Massage Technique of Semen Collection in Bulls: Procedure, Advantages & Disadvantages

In the massage technique of semen collection, semen is obtained by massaging the ampullae and seminal vesicles through the rectum.

The massage technique of semen collection is a manual method used to obtain semen from male animals, particularly bulls, by rectal stimulation. In this method, the ampullae and seminal vesicles are massaged through the rectal wall, which induces the release of seminal fluid through the urethra. The expelled semen is then collected externally, typically using a glass funnel and collection vial.

Massage technique of semen collection method was reported as early as 1925 by Case and later well described by Miller and Evans (1934).

Procedure of Massage

Before starting semen collection by massage method ensure that the bull has not ejaculated either by natural service or by some other method for two to three days to ensure that ampulla is full of spermatozoa.

Secure the bull in a suitable stanchion and the preputial hair should be clipped. By tapping the preputial sheath stimulate the urination and empty the bladder.

Properly wash the preputial sheath with warm water and carefully dry it with a clean towel.

The operator should trimmed his nails quite closely can pass his hand into rectum after wearing a clean rubber sleeve on his arm and remove all feces from the rectum.

The operator can carefully massage the seminal vesicle, prostate, cowper’s gland to stimulate some secretion of seminal fluid to rinse the bull’s urethra.

The seminal vesicles are gently massaged for few times with fingers by backward and downward strokes towards urethra and a cloudy fluid is expelled.

Then the ampullae is pressed one by one by same slow and rhythmic manner. The ampullae is squeezed/stripped by pressing over floor of the pelvis and the pelvic urethra may be massaged.

The massage can be done for 5 minutes. After the massage of the ampullae the S-curve of the penis should be straightened to allow the escape of semen.

An assistant holding a glass funnel leading to collection vial directly beneath the bull’s sheath can collect the semen during massaging.

The quantity of fluid collected from seminal vesicle ranged from .5 to 21 ml and ampullae ranged from .5 to 23 ml.

Advantages

• Able to collect the semen from bulls that are not able to mount due to injury or some other reasons.
• To collect from bulls those are incapable of erection.
• To collect from bulls those are incapable of erection.

Disadvantages

• Chances of contamination by urine or sand.
• Seminal vesicles secretion leads to unbalanced semen components than ejaculated semen.
• Poor concentration and poor keeping quality.
• Requires skill on the past of operator or training on the past of bull.