THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE (AEC)

(For Domestic Fowl, Native Fauna/Wildlife, Domestic Livestock & Laboratory Animals)

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FORM

Vasectomy (Rams) (L11) Objective: To render a ram incapable of reproducing by normal copulatory means, but allowing it to continue to display normal libido. Details of Procedures: Antibiotic premedication (with a long-acting, broad spectrum parentral antibiotic) is provided to all rams 24-48 hours before surgery. All rams are fasted (including water) overnight immediately before surgery. THE OPERATION IS CONDUCTED IN AN AREA APPROVED FROM SURGERY, UNDER THE NORMAL SURGICAL DISCIPLINE OF ASEPSIS. Each ram is sedated using an appropriate does of Xylazine. The skin area at the base of the cranial aspect of the scrotum is clipped and prepared aseptically (washed with hibitane or iodine-based detergent solution and swabbed with alcoholic iodine), then 2% plain lignocaine is injected subcutaneously and intramuscularly. A 2-3cm skin incision is made at the base of the scrotum and the vas deferens located by palpation. The vas deferens is moved to the incision and a 2cm length excised flowing double ligation of the two ends. The same procedure is then repeated for the contralateral vas deferens, using the same skin incision. The incision is then sutured and a topical antibiotic dressing applied. Drug, Chemicals or Biological Agents: Long-acting broad-spectrum antibiotics Xylazine 2% plain lignocaine

Title of Procedure:

Care of Animals after the Procedure: Antibiotic cover should be continued for one week. Animals should be closely supervised to ensure they are able to stand following sedation, then checked 12 hourly for the 24 hours immediately following surgery. They should not be held in dusty or muddy yards. If returning to paddocks animals should be walked slowly and quietly. Wounds should be checked every second day for signs of infection or fly strike.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills or Training Necessary to Perform this Procedure: All operators should be familiar with the behaviour and handling methods of the animals they are using. In addition, operators should be familiar with anaesthetic and surgical techniques involved with vasectomy. Effects of Procedure on Wellbeing of Animals: Should be Nil, procedure is well tolerated. Pain Relief Measures: Sedation and local anaesthesia at the time or surgery. References: Gordon, I. (1983) Controlled Breeding in Farm Animals, Butterworths. Moule, G.R. (ed) (1963) Field Investigations with Sheep a Manual of Techniques, CSIRO. Webster, W.M. (1954) New Zealand veterinary Journal, 2:10 Prepared by: Ruth Tremont (UNE Director of Animal Welfare) and Dr G Hinch (Department of Animal Science, UNE), 1993
Reviewed by: A/Prof Jim McFarlane (Science and Technology), 2006