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Theriogenology2017; 104; 149-155; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.08.015

Testicular volumetry and prediction of daily sperm output in stallions by orchidometry and two- and three-dimensional sonography.

Abstract: Accurate determination of the testes volume and prediction of the daily sperm output (DSO) is valuable information for reproductive management of a stallion. The aim of this study was to compare different methods for measuring the testes volume, including caliper, 2D and 3D ultrasound. Special emphasis was on feasibility of 3D volume analysis. First, 22 castrated testes were measured and derived volumes were compared with volumes determined via volume displacement in a graded cylinder with saline solution. Then, during the breeding season, testes sizes of 52 stallions were measured in vivo and analyzed. With the derived volumes, predicted DSO (pDSO) values were calculated which were compared with actual values (aDSO) determined from semen evaluation. Analyses of castrated testes revealed a discrepancy between volume assessments via the caliper and ultrasound methods and actual volumes as found via volume displacement. The smallest difference was found for 3D volume analysis, followed by caliper and 2D ultrasound. Testicular volumes of breeding stallions were highest if determined via 3D ultrasound, followed by measurements using 2D ultrasound and caliper. Correlation between the total testicular volume (TTV) and aDSO was high with volume assessment via ultrasound (2D: r = 0.639, p < 0.001, and 3D: r = 0.604, p < 0.001), and moderate for using caliper (r = 0.46, p < 0.01). Linear regression analyses of TTV and aDSO values revealed that changes in aDSO in part could be explained by differences in testes volume: 32% and 27% in case of 3D and 2D ultrasound, and 12% with caliper. pDSO values that were predicted from testicular measurements correlated best with aDSO values from semen collection protocols in case of using 3D ultrasound (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), followed by 2D ultrasound (r = 0.52; p < 0.001) and caliper (r = 0.34, p = 0.01). In conclusion, 3D ultrasound can be performed on equine testes for more accurate volume predictions, which in turn may increase precision when determining the breeding potential of a stallion.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2017-08-19 PubMed ID: 28846911DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.08.015Google 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.

This research explores the most effective methods for determining testicular volume and daily sperm output (DSO) in stallions. It compares traditional methods using a caliper, with innovative methods using 2D and 3D ultrasound technology, concluding that 3D ultrasound offers the most accurate predictions.

Introduction

  • The research aimed to provide more accurate determination of testicular volume and prediction of daily sperm output (DSO) in stallions – vital for efficient reproductive management.
  • The methods used for measuring testicular volume included a caliper, and two- and three-dimensional ultrasound, with a focus on the feasibility of 3D volume analysis.

Methodology

  • Initially, the volumes of 22 castrated testes were measured using these methods. The volumes obtained were then compared with actual volumes determined via displacement in a saline solution.
  • Field tests were then conducted during the breeding season on 52 stallions. The volumes acquired were used to predict DSO, these projected values were then compared with actual DSO from semen evaluations.

Results

  • The study found a discrepancy between volumes determined by caliper and ultrasound methods when compared to volumes from the saline solution displacement method.
  • The smallest differences were noted for the 3D volume analysis, followed by the caliper and 2D ultrasound.
  • Testicular volumes of breeding stallions were highest when measured by 3D ultrasound, followed by 2D ultrasound and the caliper.
  • The correlation between total testicular volume (TTV) and actual DSO was high with both ultrasound methods, and moderate with the caliper.
  • Linear regression analyses showed that differences in DSO could partially be explained by differences in testes volume, with the highest percentage explainable by 3D ultrasound measurements.
  • 3D ultrasound also provided the best correlation between predicted and actual DSO values.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that 3D ultrasound can be effectively used to provide more accurate predictions of testicular volume in stallions.
  • This technology may enhance precision when predicting breeding potential in stallions.

Cite This Article

APA
Pricking S, Bollwein H, Spilker K, Martinsson G, Schweizer A, Thomas S, Oldenhof H, Sieme H. (2017). Testicular volumetry and prediction of daily sperm output in stallions by orchidometry and two- and three-dimensional sonography. Theriogenology, 104, 149-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.08.015

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 1879-3231
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 104
Pages: 149-155

Researcher Affiliations

Pricking, S
  • Clinic for Horses-Unit for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; National Stud Lower Saxony, Celle, Germany.
Bollwein, H
  • Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zuerich, Zuerich, Switzerland.
Spilker, K
  • Clinic for Horses-Unit for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; National Stud Lower Saxony, Celle, Germany.
Martinsson, G
  • Clinic for Horses-Unit for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; National Stud Lower Saxony, Celle, Germany.
Schweizer, A
  • Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zuerich, Zuerich, Switzerland.
Thomas, S
  • Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, University of Berne and Agroscope, Avenches, Switzerland.
Oldenhof, H
  • Clinic for Horses-Unit for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
Sieme, H
  • Clinic for Horses-Unit for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany. Electronic address: harald.sieme@tiho-hannover.de.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / physiology
  • Male
  • Orchiectomy / veterinary
  • Spermatogenesis / physiology
  • Testis / anatomy & histology
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Ultrasonography / veterinary

Citations

This article has been cited 7 times.
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    doi: 10.3390/ani11010176pubmed: 33451023google scholar: lookup
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