Semen collection and evaluation in the ram. The effect of method of stimulation on response to electroejaculation.
Nine different methods of electrical stimulation with a bi-polar rectal probe, were used on 5 rams. The quantity and quality of semen collected, the time taken to produce ejaculation and the maximum voltage required were compared. Semen of good quality was collected by applying a stimulus every 7 seconds for a period of 3 seconds commencing at 1 volt and increasing by 1 volt at a time. A mean maximum voltage of 5.1 volts produced ejaculation. Electrical stimulation, using a voltage rise of 2 volts applied at 5 sec intervals frequently produced smaller volumes of semen, a greater number of collection failures, and severe physical stress to the rams.
D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D004542:Ejaculation; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013094:Spermatozoa; D013997:Time Factors