Testicular echotexture and scrotal thermography were evaluated in beef bulls before and after electroejaculation (EE) to assess their response to semen collection and to standardize echotexture assessment methodology. Twelve Limousin bulls (12 months to 5 years of age) were included in the study. Semen analysis revealed that 41.6% of the bulls exhibited low semen quality. Testicular echotexture values recorded before ejaculation were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than those obtained after semen collection, and differences between testes were observed in some bulls, suggesting reduced reproductive efficiency. For methodological standardization, echotexture values obtained from a single large region of interest were compared with those from six smaller parenchymal regions; the larger region yielded lower pixel intensity values. Echotexture did not differ among imaging planes (proximal, middle, and distal), although probe–testis distance significantly affected measurements. Thermographic analysis showed that the proximal scrotal region was approximately 4 °C warmer than the distal region, and both regions exhibited a temperature decrease of approximately 3 °C following ejaculation. No correlations were identified between semen quality parameters and imaging variables. In conclusion, testicular echotexture increased, whereas scrotal surface temperature decreased after ejaculation. Although ultrasonography and thermography were not associated with semen quality, they provide complementary information for the detection of subclinical testicular alterations. Further studies are warranted to determine whether disparities between testes may serve as indicators of subfertility in bulls.
Pérez-Marín et al. (Fri,) studied this question.