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Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2020; 55(2); 181-188; doi: 10.1111/rda.13604

Examination of jackass (Equus asinus) accessory sex glands by B-mode ultrasound and of testicular artery blood flow by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound: Correlations with semen production.

Abstract: The accessory sex glands play a major role in the production of seminal plasma, and testicular artery blood flow seems to strongly influence testicular function. However, very little ultrasound imaging of these organs has been undertaken in donkeys. The present work reports the results of such examinations in five jackasses along the year. The accessory glands were inspected by B-mode ultrasound while the testicular artery blood flow was assessed by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound. The testicular artery was examined at pampiniform plexus (PPT), supratesticular area (ST) and capsular artery (CA). Values were recorded for the total arterial blood flow (TABF), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) and time average maximum velocity (TAMV). Semen was obtained and assessed for sperm concentration, viability, abnormalities and motility using a CASA system. The bulbourethral glands, prostate and ductus deferens ampullae were relatively larger than in the stallion. Bulbourethral glands and ampullae sizes were inversely correlated with sperm motility. An reduction in blood flow between the level the PPP and the CA was observed, helping to reduce testis temperature and oxygen pressure. Blood flow at the CA showed the strongest correlation with semen production. PI and RI were positively correlated with the CASA motility variable STR (p = .02, p = .06) and sperm viability (p = .01), while sperm concentration (p = .05) correlated inversely with PSV, EDV, TAMV and TABF. EDV also correlated negatively with the CASA variables VSL, LIN, STR and VAP (p ≤ .05). PI and RI were also negatively correlated with testis length (p = .0093, p = -.0438).
© 2020 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2020-01-10 PubMed ID: 31829461DOI: 10.1111/rda.13604Google 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 explores the relationship between the physical characteristics of the reproductive organs in jackass (male donkeys) and their semen quality. Using ultrasound technology, the researchers investigated the accessory sex glands size and testicular artery blood flow, and studied their correlations with semen production.

Research Methodology

  • The study was conducted on five jackasses over the course of a year. These animals were subject to B-mode ultrasound examination of their accessory sex glands.
  • The blood flow in the testicular artery was assessed using colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound.
  • Three parts of the testicular artery were examined – Pampiniform Plexus (PPT), Supratesticular Area (ST), and Capsular Artery (CA).
  • Multiple aspects of blood flow, including Total Arterial Blood Flow (TABF), Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End-Diastolic Velocity (EDV), Resistive Index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI), and Time Average Maximum Velocity (TAMV), were recorded.
  • Semen samples were collected from each jackass to evaluate sperm concentration, viability, abnormalities, and motility. Sperm assessment was done using a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA) system.

Key Findings

  • The bulbourethral glands, prostate, and ampullae of the ductus deferens in the jackasses were found to be larger than those observed in stallions.
  • The sizes of the bulbourethral glands and ampullae were inversely correlated with sperm motility, meaning, bigger glands resulted in decreased sperm movement.
  • There was a decrease in blood flow from the PPP level to the CA, which the researchers interpret as a mechanism to reduce testis temperature and oxygen pressure.
  • The blood flow at the CA showed the greatest correlation with semen production.
  • PI and RI were positively linked with the CASA motility variable STR and sperm viability.
  • The sperm concentration showed an inverse correlation with PSV, EDV, TAMV, and TABF, indicating that faster or larger blood flow may negatively impact sperm count.
  • EDV also showed a negative correlation with the CASA variables VSL, LIN, STR, and VAP, suggesting that end-diastolic velocity might negatively impact various aspects related to sperm motility.
  • PI and RI were also found to be negatively correlated with the length of the testes.

Conclusion

This research implies that the physical characteristics of a jackasses’ reproductive organs, along with the blood flow in the testicular artery, significantly influence the quality and quantity of the semen produced. This understanding may be useful for fertility and breeding programs related to donkeys or similar species.

Cite This Article

APA
Gacem S, Papas M, Catalan J, Miró J. (2020). Examination of jackass (Equus asinus) accessory sex glands by B-mode ultrasound and of testicular artery blood flow by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound: Correlations with semen production. Reprod Domest Anim, 55(2), 181-188. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13604

Publication

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 55
Issue: 2
Pages: 181-188

Researcher Affiliations

Gacem, Sabrina
  • Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
Papas, Marion
  • Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
Catalan, Jaime
  • Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
Miró, Jordi
  • Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Cell Survival
  • Equidae
  • Genitalia, Male / anatomy & histology
  • Genitalia, Male / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Semen
  • Semen Analysis / veterinary
  • Sperm Motility
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Spermatozoa / abnormalities
  • Testis / blood supply
  • Testis / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography / veterinary
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / veterinary

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Citations

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