Testicular degeneration, fibrosis, and mineralization in Limangus bulls

  • Karen Moran Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
  • Raúl Picco Actividad privada, Villa Huidobro, Argentina
  • Eleonora Morrell Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Balcarce, Argentina
  • Andrea Verna Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Balcarce, Argentina
  • Luis Zapata Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
  • Laura Moiraghi Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
  • Guillermina Bilbao Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
  • Julián Bartolomé Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v17.12711
Keywords: Bulls, infertility, testes, degeneration, fibrosis, mineralization

Abstract

A group of Limangus heifers had a high pregnancy rate after timed artificial insemination but low final pregnancy rate after 75 days of natural service with 2 Limangus bulls. Bulls (A and B) suspected of subfertility and 2 other bulls (C and D) with the same genetic background were examined. Bull A was clinically normal but had no sperm in the ejaculate. Bulls B and C had abnormal testicular consistency resembling fibrosis on palpation and ultrasonography; however, semen was normal. Bull D was clinically normal. Bulls were negative for brucellosis and venereal diseases. Bulls A, B, and C were culled and slaughtered. Bull A had a normal genital tract; however, nonstructured 5B gene was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, suggesting an infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus-1 (pestivirus A). Bulls B and C had macroscopic and microscopic signs of testicular degeneration, fibrosis, and mineralization. Although the specific cause for testicular lesions in bulls B and C was not identified, these lesions were probably responsible for the low pregnancy rate.

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Published
2025-08-01
How to Cite
Moran , K., Picco , R., Morrell , E., Verna , A., Zapata , L., Moiraghi , L., Bilbao , G., & Bartolomé , J. (2025). Testicular degeneration, fibrosis, and mineralization in Limangus bulls. Clinical Theriogenology, 17. https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v17.12711
Issue
Vol. 17 (2025): Special issue: Andrology
Section
Case Reports
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