Welfare aspects of theriogenology: investigating alternatives to electroejaculation of bulls

Evaluation of the breeding soundness of bulls is an important management tool. Electroejaculation has been a reliable method of obtaining a semen sample for the purpose of evaluating breeding soundness, but is considered by some to be inhumane on the grounds that it is painful. This paper provides a review of studies conducted to find ways to both measure, as well as lessen, pain associated with electroejaculation, and to explore alternatives to electroejaculation in bulls. Changes in heart rate, serum cortisol, serum progesterone, relative aversion, and degrees of vocalization, struggling and lying down have been used to assess the pain associated with electroejaculation. Transrectal massage and artificial vaginas, and oxytocin and cloprostenol have been investigated as alternatives to, and facilitators of electroejaculation, respectively. Epidural, intravenous and topical anesthetics have been used to ameliorate the pain associated with electroejaculation. Serum progesterone and degrees of vocalization are useful for measuring the pain associated with electroejaculation in bulls. Transrectal massage and artificial vaginas are not as efficacious as electroejaculation for obtaining a semen sample and drugs used to facilitate or decrease pain associated with electroejaculation have not been efficacious enough to warrant use. Transrectal massage of the ampullae may be of some use as an alternative to electroejaculation in docile bulls and may be also be used to decrease the duration of subsequent electroejaculation. Pain associated with electroejaculation may be influenced by operator technique; therefore, operators of electroejaculator equipment must strive to apply electrical stimulation as gently as possible.