Testicular Assessment in a Selected Group of Young Buffaloes Using Doppler Ultrasonography

Doppler ultrasonography is a valuable tool for assessing testicular vascular function, but its application in buffaloes, particularly during puberty, remains limited. Establishing reference haemodynamic parameters for young bulls is crucial for early sire selection and reproductive management. The purpose of the study was to evaluate testicular haemodynamics and parenchymal echotexture in Murrah bulls of the pubertal-stage and Mediterranean buffalo bulls using adapted bovine Doppler ultrasonography protocols. Thirteen clinically healthy buffalo bulls (7 Murrah, 6 Mediterranean) between 12 and 18 months old were examined. Testicular biometric data, greyscale echotexture (ImageJ) and Doppler indices, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index (RI) were recorded for the supratesticular artery. PSV was significantly higher in 16-18-month-old bulls compared to those aged 12-15 months (p < 0.05), suggesting increased arterial perfusion at the onset of puberty. Other Doppler indices did not show significant age-related variation. B-mode imaging revealed homogeneous echotexture in younger bulls, while older bulls exhibited more prominent hyperechoic linear patterns, consistent with the progress of spermatogenesis. Only the supratesticular artery was consistently visualised; intratesticular and marginal arteries were not measurable due to anatomical constraints. In conclusion, the peak systolic velocity (PSV) increased significantly with age, suggesting its potential as an early indicator of pubertal onset and breeding soundness. In contrast, other Doppler indices (PI, RI, EDV) remained stable, reflecting consistent vascular resistance during this developmental phase. B-mode ultrasonography revealed age-related echotextural changes, with the appearance of hyperechoic lines in older bulls likely associated with advancing spermatogenesis. Among testicular vessels, only the supratesticular artery was consistently visualised, the intratesticular and marginal arteries were not detected. By adapting bovine Doppler protocols to buffaloes, this study addresses a gap in veterinary andrology and provides a standardised approach for future research.