ANOGENITAL DISTANCE, SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND PLASMA LEVELS OF TESTOSTERONE IN SYNTHETIC RABBIT BUCK

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the anogenital distance measures on certain reproductive parameters such as scent marking, sexual satiety, and testosterone level. A total of 34 animals (22 rabbit bucks and 12 primiparous females) aged 6 and 7 months and with an average weight of 3458 g were used. Rabbit bucks went a behavior assessment (scent marking and sexual satiety) and blood sampling. The results indicated a mean measured anogenital distance of 22.98 ± 1.98 mm. 54.55% of the males had an anogenital distance higher than the mean anogenital distance whereas 45.45% had a lower anogenital distance. The anogenital distance, has influenced on scent marking, sexual satiety and testosterone level. Our results indicated that there is a very significant difference in the scent marking and sexual satiety and a highly significant decrease in scent marking (72.74%; p = 0.007) after satiety (51 vs 14). Males with a high number of mounting during sexual satiety test (4 to 13) had a high plasma testosterone level compared to less mounting (1 to 3) (9.75-13.5 vs 2.57-11.33ng /mL). Males with high anogenital distance have elevated testosterone levels (≥13.5 ng /mL). Our results suggest that a longer anogenital distance may predict normal male reproductive potential