Abstract

Testicular function and health parameters were evaluated in Somali camels slaughtered at Jigjiga abattoir. Scrotal sac contents were harvested from 74 animals. Gross scrotal and/or testicular lesions (GSTL) were noted and testicular circumference (TC) was measured using a tape. Epididymal tail flushing was collected from 20 testes and microscopically evaluated for mass activity (poor, moderate or strong) as well as % of live and morphologically normal or defective (head, tail and protoplasmic droplet) sperm. Testicular circumference of Somali camels averaged 19.0 ± 0.5 cm and varied (p < 0.05) with age (5 - 8 years (15.7 ± 0.9 cm’s) to 9 - 12 years (20.05 ± 0.5 cm’s) and > 12 years (23.7 ± 0.4 cm’s)) and body condition ( thin (16.4 ± 1.1 cm’s), medium (18.8 ± 0.7 cm’s) and good (21.1 ± 0.7 cm’s) of animals. Twenty two (29.7%) camel bulls exhibited GSTL including; scrotal scar (18.9%), testicular atrophy (5.4%), orchitis ± wound (4.1%), and unilateral partial cryptorchidism (1.4%). 20%, 55% and 20% of epididymal flushing samples showed poor, moderate and strong mass activity, respectively (p > 0.05). Average frequency (%) of normal morphology sperm (63.8 ± 1.5) exceeded (p < 0.05) that of live sperm (33.1 + 2.4) whereas that of sperm head defects (20.7 ± 1.1) was higher (p < 0.05) than that of protoplasmic droplets (8.5 ± 1.05), and tail defects (7 ± 0.6). Mass activity and average live sperm % were better amongst camels aged >12 years. Average % of total (p < 0.01) and tail (p < 0.05) sperm defects varied relative to study months. The study indicates that camel testicular parameters were influenced by physical maturity, season, and traumatic injuries. Deeper studies are needed to characterize the breeding potential and problems of sexually active male camels from different local breeds.

Keywords: Camels; Ethiopia; Gross lesions; Sperm; Testis

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