Reproductive assessment by ultrasonography in elephants: I sonomorphology of the male urogenital tract
2000
Hildebrandt, T.B.(Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, Berlin (Germany). Dept. of Ultrasound) | Goritz, F.(Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, Berlin (Germany). Dept. of Ultrasound) | Pratt, N.C.(Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC (USA). National Zoological Park. Dept. of Mammals) | Schmitt, D.(Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield (USA). Dept. of Veterinary Medicine) | Quandt, S.(University of Pretoria, Ondersteport (South Africa). Faculty of Veterinary Science) | Raath, C.(Kruger National Park, Skukuza (South Africa)) | Hofmann, R.R.(Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, Berlin (Germany))
Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on seven African and three Asian male elephants in order to develop standards for assessment of reproductive health and status. Their ages ranged from a neonate to reproductively-active adults. Captive and wild African males and captive Asian males were examined. The entire internal urogenital tract was visualized ultrasonographically by using a 3.5 MHz and a 7.5 MHz transducer in combination with a probe extension specially adapted for elephant anatomy. The findings were verified by post-mortem ex situ ultrasound examinations in each species. Each part of the internal urogenital tract was sonographically detectable except for the bulbourethral glands, which were only visualizable in the neonate, and the cranial part of the ureters. Each structure visualized was measured and described. The size and morphology of the urogenital structures, especially the accessory glands, were reliable indicators of breeding status. There was a notable difference between African and Asian males in the size and morphology of the prostate gland and a slight difference in the shape of the ampullary glands. All other structures showed no significant species differences. The detection of the location and description of the testes provides critical information for modifying present castration procedures. Furthermore, ultra-sound examination of the male accessory glands aids in the identification of semen donors for assisted reproduction programs in captive elephants.
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