Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Burdizzo Castration, in situ Spermatic Cord Ligation, and Orchidectomy on the Serum Biochemical Profiles of Red Sokoto Bucks

Since bucks are raised mainly for meat, there is a need for castration to optimize meat production. In this study, we conducted a comparative evaluation of the serum biochemical profiles of red Sokoto bucks following Burdizzo castration, in situ spermatic cord ligation, and orchidectomy. Sixteen red Sokoto bucks aged 6 months to 1 year old and 11-12 kg body weight were used for this study. The bucks were randomly divided into 4 groups of 4 bucks each as follows; group A (Burdizzo), B (in situ spermatic cord ligation), C (orchidectomy), and D (control). Blood was collected pre-castration, and at immediate, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 48, and 72 hours post-castration (HPC) into labeled tubes without anticoagulant, serum was harvested and used for serum biochemical analyses. The outcomes showed non-significant changes in total protein, sodium, chloride, calcium, and potassium levels in all groups of bucks. Glucose levels were significantly increased at immediate PC in groups A, B, and C, followed by a decline from 4 HPC to normal values by 16 HPC (group B) and 20 HPC (group A). The serum creatinine levels increased significantly at immediate PC, peaked at 20 HPC, and declined from 24 HPC. The blood urea nitrogen level increased significantly from immediate PC up to 72 HPC. The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels increased significantly from 4 HPC, peaked at 16 to 20 HPC, and decreased from 24 to 72 HPC. There were less severe serum biochemical changes by Burdizzo castration and in situ spermatic cord ligation compared to orchidectomy in the red Sokoto bucks.