Male infertility and breeding soundness exam Flashcards
List 6 things to look at when performing clinical exam when investigating male infertility
observe from distance- lameness, posture demeanour
TPR and BCS
Teeth to check age/alignment
check eyes for cataeacts
brisket- check for sores
legs - check range of motion
why are bulls/rams with BCS of 2 or less deemed unsatisfactory
they are unlikely to perform adequately during intensive breeding
why are bulls/rams with a BCS of over 4 deemed unsatisfactory for breeding
they may suffer poor semen quality due to the deposition of fat in the scrotum leading to thermo-regulation problems
why are post-legged bulls/rams not good for breeding
increased risk of lameness due to hock, stifle or hip joint pathology
what are puffy hocks
swollen hocks due to excessive synovial fluid
why should bulls/rams with puffy hocks be avoided
distension of the hock joint may be caused by osteochondrosis which can progress to lameness
do feet and leg abnormalities affect semen quality
no but they may affect libido
describe the normal scrotal shape
straight sided
normal (pendulous)
wedge-shaped
why might the testes not move easily within the scrotum
adhesions due to previous infections or inflammation may be present
what is orchitis
inflammation of the testes
what disease could cause orchitis as a primary symptom
brucella ovis
why is scrotal circumference important
it is highly correlatedto paired testes weight, daily sperm production and semen quality
what can cause scrotal dermatitis in rams
chorioptic mange
what can cause a congenital scrotal hypoplasia
abnormality of blood supply
(belgian blue bulls)
what is normal scrotal circumference in rams
> 33cm
or
30cm for ram lambs
what can cause hard and small testicles
post-traumatic scarring or fibrosis/calcification with age
what can cause soft testicles
tubular atrophy
what can cause enlarged testicles
neoplasia