VN September 2020

Vetnews | September 2020 49 For example, the crocodiles were recorded as be extremely sexually active towards the end of May. They would then go into a period or dormancy (hibernation) over the winter and the sexual activity would commence again in late September and October shortly after which the females would lay eggs. So, what was the May activity? Was its semen capacitation? Was there mating in May? We did not know. Henry was involved in a fight with a colleague in mid-May and was darted and brought into the hospital for treatment. I decided I should take this opportunity to examine him very thoroughly and perhaps attempt semen collection. A sheep probe on the electro-ejaculator was inserted into the cloaca and gentle stimulation applied. It did not take long before an erect phallus, not unlike a duck, protruded. No urethral opening could be found but stimulation was continued. About what followed I am not certain, because it seemed that a urethral tube, like a rumen-reticulum shut, formed by the closing over of the surrounding tissue and then there was a significant ejaculation. Excitedly this was collected and placed under the microscope and sure enough there was significant movement not unlike other semen. On staining the “semen’ it seemed that the sperm were flagellated; or was I seeing a strong growth of Shigella ?? The occasion never arose again to attempt this procedure so I am still unsure about what happened and would appreciate comment frombetter informed colleagues! Is that what fresh crocodile semen is; flagellated sperm cells- very primordial, I guess. v Regulars I Life plus 20 Life plus 20 without parole <<< 48 SAEVA CONGRESS 2021 - CALL FOR PAPERS The 2021 SAEVA Congress will be held over 4 days, from the 18th to the 21st of February 2021, in the Western Cape, South Africa. The Congress committee of SAEVA invites scientific abstracts for presentation as short (30 min) oral presentations. Papers reviewing recent advances, or relating to research into matters concerning relevant topics that may be of interest to equine veterinarians, will be considered. Scientists, Private practitioners and State Veterinarians, are encouraged to submit abstracts. Single case reports will also be accepted if of exceptional interest. Presentations not accepted for oral presentations may be selected to be presented as posters. The submission of an abstract implies the author’s willingness to present the abstract at Congress. The presenter of each accepted abstract will receive free registration at Congress for the day of his/her presentation. However, travel, subsistence and accommodation expenses will not be offered. Authors wishing to submit abstracts must be able to present on any day of the congress. Deadline for abstract submission : 15 September 2020 SUBMIT: www.bit.ly/saeva2021-papers DOLPHIN PENIS WHICH IS VERY SIMILAR TO A CROCODILE’S