Growth ,Development, Puberty and sexual maturity

Growth : the increase in body size and weight that occurs within a specific time
period. That increase results from the multiplication of body cells and their
growth in volume, and also from the accumulation of non-cytoplasmic
matter, eg. fat.
epidermis : increase in the number of cells
nervous , muscle and bone tissues: increase in the volume of cells
Development: relates to all morphological and physiological processes that
result in changes in the external and internal structure and which are manifested
by changes in body proportions and by newly acquired biological functions.
Puberty : is the premature age, at which the male animals exhibit first pubertal
sex desire and secondary sex characteristic, but with its partial growth and
functioning of andrological organs. In the male the onset of puberty is
characterized by secondary sex signs, sexual desire, ability to copulate and the
presence of viable spermatozoa in the ejaculate.
Sexual maturity : in male is the mature age, at which the male animals exhibits
post pubertal sex desire and secondary sex characteristics, with its complete
growth and functioning of andrological organ. The puberty preceeds sexual
maturity.
The time of puberty in male animals

Cattle – 9 to 12 months (range 6 – 18 months)

Swine - 5 to 7 months ( range 4 – 8 months)
Horses - 18 months (range 12 – 24 months)
Sheep - 7 to 8 months ( range 4 – 12 months)
Dogs - 7 to 10 months ( range 5 – 12 months)
Cats - 8 to 10 months ( range 6 – 15 months)
FACTORS AFFECTING AGE AT PUBERTY AND SEXUAL MATURITY

1. Genetic factors
2. Nutritional factors.
3. Hormonal factors
4. Social and climatic factors and
5. Body weight.
1. Genetic factors: differs between species, breeds, strains
and individuals

zebu bulls :about one year later than exotic breeds.

Crossbred bulls :earlier than the straightbred (inbred)

bulls.
2. Nutritional factors: of TDN, protein, Ca, P, Cu, Co, Fe and
Iodine, etc. may prevent secretion of gonadotropins by the
ant. pituitary gland.
Vit-A may lead to irreversible degeneration of the
seminiferous tubules.
Vit.A, phosphorus and calcium may cause delay in the
occurrence of puberty due to slow body growth rate.
Males fed on too rich diet develop obesity and show delayed
puberty and sexual maturity.
1. excessive fat around genital organs reprod.
hormones.
2. Accumulation of fat around testes may form an insulating
cover affecting thermoregulation of the testes.
3. Obese bulls are lazy and sluggish and due to their physical
inability, they may not show sexual interest.
3. Hormonal factors: optimal balance in the level of
testosterone and gonadotropins is necessary for
optimal functioning and hormonal imbalance may
affect age at puberty and sexual maturity in males.
4. Social and climatic factors:
In rams, day light hours in prolactin and
in gonadotropins and then in
testosterone level.
Presence of the females of the same species
generally hastens puberty in males.
Extreme weather conditions like extreme cold and
heat would depress sexual activity.
5. Body weight.: body wt. of the animals is a good
criterion for recommending the male for
service.
The average body weight, when the bulls be
recommended for service should be nearly 240 Kg and
this weight must be gained by about 18 months of age.

In buffalo bulls the weight recommended to allow first service is

around 280 Kg.
Thank you