This study aimed to determine the relationship between semen quality and
testicular pixel intensity derived from image analysis of ultrasonograms in buffalo
bulls and the possibility of using this technique to predict semen quality.
Fourty buffalo bulls averaging 30 months of age and 505 kg body weight
were used in this study. Semen was collected and evaluated (motility, abnormality
and concentration) twice weekly and testicular ultrasonographic examinations were
done 3 times during the experimental period (12 weeks) with six weeks interval to
determine some of testicular measures (Medisatinum width, testicular breadth and
pixel intensity). Bulls were allocated into two groups according to results of semen
evaluation. The 1"l group (n=19) had normal semen quality and the 2"“ one (n=21)
had poor semen quality.
Results show that both mediastinum width and scrotal circumference did not
differ significantly in normal and poor semen groups. However, values of ultrasound
testicular breadth and testicular pixel intensity was significantly (Ps0.05) higher by 8.2
and 71%. respectively in normal group than in poor semen group. Values of
sensitivity and specificity of testicular pixel intensity were higher for future semen than
that for the current semen (present semen collected), but the difference was
significant (P<0.05) only for speicificy. Values of negative predictive were higher than
the positive predictive for both current and future semen.
In conclusion, the testicular ultrasonogram pixel intensity may be use as a
good tool for prediction of semen quality in future for buffalo bulls at early ages. So,
such technique may be useful for early selecting and discarding bulls with
unsatisfactory semen quality, which reflects economically on bull management.