The Effect of Prepubertal Castration on Wool Diameter and Blood Testosterone in Ghezel Breed

Abstract

Wool growth depends on hormones activity. Owing to hormonal status is extensively affected by surgical excision of endocrine glands, disease or severe congenital abnormalities, wool growth will be altered. This study intends to assess the effect of prepubertal castration at different ages on wool traits and testosterone with draw in male lambs. One month of age Ghezel male lambs (n=20) were selected and allotted in 5 groups (n=4 lambs per group), 4 groups (1, 2, 3, 4 month ages) were surgically castrated, while the fifth group served as control. All animal were fed with the same ration for 240 days. At 9-month of age, hair samples were taken from the mid-side and shoulder regions and analyzed by image analysis. Blood samples were taken from all animals from 1 month of age to 9 month monthly to measure plasma levels of testosterone. The average fiber diameter in castrated lambs was lower compared with intact males (35.21 µm <em>vs</em>. 36.40 µm; P<0.05). Also, 4-month castrated lambs showed significant differences in the average diameter of wool fiber in comparison to the other castrated groups (P<0.05). The plasma level of testosterone in castrated lambs remained in basal levels (0.51 ng/mL), contrasting to values recorded in intact male lambs at 9-month of age (2.33 ng/mL; P<0.05). The diameter of fibers was strongly correlated (P<0.05) with testosterone plasma concentration (r=0.94) in castrated and in intact lambs (r=0.86). Therefore, it is concluded that testosterone concentration affects the diameter of wool.