Effects of Age and Season on Serum Testosterone Level in Male Buffaloes

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to detect the changes occurring in serum testosterone profile in male buffaloes. Thirty blood samples from apparently healthy slaughtered male buffaloes were taken and divided into three age groups, 1.5–1.8, 2 –2.5 and 3–4 years. Scrotal circumference and testicular measurements were conducted and the seminal glands were obtained immediately after slaughter. The fructose content was determined in tissue of seminal gland using spectrophotometer. Our investigations were extended to determine the effect of the seasons on serum testosterone levels (Indoor study). There were significant differences between scrotal circumference, testicular and seminal glands measurements with the age of the animals. There were no significant differences neither between average fructose content of seminal glands (mg/ gland) nor fructose concentration per 1 g. tissue with age, were detected. In addition, it is noticed that the serum testosterone level was higher in the first group (1. 5–1.8 years), then a decline in testosterone levels was recorded from 2.0–2.5 to 3–4 years of age with no significant difference between the different groups. A higher mean testosterone concentration (1.72 ng/ ml) was recorded in autumn, while the lowest average concentration (0.77 ng / ml) was recorded in winter. However, there was no significant difference in testosterone levels between different seasons of the year. Hence, we could suppose that the Egyptian water buffalo bull has no typical breeding season.