Use of semen as biopsy material for assessment of health status of the stallion reproductive tract

Abstract

Conventional light microscopic evaluation does not fully utilize potential indicators in seminal ejaculates for diagnosis of disorders of the reproductive tract. The technique of evaluation of all cellular components of semen, as described in this article, utilizing both light and transmission electron microscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool. Compare with other common biopsy procedures, use of semen as biopsy material is noninvasive, more representative than excisional biopsy, less expensive, and helps in the longitudinal evaluation after a therapeutic regimen.