Exploratory study: testicular microlithiasis in cattle from the Costa Chica region

Resumen

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Objective. To determine the presence of microlithiasis in bulls from the Costa Chica, Guerrero, Mexico, and to assess the sperm quality of the bulls affected by this pathology.

Methodology. Seventy-seven bulls were assessed in four municipalities of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Bull testicles were subjected to an ultrasonography test and, in the event of microlithiasis, they were classified according to the number of points observed. In addition, semen was collected by electroejaculation. Sperm concentration (x10⁶ sperm mL^-1) and individual motility (%) were quantified from the samples. Microlithiasis results are expressed as a percentage of the total number of assessed animals. Seminal characteristics were subjected to an ANOVA and the means were compared using the Tukey test.

Results. Approximately 25% of the assessed individuals showed microlithiasis. About 60% of such cases were classified as grade 2 (> 5, < 25 points). Three microlithiasis grades were identified in Brown Swiss bulls, while in Gyr bulls no grade was identified. Regarding seminal characteristics, in average, the overall sperm concentration was 992.5 x106 sperm mL^-1 and the overall individual motility was 75.5%. The bull breed variable did not generate statistical differences in the seminal quality variables.

Conclusion. The presence of microlithiasis was identified in bulls from the Costa Chica region in Guerrero; however, sperm concentration and individual motility were not affected.