Development of testicular dimensions and size, and their relationship to age and body weight in growing Kivircik (Western Thrace) ram lambs

Abstract

Forty-seven Kivircik ram lambs, aged 2 months, raised and managed under an intensive system were used to measure the development of testis diameter and length, and scrotum circumference, length and volume, and their association with the development of body growth. The effects of age and body weight of lambs, type of birth and dam age on the development of the five testicular parameters from weaning at 2-6 months of age were investigated. In ram lambs, the respective least-squares means of testis measurements: testis diameter, testis length, scrotum circumference, scrotum length and scrotum volume were 2.55 +/- 0.099 cm, 5.83 +/- 0.165 cm, 15.23 +/- 0.650 cm, 7.24 +/- 0.287 cm and 87.57 +/- 5.921 cm(3) at 2 months; and 2.99 +/- 0.099 cm, 6.59 +/- 0.164 cm, 14.24 +/- 0.657 cm, 10.60 +/- 0.290 cm and 157.49 +/- 5.987 cm(3) at 6 months. The effect of birth type on testis diameter and the effect of dam age on testis length were significant (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), besides the effects of lamb age and live weight of lambs on the whole testis measurements were significant (P < 0.01).