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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(23); 3619; doi: 10.3390/ani13233619

Evaluation of Testicular Volume and Correlation with Sperm Production in Martina Franca Donkeys: A Parameter to Consider When Approving Breeding Jacks.

Abstract: Good sperm production is a notable requirement for subjects intended for reproduction, particularly in endangered species, and it has been demonstrated that in horse stallions, this is correlated to testicular volume. The present study, which involved Martina Franca jacks, aimed to determine whether, also in this endangered breed, there is a correlation between the total sperm number (TSN) and testicular volume. Testes were measured with both ultrasound and a caliper. Testicular volume was calculated using two different formulas: one representing the volume of an ellipsoid and one developed to describe round-shaped testicles. The average sperm concentration was 380.14 ± 254.58 × 10/mL, while the average TSN was 16.34 ± 7.76 × 10. Our findings evidenced a significant correlation (r > 0.75; < 0.05) only between sperm production and the volume calculated with the formula V (cm) = 33.57 × H - 56.57 for round-shaped testes. Moreover, significance was evidenced only for data obtained with ultrasound (VTs-us 315.03 ± 25.83 cm) but not with caliper. In conclusion, testicular volume can be suggestive of good fertility in Martina Franca jacks; thus, this parameter could be considered when selecting breeding animals.
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Publication Date: 2023-11-23 PubMed ID: 38066970PubMed Central: PMC10705640DOI: 10.3390/ani13233619Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research studied the correlation between testicular volume and sperm production in Martina Franca donkeys. The study concluded that testicular volume measured by ultrasound can suggest good fertility in these animals.

Research Objective

  • The research aimed to find the correlation between sperm production and testicular volume in Martina Franca donkeys, an endangered breed, following evidences from past studies that showed such correlation in horse stallions.

Methodology

  • The testes of the Martina Franca donkeys were measured using both ultrasound and calipers. From these measurements, the testicular volume was calculated using two different formulas – one that represents the volume of an ellipsoid and one that describes round-shaped testicles.

Findings

  • The average sperm concentration in the donkeys was recorded as 380.14 ± 254.58 × 10/mL, while the average Total Sperm Number (TSN) was 16.34 ± 7.76 × 10.
  • The study found a significant correlation between sperm production and the testicular volume calculated using the formula for round-shaped testes (r > 0.75; < 0.05).
  • The significance was evidenced only for data that was obtained through ultrasound, and not with the caliper.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that testicular volume measured through ultrasound could be a suggestive factor of fertility in Martina Franca donkeys.
  • The researchers therefore, recommended considering this parameter during the selection process of animals for breeding.

Cite This Article

APA
Bucci R, De Amicis I, Parrillo S, Robbe D, Carluccio A. (2023). Evaluation of Testicular Volume and Correlation with Sperm Production in Martina Franca Donkeys: A Parameter to Consider When Approving Breeding Jacks. Animals (Basel), 13(23), 3619. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233619

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 23
PII: 3619

Researcher Affiliations

Bucci, Roberta
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
De Amicis, Ippolito
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Parrillo, Salvatore
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Robbe, Domenico
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Carluccio, Augusto
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.

Grant Funding

  • European Union - Next Generation EU. Project Code: ECS00000041; Project CUP: C43C22000380007; Project Title: Innovation, digitalization and sustainability for the diffused economy in Central Italy-VITALITY / European Union - Next Generation EU. Project Code: ECS00000041; Project CUP: C43C22000380007; Project Title: Innovation, digitalization and sustainability for the diffused economy in Central Italy-VITALITY

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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