Morpho-histometric characteristics of the accessory sex glands were studied
in eight buffalo bulls, four sub-fertile bulls having low semen ejaculate volume (G1)
and four mature buffalo bulls with normal semen ejaculate volume (G2). Bulls in both
groups were of similar age and live body weight. All bulls were from the same herd
and fed and managed alike. Results revealed that the low ejaculate volume in G1 was
associated significantly with low sperm motility percentage (P<0.001), sperm
concentration (P< 0.05) and testosterone concentration in blood plasma than those in
G2. Weight, length, and width of the seminal vesicles were significantly (P<0.05)
greater in G2 than in G1 by about ~2, 54 and 59%, respectively. However, all
measures of the prostate and Cowper s glands did not differ signifi cantly between
both groups. Significantly positive correlation coefficients were found between
ejaculate volume and weight (r=0.94, P<0.001), length, (r=0.58, P<0.01) or width
(r=0.38, P<0.05) of the seminal vesicles. Histometric data including thickness of
tunica musculosa and interlobular septa, and diameter of alveoli were significantly
(P<0.05) higher in the vesicular glands of G2 than that of G1 by about 60, 36 and 36
%, respectively. While, thickness of inter-alveolar stroma was significantly (P< 0.05)
higher in G1 than in G2 (32 vs. 28 IJm). In pars interna of the prostate gland,
thickness of interlobular trabecula was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in G1 than in G2
by about 16%, however, diameter of secretory acini significantly (P< 0.05) decreased
in G1 than in G2 (47.2 vs. 55.5IJm). The present study proved a strong relationship between morpho-histometry
of the seminal vesicles and histometry of the prostate gland on one side, and
ejaculate semen volume of Egyptian buffalo bulls on the other side. Ejaculate semen
volume was not affected the morpho-histometric characteristics of Cowper's glands.