Effects of an anti-gonadotrophin releasing hormone vaccine on the morphology, structure and function of bull testes

Theriogenology
Eva MonleónAlbina Sanz

Abstract

Castration reduces aggressive and sexual behaviour and provides better carcass quality in bull calves. Vaccination against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is used as an alternative to surgical castration for the purposes of reducing pain and distress in the animals. Currently, no anti-GnRH vaccine has been authorized for use in cattle in the European Union. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of an anti-GnRH swine-specific vaccine (Improvac®, Zoetis, USA) on the morphology, structure and function of bull testes. Animals were vaccinated at days 1, 21 and 104 of the experimental period and were classified based on their live weight into the following two groups: LIGHT (172.9 ± 30.00 kg) and HEAVY (323.8 ± 37.79 kg). The scrotal circumference was measured on day 1 and prior to slaughter (day 164). At slaughter, the sperm motility and concentration in the caudae epididymis were assessed. Testes were weighed, measured and examined using ultrasound, and then tissue samples were collected and fixed in formalin. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were performed on the testes to measure the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and assess the testicular cell populations. The results revealed that suppre...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 7, 2021·Tropical Animal Health and Production·Emanuel M DoroteuPedro M O Pedroso
Apr 4, 2021·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Maren BernauArmin Manfred Scholz
Apr 23, 2021·Theriogenology·Paulo Henrique YamadaEunice Oba

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