TESTICULAR MEASUREMENTS OF MARWARI STALLIONS AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH AGE, BODY WEIGHT AND HEIGHT

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate various testicular parameters of Marwari stallions and to calculate the correlations between these parameters as well as the correlation of these parameters with age, body weight and height of the stallions. A total of 9 stallions of different age groups i.e. below 4 years (but above 2 years) (G1), 4 to 6 years (G2) and above 6 years (G3) were utilized in the present study (3 stallions in each group). Scrotal circumference and testicular parameters (length, width and height of both the testes) were measured using a scrotal tape and a caliper, respectively. Height and body weight of the stallions were measured on the day of testicular measurements. The values for all the testicular traits (testicular length, width, height and volume) were significantly lower (P < 0.05)/ (P < 0.01) in the stallions less than 4 years old. However, most of the testicular traits did not vary between GII and GIII age group. Almost all the testicular traits showed significant or highly significant correlation with age. Most of the testicular traits showed high correlations among themselves; scrotal circumference was highly correlated with the testicular parameters; no significant correlation was found between testicular traits and height; and between testicular traits and body weight. It was concluded that the testicular parameters are significantly correlated with the age but not with height and body weight in Marwari breed stallions.