Pathophysiology of Small Testes in Beef Bulls: Histopathological Features of Testes and Epididymides, Seminal Characteristics, and Endocrine Profiles (Testicular Hypoplasia, Degeneration, Breeding Soundness, Scrotal Circumference)

Seventeen beef bulls (2 to 3 1/2 years of age) with a scrotal circumference (SC) ranging from 27 to 40.5 cm were used to study the pathophysiology of small testes. All four bulls having a SC of 30 cm) and azoospermic or oligospermic (and having a SC < 30 cm) bulls. However, in the latter group, the mean concentration of testosterone and the response to LH pulses, whether spontaneous or induced, were significantly lower. The fact that these bulls were not deficient in gonadotropins suggested that the impairment in Leydig cell structure and function was caused by local factors, either the factors that caused the tubular damage or those consequent to the tubular damage. Hence, Leydig cell failure in these bulls may not be the primary cause of germinal epithelial loss but an effect.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Veterinary Medical Science

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Veeramachaneni, Durga Nageswara Rao

• Biology, Veterinary Science

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8600336

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/71329