Reproductive Anatomy
Male Anatomy
The male reproductive tract consists of the scrotum, testis, epididymis, vas deferens, accessory glands and penis. In addition to surrounding and protecting the testes, the scrotum also aids in temperature regulation of the testes due to the presence of numerous sweat glands. The sperm and the male sex hormone, testosterone are made in the testes. Unlike the female, the sperm is produced throughout the reproductive life of the the male. The sperm is transported, matured, concentrated and stored in the epididymis until ejaculation (release) occurs during copulation (breeding). The sperm leaves the epididymis through the vas deferens of each testicle and merges with the urethra near the bladder. The sperm and fluids added by other reproductive glands, together known as semen, are moved out of the body at ejaculation during breeding. The amount of semen and sperm in the semen depends on season of the year, age of the animal and sexual activity level. A normal range for volume and concentration in the buck is 0.5 to 1.5 cc (or ml) and 1.5 – 5.0 billion sperm per cc. Finally, the penis is the organ of copulation in the male. To return to the table of contents for the reproduction section, go to: http://create.extension.org/node/25212.
For additional reading on the impact of hormones on buck reproduction please visit: http://create.extension.org/node/25470.
In addition, please click the following link for information on female/doe anatomy: http://create.extension.org/node/25461.
References: http://www.luresext.edu/goats/training/reproduction.html; Senger P.L. Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition