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Speciesist
Sexual Exploitation
The
oppression of nonhuman animals bases mainly on the exploitation of their reproductive
system. Animals procreate sexually (with the exception of some animals who are
also capable to reproduce non-sexually).
- Male
animals are forced to ejaculate through manipulation; female animals get made
pregnant through artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
-
Male
and female animals get checked for their "breeding soundness." The
"unfit" ones get straight away culled.
Sexual
exploitation by the animal industries. Compiled sources on the subject:
Manipulation
of male animals:
Breeding
Soundness Evaluation
Record
any injury or abnormality as acceptable or unacceptable. If the bull is
unacceptable, have the examiner explain why. Bulls with gross deficiencies or
abnormalities detected by physical examination should be culled.
(http://www.buelingo.com/bif/chpt2.html)
Breeding
Soundness Evaluation
The
penis and prepuce are examined for inflammation, preputial abscesses, adhesions,
penile deviations, warts, tumours, persistent frenulums, and hair rings. During
the time of electroejaculation, the bull will be examined and assessed for the
ability to attain an erection, extend his penis, ejaculate, and then retract his
penis to the normal non-erect position.
The
scrotum and testicles are thoroughly examined. Normal testicles should move
freely in the scrotum, should be close to the same size (within a 25% deviation),
and should feel turgid, somewhat like a tennis ball. Common problems include
soft testicles, abnormal epididymides, frostbite damage, adhesions, excessive
fat, deviation in the size of testicles, and abnormal shape or size. (http://www.agcanada.com/cm/cmvetadvice1199.htm)
Semen
collection
With
livestock, semen is either collected using an artificial vagina or obtained by
electrical stimulation of the reproductive tract. The male is allowed to mount
and attempt to mate a restrained teaser animal while the penis is manually
diverted into the artificial vagina. Rams, boars, and stallions can be trained
to mount a dummy. Electroejaculation involves placement of a bipolar electrode
over the accessory glands by way of the rectum; this method is an alternative to
the artificial vagina if the male is unable or unwilling to mount. Professional
AI services generally collect semen from bulls twice a week.
(http://uwyo.edu/wjm/repro/gamete.htm)
Semen
collection
There
are 3 methods for collecting semen.
1.
Massage - As a "warm up" before collection, each seminal vesicle can
be rectally massaged. This anterior to posterior motion stimulates the release
of the presperm fraction that acts as a urethral flush. The ampullae secretion
follows. Advantages to a massage include the ability to collect a bull that
cannot mount or service an artificial vagina. Since the first step of an
evaluation is the rectal, the massage is continued and is less traumatic than an
electrical probe. Some bulls fail to respond, and the semen can be contaminated
with urine or diluted with seminal fluid. It is difficult to thoroughly examine
the penis during the rectal massage which may give an incomplete erection. The
first ejaculate has a lower quality than subsequent samples.
2. Artificial Vagina - This technique produces a more physiological sample plus
the benefit of being able to assess the bull's libido and mating ability. It is
the preferred method for artificial insemination collections. The major
disadvantages are the required equipment (teaser and dummy) and the increased
danger to the collector. It can be very time consuming if the bull is
uncooperative or hesitant.
3. Electroejaculator - The rectal probe provides a cheap, controllable, quick,
easy, safe, and reproducible method. It does not produce a physiological sample
nor does it measure libido or mating ability. The probe can be computerized with
a built-in circuitry that pulses with 32 successive stimulation periods of
increasing voltage and frequency. The 3 longitudinal electrodes of alternating
polarity are placed ventrally against the bull's accessory sex glands. A bull
will leap in the chute from the excitement of the sciatic nerve and surrounding
musculature. Rectal probes that can be manually controlled are better for dairy
or large bulls because of the greater range and power. If the electrodes are
directed dorsally against the pelvic nerves, the bull will go down. These
electrodes should be cleaned with sandpaper to improve contact and stimulation
since feces acts as insulation.
The examiner must witness protrusion and erection of the penis, and ejaculation
of semen in order to evaluate the bull. The bull may ejaculate into the sheath
if the penis gets caught in the prepuce.
The preputial hairs should be clipped if dirty to lower contamination of the
sample. Electroejaculation may cause the bull to urinate into the ejaculate and
ventral deviation of the penis. (http://128.192.20.19/LAM/LM000127.HTML)
Electroejaculation
Two
experiments were conducted to determine whether caudal epidural lidocaine
anesthesia reduces a stress response to electroejaculation. In the 1st
experiment, changes in cortisol and progesterone concentrations in serial blood
samples were used to assess the stress response to restraint (control),
transrectal massage, caudal epidural injection of saline, electroejaculation
after caudal epidural injection of lidocaine, and electroejaculation without
epidural lidocaine. In the 2nd experiment, behavioral responses were
subjectively scored in bulls that were electroejaculated with or without caudal
epidural lidocaine anesthesia. Cortisol and progesterone concentrations were
significantly elevated after electroejaculation, whether or not bulls received
caudal epidural anesthesia. Elevations in cortisol and progesterone were lower
and fewer bulls vocalized during electroejaculation when given caudal epidural
anesthesia; however, the differences were not significant. (http://www.cvma-acmv.org/vetjournals/cvj/contents01/feb_toc01.htm)
Electroejaculation
The
animal response to electroejaculation includes the following events:
1-
Sacral nervous plexus and muscles of the hindquarters are stimulated.
2-
Clear seminal fluid usually drips from the sheath.
3-
The penis erects in the sheath and extends itself to protrude from the sheath.
If the penis does not protrude, forward pressure on the sigmoid flexure just
posterior to the scrotum will cause extension.
4-
Rhythmic stimulations of the musculature should cause ejaculation.
5-
Electrical ejaculation is generally well tolerated but it also causes relatively
widespread muscle contraction. If the ram does not ejaculate within the first
4-6 stimulations, let the ram rest for about 5-10 minutes until he regains his
composure.
Steps
for semen collection in rams
1-
The ram may be held laid on his side.
2-
Students should help to restrain the ram by securing the legs.
3-
Measure scrotal circumference (SC). It is highly correlated with testicular
weight which in turn is directly related to sperm producing capacity.
4-
Clean the sheath area to remove dirt and debris.
5-
Prepare the collecting tube (small beaker).
6-
Turn on the electroejaculator.
7-
Insert the lubricated probe completely
6-
Turn on the electroejaculator.
7-
Insert the lubricated probe completely in the rectum with the electrodes
oriented ventrally.
8-
In a rhythmic motion, stimulate the ram by turning the power knob clockwise,
hold for a second, return to zero and hold for a second.
9-
Watch the ram's response. When he becomes refractory to one power setting,
increase the power to another step. It is recommended to apply the stimuli every
7 seconds with increments of 1 volt. Ejaculation usually after 4-6 rounds of
stimulation
10-
Collect the ejaculate within the beaker.
11-
Turn off the machine.
12-
Remove the probe.
13-
Evaluate the semen and record results.
(http://www.dps.ufl.edu/hansen/ans3316L/semencollram1.htm)
Electroejaculation
http://www.neavs.org/neavsresponds/
organizations/responds_org_LPAG_to_ORPRC.htm
LPAG
was appalled that the ORPRC would deny that electroejaculation on an
unanesthetized monkey causes a great deal of pain and distress to the monkey.
Electroejaculation may be the standard for collecting semen samples from exotic
animals in zoos, but the procedure is generally done under anesthesia. Semen
collection is often conducted on bulls, and the National Association of Animal
Breeders (NAAB) web site indicates that the standard semen collection practice
is with the use of an artificial vagina (AV) which uses no electric stimulus (http://www.naab-css.org/about_css/practices.html).
Electroejaculation, according to the NAAB, "should be limited to those
circumstances when the temperament of physical condition of a bull renders
collection of semen by AV unsafe or impossible." The article "Collecting
and Freezing of Semen" by Tullis Matson describes the use of AV for semen
collection from stallions, and makes no mention of electroejaculation (http://www.stallionsdirect.com/mares/collectionandfreezing.html).
LPAG believes that ORPRC is misleading the public when it maintains that
electroejaculation is a common method of semen collection in domestic animals,
and is therefore acceptable in monkeys. We ask that this inaccurate information
be removed from the web site.
While
electroejaculation may not be equivalent to genital electrocution, the
electrical stimulation still holds the potential to be painful to the individual.
A member of LPAG received electrical stimulation as therapy following a joint
injury, and reported that the stimulus became painful after a certain threshold.
The threshold varies from individual to individual, and human patients must
report when the stimulus becomes painful. Perhaps even more compelling is this
statement from the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine web site (http://www.malereproduction.com/electro.htm);
" electroejaculation is performed with a device known as an
electroejaculator…A current generated by the machine is applied to stimulate
the nerves and produce contraction of the pelvic muscles resulting in an
ejaculation…Electroejaculation must be performed under general anesthesia
in all patients who have abdominal and perirectal sensation (emphasis added)."
If electroejaculation were not painful, as ORPRC claims, general anesthesia
would not be required in humans. LPAG is requesting the IACUC review this
protocol, and address the issue of the extreme pain and distress these males are
likely suffering. LPAG would like copies of written justifications for allowing
electroejaculation to be performed on unanesthetized macaques, when the standard
for humans requires general anesthesia.
Electroejaculation
has been performeed with lumbar and rectal electrodes.
Electroejaculation
An
electrode unit, which has a number of contact rings, is inserted into the buck's
rectum. Slight electric stimulation brings on ejaculation. This technique
generally results in good samples in quantity and quality. However, the sperm
concentration of the sample will be lower. This method does not require
extensive training, and will allow collections from bucks that may refuse or are
unable to mount and serve an artificial vagina.
(http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Topic/AgrEnv/ndd/goat/ALL_ABOUT_AI.html)
Laparoscopy,
Embryo Transfer, and Electroejaculation
Laparoscopy,
transcervical insemination and embryo transfer must be carried out only by
veterinarians, or by trained and competent operators under veterinary
supervision, using sedatives and anaesthesia as appropriate.
For
semen collection from rams, use of an artificial vagina is the technique of
choice for welfare reasons. If this is not practicable or if semen is required
for diagnosticpurposes, collection by electroejaculation may be an option.
Electroejaculation must be carried out only by veterinarians or by trained and
competent operators under veterinary supervision. (http://202.78.129.207/biosecurity/animal-welfare/codes/sheep/)
Manipulation
of female animals:
Artificial
insemination.
The cervix of appropriately large animals can be negotiated with an insemination
rod and sperm deposited directly into the uterus. Livestock producers use AI to
improve genetics and control sexually-transmitted diseases. Artificial
insemination also is perform if sperm penetration of the cervical mucus is a
deterrent to fertility or if mating is impractical.
With
livestock, semen is either collected using an artificial vagina or obtained by
electrical stimulation of the reproductive tract. The male is allowed to mount
and attempt to mate a restrained teaser animal while the penis is manually
diverted into the artificial vagina. Rams, boars, and stallions can be trained
to mount a dummy. Eloctroejaculation involves placement of a bipolar electrode
over the accessory glands by way of the rectum; this method is an alternative to
the artificial vagina if the male is unable or unwilling to mount. Professional
AI services generally collect semen from bulls twice a week.
Fertility
of an ejaculate is ultimately judged by inseminating females and determining
rates of pregnancy (or nonreturn to estrus). Until actual breeding data can be
compiled, a predicted judgement of fertility is based on a laboratory
examination of semen samples. Criteria used to judge a semen sample include
cellular concentration, proportion of live to dead cells, morphology, and
motility. The fertilizing capacity of human ejaculates have been enhanced using
laboratory techniques. (http://www.uwyo.edu/wjm/repro/gamete.htm)
Artificial
insemination
The
use of AI offers the following advantages to both purebred and commercial
cow-calf breeders:
1.
It should reduce the bull cost per pregnant female; eliminates the year-round
expense and hassle of keeping and handling bulls. AI may not completely
eliminate the use of natural breeding. You may still need clean-up bulls, but
the total number of bulls required will be reduced.
2.
You can use outstanding, proven bulls at modest prices and get maximum genetic
improvements in your herd. In three generations, 87.5% of the genetics of your
herd trace back to the sires of those three generations.
3.
By using superior AI bulls, you can rapidly improve the economically important
traits of calving ease, weaning weight, average daily gain, carcass quality and
maternal ability.
4.
The risk of introducing harmful recessive traits, such as dwarfism, double
muscling, mule foot or marble bone is significantly reduced due to thorough sire
selection and progeny testing.
5.
Using AI usually results in an improved level of management because more
complete records are kept. This improves replacement heifer selection and
production and feeding management.
6.
The calving season can be shortened, resulting in a heavier and more uniform
calf crop.
7.
Venereal diseases cannot be introduced or transmitted when using disease-free
semen.
(http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1601/eb1601.html)
Embryo
Transfer
In
1890 rabbit embryos were transferred from donor rabbits to surrogate/recipient
rabbits. The experiment demonstrated that the surrogate's genetics would not
influence the transferred embryo's genetic make-up end development. By 1930, the
first bovine (cow) embryo was successfully collected.
The
initial method of collection was a surgical retrieval procedure that removed the
oviducts of a slaughtered cow. This procedure defeated the purpose of extracting
a continuous supply of embryos from a superior cow. Another method was developed
that surgically removed the embryos of a live cow 72 hours post-ovulation, but
this method defeated the purpose of superovulation. Another surgical method was
developed that allowed for the recovery of a high percentage from a live cow.
By
1951 successful bovine embryo transfer was accomplished, but it wasn't until
1964 that a nonsurgical method of embryo collection succeeded. Today we can
flush numbers of embryos from a superovulated cow with little stress to the
animal and have a promising success rate. (http://www.cameron.edu/academic/science/agriculture/history.html)
Embryo
Transfer
Besides
the fact of trauma on the recipient the surgical transfer places the embryo
further up the uterine horn than non - surgical. There may be a small increase
in the conception rate maybe 5%, however if the recipients are in good shape it
will not be of much benefit. Surgical transfer requires a small cut in the cows
flank on the side of the ovulation. The uterus is pulled out and a small hole is
made to the uterus. A small catheter is placed in through the hole and the
embryo released. Non surgical is the same as A.I. A special gun is place up
through the cow's vagina and pushed through the cervix. The embryo is placed in
the side of the ovulation and released from the gun.
(http://www.cruachan.com.au/embryo_transfer.htm)
Breeding
soundness evaluation of females
We
join young (14 months) and cull rigorously. All cows and heifers are pregnancy
tested and those who fail to carry are culled. We do not cull for age. We
believe the older cow that is still meeting all your requirements will breed
longevity into the herd.
Our
cows are run under commercial conditions, and no exceptions are made for poor
performances.
…(farms name)… does not carry on the non-productive females, as this will
only cause infertility in the herd.
Basically
there is a checklist we follow, and we advise our clients to follow to achieve a
cow herd that will stay commercially viable.
- Join
cows to the best possible bulls available.
- Join
for only 3 cycles.
- Pregnancy
Test all cows and heifers and cull if empty
- Cull
the
cow if she fails to rear a calf or needs assistance at birth
- Cull
the mothers of the worst calves. These cost you the same amount as a good
calf to run and return you much less.
(http://www.eaglehawkangus.com/about_us.htm)
Breeding
soundness evaluation of females
As
the bulls are being removed from the replacement heifers, this would be an ideal
time to call and make arrangements with your local veterinarian to have those
heifers evaluated for pregnancy in about 60 days. In two months,
experienced palpaters should have no difficulty identifying which heifers are
pregnant and which heifers are not pregnant (open). Those heifers that are
determined to be "open" after this breeding season, should be strong
candidates for culling. Culling these heifers immediately after pregnancy
checking serves three very useful purposes.
1)
Identifying and culling open heifers early will remove sub-fertile females from
the herd. Lifetime cow studies from Montana indicated that properly
developed heifers that were exposed to fertile bulls, but DID NOT become
pregnant were often sub-fertile compared to the heifers that did conceive.
In fact, when the heifers that failed to breed in the first breeding season were
followed throughout their lifetimes, they averaged a 55% yearly calf crop.
Despite the fact that reproduction is not a highly heritable trait, it also
makes sense to remove this genetic material from the herd so as to not
proliferate females that are difficult to get bred.
2)
Culling open heifers early will reduce winter costs. If the rancher waits
until next spring to find out which heifers do not calve, the winter feed
expense will still be lost and there will be no calf to help eventually help pay
the bills. This is money that can better be spent in properly feeding cows
that are pregnant and will be producing a salable product the following fall.
3)
Identifying the open heifers shortly after (60 days) the breeding season is over
will allow for marketing the heifers while still young enough to go to a feedlot
and be fed for the choice beef market. The grading change of two years ago has a
great impact on the merchandising of culled replacement heifers.
"B" maturity carcasses (those estimated to be 30 months of age or
older) are no longer allowed to be graded choice. Therefore, it is
imperative to send heifers to the feedlot while they are young enough to be fed
for 4 to 5 months and not be near the "B" maturity age group. Auction
barn order buyers will be especially leery of heifers that may be near 18 to 20
months of age, because of the risk of "B" maturity beef that receives
a considerable discount when harvested at the packing plant.
Certainly
the percentage of open heifers will vary from ranch to ranch. Do not be
concerned, if after a good heifer development program and adequate breeding
season, that you find that 10% of the heifers still are not bred. These
are the very heifers that you want to identify early and remove from the herd.
It just makes good economic business sense to identify and cull non-pregnant
replacement heifers as soon as possible.
(http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/exten/cc-corner/pregchceckearly.html)
You
think that is going to far. We agree with you.
The
marketing and consumption of animal products always endorses this abhorrent
degrading cycle of the cruelest form of abuse.
Go
vegan!
Now!
Visit:
The Vegan
Society
Also
visit:
The American Anti-Vivisection Society
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