THE EFFECTS OF CASTRATION AND STILBOESTROL TREATMENT ON THE SEMEN PRODUCTION OF THE BOAR

Abstract

Regular weekly collections of semen were made over periods of 5-8 mos. from 9 normal and stilbestrol-treated boars. 1 animal was vasectomized and later castrated during the course of collections. There were great individual fluctuations both in the volume of accessory secretion and in sperm numbers among normal boars. Stilbestrol treatment, started during the course of collections had no apparent effect, but animals implanted in youth had a low volume of semen. It contained a rather high proportion of slimy jelly, much cellular debris and a high density of sperm. Removal of stilestrol tablets was followed by a return to more normal quality and quantity of the semen. Castration was followed by a marked fall in volume of the semen, but its proportions and consistency remained un-changed. Sexual behavior was apparently unaffected by estrogen though greatly altered by castration.