Tranrectal massage of the accessory glands in bulls prior to electroejaculation does not affect interval to penile extension and ejaculation

Abstract

Transrectal massage of the accessory sex glands for 15-60 seconds in bulls prior to electroejaculation has long been advocated by theriogenologists as this procedure has been anecdotally stated to initiate sexual stimulation in the bull thereby decreasing time to extension of the penis and ejaculation consequently decreasing the amount of electrical stimulation needed for ejaculation. The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that transrectal massage reduces the time for extension of the penis and ejaculation to occur and to determine the optimal length of stimulation between 15 and 60 seconds. One hundred and twenty-two Bos taurus bulls ranging in age from 12-14 months-of-age were randomly allocated into four groups:1) routine examination of accessory sex glands and inguinal rings only; 2) examination of accessory sex glands and inguinal rings followed by 15 seconds of massage of the ampullae, prostate, and urethralis muscle; 3) examination of accessory sex glands and inguinal rings followed by 30 seconds of massage of the ampullae, prostate, and urethralis muscle; 4) examination of accessory sex glands and inguinal rings followed by 60 seconds of massage of the ampullae, prostate, and urethralis muscle. Groups did not differ significantly in mean extension time (P=0.76) or mean time to ejaculation (P=0.072). In conclusion, transrectal massage of the ampullae, prostate and urethralis muscle for 15-60 seconds prior to electroejaculation did not significantly reduce intervals to penile extension or ejaculation in bulls.