Detection of estrus and quality of semen produced by rams with deviated penises

Nine rams had their penises deviated and three others were vasectomized. Six additional intact rams served as controls. Three of the penis-deviated rams were raddled and placed in small flocks of ewes where they proved to be satisfactory detectors of estrus.Vasectomized and penis-deviated rams each were exposed to an estrous ewe for 5 minutes. The number of mounts (mean ± SE) for vasectomized rams was 4.8 ± .5 and for penis-deviated rams was 4.3 ± .5 (P>.05). When the rams had become experienced there were very few failures to mount at least once during the 5-minute period in any of the groups.Semen collection was facilitated in penis-deviated rams. There were no significant differences (P>.05) between penis-deviated and control rams with respect to volume of the ejaculate, or motility, concentration or presence of abnormal spermatozoa. Rams with deviated penises could be useful for detecting estrus and supplying spermatozoa for experimental study or use in artificial insemination.