Ageing affects plasma steroid concentrations and testicular volume, echotexture and haemodynamics in rams

Abstract

Animal production systems usually use fewer breeding males than females (Fitzgerald & Morgan, 2007). Breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is recommended to assess breeding potential in farm animals (Hedia et al., 2020a;Palacios et al., 2016). BSE consists of several orders of examinations starting with traditional physical examination, clinical examination of various body vital systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, locomotor and reproductive system) and evaluation of semen. Recently, the massive production systems are interested in application of more advanced techniques to broadly assess the breeding quality of the males. In addition, these systems are looking forward to establish a definite protocol for replacing the males found to have a lower breeding efficiency with other males of high reproductive merits. Several studies aimed to investigate the possible effect of ageing on the different andrological levels and to detect the optimal age of replacing the reproductively minor rams

Exogenous L-carnitine Administration Ameliorates the Adverse Effects of Heat Stress on Testicular Hemodynamics, Echotexture, and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Rams

“…Explanation of increases in TE observed at 1 h might be attributed to the higher vascular irrigation. A recent study proposed that higher cellular condensation and vascular irrigation are correlated with higher echogenic changes of the testicular parenchyma of rams, and vice versa ( 58 ). At 168 h, increases in TE might be attributed to the improvement of total antioxidant capacity compared to 0 h with subsequent amelioration of the OS status that may enhance the functionality of the cellular matrix of the testis including Sertoli, Leydig, and the spermatogenic cells ( 59 ).…”

An updated insight on testicular hemodynamics: Environmental, physiological, and technical perspectives in farm and companion animals

“…In addition, there was no significant change in the PI or RI values of Nelore bulls compared with bulls of other B. taurus breeds (Angus, Bradford, Brangus, and Hereford) Bulls Junior et al ( 2018 ) • Significantly greater values of PI and RI of the testicular arteries in bulls of the Nelore breed were found as compared with Caracu bulls Bulls Rodrigues et al 2020 • Differences in the Doppler velocimetry parameters of TBF have been found between dogs of different breeds and sizes (small dogs such as French Bulldog and large dogs such as Labrador, Rottweiler, and German Shepherd). Higher velocities (especially the EDV) of blood flow were recorded in the spermatic cord in large dogs, but the Doppler velocity values were higher at the MTA in small breed dogs Dogs Souza et al 2014 Puberty or Age effect • PSV and EDV values of the blood flow within the testicular artery were significantly lower in prepubertal dogs as compared with postpubertal dogs Dogs de Souza et al 2015a • Age had no significant effect on TBF in stallions, however, decreased values of EDV and increased values for RI were reported in old stallions than in the middle-aged stallions in the STA region Stallions Pozor and McDonnell 2004 • Decreased RI values were found at sexual maturity in rams Rams El-Sherbiny et al 2022e • There were no significant variations in TBF Doppler indices between young and adult bulls or between pre-and postpubertal mature rams Bulls and rams Gloria et al 2018 ; Elbaz et al 2019 • It was reported lower values of RI and PI of the examined STA in the mature (0.32 ± 0.04 and 0.36 ± 0.03, respectively; 2.5 years) and aged rams (0.51 ± 0.03 and 0.77 ± 0.06, respectively; 7.5 years) compared to the young ones (0.62 ± 0.03 and 0.98 ± 0.07, respectively; age 1 year) Rams Hedia and El-Shalofy ( 2022 ) Bodyweight of the animal • Greater TBF (lower Doppler indices values) was recorded in heavy horses as compared with miniature horses Stallions Ortega-Ferrusola et al …”

“…Recently, Hedia and El-Shalofy ( 2022 ) reported lower values of RI and PI of the examined STA in the mature (0.32 ± 0.04 and 0.36 ± 0.03, respectively; 2.5 years) and aged rams (0.51 ± 0.03 and 0.77 ± 0.06, respectively; 7.5 years) compared to the young ones (0.62 ± 0.03 and 0.98 ± 0.07, respectively; age 1 year).…”