Testicular histological evaluation and serum testosterone concentrations of bulls after chemical castration with calcium chloride

Abstract

Orchiectomized bulls have advantages in the meat quality and ease of handling. Chemical castration is an option for surgical castration and the sclerosing agents can be administered into the testicular or epididymis parenchyma. These agents have a lower incidence of complications than surgery, especially when associated with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), which has anti-inflammatory action and increases the absorption of other drugs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single intratesticular injection of calcium chloride solution associated with DMSO for the chemical sterilization of bulls. Twenty-four young adult bulls were utilized, distributed into 3 groups (G20, G30 and G40, n = 8/group), according to the calcium chloride concentration (20, 30 and 40%), in 10mL volume. Serum concentrations of testosterone, body weight, testicular volume and ecotexture, clinical signs and behavior and were evaluated for 45 days. Thus, the animals were orchiectomized and testicles were assessed histologically. There were no changes in body weight, decreased serum testosterone concentrations (except G30), signs of scrotal sensitivity or changes in behavior over the period. However, there was significant increase in testicular volume, especially on the 2nd and 3rd day after treatment, with values returning to the value initials at 15 days. Testicular adherence and firm consistency were observed during orchiectomy. Ultrasound examination revealed a loss of integrity of the median raphe, with cavity formation and an alteration of the testicular echotexture. In the histological evaluation, coagulation necrosis of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells was observed, mainly in the medial portion in all groups. Some animals presented total absence of tubular formations in all the studied groups, being the effects of greater intensity in the G40. Additionally, pronounced edema was noted in all groups, especially in G40. Inflammatory infiltrate, fibroplasia and neovascularization were found to be predominantly discrete. Based on the conditions used in this study, we conclude that calcium chloride associated with DMSO can be used as a method of chemical sterilization in bovines.

Sterilization of Male Dogs by Intra-testicular Administration of Calcium Chloride Solution

“…This is in accordance with the findings of Jana and Samanta (2007), Leoci et al (2014), Puri et al (2018) and Silva et al (2018) in dogs. Similar finding was also reported by Jana et al (2005) in male goat, Jana et al (2006) in albino rat, Canpolat et al (2006) in bull, Jana and Samanta (2011) in tom cat and Pereira et al (2018) in bull after chemical castration by calcium chloride. It can be concluded that chemical sterilization with calcium chloride in normal saline showed complete derangement of seminiferous tubules in animals of group I.…”

“…Silva et al (2017) also reported reduction in testicular volume using 7.5% calcium chloride in 0.5% DMSO during 60 days of study in dogs. However, Pereira et al (2018) reported no change in testicular volume after intra testicular injection of 20% and 40% calcium chloride solution. Leoci et al (2014) reported decrease in testicular width upto 50% for a period of 12 months in dogs.…”

Canine Testicular Histopathology Ensuing Chemical Castration

“…2A, 2B and 2D. This current study demonstrates that iodine at 10% can be used as a chemical sterilant as shown by Jana and Samanta (2007) and Pereira et al (2018) in which calcium chloride was the chemical used. The substances initiate an inflammatory reaction that leads to fibrosis, making the seminiferous tubules sealed and therefore unable to carry out their physiological function (Oliveira et al 2013).…”

“…In the study by Oliveira et al (2013) in which they used zinc gluconate in cats there was significant azoospermia and decrease in penile spines, with no significant alteration on testosterone levels. In 2018, a study by Pereira et al (2018) of calcium chloride in bulls at various concentrations showed coagulation necrosis of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells was observed, mainly in the medial portion in all groups. Some animals presented total absence of tubular formations in all the studied groups.…”

Surgical castration versus chemical castration in donkeys: response of stress, lipid profile and redox potential biomarkers

“…Donkeys were allocated randomly and equally into two groups; the chemical (Ch) and surgical (S) groups (n = 6). Chemical castration was carried out under the effect of intravenous 2% xylazine HCl at a dose of 1 mg/kg BW (Xyla-Ject, ADWIA Co., SAE, Egypt) and local infiltration of the spermatic cord of each testicle with ten ml 2% lidocaine HCl (Dibucaine, Sigma-Tec Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Egypt) [76]. Donkeys in the Ch group received a single bilateral intratesticular injection of 20% calcium chloride dissolved in absolute ethanol in a dose of 20 ml/testis.…”