Aspectos clínico-andrológicos de reprodutores da espécie equina submetidos a ultrassonografia doppler no Estado da Paraíba

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Doppler ultrasonography with the clinical-andrological examination and fertility of horses in the state of Paraíba. Eleven quarter horse equine animals, aged among three to 27 years, were used in this experiment. Ejaculates were collected by the artificial vagina method and the samples were submitted to field sperm kinetics and by computer-assisted sperm analyses (CASA). Afterwards, the animals were submitted to evaluation of testicular blood flow with Doppler ultrasonography. It was observed statistical differences (p<0.05) between the parameters of subjective motility evaluated in the field and (CASA). Evaluation of sperm membrane integrity in the field was similar to the fluorescence test. Older animals have reduced motility followed by a lower blood supply in the testicular region and low fertility. The Doppler ultrasonography identified that the Pulsatility Index has a positive correlation with the amplitude of the lateral displacement of the head (ALH) of the spermatozoid. It is concluded that the clinical-andrological examination, when isolated, does not determine the fertile capacity of stallions; ultrasound associated with the Doppler method identifies subfertile animals and may be an auxiliary tool in the selection of equine reproducers with potential fertility.