Effects of testicular hemodynamic and echogenicity changes on ram semen characteristics

This study investigated correlations among ram semen quality parameters, testicular vascularity and echotexture. Measurements were performed biweekly for a year, before (BE) and after ejaculation (AE), on seven Chios breed rams [three rams (group A) and four rams (group B) of 2-6 and 9-13 years old, respectively], considering breeding (1) and non-breeding period (2). Hemodynamics [Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistive Index (RI)] were evaluated in each testis. Images of testicular parenchyma were analysed to evaluate echogenicity [Mean Value (MV), Contrast (Con), Gray Value Distribution (GVD), Run Length Distribution (RunLD), Long Run Emphasis (LRunEm)]. Semen volume (V), concentration (C), kinetics (CASA), morphology (Sperm Blue), viability (Eosin-Nigrosin) and DNA fragmentation (Acridine Orange) were assessed. In group A/2, semen V was correlated to left testis PI and right testis RI, BE (r = 0.4, p = 0.013/r = 0.6, p