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- Title
Evaluation of Testicular Volume and Correlation with Sperm Production in Martina Franca Donkeys: A Parameter to Consider When Approving Breeding Jacks.
- Authors
Bucci, Roberta; De Amicis, Ippolito; Parrillo, Salvatore; Robbe, Domenico; Carluccio, Augusto
- Abstract
Simple Summary: The Martina Franca Donkey is an endangered breed for which breeding recovery programs have been started. The animals involved in such projects should be characterized by high fertility, and testicular volume can be indicative of this. The study aimed to identify the most accurate formula for calculating testicular volume. The correlation between testicular volume and sperm production was also verified. Our results suggest that in Martina Franca jacks, testicular volume can be estimated with the formula V (cm3) = 33.57 × H − 56.57, and there is a significant correlation with sperm output. In conclusion, testicular size in healthy stallions is suggestive of good fertility and could be considered when choosing stallions to be approved for breeding. Good sperm production is a notable requirement for subjects intended for reproduction, particularly in endangered species, and it has been demonstrated that in horse stallions, this is correlated to testicular volume. The present study, which involved Martina Franca jacks, aimed to determine whether, also in this endangered breed, there is a correlation between the total sperm number (TSN) and testicular volume. Testes were measured with both ultrasound and a caliper. Testicular volume was calculated using two different formulas: one representing the volume of an ellipsoid and one developed to describe round-shaped testicles. The average sperm concentration was 380.14 ± 254.58 × 106/mL, while the average TSN was 16.34 ± 7.76 × 109. Our findings evidenced a significant correlation (r > 0.75; p < 0.05) only between sperm production and the volume calculated with the formula V (cm3) = 33.57 × H − 56.57 for round-shaped testes. Moreover, significance was evidenced only for data obtained with ultrasound (VTs-us 315.03 ± 25.83 cm3) but not with caliper. In conclusion, testicular volume can be suggestive of good fertility in Martina Franca jacks; thus, this parameter could be considered when selecting breeding animals.
- Subjects
SPERMATOZOA; DONKEYS; ANIMAL breeding; PRODUCTION quantity; ENDANGERED species; HORSE breeding
- Publication
Animals (2076-2615), 2023, Vol 13, Issue 23, p3619
- ISSN
2076-2615
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/ani13233619