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. 2023 Nov 23;13(23):3619.
doi: 10.3390/ani13233619.

Evaluation of Testicular Volume and Correlation with Sperm Production in Martina Franca Donkeys: A Parameter to Consider When Approving Breeding Jacks

Roberta Bucci  1 , Ippolito De Amicis  1 , Salvatore Parrillo  1 , Domenico Robbe  1 , Augusto Carluccio  1
Affiliations

Evaluation of Testicular Volume and Correlation with Sperm Production in Martina Franca Donkeys: A Parameter to Consider When Approving Breeding Jacks

Roberta Bucci et al. Animals (Basel). .

Abstract

Good sperm production is a notable requirement for subjects intended for reproduction, particularly in endangered species, and it has been demonstrated that in horse stallions, this is correlated to testicular volume. The present study, which involved Martina Franca jacks, aimed to determine whether, also in this endangered breed, there is a correlation between the total sperm number (TSN) and testicular volume. Testes were measured with both ultrasound and a caliper. Testicular volume was calculated using two different formulas: one representing the volume of an ellipsoid and one developed to describe round-shaped testicles. The average sperm concentration was 380.14 ± 254.58 × 106/mL, while the average TSN was 16.34 ± 7.76 × 109. Our findings evidenced a significant correlation (r > 0.75; p < 0.05) only between sperm production and the volume calculated with the formula V (cm3) = 33.57 × H - 56.57 for round-shaped testes. Moreover, significance was evidenced only for data obtained with ultrasound (VTs-us 315.03 ± 25.83 cm3) but not with caliper. In conclusion, testicular volume can be suggestive of good fertility in Martina Franca jacks; thus, this parameter could be considered when selecting breeding animals.

Keywords: Martina Franca donkeys; biodiversity; endangered species; sperm production; testicular volume.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Scrotal measurement with caliper: (a) height (H-c); (b) length (L-c); (c) width (W-c)—the operator lifts the contralateral testicle with one hand to carry out a more accurate measurement. (*) legs of the caliper.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Ultrasound measurement. (a) Height assessment: the transducer is positioned ventral to the testis in a transverse position to the long axis. (b) Dorsal–ventral scan of the testis. (c) Length assessment: the transducer is positioned ventral to the testis with craniocaudal orientation (detail of the cranio–medial scan). (d) Cranio–medial scan of the testis. (e) Width assessment: the transducer is positioned lateral to the testis. (f) Latero–medial scan of the testis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Regression line between sperm output (TSN) and testicular volume (VTs-us) (JASP, version 0.17, computer software, University of Amsterdam).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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