Age‐Related Changes in Accessory Sex Organs of Egyptian Jacksassess (<i>Equus asinus</i>): A Morphometric and Histological Study

Abstract

The accessory sex organs play a crucial role in reproductive function, yet limited research exists on age-related changes in these structures in jacks. In the present work, the accessory sex organs of 60 Egyptian jacks were classified according to their age into young (n = 15), adult (n = 25) and senile (n = 20). Jacks were euthanized and the accessory sex organs were immediately separated and collected. Morphometric measures of the penis, ampulla, seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral gland, including length and weight, were determined. Tissue samples from the ampulla, seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands were collected, processed and stained with H&E for histomorphometric examination. Our findings reveal significant age-related alterations in the penial weight and length, the structure and secretory activity of the accessory sex glands, shedding light on the physiological changes that occur with advancing age in this species. Insights gained from this analysis can improve reproductive management practices and contribute to the conservation of donkey populations.