Effect of exercise and suspensory on scrotal surface temperature in the stallion.

The research investigates how different forms of exercise and a suspensory band affect the temperature of a stallion’s scrotum. The results highlight the importance of environmental air flow in regulating scrotal surface temperature, and suggest that removing a suspensory band after exercise can help guard against potential heat damage to the sperm cells.

Research Methods and Procedures

• The study was conducted from September to November 2004, using 12 Franches-Montagnes stallions from the National Stud in Avenches, Switzerland.
• Each stallion underwent a standardized incremental treadmill and a ridden exercise test, both with and without the usage of a suspensory band.
• The intensity of the exercise was monitored via the heart rate and blood lactate concentration of the horses.
• In order to measure the scrotal surface temperature (SST), special thermistors were developed and attached to the most ventral part of the scrotum over each testis.
• The SST was recorded telemetrically at one-minute intervals.

Research Findings

• The type of exercise (treadmill or ridden) and the use of a suspensory significantly influenced the SST.
• The SST was higher on average during treadmill exercise (32.2°C) compared to ridden exercise (30.4°C).
• The differences in SST between horses with and without a suspensory band were smaller during treadmill exercises (0.4°C) compared to ridden exercises (2°C).

Implications and Recommendations

• The data suggested that the ambient airflow, which was higher during ridden exercise, is an important factor in regulating SST.
• The researchers suggest that to prevent potential thermal damage to the sperm cells, it would be advisable to remove the suspensory band immediately after exercise.