Vaginal smears taken before and after service, in many instances, show that in all probability bacteria, especially the streptococci, were deposited there with the semen. These results have been obtained upon several occasions, at which time the vagina was usually douched prior to each service with sterile saline solution. Streptococci and other organisms have been isolated from the vaginal samples obtained by this method. In most cases, they were absent from samples taken before service. Extraneous contamination, and error, must be taken into consideration, but the results tend to bear out clinical observations that the bull is probably a disseminator of some infections associated with the genital organs of both sexes. At any rate, organisms have been isolated repeatedly from the genital organs of the bull, of the same biological character as those which are associated with sterility, abortion, and allied phenomena in the female. In the absence of obstruction in any part of the tract, there is nothing to hinder infection from gaining access to the seminal fluid, and being excreted during ejaculation.
Hopper (18) states: “A diseased bull may manifest non-fertility or decreased potency in different ways—by repeated service to apparently normal females without conception, by a high abortion rate in females that have been apparently normal, by characteristic infections following the use of any particular sire, or by abnormalities in the breeding tract noted by rectal or physical palpation.”
Admittedly, Bact. abortum has little affinity for the genitalia of the bull, though Schroeder states that the bull harbors the organisms in his seminal vesicles and that they are eliminated with the semen. Other authors have occasionally isolated the organism from the vesicles, testes, or both. Schroeder’s theory that infection of the female occurs indirectly by contamination of the fodder with the semen is probably rare in occurrence. The very limited number of cases in which investigators have demonstrated the presence of the organism in the male genital organs, and the apparent immunity of the bull to the bacterium as determined by the agglutination reaction, seem to indicate that he plays a small part in the spread of this type of infection in the herd. On the other hand, it would seem that he is at times intimately associated with the spread of certain other organisms that interfere seriously with herd reproductivity.
The diagnosis of infertility and sterility rests upon a thorough physical examination of the genital organs, together with a detailed study of the semen. The history of the animal and herd involved must also be very carefully inquired into, especially the part covering the result of every service by the sire in question. Besides this, we must always consider all factors which have a bearing upon the subject, remembering the physiology of each part, and the role it plays in reproduction. Bacteria gain entrance to many parts of the tract, where they multiply and probably add toxic products to the seminal fluid, altering its biological character and resulting in partial or total destruction of the secretory tissues. The testes, epididymes, vesicles, prostate, and other parts, each contribute their essential part to the semen, abnormalities of any one of which, as a rule, result in interferences with reproduction. If the vesicles are involved, we must bear in mind just what is the part played by their secretion, and what is the probable result if their essential elements are not added to the semen. In like manner, we must consider the prostate, whose secretion stimulates the vitality of the sperms, and adds fluid bulk to the semen. Extirpation of the vesicles or prostate alone results in lowered fertility, without altering the sexual desire, while removing both glands produces total sterility. Partial or total destruction of the parenchyma of either gland produces the same effect as extirpation, in that its function is altered or entirely absent.
The semen should be examined, not only for the number of spermatozoa and the percentage of those that are motile, but for the duration and type of motion. Normal semen, when first examined under the microscope, shows a field closely packed with highly motile spermatozoa. In every study of the semen, however, we must bear in mind the temperature and other conditions under which it has been kept since emission. On the other hand, semen from bulls of lowered fertility shows changes ranging from mild disturbances such as sluggish motility and a slight decrease in the number of sperms present, to aspermia, or total lack of motion. Normal semen, when compared with abnormal specimens, as a rule presents distinct differences, either in motility, staining properties, or structure of the spermatozoa. Impotent bulls, however, may show at times few or no observable changes in their genital organs. The only assumption here is that the condition probably is of endocrine origin, or is some functional disturbance. Of oligospermia Reynolds states: “Oligospermia, with normal motility and vitality, is not absolute sterility, but is of high importance because the percentage of destruction of spermatozoa during their passage through the genital canal of the female is so enormous that the possibility of impregnation by semen which starts out with a deficient number is always poor. When the genitals of the female partner are in a condition which is even moderately hostile to the spermatozoa, impregnation by such semen becomes so unlikely as to be not even a probability.”
Motility may be lacking in a small number, its absence may be observed in a large percentage, or even in all those in the field, as in necrospermia. On the other hand, the motility may be sluggish or of abnormal types in variable percentages. Sperms with sluggish motility are always low in vitality, and have weak powers of insemination, as the motion lasts but a comparatively short time. The vitality may be but moderately lowered, so that although the sperms are highly motile when ejaculated they soon lose their power of propulsion. The type of motion is likewise an indicator of lack of vitality. The “progressive vibratile” motion described by Reynolds should proceed to a high degree for a long period before the “undulatory tactile” or bunting types of motion appear. Early appearance of these two latter types indicates in most cases a marked lack of vitality of the elements. The motion should be vigorous and lasting, for, as stated by Reynolds, “nothing is more certain than that spermatozoa of merely moderate vitality seldom impregnate a female.”
The early precipitation out of the “Boettcherchen” crystals is very characteristic of oligospermia, and impotent semen. The theory here is that crystals do not precipitate out when a fluid is actively moving, but soon do so when the fluid is motionless. The sediment which normally makes up about two-thirds of the sample is usually decreased in abnormal samples. The semen itself should be observed for unusual viscosity or a thin watery condition. Clotting should occur readily after emission, but the clot soon liquefies to some extent, allowing the spermatozoa to become more active. This clotting is, of course, to protect the delicate sperms from the hostile secretions of the vagina.
The presence of immature and deformed types of sperms represents some disturbance of spermatogenesis, but it is difficult to explain the significance of these forms. They are seldom seen in normal samples, and undoubtedly none are capable of producing impregnation. In the case of minor abnormalities of staining reactions, the sperms are probably deficient in nuclear material or otherwise altered so that probably they are incapable of reaching and uniting with the ovum. When impregnation does occur in these cases, weak offspring undoubtedly result in many instances.
The work has by no means progressed to the point where one may, by an examination of the semen, determine the degree of impotency with great accuracy, or even whether the animal may be restored to sexual health by proper hygienic and therapeutic treatment. Relatively, the greater the changes in the semen and spermatozoa, the less the chances of impregnation. Infertility to any marked degree, is, however, usually accompanied by corresponding changes in the seminal fluid and its germinal elements.
Examination of the semen is, and probably always will be, simply an aid in reaching a diagnosis. While abnormalities of the semen and spermatozoa are associated with sterility or infertility, it is unwise to lay too much emphasis upon this method of diagnosis alone, especially with regard to the making of a definite prognosis. When large numbers of abnormal spermatozoa are present in the semen, we are safe in saying that the animal is, at the time, of lowered degree of fertility. One should be very cautious, however, in foretelling how long the condition will last, or if the animal may in time be restored to full fertility. Sterility, due to organic disturbances, probably seldom yields to treatment, but when it is due to functional disorders resulting from defective diet or lack of exercise, the condition is frequently remedied by overcoming the cause. Lack of exercise and overfeeding seem to be etiological factors in a fair percentage of cases.