Effect of testosterone on penile and urethral development in Black Bengal goat

Abstract

Background: Testosterone is important for proper development, growth and functional maintenance of urogenital organs in animals.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of testosterone on penile and urethral development in Black Bengal goats. Methods: Nine male Black Bengal goats (4 months old) were divided into three groups (n=3); Group-A: goats with testosterone deficient (castrated at 4 months of age), Group-B: control and Group-C: goats with excess testosterone (exogenous IM administration of testosterone enanthate; @ 125 mg/goat weekly for a period of 2 months). After getting puberty (8 months of age), goats were slaughtered and penises collected with maximum precaution and hygienic practices, and morphometric examinations performed extensively. Results: The penis of testosterone deficient (castrated) goats was significantlyshorter and narrower in diameter/circumference compared to that ofcontrol goats (with adequate testosterone). Moreover, exogenous testosterone treated non-castrated goats resulted comparatively lager penis that the control goats.The urethral lumen was significantly larger in diameter in goats with adequate testosterone (control and exogenous testosterone-treated) than testosterone deficient goats. Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that the level of testosterone positively affects thenormal development of the penis and urethra in Black Bengal goats.