Effect of scrotal streptothricosis on spermatogenesis in the bull
Kumi-Diaka, J.; Njoku, C.O.
Veterinary Record 107(23): 525-527
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7467100 Document Number: 157830
Cutaneous streptothricosis was observed in 171 (13.42%) of 1274 animals examined over a period of 12 mo. Eighty-six (8.30%) of the 1036 bulls examined had cutaneous and scrotal streptothricosis and 85 (35.71%) of the 238 cows had cutaneous streptothricosis of varying degrees. More cattle were affected during the rainy and pre-dry seasons when the condition was more extensive and severe. Histologically, moderate testicular degeneration was observed in 15 (13.6%) of 110 streptothricosis-free bulls and 14 (16.3%) of the 86 bulls with scrotal streptothricosis. No correlation was found between scrotal streptothricosis and testicular degeneration and/or inflammation. Average percentage spermatogenesis was 89.7% for normal bulls, 91.2% and 89.5% for bulls with mild and moderate scrotal streptothricosis, respectively, and 88.0% for bulls with severe scrotal streptothricosis. Two chronic cases had an average percentage spermatogenesis of 89.0%. There was no correlation between the degree and extent of scrotal streptothricosis and spermatogenesis. The slight increase in the thickness of the scrotum was not observed to affect the normal course of spermatogenesis.