The Spermiogram of Mesterolone Treated West African Dwarf Bucks with Testicular Degeneration

Abstract

Twelve West African Dwarf bucks were used in this study to measure the effect of scrotal insulation and post insulation Proviron® treatment on semen. The testes of the bucks were insulated using cellophane bags and cotton wool for 30 days. After the removal of the insulating materials, the
bucks were divided into groups A and B. Animals in group A received 100mg per head per week of Proviron® (mesterolone) for 3 weeks while group B animals were left untreated. Semen collection was done using electroejaculation method throughout the study. Results showed that scrotal insulation caused testicular degeneration evidenced by an insignificant reduction (P>0.05) in sperm motility from 50.28±39.30% preinsulation to 41.81± 30.80% during insulation. However, motility increased significantly (P<0.05) to 74.58± 13.73% in post insulation treated bucks. Mass activity was graded good (++) pre-insulation, fair (+) during insulation, very poor (0) post insulation and very good (+++) during post insulation treatment phase. It was concluded that increased testicular heat due to scrotal insulation resulted in testicular degeneration and that the responses to proviron® treatment in post insulation treated bucks confirmed the anabolic and androgenic properties of Proviron®.