Epididymal Volume Research Articles

Seminal Morphology and Organ Morphometrics of Rabbit Bucks Fed Piliostigma thonningii Essential Oil Supplemented Diet

This study aimed to investigate whether the inclusive supplementation of Piliostigma thonningii essential oil in rabbit diet was beneficial to their seminal morphometrics. Forty-five clinically healthy weaned male Dutch rabbits of about five weeks of age were used for the experiment. The rabbits were divided into three treatment groups, with fifteen rabbits per group and balanced for their body weight such that rabbits in each group had similar average initial BW of 0.27 kg. The experimental rabbits were administered P. thonningii essential oil at 0, 2 and 4 ml/kg for treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively for 12 weeks. The results showed that left testis weight increased with increasing levels of P. thonningii essential oil supplementation. The normal cells, right testis weight and right and left testis volume were higher in T2 and T3 treatments than in T1. Right and left testis lengths were higher in T3 treatment than T1, with T2 being intermediate between T1 and T3. Mid-piece droplet, coiled tail, detached head, free tail, bent tail, right and left epididymis volume, head weight and length, body weight and length, weight and tail length and weight were not affected by treatments. It is concluded that P. thonningii essential oil supplementation improved some organ morphometrics without necessarily affecting sperm morphology in the experimental rabbit bucks.

Spermiogramic parameters of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) to aqueous administration of egg lime molasses mixture

As demand for animal protein rises, raising Japanese quail holds much potentials in bridging the gap. Phytogenics has been reported to have effect on spermiogramic parameters of animals. This research was done to ascertain the spermiogramic parameters of Japanese quails to administration of aqueous solution of egg lime molasses mixture (ELM). Fresh eggs were placed in a dish, followed by 500g of molasses and 1 liter of lime juice. It was then covered for 10 days and the entire mixture was blended. Two hundred day old Japanese quails were assigned to five treatments in a Completely Randomized Design and were subdivided into 4 replicates of 10 birds each. The control (T1) having no administration of ELM, T2 had an inclusion level of 10 mL, T3: 20 mL, T4: 30 mL and T5: 40 mL, all in 500 mL of water. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The study was carried out for 49 days. Data were collected on genitalia morphometry and fertilizing potentials. The birds administered 20 mL of ELM had significantly (p <0.05) higher left epididymis weight (0.36 ± 0.05g) compared to the other groups. The inclusion of ELM in the water significantly influenced (p <0.05) left epididymis volume, paired epididymis volume, left epididymis density, paired epididymis density and spermatozoa reserves in the right epididymis. Testosterone values significantly increased (p <0.05) with increased ELM inclusion. It can be concluded that the administration of ELM did not alter growth parameters however birds that received 20 mL per 500 mL of water had the best reproductive parameters.

Spermiogramic parameters of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) to aqueous administration of egg lime molasses mixture

As demand for animal protein rises, raising Japanese quail holds much potentials in bridging the gap. Phytogenics has been reported to have effect on spermiogramic parameters of animals. This research was done to ascertain the spermiogramic parameters of Japanese quails to administration of aqueous solution of egg lime molasses mixture (ELM). Fresh eggs were placed in a dish, followed by 500g of molasses and 1 liter of lime juice. It was then covered for 10 days and the entire mixture was blended. Two hundred day old Japanese quails were assigned to five treatments in a Completely Randomized Design and were subdivided into 4 replicates of 10 birds each. The control (T1) having no administration of ELM, T2 had an inclusion level of 10 mL, T3: 20 mL, T4: 30 mL and T5: 40 mL, all in 500 mL of water. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The study was carried out for 49 days. Data were collected on genitalia morphometry and fertilizing potentials. The birds administered 20 mL of ELM had significantly (p <0.05) higher left epididymis weight (0.36 ± 0.05g) compared to the other groups. The inclusion of ELM in the water significantly influenced (p <0.05) left epididymis volume, paired epididymis volume, left epididymis density, paired epididymis density and spermatozoa reserves in the right epididymis. Testosterone values significantly increased (p <0.05) with increased ELM inclusion. It can be concluded that the administration of ELM did not alter growth parameters however birds that received 20 mL per 500 mL of water had the best reproductive parameters.

Salmon oil supplementation in dogs affects the blood flow of testicular arteries

The administration of fish oils is known to cause changes in several reproductive parameters of domestic animals. The ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the omega-3 family, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been described and correlated with changes in the semen quality, testosterone levels and male fertility. Nevertheless, few studies monitored and registered effects after ceasing supplementation. In the present study, we monitored the Doppler velocimetric and ultrasonographic parameters of nine dogs' testis for 90days (D90) checking the effect of salmon oil supplementation, and monitoring continued for 60days more, after ceasing supplementation (D150). Ultrasonographic evaluations comprised determining the Doppler velocimetric parameters, testicular and epididymal volume, and testicular echotexture. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) as well as final diastolic velocity (EDV) in the supratesticular arteries (STA), and marginal artery (MA) increased during the period of treatment and kept that level up to D150. There was no difference between the fish-oil supplementation period and the unsupplemented one regarding the testicular and epididymal volume and echogenicity and heterogeneity characteristics. A negative correlation was found between heterogeneity of testis and sperm production (r=-.41, p=.008). Doppler velocimetry indices were affected by the supplementation, leading to an increase in testicular blood flow.

Diagnostic value of transrectal combined scrotal ultrasonography in acquired obstructive azoospermia

ObjectiveTo investigate the transrectal and scrotal ultrasonographic features of acquired obstructive azoospermia and evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the location diagnosis of acquired obstructive azoospermia patients. MethodsRetrospectively analysis of 92 cases of acquired obstructive azoospermia in recent years. All the patients underwent transrectal and scrotal ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic features were observed of testis, epididymis, scrotal segment of vas deferens, seminal vesicle, ejaculatory duct and prostate. Eighty cases with normal semen were taken as control group. ResultsAmong the 92 cases of acquired obstructive azoospermia, 28 cases were prostate midline cyst, 32 cases were stone or calcification of the ejaculation duct and 21 cases were chronic seminal vesicle inflammation, which were found through transrectal ultrasonography; 27 cases were vas deferens dilation, 30 cases had abnormal mass of epididymis tail, 31 cases were epididymis thickness with reticular change, 8 cases were cystic dilatation of rete testis, which were found through scrotal ultrasonography. Compared with the control group, ultrasound examination increased the detection rate of distal seminal duct lesions and epididymal lesions in acquired obstructive azoospermia patients (p<.01). Comparison of testicular volume between case group and control group did not reveal significant difference (p>.05). The thickness of the head, body and tail of epididymis in case group was significantly bigger than that in control group (p<.01). ConclusionTransrectal and scrotal ultrasonography can find lesions in different parts of the seminal passage. Acquired obstructive azoospermia patients have increased rate of distal seminal duct lesions, epididymal lesions and epididymis volume. Transrectal and scrotum ultrasonography can provide reliable imaging evidence for the location diagnosis of acquired obstructive azoospermia.

Estimating the time of onset of testicular torsion using ultrasonography in an experimental rat model

PurposeWe aimed to document the time of onset of ultrasonographic and histologic changes in the testes of a rat model following testicular torsion.MethodsTwenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. All animals underwent preoperative Doppler ultrasonography. Groups 1, 2, and 3 underwent unilateral surgical torsion of the testis lasting for 72, 24, and 6 hours, respectively. Group 4 underwent a sham operation. The animals were followed with Doppler ultrasonography at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Histologic examinations were performed at the designated final time point for each group.ResultsAfter torsion, enlargement of the epididymal head and thickening of the spermatic cord over time were noted. Based on the ultrasonographic dimensions, the ratio of the epididymal volume increased with time following torsion (p=0.002). The torsed testes had an average weight gain of 0.27 g at 6 hours compared to the control testes, but an average weight loss of 0.22 g at 72 hours (P=0.006). Changes in testicular echotexture were noted as soon as 6 hours after torsion, but there was no consistent pattern of echotexture change thereafter. Histologically, viable tubules were seen 6 hours after torsion, while extensive hemorrhagic necrosis was found at 72 hours.ConclusionIn evaluating testicular torsion, the enlargement ratio of the epididymis and thickening of the spermatic cord on Doppler ultrasonography may be useful for determining the urgency of immediate surgery. Changes in testicular echotexture may not be a reliable indicator of the time of onset.

Epididymal Sperm Characteristics, Testicular Morphometric Traits and Growth Parameters of Rabbit Bucks Fed Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Zinc Oxide

ABSTRACT The objectives of this twelve-week feeding trial were to determine the effects of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or zinc oxide on epididymal sperm characteristics, testicular morphometric traits, and growth parameters of bucks. 16 (New Zealand White) bucks 16-wk-old, weighing 2.8kg were randomly allotted to one of 4 treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated four times, with 1 buck per replicate, in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment group was randomly assigned to one of the four commercial experimental diets designated thus: TA = control diet with no additives, TB = 0.12g/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae, TC = 150mg/kg zinc oxide and TD = 0.12g/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae +150 mg/kg zinc oxide. Although treatment had no effect (p>0.05) on final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio, epididymal sperm characteristics and testicular morphometric traits differed significantly (p<0.05). Bucks on TB(Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based diet) had improved (p<0.05) sperm concentration, motility and live sperm, tubule diameter, epididymal volume, volume fraction of duct, and total duct volume, but decreased testicular volume. Bucks fed TA (control diet) had improved volume fraction of tubule but recorded the highest incidence of head and tail sperm abnormality. Though, TC(zinc oxide-based diet) enhanced (p<0.05) seminal vesicle volume, sperm pH was better among bucks fed TD (Saccharomyces cerevisiae + zinc oxide-based diet). It can be concluded that dietary inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.12g/kg of feed improved epididymal sperm characteristics and testicular morphometric traits of rabbit bucks.

English

The spermiogram and biometrical observations on the testes and epididymis of 20 adult Uda rams were investigated. The study was aimed at providing information on the reproductive potentials of Uda rams in Ibadan, and thus improved evaluation of breeding soundness in rams. The average age of the rams was 26.40±7.39 months, and their mean body weight was 39.80±3.00kg. The lengths of the right testes (14.34±1.24) and epididymis (20.50±2.94) as well as the circumference of the right testes (19.08±2.46) were significantly higher than their left counterparts (12.86±2.49, 18.50±3.36 and 16.40±4.35, respectively). The longer testes had a higher number of sperm cell abnormalities (23.43±4.97) compared to the shorter testes (15.03±6.91). Progressively, decreasing number of abnormalities was observed from the testes down the length of the epididymis from the head to the tail. The sperm cell abnormality that occurred most was the curved tail while the rudimentary tail was the least observed. The age was positively and significantly correlated with the body weight (r= 0.59, P<0.01) as well as most of the right testicular and epididymal parameters. The right testicular and epididymal volume was positively correlated with sperm motility of right caput epididymis (r= 0.82, P<0.05), and some other spermiogram parameters than the left which did not show any positive correlation. In conclusion, higher correlation observed between age and testicular measurements than with body weight implies that age is an important factor for selection of the Uda breed of ram. Key words: Testes, epididymis, semen, Uda, ram, Ibadan.

Variation in Testicular Morphometric Traits in Djallonke Sheep of North and South Ecotypes of Benin and their Relationships with Body Weight and Characteristics

The study aims to determine the variability of testicular morphometric traits in Djallonke sheep reared under traditional system in Benin according to the ecotype and their relationships with their body traits. Data were collected from November 2014 to December 2015 on 21 rams of North ecotype and 24 rams of South ecotype of 12 months old. It appears that chest circumference, back width, pelvis length, paired testes weight, testes length, testes diameter, testes volume, testes density, paired epididymal weight, epididymal length, epididymal volume, and the epididymal density depend on ecotype (P˂0.05). The highest chest circumference (69.24 vs 73.29 cm), back width (15.78 vs 14 cm) and pelvis length (23.03 vs 16.8 cm) were recorded in the animals of North ecotype (P˂0.05). similarly, the highest values (P˂0.05) of paired testes weight, testes length, testes diameter, testes volume, testes density, paired epididymal weight, epididymal length, epididymal volume, and the epididymal density were found in rams of North ecotype (respectively of 300.86g, 6.91 cm, 4.82cm, 146.14 ml, 1.02 g/cm3, 27.8 g and 20.1 cm). However, the head length, whither’s height, scapulo-ischium length, scrotal length, scrotal circumference, epididymal volume and the epididymal density were similar among ecotypes and was respectively on average 18.21 cm; 54.64 cm; 60.61 cm; 14.09 cm; 22.17cm; 15.35ml and 0.87g/cm3. In sheep of South ecotype, the live weight was strongly and positively associated with scrotal length, scrotal circumference, paired testes weight, testes length, testes diameter, testes volume, paired epididymal weight, epididymal length and epididymal volume (0.80≤ r ≤0.90; P

Kıvırcık Koçlarında Testis Hacminin Stereolojik Ölçümleri

Summary In this study, measurement of testis volume by stereology in Kivircik rams, Turkey’s traditional sheep breed, was purposed. Right and left testes with epididymis were taken from a total of 42 Kivircik rams whose carcass weights were measured previously. Fifteen, 14, and 13 of them were 5, 6, and 7 months old, respectively. Weights and morphometric measurements (length, width, and thickness) of the testis and epididymis were taken. Theirs volumes were estimated according to the Archimedes principle. According to Cavalier’s principle, 0.6 cm thick 8-11 parallel sections were taken. In these sections for whole testis (testis + epididymis) volume 0.8 cm, and for testis and epididymis volumes, grids with 0.4 cm intervals randomly placed on sections and convergent points were counted. By using Microsoft Excel (XP version), contained volume, volume ratio and coefficient error estimation formulas were used for estimating values automatically. In the study, statistical difference was not observed (P>0.05) between right and left testes volumes values acquired from Archimedes and Cavalier’s methods. The highest increase in epididymis, testis, and whole testis volumes, which were measured separately, was observed between rams at 6-7 months of age. In correlation analyses, estimated according to months by using mean values, it was recorded that there was a correlation between carcass weight and epididymis volume (P<0.05). Correlation was observed by ratio of P<0.01 between epididymis volume and testis thickness for 7 months old rams. Although there was no correlation observed between testis volume and epididymis volume for 7 months old rams. Instead of above evaluations, correlation ratio of P<0.01 was observed between morphometric measurements and stereological data of all analysis. Regarding features, showed higher correlations, regression analyses were made. In the presence of some morphometric data, regression equations, which required us to get stereological data, were calculated. Our thought is the collected data of this study can support the further experimental animal studies.

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Garlic (&lt;i&gt;Allium Sativum&lt;/i&gt;) on Testicular Functions in the Rat

There are several beneficial effects of garlic (Allium sativum) in scientific literature, coupled with its nutritional uses as tenderizer and spices. Folklore medicine also refers to its use in the treatment of some diseases. To the best of our knowledge, the impact of the A. sativum extract on male reproductive system has not been duly reported. The effect of aqueous extract of A. sativum on male reproductive system was therefore investigated in albino rats. Fifteen male rats divided into three groups were treated with distilled water (control), 50mg/kgBW/day (low dose), 100mg/kgBW/day (high dose) of the extract respectively. Administration of the vehicle and extract was done orally for 30 days before the animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose. There was a significant decrease in the weight of the epididymis but the testis, seminal vesicles and prostate were not affected. Alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and Aspartate aminotransferase [AST] activities were significantly reduced by the crude extract in the treated rats. A significant decrease in sperm count, motility, percentage normal morphology and epididymal volume were observed. However, the percentage live sperm was not affected. Serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased. The result suggests that the crude extract has deleterious effect on the sperm functions without systemic toxicity Keywords : Allium sativum, nitric oxide, sperm, ALT, AST and testosterone Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 26-30

Postnatal sexual development of testis and epididymis in the rabbit: Growth and maturity patterns of macroscopic and microscopic markers

We examined the macroscopic variables related to the size of testis and epididymis, and the microscopic variables related to the tissue composition of testis to determine the onset of the male reproductive activity. The present work was carried out using two genetic lines of rabbits showing different reproductive aptitudes to assess the effects of genetic line and birth season on age-related changes of the testes and epididymis. The Caldes and Prat genetic lines showed similar developmental profiles for most of the variables studied. The main changes in the development pattern were observed at younger ages. The Caldes genetic line presented a greater live weight and a smaller testicular volume that the Prat genetic line at any age. No differences in the studied microscopic variables were found between the two genetic lines, except in the variable percentage of seminiferous tubules with presence of lumen. A significant effect of the birth season was found in live weight, testis volume, epididymis volume, percentage of seminiferous tubules with presence of elongated spermatids and diameter of seminiferous tubules. The absolute values and the values relatives to its own value at the adult stage of the variables live weight, testis volume, epididymis volume and in variables related to the functional maturity were lower in animals born in the summer season. Volume growth for both testis and epididymis was delayed in animals born in the summer season.

Post-natal sexual development of testis and epididymis in the rabbit: Variability and relationships among macroscopic and microscopic markers

The present work was performed to examine the existence of some relationships between macroscopic and microscopic traits of testis and epididymis in rabbit. The variables studied were live weight (LW), testis length (TL), testis width (TWh), testis weight (TW), testis volume (TV), epididymis length (EL), epididymis width (EWh), epididymis weight (EW), epididymis volume (EV), percentage of seminiferous tubules with presence of lumen (STL), percentage of seminiferous tubules with presence of elongated spermatids (STES), percentage of seminiferous tubules with presence of spermatozoa (STS) and diameter of seminiferous tubules (STD). Measurements began after weaning and continued until males reached 33 weeks of age. Phenotypic correlations between testis and epidydimis traits and the principal component analysis were estimated as the residual correlation from an analysis of variance, including the effects of line, birth-season, age, and the double interactions line × age and birth-season × age. Four principal components (PCs) explained 79% of the total variation. The predominant variables defining the first PC were TL, TW and TV. Epididymis width and STS were located in the second PC. Epididymis weight and EV were important in the definition of the first and third PC. Tubular diameter seems important in the definition of the fourth PC. It has been not found correlation between traits related to either testis or epididymis size and variables related to active spermatogenesis. Therefore, TW and/or TV seemed not to be good markers of maturity.

EFFECTS OF ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS (OKRA) ON REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS IN MALE RATS

The effects of Abelmoschus esculentus on the male reproductive parameters were investigated. Furthermore, it was investigated if the rats would recover from these effects. The control group was made up of 6 rats, the extract-treated group consisted of 7rats, first week of recovery group contained 5 rats and second week of recovery group contained 5 rats. A dose of 70mg/kg of methanolic extract of A. esculentus was given to the extract treated, first week of recovery and second week of recovery groups orally for a duration of 4weeks (28 days). The recovery groups were left untreated after the 28 day for one and two weeks respectively. A. esculentus significantly reduced (P < 0.05) sperm motility, sperm count, live/dead ratio and it increased percent abnormality. A. esculentus had no effect on epididymal volume neither did it have any significant effect on both testosterone nor luteinizing hormone serum levels (p> 0.05). A. esculentus reduced the mean weight of testes, this is supported by the histological studies which showed testicular atrophy. There was significant reduction in the weight of the prostate gland. On the other hand, A. esculentus significantly increased body weight (P< 0.05).These effects were reversed after 2 weeks recovery period. We therefore conclude that A. esculentus may reduce fertility of male rats as a result of the testicular atrophy seen, which is reversible while causing weight gain.

Anti‐fertility effect of methanolic leaf extract of magnifera indica (mango leaves) on male Sprague Dawley rats

The effect of methanolic leaf extract of magnifera indica on fertility of male rats was investigated since this plant is commonly use as herbs. A total of 24 males rats and 24 female rats (150–170g) were divided into 4 groups. Control group which consisted of rats that were given distilled water for 28 days. The Test group which consisted of rats that were given 1g/kg body weight of Magnifera indica extract orally, daily for 28days. The one week and two weeks recovery groups were made up of rats that were given 1g/kg body weight of Magnifera indica extract orally, daily for 28days and were allowed to recover from the effect of the extract for 7 and 14 days respectively. The non-treated pregnant rats were sacrificed on day 19, the weights, and the numbers of litters fathered by the treated rats were recorded. Seminal analyses were performed. Also serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone LH were determined in the 4 groups. There was a significant decrease in sperm count motility, morphology, live death ratio, and epididymal volume of the extract treated rats. The rats in Group 3 and 4 however, recovered from the effect of the extract after withdrawal. The female rats mated with the extract treated rats had reduced fertility weight, and number of litters. They also recovered after withdrawal. The result suggests that methanolic leaf extract of Magnifera indica in male rats possesses anti-fertility effect, which is reversible after withdrawal of treatment.

Comprehensive assessment of the effect of Sphenocentrum jollyanum root extract on male reproductive activity in albino rats.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of methanol extract from the Sphenocentrum jollyanum root on male reproductive activity. Methods: Male albino rats were treated orally with distilled water (vehicle for the extract; control) and 50, 100 and 150 mgkg-1 body weight of Sphenocentrum jollyanum root extract for 8weeks. Each group had its own recovery. Rats were killed 24h after the last treatment. Caudal epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, morphology and organ weights were determined. Hematological indices, serum proteins, enzymes, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and testicular and epididymal histology were determined. Results: Compared with the control, the extract caused a dose dependent significant (P<0.05) reduction in progressive motility of spermatozoa, viability and total sperm counts. The number of abnormal spermatozoa and epididymal volume were not statistically significant. There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum testosterone levels in rats treated with 50 (P<0.01) and 100mgkg-1 (P<0.05) of Sphenocentrum jollyanum. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in red blood cell count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration, whereas there was no change in white blood cell count, mean total serum protein, albumin and globulin in the sera of Sphenocentrum jollyanum treated rats when compared with the control. The extract caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities with a significant increase (P<0.05) in testicular SOD activity at a dose of 50mgkg-1 bodyweight. Testicular cytoarchitecture of the extract treated rats showed degeneration of seminiferous tubules, whereas regeneration of germinal epithelium and restructuring of the germinal interstitium occurred in the recovery rats. No lesions were observed in the epididymis of the rats. Conclusion: The results suggest that methanol extract of the Sphenocentrum jollyanum root could produce harmful effects on reproductive functions in male albino rats which can be attributed to poor sperm quantity (epididymal sperm count), quality (sperm motility, viability and morphology) and testicular degeneration. The steroidogenic potential of the plant could explain its use as an aphrodisiac agent. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 283-292).

Seasonal Changes in Testis Mass and Epididymal Volume in The Greater Long-eared Bat, Nyctophilus timoriensis (Major), From the Goldfields Region of Western Australia.

Seasonal Changes in Testis Mass and Epididymal Volume in The Greater Long-eared Bat, Nyctophilus timoriensis (Major), From the Goldfields Region of Western Australia.

Compartmental Analysis of Sources of the Bovine Ejaculate

A compartmental analysis mcdei applicable to many experimental situations was used to estimate the volume contributed to ejaculated bull semen by the (1) seminal vesicles, (2) epididymides and (3) other sources. The fluid which drips from the urethra during sexual preparation was assumed to be characteristic of the latter compartment. Fructose, sperm, and chloride (Cl), respectively, were used as markers. Estimates of vesicular fluid fructose concentration ranged from 959 to 1658 mg/bC ml; similarly, estimates of epididymal sperm concentration ranged from 3.35 to 7.10 X 109 sperm/mi. Average urethral fluid Cl concentrations ranged from 487 to 517 mg/lOO ml. The uniformity in Cl among bulls supports the postulate that urethral fluid essentially is a filtrate from a rather uniform pool, the blood. For first ejaculates it was estimated that each of the three areas contributed approximately 1.5 ml to the average ejaculate of 17to 22-month-old bulls and similarly each contributed about 2.0 ml for 3-year-old bulls. For both groups of bulls, epididymal volume contribution to second ejaculates was only about half that of first ejaculates, but volume contributions from the other two compartments were similar to