Testicular Hypoplasia and Associated Scrotal Variations in Nigerian Sahel Bucks: An Abattoir Survey

Abstract

Breeding soundness in bucks is dependent on how healthy the animal is at the time of evaluation. Sahelian bucks are the predominant breed of goats found in northeastern part of Nigeria. Factors that influence the occurrence of testicular hypoplasia are malnutrition, hormonal imbalance and trauma. 200 Sahel bucks presented for slaughter at Maiduguri central abattoir were assessed for this study. Body condition score, scrotal circumference and scrotal length and shapes were evaluated. Gross examination of the testicles was carried out and those with variation in sizes and shape were identified and further examined after flaying. Scrotal bifida was obtained in this study presenting a prevalence of 0.5%. Both unilateral and bilateral hypoplasia were identified grossly by this study with a prevalence of 3% and 1.5% respectively. Those with gross hypoplasia were collected for histopathological examination. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections revealed absence of spermatogenic activities. Scrotal bifida has no effect on reproductive performance in bucks. In conclusion testicular hypoplasia is still prevalent among Sahel bucks and have been found by this study to decrease spermatogenic activities hence there is a need to further study the detailed causes to boost small ruminant production in the area.