J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1982. 54:576-582.
© 1982 American Society of Animal Science
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Effect of Anabolic Steroids on Reproductive Function of Young Stallions1

E. L. Squires, G. E. Todter2, W. E. Berndtson3 and B. W. Pickett

Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523

Abstract

Thirty-two stallions were used to determine the effect of anabolic steroids on reproductive function. Stallions were assigned to one of the four treatments: 1) .23 ml sesame oil/kg of body weight (BW; control, C); 2) 4.4 mg boldenone undecylenate/kg BW (4E); 3) 1.1 mg boldenone undecylenate/kg BW (IE) and 4) 1.1 mg nandrolone decanoate/kg BW (D). Injections were given at 3-wk intervals for 15 wk. Semen was collected every other day for 3 wk before the first injection and at the same frequency during d 85 through 105 (d 0 = day of first injection). Libido was assessed on the basis of reaction time. Total scrotal width was determined every 2 wk. Serum was obtained at various intervals and analyzed for concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH). Portions of testicular parenchyma were used to determine spermatid reserves and to permit quantitative histological evaluation of spermatogenesis. Gel, gel-free and total seminal volumes and pH were not affected (P7>.05) by steroid treatment. However, spermatozoal motility, spermatozoal concentration and total sperm/ejaculate were severely lowered (P<.05) by all anabolic steroid treatments. Total scrotal width for stallions in the D, 4E and IE groups was less (P<.05) than that of C stallions by wk 5. The weight of the testes of the D, 4E and IE stallions averaged only 40.1, 44.9 and 61.6%, respectively, of that for the controls. Spermatozoal production was altered. as evidenced, by smaller (Pì.05) numbers of spermatids/testis and primary spermatocytes for all treated treatment had no effect (P>.05) on erection time, time to first mount, ejaculation time or number of mounts/ejaculation. Treatment with anabolic steroids resulted in a depression in concentration of LH in all treatment groups.

Footnotes

1 Animal Reproduction Laboratory. The authors wish to express appreciation to D. E. McGlothlin, C. P. Heesemann, V. L. LaBruzzo, J. R. Neil, Drs. R. K. Shideler, R. B. Hillman, J. L. Voss and E. E. Remmenga for their assistance. Supported in part by a grant from the American Quarter Horse Association, P.O. Box 22, Amarillo, TX 79105.

2 Present address: Bentwood Farm, Waco, TX 76710.

3 Present address: Dept. of Anim. Sci., Univ. of New Hampshire, Durham 03824.






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Copyright © 1982 by the American Society of Animal Science.