Comparative study between vasectomy, epididymectomy and cryosurgery for preparation of teaser goat (Capra hircus)

[Estudo comparativo entre as técnicas de vasectomia, epididimectomia e criocirurgia no preparo de rufiões caprinos (Capra hircus)]

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of three sterilization techniques-cryosurgery of the tail of the epididymis, vasectomy, and epididymectomy-for obtaining teaser bucks. Thirty animals were divided into three groups (n=10). Pre-treatment seminal characteristics showed no significant differences among the groups. The average anesthetic recovery time was 94min 24s, with no significant variation between treatments. Cryosurgery was significantly faster (3min 30s) compared to vasectomy and epididymectomy (21min 08s and 22 min 07 s, respectively). After 90 days, the vasectomy and epididymectomy groups exhibited necrospermia or azoospermia in the first semen collection. In contrast, 6/10 animals in the cryosurgery group maintained viable sperm with increased motility, vigor, and concentration, while 4/10 showed necrospermia throughout the study. Ultrasonographic changes were observed in all groups, with cryosurgery causing significant alterations in epididymal size and texture. Histopathological findings in the vasectomy and epididymectomy groups included inflammatory infiltrates, fibrosis, lymphangiectasia, sperm granulomas, and necrosis. In the cryosurgery group, an enlarged epididymis, cystic areas, and sperm granulomas were observed. Although cryosurgery was less invasive, its effectiveness in achieving permanent azoospermia in goats was limited compared to vasectomy and epididymectomy. Further research is needed to refine and improve this technique.

Keywords:
surgery; andrological examination; ultrasound; histopathology