CARACTERÍSTICAS BIOMÉTRICAS TESTICULARES EM CARNEIROS SANTA INÊS SUBMETIDOS A DIFERENTES REGIMES DE SUPLEMENTAÇÃO PROTÉICA E TRATAMENTOS ANTI-HELMÍNTICOS

Biometric testicular traits were evaluated on 24 entire male Santa Ines lambs, with mean initial weight of 24.5 kg ± 2.88. These were distributed in four treatments (n=6): HPv (animals drenched + high protein concentrate), HPn: (animals not drenched + high protein concentrate), LPv: (animals drenched + low protein concentrate), LPn: (animals not drenched + low protein concentrate) for eight and a half months. Before slaughter testicular measurements were taken in situ . Scrotal perimeter (SC) was measured using tape as well as length (LENG) and width (WID) using calipers. Testicular shape and volume (using prolate and cylinder equation) were calculated. After slaughter the measurements were taken in vitro . Real testicle volume (VOLR) was measured using water displacement. Length (LENGV) and width (WIDV) were measured with calipers after skin removal. The testicles were symmetrical and calipers were an accurate means of in situ measurement of the testicle size. The form of the testicles affected the volume. The average of the prolate sphere and cylinder equations gave the best estimate for real testicle volume. High protein levels in the diet accompanied by antihelminth treatment led to higher body weight in the sheep, this being the main factor for variation in testicle biometric traits. KEY WORDS: Shape, sheep, testicle biometry, volume.