Testicular features of semi-confined Nellore bulls subjected to immunocastration

Authors

  • Luciana da Silva Leal Karolewski Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Departamento de Zootecnia, Laboratório de Anatomia e Reprodução Animal http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6991-8317
  • Valmir Fernandes Universidade Paranaense, Instituto Superior de Ciências Biológica
  • Leonardo Acácio Ferreira de Souza
  • Gustavo de Freitas Baise
  • Ranulfo Piau Júnior Universidade Paranaense, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Morfologia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4765-6544
  • Rita de Cássia Lima Ribeiro Universidade Paranaense, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Animal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2020.171210

Keywords:

Beef cattle, Biometry, Histology, Immunization, Seminiferous tubules

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of immunocastration on the scrotal circumference, as well as in the macroscopic and microscopic testicular features in Nellore bulls bred under a semi-confining system for 91 days. Sixty animals were divided into two groups: 30 intact animals (non-vaccinated) and 30 immunocastrated animals. The immunocastrated animals were treated with two anti-GnRH vaccine doses (BoprivaTM - Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd). The scrotal circumference (SC) was measured on days 0 and 56. Testicular parameters: biometry traits (length, width, and height – cm; volume – cm3 ) and weight (g) was measured on day 91. Three testicles from each group were histologically processed to find the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness (µm). Data were analyzed in the Minitab® 19 statistical software. The macroscopic features (SC, and testes weight, volume, length, width, and height) and the microscopic features (seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness) were compared between the two groups through Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney test. All the values were lower (p<0.05) in animals immunized against GnRH, except for the right testis width and seminiferous tubule diameter. Results indicate that immunization against GnRH affected testicular development.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Luciana da Silva Leal Karolewski, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Departamento de Zootecnia, Laboratório de Anatomia e Reprodução Animal

    Profa. Dra. do Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa.

  • Valmir Fernandes, Universidade Paranaense, Instituto Superior de Ciências Biológica

    Agrônomo, médico veterinário e professor da Universidade Paranaense.

  • Leonardo Acácio Ferreira de Souza

    Médico Veterinário formado pela Universidade Paranaense.

  • Gustavo de Freitas Baise

    Médico Veterinário formado pela Universidade Paranaense.

  • Ranulfo Piau Júnior, Universidade Paranaense, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Morfologia

    Prof. Dr. do curso de Medicina Veterinária e da Pós-graduação da Universidade Paranaense.

  • Rita de Cássia Lima Ribeiro, Universidade Paranaense, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Animal

    Profa. Dra. do curso de Medicina Veterinária e Pós-graduação da Universidade Paranaense.

References

Andrade O No, Gasperin BG, Rovani MT, Ilha GF, Nóbrega JE Jr, Mondadori RG, Gonçalves PBD, Antoniazzi AQ. Intratesticular hypertonic sodium chloride solution treatment as a method of chemical castration in cattle. Theriogenology. 2014;82(7):1007-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.020. PMid:25149022.

Assumpção TI, Barros JPMM, Macedo GG. Efeito da imunocastração sobre o perímetro escrotal e a produção espermática em touros da raça Nelore. Bol Ind Anim. 2017;74(3):294-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.17523/bia.v74n3p294.

Bertol MAF, Weiss RR, Kozicki LE, Abreu ACMR. Biometrics and sperm parameters between right and left testes and epididymis of zebu bulls. Arch Vet Sci. 2015;20(2):156-63.

Boligon AA, Silva JAV, Sesana RC, Sesana JC, Junqueira JB, Albuquerque LG. Estimation of genetic parameters for body weights, scrotal circumference, and testicular volume measured at different ages in Nellore cattle. J Anim Sci. 2010;88(4):1215-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.2527/jas.2008-1719. PMid:19966155.

Campal-Espinosa AC, Junco-Barranco JA, Fuentes-Aguilar F, Calzada-Aguilera L, Bover CA. Contraception and immunocastration vaccines. Use in veterinary medicine. Rev Colomb Cienc Anim Recia. 2020;12(2):e763. http://dx.doi.org/10.24188/recia.v12.n2.2020.760.

Canpolat I, Gur S, Gunay C, Bulut S, Eroksuz H. An evaluation of the outcome of bull castration by intra-testicular injection of ethanol and calcium chloride. Rev Med Vet. 2006;157(8-9):420-5. Capucille DJ, Poore MH, Rogers GM. Castration in cattle: techniques and animal welfare issues North Carolina state university. Compendium. 2002;24(9):S66-73.

Coetzee JF, Nutsch AL, Barbur LA, Bradburn RM. A survey of castration methods and associated livestock management practices performed by bovine veterinarians in the United States. BMC Vet Res. 2010;6(1):12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-6-12. PMid:20199669.

Colégio Brasileiro de Reprodução Animal. Manual para exame andrológico e avaliação de sêmen animal. 3. ed. Belo Horizonte: CBRA; 2013.

D’Occhio MJ, Aspden WJ, Trigg TE. Sustained testicular atrophy in bulls actively immunized against GnRH: potential to control carcase characteristics. Anim Reprod Sci. 2001;66(1-2):47-58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4320(01)00091-4. PMid:11343841.

D’Occhio MJ. Immunological suppression of reproductive functions in male and female mammals. Anim Reprod Sci. 1993;33(1-4):345-72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0378- 4320(93)90123-9. Fordyce G, Hodge PB, Beaman NJ, Laing AR, Campero C, Shepherd RK. An evaluation of calf castration by intratesticular injection of a lactic acid solution. Aust Vet J. 1989;66(9):272-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1989.tb13950.x. PMid:2684125.

Frandson RD, Wilke WL, Fails AD. Anatomia e fisiologia dos animais de fazenda. 7. ed. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan; 2011. Capítulo 25, Fisiologia da reprodução masculina; p. 331-42.

Garner DL, Hafez ESSE. Espermatozoides e plasma seminal. In: Hafez ESSE, Hafez B, editors. Reprodução animal. 7. ed. Barueri: Manole; 2004. p. 97-110.

Godfrey RW, Randel RD, Rouquette FM Jr. Effect of zeranol on sexual development of crossbred bulls. J Anim Sci. 1989;67(7):1751-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.2527/jas1989.6771751x. PMid:2768123.

Gökdal O, Atay O, Ulker H, Kayaardi S, Kanter M, Deavila MD, Reeves JJ. The effects of immunological castration against GnRH with recombinant OL protein (OvalbuminLHRH-7) on carcass and meat quality characteristics, histological appearance of testes and pituitary gland in Kıvırcık male lambs. Meat Sci. 2010;86(3):692-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2010.06.006. PMid:20650573.

Guimarães JD, Vasconcelos COP, Guimarães SEF, Costa EP, Miranda T No. Biometria testicular em bovinos da raça Nelore, dos 20 aos 22 meses de idade. Rev Bras Reprod Anim. 2003;27(2):173-4.

Hafez ESSE, Jainudeen MR, Rosnina Y. Hormônios, fatores de crescimento e reprodução. In: Hafez ESSE, Hafez B, editors. Reprodução animal. 7. ed. Barueri: Manole; 2004. p. 33-53.

Hernandez JA, Zanella EL, Bogden R, Avila DM, Gaskins CT, Reeves JJ. Reproductive characteristics of grass-fed, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone immunocastrated Bos indicus bulls. J Anim Sci. 2005;83(12):2901-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.2527/2005.83122901x. PMid:16282630.

Jacinto-Valderrama RA, Sampaio GSL, Lima MLP, Cyrillo JNSG, Pflanzer SB. Immunocastration on performance and meat quality of Bos indicus (Nellore) cattle under different nutritional systems. Sci Agric. 2020;78(2):e20190136. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2019-0136.

Janett F, Stump R, Burger D, Thun R. Suppression of testicular function and sexual behavior by vaccination against GnRH (Equity™) in the adult stallion. Anim Reprod Sci. 2009;115(1-4):88-102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.11.011. PMid:19128902.

Janett F, Gerig T, Tschuor AC, Amatayakul-Chantler S, Walker J, Howard R, Bollwein H, Thun R. Vaccination against gonadotropin-releasing fator (GnRF) with Bopriva significantly decreases testicular development, serum testosterone levels and physical activity in pubertal bulls. Theriogenology. 2012a;78(1):182-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.01.035. PMid:22541323.

Janett F, Gerig T, Tschuor AC, Amatayakul-Chantler S, Walker J, Howard R, Piechotta M, Bollwein H, Hartnack S, Thun R. Effect of vaccination against GnRF (Bopriva®) in the prepubertal bull calf. Anim Reprod Sci. 2012b;131(1- 2):72-80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.02.012. PMid:22440457.

Jaros P, Bürgi E, Stärk KDC, Claus R, Hennessy D, Thun R. Effect of active immunization against GnRH on androstenone concentration, growth performance and carcass quality in intact male pigs. Livest Prod Sci. 2005;92(1):31-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.livprodsci.2004.07.011. Kiernan JA. Histological & histochemical methods. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2001.

Machado DS, Alves DC Fo, Argenta FM, Brondani IL, Martini APM. Serum levels of testosterone and performance of surgical or immunocastrated beef steers. Comum Sci. 2018;9(3):303-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.14295/cs.v9i3.2498.

Machado PP, Sousa AL, Reis LF, Chaves RM. Mathematical models and correlations of morphometric measurements of testicular and crossbred cattle fed slaughtered in São Luís, MA. Rev Bras Reprod Anim. 2012;36(1):51-61.

Marques EG, Magnabosco CU, Lopes FB, Silva MC. Estimate the genetic parameters of growth characteristics, carcass and scrotal perimeter in Nellore evaluated in weight gain performance tests in feedlot. Biosci J. 2013;29(1):159-67.

Monleón E, Noya A, Garza MC, Ripoll G, Sanz A. Effects of an anti-gonadotrophin releasing hormone vaccine on the morphology, structure and function of bull testes. Theriogenology. 2020;141:211-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.07.019. PMid:31387698.

Monteiro FM, Oliveira LZ, Oliveira CS, Tetzner TAD, Mercadante MEZ, Branco RH, Garcia JM. Evaluation of sexual maturity of young bulls from different breeds selected for post-weaning weight. B Indústr Anim. 2011;68(1):37-43.

Needham T, Lambrechts H, Hoffman C. Castration of male livestock and the potential of immunocastration to improve animal welfare and production traits: invited review. S Afr J Anim Sci. 2017;47(6):6-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v47i6.1.

Oliveira FC, Ferreira CER, Haas CS, Oliveira LG, Mondadori RG, Schneider A, Rovani MT, Gonçalves PBD, Vieira AD, Gasperin BG, Lucia T Jr. Chemical castration in cattle with intratesticular injection of sodium chloride: effects on stress and inflammatory markers. Theriogenology. 2017;90:114- 9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.001. PMid:28166957.

Oliver WT, Mccauley I, Harrell RJ, Suster D, Kerton DJ, Dunshea FR. A gonadotropin-releasing factor vaccine (Improvac) and porcine somatotropin have synergistic and additive effects on growth performance in group-housed boars and gilts. J Anim Sci. 2003;81(8):1959-66. http://dx.doi.org/10.2527/2003.8181959x. PMid:12926778.

Öztürk Y, Bolacali M. Effect of immunocastration vaccine administration at different doses on performance of feedlot Holstein bulls. Kocatepe Vet J. 2018;11(3):301-8.

Pastore AA, Toniollo GH, Lôbo RB, Fernandes MB, Vozzi PA, Vila RA, Galerani MAV, Elias FP, Cardilli DJ. Biometric, testicular, seminal characteristics and genetic parameters of pertaining bulls to the program of genetic improvement of the Nellore race. Ars Vet. 2008;24(2):134-41.

Pereira LF, Dias FGG, Miguel MP, Honsho CS, Tavares DC, Hellú JAA, Souza FF. Testicular histological evaluation and serum testosterone concentrations of bulls after chemical castration with calcium chloride. Pesq Vet Bras. 2018;38(8):1554-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-4945.

Pérez-Linares C, Bolado-Sarabia L, Figueroa-Saavedra F, Barreras-Serrano A, Sánchez-López E, Tamayo-Sosa AR, Godina AA, Ríos-Rincón F, García LA, Gallegos E. Effect of immunocastration with Bopriva on carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot Holstein bulls. Meat Sci. 2017;123:45-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2016.08.006. PMid:27614179.

Segui MS, Turra TA, Faleiros E, Weiss RR, Kosicki LE, Santos IW. Correlation between testicular biometry, age and the reproductive characteristics of Nellore bulls. Arch Vet Sci. 2011;16(1):1-6.

Silveira TS, Siqueira JB, Guimarães SEF, Paula TAR, Miranda T No, Guimarães JD. Sexual maturity and reproductive parameters of Nellore bulls, raised under pasture conditions. Rev Bras Zootec. 2010;39(3):36-9.

Siqueira JB, Oba E, Pinho RO, Guimarães SEF, Miranda T No, Guimarães JD. Testicular shape and andrological aspects of young Nellore bulls under extensive farming. Rev Bras Zootec. 2012;41(3):612-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1516-35982012000300020.

Spitzer JC. Influences of nutrition on reproduction in beef cattle. In: Morrow DA. Current therapy in theriogenology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders; 1986. p. 231-4.

Stafford KJ, Mellor D. The welfare significance of the castration of cattle: a review. N Z Vet J. 2005;53(5):271-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2005.36560. PMid:16220117.

Stafford K. Alleviating the pain caused by the castration of cattle. Vet J. 2007;173(2):245-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2005.11.002. PMid:16377221.

Unanian MM, Silva AEDF, McManus C, Cardoso EP. Testicular biometrics characteristics to evaluate the Nellore zebu breed bulls. Rev Bras Zootec. 2000;29(1):136-44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1516-35982000000100019.

Valentim R, Arruda RP, Barnabé RC, Alencar MM. Testicular biometry of Nellore (Bos taurus indicus) and crossbred bulls (Bos taurus indicus x Bos taurus taurus) at 20 and 24 months of age. Braz J Vet Res Anim Sci. 2002;39(3):113- 20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-95962002000300001.

Withoeft JA, Chiocca M, Santiani F, Costa LS, Mateus KA, Santos MR, Casagrande RA, Cucco DC. Anatomopathological evaluation of young bulls (Bos taurus) testicles submitted to immunocastration. Acta Sci Vet. 2019;47(1):1695. http://dx.doi.org/10.22456/16799216.97771.

Yitbarek MB, Regasa F. Reproductive immunization of domestic wild animals: review. Int J Res Agric Sci. 2014;1(2):103-14.

Yokoo MJ, Albuquerque LG, Lôbo RB, Sainz RD, Carneiro JM Jr, Bezerra LAF, Araújo FRC. Estimation of genetic parameters for hip height, weight and scrotal circumference in Nelore cattle. Rev Bras Zootec. 2007;36(6):1761-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S151635982007000800008.

Zanella R, Zanella EL, Reeves JJ, Hernandez J, Motta AC, Avila D. Testicular characteristics of bulls immunosterilized with anti-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone vaccine. Pesqui Agropecu Bras. 2009;44(10):1359-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2009001000021.

Downloads

Published

2020-12-11

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 4 (2020)

Section

FULL ARTICLE

License

Copyright (c) 2020 Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

The journal content is authorized under the Creative Commons  BY-NC-SA  license (summary of the license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0 | full text of the license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/legalcode) 

Funding data

How to Cite

1.
Karolewski L da SL, Fernandes V, Souza LAF de, Baise G de F, Piau Júnior R, Ribeiro R de CL. Testicular features of semi-confined Nellore bulls subjected to immunocastration. Braz. J. Vet. Res. Anim. Sci. [Internet]. 2020 Dec. 11 [cited 2024 Apr. 18];57(4):e171210. Available from: https://revistas.usp.br/bjvras/article/view/171210