SUBNORMAL TESTICULAR FUNCTION IN A BULL CONCEALED BY PHAGOCYTOSIS OF ABNORMAL SPERMATOZOA IN THE EFFERENT DUCTULES

Abstract

Sperm counts from different levels of the male ducts have suggested a selective removal of abnormal spermatozoa in the epididymis (Orgebin-Crist, 1964; LeRoy-Gilette, 1966; Roussel, Stallcup & Austin, 1967). Phagocytosis of spermatozoa by epithelial cells, however, has rarely been reported (Nicander, 1963) except in cases of epididymal obstruction (cf. Orgebin-Crist, 1969). The present report on frequent phagocytosis of abnormal spermatozoa in the efferent ductules of a bull adds material to the discussion on sperm elimination in the male genital ducts. The bull was of the Swedish Red and White Breed, 15 months old and purchased as normal. It had served a few times and produced offspring. During 2 months' stay at the clinic, its semen picture was within the normal limits given by Lagerlöf (1934),