CANNULATION OF THE BOVINE DUCTUS DEFERENS FOR QUANTITATIVE RECOVERY OF EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA

Abstract

A cannula and collection system are described which permit continuous quantitative recovery of the sperm effluent from the proximal ductus deferens without contamination by accessory gland fluids. In addition to concentric polyethylene cannulae, it features a 90[degree] copper elbow soldered at one end to a copper flange which is sutured to the posterior neck of the scrotum. The cannulae are directed through the elbow into an easily removable collection vial. In the first two bulls unilaterally cannulated, daily samples of about 2.8 x 109 spermatozoa were obtained via the cannula for more than 3 and 9 weeks.