The removal of the seminal vesicles from the boar and the effects on the semen characteristics

Abstract

A technique is described for the removal of the seminal vesicles from the boar. The operation was carried out on 12 animals and 6 of the animals were subsequently trained for semen collection. The seminal plasma from the boars after surgery compared with normal litter mates had a more watery consistency and did not form the characteristic gel during ejaculation. The sperm concentration was 49% lower while the total reduction of sperm number/ejaculate was 78% in the experimental animals, but the ratio of living to dead spermatozoa remained unchanged. The concentrations of citrate and protein were significantly depressed in the seminal plasma of the animals after surgery and the pH increased; the osmolarity remained unchanged. Insemination of gilts with the semen from experimental boars revealed no significant loss of fertility compared with the normal controls. Animals slaughtered up to 17 mth after surgery showed no regeneration of the seminal vesicles.