Biology of Reproduction, Vol 11, 619-623, Copyright © 1974 by Society for the Study of Reproduction

Observations on Coagulum Characteristics of the Rhesus Monkey Electroejaculate

¹ Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California,1 and National Center for Primate Biology, University of California, Davis California

One hundred and twenty-one ejaculates obtained by penile electrical stimulation of five highly fertile rhesus males are described in appearance, interaction of coagulum and liquid components, and liquid to coagulum ratios. Three types of gross coagulum appearance are identified. The coagulum comprises 55-68% of the ejaculate by volume displacement measurement. A low volume of semen is never trapped in the coagulum and has a much higher sperm density than liquid released by contraction of the coagulum within 15 min after ejaculation. No evidence of coagulum liquefaction was found and both liquid volume and liquid portion sperm count were reduced by incorporation into the coagulum if contact was continued. Enzymatic digestion of the coagulum unsatisfactorily causes sperm destruction and loss of motility, limiting its usefulness. Early separation of the coagulum and liquid portions of the ejaculate is recommended for semen assessment studies, and other contemplated utilization of electroejaculates. Surgical removal of the coagulating gland would be ideal if long-term use of electroejaculated semen is contemplated for certain animals.

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