The Correlation between Age,Body Weight and Testicular Parameters in Murrah
Buffalo Bulls Raised in Brazil |
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| Authors: | Patrícia Aparecida Cardoso da LUZ Paulo Ramos da Silva SANTOS Cristiana ANDRIGHETTO André Mendes JORGE Ant?nio Chaves de ASSIS NETO |
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| Affiliation: | 1)Animal Science, University of São Paulo State, São Paulo 17900-000, Brazil;2)Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508 270, Brazil;3)Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo State, São Paulo 18.618-970, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | Buffalo are an economically important source for meat and milk production, especially inBrazil. However, important aspects of their biology remain unknown thus far. Herein, wedescribe the reproductive characteristics of male Murrah buffalo (Bubalusbubalis) raised under extensive management conditions by applying biometricsassociated with testicular weight. We analyzed seven males, divided into two groups: G1,which consisted of four 18-month-old animals, and G2, which consisted of three24-month-old animals. Testicular development occurs slowly in Murrah buffalo, suggesting adelay of sexual maturity. The biometric testicular parameters analyzed were scrotalcircumference, testicular weight, testicular length, testicular width, testicularthickness and testicular circumference. Our data indicate strong correlations between SC,age and body weight, and additional significant relationships were identified between bodyweight, age and other testicular parameters. Thus, these parameters are suitableindicators when selecting bulls for breeding purposes. |
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| Keywords: | Buffalo reproduction Feed management Testis |
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