Production, behaviour and fertility of Merino wethers, hemi-castrates with reduced testicular parenchyma and induced cryptorchids [sheep]
1993
Foster, F.M. (Tasmanian Dept. of Primary Industry, Campbell Town (Australia)) | Jackson, R.B. (Tasmanian Dept. of Primary Industry, Kingsmeadow (Australia). Animal Health Branch) | Hopkins, D.L. (Tasmanian Dept. of Primary Industry, Kingsmeadow (Australia). Animal Production Branch)
Males were either castrated (wethers), or were hemi-castrated with a vasectomy and reduction (either partially or in full) of the parenchyma of the retained testicle, or the testicles pushed up into the inguinal canal and the scrotum shortened (induced cryptorchids). There were significant differences among all groups in body weight, with increases being associated with the larger amounts of testicular tissue present. Fertility was low in the induced cryptorchids at 19 months of age. The hemi-castrates with reduced testicular parenchyma were infertile. The principle of hemi-castration and reduction of the testicular parenchyma is shown to be applicable in wool producing flocks with the potential to increase greasy wool production while minimising the management and marketing limitations previously associated with induced cryptorchids
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