Academic Journal
Comparative Investigation of GnRH-Immunocastration and a Phytogenic Feed Additive on Reproductive Parameters, Testicular Echogenicity and Behavioural Activity in Young Holstein Bulls.
| Τίτλος: | Comparative Investigation of GnRH-Immunocastration and a Phytogenic Feed Additive on Reproductive Parameters, Testicular Echogenicity and Behavioural Activity in Young Holstein Bulls. |
|---|---|
| Συγγραφείς: | Coşkun N; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Türkiye., Yalçin OK; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Türkiye., Yüksel M; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Türkiye., Ateş CT; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Science, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Türkiye., Dingil HB; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Türkiye., Karaca F; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Türkiye. |
| Πηγή: | Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene [Reprod Domest Anim] 2026 Aug; Vol. 61 (8), pp. e70305. |
| Τύπος έκδοσης: | Journal Article; Comparative Study |
| Γλώσσα: | English |
| Στοιχεία περιοδικού: | Publisher: Paul Parey Scientific Publishers Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 9015668 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1439-0531 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 09366768 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Reprod Domest Anim Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Berlin ; Hamburg : Paul Parey Scientific Publishers, c1990- |
| Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): | Testis*/diagnostic imaging , Testis*/drug effects , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone*/administration & dosage , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone*/pharmacology , Orchiectomy*/veterinary , Orchiectomy*/methods, Cattle/physiology ; Testosterone/blood ; Animal Feed/analysis ; Diet/veterinary ; Scrotum/anatomy & histology ; Ultrasonography/veterinary ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects ; Animals ; Male ; Dietary Supplements |
| Περίληψη: | Managing aggressive behaviour in bulls often involves a trade-off between handling ease and the anabolic benefits associated with endogenous testosterone production. This study compared the effects of GnRH-immunocastration and a phytogenic feed additive on reproductive parameters, testicular echotexture and behavioural activity in young Holstein bulls aged 12-15 months. Bulls were allocated to either an immunocastration group (IC, n = 6) or a phytogenic feed additive group (PFA, n = 7). The IC group received two subcutaneous injections of 1 mL Bopriva (400 μg GnRH-protein conjugate) at a three-week interval, whereas the PFA group received 50 g/day of a phytogenic feed additive throughout the 90-day experimental period. Evaluations included scrotal circumference (SC), serum testosterone concentrations, ultrasonographic testicular echotexture assessed by mean grey value (MGV) and behavioural observations. Repeated measurements obtained throughout the study were analysed using linear mixed models. Significant group × time interactions (p < 0.001) were observed for SC, testosterone concentrations and MGV. In the IC group, testosterone concentrations and SC progressively decreased beginning on Day 15, while MGV values declined from Day 30 onward. In contrast, the PFA group maintained relatively stable testosterone concentrations and ultrasonographic echotexture throughout the observation period. Qualitative behavioural observations indicated reduced mounting attempts and restlessness in both groups during the follow-up period. Immunocastration induced marked suppression of reproductive parameters and alterations in testicular echotexture in young bulls. Under the conditions of this study, supplementation with the phytogenic feed additive was associated with relatively stable reproductive parameters, while qualitative reductions in behavioural activity were also observed. Further studies including untreated control groups and quantitative behavioural scoring systems are warranted. (© 2026 The Author(s). Reproduction in Domestic Animals published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.) |
| References: | Abecia, J. A., M. Carvajal‐Serna1, A. Casao, et al. 2020. “The Continuous Presence of Ewes in Estrus in Spring Influences Testicular Volume, Testicular Echogenicity and Testosterone Concentration, but Not LH Pulsatility in Rams.” Animal 14, no. 12: 2554–2561. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731120001330. Adams, T. E., C. A. Daley, B. M. Adams, and H. Sakurai. 1993. “Testis Function and Feedlot Performance of Bulls Actively Immunized Against Gonadotropin‐Releas‐ Ing Hormone: Effect of Implants Containing Progesterone and Estradiol Benzoate.” Journal of Animal Science 71: 811–817. https://doi.org/10.2527/1993.714811x. Amatayakul‐Chantler, S., J. A. Jackson, J. Stegner, et al. 2012. “Immunocastration of Bos indicus× Brown Swiss Bulls in Feedlot With Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Vaccine Bopriva Provides Improved Performance and Meat Quality.” Journal of Animal Science 90, no. 11: 3718–3728. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2011‐4826. Bolado‐Sarabia, J. L., C. Pérez‐Linares, F. Figueroa‐Saavedra, et al. 2018. “Effect of Immunocastration on Behaviour and Blood Parameters (Cortisol and Testosterone) of Holstein Bulls.” Austral Journal of Veterinary Sciences 50, no. 2: 77–81. Brito, L. F. C., A. D. Barth, R. E. Wilde, and J. P. Kastelic. 2012. “Testicular Ultrasonogram Pixel Intensity During Sexual Development and Its Relationship With Semen Quality, Sperm Production, and Quantitative Testicular Histology in Beef Bulls.” Theriogenology 78: 69–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.01.022. Brunius, C., G. Zamaratskaia, K. Andersson, et al. 2011. “Early Immunocastration of Male Pigs With Improvac‐Effect on Boar Taint, Hormones and Reproductive Organs.” Vaccine 29: 9514–9520. Coetzee, J. F. 2013. “A Review of Analgesic Compounds Used in Food Animals in the United States.” Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice 29: 11–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2012.11.008. Coetzee, J. F., A. L. Nutsch, L. A. Barbur, and R. M. Bradburn. 2010. “A Survey of Castration Methods and Associated Livestock Management Practices Performed by Bovine Veterinarians in the United States.” BMC Veterinary Research 6: 12. Cook, R. B., J. D. Popp, J. P. Kastelic, S. Robbins, and R. Harland. 2000. “The Effects of Active Immunization Against GnRH on Testicular Development, Feedlot Performance, and Carcass Characteristics of Beef Bulls.” Journal of Animal Science 78: 2778–2783. https://doi.org/10.2527/2000.78112778x. Curtis, A. K., D. E. Jones, M. Kleinhenz, et al. 2022. “Delivering an Immunocastration Vaccine via a Novel Subcutaneous Implant.” Animals 12, no. 19: 2698. Davis, B. P., T. E. Engle, J. I. Ransom, and T. Grandin. 2017. “Preliminary Evaluation on the Effectiveness of Varying Doses of Supplemental Tryptophan as a Calmative in Horses.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science 188: 34–41. D'Occhio, M. J. 1993. “Immunological Suppression of Reproductive Functions in Male and Female Mammals.” Animal Reproduction Science 33: 345–372. D'Occhio, M. J., W. J. Aspden, and T. E. Trigg. 2001. “Sustained Testicular Atrophy in Bulls Actively Immunized Against GnRH: Potential to Control Carcase Characteristics.” Animal Reproduction Science 66: 47–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378‐4320(01)00091‐4. Doroteu, E. M., J. H. Viana, J. A. Ferreira Junior, J. T. Macedo, R. A. Oliveira, and P. M. Pedroso. 2021. “Effect of a Single or Two Doses of an Anti‐GnRH Vaccine on Testicle Morpho‐Functional Characteristics in Nelore Bulls.” Tropical Animal Health and Production 53: 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250‐021‐02600‐x. Ede, T., E. Nogues, M. G. von Keyserlingk, and D. M. Weary. 2022. “Pain in the Hours Following Surgical and Rubber Ring Castration in Dairy Calves: Evidence From Conditioned Place Avoidance.” JDS Communications 3, no. 6: 421–425. https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2022‐0241. Garside, D., A. Gebril, M. Alsaadi, and V. A. Ferro. 2014. “Fertility Control in Wildlife: Review of Current Status, Including Novel and Future Technologies.” Reproductive Sciences in Animal Conservation 753: 467–488. Goodrich, R., and W. Stricklin. 1997. “Animal Welfare Issues: Beef.” In USDA Animal Welfare Issues Compendium. National Agricultural Library. Hafez, E. S. S. E., M. R. Jainudeen, and Y. Rosnina. 2004. “Hormônios, fatores de crescimento e reprodução.” In Reprodução Animal, edited by E. S. S. E. Hafez and B. Hafez, 7th ed., 33–53. Manole. Han, X., L. Gu, C. Xia, et al. 2015. “Effect of Immunization Against GnRH on Hypothalamic and Testicular Function in Rams.” Theriogenology 83, no. 4: 642–649. Janett, F., T. Gerig, A. C. Tschuor, et al. 2012a. “Vaccination Against Gonadotropin‐Releasing Factor (GnRF) With Bopriva Significantly Decreases Testicular Development, Serum Testosterone Levels and Physical Activity in Pubertal Bulls.” Theriogenology 78: 182–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.01.035. Janett, F., T. Gerig, A. C. Tschuor, et al. 2012b. “Effect of Vaccination Against GnRF (Bopriva) in the Prepubertal Bull Calf.” Animal Reproduction Science 131, no. 1–2: 72–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.02.012. Lizarraga‐Valderrama, L. R. 2020. “Effects of Essential Oils on Central Nervous System: Focus on Mental Health.” Phytotherapy Research 35: 657–679. Mallette, R. 2023. “Evaluation of a Nutritional Calming Supplement for Stress Management in Beef Cattle (Master's Thesis, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College).”. Marti, S., M. Devant, S. Amatayakul‐Chantler, et al. 2015. “Effect of Anti‐Gonadotropin‐Releasing Factor Vaccine and Band Castration on Indicators of Welfare in Beef Cattle.” Journal of Animal Science 93, no. 4: 1581–1591. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2014‐8346. Miguel, G. Z., M. H. Faria, R. O. Roça, et al. 2014. “Immunocastration Improves Carcass Traits and Beef Color Attributes in Nellore and Nellore×Aberdeen Angus Crossbred Animals Finished in Feedlot.” Meat Science 96: 884–891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.08.030. Monleón, E., A. Noya, M. C. Garza, G. Ripoll, and A. Sanz. 2020. “Effects of an Anti‐Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Vaccine on the Morphology, Structure and Function of Bull Testes.” Theriogenology 141: 211–218. Montes‐Garrido, R., M. F. Riesco, L. Anel‐Lopez, et al. 2022. “Application of Ultrasound Technique to Evaluate the Testicular Function and Its Correlation to the Sperm Quality After Different Collection Frequency in Rams.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9: 1035036. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.1035036. Romans, J., W. Costello, C. Carlson, M. Greaser, and K. Jones. 1994. The Meat we Eat. Interstate Publishers, Inc. Soares, G. A. B. E., T. Bhattacharya, T. Chakrabarti, P. Tagde, and S. Cavalu. 2022. “Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Essential Oils on the Central Nervous System.” Plants 11: 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010021. Stafford, K. J., and D. J. Mellor. 2005. “The Welfare Significance of the Castration of Cattle: A Review.” New Zealand Veterinary Journal 53: 271–278. Theubet, G., R. Thun, M. Hilbe, and F. Janett. 2010. “Wirkung Einer Impfung gegen GnRH (Bopriva) beim männlichen pubertären Kalb.” Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 152: 459–469. Ulker, H., M. Kanter, Ö. Gökdal, et al. 2005. “Testicular Development, Ultrasonographic and Histological Appearance of the Testis in Ram Lambs Immunized Against Recombinant LHRH Fusion Proteins.” Animal Reproduction Science 86, no. 3–4: 205–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.07.011. Ulker, H., A. Yılmaz, F. Karakuş, et al. 2009. “LHRH Fusion Protein Immunization Alters Testicular Development, Ultrasonographic and Histological Appearance of Ram Testis.” Reproduction in Domestic Animals 44: 593–599. Warnock, T., M. Hersom, and T. Thrift. 2014. “Does the Method of Castration Affect Calf Performance? AN291/AN291, 12/2013.” EDIS 2014, no. 1: 1–4. Wells, C. W. 2024. “Effects of Essential Oils on Economically Important Characteristics of Ruminant Species: A Comprehensive Review.” Animal Nutrition 16: 1e10. Xu, M., C. Xu, F. Liu, et al. 2018. “Effects of Active Immunization With Newly Modified GnRH Peptides on Spermatogenesis and Production Performance of Holstein Bulls.” Biology of Reproduction 99: 461–472. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/iox176. Zanella, R., E. L. Zanella, J. J. Reeves, J. Hernandez, A. C. Motta, and D. Avila. 2009. “Testicular Characteristics of Bulls Immunosterilized With Anti‐Luteinizing Hormone‐Releasing Hormone Vaccine.” Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira 44, no. 10: 1359–1363. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100‐204X2009001000021. Zhang, N., L. Zhang, L. Feng, and L. Yao. 2016. “The Anxiolytic Effect of Essential Oil of Cananga odorata Exposure on Mice and Determination of Its Major Active Constituents.” Phytomedicine 23, no. 14: 1727–1734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.017. |
| Grant Information: | 24.GAP.012 HATAY MUSTAFA KEMAL UNIVERSITY |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: anti‐GnRH vaccination; behavioural activity; phytogenic feed additive; scrotal circumference; testicular echotexture; young bulls |
| Substance Nomenclature: | 33515-09-2 (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) 3XMK78S47O (Testosterone) |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260813 Date Completed: 20260813 Latest Revision: 20260825 |
| Update Code: | 20260825 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC13471398 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/rda.70305 |
| PMID: | 42593163 |
| Βάση Δεδομένων: | MEDLINE |
καταχωρήστε σχόλιο πρώτοι!