WEAKENING OF THE GENESIC INSTINCT. 



423 



WEAKENING OP THE GENESIC INSTINCT. 



Diminution of the genesic instinct, as far as it is a pathological 

 phenomenon, is especially observed in females, particularly in the 

 cow and the heifer; it is rare in males. This anomaly, which has 

 a certain importance from a zootechnical standpoint, exists in vary- 

 ing degrees : in most cases the desire for copulation is rarely felt, 

 or it is little marked, or lasts but a very short time, etc. We may, 

 however, meet with a complete abolition of the genesic instinct ; as 

 a rule, this is transient, a character which distinguishes it from 

 sterility. 



Etiolog'y. It comprises various causes, among which we must 

 specially mention : 



1. Diseases of the genital organs : vaginal or uterine catarrh 

 (white flow), non-delivery, hydrometra, degeneration of ovaries and 

 testicles, incomplete development, or other testicular anomalies. 



2. Weakness of the genital apparatus, as a consequence of pre- 

 mature use of young animals in reproduction, too numerous and 

 close gestations, abuse of stimulants, and onanism. 



3. Torpidity of genital life depending on a phlegmatic tempera- 

 ment, a tendency to obesity, or to both causes at the same time. 

 In the cow, a prolonged over-stimulating alimentation and per- 

 manent stabling act in the same way, 



4. A general weakness due to an insufficient and poor alimenta- 

 tion, excessive work, convalescence, spinal troubles, etc. ; also febrile 

 affections of long duration, or constitutional morbid condition. 



5. A '^psychical disgust" felt by the males against females — the 

 coat of the latter making a disagreeable impression upon them 

 (Haubner-Siedamgrotzky) ; laziness of the males; the capriciousness 

 of some stallions, which are very fiery for virgin mares and refuse 

 to serve breeding mares. 



Treatment. This should vary with the cause ; it is, however, 

 always proper to regulate the diet. Weak subjects should be given 

 food which is rich in protein (leguminous, oats, rye, bread, raw 

 eggs, etc.); fat animals should be subjected to a severe diet and 

 should be given as' much exercise as possible. The stallion must 

 be mounted or harnessed to heavy loads ; the bull can also be har- 

 nessed (if accustomed to it from a young age) after having set the 

 nasal ring, or given the freedom of a fenced corral. Added to this, 



