Histologic comparison of inflammatory cells in the penile and preputial epithelium of young vs mature beef bulls

Abstract

There is evidence supporting clearance of the Tritrichomonas foetus in young bulls. The reasons for mature bulls becoming chronic carriers and resolution of venereal infections in young bulls have not been illuminated. It has been hypothesized that there is variation in the inflammatory response in the reproductive tract as the bull ages. Hence, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the immune cell population in the normal bovine penile and preputial epithelium and to examine any differences in cell populations between young and mature age groups. Our hypothesis was that there are significant differences in immune cell types within the penile and preputial epithelium and dermis of young versus mature bulls.