Communication between the corpus cavernosum penis and the corpus spongiosum penis in a bull diagnosed by modified contrast cavernosography: A case report

Traditional methods of penile cavernosography failed to reveal a vascular defect or shunt from the corpus cavernosum penis of a 6-yr-old Brahman bull with a history of acquired failure of penile erection. When a tourniquet was applied to the penis and the contrast medium was introduced into the corpus cavernosum penis under pressure, however, a communication between the corpus cavernosum penis and corpus spongiosum penis was demonstrated. In a normal bull, cavernosography with the introduction of contrast medium under pressure produced a normal radiographic appearance. It is suggested that modification of accepted techniques of cavernosography to incorporate injection of contrast medium under pressure is useful in diagnosing this particular type of vascular abnormality, and may also aid in the detection of smaller vascular shunts from the corpus cavernosum penis to the superficial penile vasculature.     

Blood flow to the corpus cavernosum penis in the bull and goat buck during penile quiescence

Bulls and bucks were used to study the blood flow into and out of the corpus cavernosum penis (CCP) during the non-erect state of the penis. When contrast medium was injected into the dorsal artery of the penis in a bull cadaver and into surgically implanted catheters of anesthetized bucks, it flowed into the cavernous spaces of the CCP via the penetrating arteries. When contrast medium was injected directly into the CCP of the bull and buck there was no evidence of vascular exits along the body of the penis. The only venous outlets from the CCP were in the crus penis area. In the non-erect penis the vascular pressure within the CCP was 17.8 mm Hg higher in the bull and 8.3 mm Hg higher in the buck at the glans area than the crus area. During the non-erect state of the penis most of the blood flow to the CCP is from the dorsal artery of the penis via the penetrating arteries. The results showed that the pressure gradient provides the means for flow of blood from the glans area toward the base or crus penis area. This flow prevents platelet aggregation and clot formation and provides nutrition to local tissue during the long periods of non-erection.     

Penile paralysis and paraphimosis associated with reserpine administration in a stallion

Reserpine was administered to an 8-yr-old Thoroughbred stallion at a dosage of 5 mg subcutaneously (s.c.) every 2 wk for a 2-mo period to control unmanageable behavior. Reserpine produced a satisfactory calming effect that lasted for about 2 wk. After the last injection, the stallion developed penile paralysis and was unable to retract his penis, resulting in paraphimosis and attendant penile edema. The prolapsed penis was reduced and kept within the prepuce by placing a purse string suture in the preputial orifice. Phenylbutazone was given orally (1 gm) and the stallion was exercised for 20 to 30 min twice daily. This treatment was continued for 20 d with little improvement. The purse string retention suture cut through the skin 5 d after the stallion was discharged from the clinic. The penis was then supported against the abdominal wall and the stallion was exercised by hand for 30 min each day. The stallion was not used for breeding within 34 mo after the last injection of reserpine. A breeding soundness examination was performed approximately 3 yr after the initial injury. At this time the stallion's penis was noted to extend 5 to 8 cm from the prepuce when in a detumescent state. Although the stallion protruded his penis when exposed to a mare in estrus, a full rigid erection was never attained. Examination of the penis revealed partial engorgement of the corpus cavernosum penis and a 2.5-cm-wide dorsal semi-circumferential depression of the penile shaft approximately 10 to 12 cm proximal to the glans penis. The penile shaft and glans penis distal to this depression were cooler than the proximal portion of the penis. Semen collection was attempted, aided by manual insertion of the penis into the artificial vagina. When serving the artificial vagina, no "belling" of the glans penis was observed, although ejaculation occurred. Semen evaluation indicated normal spermatozoal motility and morphology parameters. The stallion was able to breed several mares with manual assistance to guide the penis into the vagina and one mare was diagnosed pregnant.     

The diagnosis of short penis as a cause of impotentia coeundi in bulls

Short penis condition was diagnosed as the cause of impotentia coeundi in 10 bulls, aged 2.5 to 5 yr. The diagnosis was based on observation of service attempts, measurement of the extended penis, and elimination of other causes of impotence. Measurements of the penis were made under general inhalation anesthesia or pudendal nerve block. These measurements were then compared with those of 10 control bulls, matched for age and breed and having no history of impotence; the latter measurements were likewise obtained under general anesthesia, pudendal nerve block or sedation. with propionyl promazine. Similar measurements were obtained from 10 yearling bulls under propionyl promazine sedation. Measurements obtained under general anesthesia or pudendal nerve block in the same bull were usually similar and repeatable, while phenothiazine tranquillization produced incomplete and variable relaxation of the retractor penis muscles. The dimension best correlated with impotence due to short penis was the distance from the tip of the extended penis to the preputial orifice in its resting position. In 10 bulls in which short penis was diagnosed, this distance was 10 to 22 cm, while in 10 control bulls with no history of impotence it was 25 to 42 cm. The distances from the tip of the extended penis to the preputial reflection (fornix) and to the neck of the scrotum were also shorter in affected than in control bulls. Although observation of service ability remains the cornerstone of diagnosis of short penis, a presumptive diagnosis can be made if penile protrusion of less than 25 cm can be obtained in an adult bull under general anesthesia or pudendal nerve block. Phenothiazine tranquillization is suitable for screening examinations but not for definitive diagnosis.     

Effect of sire and sexual experience on serving capacity of yearling beef bulls

Two experiments were conducted in successive years on a Kansas ranch to determine 1) if serving capacity could be evaluated in virgin yearling beef bulls under field conditions, 2) the influence of sire on serving capacity, and 3) the effect of sexual experience on subsequent serving capacity for low serving capacity bulls. In Experiments 1 and 2, 70 and 78 Angus bulls 13 to 15 mo old representing four and six different sires, respectively, were used. In both experiments, a pretest session that measured reaction time to service preceded two successive serving capacity tests. Following the first serving capacity test, in Experiment 2, all low serving capacity bulls (n = 23) underwent sexual experience school, which consisted of exposure to nonrestrained estrus-induced females over a 4-d period. Five days after sexual experience school (9 d after the first serving capacity test), all Experiment 2 bulls were retested. In both experiments, sire influenced mean serving capacity scores of sons (P < 0.01, Experiment 1; P < 0.05, Experiment 2). Characteristics measured, including age, weight, scrotal circumference, and reaction time, were all unrelated to bulls serving capacity in both experiments, as well as to breeding soudness examination scores for bulls in Experiment 1. There was a dramatic impact of sexual experience school on subsequent serving capacity, since 85% of sexual experience school bulls moved into the medium or high serving capacity category at the second serving capacity test. It is concluded that serving capacity can successfully be evaluated in yearling beef bulls under field conditions, that sire has a profound impact on bulls serving capacity, and that providing sexual experience to low serving capacity bulls can improve their serving capacity.     

Comparing Accuracy of Wrist Intra-articular Needle Placement Via Ulnocarpal Approach by Training Level: A Cadaveric Study

BackgroundIntra-articular injections are a standard therapy and diagnostic tool for a variety of wrist conditions. Accurate needle placement is crucial for proper therapeutic benefit and prevention of complications. While some studies claim accurate needle placement requires imaging, others conclude that anatomical guidance is sufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of intra-articular wrist needle placement with the ulnocarpal approach across differing levels of training using clinical anatomy alone.MethodsFourteen fresh-frozen, above-elbow cadaveric specimens were used. Intra-articular needle placement into the wrist via an ulnocarpal approach was attempted by nine study participants: two interns, two junior-level residents, two senior-level residents, two hand fellows, and one attending hand surgeon. Each injection was performed based on clinical examination and landmarks alone. The number of attempts and total time taken for each injection was recorded.ResultsOverall success rate was 71%, (89 of 126 attempts) and did not vary significantly across levels of training. Average time for needle placement among all participants was 10.9 ± 6.5 seconds. Timing of successful intra-articular needle placement (10.4 ± 5.2 seconds) significantly differed between levels. However, timing did not trend in any direction with more or less training. No significant difference was noted in total attempts or attempts with successful outcomes when comparing level of training.ConclusionThe ulnocarpal approach is a viable option for injection or aspiration of the wrist without image guidance. We were unable to show any relevant trends with timing or number of attempts in comparison to level of training. Level of Evidence: V     

Ultrasonic locating devices for central venous cannulation: meta-analysis

Objectives To assess the evidence for the clinical effectiveness of ultrasound guided central venous cannulation.Data sources 15 electronic bibliographic databases, covering biomedical, science, social science, health economics, and grey literature.Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Populations Patients scheduled for central venous access.Intervention reviewed Guidance using real time two dimensional ultrasonography or Doppler needles and probes compared with the anatomical landmark method of cannulation.Data extraction Risk of failed catheter placement (primary outcome), risk of complications from placement, risk of failure on first attempt at placement, number of attempts to successful catheterisation, and time (seconds) to successful catheterisation.Data synthesis 18 trials (1646 participants) were identified. Compared with the landmark method, real time two dimensional ultrasound guidance for cannulating the internal jugular vein in adults was associated with a significantly lower failure rate both overall (relative risk 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.06 to 0.33) and on the first attempt (0.59, 0.39 to 0.88). Limited evidence favoured two dimensional ultrasound guidance for subclavian vein and femoral vein procedures in adults (0.14, 0.04 to 0.57 and 0.29, 0.07 to 1.21, respectively). Three studies in infants confirmed a higher success rate with two dimensional ultrasonography for internal jugular procedures (0.15, 0.03 to 0.64). Doppler guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein in adults was more successful than the landmark method (0.39, 0.17 to 0.92), but the landmark method was more successful for subclavian vein procedures (1.48, 1.03 to 2.14). No significant difference was found between these techniques for cannulation of the internal jugular vein in infants. An indirect comparison of relative risks suggested that two dimensional ultrasonography would be more successful than Doppler guidance for subclavian vein procedures in adults (0.09, 0.02 to 0.38).Conclusions Evidence supports the use of two dimensional ultrasonography for central venous cannulation.     

Comparative ultrastructure of the terminal portions of the male copulatory apparatus in Planorbidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

Terminal portions of the male copulatory apparatus of Planorbis planorbis, Segmentina oelandica, and Anisus vortex were studied using whole-mount preparations, serial semi-thin sections, and transmission electron microscopy. In the latter species, stylet formation was investigated at several stages of postembryonic development. Organization of the penial distal portion in the species studied varies greatly. In P. planorbis, the distal end of the penis lacks developed papillae and is armed with a stylet built up of the covering epithelial cells of the penis proper. In A. vortex, the stylet is formed by the secretory activity of the middle cells of the distal portion of the penis. To the time of maturation, the cells encompassing the stylet are broken down exposing its solid chitinous structure and characteristic shape. In S. oelandica, the distal end of the penis bears the long probably flexible papilla with the characteristics of an internal ‘skeleton,’ organized as a line of connective tissue cells and a system of hydrocoelic cavities.     

Hormonal control of serving capacity in bulls

The hormonal control of serving capacity in bulls was investigated in four sets of identical twin bulls averaging 9.9 ± 1.8 (SD) (H), 4.1 ± 1.0 (M1), 4.3 ± 1.0 (M2) and 1.9 ± 1.0 (L) services in four standardised tests. Within each pair, twin brothers had similar serving capacity. One bull from each twin set was castrated while its brother remained entire. When the castrates were maintaining their nadir in serving capacity (4, 0, 1 and 0) services for H, M1, M2 and L respectively) each was given testosterone propionate (TP) (1 mg/kg body weight) at 4 to 5 day intervals for 3 weeks, and along with its entire twin brother, tested for serving capacity 1 day after TP administration. Serving capacity of each castrate returned to its high, medium or low precastrational level and to the contemporary level of its entire twin brother. The plasma testosterone levels of the H, M1 + M2 and L entire bulls were similar (16.0 ± 3.0, 16.0 ± 3.0 and 22.4 ± 3.0 ng/ml respectively) despite large differences in serving capacity. It was concluded that (i) the presence of testosterone above a threshold level (<7 ng/ml in the assay used) is necessary for the maintenance of serving capacity and (ii) differences in serving capacity between bulls are not due to differences in plasma testosterone levels but to differences in their somatic responsiveness to threshold levels of testosterone.     

彩色多普勒超声在血管性勃起功能障碍中的诊断价值

目的:研究彩色多普勒超声(CDDS)在血管性勃起功能障碍(ED)中的诊断价值,从而为患者临床诊断方式的选择提供参考。方法:选择本院内2012年4月至2015年3月期间因ED入院接受治疗的男性患者248例,在患者接受检查前,需将酚妥拉明、罂粟碱以及前列腺素-E1等药物混合液0.2 m L注入阴茎海绵体内,使得诱导阴茎勃起,随后使用彩色多普勒超声系统进行诊断,对阴茎海绵体动脉的收缩期最大血流率(PSV)、舒张末期血流率(EDV)、阻力指数(RI)等指标进行记录,对各指标诊断ED的应用价值进行评估。结果:在248例患者中,存在血流动力学异常病例172例,其中96例患者为动脉性ED,72例患者为静脉性ED;72例血流动力学正常病例,为非血管性ED。合并糖尿病25例,占10.08%;高血压17例,占6.85%;高血脂116例,占46.77%;阴茎硬结症7例,占2.82%;阴茎海绵体纤维化8例,占3.23;经腹前列腺切除术后者9例,占3.2%,经尿道切除前列腺术后者8例,占3.23;吸烟者196例,占79.03%。血管性ED患者的FPSV、PSV、EDV明显低于非血管性ED患者的,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);且在血管性ED患者中,动脉性FPSV、ED、EDV患者的PSV明显低于非血管性ED患者的,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。在指标对比中,血管性ED患者的RI与非血管性ED患者的RI无明显差异(P0.05),但静脉性ED患者的RI明显低于非血管性ED患者的,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。在96例动脉性ED患者中,行选择性阴部内动脉造影术有11例,动脉性病变8例,彩色超声多普勒检查与选择性阴部内动脉造影术符合率为72.73%。结论:在诱导阴茎勃起后,对患者进行彩色多普勒超声系统诊断,能够有效排除阴茎在疲软状态下存在的可变性因素,能够准确反映阴茎血流动力学状态,从而能够准确筛查血管性ED疾病,其检测结果的准确性优于动脉造影,临床应用价值较高,值得进一步推广使用。     

Comparison of Conventional versus Steerable-Catheter Guided Coronary Sinus Lead Positioning in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Device Implantation

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare conventional versus steerable catheter guided coronary sinus (CS) cannulation in patients with advanced heart failure undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Background

Steerable catheter guided coronary sinus cannulation could reduce fluoroscopy time and contrast medium use during CRT implantation.

Methods

176 consecutive patients with ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure undergoing CRT implantation from January 2008 to December 2012 at the University Hospital of Cologne were identified. During the study period two concurrent CS cannulation techniques were used: standard CS cannulation technique (standard-group, n = 113) and CS cannulation using a steerable electrophysiology (EP) catheter (EPCath-group, n = 63). Propensity-score matched pairs of conventional and EP-catheter guided CS cannulation made up the study population (n = 59 pairs). Primary endpoints were total fluoroscopy time and contrast medium amount used during procedure.

Results

The total fluoroscopy time was 30.9 min (interquartile range (IQR), 19.9–44.0 min) in the standard-group and 23.4 min (IQR, 14.2-34-2 min) in the EPCath-group (p = 0.011). More contrast medium was used in the standard-group (60.0 ml, IQR, 30.0–100 ml) compared to 25.0 ml (IQR, 20.0–50.0 ml) in the EPCath-group (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Use of steerable EP catheter was associated with significant reduction of fluoroscopy time and contrast medium use in patients undergoing CRT implantation.     

Insulin Reverses Enhanced Incorporation of 32P into Polyphosphoinositides in Peripheral Nerve of the Streptozotocin Diabetic Rat

The ability of insulin treatment to reverse altered phosphoinositide metabolism in sciatic nerve from streptozotocin diabetic rats was studied. Diabetes was induced in rats by means of a single injection of streptozotocin. Enhanced incorporation of 32P into phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) was detectable as early as 8 days following intravenous injection of streptozotocin and was maximal after 4 weeks. Hormone treatment was initiated at this time by daily injections of protamine zinc insulin followed by the implantation of long-acting insulin osmotic minipumps, and 4 weeks later sciatic nerves were removed and incubated in the presence of [32P]orthophosphate. The increased labeling of PIP2 was completely reversed by hormone administration. In contrast, insulin (0.1 and 1.0 mU/ml) added to the incubation medium failed to reverse the altered pattern of 32P incorporation into PIP2. The uptake of 32P into PIP2 was greater than 80% higher into the proximal than into the distal portion of normal sciatic nerve when these were incubated separately. This metabolic difference was abolished in diabetic rats, although the incorporation into both segments was still significantly higher than in controls. These results strengthen the association of altered nerve PIP2 metabolism with the diabetic state and are consistent with the concept that experimental diabetic neuropathy is a distal axonopathy.     

Reproductive performance and productive traits of beef bulls selected for different levels of testosterone response to GnRH

In two separate studies, one with four Hereford-Shorthorn and one with three Zebu x British crossbred bulls, the efficacy of using the testosterone response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH; Lutal, Hoechst) to predict differences in reproductive performance was assessed. Young bulls (17 or 29 months of age) selected for low to high (3.1 to 10.3 ng/ml) peak plasma testosterone 2 to 2.5 hours after the intramuscular injection of GnRH (62.5 to 2000 ng/kg LWT) were each later individually joined with groups of 19 to 30 cows in which estrus had been synchronized. In both studies, the rankings of bulls for overall fertility (capable cows pregnant), for libido (estrous cows mounted), and for fertilizing ability (mounted cows pregnant) were in close agreement with rankings for testosterone responses to GnRH. In the Bos indicus bulls rankings for both reproductive performance and testosterone response to GnRH were repeatable when measured at two and four years of age. Other reproductive measurements (semen quality, scrotal circumference, pen-type serving capacity tests) were less reliable predictors of reproductive performance. Measurements of liveweight gains and parasite resistance indicated that bulls superior for these characteristics do not always have satisfactory reproductive performance. These studies suggest that the testosterone response to GnRH could be a useful test to ensure that bulls selected for productive traits have adequate reproductive potential.     

Non-surgical cannulation of the vena cava for chronic blood collection in mature swine.

A nonsurgical cannulation technique for blood collections from mature swine was evaluated. Primiparous Yorkshire-Landrace sows (n = 6) received an indwelling jugular vein cannulae for 7 days duration. Recannulation was performed at monthly intervals for a total of 14 months. During cannulation, sows were restrained in a standing position using a rope snout snare. A 12-gauge by 10 cm needle was inserted into the jugular vein. Sterilized polyvinyl chloride tubing was advanced through the needle into the vein and a blunted 18-gauge needle and attached intermittent injection hub was inserted into the free end of the tubing. Surgical tape was used to form a butterfly on the tubing by suturing the tape to the animals' skin. Foam padding, livestock cement, and elastic tape helped to keep the tubing in position. Problems with cannulae patency and maintenance were few. No behavioral problems or systemic signs of illness were noted and necropsy examinations performed after the final cannulation revealed few abnormalities associated with chronic intermittent cannulation. This technique provides a safe, quick, effective means for multiple and repeated cannulae placement for blood collection from mature swine with minimal effects on the animal and without the risks associated with surgical techniques.     

Ischemic Conditioning Protects from Axoglial Alterations of the Optic Pathway Induced by Experimental Diabetes in Rats

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness. Visual function disorders have been demonstrated in diabetics even before the onset of retinopathy. At early stages of experimental diabetes, axoglial alterations occur at the distal portion of the optic nerve. Although ischemic conditioning can protect neurons and synaptic terminals against ischemic damage, there is no information on its ability to protect axons. We analyzed the effect of ischemic conditioning on the early axoglial alterations in the distal portion of the optic nerve induced by experimental diabetes. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Retinal ischemia was induced by increasing intraocular pressure to 120 mm Hg for 5 min; this maneuver started 3 days after streptozotocin injection and was weekly repeated in one eye, while the contralateral eye was submitted to a sham procedure. The application of ischemia pulses prevented a deficit in the anterograde transport from the retina to the superior colliculus, as well as an increase in astrocyte reactivity, ultraestructural myelin alterations, and altered morphology of oligodendrocyte lineage in the optic nerve distal portion at early stages of experimental diabetes. Ischemia tolerance prevented a significant decrease of retinal glutamine synthetase activity induced by diabetes. These results suggest that early vision loss in diabetes could be abated by ischemic conditioning which preserved axonal function and structure.     

Feasibility of ultrasound-guided capsule-sheath space block combined with anterior cervical cutaneous nerves block for thyroidectomy: an observational pilot study

Background

We evaluated the efficacy of a new anesthetic technique termed ultrasound-guided capsule-sheath space block (CSSB) combined with anterior cervical cutaneous nerve block (CCNB) for thyroidectomy.

Methods

The study included two parts: Part one was an imaging study to determine technique feasibility. The CSSB was performed on five healthy volunteers by introducing the needle 0.5 cm lateral to the probe under in-plane needle ultrasound guidance. After puncture of the false capsule and its subsequent contraction with the true capsule of thyroid, 10 mL of contrast medium was deposited slowly in the capsule-sheath space. The CCNB was performed bilaterally as follows: Under ultrasound guidance, a subcutaneous injection was made along the sternocleidomastoid using 10 mL of contrast medium which was followed by a girdle-shaped picchu raised from the cricoid cartilage to supraclavicular region. The spreading pattern of contrast medium was imaged using computed tomographic scanning. In part two (a clinical case series) the technique efficacy was evaluated. Seventy-eight patients undergoing thyroidectomy had ultrasound-guided CSSB and CCNB with local anesthetics. The sensory onset of CCNB, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, and analgesic effect were assessed and complications were noted.

Results

The distribution of contrast medium was well defined. In part two the onset time of CCNB was 2.2 ± 0.7 min, and the hemodynamic parameters remained stable intraoperatively. The recall of visual analogue scale scores during surgery was 2 [1–4] for median (range). The patients’ and surgeons’ satisfaction scores were 2 [1–4] and 1 [1–3] for median (range). No serious complications occurred.

Conclusions

Combining ultrasound-guided CSSB and CCNB is a feasible, effective and safe technique for thyroidectomy.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR-ONC-12002025. Registered 19 March 2012.     

Pharmacologic treatment of erectile dysfunction

Penile erection occurs in response to cavernous smooth muscle relaxation, increased blood flow to the penis, and restriction of venous outflow. These events are regulated by a spinal reflex relying on visual, imaginative, and olfactory stimuli generated within the central nervous system (CNS) and on tactile stimuli to the penis. Drugs can have a facilitatory or inhibitory effect either on the nerves regulating this reflex or on the cavernous smooth muscle. A balance between contractile and relaxant factors governs flaccidity/rigidity within the penis. Drugs that raise cytosolic calcium either prevent or abort erection. Conversely, drugs that lower cytosolic calcium relax smooth muscle and can initiate penile erection. Efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, especially type 5; alpha-adrenergic-receptor antagonists; and dopamine agonists exploit these mechanisms within the penis or CNS. Recent advances in our understanding of the pharmacology of penile erection are being translated into effective therapies for ED.     

Depression of follicle stimulating hormone in bulls injected with follicular fluid

Eight bulls were divided into two groups and injected with either charcoal-extracted steer blood serum or charcoal-extracted bovine follicular fluid (bFF). Ten-milliliter injections were given subcutaneous every 12 h for 4 wk. Jugular blood collected before, during and after the injection period was analyzed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by radioimmunoassay. All bulls were exposed to restrained, estrual heifers for 15 min every 2 wk for 16 wk starting 4 wk before the first injection. The number of mounts and services by each bull was recorded. Semen was collected with an artificial vagina and evaluated on alternate weeks during the same period. The concentration of FSH in serum decreased (P < 0.05) by 12 h after the first injection and remained 61% lower than that of serum-injected bulls during the injection period. The concentration of FSH increased (P < 0.05) by 3 d after the last injection. Injections of bFF did not affect the concentration of LH in serum. Bovine follicular fluid injections significantly depressed FSH; however, libido, serving capacity, and semen characteristics were unchanged.     

Semen collection in the dog

This review will discuss semen collection in the dog. Semen samples may be collected from male dogs for the purposes of artificial insemination, cryopreservation or diagnosis. The materials needed for semen collection depend on which method is used and the collector's level of expertise with this procedure. At minimum, two sterile centrifuge tubes or specimen cups can be used to collect semen as it is ejaculated (for the combined first and second fractions and for the third fraction). The most common method for semen collection in the dog is by digital stimulation. Under ideal conditions, this procedure is performed in the presence of an estrous bitch. Initially, the dog's penis is vigorously massaged through the prepuce at the level of the bulbus glandis (caudal-most aspect of the prepuce) until a partial erection develops (initial engorgement of the bulbus glandis). The prepuce is quickly retracted past the bulbus glandis and firm constant pressure is applied to the penis behind the bulbus glandis by squeezing the penis between index finger and thumb. Pelvic thrusting may occur following application of pressure behind the bulbus glandis during the development a "full" erection. The ejaculate is composed of three fractions: first (sperm-poor), second (sperm-rich) and third (prostatic fluid). In addition to digital stimulation of the penis, spermatozoa have been collected from dogs using electroejaculation and pharmacologic methods.     

Internal artificial vagina (IAV) to assess breeding behavior of young Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls

Bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) usually neglects the libido and mating ability evaluation. The internal artificial vagina (IAV) permits semen sampling, as well as mating ability evaluation. Few studies have been performed using IAV with young bulls and there are none with Bos indicus bulls. The present study evaluated sexual behavior, mating ability and semen quality in young Bos taurus (Devon) and B. indicus (Nellore) bulls using the IAV device. In the first experiment, 52 Devon bulls, 18-25 months old were observed, and the behavior and mating ability recorded over a 10-min period within a restrained mount-cow with an IAV inserted. In the second experiment, 20 Nellore bulls, 20-30 months old were evaluated over a 20 min period. Of the 52 Devon bulls, 45 (86.5%) had semen recovered with the IAV, 31 (69.0%) were considered satisfactory. Nellore bulls exhibited a different sexual behavior, with 10 bulls not showing any interest in the females. Four bulls demonstrated sexual interest only once, e.g., sniffing, two showed interest on more than one occasion, and four had more than two mounts or mounting attempts. None out of the Nellore bulls was collected with IAV. The IAV was an effective and welfare-promoting animal technology for the evaluation of semen quality and mating ability of B. taurus bulls. However, the IAV was not adequate for young Nellore bulls, probably due to their quiescent sexual behavior and delayed sexual maturity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the performance of the IAV for older Nellore bulls.