This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an exogenous treatment (delivered via subcutaneous implant; commercial in confidence) to increase sperm production of rams. Testosterone levels, scrotal circumference and sperm output were assessed over a 14 week period in rams treated with and without the implant. The study elucidated positive results with treatment significantly increasing the serum testosterone concentration at 6 weeks post implantation (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Scrotal circumference also increased in treated rams at weeks 5,6 and 8-12 relative to the pre-implantation data (P<0.001). Additionally, spermatozoa per ejaculate was higher in treated rams at weeks 5-8 and 10-14, compared to pre-implantation (p=0.009). The results of this study demonstrate a simple method for improving sperm production in rams, the full results of which will be available following registration with the APVMA (submitted).
A copy of the thesis was not submitted