The use of Doppler ultrasound as a potential fertility predictor in male goats

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to correlate Doppler flowmetry with andrological features in male goats belonging to different age and fertility groups. Thirty native crossbreed bucks bred in Northeastern Brazil were subjected to B-mode, spectral and color Doppler ultrasound, as well as to andrological examinations. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow in the pampiniform plexus and testicular parenchyma. Semen was collected through the electroejaculation method in order to have its physical and morphological features evaluated. The animals were grouped based on age (young, mature, and old) and fertility level (high and low) before analysis. Data were subjected to Poisson regression analysis. The fertile bucks have shown higher plexus and parenchyma pixel responses (P < 0.05). Old animals had the highest values for plexus and parenchyma pixels, and for parenchyma score, and they were followed by mature and young animals, respectively. There was a significant correlation among testicular vascular flows, age, testicular morphometry, and fertility; however, there was no correlation between Doppler variables and sperm morphology. In conclusion, Doppler ultrasound had a potential effect on the assessment of testicular artery hemodynamics in male goats. Thus, it can be used as a complementary tool to indicate seminal quality, or even as a potential fertility predictor.