Experimentally induced secondary cryptorchidism: Effects on growth performance of Djallonké lambs – a short communication

Abstract

Cryptorchidism may interfere with spermatogenesis but not the functions of the Leydig cells. This study investigated the effects of induced Secondary cryptorchidism growth performance of Djallonké lambs. A total of eighteen Djallonké lambs were assigned randomly to one of six treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with age (1, 2 and 3 months) and testicular condition (entire or cryptorchid) of lambs as the main factors. This resulted in three replicate lambs per treatment. Data was analyzed by the MIXED procedure of SAS for the main effects testicular condition and age, and their possible interactions. Average daily gain was greater (P = 0.011) for lambs aged 2 months than those aged 1 and 3 months at beginning of the study. The problems of healing and recovery from the wounds caused by cryptorchidism may have retarded the growth of cryptorchid lambs. There are therefore no additional benefits to secondary cryptorchidism in Djallonké lambs except in probable improvement in docility.

Key words: Djallonké lambs, growth performance, induced secondary cryptorchidism,