Evaluation of Testicular Size and Function In 1-3-Year-Old Stallions

Considerable variation exists in the level of spermatogenic efficiency present in similar sized testes of stallions #3 years of age. Results of 53 breeding soundness examinations of 3-year-old stallions composed of 8 breeds were compiled and demonstrated that scrotal width was only moderately correlated with parameters of semen quality in first or second ejaculates. Equine practitioners should be cautious about making predictions for mare books (number to be bred) without first examining semen quality. Authors’ addresses: College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas AM Nandi Veterinary Associates, 3244 W. Sieling Rd., New Freedom, PA 17340 (Johnson, Brinsko, Varner, Rigby, and Hurtgen). © 2001 AAEP.

[1]  B. W. Pickett,et al.  REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE STALLION , 1974 .

[2]  D. Thompson,et al.  Effect of age and season on the establishment of spermatogenesis in the horse. , 1991, Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement.

[3]  Wej Management of the Stallion for Maximum Reproductive Efficiency , 1983 .

[4]  L. Johnson,et al.  Increased germ cell loss rates and poor semen quality in stallions with idiopathic testicular degeneration , 2000 .

[5]  E. Swierstra,et al.  Reproductive physiology of the stallion. I. Spermatogenesis and testis composition. , 1974, Journal of reproduction and fertility.

[6]  R. P. Amann,et al.  Testicular growth, hormone concentrations, seminal characteristics and sexual behaviour in stallions. , 1990, Journal of reproduction and fertility.

[7]  L. Johnson,et al.  Age-related changes in the Leydig cell population, seminiferous tubules, and sperm production in stallions. , 1981, Biology of reproduction.

[8]  D. Thompson,et al.  Age-related and seasonal variation in the Sertoli cell population, daily sperm production and serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone in stallions. , 1983, Biology of reproduction.

[9]  J. C. Brunelli Management of the Stallion for Maximum Reproductive Efficiency , 1983 .

[10]  L. Johnson,et al.  Low daily sperm output per ml of testis as a diagnostic criteria for testicular degeneration in stallions , 2001 .

[11]  D. Thompson,et al.  Testicular measurements and reproductive characteristics in stallions. , 1979, Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement.

[12]  L. Johnson,et al.  Increased germ cell degeneration and reduced germ cell:Sertoli cell ratio in stallions with low sperm production. , 1997, Theriogenology.