Sheep breeding
Ram reproductive tract

Ken Wilson, formerly of the Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences
Revised by Nicole McLennan, Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences

The basic anatomy of a ram’s reproductive tract is shown in Diagram 1.

The scrotum supports and protects the testes and also plays a major role in temperature regulation. The testes produce sperm and secrete the male sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone is essential for the development of male characteristics, maintaining normal sexual behaviour and sperm production.

The epididymis is the organ in which sperm mature to a stage capable of fertilisation. This change occurs along the body of the epididymis with mature sperm being stored in the tail of the epididymis.

The vas deferens is the duct that rises into the abdomen from the tail of the epididymis and is often referred to as the ‘cord'. Large quantities of seminal fluid are stored in the seminal vesicle, which contracts quickly and forcibly during service to propel sperm into the urethra. Accessory glands (ampulla, prostate gland and bulbo-urethral gland) secrete additional fluids, which when combined with the sperm and other secretions from the epididymis, form semen.

On ejaculation, semen passes into the urethra, which finally transports it to the exterior via the penis. At the end of the penis is a narrow tube called the urethral process (or ‘worm') that sprays the semen in and around the cervix of the ewe. The prepuce protects the head of the penis, except during mating.

Diagram 1. The reproductive tract of the ram.

Acknowledgment

The Lamb Boost Project funded by Australian Wool Innovation produced these notes.

Further information

For further information contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23 (Queensland residents) or (07) 3404 6999 (non-Queensland residents) between 8 am and 6 pm weekdays, or e-mail callweb@dpi.qld.gov.au.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI's PrimeNotes CD-ROM< P>

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.