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Reproductive System
Reproductive System
Reproductive System
Scrotum:
Scrotum is a two-lobed sac developed from the invagination of inguinal skin
to accommodate the testes. Although it is apparently divided into two
almost equal halves by the median vertical band, the left half is slightly
longer and more voluminous than the right half.
Main function of scrotum is to support and protect the testes suspended by
the spermatic cord in the scrotal sac. The scrotum functions as a heat-
regulating mechanism in the male. It keeps the testicles 4-5°C below
normal body temperature. This lowered temperature is essential for sperm
formation. The large number of sebaceous and sweat glands on the
scrotum help in lowering the scrotal temperature. During the hot season,
the thermoregulatory action causes the tunica dartos muscle to relax,
allowing the scrotum to elongate, dropping the testes far from the heat of
the body. During the cold season, the scrotal muscle contracts, retracting
the scrotum and bringing the testes nearer to the body. This
thermoregulatory action, however, does not begin until the animal
approaches puberty.
Testes:
The testes are primary sex organs in the male. They are found in pairs
suspended in the scrotal sac by the spermatic cord outside the abdominal
cavity in the inguinal region. Each testis is an independent unit, separated
from the other in the scrotal sac. The testes are firm and compact masses
of parenchymatous tissue.
The testes develop within the abdominal region near the kidneys. They
commence their descent from the abdomen into the scrotal pouches during
fetal development. Migration is normally completed by the time of birth or
soon after birth. Sometimes one or both of the testes may fail to descend
into the scrotum during maturity. This condition is known as unilateral or
bilateral cryptorchidism. Bulls affected by bilateral cryptorchidism are
sterile. This condition is thought to be an inherited trait, hence such bulls
are not selected for further breeding.
Testes consist of a mass of coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules which
produce spermatozoa from the germinal epithelial layer by a series of cell
divisions. The seminiferous tubules join to form the rete testes in the
mediastinum, and these, in turn, lead into a dozen efferent ducts, the vasa
efferentia, which finally converge at the dorsal part of the mediastinum to
form the beginning of the epididymis.
The main functions of the testes are production of viable, potentially fertile
spermatozoa, and androgens or male hormone. Main sex hormone,
testosterone, is secreted by the Leydig cells or interstitial cells of the testes.
The secretion of this hormone is regulated by the luteinizing hormone of the
anterior pituitary gland. Testosterone is responsible for the development
and maintenance of the functions of the male reproductive tract, secondary
sex characteristics, and sexual behavior.
Epididymis:
The epididymis emerges from the joining of the vas efferentia at the dorsal
part of the testis. It is a very long single duct, highly convoluted and
appearing as a mass of tubes. It is comprised of three parts: the caput
epididy-mis (head), the corpus epididymis (body), and the cauda
epididymis (tail). The tail of the epididymis opens into the vas deferens.
Throughout most of its length, the epididymal tube is lined with secretary
cells. Spermatozoa accumulate in the epididymis and mature during their
passage through it. In epididymis, spermatozoa mature and become able to
move spontaneously and fertilize the ovum (egg) when they come in
contact with it.
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens):
The vas deferens is a tube emerging from the tail end of the epididymis. It
starts from the base of the testes, extends upward, and in association with
the spermatic cord runs through the inguinal ring, where it separates itself
from the arteries, veins, nerves, and other cord tissues. (Spermetic cord
consists of testicular artery, testicular vein, testicular nerve, vas deference,
lymphatic and cremaster muscles). Vas deference passes through the
abdominal cavity towards the pelvis and finally empties into the urethra.
The lumen of the vas deferens is narrow and lined with mucous membrane.
The wall is made up of longitudinal and circular layers of involuntary
muscles covered by the outer layer of the peritoneum. The muscles of the
vas deferens contract involuntarily during ejaculation of semen and help in
the expulsion of spermatozoa. In the pelvic region, the vas deferens
enlarges to form the ampulla of Henle. The ampulla has numerous glands,
and spermatozoa often accumulate here before ejaculation. The glands of
the ampulla secrete fructose and citric acid which provide nutrition for the
spermatozoa.
Urethra:
The urethra is the common passage for the excretion of urine and semen. It
extends through the pelvis and the penis and ends at the tip of the glans
penis as the external urethral orifice. In the urethra, spermatozoa mix with
the seminal plasma of the accessory sex fluids at the time of ejaculation.
Penis:
The penis is essentially composed of erectile tissue. It is divided into three
portions: the attached portion is called the root, the main portion is called
the body, and the free portion is called the glans penis. The erectile tissue
is a sponge-like system of blood vessels which becomes filled with blood
under pressure when the bull is sexually stimulated. This helps the penis to
enlarge and become rigid, thus enabling it to enter into the vagina of the
female.
The penis of the bull contains very little erectile tissue. The penis is a
cylindrical organ with a tapering end; the tapering portion opens at the
angular end of the triangular sheath. When the bull is not sexually excited,
the penis is in an 'S'-shaped form known as a sigmoid flexure. During
erection, the longitudinal flexure straightens, thereby increasing the length
of the organ. The erector muscle pulls the penis against the pelvis and aids
in erection by compressing the veins of the penis. The retractor muscles
help to return the extended penis to the flexed state.
Accessory Sex Glands:
The accessory sex glands of the male reproductive system are a pair of
seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, and Cowper's glands or bulbo-urethral
glands. They provide the bulk of the seminal plasma.
Seminal Vesicles - Each of the two seminal vesicles are located on either
side of the ampulla. The seminal vesicles are lobulated and highly
secretary. They open either above or below the opening of the vas
deferens. The secretion of the seminal vesicles contains a large amount of
fructose and citric acid, which are required for the nourishment of
spermatozoa.
Prostate Gland - The body of the prostate is situated in front of the seminal
vesicles on the dorsal surface of the pelvic urethra near the neck of the
urinary bladder. It secretes a mineral-rich fluid.
Puberty in Females
Puberty is the age when animal attains the ability to release the gametes
and manifest complete sexual behavioral sequences. Puberty age is very
important parameter for the successful livestock farming. Those animals
which attain puberty earlier give more production.
Factors affecting Puberty in Females:
Genetic makeup of the animal - Exotic breeds attain puberty earlier as
compared to local breeds. Exotic dairy breeds attain Puberty in 12 – 15
months. Exotic Beef breeds attain puberty in 15 – 18 months. Local breeds
attain puberty at the age of 18 – 24 months.
Nutrition - In underfed animals, puberty is delayed. On balanced diet
puberty is attained earlier. When the animal gains 55 – 60% of adult body
weight, then animal attains puberty.
Temperature - In summer the temperature is very high, due to heat stress
growth rate is low and puberty is delayed.
Management - When males and females are kept together then puberty
comes earlier and vice versa. It is due to sight and visualization.