Relationship between Main Testicular Hemodynamics and Computer-assisted Analysis in Prepubertal Age for Breeding Selection in Baladi Bucks

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between testicular hemodynamics and assisted analysis in pre-pubertal bucks at age of 4-6.5 months. Baladi bucks (n=5) weighting (13-15 kg) and aging (4 months) were examined once a week from week 16 till week 26 of age. Buck’s body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular volume, mediastinum thickness, Doppler, and image analyses were evaluated. Both scrotal circumference and testicular volume were increased (P<0.05) especially in buck 4 followed by buck 2. Both testicular echogenicity (TE) and pixel heterogeneity (PH) showed an increase (P<0.05) in buck 4 then buck 2. Plexus colored area showed a pattern of an abruptly increase either toward or away from the probe (P<0.05) from week 23 of age without marked differences were shown between all buck testes. Both pulsatility (PI) and resistance indices (RI) showed a marked significant (P<0.05) decrease in buck 4 followed by buck 2 from week 23. In addition, testicular peak systolic velocity (PSV) showed a marked linear increase at week 23. There was a positive correlation between TE and PH and both indices. In conclusion, the assessment of testicular hemodynamics and assisted analysis has added a power to the pre-pubertal bucks’ reproductive performance as both tools could help in breeding selection.