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Scientific reports2021; 11(1); 14080; doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-93585-y

Evaluation of the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys (Equus asinus).

Abstract: This study described the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with special regard to its efficiency and welfare impacts. The study was conducted on twelve adult male donkeys, allocated randomly into two groups; subcapsular castration (SC) and open castration (OC) groups, whether the donkeys were subjected to surgical castration either by subcapsular or open castration techniques, respectively. Testosterone, cortisol, lactate, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured before and after castration. Pain-associated behavioral activities were recorded post-castration. The SC was successfully performed in donkeys through a single paramedian scrotal incision. The SC was efficient as OC in reducing testosterone levels. The pain score decreased in the SC compared to the OC over time. The SC was an efficient and reliable technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with minimal postoperative complications and care and good cosmetic, physiological, and behavioral outcomes. It can be an alternative to other castration techniques in equines.
Publication Date: 2021-07-07 PubMed ID: 34234262PubMed Central: PMC8263736DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93585-yGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The study explored the effectiveness and welfare impact of the subcapsular castration technique in donkeys, comparing it to the open castration method, and found that the subcapsular procedure showed positive results with fewer postoperative complications.

Research Design and Methods

  • The study involved twelve adult male donkeys. These were randomly divided into two study groups.
  • One group was subjected to subcapsular castration (SC), and the other to open castration (OC).
  • The SC was performed through a single paramedian scrotal incision.
  • Various parameters such as testosterone, cortisol, lactate, glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and nitric oxide were measured before and after castration.
  • In addition, pain-associated behaviors were observed and recorded post-castration.

Findings

  • The SC method proved to be successful for the primary closure castration in donkeys.
  • It was as effective as OC in reducing testosterone levels.
  • Pain associated with the procedure decreased over time with the SC compared to the OC.
  • Postoperative complications and the need for care were minimal with the SC method, with good cosmetic, physiological and behavioral outcomes observed.

Conclusion

  • The results suggest SC as an efficient and reliable technique for primary closure castration in donkeys.
  • This technique could serve as an effective alternative to other castration methods in equines, improving animal welfare by reducing pain and the risk of postoperative complications.

Cite This Article

APA
Ibrahim A, Mahmoud UT, Ali MM, Ragab SMM. (2021). Evaluation of the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys (Equus asinus). Sci Rep, 11(1), 14080. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93585-y

Publication

ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 14080
PII: 14080

Researcher Affiliations

Ibrahim, Ahmed
  • Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt. elgrah38@gmail.com.
Mahmoud, Usama T
  • Department of Animal and Poultry Behavior and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
Ali, Magda M
  • Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
Ragab, Sohair M M
  • Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Assiut Uuniversity, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Equidae
  • Genitalia, Male / surgery
  • Male
  • Orchiectomy / methods
  • Wound Closure Techniques

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Alipour-Khairkhah H, Azizi S, Asri-Rezaei S. Stress, lipid profile and inflammatory responses to flunixin meglumine administration in surgical and non-surgical castration in donkeys. Vet Anim Sci 2025 Mar;27:100423.
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