Effect of hemi-castration on testicular growth and seminal characteristics of Iraqi male goats

الملخص EN

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of hemi-castration on testicular size and semen characteristics of Iraqi local bucks.

Eighteen adult bucks aged 1.5-2.5 years, weighing 36.9-43.7 kg were used.

Animals were randomly divided into three groups (6 in each); groups 1 control group.

Animals in groups 2 and 3 were subjected to hemi-castration in left and right testicles, respectively.

Testicular circumference was measured two weeks before hemi-castration and ten weeks after.

Semen samples were collected using electro-ejaculator two weeks after hemi-castration.

Volume, color, mass motility, individual motility, percentage of live sperm, percentage of abnormal sperm and sperm concentration were analyzed immediately after collection.

Results of the present study showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in testicular circumference after hemi-castration.

Testicular circumference in left hemi-castration was higher than that in right hemi-castration.

Result also showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in semen volume, mass motility individual motility and percentage of live sperm in semen of animal without any differences between left and right hemi-castrated animals comparing with control groups.

The study concluded that hemi-castration leading to improve semen characteristics due to compensatory mechanism of the remaining testis.