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Influence of availability of shade on testicular characteristics of Santa Ines rams - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v35i.18479

Authors :
Sônia Martins Teodoro
Alfredo Manuel Franco Pereira
José Dantas Gusmão Filho
Jadir Nogueira da Silva
Source :
Acta Scientiarum: Animal Sciences, Vol 35, Iss 4 (2013)
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
Editora da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (Eduem), 2013.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of availability of artificial shading on testicular and seminal characteristics of Santa Ines crossbred rams. Twelve 8 month old rams at 38.1 ± 5.2 kg average weight, were used in a total random design with two treatments: areas with and without available artificial shading (black polyethylene mesh screen for a 50% reduction of solar radiation). The scrotal circumference, scrotal length, scrotal volume, rectal temperature and scrotal temperature were measured twice a week. Also a biweekly analysis of the semen was carried out, measuring the volume and spermatic concentration as well as the percentage of normal spermatozoa. The results show that available shading provided for lower scrotal temperatures and higher sperm concentration, without influencing the scrotal volume and the percentage of normal spermatozoa. The testicular measures, such as the scrotal circumference and length were higher in the rams that were subjected to the no available shading treatment. The absence of differences, in some of the analyzed variables, between the two treatments, with and without available shading, could be due to high adaptability of the animals.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
18062636 and 18078672
Volume :
35
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Acta Scientiarum: Animal Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.354cb6d094a45b9acb53a2baf3304e2
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4025/actascianimsci.v35i4.18479