Effects of chlorhexidine gluconate on cauda epididymis and spermatogenesis of cow bulls

Cow bulls were divided into treated (n = 5) and control (n = 3) groups. The treated group received 5 ml of 4.5% Chlorhexidine gluconate diluted wiith 50% Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) into cauda epididymis. Control group received 5 ml of 50% DMSO. The bulls in treated group were castrated on days 1, 3, 7, 10, 17, 24, 31, 45, 65 and 90 post-treatment and removed one testis on scheduled day by open castration method. In control group animals were castrated on 3, 30 and 90 days. Transient swelling of the scrotum was observed within 24 hours of the injection that persisted upto day 3, where as no major swelling was observed on subsequent days. Histological changes were chronic in nature e.g. extensive fibrous tissue proliferation, granuloma formation and sclerosis. Granuloma formation varied from bull to bull. Treatment did not affect spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis & seminiferous epithelial cycle. Chlorhexidine injection into cauda epididymis proved a good chemical sterilient in cow bulls.