Sperm output from unilateral cryptorchid Sahel goats

Fertility of unilateral cryptorchid Sahel buck in uncontrolled breeding depends on sperm output of the scrotal testis. Semen evaluation and testicular and epididymal sperm head counts of cryptorchid and normal bucks were carried out at comparable age, body weight and testicular size. Mean semen volume and sperm cell count of the cryptorchids were not different from those of normal bucks, but the percentage of sperm cell abnormalities in semen was higher than normal consisting of narrow and big sperm heads, bent mid-piece, curved tails and tailless heads. Scrotal testes and epididymides of the cryptorchids had comparable mean size parameters and sperm head counts as those of the normal bucks. In conclusion, the scrotal testis of the cryptorchid produces as much sperm as the testis of the normal buck, but probably contributes more sperm to the ejaculate than normal with increased sperm cell abnormalities that may reduce fertility of the cryptorchid.