PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT OF RAM LAMBS: REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS AS INDICES OF POSTPUBERTAL REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. YARNEY ◽  
L. M. SANFORD
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Testosterone Concentration ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Serum Lh ◽  
Ejaculation Frequency ◽  
Testicular Size ◽  
Sperm Output

Pubertal changes in blood serum concentrations of LH, FSH, PRL and testosterone were determined for 14 Suffolk rams born in March, and related to their postpubertal reproductive function. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein (20-min intervals for 6 h) every 20 d and scrotal circumference and testicular diameter (TD) were measured every 10 d between the ages of 30 and 190 d, and at 13 and 17 mo. Daily sperm output (DSO, sperm voided in urine) or semen quality, and libido were assessed at about 6, 13 and 17 mo of age. LH-pulse magnitude increased between 30 and 70 d of age and then declined progressively to adult values; pulses occurred most frequently at 110 and 190 d of age, and at 17 mo. Mean concentrations of FSH, PRL and testosterone were highest at 50, 90 and 190 d of age, respectively, and changed normally with season when the rams were yearlings. Mean testosterone concentration at 50 d was related (P < 0.05) to testicular size (r ≥ 0.57) at all postpubertal ages and to ejaculation frequency (EF) (r = 0.82) at 6 mo and DSO (r = 0.78) at 13 mo. Mean and baseline concentrations of LH at 50 d were related (r ≥ 0.55, P < 0.05) to TD and DSO at 6 and 13 mo of age, and to EF at 6 mo. The strongest relationships (r ≥ 0.67, P < 0.01) were between mean testosterone concentration at 150 d and testicular size and sperm output at all postpubertal ages. Testicular size and spermatogenic function in yearling Suffolk rams relate to serum LH and(or) testosterone concentrations in the neonatal period (50 d) and at puberty (150 d). Key words: Sexual maturation, reproductive traits, interrelationships, ram

PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT OF RAM LAMBS: BODY WEIGHT AND TESTICULAR SIZE MEASUREMENTS AS INDICES OF POSTPUBERTAL REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. YARNEY ◽  
L. M. SANFORD ◽  
W. M. PALMER
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Ejaculation Frequency ◽  
Testicular Size ◽  
Ram Lambs ◽  
Sperm Output ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between the pattern of early testicular growth and postpubertal spermatogenic function and libido was investigated with 14 Suffolk rams born in March. Scrotal circumference and testicular diameter (TD) measurements were taken every 10 d between 30 and 190 d of age, and at 13 and 17 mo. Daily sperm output (DSO, sperm voided in urine) or semen quality, and libido were assessed at approximately 6, 13 and 17 mo of age. At 6 mo of age, rams with the larger testes had a greater DSO (r ≥ 0.77, P < 0.01) and mated estrual ewes more frequently (r ≥ 0.72, P < 0.01). Rams with larger testes at 13 mo had a greater DSO (r ≥ 0.74, P < 0.01), and those with larger testes at 17 mo ejaculated a higher percentage of motile spermatozoa (r ≥ 0.55, P < 0.05) and a greater number of spermatozoa (r = 0.61, P < 0.05; TD only). DSO at 13 mo was related to testicular size (r ≥ 0.54, P < 0.05) between 150 and 190 d of age. There were also correlations between the number of spermatozoa ejaculated at 17 mo and testicular size measurements (r ≥ 0.56, P < 0.05) taken between 170 and 190 d. However, ejaculation frequency (EF) at both 13 and 17 mo was not related to earlier testicular size measurements. Whereas testicular size and spermatogenic function of yearling Suffolk rams relate to testicular size measurements taken at about 6 mo of age, juvenile testicular size measurements correlate with EF only in the immediate postpubertal period. Key words: Sexual maturation, reproductive traits, interrelationships, ram

Pubertal development and testicular function in the male growth hormone-deficient rat

1990 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. S. Bartlett ◽  
H. M. Charlton ◽  
I. C. A. F. Robinson ◽  
E. Nieschlag
Keyword(s):  
Gh Deficiency ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Mouse Mutants ◽  
Reproductive Axis ◽  
Snell Dwarf ◽  
Testicular Size ◽  
Sperm Output ◽  
Dwarf Mice

ABSTRACT The pubertal development of a novel GH-deficient mutant, the dwarf rat, has been evaluated. The establishment of normal spermatogenic function within small testes suggests that GH plays no role in spermatogenic function during puberty and adult life. However, a reduction in testicular size may reflect a reduced Sertoli cell population, suggesting that GH may be of importance in prepubertal testicular development. Furthermore, marked differences between the homozygous dwarf rat and homozygous GH-deficient mouse mutants (e.g. Snell, Ames, pygmy and little mutants) have been demonstrated. It would appear that the GH deficiency in the rat mutant is far more specific for GH than those hitherto described in the mouse. In contrast to Snell dwarf mice mutants, pituitary and serum concentrations of FSH and LH are normal throughout pubertal development in the dwarf rat. Both spermatogenic function and seminal vesicle function develop normally, whilst in Snell dwarf mice spermatogenic function develops late in life and seminal vesicles remain infantile. Serum and testicular concentrations of androgen are also normal in dwarf rats. Homozygous dwarf rats have been shown to be fertile in previous studies; however, our observations suggest that despite spermatogenesis being qualitatively and quantitatively normal when assessed histologically, reduced testicular size seen in dwarf rats would lead to a reduced daily sperm output in these animals. The dwarf rat represents a mutant in which the consequences of the selective depletion of GH may be studied on various endocrine systems. The reproductive axis appears to be only partially affected, at an early age, by GH deficiency. Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 126, 193–201

scholarly journals TESTICULAR SIZE AND SPERM OUTPUT IN HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN AND N'DAMA BULLS

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 114-118
Author(s):  
L. N. Nwakalor ◽  
B. I. Orji
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Testicular Size ◽  
Sperm Output ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Artificial Vagina

Records collected over a period of four months from October 1978 to January 1979 from four Holstein-Friesian and four N'dama hulls, were used to study the relationship between testicular size and sperm output. Semen samples were collected from the bulls twice a week using the artificial vagina and non-oestrous female teasers. The means (± s.e.) of testicular measurements for Holstein-Friesian and N'danta, respectively, were 35.6 ± 1.8 and 7.9 ± 0.3cm. for scrotal cir­cumference, 12.6 ± 0.3 and 7.7 ± 0.8cm for testis length, 6.7 ± 0.3 and 3.7 ± 0.2em for testis diameter. Calculated mean testicular volumes were 296.8 I 22.2 and 57.4 ± 10.1m1 respectively for Holstein-Friesian and N'dama bulls. T-he mean total sperm per ejaculate were 8.80 t 3.045 x 109 for (be Holstein-Friesian and 3.03 ± 0.905 x 109 for the N'dama bulls. Simple correla­tions for Holstein-Friesian and N'damn in the same order, were between body weight and scrotal dr. rumference 0.49 and 0.66, body weight and sperm output/einculate 0.48 and 0.88, scrotal cir­cumference and testicular volume 0.74 and 0.60. scrotal circumference and sperm outpuilejactilete 0.18 and 0.69, and testicular volume and sperm out­put/ejaculate —.45 and 0.84. Regression equations for predicting sperm oat­put/ejaculate from testicular volume are given as Y = .13.458 — .031 X and Y' = - .650 + 0,038 x respectively, for holstein-Friesian and N'dania bulls.

P–741 Fetal exposure to maternal perceived stress and male reproductive function in a cohort of young adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Petersen ◽  
K Keglber. Hærvig ◽  
J P Bonde ◽  
K Søri. Hougaard ◽  
G Toft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Stress ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Maternal Stress ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Testicular Size

Abstract Study question Is exposure to maternal perceived stress during pregnancy associated with reproductive function in adult male offspring? Summary answer While maternal perceived stress was prevalent in the first trimesters of pregnancy, our preliminary findings indicate little association with reproductive function in young men. What is known already Though studies in animals point to a connection between prenatal exposure to maternal stress and reproductive function in offspring, the underlying biological mechanisms generating a deficit remain largely unclear. In humans, the few available studies focus on exposure to bereavement or other relatively strong objective stressful life events. Our individual perception of stress is, however, more likely the sum of a complex process involving both the actual input, previous experiences, coping strategies and support from our surroundings. Study design, size, duration Young men and their mothers were identified through records from the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC). Information on exposure, i.e. maternal perceived life and emotional stress, was available from telephone interviews conducted at approximately 30 weeks of gestation (1996 to 2001). Recruitment of the young men lasted from 2017 to 2019 with 1058 participants enrolled in the final FEPOS cohort. Participants/materials, setting, methods Each of the 1058 men in the FEPOS cohort completed an online questionnaire and clinical examinations and provided a blood and semen sample. Information on potential pre- and postnatal confounders was retrieved from the DNBC, the Danish National Patient Register and the Danish Medical Birth Register. We applied negative binomial regression models to examine associations between maternal perceived life and emotional stress scores and semen quality, testicular size and reproductive hormones among the young men. Main results and the role of chance Among the 1052 young men included in preliminary analyses, the majority was exposed to maternal perceived life and/or emotional stress (76% and 83%, respectively) during the first trimesters. Life stress was predominantly related to the actual pregnancy (48%), maternal disease (19%) or occupational conditions (33%). Emotional stress included especially being touchy (58%), sad (38%) or tense (36%), covering aspects of both stress, depression and anxiety. Overall, results indicate little association between maternal stress scores and measures of semen quality and testicular size. Our study involves a large cohort with prospectively collected exposure data and direct measures of several male reproductive outcomes. We applied inverse probability weighting to account for selection into the FEPOS cohort and included a range of a priori selected maternal confounders in our models. Limitations, reasons for caution The male fetus may be particularly sensitive to exposure during the differentiation of reproductive tissues (8–14 weeks of gestation). Our self-reported measures of exposure cover the first 30 weeks of gestation. Absence of association may, thus, be due to a lack of specific information on timing of symptoms. Wider implications of the findings: While our preliminary findings may appear reassuring, further efforts to improve our understanding of maternal stress in relation to fetal health and potential consequences later in life are needed. Trial registration number Not applicable

Genetic correlations of young bull reproductive traits and heifer puberty traits with female reproductive performance in two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
N. J. Corbet ◽  
S. A. Barwick ◽  
M. L. Wolcott ◽  
R. G. Holroyd
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Young Bull ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Reproduction Traits ◽  
Age At Puberty

Genetic correlations of young bull and heifer puberty traits with measures of early and lifetime female reproductive performance were estimated in two tropical beef cattle genotypes. Heifer age at puberty was highly (rg = –0.71 ± 0.11) and moderately (rg = –0.40 ± 0.20) genetically correlated with pregnancy rate at first annual mating (mating 1) and lifetime annual calving rate, respectively in Brahman (BRAH). In Tropical Composite (TCOMP), heifer age at puberty was highly correlated with reproductive outcomes from the first re-breed (mating 2), mainly due to its association with lactation anoestrous interval (rg = 0.72 ± 0.17). Scrotal circumference were correlated with heifer age at puberty (rg = –0.41 ± 0.11 at 12 months in BRAH; –0.30 ± 0.13 at 6 months in TCOMP) but correlations were lower with later female reproduction traits. Bull insulin-like growth factor-I was correlated with heifer age at puberty (rg = –0.56 ± 0.11 in BRAH; –0.43 ± 0.11 in TCOMP) and blood luteinising hormone concentration was moderately correlated with lactation anoestrous interval (rg = 0.59 ± 0.23) in TCOMP. Semen quality traits, including mass activity, motility and percent normal sperm were genetically correlated with lactation anoestrus and female lifetime female reproductive traits in both genotypes, but the magnitudes of the relationships differed with bull age at measurement. Preputial eversion and sheath scores were genetically associated with lifetime calving and weaning rates in both genotypes. Several of the early-in-life male and female measures examined were moderately to highly genetically correlated with early and lifetime female reproduction traits and may be useful as indirect selection criteria for improving female reproduction in tropical breeds in northern Australia.

scholarly journals Simultaneous Effect of Kisspeptin and Galanin on Serum Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone Levels in Male Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Maliheh Talebolhosseini ◽  
Homayoun Khazali
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Hormonal Control ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Testosterone Concentration ◽  
Serum Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Serum Lh ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
The Mean

Background: Galanin is a neuropeptide with a wide range of physiological functions that also has stimulatory effects on the reproductive axis. Kisspeptin is a crucial neuropeptide for the stimulation of the reproductive function. In the present study, the interaction of kisspeptin and the galanin signaling system was investigated on the mean serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and the testosterone concentrations in rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five male Wistar rats in 11 groups (n=5 per group) received saline, kisspeptin (1nmol), P234(1nmol), galanin(1nmol), galantide (1nmol) or simultaneous injections of them via third cerebral ventricle at 07:00 - 07:30. Blood samples were collected at 30 min following the injections. Hormone concentrations were measured using rat kit and the method of the radio-immunoassay (RIA). Results: Kisspeptin or galanin injection significantly increased both the mean serum LH and the testosterone concentration compared to saline (P<0.05). The co-administration of kisspeptin/galanin increased the mean serum LH and the testosterone concentration significantly compared to galanin or saline (P<0.05). The co-administration of kisspeptin/galanin decreased the mean serum LH concentration compared to kisspeptin, this reduction, however, was not statistically significant. Also, testosterone concentration declined in the kisspeptin/galanin group compared to kisspeptin group. Galantide or p234 injection decreases the mean serum LH and the testosterone concentration compared to galanin and kisspeptin, respectively. The co-administration of galantide/p234 lowers the mean serum LH concentration compared to saline. Conclusion: The interaction of hypothalamic galanin and kisspeptin signaling pathways may play an important role in the modulation of hormonal control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. [GMJ. 2017;6(1):23-29]

Differences between reproductive traits in beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-652
Author(s):  
C. C. Brauner ◽  
L. M. Menezes ◽  
J. S. Lemes ◽  
M. A. Pimentel
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Spermatozoa Motility ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Beef Bulls

Brauner, C. C., Menezes, L. M., Lemes, J. S. and Pimentel, M. A. 2014. Differences between reproductive traits in beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 647–652. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive traits (scrotal circumference and semen quality) of different breeds of beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions, as well as to verify the relation between four sperm concentration scores and the reproductive traits of beef bulls. Two hundred and one bulls of three different breeds (Angus, Nelore and Brangus) and three different age groups (18, 24 and 36 mo old) were evaluated. Angus showed better (P>0.05) reproductive traits than Brangus and Nelore bulls, in which scrotal circumference, mass motility spermatozoa, motility spermatozoa, as well as spermatic vigor were greater than those of other breeds. Two-year-old bulls demonstrated better reproductive traits as compared with the other age groups. The sperm concentration score had a linear effect (P<0.01) on all reproductive traits evaluated, and the same evidence was also detected for body weight. It was concluded that genetic groups should be considered differently for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions, especially because Bos taurus and Bos indicus have significant reproductive trait differences. Moreover, the sperm concentration score can be used as an auxiliary method of semen quality in beef bulls, having a positive relation with other breeding soundness evaluation traits.

scholarly journals 407 Nutrition and sexual development in bulls

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 201-201
Author(s):  
Joseph Dalton
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Sexual Development ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Delayed Puberty ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Bull management for reproduction begins at birth. The objectives of this invited review are to provide a brief summary of the impact of nutrition on sexual development and reproductive function in beef bulls, followed by a discussion of management before, during and after the breeding season. Increased calfhood nutrition results in greater testicular development at maturity. Conversely, poor calfhood nutrition results in delayed puberty and reduced testicular development at maturity. Unfortunately, it is not possible to compensate for the effects of poor calfhood nutrition by subsequently providing supplemental feed. Previous research investigating sexual development and reproductive function in bulls 6 to 16 months of age focused on associations of average daily gain (ADG) and body weight with age at puberty, scrotal circumference, sperm production and morphology. Researchers reported no significant correlations between cumulative ADG and any of the factors investigated, and concluded ADG of 1.0 to 1.6 kg per day did not result in excessive scrotal fat accumulation, increased scrotal temperature, or reduction in semen quality. A common recommendation is for yearling bulls to have a body condition score of 5.5 to 6.5 (on a 9-point scale) at the start of the breeding season. Spermatogenesis occurs over a 60-day period; therefore, nutritional effects of inappropriate nutrition (over- or under-feeding) on sperm will have a carryover effect. During the breeding season bulls are usually limited to the same nutritional plane as the cow herd; however, bulls losing an excessive amount of weight should be replaced. Nutritional management of bulls after the breeding season is influenced by age (potential for further growth) and weight loss during the breeding season. Managing nutrition of bulls through early life phases and the first breeding season provides the opportunity for desired sexual development and reproductive function.

The Prevalence of Bacteriospermia in Infertile Men and Association with Semen Quality in Southwestern Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Motamedifar ◽  
Yalda Malekzadegan ◽  
Parisa Namdari ◽  
Behzad Dehghani ◽  
Bahia Namavar Jahromi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Southwestern Iran

Introduction: Infertility considered as a social and public health issue and estimated that most of these infertile couples are residents of developing countries. Infectious diseases including the history of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may impact on male reproductive function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contaminants of semen and probable association with sperm quality of infertile men in Iranian population. Methods: The study population consisted of 200 infertile men and 150 fertile men attending an infertility Center in southwestern Iran during the study period in 2015. The assessment of sperm parameters was according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The presumptive pathogens were identified using standard microbiology tests and confirmed by specific PCR primers. Results: The prevalence of bacteriospermia in the semen of the infertile group was significantly higher than that in the fertile group (48% vs. 26.7%, P <0.001). The microbiological analysis of samples showed that the most abundant species of bacteria in semen of infertile men were Chlamydia trachomatis (12.5%) followed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (11%). On the other hand, in the control group, Lactobacillus spp. (17.3%) was the most isolated pathogen. Results showed that the presence of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Haemophilus, and Klebsiella was significantly associated with sperm abnormality. Conclusion: Based on our findings, it seems that bacteriospermia is associated with alterations in the properties of semen which may lead to a decrease in the fertilization potential of sperm. Therefore, immediate and appropriate treatment is necessary before investigating every other possible cause of infertility.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic Status Is Related to Pubertal Development in a German Cohort

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lea Oelkers ◽  
Mandy Vogel ◽  
Agnes Kalenda ◽  
Hans Christian Surup ◽  
Antje Körner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Pubertal Onset ◽  
Child Study ◽  
Serum Lh ◽  
Puberty Onset

Introduction: Current health literature suggests that there has been a decline in the age of pubertal onset and that pubertal onset/duration of puberty may, besides weight status, be influenced by socioeconomic context. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine whether pubertal onset/duration and puberty-triggering hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) vary according to socioeconomic status (SES). Moreover, we aimed to propose cutoff values of serum LH and FSH for predicting gonadarche in boys. Methods: 2,657 apparently healthy children and adolescents between 5.5 and 18 years from the area of Leipzig were recruited from the LIFE Child study. Age at pubertal onset/end of puberty was given in 738/573 children, respectively. Anthropometric parameters of puberty, blood measurements of LH and FSH, and questionnaires assessing SES were evaluated. Results: Lower SES was associated with earlier thelarche and longer duration of puberty in overweight/obese girls, whereas age of menarche was not affected. In boys with low SES, a trend versus earlier puberty onset can be seen. Lower SES was significantly associated with boys’ age at mutation. No significant differences in boys’ and girls’ serum levels of LH and FSH during puberty according to SES were observed. Serum LH levels of 0.56 IU/L and serum FSH levels of 1.74 IU/L showed the best prediction of gonadarche in boys. Conclusion: Puberty onset/duration and boys’ age at mutation is affected by SES. The proposed cutoff levels for serum LH and FSH could provide a serological tool to determine gonadarche in boys.

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