Effects of vasectomy on fructose levels in the ejaculate of rams

Fructose concentration was studied in the ejaculates of 20 intact and 19 vasectomised rams over a two year period. In intact rams the concentration ranged from 222-740 mg/100 ml of seminal plasma during the breeding season (October to December), with lower values (0-300 mg/100) during the rest of the year. In vasectomised rams the seasonal pattern was less marked with very high values (800-1260 mg/100 ml) as well as low values (0-20 mg/100 ml) being encountered during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons, indicating changes in accessory gland function.