The Effect of Unilateral Orchiectomy on Semen Quality in Bulls

Abstract

Inflammatory processes within the scrotum of the bull are common clinical occurrences. This project was designed to determine: ( I) if there was a decline in semen quality following unilateral orchiectomy; (2) the length of time required for semen quality to return to normal following surgery; (3) the magnitude and duration of alterations of normal scrotal thermographic patterns following surgery; and ( 4) comparison of the degree of surgical insult between bulls operated in winter and summer. Bulls subjected to this procedure for correction of pathological conditions can be expected to sustain minimal additional inflammation to the remaining testicle. It is proposed that the use of proper surgical technique, asepsis, brevity of surgical time and convalescence in clean quarters are important factors to minimize the insult to the remaining testicle.