The activity of 5'-nucleotidase (EC 1.3.5), cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (EC 2.1.4.17), non-specific phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.1) and ribonuclease (EC 1.7.7.16)has been investigated in the seminal plasma of whole semen and in the secretions of the seminal vesicle, prostate and epididymis of the bull, boar, ram, stallion, jackass, rabbit and man. Bull seminal plasma showed the highest activity for 5'-nucleotidase, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and ribonuclease; in contrast, stallion and jackass semen were very poor in these enzymes. Ram, rabbit and boar seminal plasma showed intermediate levels for all enzymes studied. In the bull and ram, nucleolytic enzymes were found to be secreted by the seminal vesicles but in the boar, rabbit and stallion they originate mostly from the epididymis. In human seminal plasma all of the enzymes studied exhibited activity but the levels were generally lower than those recorded for the other species.