GM 06. Scrotal circumference relations with age and body weight in breeding bulls

Luis Fabian Yañez; Ninoska Madrid-Bury; Ricardo Contreras; Edmundo J. Rincon

Luis Fabian Yañez UNESUR, Venezuela
Ninoska Madrid-Bury Departamento de Zootecnia. Facultad de Agronomia. La Universidad del Zulia, Mara
Ricardo Contreras Universidad Ncional Experimental del Tachira, San Cristobal. Venezuela
Edmundo J. Rincon Departamento de Zootecnia. Facultad de Agronomia. La Universidad del Zulia, Mara

Abstract

With scrotal circumference (CE), age (E) and weight (P) records that were taken in crossbred young bulls, between 1989 and 1995 in a farm located in a dry tropical area, the relationships were studied. CE and E was positively correlated (r = 0.72) (P < .001) and could be predicted using the equation CE = 6.100848 + 0.047284E - 1.84x10-5E². CE and P also was positively correlated (r = 0.72) (P < .001) and could be predicted using the equation CE = 0.999262 + 0.130995P + 1.34x10-4 P². The best equation to predict CE was CE = 0.110802+0.032702P+0.050236E+3.2x10-5E². Correlation coefficient between CE in adult (24 mo) and young (12 mo) bulls was r=0.52 (P < .001), then testicular measurements on bulls at an early age provide an indication of testicular charactreistics of adult bulls. Because CE is related to spermatozoal production and semen quality, this character must be considered in selection programs.

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Author Biography

Luis Fabian Yañez, UNESUR, Venezuela

Ingeniero de Producción Animal Maestría en Producción Animal: Genética y Reproducción Doctorado en Ciencias Agrícolas (En proceso)