Testis Width Research Articles

Evaluation of Testicular Growth Percentage Ratio after Orchidopexy in Different Age Group in Unilateral Palpable Undescended Testis

Background: Undescended testis (UDT) means absent of testis in the scrotum but present its normal path of descend. In recent decades, the recommended age for orchiopexy for undescended testis has decreased, in the expectation that this might improve subsequent fertility. Currently recommended age for Orchidopexy between 6-12 and 6-18 months. Whatever the underlying cause UDT deserves treatment early in life to prevent loss of spermatogenic potential and to allow early detection of malignancy. The accurate measurement of testicular size and determination of testicular volume has a great importance in assessing the testicular functional status in children. Ultrasonograpically measured testicular volume is standard and more accurate than obtained by non-radiological clinical method. Objective: To evaluate the testicular growth after orchidopexy in different age group in unilateral palpable undescended testis. Materials and Methods: This Quasi Experimental study was carried in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh without interrupting standard care practiced in the department during October 2020 to September 2022.A total of 30 pediatric patients with unilateral palpable undescended testis. Proper clinical history, physical examinations, and initial investigation reports were recorded in a standard data sheet. All the patients were categorized according to age at operation as ≤2years and >2years. Unilateral palpable undescended testes from 6 months to 12 years were enrolled in this study. Ultrasonography of both inguino scrotal region were performed for every sample to see the length, width and location of testis. Ultrasonography was done before and after orchiopexy by single experienced radiologist. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using window based computer software devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-22). Results: A total of 30 patients with unilateral palpable undescended testis underwent ........

TESTIS ABNORMALITIES IN A POPULATION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIAN KOALAS (PHASCOLARCTOS CINEREUS).

Testis asymmetry, in which the testes in an individual differ in size, has recently been reported in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in the Mount Lofty Ranges population of South Australia. We describe the morphology and histology of both testes from affected individuals in this population (n=56) and the parameters of koalas with normal-sized testes based on age and breeding season (n=56). Morphologic measurements included testis weight, length, width, and volume; histologic parameters included seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous epithelial height, and seminiferous tubule (interstitial tissue ratio and presence or absence of spermatozoa). Of the 56 koalas with intraindividual variation in testes size, 47 were classified as asymmetric and nine as microtestes. For koalas with asymmetric testes, all morphologic parameters were significantly decreased in the smaller testes compared with normal-sized testes, but for the histologic parameters, only seminiferous tubule diameter was significantly less. Histopathologic examination of the asymmetric testes showed 38 with normal parenchyma histologically indistinguishable between intraindividual testes, four with degeneration and atrophy, and three with hypoplasia, whereas examination of microtestes showed degeneration and atrophy in seven, hypoplasia in one, and aplasia in one. No association of testis size difference with Chlamydia pecorum infection was found in a subset of animals. For the 56 koalas with normal-sized testes, morphologic parameters were found to increase with age, and juvenile and young adults were found to have smaller seminiferous tubule diameters than adults. No differences were found between testes of koalas in the breeding and nonbreeding season. Overall, these findings indicate that testis asymmetry in koalas from the Mount Lofty Ranges population is common but not associated with decreased function, except where testis malformations such as hypoplasia or aplasia occur or when parenchyma has been disrupted by acquired disease.

Morphometric and gross anatomy studies of gonads in day-old Arabic chick (Gallus turcicus) lead to gonadal asymmetry

The differentiation of avian gonads occurred since the embryonic stage, resulted in asymmetric morphology. This study aimed to analyse the morphometric and gross anatomy of gonads in Day old Arabic chick. This study utilized 116 Day old Arabic chick. After necropsy, they were divided into 61 male and 55 female. The variables studies were length, width, volume, location, colour, and shape of the gonads. Data analysis used descriptive analysis and independent T test. The results showed a significant difference (P<0.01) between the right and left ovary lengths 1.67±0.08 mm and 3.69±0.05, respectively. A significant difference (P<0.01) between the width ovaries 0.64±0.03 mm (right ovary) and 1.18±0.03 mm (left ovary), respectively. It was found a significant difference (P<0.05) between the length of right and left testis 2.47±0.08 mm and 3.29±0.07mm, and between volume of testis 1.46±0.12 mm3 (right testis) and 2.03±0.13 mm3 (left testis). However, the right and left testes width was not significant (P>0.01). The testes colour was creamy white, sometimes pink, and grey to black, the colour of ovaries was creamy yellow and pink. Morphometric and gonadal morphology of Day old Arabic chick showed gonadal asymmetry, and the left side is larger than the right side.

Reduction of Bisphenol A-induced Male Reproductive Toxicity by Bromelain in Mice

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting agent with a weak estrogenic effect. BPA causes testicular damage by reducing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Bromelain (BROM) is a natural compound derived from pineapple, which is widely used as a dietary supplement with antioxidant properties. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of BROM on the testicular damage induced by BPA administration. Methods: This study was conducted on 40 adult male mice, which were divided into four groups of control (daily treatment with olive oil), BPA (600 mg/kg), BROM (70 mg/kg), and BPA + BROM. The treatments were administered orally for 35 consecutive days. Following that, the animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation, their testes were dissected, and morphometric evaluations (length, width, and thickness of testis) were performed. The epididymal tail was cut to release the sperms for sperm parameter assessment (count and motility). Afterwards, the testes were fixed in buffered formalin for histological examinations (number, diameter, and wall thickness of seminiferous tubules and the counts of spermatogenic, Sertoli, and Leydig cells). Results: All the indices of testicular morphology decreased significantly (P < 0.05) following BPA administration compared to the controls. In addition, the sperm parameters and Leydig and Sertoli cell counts indicated significant decremental effects on the animals administered with BPA compared to the controls (P < 0.05). After the administration of BROM in the BPA + BROM group, all the testicular morphometric indices increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the animals administered with BPA alone. These indices were the morphometric values of the testes, sperm parameters, cell counts, and seminiferous morphometric properties. Conclusions: According to the results, BROM could reduce the debilitative effects of BPA on the testes of the mice and protect the reproductive health of the animals against BPA-induced toxicity.

Effects of crocin and metformin on methylglyoxal-induced reproductive system dysfunction in diabetic male mice.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of crocin in methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced diabetic male mice.MethodsSeventy 1-month-old male NMRI mice weighing 20–25 g were divided into seven groups (n=10): sham, MGO (600 mg/kg/day), MGO+crocin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day), MGO+metformin (150 mg/kg/day), and crocin (60 mg/kg/day). MGO was administered orally for 30 days. Starting on day 14, after confirming hyperglycemia, metformin and crocin were administered orally. On day 31, plasma and tissue samples were prepared for experimental assessments.ResultsBlood glucose and insulin levels in the MGO group were higher than those in the sham group (p<0.001), and decreased in response to metformin (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (not at all doses). Testis width and volume decreased in the MGO mice and improved in the crocin-treated mice (p<0.05), but not in the metformin group. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde levels increased (p<0.001). Crocin and metformin improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Testosterone (p<0.001) and sperm count (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic mice, and treatment with metformin and crocin recovered these variables. Luteinizing hormone levels increased in diabetic mice (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (but not metformin) attenuated this increase. Seminiferous diameter and height decreased in the diabetic mice and increased in the treatment groups. Vacuoles and ruptures were seen in diabetic testicular tissue, and crocin improved testicular morphology (p<0.01).ConclusionMGO increased oxidative stress, reduced sex hormones, and induced histological problems in male reproductive organs. Crocin and metformin improved the reproductive damage caused by MGO-induced diabetes.

The effect of testosterone suppression on health and parasite burden in male eastern grey kangaroos (

Testosterone has a dualistic effect in males by promoting sexual ornamentation at the cost of immune defence. This trade-off has been demonstrated in several taxa, such that males often host a greater parasite burden compared with female conspecifics. We suppressed testosterone in wild male eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) for 10 weeks using a novel gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine, Bopriva. We evaluated the impact of testosterone suppression on testes width, parameters of health, tick and worm burden in kangaroos using a before-after-control-impact (BACI) experimental design. Given the potential impact of animal movement on parasite burden, core area use of a subset of males was also determined. Bopriva significantly reduced testosterone in male kangaroos as well as reducing the combined size of testes by 9.6% (P = 0.01). There was no detectable effect of testosterone suppression on parasite burden and core area use in Treated kangaroos compared to Control (placebo) and Before treatment animals. Our results suggest that a duration of suppression longer than 10 weeks may be required to observe changes in parasite burden. Overall, this study provides a suitable framework for future studies to test whether reproductive hormones influence energy allocation, parasitism, and reproductive strategies in marsupials.

Testicular features of semi-confined Nellore bulls subjected to immunocastration

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of immunocastration on the scrotal circumference, as well as in the macroscopic and microscopic testicular features in Nellore bulls bred under a semi-confining system for 91 days. Sixty animals were divided into two groups: 30 intact animals (non-vaccinated) and 30 immunocastrated animals. The immunocastrated animals were treated with two anti-GnRH vaccine doses (BoprivaTM - Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd). The scrotal circumference (SC) was measured on days 0 and 56. Testicular parameters: biometry traits (length, width, and height – cm; volume – cm3 ) and weight (g) was measured on day 91. Three testicles from each group were histologically processed to find the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness (µm). Data were analyzed in the Minitab® 19 statistical software. The macroscopic features (SC, and testes weight, volume, length, width, and height) and the microscopic features (seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness) were compared between the two groups through Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney test. All the values were lower (p&lt;0.05) in animals immunized against GnRH, except for the right testis width and seminiferous tubule diameter. Results indicate that immunization against GnRH affected testicular development.

Re-evaluation of reproductive cycle and fecundity of finetooth sharks Carcharhinus isodon (Valenciennes 1839) from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, with new observations on ovarian cycle and reproductive endocrinology of biennially reproducing sharks.

To provide updated information on life history for improved fishery management, the reproductive cycle of the finetooth shark Carcharhinus isodon from Northwest Atlantic (NWA) populations was investigated by examining temporal changes in morphology and histology of reproductive organs. Changes in plasma concentrations of gonadal sex hormones in relation to reproductive stage were also examined. Increases in testis width, epididymis head width, plasma testosterone concentrations and occurrence of mature spermatozoa were observed in male sharks between December and April, suggesting a seasonal pattern in reproduction that culminates with copulatory activity in May. Increases in maximum follicular diameter, oviducal gland width, plasma 17β-estradiol concentrations and occurrence of vitellogenic follicles were observed in non-pregnant female sharks during the same time period along with the occurrence of newly pregnant females in May, demonstrating strong synchronicity between male and female reproductive cycles. Pregnant females bearing full-term embryos were also observed in May, indicating that parturition occurs between mid-May and early June and gestation requires 12 months. Only transient temporal changes in follicle size and oviducal gland width were observed in pregnant females, indicating that reproductive periodicity is biennial; nonetheless, a single female exhibiting signs of concurrent vitellogenesis and pregnancy was observed. Mean brood size ± S.D. was 3.9 ± 0.9 offspring/female. Fecundity was not significantly correlated with female size, in part due to an unexpectedly high rate of early embryo mortality, which occurred in 11% of pregnant females, and was more common in larger individuals. Changes in ovarian activity during mid-pregnancy were observed, suggesting possible roles for the ovary in regulating some aspects of early to mid-gestation. This study confirms that earlier characterizations of the reproductive cycle and fecundity in NWA finetooth sharks remain valid for use in fishery management. This study also highlights unusual features of finetooth shark pregnancy (e.g., early embryo death, mid-pregnancy changes in ovarian function) that may have broader relevance to understanding elasmobranch reproduction.

Reproductive cycle and fecundity of the bonnethead Sphyrna tiburo L. from the northwest Atlantic Ocean.

The present study examined temporal changes in plasma sex hormone concentrations and the morphology and histology of reproductive organs in mature northwest Atlantic (NWA) bonnetheads Sphyrna tiburo L. to characterize reproductive cycle, breeding periodicity and fertility in this still poorly studied population. Progressive increases in testis width, epididymis head width, plasma testosterone (T) concentrations, and occurrence of mature spermatozoa were observed in male S. tiburo from June to September, demonstrating that spermatogenesis occurs during the summer. Nonetheless, increases in maximum follicle diameter, oviducal gland width, plasma 17β-estradiol and T concentrations, and occurrence of vitellogenic follicles were not observed in mature females until between October and April, demonstrating non-synchronous patterns of gametogenesis in males and females. Fresh copulatory wounds were observed in females collected during late September along with histological evidence for sperm presence in the oviducal gland between September and April, confirming a 6- to 7 month period of female sperm storage. Ovulation occurred between mid-April and early May in concert with increases in female plasma progesterone concentrations. Gestation occurred during a 4.5- to 5 month period between May and early September, and 97% of mature females collected during this period were gravid, indicating a highly synchronized, annual reproductive periodicity. Brood size was significantly correlated with maternal size and ranged from 1 to 13 pups with a mean ± S.D. of 8.1 ± 2.2, which was significantly lower than reported in Gulf of Mexico (GOM) populations. The occurrence of non-fertile offspring was observed in 17% of broods with a range of 1-7 non-fertile eggs present in individual females. Thus, as previously reported in GOM S. tiburo, this unusual form of infertility also appears to be prevalent in the NWA population and requires further study. This study has demonstrated meaningful differences in reproductive biology of these populations, emphasizing the need for region-specific approaches for population management.

Histo morphometric evaluation of testes of Black Bengal goats

This study was designed to explore the gross and microscopic structures of the testes of Black Bengal bucks (n = 14) with special emphasis on the seminiferous tubules. A quantitative comparison of the various cell types in the seminiferous tubules of the testes were done. Biometrical values of testes were recorded. The left testes were significantly larger than the right. The mean length, width, weight and circumference of the left testis were 6.7 ± 0.1 cm, 3.9 ± 0.0 cm, 66.9 ± 0.8 gm and 13.4 ± 0.2 cm, respectively. The mean length, width, weight and circumference of the right testis were 6.3 ± 0.0 cm, 3.8 ± 0.0 cm, 66.5 ± 0.8 gm and 13.1 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. For microscopic studies tissue samples were evaluated with quantitative techniques. The testis was encapsulated by tunica toward the mediastinum testis. The testicular parenchyma was divided into convoluted seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells, which were found in the intertubular spaces.&#x0D; The Bangladesh Veterinarian (2018) 35(1&amp;2): 40-46

Study of Testis Volume Density and Relative Weight of Tissue Components in Different Ages for Local Bulls in Sulaimani Province

The present study is carried out to investigate the reproductive activity of mature Local bull and effect of age’s changes on the testes activity by using Testis Volume Density (VD %) and Relative Weight (RW, g\kg body weight) of Tissue Components. Seventy-two testes of the bull were taken from the Sulaimani slaughterhouse in November 2016. The length and width of the right testis were measured after slaughtering, and testes weights were also taken, then the epididymis carefully dissected. The diameters of testicular seminiferous tubules were also measured. The present study demonstrated a significant increased (p&lt;0.05) in weight (221.5±6.4gm), length (15.00±0.57cm), width (6.33±0.33cm) and testes circumference (19.00±0.01cm) in age 4th-year-old compared to other ages. The diameter of epididymis (p&lt;0.05) increased significantly in 2nd, 3rd and 4th age old for total length and head of epididymis (Caput) compared to 1st-year. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules demonstrated higher (p&lt;0.05) significant in thickness of seminiferous tubules demonstrated higher significance in 4th ages. The increase in spermatogenesis process leads to increase the diameter and thickness of seminiferous. The results showed that the degenerative changes in germ cells are associated with histomorphometric variations, including the density of the structures that comprise the testicular parenchyma, and are they representative in bulls with poor semen quality at an early age. In addition, the unsatisfactory bulls for reproduction showed reduced meiotic potential at 1st-year compared to that of satisfactory reproductive bulls, especially at 3 and 4 years old.

Age-related changes in testicular parameters and their relationship to thyroid hormones and testosterone in male Murrah buffaloes

Abstract. The present study aims to investigate the age-related changes in testicular parameters and their association with plasma triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and testosterone in male Murrah buffaloes. Testicular measurements and single blood samples were collected from male Murrah buffaloes (n= 103) aged between 6 months and 8 years. The correlation coefficients of average testicular length (ATL), paired testis width (PTW), and scrotal circumference (SC) in relation to age were 0.88, 0.91, and 0.90, respectively. The regression equation between testicular weight (TW) and age was Y=1.48×x0.005 (r= 0.90; R2= 0.79). Plasma T4 and testosterone increased significantly (p&lt; 0.001) with age and their levels ranged between 12.9 and 41.8 and 0.05 and 1.48 ng mL−1, respectively. With respect to associations between testicular parameters and plasma hormone levels, we observed significant (p&lt; 0.01) correlations between ATL, PTW, SC, TW, and plasma T4. A significant correlation (r= 0.31; p&lt; 0.01) between plasma T4 and testosterone levels was also observed. However, the correlations between plasma T3 and testicular parameters and plasma T3 and testosterone were non-significant. From the present study, we conclude that plasma T4 is positively correlated with testicular parameters and plasma testosterone, indicating its role in testis development and steroidogenesis.

Reproductive parameters of donkey jacks undergoing puberty

In male donkeys, puberty and the related events have been poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the age at which male donkeys reach puberty, and characterize age associated changes in testicular size, testicular blood flow, serum testosterone concentration and semen quality. Every two months, starting at 6 months and finishing at 24 months of age, five male donkeys born in May to July were subjected to B-mode ultrasound examination to assess testicular size and scrotum content and blood serum sampling for testosterone concentration. From the age of 8 months, pulsed Doppler was employed to evaluate blood flow in the testicular artery. Testosterone serum concentration was evaluated via RIA. From the age of 12 months, monthly semen collections were attempted and semen was evaluated for sperm number, motility and morphology. Onset of puberty was defined as the first ejaculate containing ≥50 × 106 spermatozoa with ≥10% total motility. One of the donkeys was excluded from the statistical analyses due to a hydrocele presented during the study. Testes width was affected by age (P < 0.0001) and after an initial plateau increased linearly from 10 months of age. Pulsatility and resistivity indexes were also affected by age (P < 0.01), being significantly higher at 14 months than at 24 months. Testosterone serum concentration was affected by age (P < 0.0001) and was significantly lower at 6 months (0.1 ng/ml) compared to 22–24 months (≥0.8 ng/ml). Spermatozoa appeared in the ejaculate at a mean age of 18.7 months and puberty was attained between 19 and 20 months of age (mean: 19.5 months), between January and February. In conclusion, late spring born Amiata donkey colts reached puberty at 19–20 months of age. Puberty was accompanied by changes in testicular size, testicular blood flow and serum testosterone concentration.

Zinc injection as a novel castration method in beef bulls: effects on performance, behavior, and testosterone and haptoglobin concentration.

Crossbred beef bulls (n = 180) were blocked by initial BW (337 ± 10.9 kg; six blocks) and assigned randomly to one of three treatments on day 0: 1) INJ; received 1 mL (100 mg Zn) of a Zn solution in each testis, 2) BAN; received blood- restrictive rubber band placed around the dorsal aspect of the scrotum, 3) BUL; bulls with testicles remaining intact in a randomized complete block design (three treatment pens per block and 10 cattle per pen). A subset of 54 animals (n = 3 per pen) was fitted with accelerometers on day 0 to quantify behavior variables continuously for 28 d. Testis width and scrotal circumference, and serum haptoglobin (days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14) and testosterone concentrations (every 28 d until slaughter) were also determined for the subset. During the slaughter process, testes from INJ and BUL were collected to assess final testes weight and for histopathological evaluation. Data were analyzed using a mixed model (α = 0.05); pen served as the experimental unit for all dependent variables. Final BW was greater (P < 0.01) for INJ and BUL compared to BAN (672, 686, and 611 kg, respectively; SEM = 4.4). Overall ADG and G:F were greater (P ≤ 0.03) in INJ and BUL than BAN; whereas, DMI was similar between treatments for the study duration (P = 0.46). Histopathological evaluation (n = 13; INJ = 7; BUL = 6) indicated that INJ testes were degenerative and reproductively nonviable whereas BUL testes were normal. Serum testosterone concentrations on day 168 were similar (P = 0.14) between INJ and BUL whereas after day 14, BAN was nondetectable; however, initial serum testosterone concentrations were similarly low across treatments. Serum haptoglobin concentration was greater (P < 0.01) in INJ than BUL and BAN on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Scrotal circumference (P = 0.08) and testis width (P = 0.07) on day 168 tended to be greater for BUL than INJ. Motion index (P ≤ 0.02) and step count (P = 0.04) was greater in BUL and INJ compared to BAN cattle during the 28 d monitoring period. No difference in standing time (P ≥ 0.85) or lying bouts (P = 0.35) occurred. Zinc injection resulted in sterilization but did not cause complete cessation of testicular function evidenced by testosterone concentrations more similar to BUL than BAN. This resulted in overall increased BW and G:F for INJ vs. BAN, yet the acute phase response was markedly greater directly after Zn injection. Collectively, Zn injection resulted in outcomes more similar to BUL than BAN, implying minimal efficacy of INJ as a castration method in older bulls arriving to the feedlot.

English

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of the root-bark extract of Securidaca longepedunculata in the improvement of fertility in buck rabbits as envisioned by morphometric indices of the testes. Testicular morphometry of New Zealand rabbits was studied following treatment with different doses of the extract. The extract was administered per os in three doses of 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight to three treatment groups of rabbits A, B, and C respectively for 29 days in a completely randomized designed (CRD). Eighteen mature buck rabbits between the ages of 18 and 24 months and with initial body weight (1.1 to 1.9 kg) were used. Each group comprised of three rabbits replicated twice. After the period of treatment, rabbits were weighed and sacrificed. Mean absolute paired testes weight, testes length and testes width were obtained and expressed relative to body weight at sacrifice. The results showed a significant difference in the mean relative paired testes weight, testes length and testes width between groups (p&lt;0.05). The treated group given 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract had the highest mean absolute and relative paired testes weight of 3.325 &plusmn; 0.1349a g and 0.2098 &plusmn; 0.0139a % with mean absolute and relative testes length of 2.4522 &plusmn; 0.0250a cm and 0.1538 &plusmn; 0.0040a %. While the group given 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract had the lowest values of 2.634 &plusmn; 0.2762b g and 0.1565 &plusmn; 0.0124b % with mean absolute and relative paired testes length of 2.1600 &plusmn; 0.0807b cm and 0.1299 &plusmn; 0.0039b % respectively. It was concluded that administration of the extract at 50 mg/kg body weight yielded higher testicular parameters of buck rabbits. It was recommended that the use of the extract in bucks should be done with caution in relation to dose and length of treatment and that a detailed research should be carried out to evaluate the semen quality of bucks treated with 50 mg/kg the extract. Key words: Securidaca longepedunculata, root bark, testes, morphometry, buck, rabbit.

94 Semen Parameters from a Captive Population of the Endangered Chacoan Peccary (Catagonus wagneri) in Paraguay

Priority conservation actions for the endangered Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri) include improvement of captive breeding initiatives. Eleven captive male peccaries housed in mixed-sex groups of 17 to 35 animals at the Centro Chaqueño para la Conservación e Investigación in Paraguay were immobilised with intramuscular tiletamine/zolazepam (30 mg; Zoletil® 50, Virbac, Forth Worth, TX, USA), azaperone (10 mg; 50 mg mL−1; ZooPharm, Windsor, CO, USA), and medetomidine (1 mg;10 mg mL−1; ZooPharm). Animals were administered supplemental intranasal oxygen (1-2 L min−1) and reversed with atipamazole (5 mg; 25 mg mL−1; ZooPharm). Testis length, width, and firmness (1-3 scale; 1 = hard, 2 = normal, 3 = flaccid) were recorded. The preputial sheath was clipped, cleaned, and flushed with sterile saline using a Foley catheter. A lubricated 13-mm-diameter electroejaculator probe (Beltron Instruments, Longmont, CO, USA) was inserted into the rectum to a depth of 5 cm. The electroejaculation protocol consisted of 4 cycles of 10 stimuli each (1-4 V/cycle). Collection tubes were changed frequently during electroejaculation to avoid urine or gel fraction contamination of the sperm-rich fraction. Collected semen was evaluated for volume, color/appearance, and pH. Percent motility was determined as the average motility of spermatozoa from 10 fields (40×). Progressive motility of spermatozoa was scored on a scale of 0-5 (0 = dead sperm; 5 = rapid forward progression). Semen samples were assessed for total spermatozoa. Percent of live spermatozoa and spermatozoa morphology were evaluated with Eosin-Negrosin smears. The mean ± standard error of the mean of each parameter is presented. A Pearson correlation coefficient between age and semen parameters was calculated. Males assessed in this study were 10.5 ± 1.2 years old. The mean testis volume was 1005.7 ± 50.9 cm3 and mean testis firmness was 2.1 ± 0.1. The mean ejaculate volume was 2.9 ± 0.7 mL and pH was 7.7 ± 0.3. Few males had motile spermatozoa (n = 5/9), which yielded a mean percent motility of 18.3 ± 8.5 (range: 0-50%) and a mean progressive motility of 0.6 ± 0.3 (range: 0-2). The mean percentage of live spermatozoa was 25.1 ± 5.6 (range: 4-44%). Male Chacoan peccaries in this population had a low percentage of normal spermatozoa (12.4 ± 2.5%; range: 2.8-24.0%). The mean total count of spermatozoa per ejaculate was 1.58 ± 1.01 million (range: 0.09-8.28 million). Spermatozoa defects were predominantly primary (67.1%), with the most common defects being tapered head (15.4 ± 6.2%), diadem/crater (14.8 ± 2.6%), and excess residual cytoplasm (8.5 ± 2.7%). There was no correlation between age and semen parameters (percent live: r = –0.19; motility percentage: r = 0.01; percent normal spermatozoa: r = 0.38; total count: r = 0.29; P &gt; 0.05). This is the first report of semen parameters in the Chacoan peccary. It is unknown whether the poor semen quality is inherent to the species or this population. Reproductive assessment of males from other captive populations and of wild male Chacoan peccaries is warranted.

Parasciadicleithrum octofasciatum n. gen., n. sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae), parasite of Rocio octofasciata (Regan) (Cichlidae: Perciformes) from Mexico characterised by morphological and molecular evidence

Based on an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphological characters and partial sequences of the 28S rRNA gene, a new genus and species, Parasciadicleithrum octofasciatum, is proposed to accommodate dactylogyrids infecting the gills of Rocio octofasciata (Cichlidae) from a tributary of the Lacantún River basin, Chiapas State, southern Mexico. Morphologically, the new genus resembles members of Sciadicleithrum (Dactylogyridae) in the presence of membranes on the anterior margins of both ventral and dorsal haptoral bars. However, Parasciadicleithrum octofasciatum n. sp. shows morphological differences with respect to a subset of species of Sciadicleithrum occurring in the same host group and geographic area, such as the body size and gonad dimensions (length and width of germarium and testis, respectively, smaller in the new genus). Phylogenetic analyses performed herein based on Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference criteria, showed that Parasciadicleithrum octofasciatum n. sp. represents an undescribed taxon morphologically very similar to species of Sciadicleithrum from which it can be consistently distinguished on the basis of molecular data. P. octofasciatum n. sp. appeared genetically distant from Sciadicleithrum spp. and nested with dactylogyrid parasites of African cichlids. Parasciadicleithrum n. gen. showed divergence levels in the 28S rDNA sequences of 25–26% with respect to Sciadicleithrum spp. Therefore, on the basis of molecular evidence mainly, and morphological differences highlighted above, the erection of the new genus is proposed. The evolutionary and ecological factors that may have influenced the associations between Neotropical cichlids and their dactylogyrid parasites are briefly discussed.

Effects of different hay: concentrate ratios on body and testicular-epididymal biometry and metabolic profile of Santa Ines lambs

This study was carried out to verify the effects of different hay: concentrate ratios on body, testicular and epididymal development and metabolic profile of hair sheep lambs. Twenty-nine Santa Ines lambs were used. Treatments consisted of diets with different hay: concentrate ratios (100:0-Control, 80:20- T1, 60:40-T2, 40:60-T3 and 20:80-T4). The characteristics evaluated were: body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), hearth girth (HG), body length (BL), height at withers (HW), height at rump (HR), rump width (RW), chest width (CW), scrotal perimeter (SP), testis length (TL) testis width (TW), testis thickness (TT), cauda epididymal length (CEL), cauda epididymal width (CAW), cauda epididymal thickness (CET), scrotal skin thickness (SST) and testicular volume (TV). Blood samples were collected to analyze glucose, urea, albumin, total cholesterol, total proteins, inorganic phosphate and magnesium concentrations. The body and testicular-epididymal measurements increased linearly with increases in the energy concentration in the diet. BW, BL, CW, RW, HG and BCS showed positive high correlations (r = 0.71 to 0.94) with all testis-epididymal measurements. The results of the metabolic profile study showed interactions between the addition of the concentrated feed and time of blood collection on total proteins, albumin, urea, cholesterol, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations. At the beginning of the trial, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were verified in T3 and T4. However, the indices returned to normal over time with the continuity in the diet supplied. Hypomagnesaemia was verified in all treatments. The plasmatic phosphorus concentration was sufficiently high at the end of all treatments, except control. In conclusion, the BL, HG, CW, RW as well as the BCS may be used to estimate the development of the testes and epididymis. The metabolic profile results verified that adjusts are necessary in the amount of concentrated feed given to the lambs when Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp) is provided to the animals.

Identification and characterization of dwarf cattle available in Dinajpur district

The present study was undertaken from January to June, 2014 to investigate the morphometric, productive and reproductive characteristics of Dwarf cattle available in Dinajpur District. The data obtained from 200 Dwarf cattle of different categories (yearling bull, adult bull, heifer, cow, male calf and female calf). A wide variety of coat colors among the cattle of the selected areas were found. The head length and width, ear length and width, horn length and diameter, neck length and width, body length at shoulder, wither height, heart girth, fore leg and hind leg length, tail length and diameter, teat length and diameter, distance between fore teats and rear teats, length and width of testis, weight of testis, live weight, daily milk yield, lactation length, gestation length, calving interval, dry period, post partum heat period, age at first heat and service per conception were recorded. The Dwarf cattle in Dinajpur District are comparatively smaller in size than most of the recognized breeds or types of cattle, however coat color showed remarkable variation. The data generated for Dwarf cattle in Dinajpur District would be useful to characterize them.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 380-386

Fertility Reduction in Male Persian Fallow Deer (Dama dama mesopotamica): Inbreeding Detection and Morphometric Parameters Evaluation of Semen

Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica) is only found in a few protected and refuges areas in the northwest, north, and southwest of Iran. The aims of this study were analysis of inbreeding and morphometric parameters of semen in male Persian fallow deer to investigate the cause of reduced fertility of this endangered species in Dasht-e-Naz National Refuge, Sari, Iran. The Persian fallow deer semen was collected by an electroejaculator from four adult bucks randomly during the breeding season and from five dehorned and horned deer’s in non-breeding season. Twelve blood samples were taken and mitochondrial DNA was extracted, a non-coding region called d-loop was amplified, sequenced and then were considered for genetic analysis. The Persian fallow deer’s normal and abnormal spermatozoa were similar to that of domestic ruminants but very smaller and difficult to observe at the primary observation. The post-mating season collected ejaculates contained abnormal spermatozoa, debris and secretion of accessory glands in horned bucks and accessory glands secretion free of any spermatozoa in dehorned or early velvet budding bucks. Microscopic evaluation in all four bucks during the mating season showed the mean concentration of 9 × 106 spermatozoa/ml. The mean ± standard deviation of age, testes length and testes width was 4.60 ± 1.52 years, 3.58 ± 0.32 and 1.86 ± 0.09 cm, respectively. The results identified 1120 loci in which 377 were polymorphic. In conclusion, reduced fertility of male Persian fallow deer may be caused by inbreeding of the protected herd in a limited area of Dasht-e-Naz National Refuge.