Inicio de pubertad y caracteres reproductivos en toritos Braford del nordeste argentino

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the age at puberty in 3/8 Braford bulls through the evaluation of semen and scrotal circumference measurements, as well as zoometric characteristics. Thirty four bulls were included in the assay that lasted 120 days. Six to eight months-old bulls were conventionally weaned on march 1th 2010 and feed on natural pastures, with a large predominance of Avena sativa, Trifolium repens and Medicago sativa. In addition, animals were supplemented with a balanced food. Variables evaluated in serials every 14 days from the beginning of the trial were: scrotal circumference, testicular consistency, height to cross and sacrum, thorax perimeter, and liveweight, in order to establish these values at the beginning of puberty. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the semen samples taken by electroejaculator, were performed. Results reveal that bulls reached puberty at an average of 13.1 months, with a mean liveweight of 333 kg and a scrotal circumference of 27.5 cm.