Ultrasound Imaging of the Testes and Accessory Sex Glands in Male Goat Treated with GnRH During Non-Breeding Season

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of GnRH on the measurements of testes, accessory sex glands and testosterone hormonal concentrations during the non-breeding season. Eight mature healthy Egyptian Baladi male goat injected with Buserelin acetate (GnRH analogue) 8μg once weekly for one month. Ultrasonographic measurements of the scrotum and its contents and all accessory sex gland and blood samples collection were done one week before experiment and one week after the end of experiment. Results revealed that scrotal circumference, length and breadth of both testes did not differ significantly (p>0.05). While, the length and breadth of the tail of epididymis was increased significantly after treatment (p<0.05). The length and breadth of vesicular gland and bulbourethral gland differed significantly (p<0.05) after treatments. The ampulla and pars disseminata of prostate breadth was increased significantly (p<0.05). Treated bucks showed higher values for serum testosterone after treatment. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that GnRH injection ameliorates male goat reproductive efficiency. Moreover, ultrasonography is an affirmative indicator to the response of male reproductive system to exogenous GnRH analogue treatment during the non-breeding season.