Veterinary Andrology and Reproductive Techniques

BULBO-URETHRAL GLAND OR COWPER’S GLAND

• They are paired glands located on either side of the pelvic urethra near the ischiatic arch.
• Ovoid in shape or walnut shaped
• The salient physiological functions of cowper’s gland are
  • To provide pre-ejaculatory secretion,
  • To clean the urethral passage through flushing the urethra from urine and micro-organism, debris and crystal, for maintaining the hygienic condition of urethral orifice.
  • To supplement nutrition or energy to spermatozoa.
  • To lubricate the urethral passage.
  • To lubricate the vagina of opposite sex partner during mating.
  • To maintain optimum pH level of urethral passage which provides favourable condition for spermatozoa.  

Species	Diameter (cm)	Length (cm)
Bull	1.5 - 3.0	-
Stallion	2.5 - 5.0	-
Ram	0.5 - 1.0	-
Boar	2.5 - 3.0	12.0

TOP

Bull

• The size of the cowper’s gland is smaller in bull when compared to stallion.
• Single duct from each gland is present.

Stallion

• Each gland in stallion has got 6- 8 excretory ducts opening into the urethra.

Boars

• It is large, dense, thick and cylindrical in shape. Single duct from each gland is present.

Dog

Cowper’s gland is absent in dogs

Tom Cat

Cowper’s gland in tom cat is as large as in case of prostate in cats

TOP

Blood supply

• The internal pudic artery

Nerve supply

• The pelvic plexus

TOP