Sperm production and fertility of bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata) following immunization with ovine follicle stimulating hormone.

ABSTRACT

Adult male bonnet monkeys were rendered oligospermic but not azoospermic following active immunization with ovine follicle stimulating hormone. The percentage of sperms in the semen having good motility was reduced with a concomitant increase in the sperm ATPase activity. Eight out of 10 immunized monkeys failed to impregnate females of proven fertility after mating for consecutive three cycles while the remaining two impregnated the cohabitated females during the third cycle at a time when the antibody titer was reduced. Active immunization with ovine follicle stimulating hormone may not produce complete azoospermia but renders adult male monkeys infertile provided sufficient antibody titer is maintained.