The effects of capture stress on testis function in the Australian Swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis )

Capture stress significantly affected the cellular composition and function of the testis and epididymis of feral Swamp buffalo bulls. There was an initial acute drop in the population of elongated spermatids, round spermatids and late primary spermatocytes, and subsequently, a more gradual decline in the early elongated spermatid and late primary spermatocyte populations as the duration of the stress increased. Sertoli cell numbers were unaffected. The most marked effect was on the early elongated spermatid population, which was approximately halved in the stressed bulls. Testis parencyhmal weight was approximately 50% lower in stressed bulls. Affected bulls would undoubtedly be at least temporarily subfertile or infertile. The long-term prognosis on the fertility of such bulls is not known. Possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the syndrome are considered in this study.