mature Jaffrabadi breeding bulls (4–6 years old) maintained at Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh for a period of 8 months during winter and summer. The seasonal and bull variations in sexual behavior traits were studied. A total of 64 observations (32 per season, 8 per bull) were availed at the fortnightly interval. The mean values/ scores for temperament (0–5 scale), libido (0–9 scale), penile erection (0–4 scale), protrusion (0–4 scale), intensity of thrust (0–4 scale), reaction time (sec) and Flehmen reaction (0, 1) during winter season were 1.28 ± 0.08, 6.75 ± 0.19, 3.22 ± 0.74, 2.88 ± 0.59, 3.15 ± 0.65, 125.00 ± 6.92 and 0.91 ± 0.43, respectively, while the respective values in summer season were 2.22 ± 0.07, 5.93 ± 0.43, 2.84 ± 0.65, 2.75 ± 0.59, 2.93 ± 0.13, 143.5 ± 7.07 and 0.88 ± 0.06. There were significant differences among seasons for temperament, libido and penile erection score of Jaffrabadi bulls. Significant differences among bulls were also found for libido score, the intensity of thrust and reaction time in the winter season, and for ejaculatory thrust in the summer season. All these traits were highly significantly and positively interrelated (r = 0.353 to 0.512), except Flehmen reaction and reaction time which were negatively correlated with all other behavioral traits (r = –340 to –0.499). Summer in general significantly exerted an adverse effect on the sexual behavior of Jaffrabadi bulls, and winter was the favored season. It could be concluded from the study that the Jaffrabadi bulls had good sexual behavior scores throughout both the seasons, however, bulls showed better sexual behavior during winter as compared to summer.

Sexual Behavior and its Relationship with Semen QualityParameters in Jaffrabadi Breeding Bulls

The present study was carried out on 80 ejaculates, 20 each from four healthy Jaffrabadi breeding bulls to see the relationship betweensexual behavior and semen quality parameters. The results depicted that the overall mean values of libido score, mating ability score andsexual libido score between bulls. The overall color of semen ranged from thin white to very thick creamy. The overall values for semen volume(ml), pH, sperm concentration (million/mL), mass activity, individual sperm motility (%) and live spermatozoa (%) were 2.99 ± 0.12, 6.80 ± 0.01, 1439.68 ± 48.46, 3.94 ± 0.03, 89.51 ± 0.21 and 95.00 ± 0.19, respectively. The values for semen volume, sperm concentration,mass activity (%) and live sperm (%) differed significantly (p less than 0.05) between bulls. There were significant positive correlations (p LESS THAN 0.01)of libido with mating ability, sexual behavior score and ejaculate volume of semen (r = 0.37 to 0.87), while a negative correlation wasfound with sperm concentration (-0.30). Mating ability was significantly (p less than 0.01) correlated with sexual behavior score and ejaculatevolume (0.78, 0.67), and sexual behavior was correlated with semen volume (0.84). Sperm concentration was significantly (p less than 0.05 correlated with mass activity (0.29), while individual sperm motility was positively (p less than 0.05) correlated with live sperm percentage (0.25).Correlations of libido, reflected the importance of sexual behavior of Jaffrabadi bulls in predicting their future utility as a proficient breeder under AI program.

Evaluation of sexual behavior of stallion (Arabian versus Barb) during breeding season in Algeria

This study was carried out at National Haras of Tiaret (west of Algeria) to understand and to compare the normal sexual behavior and libido of stallions (Arabian vs Barb) while mounting a mare in estrus. Eighty-four stallions were divided into two groups from 5 to 24 years of age (n=47 Arabian; n=37 Barb). Results revealed significant differences between Arabian and Barb stallion: in sniffing (p less than 0.001), libido score (p less than 0.05), flehmen response (p less than 0.05), time to first mount with erection (p less than 0.05), number of mounts to ejaculation (p less than 0.05) and mount time for ejaculatory (p less than 0.01). These stallions were exactly tested in the same place and conditions allowed us to discard any side effects due to animal management or any other confounding bias. Our study provided us the knowledge of sexual behavior under Algerian environmental conditions and the distinction between Arabian and Barb stallion in their sexual behavior expression.