Comparison Between Mediastinum Thickness, Hormonal Levels, Nitric Oxide, and Testicular Hemodynamics in Baladi Bucks at Prepubertal and Postpubertal stages

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the testicular morphometry, mediastinum thickness, hormonal levels, hemodynamic, echogenicity, and heterogeneity in Baladi bucks at prepubertal and postpubertal stages. Five bucks (Capra hircus) were evaluated in two different stages of growth: prepubertal (age 4.5± 0.6 months; 15.0 ± 3.0 kg) and post-pubertal stages (age 13.0 ± 1.3 months; 33.0 ± 2.5 kg). Scrotal circumference, testicular dimensions, mediastinum thickness, echogenicity, heterogeneity, Doppler parameters, semen collection, testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormones (LH), and nitric oxide metabolites (NOMs) were measured. There was an (P<0.05) elevation of the testicular length, width, and scrotal circumference. Mediastinum thickness and colored areas toward and away from probe were increased (P<0.05) in post-pubertal age (2.18±0.01, 6556±32.58, and 7845±65.44) compared to pre-pubertal one (1.27±0.96, 4290±42.12, and 5144±54.24). The spectral graph was characterized by low resistance (RI), moderate pulsatility (PI) with high peak velocity, and low endpoints in the post-pubertal stage while the endpoint was equal to zero in young bucks. The post-pubertal age was associated with a marked decline (P<0.05) in echogenicity, heterogeneity, and RI, while estradiol, testosterone, and NOMs levels were increased (P<0.05). It could be concluded that the post-pubertal stage in Baladi bucks is associated with changes in testicular width, length, mediastinum thickness, RI, scrotal circumference, echogenicity, pixel heterogeneity, testicular colored area away and toward the probe, end-diastolic point, testosterone, nitric oxide, and estradiol levels, as all those variables are considered an accurate markers for the onset of sexual maturity in Baladi bucks.