Characterization of testicular and scrottal biometry in costa rican buffalo (bubalus bubalis) during the period of september to december 2023

Abstract

The (Bubalus bubalis), commonly known as water buffalo in Costa Rica, was introduced in 1974 as a new alternative in animal production in the Atlantic zone. The activity has evolved in recent decades to the present day, in such a way that the population of these animals has increased considerably since their arrival. Therefore, in the present project, the testicular and scrotal biometry was characterized in 98 butoros, through palpation and measurement of the anatomical components of the scrotal sac to establish a baseline of andrological typing in the species. The characterization was carried out on 98 specimens of different Murrah, Mediterranean, Buffalypso breeds and indefinite crosses with the R statistical program, animals distributed in the country's provinces such as: Cartago, Guanacaste, San José, Alajuela, Limón and Puntarenas. Morphometric parameters were obtained at the testicular level, such as: scrotal circumference, length and width of each testicle, testicular tone and mobility, as well as head, body and tail of the epididymis, were also evaluated. It was possible to typify and characterize the scrotal circumference to establish reference averages of measurement according to the age of the buffalo stallions; The importance of a culture of genetic selection was promoted, purchasing animals for breeding in herds with an evaluation of the characteristics that can be transmitted on buffalo farms. In addition to forming alliances between associations and public entities that promoted the project, the importance of knowledge of reproductive studies in the buffalo field in Costa Rica is reflected. Keywords: Scrotal circumference; morphometric parameters; Murrah; Mediterranean; water buffalo.