The Visual Guide to
Ovine Reproduction
Male Reproductive System: Breeding Soundness Evaluation
Check Teeth.
Check the 4 T's: Teeth, Toes, Testicles, and Tossle (prepuce), to ensure that the breeding ram can eat, walk, produce sperm, and not spread infection.
Smith MC (2006)
Ram on Rump.
Ram positioned for direct examination of the scrotum and the sheath.
Smith MC (2006)
Ram Shield.
This ram is wearing a ram shield and a bell because he has been aggressive towards people. The bell alerts the person being attacked and the blinders make the ram lose sight of his target before he is close enough to butt.
Smith MC (2006)
Bailey Ejaculator.
Battery operated ram probe. Ram electroejaculators typically operate at approximately 10 volts.
Smith MC (2006)
Ejaculator.
Low amperage electroejaculator and a rectal probe with longitudinal electrodes. Intermittent stimulation is given (such as 3 to 5 seconds on, 5 to 15 seconds off, repeated several times) to induce ejaculation.
Smith MC (2006)
Insertion of the Ram Probe.
The ram probe is inserted into the rectum with the aid of some lubrication.
Smith MC (2006)
Advancing the Ram Probe.
The ram probe is gently advanced into the rectum.
Smith MC (2006)
Positioning the Penis.
The tip of the penis is still too far above the funnel. The urethral process will spray the ejaculate all over the place.
Smith MC (2006)
Semen Collection.
The tip of the penis is directed into the funnel which is attached to a centrifuge tube. The filamentous urethral process can flip around during ejaculation and spread semen all around if not contained.
Smith MC (2006)
Externalized Glans Penis.
The glans penis is kept exteriorized by wrapping it with gauze prior to semen collection.
Pugh DG (2007)
Ejaculation into a Test Tube.
While keeping the glans of the penis is kept exteriorized by wrapping the shaft of the penis with gauze, the ram is electroejaculated into a sterile test tube.
Pugh DG (2007)
Inguinal Hernia - Anterior View.
The neck of the scrotum is noticeably distended due to an inguinal hernia.
Smith MC (2006)
Inguinal Hernia - Posterior View.
The neck of the scrotum is noticeably distended due to an inguinal hernia. The distension may also be felt by palpating along the spermatic cord.
Smith MC (2006)
Scrotal Circumference.
One hand pushes both testicles into the bottom of the scrotum while the other hand tightens the scrotal tape around the large diameter of both testicles.
Pugh DG (2007)
Scrotal Circumference.
With the ram placed upright on his tail, one hand is placed around the neck of the scrotum to push the testicles down into the scrotum while the other hand places the scrotal measuring tape around both testicles at their greatest combined diameter.
Pugh DG (2007)
Manual Extension of the Penis.
The penis is manually exteriorized by pushing on the sigmoid flexure with one hand and pulling on the tip of the penis with the other hand. This allows examination of the penis for lesions.
Pugh DG (2007)
