2. External Examination of the Male Sex Organs in the Individual Species of Domestic Animals

When is examination of male animals to assess fertility done?

1. sale examination
2. prebreeding examination
3. infertility examination

What are the three major components in examination of a male to assess fertility?

1. history and breeding records
2. physical examination
3. semen examination

What information is gathered from history and breeding records during the examination?

History and breeding records provide information about the relative fertility of the sire, incidence of abnormal genital discharge in females bred by the male, any inherited defects in offspring, conception rates, litter size, and viability of offspring. The health history of the male is also reviewed

What aspects of the physical examination are important to note?

The physical examination includes assessing the age, condition of hooves, limbs, and joints, presence of defects and their severity, general condition, attitude, temperament, and hair coat. Obesity and emaciation are also noted. Libido, lameness, and abnormal gait are observed. The reproductive system is examined for abnormalities through palpation and adspection

What aspects of the scrotum are examined during the physical examination?

1. size
2. shape
3. surface of the skin
4. sensitivity
5. temperature
6. thickness
7. consistency
8. contractility

Any differences in appearance between the two sides of the scrotum are carefully examined

What aspects of the testes are examined during the physical examination?

The testes are examined for size, shape, consistency, sensibility, temperature, position, mobility, and presence of adhesion within the scrotum. Any unusual findings are compared to the other side or another individual.

What aspects of the epididymis are examined during the physical examination?

The epididymis is examined for shape, size, temperature, surface, consistency, and sensibility. The head, body, and tail are palpated for enlargement, missing segments, and abscesses.

What aspects of the funiculus spermaticus are examined during the physical examination?

Only the ventral part of funiculus spermaticus is palpable. It is examined for shape, surface, thickness, consistency, sensibility, motility, and temperature

What aspects of the prepuce and penis are examined during the physical examination?

The prepuce is examined for shape, consistency, temperature, and sensibility. The sheath orifice should be evaluated for cleanliness and attachment to the abdomen. The penis is examined for shape, thickness, temperature, consistency, sensibility, and surface. The length and formation of the sigmoid flexure are also observed.