Prevalence of cryptorchid testis among bulls slaughtered at the Jos main abattoir

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum at the time specified for an animal species. The study was designed to determine the occurrence of cryptorchidism in bulls slaughtered at the Jos main abattoir. Out of 255 bulls examined, 3(1.18%) had cryptorchid testes. Unilateral cryptorchidism occurred more than bilateral and was majorly on the right. The condition was more prevalent in bulls 2≥ - <2½ years old than in other age groups, while subcutaneous testis was seen more than other abnormal types of cryptorchid testis. The longitudinal length, weight and mid-testicular circumference of the cryptorchid testes were significantly (p<0.05) smaller than the descended testes. The study showed a low prevalence of cryptorchid testis among bulls slaughtered at the Jos main abattoir. In addition, the cryptorchid bulls showed pathological lesions characterized by testicular degeneration suggesting the bulls may not be fit for reproduction. It is therefore recommended that further studies be carried out to determine the fertility and pathological differences among the various types of undescended cryptorchid testis.