Semen collection and evaluation in the ram. The effect of method of stimulation on response to electroejaculation

Nine different methods of electrical stimulation with a bi-polar rectal probe, were used on 5 rams. The quantity and quality of semen collected, the time taken to produce ejaculation and the maximum voltage required were compared. Semen of good quality was collected by applying a stimulus every 7 seconds for a period of 3 seconds commencing at 1 volt and increasing by 1 volt at a time. A mean maximum voltage of 5.1 volts produced ejaculation. Electrical stimulation, using a voltage rise of 2 volts applied at 5 sec intervals frequently produced smaller volumes of semen, a greater number of collection failures, and severe physical stress to the rams.