Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of age-related peripheral and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) -stimulated hormonal profiles on testicular size in West African dwarf bucks. Twelve 3-month-old bucks were randomly divided into two groups: the GnRH- treated group (n = 6) and the control group (n = 6). Over the course of 10 months, from month 3 to month 12, the testicular diameter of all bucks was measured monthly, and blood samples were collected monthly for hormone analysis. The results showed that testicular diameter increased with age and higher concentrations of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Testosterone (T). The GnRH-treated group reached its peak testicular diameter (28.36±1.44 mm) earlier at 8 months compared to the control group (30.50±1.44 mm) at 10 months, aligning with the peak concentrations of FSH, LH, and T. While the GnRH stimulation led to higher FSH, LH, T, and estrogen levels in the treated group, it didn't significantly affect the final testicular diameter (p

Key words: Buck, Estrogen, Follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, Testicular diameter, Testosterone