Effects of Castration on Penile and Urethral Development in Awassi Lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of castration on penile and urethral development in Awassi lambs. Twenty 1−2-weeks old Awassi lambs were divided randomly into 4 groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were castrated at 2 weeks, 3 and 5 months of age, respectively. Group 4 was not castrated (control). To assess penile and urethral development, penile length, penile diameter and urethral cross sectional area were measured at 3 sites (proximal sigmoid flexure, distal sigmoid flexure, and glans penis) using digital image analysis. The penis of control animals was significantly longer and larger in diameter compared to that in castrated animals at 2 weeks and 3 months of age. The urethral cross sectional area in control animals was significantly larger at the 3 selected sites compared to groups 1 and 2. The results of this study indicate that castration affects negatively the normal development of the penis and urethra and that Awassi lambs, castrated at an early age have smaller penises and narrower urethras.