A study of some factors influencing fertility and sterility in the bullGilman, Herbert Lester
Science
A study of some factors influencing fertility and sterility in the bull
Gilman, Herbert Lester
Cattle; Infertility in animals; Livestock; Thesis (Ph. D.)
PROSTATE AND COWPER’S GLANDS: These glands were more or less neglected
in the early part of the work, but later were subjected to the same
examination as other parts. Of the thirty-six of each type of gland
examined, I failed to find one with any gross changes, but two prostates
were found that presented a mild catarrhal inflammation of the mucosa.
It is probable that Cowper’s glands, as well, occasionally undergo
inflammatory changes.
SEMEN: The semen, made up as it is of mixed products of the testes and
accessory sexual glands, is very often abnormal, as would be expected in
view of the frequency with which changes occur in the glands
contributing to its formation. The normal semen is remarkably adapted to
its function of nourishment and stimulation of the spermatozoa, and
their conveyance to the internal female genital organs. The spermatozoa
are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, with the result
that any alteration of the physical or biochemical content of the
seminal fluid may cause death of the sperms. With this in view, we must
remember that disease of any of the contributing organs is a potential
danger, and threatens the potency of the animal. Each or all of the
glands may add bacteria, acid secretions, or inflammatory exudates. On
the other hand, they may not function at all. In each case, however, the
semen is altered.
Unfortunately it is impossible with present methods to obtain the fluid
absolutely free from vaginal mucus, but with care it may be secured
reasonably free from contamination by douching the prepuce of the bull
and vagina of the cow before service. This method was used as often as
possible in collecting the samples. The usual amount of semen obtained
was from six to ten cubic centimeters.
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