Assessment of development of the testes and accessory glands by ultrasonography in bull calves and associated endocrine changes

The testes, prostate and vesicular glands of 10 bull calves were examined by ultrasonography every 2 wk from 2 to 46 wk of age, at which time the scrotal circumference (SC) of all the calves had reached pubertal size (28 cms). Computer-assisted image intensity analysis (numerical pixel values) was conducted. Blood samples were collected every other week from 2 to 46 wk of age. Testicular diameter increased in a linear manner from 2 to 46 wk of age, but the diameter measured in a transverse plane (caudal) was greater between 10 and 34 wk of age than when measured in a longitudinal (lateral) plane (P<0.05). Growth of the prostate and vesicular glands, based on dimensions, was linear, but vesicular gland length increased more rapidly after 32 wk of age (P<0.05). Image intensity of the vesicular glands and prostate declined from birth or 8 wk of age, respectively, to 14 wk of age, increased to 18 wk and then declined to a nadir at 30 wk, followed by a rapid increase to 34 wk of age for the vesicular glands and to 46 wk of age for the prostate (P<0.05). Image intensity of the testes showed an early increase to 6 to 8 wk of age and a subsequent increase from about 20 wk of age to 46 wk of age, with an inflection at 30 wk of age (P<0.05). There was a transient increase in mean serum concentrations of LH between 6 and 20 wk of age (P<0.05), and LH concentrations appeared to increase again after 36 wk of age (P>0.05). Mean serum concentrations of FSH declined with age (P<0.05). Mean serum concentrations of testosterone increased after 32 wk of age (P<0.05). In summary, numerical pixel values comprising the ultrasound images of the developing testes, prostate and vesicular glands revealed a complex development pattern that may reflect important details of developmental stages. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.