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The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intratesticular injection (ITI) of sodium chloride (NaCl) at two different concentrations for supressing reproductive development in goat kids at two months of age. The experiment was carried out at the experimental unitof Aydin Adnan Menderes University,Çine Vocational School, located in Çine, Aydin, Turkey. The experimental groups were control (C, n =9), a single ITI of 20% NaCl (T1, n = 8) or 40% NaCl (T2, n = 8). The growth, reproductivecharacteristics, and histological appearance of the testis in the kidswere examined up to nine months of age in different periods. The live weights, scrotal circumference, semen and sexual behaviorcharacteristics were not different among groups. The histogical findings were observed in bothtestes at nine months of age. Greater intensity of destruction was observed in the testes of T1 and T2 kids than that of Ckids. High levels of tubular degeneration were detected in testicular tissue samples in T1 and T2 groups. Based on the results, however, it was concluded that neither 20 nor 40% concentrations of NaCl did ensure the castration effectin the goat kids.(AU)

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Este trabalho visou avaliar os efeitos de sulfato de vincristine sobre os testículos de ratos tratados na fase pré púbere, sobretudo quanto às alterações das células de Sertoli e das células germinativas. Foram utilizados 30 animais controles e 30 tratados com sulfato de vincristine. As aplicações da droga ocorreram aos 15 dias de vida, e a eutanásia aos 40, 64 e 127 dias de vida para possibilitar a avaliação em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento reprodutivo. Foram realizadas medidas biométricas (pesos corpóreos e testiculares), medidas morfométricas testiculares, (eixos testiculares maiores e menores, diâmetros testiculares de túbulo e lúmen seminíferos, e altura do epitélio seminífero) e estereológicas (volumes testiculares e as densidades de volume do tecido tubular e do tecido intersticial testicular). As medidas biométricas foram feitas em todos os animais do experimento, e as avaliações morfométricas e estereológicas foram realizadas em 200 túbulos seminíferos. Os resultados demonstraram que sulfato de vincristine reduz parâmetros biométricos como peso corpóreo, peso testicular e volume testicular total. Variáveis morfométricas e estereológicas como diâmetro dos túbulos seminíferos, altura do epitélio seminífero e volume dos túbulos seminíferos também foram reduzidos. Os tipos celulares mais atingidos foram as espermatogônias, espermátides tardias e células de Sertoli.(AU)

This study evaluated the vincristine sulfate effect on rat testes treated in pre pubertal stage, especially regarding the changes of Sertoli cells and germ cells. Thirty control rats and 30 rats treated with vincristine sulfate were used. The drug application occurred at 15 days of life, and euthanasia at 40, 64 and 127 days of life to enable evaluation at different stages of reproductive development. Biometric measurements were performed (body and testicular weights), testicular morphometric measures (major and minor testicular axis and of seminiferous tubule and seminiferous lumen) and stereological (testicular volumes and volume densities of the tubular and testicular interstitial tissue). The biometric measurements were made on all rats in the experiment, and morphometric and stereological analysis was carried out in 200 seminiferous tubules. The results demonstrate that vincristine sulfate reduces biometric parameters such as body weight, testicular weight and the total testicular volume. Morphometric and stereological variables as diameter of the seminiferous tubules, height of the seminiferous epithelium and volume of the seminiferous tubules were also reduced. The most affected cell types were spermatogonia, late spermatids and Sertoli cells.(AU)

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Background: Surgical castration of male piglets is frequently performed to prevent development of an unpleasant taste and flavor in meat of mature males, called boar taint. Disadvantages of this method are primarily related to the lower feed efficiency of surgically castrated male pigs, production of less lean meat and more fat on the carcasses than boars, as well as ethical issues associated with the procedure itself. Immunocastration is a method of immunization against gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) and represents an alternative to avoid boar taint. This study aimed to examine the influence of immunocastration on histological and morphometric parameters of male pig testes.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 60 crossbred male pigs selected from 30 litters were assigned to two experimental groups: boars (n = 30) and immunocastrated males (n = 30). Two doses (2 mL per dose) of the Improvac® vaccine were given to pigs scheduled for immunocastration. The first injection was given at 10 weeks of age, and the second injection at 20 weeks of age. All pigs were fed the same commercial diet ad libitum, group-housed (15 pigs/pen) and slaughtered at 25 weeks of age. After slaughter, testicle weights were measured and samples of testicular tissue were taken for histological examination. Immunocastrated males had lower testicle weights than boars (P 0.01). Furthermore,

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Este trabalho objetivou apresentar a caracterização da morfologia do testículo de cutia (Dasyproctaprymnolopha) macho, com o intuito de colaborar com o conhecimento da morfofisiologia reprodutiva da espécie. Foram utilizados testículos de 47 animais, com idade entre um e dois anos, pesos homogêneos (2,08 ± 0,23kg), oriundos do Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Piauí. As estruturas foram dissecadas, descritas, e fragmentos foram processados para a microscopia de luz, sendo, posteriormente avaliada a atividade gonadal. Observou-se que os testículos são órgãos elipsoides alongados, podendo ser encontrados na região inguinal ou na cavidade abdominal, não apresentando um escroto bem delimitado. Verificou-se também parênquima com característica histológica padrão para o órgão em mamíferos, com a identificação de oito tipos de associações celulares, caracterizando os estádios do ciclo do epitélio seminífero, com menor e maior frequência dos estádios 3 e 5, respectivamente.(AU)

This study meant to characterize the morphology of the testicle from (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) agouti males, in order to collaborate with the knowledge of reproductive morphophysiology of the specie. Testicles were used from 47 animals aged between 1 and 2 years, homogeneous weight (2.08±0.23kg), coming from the Centre for the Study and Conservation of Wild Animals of Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Piauí. The structures were dissected, described and fragments were processed for light microscopy, and, subsequently, gonadal activity was evaluated. Testes were observed to be elongated ellipsoidal bodies that can be found in the groin or in the abdominal cavity, not having a clearly defined scrotum. We also could see parenchymal with standard histological characteristic for the mammalian body, with the identification of eight types of cell associations, characterized epithelium Seminiferous stages of the cycle, with lower and higher frequency of stages 3 and 5, respectively.(AU)

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Background: Surgical castration of male piglets is frequently performed to prevent development of an unpleasant taste and flavor in meat of mature males, called boar taint. Disadvantages of this method are primarily related to the lower feed efficiency of surgically castrated male pigs, production of less lean meat and more fat on the carcasses than boars, as well as ethical issues associated with the procedure itself. Immunocastration is a method of immunization against gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) and represents an alternative to avoid boar taint. This study aimed to examine the influence of immunocastration on histological and morphometric parameters of male pig testes.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 60 crossbred male pigs selected from 30 litters were assigned to two experimental groups: boars (n = 30) and immunocastrated males (n = 30). Two doses (2 mL per dose) of the Improvac® vaccine were given to pigs scheduled for immunocastration. The first injection was given at 10 weeks of age, and the second injection at 20 weeks of age. All pigs were fed the same commercial diet ad libitum, group-housed (15 pigs/pen) and slaughtered at 25 weeks of age. After slaughter, testicle weights were measured and samples of testicular tissue were taken for histological examination. Immunocastrated males had lower testicle weights than boars (P < 0.01). Furthermore, structural damage to the germinal epithelium was visible in the seminiferous tubules of vaccinated pigs. In the testicular interstitium of these animals, the number of Leydig cells were reduced; almost all of these cells exhibited different degrees of abnormality. Moreover, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and thickness of the germinal epithelium were greater (P < 0.01), and the percentage of germinal epithelium in the seminiferous tubules as well as percentage of blood vessels in the interstitium were higher in boars as compared to immunocastrated males (P < 0.01).[...]

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In broiler breeder roosters, the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. In birds, the testes are located in the coelomic cavity, not being accessible to reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of roosters is based on phenotypic traits. Any changes on testes will be reflected on fertility levels. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of association of phenotypic traits as body weight (BW), comb scores (COS), cloaca scores (CLS) and feet scores (FS) with testicular morphometric parameters in adult Cobb® Mx roosters in two ages (25 and 45 weeks of age). The low BW roosters had lower testes weight (TW), smaller seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and lower comb and cloaca scores than the medium and high BW roosters (P≤0.05). Heavy roosters had the highest COS and bigger seminiferous epithelium height (SEH). There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in FS and volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubule (ST) and interstitial tissue (IT). Considering the age effect, roosters with 45 weeks of age had lower TW and ST than 25-week roosters. Positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between testes weight and phenotypic characteristics as BW, COS and CLS in 45week roosters. A positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between body weight and histologic testicular characteristics as STD and SHE in both evaluated ages. In conclusion, there is a regression in the testes weight with age and it is more intense in Cobb® Mx roosters with lower BW. Furthermore, it is concluded that the BW positively influences the testes weight and histological quality of the testes. COS and CLS can be used with moderate potential prediction to identify roosters with low testes weight at 45 weeks of age.(AU)

Em galos de matriz pesada sabe-se que o peso dos testículos pode ser associado positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e que alterações nos testículos irão refletir na fertilidade. Nas aves, os testículos estão localizados dentro da cavidade celomática, e, portanto, não são acessíveis para exame andrológico direto, como em mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos se baseia principalmente em características fenotípicas. Buscou-se avaliar o potencial de associação de alguns parâmetros fenotípicos, como peso corporal (PC), escores de crista (ECR), escores de cloaca (ECL) e escores de pés (EP), com parâmetros morfológicos de testículos em galos Cobb® Mx em duas idades (25 e 45 semanas de idade). Galos leves apresentaram menor peso testicular (PT), menor diâmetro de túbulo seminífero (DT), e menores ECR e ECL que galos médios e pesados (P≤0.05). Galos pesados apresentaram os maiores ECR e maiores valores para altura do epitélio seminífero (AE), e DT. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as categorias de peso para escores de pé e proporções de túbulo seminífero (TS) e interstício (INT). Considerando-se o efeito da idade, galos com 45 semanas de idade apresentaram menores PT e TS que galos com 25 semanas de idade. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi encontrada entre peso de testículo e características fenotípicas como ECR, ECL e PC em galos de 45 semanas de idade. Foi encontrada correlação positiva, moderada e significativa entre PC e características testiculares como DT e AE nas duas idades avaliadas. Conclui-se que em galos Cobb® Mx ocorre regressão do testículo com o avanço da idade, e ela é mais intensa em galos com menor peso corporal. Conclui-se que o PC tem influência positiva no peso e índices histomorfométricos dos testículos, e que escores de crista e de cloaca podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos em galos com 45 semanas de idade.(AU)

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We evaluated the live weight (LW), morphological and testicular measures and their correlations in 31 Mediterranean buffaloes at three ages. We used seven animals at 8 months of age (T1), 13 animals at the age of 10 months (T2), and 11 animals at the age of 12 months (T3) coming from a farm of the Coastal Lowlands of Rio de Janeiro. The following morphometric measurements and testes were evaluated: rump height (RH), withers height (WH), rump length (RL), round thickness (RT), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular length (TL), testicular width (TW). Testicular volume (TV) and body mass index (BMI) were also calculated. The testicular form was determined by the ratio between the TW and TL. We found the following means for the variables LW (240.57 ± 18.36; 259.38 ± 28.66; and 331.82 ± 63.23), WH (113.28 ± 2.44; 116.23 ± 4.74; and 121.45 ± 6.95cm), RH (116.07 ± 3.09; 117.54 ± 4.97; and 125.45 ± 6.92 cm), RL (34.86 ± 2.03; 36.35 ± 2.80; and 38.09 ± 3.24 cm), RT (39.07 ± 2.22; 40 ± 2.37; and 42.91 ± 3.97cm), BMI (187.37 ± 11.45; 191.69 ± 14.61; and 222.39 ± 23.57) regarding the treatments T1, T2, and T3, respectively. We found the following means for the variables SC (17.43±1.81; 19.08±1.98; and 22.11±3.25 cm), TL (8.28 ± 0.99; 9.27 ± 1.33; and 10.68 ± 1.47 cm), TW (3.25 ± 0.25; 3.90 ± 0.58; and 4.66 ± 0.80cm), and TV (109.43 ± 24.93; 198.36 ± 87.08; and 343.83 ± 183.04 cm3 ) regarding the treatments T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The predominant form in all treatments was long. There was no difference between the T1 and T2 for the studied variables. T3 had higher averages for LW, BMI, RH, SC, TV, and TW. For the variables WH, RL, TL, and RT there was no difference between T2 and T3. There was a correlation between measurements and testicular measures WH, RH, and RL and between SC and TV, TL, and TW.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho analisar o peso vivo (PV), as medidas morfométricas e testiculares e suas correlações entre si em 31 búfalos Mediterrâneo em três idades. Foram utilizados sete animais de 8 meses (T1), treze de 10 meses (T2) e onze de 12 meses (T3), de uma propriedade da Baixada Litorânea do Rio de Janeiro. As medidas morfométricas e testiculares avaliadas foram: altura da garupa (AG), altura da cernelha (AC), comprimento da garupa (CG), espessura de coxão (ECX), circunferência escrotal (CE), comprimento testicular (CT) e largura testicular (LT). Foram calculados o volume testicular (VT) e o índice de massa corpórea (IMC), e foi determinada a forma testicular pela razão entre a LT e o CT. Foram encontradas as médias para das variáveis PV (240,57 ± 18,36; 259,38±28,66 e 331,82 ± 63,23), AC (113,28 ± 2,44; 116,23 ± 4,74 e 121,45 ± 6,95 cm), AG (116,07 ± 3,09; 117,54 ± 4,97 e 125,45 ± 6,92 cm), CG (34,86 ± 2,03; 36,35 ± 2,80 e 38,09 ± 3,24 cm), ECX (39,07 ± 2,22; 40 ± 2,37 e 42,91 ± 3,97 cm), IMC (187,37 ± 11,45; 191,69 ± 14,61 e 222,39 ± 23,57) para os tratamentos T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Foram encontradas médias para as variáveis CE (17,43±1,81; 19,08±1,98 e 22,11 ± 3,25 cm), CT (8,28 ± 0,99; 9,27 ± 1,33 e 10,68 ± 1,47 cm), LT (3,25 ± 0,25; 3,90 ± 0,58 e 4,66 ± 0,80 cm) e VT (109,43 ± 24,93, 198,36 ± 87,08 e 343,83 ± 183,04 cm3) para os tratamentos T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. A forma predominante para todos os tratamentos foi o Longo. Não houve diferença entre as médias dos tratamentos 1 e 2 para nenhuma das variáveis estudadas. Para as variáveis PV, AG e IMC, CE, LT e VT o tratamento3 apresentou as maiores médias. Para as variáveis AC, CG, ECX e CT não houve diferença entre os tratamentos 2 e 3. Houve correlação entre todas as medidas testiculares e as medidas de AC, AG e CG e entre CE e VT, CT, LT.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the racial crossing on scrotum-testicular biometric characteristics of four sheep Santa Ines and four crossbred (Santa Ines x Dorper) submitted to scrotal insulation, following the return of these characteristics to values previously reported. For this, two measurements were made regarding the scrotal circumference (SC), length (L) and testicular width (W) before treatments. The testicular volume (V) was calculated by the formula V=2 [(r2) x π x H]. The pouches were made with double-layer plastic, internally lined with cotton, and fixed around the spermatic funiculus and scrotum with adhesive tape and bandage remaining in this position for seven days. Measurements were made every seven days, totaling 15 measurements throughout the experiment. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to a randomized block design with two blocks, 15 treatments and four replications. The variables analyzed were subjected to Dunnett test at 5% probability, to compare the values obtained before and after insulation. For comparison between the breeds, the variables were submitted to Tukey test at 5% probability. All animals studied suffered significant influence (P<0.05) after scrotal insulation, but Santa Ines returned to the values previously observed in a shorter period than the crossbred. In summary, sheep Santa Ines have a higher resistance than crossbred animals when subjected to thermal stress induced by scrotal insulation.(AU)

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o efeito do cruzamento sobre as características biométricas escroto-testiculares de carneiros da raça Santa Inês e mestiços (Santa Inês x Dorper), submetidos à insulação escrotal, acompanhando o retorno dessas características aos valores previamente observados. Para isso, foram realizadas duas mensurações referentes à circunferência escrotal (CE), comprimento (C) e largura testicular (L), antes da insulação. O volume testicular (V) foi calculado pela fórmula V=2 [(r2) x π x h]. As bolsas de insulação foram fixadas ao redor do funículo espermático e escroto com fita adesiva e esparadrapo, permanecendo por sete dias. Após o período de insulação, as mensurações foram realizadas a cada sete dias, totalizando 15 mensurações durante todo o experimento. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) para um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com dois blocos, 15 tratamentos e quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram submetidas ao teste de Dunnett a 5% de probabilidade, para comparar os valores obtidos antes e após a insulação. Para a comparação entre as raças, as variáveis foram submetidas ao teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Todos os animais estudados sofreram influência significativa (P<0,05) após a insulação escrotal, porém os carneiros da raça Santa Inês retornaram aos valores anteriormente observados em um espaço de tempo mais curto do que os mestiços. Conclui-se que carneiros da raça Santa Inês apresentam maior resistência do que animais mestiços quando submetidos ao estresse térmico induzido pela insulação escrotal.(AU)

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The pampas cat Leopardus colocolo (Molina, 1782) is a species of the Felidae family, widely distributed in South America, included on CITES Appendix II and classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with population trend decreasing. Based on this information, the objective of this study is to describe morphologically the testes and epididymal ducts of pampas cat. The animal, coming from the Federal University of Mato Grosso Zoo, Brazil, had died after anesthesia procedure and the male reproductive system was dissected to collect the testicles. The samples taken were fragmented and histologically examined. From the microscopic analysis of the testes were identified: vaginal and tunica albuginea, formed by dense connective tissue modeled with large amount of collagen fibers. The tunica albuginea fibrous septa emits into the body. The seminiferous tubules are coiled and coated internally by spermatogenic epithelium consisting of Sertoli cells, surrounded by a basement membrane in the presence of myoid cells. The interstitial tissue between the seminiferous tubules, is composed of loose connective tissue, blood and lymph vessels, and Leydig cells in polyhedral shape. The epididymal ducts showed pseudostratified columnar epithelium with secretory cells of which stereocilia design, situated on a basement membrane filled by myoid cells. This epithelium has principal and basal cells, the main cell design stereocilia toward the lumen of the epididymal duct.(AU)

O gato-palheiro Leopardus colocolo (Molina, 1782) é uma espécie da família Felidae, com ampla distribuição na América do Sul. Está incluido no Appendix II da CITES e classificada como Próxima da Extinção na Lista Vermelha da IUCN, apresentando população em decrescimo. Com base nessas informações o objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar morfologicamente os testículos e ductos epididimários de L. colocolo. O animal, oriundo do Zoológico da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Brasil, veio a óbito após procedimento anestésico e o sistema reprodutor masculino foi dissecado para coleta dos testículos. As amostras retiradas foram fragmentadas e histologicamente examinadas. A partir das análises microscópicas dos testículos foram identificados: a túnica vaginal e albugínea, formada por tecido conjuntivo denso modelado, com grande quantidade de fibras de colágeno. A túnica albugínea emite septos fibrosos para o interior do órgão. Os túbulos seminíferos são enovelados e revestidos internamente por epitélio estratificado constituído por células espermatogênicas e células somáticas de Sertoli, envolvidos por uma membrana basal com presença de células mioides. O tecido intersticial, entre os túbulos seminíferos, é constituído de tecido conjuntivo do tipo frouxo com vasos sanguíneos e linfáticos, e células de Leydig em formato poliédrico. Os ductos epididimários apresentaram epitélio cilíndrico pseudoestratificado com células secretoras dos quais projetam estereocílios, situados sobre uma membrana basal repleta por células mióides. Este epitélio apresenta células principais e basais, cujas células principais projetam estereocílios em direção ao lúmen do ducto epididimário.(AU)

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Current study investigates the effects of maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation on the testis of immature rats. Female Wistar rats were mated and, after confirming pregnancy, they were divided into two groups: undernourished group (UG) fed on a diet with casein 8%, and control group (CG) fed on a diet with casein 17 %, during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male offspring from the two experimental groups were fed on normal diet up to 35 days old when they were euthanized. Body and testicular weights decreased in UG when compared to those in CG. Volumetric density of seminiferous tubules was higher in CG whilst intertubular space increased in UG. The number of lumenated seminiferous tubules was higher in CG than in UG. Tubular diameter, seminiferous epithelium height and total length of seminiferous tubules were lower in UG. Round spermatids were frequently found in seminiferous tubules cross-section of CG. On the other hand, spermatocytes I in prophases was the germ cell commonly found in seminiferous tubules cross-sections of UG. Undernutrition during pregnancy and lactation period of the male Wistar rats altered the morphometric testicular parameters related to tubular compartment and delayed the onset of spermatogenesis.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da restrição proteica materna durante prenhez e lactação no testículo de ratos imaturos. Fêmeas de ratos Wistar foram acasaladas e, uma vez confirmada a gestação, foram divididas em dois grupos e alimentadas durante a prenhez e a lactação: grupo desnutrido (GD), dieta com caseína 8%, e grupo controle (GC), dieta com caseína 17%. Após o desmame, os machos de ambas as proles receberam a dieta normal até os 35 dias de idade, quando ocorreu a eutanásia. O peso corporal e o peso testicular diminuíram no GD com relação ao GC. A densidade volumétrica dos túbulos seminíferos foi maior no GC, assim como o espaço intertubular aumentou no GD. O número de túbulos seminíferos luminados foi maior no GC comparado ao GD. Diâmetro tubular, altura do epitélio seminífero e comprimento total dos túbulos seminíferos diminuíram no GD. Espermátides arredondadas foram frequentemente encontradas nas seções transversais do GC. Por outro lado, espermatócitos I em prófase foram o tipo celular mais frequentemente encontrado no GD. A desnutrição durante a gestação e a lactação em ratos Wistar machos alteraram parâmetros morfométricos testiculares relacionados ao compartimento tubular e atrasou o início da espermatogênese.

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Em galos de matriz pesada, o peso dos testículos se associa positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e com a fertilidade. Contudo, os testículos de aves se localizam na cavidade abdominal, não sendo acessíveis para exame andrológico como os testículos de mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos de matriz pesada é subjetiva e se baseia em características como peso corporal (PC), qualidade de pés e pernas e morfologia de cloaca e crista. Estudos que validem o potencial de associação dessas características fenotípicas com parâmetros da morfometria testicular são raros, principalmente quando se consideram galos de matriz pesada manejados em lotes comerciais. Escores de cloaca e de crista e parâmetros da morfometria testicular foram avaliados em galos Cobb 500 Slow adultos das categorias de PC leve (<4,300kg), médio (entre 4,300 e 5,250kg) e pesado (≥5,250kg). O coeficiente de variação para PC foi de 12%. Os galos da categoria de PC pesado apresentaram testículos mais pesados e maiores escores de cloaca e de crista do que os galos da categoria de PC leve. Não houve diferença estatística entre as categorias de PC, considerando-se índice gonadossomático, porcentagens de túbulo seminífero e de tecido intersticial, diâmetro de túbulo seminífero e altura de epitélio seminífero. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi observada entre peso de testículo e características de PC, escores de cloaca e de crista, diâmetro de túbulo seminífero e altura de epitélio seminífero. Um dos seis galos da categoria de PC leve avaliados quanto à histologia de testículo apresentou atrofia testicular. Em galos Cobb 500 Slow, conclui-se que o PC influencia o peso e a qualidade histológica de testículos e que os escores de cloaca e de crista podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos...

In broiler breeder roosters the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. However, the avian testes are located in the abdominal cavity, not being accessible for reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of broiler breeder roosters is subjective and is based on characteristics such as body weight (BW), quality of feet and legs and morphology of cloaca and comb. Studies that validate the potential of associating these phenotype characteristics with testicular morphometric parameters are rare, especially when broiler breeder roosters of commercial flocks are considered. Cloaca and comb scores and testicular morphometric parameters were evaluated in adult Cobb 500 Slow roosters with low (<4.300kg), medium (between 4.300 and 5.250kg) and high (≥5.250kg) BW categories. The coefficient of variation for BW was 12%. The high BW roosters have heavier testes and higher cloaca and comb scores than the low BW roosters. There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in gonadosomatic index, percentage of seminiferous tubule and interstitial tissue, diameter of the seminiferous tubule and height of the seminiferous epithelium. Testis weight is positive, moderate and significantly correlated with BW, cloaca and comb scores, diameter of seminiferous tubule and height of seminiferous epithelium. One of six low BW roosters evaluated for histology of the testis had testicular atrophy. We conclude that in Cobb 500 Slow roosters BW influences the weight and histological quality of the testes. Besides this, cloaca and comb scores can be used with moderate prediction potential to identify roosters with underweight testes...

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Biological studies are necessary for the management of wildlife in captivity, and knowledge of reproduction is one of the important features for increasing production. The objective of the research was to determine the age at which male collared peccaries reach puberty. Testicular samples of 15 animals, aged 7 to 16 months, distributed into five groups (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5) were used. The testes showed considerably increased weight, length and width (p < 0.05) from G1 to G3, whereas, from this group onward, the development of this organ was slower. There was positive correlation (p < 0.001) between the following testicular parameters: weight and length (r = 0.97), weight and width (r = 0.88), length and width (r = 0.92). Regarding the diameter of seminiferous tubules, an increase was observed (p < 0.05) from G1 to G4. The total number of spermatogenic cells increased significantly (p < 0.05) until G3 and then it stabilized. There was also positive correlation between testis weight and tubular diameter (r = 0.99, p < 0.001), and testis weight and spermatogenic cells (r = 0.98, p < 0.001). The number of Sertoli cells decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from G1, when they were undifferentiated as support cells, to G5, when they occurred together with the complete line of spermatic cells. The results demonstrate that the reproductive development of peccaries can be classified into the following stages: impuberty (G1, 7-8 months); pre-pubertal (G2, 9-10 months); pubertal (G3, 11-12 months); post-pubertal 1 (G4, 13-14 months); and post-pubertal 2 (G5, 15-16 months). Based on the histological analyses, puberty in the male collared peccary was determined to occur between 11 and 12 months of age.

Estudos biológicos são necessários para o manejo da vida silvestre em cativeiro, e o conhecimento da reprodução é um dos aspectos importantes para o aumento da produção. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a idade da puberdade do cateto macho. Foram utilizadas amostras testiculares de 15 animais, entre 7 a 16 meses, distribuídos em cinco grupos (G1, G2, G3, G4 e G5). Os testículos aumentaram no peso, comprimento e largura consideravelmente (p < 0,05) do G1 ao G3, enquanto que, a partir deste grupo, o desenvolvimento desse órgão foi mais lento. Houve correlação positiva (p < 0,001) entre os seguintes parâmetros testiculares: peso e comprimento (r = 0,97), peso e largura (r = 0,88), comprimento e largura (r = 0,92). Com relação ao diâmetro tubular, observou-se um aumento (p < 0,05) do G1 ao G4. A quantidade total de células espermatogênicas aumentou significativamente (p < 0,05) até o G3, e se estabilizou a partir deste grupo. Houve correlação positiva entre o peso testicular e o diâmetro tubular (r = 0,99, p < 0,001), bem como o peso testicular e as células espermatogênicas (r = 0,98, p < 0,001). A quantidade de células de Sertoli reduziu significativamente (p < 0,05) do G1, onde se encontravam indiferenciadas como células de suporte, até G5, onde foram observadas juntamente com todas as células da linhagem espermática. Estes resultados demonstraram que as fases do desenvolvimento reprodutivo de catetos podem ser classificadas em: impúbere (G1, 7-8 meses), pré-púbere (G2, 9-10 meses), púbere (G3, 11-12 meses), pós-púbere 1 (G4, 13-14 meses) e pós-púbere 2 (G5, 15-16 meses). Com base na análise histológica, a puberdade dos catetos machos ocorre entre 11 e 12 meses de idade.

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A buchinha-do-norte (Luffa operculata, Cucurbitaceae) é usada, popularmente, para aliviar sintomas da sinusite. Informações a respeito da influência da administração da planta sobre o comportamento e sobre o sistema reprodutor de machos não são conhecidas. O presente estudo visou à verificação da influência da aplicação do extrato aquoso de buchinha-do-norte (EBN) em ratos Wistar adultos em relação ao comportamento e ao sistema reprodutor. Foram usados o campo aberto (CA) e o teste claro-escuro (TCE) para avaliação comportamental. Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos, o grupo de controle (GC) e o grupo experimental (GE). O GE recebeu 1,0 mg/kg por dia de EBN, via oral, durante cinco dias consecutivos, enquanto o GC recebeu água. Após este período, cada animal foi avaliado em CA e em TCE por três min. Depois, os animais foram eutanasiados e os testículos esquerdos foram retirados. No campo aberto, os animais do GE apresentaram diminuição na locomoção e permaneceram menos tempo no centro do aparato, demonstrando uma possível ansiedade. No teste claro-escuro, os animais do GE mostraram maior dificuldade de passar para o lado claro do aparato, com maior permanência no lado escuro, menor deslocamento em ambos os lados, além de terem trocado menos de lado. Estas características podem estar relacionadas ao aparecimento de ansiedade no GE. O peso dos testículos, os pesos relativos, o volume testicular e os eixos craniocaudal e látero-lateral apresentaram aumento em relação ao GC. Alterações microscópicas também foram observadas no parênquima, na luz e no diâmetro dos túbulos seminíferos. A administração de EBN alterou de modo significativo a ansiedade, a locomoção e os testículos de ratos.

Buchinha-do-norte (Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn., Cucurbitaceae) is popularly used to relieve symptoms of sinusitis, although information on the influence of plant administration over behavior and over the male reproductive system is scarce in the literature and extremely prospective. The present study aims to fulfill the gap of information focusing on quantitatively overseeing the question.The strategy was to observe rat locomotion and anxiety in the open field (OF) and in the light-dark test (LDT), and then observe the macroscopical and microscopical alterations on rats testis. Rats were divided into two groups, control (GC) and experimental (GE). GE received 1.0 mg/kg per day of EBN, orally, for five consecutive days, while GC received water following the same posology. In the 6th day, each animal was evaluated in OF and in LDT for three min each apparatus. Afterwards, the animals were euthanized and the left testicles were removed. In the OF, GE animals showed decreased locomotion and remained less time in the center of the apparatus, demonstrating a possible anxiety. In the LDT, GE animals showed significant difficulty in moving into the light side of the device, remained longer in the dark side, less displacement on both sides and less transitions between sides. These characteristics may be related to the occurrence of anxiety in the GE induced by the EBN administration. Testicle weights, relative weights, testicular volume, cranio-caudal and laterolateral axes presented an increase in relation to the CG. Microscopic changes were also observed in the parenchyma, lumen and diameter of the seminiferous tubules. The administration of EBN significantly altered anxiety, locomotion and the testes of rats.

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Machos suínos reprodutores de diferentes linhagens são classificados andrologicamente pelo mesmo sistema, embora apresente diferentes taxas de crescimento e deposição de tecido muscular. Assim, o conhecimento das particularidades entre linhagens é fundamental para se elaborar um perfil de classificação andrológica para cada linhagem, tornando o processo de seleção genética mais eficiente e adequado. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de comparar o desenvolvimento corporal e testicular durante a fase pré-púbere, as características reprodutivas, como precocidade e facilidade de treinamento, e as características seminais durante a puberdade entre linhagens puras e cruzadas. Para tanto, foram analisadas duas raças de animais puros destinados ao cruzamento das linhas fêmeas, denominados grupo de animais puros linha materna (LM), e duas linhagens de machos terminadores que foram denominados de animais cruzados linha terminadora (LT). Os animais foram avaliados quanto ao peso e medidas testiculares nas primeira, terceira e décima quinta semanas de vida, quanto às características reprodutivas a partir de 21 semanas de idade, e parâmetros seminais entre a 24a e 30ª semanas. Os animais cruzados LT apresentaram maiores pesos e medidas testiculares (P < 0,01) nas idades avaliadas quando comparados aos animais puros LM. Houve uma tendência (P = 0,07) para a facilidade de treinamentos dos animais cruzados LT, sendo que 97% desses machos foram bem sucedidos no treinamento, enquanto 83% dos machos puros LM conseguiram saltar no manequim. A linhagem não afetou as características seminais avaliadas: volume, concentração, número de espermatozoides totais, número de espermatozoides viáveis e motilidade. Houve diferença na porcentagem de espermatozoides normais no exame morfológico, sendo maior para os machos LT. Assim, machos cruzados LT foram mais precoces ao apresentarem parâmetros seminais como motilidade, concentração e porcentagem de espermatozoides normais superiores a 75%, 200x106/mL e 75% respectivamente na 26a semana de vida (185,5 dias) quando comparado aos machos puros LM, aprovados em idade superior a 29 semana (201,5 dias) (P < 0,01). Parâmetros da cinética do movimento, como DSL, VSL e STR, foram superiores pata LM quando comparados aos LT (P < 0,05), embora não tenham atingido valores mínimos para a espécie. Foram encontradas correlações entre peso corporal na primeira (r = 0,58; P < 0,001) e 15a (r = 0,39; P <0,05) semanas de vida e concentração espermática na 28ª semana de vida. A concentração do sêmen na 28ª semana também foi correlacionada ao comprimento do testículo direito (CTD) na terceira semana de vida (r = 0,40; P < 0,05) e a largura do testículo direito (LTD) na 15ª semana (r = 0,36; P < 0,05). Foi encontrada correlação negativa entre LTD na 15ª semana e idade de aprovação (r = - 0,32; P < 0,05) e tendência entre peso corporal à primeira semana (r = - 0,28; P = 0,08) e peso corporal à terceira semana (r = - 0,28; P = 0,08) com a idade de aprovação. Os resultados apresentados confirmam a existência de diferenças tanto de desenvolvimento corporal quanto de maturidade sexual entre linhagens puras e cruzadas. Portanto, a identificação de parâmetros andrológicos para cada linhagem, antes e após a puberdade, pode auxiliar no estabelecimento de critérios específicos para classificação ou desclassificação de varrões de alto mérito genético quanto ao seu uso na reprodução, evitando o descarte inadequado de bons machos.

Boars of different genotypes cannot be classified andrologically by the same system, since they have different growth rates and muscle tissue deposition. Thus, the use of a classification profile for each genotype makes the genetic selection process more efficient and adequate for each animal. This work was carried out with the purpose of comparing body and testicular development during the pre-pubertal phase, reproductive characteristics, such as precocity and libido, and seminal characteristics during puberty among two different strains. Two pure breeds used in the crossing of female lines (FL) and two lines of terminator cores (TL) were analyzed. Body weight and testicular measurements were taken in the first, third, and fifteenth weeks of life, reproductive characteristics were evaluated starting 21th week, and seminal parameters were collected weekly from the 24th until 30th week. Crossbred animals (TL) presented greater body weights and testicular measures (P < 0.01) compared to pure breed animals (FL). There was a trend (P = 0.07) for higher trainability of crossbred LT animals when compared to pure LM animals, as 97% of the LT males were trained, while 83% of the pure males LM were unable to mount the dummy. Genotype did not affect the seminal characteristics evaluated: volume, concentration, number of total spermatozoa, number of viable spermatozoa, motility and the percentage of normal spermatozoa in the morphological evaluation. LT crossbred males showed higher precocity and were approved in the seminal morphology evaluation at 26th week (185.5 days) compared to the pure LM that were approved latter than 29th week. Correlations were found between body weight in the first (r = 0.58, P < 0.001) and 15th (r = 0.39, P < 0.05) weeks and sperm concentration at the 28th week. Semen concentration at the 28th week was also correlated to the right testicle length (RTL) in the third week (r = 0.40, P < 0.05), right testicle width (RTW) at week 15 (r = 0.36, P < 0.05 ). There was a negative correlation between RTW at week 15 and age of approval (r = -0.32, P < 0.05) and a trend between body weight in the first week (r = - 0.28, P = 0.08) and body weight in the third week (r = - 0.28, P = 0.08) with age of approval. The results presented herein confirm the previous evidences of differences in growth development and sexual maturation between genotypes. Therefore, knowing the andrologic parameters of each genotype before and after puberty will help to establish specific high merit boars classification or declassification criteria, without the earlier and improper cull of good males

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Determinou-se o desenvolvimento testicular de caprinos pré-púberes alimentados com óleo de licuri (Syagrus coronata) na dieta. Foram utilizados 19 cabritos ¾ Boer, recém-desmamados, com média de idade de três meses. Os animais, submetidos a um período de 75 dias de confinamento, receberam alimentação composta por: farelo de milho, farelo de soja, feno picado de tifton 85 e de óleo de licuri com base na matéria seca. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: sem lipídio adicional (n= 5); com 1,5% de óleo de licuri (n= 5); com 3,0% de óleo de licuri (n= 5); e com 4,5% de óleo de licuri (n= 4). As avaliações de peso corporal e de biometria testicular foram realizadas quinzenalmente. Após o período de confinamento, os animais foram abatidos para determinação do peso dos testículos, peso dos epidídimos e índice gonadossomático. A adição de óleo de licuri em até 4,5% na dieta de caprinos pré-púberes não alterou o desenvolvimento testicular com base nas características da biometria e morfometria testicular, indicando que a inclusão de até 4,5% de óleo de licuri na dieta pode ser utilizada.

A trial was carried out to identify the best level of licury (Syagrus coronata) oil in the diet of goats. Nineteen ¾ Boer male goats at three months of age were kept in individual pens. These animals were submitted to 75 days of confinement. The rations were composed of corn and soybean meal, Tifton 85 chopped hay and levels of licury oil (dry matter base). The animals were arranged in four groups according to the addition of licury oil to the diet: 0.0 (no oil inclusion, n= 5); or addition of 1.5 (n= 5); 3.0 (n= 5); or 4.5% licury oil. The evaluations of mean body weight and testicular biometry were performed weekly. After confinement, animals were slaughtered and the weight of the left and right testicles, left and right epididymal weight; and gonadosomatic index were determined. The addition of licury oil up to 4.5% to the diet of prepuberal male goats has not change the testicular development based on its biometrical and morphometrical parameters. It is suggested that licury oil can be added up to 4.5% to the diet of male goats.

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O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o crescimento testicular e biometria testicular in vivo e postmorten em bovinos de raça Nelore e mestiços Nelore x Aberdeen Angus, alimentados com diferentes dietas (Silagem de cana de açúcar/bagaço de cana, cana de açúcar in natura e silagem de milho) criados em confinamento imediatamente após a desmama (oito meses de idade) até o término da fase de terminação (15 meses). Foram utilizados 112 tourinhos da raça Nelore e mestiços Nelore x Aberdeen Angus (nos três experimentos) com idade média entre oito a nove meses e peso corporal de 230 a 270 kg. Este estudo foi conduzido em três fases. Nos experimentos 1 e 2, o manejo dos animais foi conduzido em seis baias coletivas, e no experimento 3 o manejo dos animais foi conduzido em baias individuais. Nas duas primeiras fases experimentais o manejo foi em baias equipadas com sistema de porteiras eletrônicas (tipo Calan Gate) que permitiam acesso ao cocho individualmente. Em todas as baias a água foi fornecida ad libitum. Foram r

The objective of this study was to evaluate testicular growth and testicular biometry in vivo and postmortem in Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred bovine fed with different diets (Sugarcane silage / sugarcane bagasse, sugar cane in natura and corn silage) created in feedlot immediately after weaning (eight months old) until the end of the finishing period (15 months). A total of 112 Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbreds bulls were used (in the three experiments) with mean ages between eight and nine months and with body weights between 230 to 270 kg. This study was conducted in three phases. In experiments 1 and 2, the management of the animals was conducted in six collective pens, and in experiment 3 the management of the animals was conducted in individual pens. In the first two experimental phases, the management was in pens equipped with electronic gate system (Calan Gate type) that allowed access to the trough individually. The water was supplied ad libitum in all the pens. Measurements of testicular biometrics, scrotal circumference (SC), left testicular length (LTL) and right (RTL), left testicle width (LTW) and right width (RTW) of all the animals were performed at 28-day intervals during the experimental period and after slaughter. After obtaining the gonads, two testicular fragments were collected per animal and stored in Bouin fixative solution for 18 hours; the fragments were transferred and conditioned in 70% alcohol. Subsequently, the testicular fragments were submitted to the dehydration process in alcoholic solutions in increasing and successive concentrations each 60 minutes. After dehydration, the fragments were soaked in xylol and embedded in paraffin. Then, with a microtome, the sections were cut with 4 m thickness and mounted on histological slides and stained with hematoxylin / eosin and coverslips assembled with Entellan. In Experiment I, during the growth period of bulls fed with sugarcane silage, there were differences in the body weight mean values of the animals with high performance treatment in the growth period in relation to the values obtained in the treatment with low performance in the same period (p <0.05), and in the finishing period using sugar cane bagasse, the body weight and postmortem testicular biometrics mean values of the animals did not show any difference between the treatments (p> 0.05). Analyzing the tubular diameter and height of the seminiferous epithelium in the growth period there was no difference between the mean values of the animals in the different treatments (p> 0.05). However, when comparing the growth and finishing period, there was a difference between the mean values of the seminiferous tubule diameters (p <0.05), being higher in the finishing period. The seminiferous epithelium height mean values of the animals in the treatment with low performance in the growth period and high performance in the finishing period (BA) were higher than the values presented by the bulls in the growth period (p <0.05 ). There was a difference in the body weight of the high performance treatment in the growth period in relation to the other treatments (p <0.05). There was no difference in mean values for scrotal circumference at the age of 10 - 11 months old for Nellore bulls in high performance treatment during the growth period and high performance in the finishing period (AA) and average performance in the growing period and high performance in the finishing period (MA). The BA treatment differed from the AA treatment at the same age (p <0.05). There was a difference in the finishing period at 16 - 17 months of age in relation to the other treatments (p <0.05). In experiment II, there was no difference between body weight and postmortem testicular biometries (p> 0.05). Regarding the tubule diameter and height of the seminiferous epithelium, there was no difference between the means obtained in the different treatments (p> 0.05). There was a difference in body weight in treatment B compared to treatment C for 11-12 and over 13 months of animals age (p <0.05). There was a difference in the scrotal circumference of Nellore bulls above 13 months of age in relation to the 9 - 10 and 11 - 12 months of conventional diet treatment, 100% supply of Ca, P and micromineral requirements (A), conventional diet to supply 100% of the requirements of microminerals, and without the addition of limestone and dicalcium phosphate (C) and conventional diet without the addition of limestone, dicalcium phosphate and premix micromineral (D). In experiment III, the animals of the treatment with 14% CP presented higher body weight means values compared to those with 10% of CP and the means obtained from the animals submitted to the maintenance diet with 12% of CP did not differ from the animals submitted to diets with 10 and 14% CP (p> 0.05). The postmortem testicular biometry mean values in the animals treated with 10, 12 and 14% CP were higher than the values obtained for the maintenance treatment animals with 12% CP (p <0.05). There was a significant interaction between ages with body weight. The body weight of the 10, 12 and 14% crude protein treatments for Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus bulls was higher when compared to the maintenance treatment. The body weight mean values of 12 and 14% crude protein treatments for Nellore bulls did not differ among them (p> 0.05), but the mean values obtained for the treatments with maintenance diet differed from the other means obtained in the other evaluated treatments (p <0.05). The interaction between age and race for body weight differed for Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus bulls at 14 and 16 months of age, when compared to the other age treatments (p <0.05). The scrotal circumference of 10, 12, 14% and maintenance treatments did not differ when evaluated by age treatment (p> 0.05). The age range of 14 - 16 months treatments with 12, 14% and maintenance diets differed when compared to the other age treatment (p <0.05). However, there was no difference in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) obtained for the animals in the different diets (p> 0.05). Analyzing the effect of genetic groups, the values obtained for body weight, left testicle length, left testicle width, left testicle volume, right testicle length, right testicle width and testicular volume were higher for Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred bulls compared to Nellore bulls (p <0.05). Other postmortem characteristics such as, right testicular volume, testicular weight with and without epididymis were not shown to be different among genetic groups (p> 0.05). There was a difference in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and height of seminiferous epithelium in animals fed with 14% CP (p <0.05). However, there was no difference (p> 0.05) in the mean values obtained in 10, 14% CP and the maintenance (12% CP) treatments. There was an interaction of genetic groups with body weight (p <0.05). The body weight mean values of the animals with 10 and 12% CP treatments were higher in Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred animals than those obtained for Nellore bulls (p <0.05). When compared the crude protein concentration in relation to the body weight of the Nellore and Nellore crossbreds bulls, the mean values obtained were higher for the animals treated with 10, 12 and 14 % CP when compared to the treatment animals with maintenance diet 12% CP (p <0.05). The gonadosomatic index for the maintenance treatment 12% CP was higher for Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred bulls than the Nellore bulls (p <0.05). In the second chapter: The objective of this study was to compare eight nonlinear models to describe the growth curve of the scrotal circumference (SC) as a function of age in Nellore bulls in extensive management. In the analysis, 32,635 scrotal circumference measurements were performed from 12,974 Nellore bulls with a mean age of 18 months up to 170 months of age. The nonlinear models Logistic, Brody, Gompertz, Richards, Von Bertalanffy, Tanaka, Negative Exponential and Janoschek and their parameters obtained by the Gauss-Newton interactive method were used to estimate the parameters for each nonlinear model, and were evaluated using Proc NLIN from the Statistical Analysis System. The Brody model was chosen to analyze the effects of the origin place and the birth year of the animals on the parameters A and k. The Richards and Janoschek models did not converge. The A parameter (asymptote) was similar for Logistic (39.87), Brody (39.95), Gompertz (39.91), Von Bertalanffy (39.92) and Negative Exponential (39.65) models. The logistic model estimated the highest value for B parameter (1,25), followed by the Gompertz (1,00), Brody (0,80), Von Bertalanffy (0,31) and Tanaka (0,20) models. The k parameter (maturity rate) presented the highest estimate for the logistic model (0.00264), followed by the Gompertz (0.00245), Von Bertalanffy (0.00238) and Brody (0.00226) models. The Tanaka model estimated the inflection point at 596 days of age with 31.03 cm of scrotal circumference. The Tanaka model had the best fit estimates among the evaluated models. The highest R2 was observed by the Tanaka model (0.432). The asymptotic models presented similar R2 mean values. All nonlinear models presented similar values of error sum of squares (ESS), average prediction error (APE) and mean absolute deviation (MAD). The place and year of birth showed a significant effect on the parameters A and k. In general, all the models presented some tendency to sub or overestimate the scrotal perimeter. The results obtained allowed the conclusion that the Brody model was the most adequate to describe the scrotal circumference according to the age of Nellore bulls raised in extensive management

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Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da geleia real na qualidade seminal e na morfometria testicular de coelhos. Quatorze coelhos adultos da raça Nova Zelândia foram distribuídos em três grupos: com administração diária de 1mL de água, via oral (SG); administração diária de 0,5mg (0,5G) de geleia real diluída em 1mL de água, via oral; e administração diária de 1,0mL (1,0G) de geleia real diluída em 1mL de água, via oral. O fornecimento de geleia real foi iniciado 30 dias antes das coletas de sêmen, permanecendo durante todo o período de coleta, totalizando 90 dias. Utilizou-se o método da vagina artificial para coleta de sêmen. Foram avaliados os parâmetros físicos e morfológicos do sêmen e os parâmetros de morfometria testicular. Houve diferença no volume seminal do 0,5G (0,54±0,22) em relação ao SG (0,39±0,13) e ao 1,0G (0,30±0,09) (P<0,05). Para os grupos SG, 0,5G e 1,0G, não houve diferença (P>0,05) para turbilhonamento espermático, concentração espermática, motilidade progressiva e vigor espermático. Os defeitos maiores no grupo 0,5G (8,52±3,26) foram menores do que nos grupos SG (14,09±4,26) e 1,0G (16,1±3,95) (P<0,05). Não houve diferença entre os defeitos menores e os defeitos totais (P>0,05). Os pesos corporal, testicular, epididimário e o índice gonadossomático não diferiram entre os grupos (P>0,05). A ingestão diária de 0,5mg de geleia real apresentou efeitos positivos na morfologia espermática de coelhos.

A trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of royal jelly on the seminal quality and testicular morphometry of rabbits. Fourteen mature rabbits of New Zealand breed were distributed between three groups. The first group was supplied with 1mL of water only (SG), the second group was supplied with 0.5mg of royal jelly diluted in 1mL of water (0.5G), and the third group was supplied with 1mg of royal jelly also diluted in 1mL of water (1.0G). The royal jelly supply started 30 days before semen collection and lasted the entire experimental period. An artificial vagina was used to collect the rabbits' semen. Physical and morphological parameters in the semen and the testicular morphometry were evaluated. Differences were found on the seminal volume in group 0.5G(0,54±0,22) in relation to SG (0,39±0,13) and 1.0G (0,30±0,09) groups (P<0.05). For SG, 0.5G and 1.0G groups, no differences (P>0.05) were found in sperm concentration, gross motility, individual motility and vigor. The total of primary defects in group 0.5G (8,52±3,26) was lower than in groups SG (14,09±4,2) and 1.0G (16,1±3,95) (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between secondary defects and the total defects on the semen (P>0.05). Body, testicular and epididymal weights did not differ between groups, as well to the gonadosomatic index (P>0.05). The ingestion of royal jelly produced positive results on the seminal production of males.

Resumo

Dados de bovinos compostos foram analisados para avaliar o efeito da epistasia nos modelos de avaliação genética. As características analisadas foram os pesos aos 205 (P205) e 390 dias (P390) e perímetro escrotal aos 390 dias (PE390). As análises foram realizadas pela metodologia de máxima verossimilhança considerando-se dois modelos: o modelo 1 incluiu como covariáveis os efeitos aditivos diretos e maternos, e os não aditivos das heterozigoses para os efeitos diretos e para o materno total, e o modelo 2 considerou também o efeito direto de epistasia. Para comparação dos modelos, foram utilizados o critério de informação de Akaike (AIC) e o critério de informação Bayesiano de Schwartz (BIC), e o teste de razão de verossimilhança. A inclusão da epistasia no modelo de avaliação genética pouco alterou as estimativas de componentes de (co)variâncias genéticas aditivas e, consequentemente, as herdabilidades. O teste de verossimilhança e o critério de Akaike sugeriram que o modelo 2, que inclui a epistasia, apresentou maior aderência aos dados para todas as características analisadas. O critério BIC indicou este modelo como o melhor apenas para P205. Para análise genética dessa população, o modelo que considerou o efeito de epistasia foi o mais adequado.

Composite bovine data was analyzed with the objective of evaluating the effect of the epistasis parameter in the models of genetic evaluation. The analyzed characteristics were weight at 205 (W205) and 390 days (P390), and scrotal circumference at 390 days (SC390). The analysis were done by the maximum likelihood method, considering two models: model 1, which included as covariates the direct and maternal additive effects, and non-additive of the heterozygosis for the direct and total maternal, and model 2, which also considered the direct epistasis direct. The Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and the Bayesiano of Schwartz Information Criteria (BIC) were used for the comparison of the models and the test of ratio of likelihood. The inclusion of the epistasis effects on the model of the genetic evaluation did not alter much the estimation of the genetic additive (co)variances components and, consequently the heritability. However, it was significantly superior by the likelihood ratio test for the studied characteristics. Through the BIC, model 2 was more adequate only for W205. For the genetic analysis of that population the model that considers the epitasis is the more adequate.

Resumo

The aim of this study was to evaluate Campolina stallions testicular measurements in relation to their age and body weight. The right and left testecal mesurements used a pair of compasses to determine length (RL, LL), width (RW, LW), height (RH, LH), and total scrotal width (STW). Twenty five stallions were evaluated and classified into three age groups: Group I ( 60 months), Group II (>60 e 120 months), and Group III (> 120 months). The biometric testicular parameters for Group I were: 10.0 ± 1.5 cm (RL); 10.1 ± 1.2 cm (LL); 5.8 ± 0.5 cm (RW); 6.2 ± 0.6 cm (LW); 6.6 ± 0.8 cm (RH); 7.0 ± 0.8 cm (LH); 10.6 ± 1.0 cm (STW). The testicular measurements for GII were: 10.9 ± 1.1 cm (RL); 10.4 ± 0.8 cm (LL); 6.5 ± 0.5 cm (RW); 6.8 ± 0.6 cm (LW); 7.5 ± 1.0 cm (RH); 7.8 ± 0.5 cm (LH); 12.0 ± 1.0 cm (STW). For GIII the same measurements were: 9.8 ± 0.8 cm (RL); 10.3 ± 0.5 cm (LL); 7.0 ± 0.8 cm (RW); 7.4 ± 0.8 cm (LW); 7.1 ± 0.7 cm (RH); 7.6 ± 1.1 cm (LH); 11.9 ± 0.8 cm (STW). The length, width and height of the left and right testis did not differ significantly from stallions measured. The average width of the testis was the only measurement that differ between stallions from group I and stallions from group II and III (P 005). Total scrotal width had medium correlation with age (r = 0.42, P 0.05), and poor correlation with body weight (r=0.34, P>0.05).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a biometria testicular de garanhões Campolina, correlacionando-a com a idade e peso corporal do animal. Foram realizadas medidas lineares dos testículos direito e esquerdo de comprimento (CD, CE), largura (LD, LE), altura (HD, HE), e a largura escrotal total (LET). Vinte e cinco garanhões foram avaliados e divididos em três grupos etários: Grupo I ( 60 meses), Grupo II (>60 e 120 meses) e Grupo III (> 120 meses). Os parâmetros de biometria testicular no GI foram: 10,0 ± 1,5 cm (CD); 10,1 ± 1,2 cm (CE); 5,8 ± 0,5 cm (LD); 6,2 ± 0,6 cm (LE); 6,6 ± 0,8 cm (HD); 7,0 ± 0,8 cm (HE); 10,6 ± 1,0 cm (LET). As medidas do GII foram: 10,9 ± 1,1 cm (CD); 10,4 ± 0,8 cm (CE); 6,5 ± 0,5 cm (LD); 6,8 ± 0,6 cm (LE); 7,5 ± 1,0 cm (HD); 7,8 ± 0,5 cm (HE); 12,0 ± 1,0 cm (LET). No GIII foram: 9,8 ± 0,8 cm (CD); 10,3 ± 0,5 cm (CE); 7,0 ± 0,8 cm (LD); 7,4 ± 0,8 cm (LE); 7,1 ± 0,7 cm (HD); 7,6 ± 1,1 cm (HE); 11,9 ± 0,8 cm (LET). Não houve diferença entre as medidas lineares de comprimento, largura e altura, entre os testículos direito e esquerdo dos animais estudados. Das medidas testiculares lineares somente a largura testicular média no grupo I diferiu dos grupos etários II e III (P 0,05). A LET teve correlação média com a idade (r = 0,42, P 0,05) e baixa com o peso (r=0,34, P>0,05).

Resumo

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da geleia real sobre os parâmetros morfofisiológicos testiculares de camundongos (Mus musculus). Utilizaram-se 57 machos Swiss, com quatro meses de idade, distribuídos aleatoriamente em seis tratamentos: T1: solução fisiológica, via intraperitoneal; T2: 0,1mg de geleia real, via intraperitoneal; T3: 0,2mg de geleia real, via intraperitoneal; T4: água destilada, via oral; T5: 0,1mg de geleia real, via oral; e T6: 0,2mg de geleia real, via oral. Após 45 dias de suplementação com geleia real, os animais sacrificados e pesados tiveram seus testículos coletados, incluídos em parafina e corados com hematoxilina/eosina. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos quanto aos: pesos corporal e testicular, índice gonadossomático, diâmetro tubular, altura do epitélio, comprimento total dos túbulos seminíferos, comprimento tubular por grama de testículo, índices tubulossomático e leydigossomático e valores de proporção volumétrica referentes à túnica própria, epitélio seminífero, vaso sanguíneo e vaso linfático. Foi encontrada diferença entre T1 e T3 em relação aos túbulos seminíferos e ao espaço intertubular.

The effects of royal jelly on the morphophysiological parameters of mice (Mus musculus) testicles were studied. Fifty-eight male Swiss mice were evaluated. They were four-month old and were randomly distributed in six treatments: T1: physiological solution, intraperitonial route; T2: 0.1mg of royal jelly, intraperitonial route; T3: 0.2mg of royal jelly, intraperitonial route; T4: distilled water, orally; T5: 0.1mg of royal jelly, orally; and T6: 0.2mg of royal jelly, orally. After 45 days of supplementation with royal jelly, the animals were weighted, slaughtered, and the testicles collected, included in paraffin, and stained with haematoxylin-eosin. No differences among treatments were observed for: body and testicular weights, gonadossomatic index, tubular diameter, epithelial height, total length of seminiferous tubules, tubular length per testicle gram, tubulossomatic and leydigossomatic indexes and the value of volumetric proportion related to tunic, seminiferous epithelium, blood vessel, and lymphatic vessel. Differences between T1 and T3 about the seminiferous tubules and intertubular space were found.