title: The correlation between age, body weight and testicular parameters in Murrah buffalo bulls raised in Brazil.
abstract: Buffalo are an economically important source for meat and milk production, especially in Brazil. However, important aspects of their biology remain unknown thus far. Herein, we describe the reproductive characteristics of male Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) raised under extensive management conditions by applying biometrics associated with testicular weight. We analyzed seven males, divided into two groups: G1, which consisted of four 18-month-old animals, and G2, which consisted of three 24-month-old animals. Testicular development occurs slowly in Murrah buffalo, suggesting a delay of sexual maturity. The biometric testicular parameters analyzed were scrotal circumference, testicular weight, testicular length, testicular width, testicular thickness and testicular circumference. Our data indicate strong correlations between SC, age and body weight, and additional significant relationships were identified between body weight, age and other testicular parameters. Thus, these parameters are suitable indicators when selecting bulls for breeding purposes.
authors.affiliation: Animal Science, University of São Paulo State, São Paulo 17900-000, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patrícia Aparecida Cardoso
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: da Luz
authors.forename: Paulo Ramos da Silva
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Andrighetto
authors.forename: André Mendes
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Jorge
authors.forename: Antônio Chaves
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: de Assis Neto
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000235:genetics*; D001938:Brazil; D001947:Breeding; D002020:Buffaloes / Q000235:genetics*; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology*