Testicular Width Research Articles

Effect of Day Length on Growth and Gonadal Development in Meishan Male Pigs.

Day length is a critical environmental factor for regulating animal growth and development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different day lengths on the developmental changes of growth parameters, testicular sizes, testosterone secretion in Meishan male pigs, and steroidogenesis proteins and melatonin receptors. Fourteen Meishan male pigs (10 weeks (wks) of age) with the same parity, paired in litter and body weight (BW), were evenly allocated into a short-day-length group (SDL, 10 light/14 dark) and long-day-length group (LDL, 14 light/10 dark). After 12 wks of the experiment, the LDL-treated boars had more lying time and less exploring time. The LDL treatment led to significant increases in body height, chest circumference, testicular length, testicular weight, crude protein digestibility, and fecal testosterone at the 10th and 12th wks of the experiment, and cortisol at the 10th wk, compared to the SDL treatment, with no differences in the final BW, testicular width, and epididymis weight. Furthermore, the LDL treatment significantly increased the protein levels of melatonin receptor 1b (MT2), aromatase (CYP19), and steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) in the testis, with no differences in the protein levels of melatonin receptor 1a (MT1), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc). The present study suggests that day length has an effect on the growth and gonadal development in male pigs maybe via MT2 and influences steroid synthesis and secretion in the testis. Therefore, proper day length should be considered in male pig breeding.

135 Effects of intratesticular injectable zinc as an alternative castration method compared to banding one week post weaning in beef bulls: effects on health, inflammation, behavior, and growth during the backgrounding period

Abstract Castration is a widely practiced management strategy that results in temporary pain with adverse effects on growth performance. Therefore, humane alternatives must be investigated. Male beef calves (n = 81) were stratified by weaning weight and allocated to 1 of 8 pens. Pens were assigned randomly to treatment: 1) banded (B; n = 42) or 2) a 1 mL intratesticular Zn (100 mg Zn) injection (Z; n = 39). Two pens from each treatment were selected for blood collection (B, n = 22; Z, n = 19); the alternative pens were assigned to behavior measurements (5 calves/pen; B, n = 10; Z, n = 10). Behavior data were collected for 1 wk post-castration using accelerometers (HOBOware Lite software). Blood was collected daily on d 0 through d 7 post-castration, and every 28 d for the remainder of the backgrounding phase for complete blood cell counts, serum haptoglobin (Hp), and serum testosterone. Testicular width and BW were also measured. All blood and growth parameters were analyzed using the MIXED procedures of SAS while GLIMMIX was used for behavioral analysis. Body weights did not differ due to treatment throughout the 140-d backgrounding phase (P ≥ 0.39). Overall ADG was greater for Z calves compared with B calves (P = 0.05). Serum testosterone concentrations were greater in Z calves compared with B calves throughout the 140-d trial (P ≤ 0.02). Testicular width in Z calves peaked numerically on d 3 and declined to baseline measurements by d 113 (P = 0.67). Intratesticular Zn castrated calves spent more time lying flat on their side compared with B calves 1 d post-castration (P = 0.03) until d 3 and 4 where B calves spent more time lying on their side compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.02). Banded calves spent more time standing the first 2 d post-castration compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.01). On d 3, 4, 5, and 6, Z calves spent more time standing (P ≤ 0.01) while B calves spent more time laying on their sternum (P ≤ 0.03). Banded calves had decreased Hp concentrations on d 1, 2, 3, 7, and 28 compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.01). Total white blood cell concentrations, both proportion and concentration of neutrophils, and proportion of lymphocytes were greater in Z calves compared with B calves on d 1, 2, and 3 (P ≤ 0.01). Although growth performance was not hindered by the Zn intratesticular injection castration method, it did cause behaviors indicative of pain and resulted in an acute inflammatory and immune response compared with banded calves. Therefore, castrating with an intratesticular injection of Zn may not be a sufficient alternative to conventional methods.

Hormone measurements and histomorphological observations in male Bactrian camels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis hormones and to determine the morphological changes of the testis. The Bactrian camels were divided into two groups based on their ages. The results showed that the testicular weight was significantly heavier in adult male camels than in pubertal male camels (P < 0.05). There were also significant differences between testicular length, testicular width, and testicular volume (P < 0.05). In the testes of both pubertal and adult male camels, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids, and elongated spermatids were observed. Adult male camels had more Sertoli cells (P < 0.01) and elongated spermatids (P < 0.05). The concentrations of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were higher in the plasma and testes of adult camels than in pubertal camels (P < 0.05). E2 concentrations were lower in adult camels than in pubertal camels (P < 0.05). The testosterone levels in testicular tissue were higher than in blood plasma in both adult and pubertal stage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings provide supportive knowledge and show the significant differences in terms of testicular volume, testicular hormone concentrations, and testicular morphology between different developmental stages in Bactrian camels.

Comparison of the size of bilateral testis in children with unilateral non-communicating hydrocele and its correlation with age.

Opinions on the optimal age for surgical management of hydroceles in young boys are not uniform. Scrotal ultrasonography can be used to diagnose hydroceles and measure testicular size. A comparison of bilateral testicular size with hydrocele and the change in trend with age has not been reported. We therefore aimed to analyze the bilateral testicular size of children with unilateral non-communicating hydroceles and examine the correlation between age and testicular volume. Non-communicating hydrocele cases in children were included. Ultrasound results, age, and diagnose time were retrospectively recorded. The bilateral testicular size was compared, and the correlation between age and testicular volume was analyzed. There were 138 cases of non-communicating hydrocele, ranging in age from 11 to 72 months. The diagnose time ranged from 3 days to 54 months. The volume of the testis on the side of the hydrocele was larger than that on the normal side (P < 0.001). Testicular length was not different bilaterally. Testicular width and height were greater on the hydrocele side than on the normal testicular side (P<0.001). Age was positively correlated with testicular volume on the normal side (P = 0.004) but not on the hydrocele side. An important finding was that when the contralateral normal testicular volume increases with age, the testicular volume does not increase on the hydrocele side. This finding confirms the adverse effects of hydrocele on testicular growth and provides a basis for early treatment.

Testicular vascularization at two locations in relation to hormonal levels, and pixel echotexture in bulls at different ages

Objective: To assess the hemodynamic changes that occurred in the main testicular artery at two different locations such as supra and marginal ones in bulls at three different ages. Methods: Eighteen Baladi bulls were divided according to their age into three different age groups: 1 year [n=6; group I with bodyweight (380±10) kg], 3 years [n=6; group II with bodyweight (570±10) kg], and 6 years old [n=6; group III with bodyweight (650±10) kg] Baladi bulls. Circumference of the scrotum, thickness of the mediastinum, testicular dimensions, vascularity, and hormonal levels were measured. Testicular hemodynamics were assessed by Doppler ultrasound scanning. Results: Testicular width, length, and volume were significantly different among the three age groups, with the highest in bulls of group III (P&lt;0.05). The bulls in group III had significantly higher mediastinal line thickness and scrotal circumference than group I (P&lt;0.05), but there was no significant difference between group II and group III. Bulls in group II showed a decline in Doppler indices (resistance and pulsatility indexes) at both testicular branches compared to the other two groups (P&lt;0.05). Supra and marginal end diastolic velocities in the three age groups were significantly different, with the highest in group II (P&lt;0.05). Time average velocity (cm/s) was significantly elevated in group II compared to the other two groups (P&lt;0.05). Both testicular echotextures were significantly decreased in group II (P&lt;0.05). Estradiol and nitric oxide metabolites were significantly high in group II compared to the other two groups (P&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, the level of plasma testosterone was maximum in group III (P&lt;0.05). Positive correlations were found between supratesticular artery resistance and pulsatility indexes (r=0.81; P&lt;0.001), while both resistance and pulsatility indexes had correlated negative with estradiol (r=-0.71 and r=-0.91; P&lt;0.001), and nitric oxide metabolites (r=-0.92 and r=-0.72; P&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Three-year old Baladi bull has the lesser Doppler indices with lesser echotexture and greater nitric oxide with estradiol concentrations, which directs a significant ability for the thermoregulation process. These parameters will help in breeding selection.

Correlation Between Testicular Biometrics and Serum Level of Reproductive Hormones of Crossed Arewa Breed of Stallions in Ilorin, Nigeria

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) controls the reproductive physiology activities of stallions. The organs involved in this axis are the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the gonads (testes), and the endocrine secretions from these organs. This study determined the correlation between testicular measurements and reproductive hormones of cross Arewa stallion in Ilorin. Forty-three crossed Arewa breeds of stallions were sampled. Testicular measurements (left and right testicular width, length, height, total testicular volume, and total testicular weight) were taken for each sample. Serum levels of sex hormones (Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, Follicle-stimulating, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and estradiol) were analyzed. The data obtained were presented as Mean±SD. Thereafter, the Pearson coefficient correlation between testicular biometrics and serum level of sex hormones was determined using SPSS® 16.0. The mean of the total testicular volume, the total testicular weight, and the gonadosomatic index were 400.80cm3, 1196.80cm3, and 301.20kg/cm3 respectively. There is a statistically significant correlation between testicular measurement and gonadosomatic index (p&lt;0.05).These findings provide the testicular biometric data of cross Arewa stallion and can be used to determine the reproductive traits and or reproductive efficiency.

Effect of sexual maturation on testicular morphometry and echotexture and their association with intratesticular blood flow in ossimi rams

Twelve Ossimi rams divided into two groups viz., pre-pubertal (4 to 5 months old, n=6), and post-pubertal (30 to 48 months old, n=6) were submitted to B-mode testicular ultrasonography (US) for evaluation of testicular length, width, thickness and volume. Testicular artery was submitted to pulsed-wave Doppler examination to measure the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in both groups. Testicular width (34.50±3.71mm) and volume (58.80±9.98 mm3) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher values in the pre-pubertal ram lambs compared with the post-pubertal group (33.60±1.25 mm and 56.70±4.07mm3). Blood flow indices (RI and PI) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in pre-pubertal (0.62±0.15 and 0.98±0.20) than post-pubertal (0.45±0.12 and 0.63±0.18) group. The pre-pubertal group recorded testicular echogenicity of 82.5±12.47 compared to the post-pubertal ones (76.8±13.15). In pre-pubertal group, testicular volume was highly correlated (p<0.01) with testicular length (r= 0.933), width (r= 0.935), and thickness (r= 0.813), while for mature group, testicular volume showed strong association with testicular length (r= 0.813). At both groups, RI and PI values showed strong positive associations (p<0.01). It was concluded that RI and PI were directly affected by sexual maturation and could be used as a marker for selection and/or replacing males in flocks.

Body and testicular biometry of Crioulo stallions

ABSTRACT: Brazilian Association of Crioulo Horse Breeders (ABCCC) establishes minimal and maximal body biometrics evaluation; although, nothing is mentioned about testicular measurements. Body and testicular growth are associated and related to age. We described data regarding body and testicular biometry of Crioulo stallions, with a comparative study between young and adult categories. Evaluation was performed in 56 stallions, Crioulo breed, split in: youngsters (3 and 4 years-old, n=16) and adults (above 5 years-old, n=40). Body biometry included weight, height, cannon bone and chest circumference, body score condition and neck fat accumulation. Testicular biometry included height, length, width, volume, combined volume and daily sperm output (DSO). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation, comparison between means by Kruskal Wallis, being P &lt; 0.05 considered significant. There was no significant difference between the parameters of body and testicular biometrics between categories young and adult. In relation to height, the average was very close to the lower limit established, while chest and cannon bone circumference were above the minimum recommended by ABCCC. Cannon bone circumference presented a positive correlation with height. Most of stallions presented excessive body fat, with a body score condition above 8 (scale 1-9). Neck fat accumulation presented a positive correlation with body score condition. Testicular height, length, width and volume presented a positive correlation between the ipsi and contralateral testicle, total testicular volume and DSO. In conclusion, no difference in the body and testicular biometric evaluation was observed between young and adult Crioulo stallions. Testicular and body growth are associated and also related to age, so our finding suggested that after 3-4 years-old most of Crioulo stallions have already reached maximum growth.

Concordance of testicular measurement in male adolescents with three methods of orchidometry.

The Prader orchidometer is the standard method used to measure testicular volume (TV) in children and adolescents. To assess the concordance in the estimation of TV and puberty onset with the Prader, Chipkevitch, and Sotos orchidometric techniques. Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among male children and adolescents aged 9-20 years. For each adolescent, TV was measured with the methods by Prader (gold standard), Chipkevitch (graphic model), and Sotos (measurement of testicular width with a plastic ruler and use of a formula equivalent to the ellipsoid equation). Male children and adolescents with urogenital conditions and disorders affecting testicular growth were excluded. Kappa statistics was used to determine concordance among methods for puberty onset, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman (B&A) plots for TV. In total, 377 healthy males were included. Regarding the concordance for TV (mL), the Prader-Chipkevitch comparison obtained an ICC of 0.994 and a p< 0.001; while the Prader- Soto comparison obtained an ICC of 0.312 and a p< 0.001. With the B&A plots, mean differences were close to 0 mL in the Prader-Chipkevitch comparison and close to 8 mL in the Prader- Sotos comparison. Concordance for puberty onset obtained a kappa value of 0.93 and 0.75 in the Prader-Chipkevitch and Prader-Sotos comparisons, respectively. The Prader and Chipkevitch orchidometers show an excellent concordance in estimating TV and puberty onset; therefore, both methods could be used interchangeably in the daily care of male adolescents. The Sotos method showed a high concordance in estimating pubertal onset, but low in measuring TV.

Andrological characteristics of tropical milking criollo bulls

Objective: To assess the testicular and semen characteristics in Criollo LecheroTropical (CLT) bulls in the subhumid Mexican tropics.Design/methodology/approach: Eight bulls were included in the study and distributedin two groups: G1 (n=5): young bulls and G2 (n=3): adult bulls. All bulls were managedunder grazing and were evaluated throughout one year. From each bull the followingmeasurements were taken once a month: live weight, body condition score, scrotalcircumference, and testicular width, length and volume. Semen was obtained every 3months via artificial vagina. Semen variables evaluated in each collection were: aspect,volume, mass and individual motility, and sperm concentration and morphology. Results: Live weight and testicular measurements increased linearly during the study inbulls from both groups. All bulls had scrotal circumference larger than the minimumthreshold value for cattle and semen of high quality.Study limitations/implications: The low availability of CLT bulls prevented theinclusion of a larger number of animals in the study. This low availability of animalsmakes it necessary to establish standard values for testicular measurements and semencharacteristics in the CLT breed in order to select the best individuals as sires andcontribute to its conservation.Findings/conclusions: The CLT bulls had good scrotal circumference and semenquality since a young age and into adulthood. These traits make the CLT bulls animportant alternative for livestock breeding in the tropics.

Testicular fixation and its effect on ipsilateral and contralateral testis in prepubertal rat model

BackgroundWhile performing orchidopexy, various suture materials or fibrin glues are used to achieve testicular fixation. This study was designed to assess the histological changes in testis after orchidopexy using fibrin glue and suture material.MethodsMale Wistar rats (n = 80) were divided randomly into four groups. Group I, (n = 20): sham operation, Group II (n = 20): Dartos Pouch (DP), Group III (n = 20): Transtunical fixation (TF), Group IV (n = 20): Tissue Adhesive (TA). Ipsilateral and contralateral testicular histology was assessed at 70 and 120 days of life after sacrificing animals by using thiopental sodium intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg.ResultsMorphologically, at day 70, contralateral testis in Group III had a significant (p value 0.046) decrease testicular width (0.92 ± 0.01 vs 1.24 ± 0.39 cm). At 120 of life, Group I, II, III, and IV had a significant (p value < 0.001 each) decrease testicular width and weight in ipsilateral and decrease testicular length (p value 0.002) in contralateral testis. Histologically, mean seminiferous tubular diameter and DNA flow cytometry had a significant (p value < 0.001) decrease in size in Group I, II, III, and IV both ipsilateral as well as contralateral testis. Intergroup comparison at 70 and 120 days of life showed a significant decrease in seminiferous tubular diameter in Group II, III and IV and in Johnsen maturation score, seminiferous tubular diameter, DNA flow cytometry in Group I, II, III, and IV.ConclusionsDartos Pouch is most suitable procedure for treatment of orchidopexy. Suture fixation must be avoided and if the need arises then instead of suture materials, fibrin glue should be used for testicular fixation.

Evaluation of Fresh and Thawed Semen of Pecari tajacu (Artiodactyla: Tayassuidae) in Yucatán Mexico

This research aimed to characterize the seminal properties of collared peccary Pecari tajacu before and after freezing, and to relate the morphometric measurements of the testes with sperm measurements before freezing. The study design was quasi-experimental in nature. The investigation was carried out at the Xmatkuil Wildlife Management and Conservation Unit and the Centennial Zoo in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, during the months of October to December 2001. Seventeen collared pecaries adult were electroejaculation from two captive populations. Macro and microscopic analyzes of fresh and thawed semen were carried out, also morphometric measurements of the testes, the data of sperm measurements were compared with Student´s t-test, a linear regression model was adjusted between spermatic and morphometric variables of the testis. Logistic regression was performed between seminal freezability and spermatic and morphometric variables. The ejaculate volume was 0.96 ± 0.98 ml, with 62.08 ± 19.10% sperm motility, concentration of 558.61 ± 537.04 x 106 spermatozoa / ml of fresh semen and vigor of 3.7 ± 0.58 on a scale of 1 to 5. On thawing the motility sperm was 35 ± 17.18% and 2.75 ± 0.62 vigor. The measurements of the sperm cell segments did not show a significant difference between the individuals of the two populations. Testicular width and sperm concentration were fitted to the logistic regression model with freezability (1 = yes, 0 = no). It is concluded that testicular width is a factor significantly associated with sperm motility and seminal freezability.

Linear and non-linear regression model fitting of testicular three-dimensional growth in Miranda donkeys

In endangered donkey populations, reproductive performance is one the most important areas to study, provided its connection with conservation opportunities. Among reproductive traits, testicular dimensions, their relationship with body weight and seminal qualitative and quantitative parameters is particularly notable. The aim of the present study was to model the evolution of body weight, testicular length, width and height, volume and gonadosomatic index in Miranda donkeys using in vivo ultrasonography. Data on the aforementioned variables of 23 Miranda donkeys, from 4 to 259 months of age, were fitted to eleven linear and nonlinear models. Cubic function modelling reported the best-fitting properties for almost all variables, except for body weight (sigmoid curve model). Cubic model presented a higher ability to capture interindividual variability (Adj. R2 from 0.795 to 0.922) for testicular height, width, length and volume measurements than the rest of fucntions tested. Bayesian information criterion (BIC) values suggest in vivo ultrasonography may be a rather efficient and accurate tool when predicting for the evolution of testicular volume or gonadosomatic index than three-dimensional testicular measurements. Highlights Cubic functions efficiently model testicular dimensions, volume and composite indices evolution. Ultrasonography objectively, accurately and reproducibly determines testicular volume. Testicular asymmetry physiologically occurs to balance bilateral testicular activity.

Reproductive Hormonal Levels and Nitric Oxide Levels as Guides of Pubertal Reproductive Development in Relation to Testicular Width and Hemodynamics in Baladi Bucks

Reproductive Hormonal Levels and Nitric Oxide Levels as Guides of Pubertal Reproductive Development in Relation to Testicular Width and Hemodynamics in Baladi Bucks

Efficacy of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract and hypertonic saline solution as intratesticular chemical sterilizing agents in dogs

Castration refers to induced sterility via physical, chemical, or hormonal methods. Chemical castration is an efficient and reliable technique in contrast to other sterilization procedures as it is less painful to physical methods and cost‑effective to hormonal methods. Azadirachta indica (neem), is a charismatic plant as its leaves possess anti-inflammatory, anti‑microbial, and anti-androgenic chattels. To abate the escalating human population in South Asia, neem oil and neem leaf extract have been effectively used as a contraceptive agent. The key determinant of the current study was to evaluate Neem as a chemical sterilizing agent, (either necrotic or apoptotic), in dogs injected intratesticular in comparison to a hypertonic saline solution. Pre- and post-injection testicular width size and blood samples for serum testosterone levels were collected on alternative days. Results disclosed substantial changes in testicular width size, histopathological profile, and serum testosterone level. A non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) pre-injection testicular width readings in contrast to a significant increase (P &lt; 0.05) three days post-injection was noted in all the competitive groups. The mean values recorded for testicular width size at the end of the trial study via neem leaf extract, 30% HSS and, control groups were 27.7362 ± 2.3315mm, 30.9594 ± 4.6861mm, and 24.5023 ± 2.5387mm, respectively. A declining trend, regarding serum testosterone level being statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) was recorded in treated groups (A, B) in contrast to the control group (C) as the values were 1.5357 ± 0.7819ng, 1.2669 ± 0.9095ng, and 2.4517 ± 0.1827ng in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Histopathological findings advocated the presence of apoptotic bodies in the neem treated group whereas the presence of degenerated interstitial cells, necrosed seminiferous tubules, damaged germinal epithelium, and ceased spermatogenesis was also studied in both competitive groups. Thus, the apoptotic effect and anti-inflammatory property of neem leaf extract resulted in less painful castration and verified Azadirachta indica as a better substitute for chemical castration in contrast to hypertonic saline solution.

54 Effects of an injectable zinc solution at weaning as an alternative castration method during the backgrounding period in beef bulls

Abstract Castration is a routine management practice performed on an estimated 15 million bull calves each year in the United States. Although castration is a common practice worldwide, the process causes pain and stress that temporarily reduces performance. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of a novel injectable zinc solution as an alternative castration method on the growth performance, testicular width, and serum testosterone concentrations of weaned beef bulls. Calves (n = 74) were processed at birth and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 castration methods: 1) negative control, in which calves were surgically castrated at birth, or 2) chemically castrated, in which calves remained intact males until weaning and were chemically castrated with a 1 mL intratesticular injection of zinc solution in each testicle. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedures of SAS and significance was declared at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Chemically castrated calves were heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.01) throughout the 168-d backgrounding phase compared to steers (285 and 266 kg respectively); however, the overall change in BW (P = 0.73) and ADG (P = 0.81) was similar between castration techniques. Testicular width measurements were greatest on d 28 and returned to baseline weaning measurements by d 56. Testicular width continued to decrease on d 77 and remained constant for the remainder of the backgrounding period (time P &amp;lt; 0.01). Although testicular width decreased, chemically castrating did not affect (time P = 0.17) testosterone concentrations; however, concentrations were numerically lowest on d 28 and 56. Chemically castrating cattle at weaning resulted in greater overall body weights and reduced testicular width during the backgrounding period; however, it did not eliminate testosterone production as compared to surgically castrating at birth. This solution was not effective in bulls at weaning.

53 Effects of an injectable zinc solution at weaning as an alternative castration method during the backgrounding period in beef bulls

Abstract Castration is a routine management practice performed on an estimated 15 million bull calves each year in the United States. Although castration is a common practice worldwide, the process causes pain and stress that temporarily reduces performance. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of a novel injectable zinc solution as an alternative castration method on the growth performance, testicular width, and serum testosterone concentrations of weaned beef bulls. Calves (n = 74) were processed at birth and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 castration methods: 1) negative control, in which calves were surgically castrated at birth, or 2) chemically castrated, in which calves remained intact males until weaning and were chemically castrated with a 1 mL intratesticular injection of zinc solution in each testicle. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedures of SAS and significance was declared at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Chemically castrated calves were heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.01) throughout the 168-d backgrounding phase compared to steers (285 and 266 kg respectively); however, the overall change in BW (P = 0.73) and ADG (P = 0.81) was similar between castration techniques. Testicular width measurements were greatest on d 28 and returned to baseline weaning measurements by d 56. Testicular width continued to decrease on d 77 and remained constant for the remainder of the backgrounding period (time P &amp;lt; 0.01). Although testicular width decreased, chemically castrating did not affect (time P = 0.17) testosterone concentrations; however, concentrations were numerically lowest on d 28 and 56. Chemically castrating cattle at weaning resulted in greater overall body weights and reduced testicular width during the backgrounding period; however, it did not eliminate testosterone production as compared to surgically castrating at birth. This solution was not effective in bulls at weaning.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations are maximal at puberty in male donkeys and secretion is redirected from the blood stream to seminal plasma

Sertoli cells produce anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and number of these cells is associated with numbers of sperm produced. The study aim was to quantify AMH concentrations in serum and seminal plasma of donkeys during puberty, and to correlate the values with those for testicular width and semen quality of sexually mature males. Blood was collected from five donkeys every second month from 4 to 24 months of age, and then once at 40 months of age. Semen was collected once monthly, from 13 to 19 and 23–25 months of age. There was quantification of AMH concentrations in serum and seminal plasma. During puberty, there was a redirection of AMH secretion from the blood stream into seminal plasma. In serum, AMH concentrations increased during puberty with a maximal concentration at 16 months and the changes were similar for seminal plasma with a maximal concentration at 18 months of age. Serum AMH concentrations from 14–20 were greater than at 12 or 22 months of age. Maximal serum AMH concentrations were associated with testicular width at 24 months (r = 0.97, P = 0.005), but not with sperm count, sperm motility or percentage of sperm with normal morphology at 42 months of age. There were no significant correlations among values for AMH concentrations in seminal plasma during puberty and values for any of the seminal variables.

The continuous presence of ewes in estrus in spring influences testicular volume, testicular echogenicity and testosterone concentration, but not LH pulsatility in rams

The continuous presence of active male small ruminants prevents seasonal anestrus in females, but evidence of the same mechanism operating from the females to the males is scarce. This study assessed the effects of the continuous presence of ewes in estrus in spring on ram sexual activity, testicular size and echogenicity, and LH and testosterone concentrations. On 1 March, 20 rams were assigned to two groups (n = 10 each): isolated (ISO) from other sheep, or stimulated (STI) by 12 ewes, which were separated from the rams by an openwork metal barrier, allowing contact between sexes. Each week, four ewes were induced into estrus by intravaginal sponges. Live weight, scrotal circumference, testicular width (TW) and length (TL) were recorded at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, and testicular volume (TV) was calculated; at the same time, testicular ultrasonography and color Doppler scanning were performed. Blood samples (March to May) were collected once per week for testosterone determinations, and at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for 6 h at 20-min intervals for LH analysis. Rams were exposed to four estrous ewes in a serving-capacity test. Scrotal circumference, TW and TL were higher in the STI than in the ISO rams (P < 0.05) in May, and TV was higher (P < 0.05) in the STI (391 ± 17 cm3) than in the ISO rams (354 ± 24 cm3). In ISO rams, the number of white pixels was higher (P < 0.01) in May (348 ± 74) than in March (94 ± 21) and differed significantly (P < 0.01) from that of the STI rams in May (160 ± 33). In ISO rams, the number of grey pixels was higher (P < 0.05) in May (107 ± 3) than it was in March (99 ± 1). Stimulated and ISO rams did not differ significantly in mean LH plasma concentrations (0.8 ± 0.5 v. 0.9 ± 0.4 ng/ml), LH pulses (2.1 ± 0.5 v. 2.2 ± 0.2) and amplitude (2.0 ± 0.4 v. 3.2 ± 0.7 ng/ml, respectively). Stimulated rams had significantly higher testosterone concentrations than ISO rams from April to the end of the experiment. Stimulated rams performed more (P < 0.05) mountings with intromission (3.0 ± 0.4) than did ISO rams (1.5 ± 0.5). In conclusion, after 3 months in the continuous presence of ewes in estrus in spring, rams had higher TV and some testicular echogenic parameters were modified than isolated rams. Although exposed rams also had higher levels of testosterone after 2 months in the presence of estrous ewes, their LH pulsatility at the end of the study was not modified.

Testicular Parameters and its Influence in Buffaloes (Bubalus buballis) Sexual Behaviour

Background: Brazil is one of the greatest bovine meat exporter in the world. However, the technologies applied at buffalo’s reproduction is not specific for this specie, adapted technics were established from the cattle breed. When the animal shows weight gain, gonadal and behavioral physiology fallow this tendency and the reproductive status become good and satisfactory. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the reproduction characteristics of male buffaloes and its testicular parameters with sexual behavior.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Seven males Murrah breed with 67.29 ± 11.4 months of age were maintained at confinement for artificial shading. The testicular parameter was performed in restraint trunk and the sexual behavior evaluation was done with an estrus female. The sexual behavior was performed with an estrous female as a dummy. The testicular biometry was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experimental design, with the follow parameters: length, width, depth/thickness, scrotal circumference and the total volume. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance, and the means was compared with the Student-Newman-Keuls test, with significance difference P &lt; 0.05 between the medians. The differences in the parameters were scrotal circumference (23.36 cm vs 24.86 cm), testicular length (8.71 cm vs 9.77 cm), right testicular width (8.57 cm vs 9.53 cm) and testicular volume (1.627.40 cm3 vs 2.149,68 cm3), respectively. The sexual behavior showed an increase in the Flehmen reflex, mounts (service capacity) and libido (2.00 vs 11.71; 0.57 vs 5.43; regular behavior vs very good behavior, respectively).Discussion: An increase in the testicular circumference was observed at the end of the experimental period with the values between 23.36 cm vs 24.86 cm. However, even with this increase of the testicular parameters it is lower than other male buffaloes with 36 months age. In Brazilian conditions, the testicular circumference variation is between 24.5 cm and 34 cm in animals with 60 months of age. These data shows that there are variations of the testicular parameters due to different systems of buffaloes breeding. When compared to cattle, buffaloes shows lower input of reproductive biotechnology. At the same way, the testicular growth and development depends of the nutrition and management used at the farm. In an inefficient system, buffaloes and bovine breeding could lose weight, testicular mass, and reduce testicular parameters. Besides that, the buffaloes can perform an improvement of a general condition when improvement of nutrition care occurs. The testicular parameters presents high correlation with the corporal and testicular development, which can be correlate to age and weight. Those parameters could help with the reproductive ability of the buffalo. The sexual behavior was increased and observed in the Flehmen reflex, service capacity and libido after the animal’s adaptation to the reproductive management. The buffaloes are animals extremely adaptable to different conditions, but need a period to adapt. Previous sexual experience is important during the social organization of the harem and helps in the practice of the sexual act. In these experimental conditions, we conclude that is necessary a social and behavior adaptation to the buffalo bull to present a better value of sexual characteristics to improve the fertility and production of Murrah buffaloes.