Effect of Scrotal Insulation on Hormonal Profiles and Growth Performance in Damascus Goat Bucks | ||
| Alexandria Journal of Agricultural Sciences | ||
| Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 24 March 2025 PDF (720.25 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/alexja.2025.368970.1131 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Abdelghany El-Shereif* ; Samir El-zarkouny | ||
| Department of Animal and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture (El-Shatby), Alexandria University, Alexandria 21545, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| The current study was designed to investigate the effect of elevated testicular temperature caused by scrotal insulation on some hormonal profiles (testosterone T2; triiodothyronine T3; and cortisol), growth performance (body weight, femur length, and chest circumference) and thermal indices (rectal temperature RT; respiration rate RR) in 10-month-old bucks. Ten Damascus bucks were divided into an uncastrated group (control, n = 5) and a castrated group (n = 5) for 98 days. The testicular hyperthermia was conducted by scrotal insulation using sheep-skin pouches applied for 1st 60 day only. Blood samples were obtained biweekly for 98 days. Concentrations of T2, T3, and cortisol also RR, RT, as well as body weight, femur length, and chest circumference were measured concurrently. Results showed that the overall concentrations of T2 and cortisol were comparable between castrated and uncastrated bucks (314.26 vs. 316.22 (ng/mL) and 40.33 vs. 39.44 (ng/mL), respectively). However, the castrated bucks had significantly high T3 concentrations, body weight, and femur length compared to uncastrated bucks (18.14 vs. 15.82 ng/mL; 20.35 vs. 19.06 kg and 17.28 vs.16.97 cm, respectively). All T2 concentrations, body weight, femur length, and chest circumference were increased by time. Despite fluctuated T3 concentrations throughout the study period, a notable difference appeared at day 28, as the castrated bucks had a significantly higher T3 compared to uncastrated bucks. In conclusion, physiological castration did not influence T2 and cortisol concentrations but increased T3 and enhanced growth performance. This approach may offer an alternative to physical or surgical castrations with potential benefits for animal welfare and productivity. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Damascus bucks; Scrotal insulation; castration; Testosterone; growth performance | ||
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