Evaluation of semen collected by electroejaculation from captive lesser Malay chevrotain (Tragulus javanicus).

Thirteen sexually mature captive male lesser Malay chevrotains (Tragulus javanicus) were each anesthetized twice with tiletamine-zolazepam for electroejaculation. Viable spermatozoa were collected from all animals. The semen was creamy, milky, pale yellowish, or watery. The mean values for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and percentages of sperm motility, normality and viability were 23.7 +/- 2.5 microl, 366.9 +/- 127.8 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml, 40.0% +/- 3.1%, 71.4% +/- 1.6%, and 59.6% +/- 2.1%, respectively. Semen pH was 7-8. No adverse effects of electroejaculation were noted. These are the first reported values for semen of lesser Malay chevrotain. Electroejaculation should be usable for routine semen collection in this species.     

Effect of method of seminal collection on the retrograde flow of spermatozoa into the urinary bladder of rams

The effects of method of seminal collection and a diuretic on retrograde flow of spermatozoa into the urinary bladder of rams were examined. In experiment 1, semen and urine were collected from 8 rams during the non-breeding season. Prior to seminal collection, all rams were given furosemide and a sample of urine was obtained during micturition. Semen was then collected from each ram with an artificial vagina or by electroejaculation in alternate weeks for 4 weeks, and the urine released during the first postseminal collection micturition was collected in 4 consecutive samples. The volume of electroejaculates was larger (P less than 0.0001) than the volume of ejaculates, but the total number of spermatozoa in the electroejaculate or in the ejaculate were not different (P greater than 0.1). Urine obtained before seminal collection was azoospermic or contained few, nonmotile spermatozoa (mean +/- SD = 0.053 +/- 0.114 x 10(6)/ml). The adjusted spermatozoal concentration (mean +/- SD = 1.630 +/- 2.258 x 10(6)/ml) in the urine collected after seminal collection was 31 times higher (P less than 0.0001) and there were motile spermatozoa in most (97%) of the samples. The spermatozoal concentration in sequential samples of urine was not different (P greater than 0.1) between samples and was not affected (P greater than 0.1) by the method of seminal collection. There was a trend, approaching significance (P = 0.052), for an effect of method of seminal collection on the percentage of retrograde flow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Sperm Production and Sperm Morphology of Swedish Warmblood Stallions

The present study investigated daily sperm output and sperm morphology of fresh semen in eight Swedish Warmblood stallions aged 5–8 years. They were used for artificial insemination, and their fertility during the breeding season of semen collection exceeded 60% per cycle. One ejaculate of semen was collected daily for 10 consecutive days from each stallion. The gel-free volume was measured, and the sperm concentration was assessed with a Bürker chamber. The volume of gel-free fraction was multiplied by the sperm concentration to give the total number of spermatozoa (TSN). Sperm morphology was examined in ejaculates collected on days 2, 5 and 10. An aliquot from each ejaculate was fixed in 1 ml formol–saline immediately after collection and examined under a phase-contrast microscope (magnification 1000×) to assess morphological abnormalities. Furthermore smears were prepared and stained according to Williams (carbolfuchsin–eosin) for a more detailed examination of the sperm heads under a light microscope (magnification 1000×). Analysis of variance was applied to data. Total spermatozoa number decreased progressively during the first 8 days of collection, and daily sperm output (DSO) was calculated as mean TSN of collections on days 8–10, being 6.4 × 10⁹ spermatozoa. The overall percentages of morphologically normal spermatozoa in ejaculates collected on days 2, 5 and 10 were above 70%, being significantly lower in ejaculate 2 (68.6%) compared with ejaculates 5 and 10 (72.9% respectively 75.3%).     

Characterization and cooled storage of semen from corn snakes (Elaphe guttata).

The phylogenetic order Squamata has many representatives that could benefit from the use of semen preservation as a tool for assisting conservation. To date, few studies have been made evaluating the potential for collecting and preserving semen from snakes. The objectives of this study were to characterize semen parameters of the corn snake (Elaphe guttata), including appearance, volume, concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, and to determine the longevity of corn snake sperm motility stored at 4 degrees C. Single semen samples were collected from 22 adult corn snakes. The appearance of the corn snake semen was generally cloudy, and the color was white to tan. Corn snake spermatozoa initially exhibited a median motility of 92.5%. Corn snakes were found to produce small-volume ejaculates (median 0.01 ml). However, the overall concentration of the snake ejaculate was high (chi = 852 x 10(6) +/- 585 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml). Morphologically, a mean of 75.7 +/- 9.3% of the sperm cells in an ejaculate were normal. Snake ejaculate with a white appearance had significantly higher sperm concentrations (chi = 1,859 x 10(6) +/- 1,008 x 106 sperm cells/ml; F = 15.74, P = 0.001) than tan ejaculates (chi = 601 x 10(6) +/- 439 x 106 sperm cells/ml). Sperm motility decreased significantly in samples that were stored at 4 degrees C for greater than 48 hr in a refrigerator or Equitainer I. This is the first study to characterize semen volume, appearance, and concentration; sperm motility; and sperm morphology in captive corn snakes. The information derived from this study can be used to develop a model for a collection, cooled storage, and shipping program for semen from endangered or threatened captive and wild snakes.     

Genetic Parameters for Semen Production Traits in Austrian Dual-Purpose Simmental Bulls

Genetic parameters were estimated for semen production traits collected in an Austrian AI centre in the years 2000-2004. In total, 12,746 ejaculates from 301 Austrian dual-purpose Simmental (Fleckvieh) AI bulls were examined considering different effects on ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, percentage of viable spermatozoa in the ejaculate, total spermatozoa per ejaculate and motility. The model for genetic parameter estimation included the fixed effects age of bull, collection interval, number of collections on collection day, bull handler, semen collector, year and month of collection, a random additive genetic component and a permanent environmental effect. Correlations between estimated breeding values for semen traits and male fertility from the routine evaluation were calculated. The fertility trait considered in the routine evaluation is non-return rate 90 for the first insemination. All semen production traits were moderately heritable. Heritabilities for volume, concentration, percentage of viable spermatozoa, total number of spermatozoa and motility were 0.18, 0.14, 0.10, 0.22 and 0.04, respectively. Correlations between breeding values for semen quality traits and routinely estimated breeding values for male fertility were low and ranged from 0.08 to 0.17 indicating that semen production traits are rather poor predictors of male fertility.     

Effect of Collection Rhythms and Season on Rabbit Semen Production

The effects of collection regimen and time of year on rabbit semen production were determined in this study. A total of 14 crossbreed Hyla bucks were used in winter and summer. In each season, rabbits were assigned to two groups. In group 1, (n = 7) rabbits were subjected to an extensive collection regimen (two ejaculates per male, once daily/week) and in group 2, (n = 7) a semi‐intensive semen collection regimen was performed (two ejaculates per male, twice weekly). The traits recorded for each sample were libido, volume, pH, motility, sperm concentration, percentage of alive spermatozoa and sperm abnormalities. The results obtained in this study indicate that when increasing collection frequency, the rate of useful collections decreased (from 0.81 ± 0.017 to 0.69 ± 0.016; p < 0.01). The rate of useful collection also decreased in the transition from winter to summer (from 0.79 ± 0.018 to 0.70 ± 0.017; p < 0.01). Among the ejaculate characteristics studied, only volume/ejaculate (from 0.64 ± 0.015 to 0.53 ± 0.017; p < 0.01) and spermatozoa/ml (from 406 ± 15 to 359 ± 13 million; p < 0.01) appeared negatively affected by collection. In winter fewer volume/ejaculates were produced (0.55 ± 0.015 vs 0.60 ± 0.016 ml; p < 0.01) and fewer spermatozoa/ml (360 ± 14 vs 394 ± 16 million; p < 0.01) than in summer. The doses produced per ejaculate decreased as collection frequency increased, but the number of doses produced per week was higher in the semi‐intensive than the extensive rhythm (26.5 ± 2.1 vs 20.9 ± 1.5; p < 0.01). The results suggest that a semi‐intensive rhythm may be viewed favourably.     

Characteristics of Buck Semen with Regard to Ejaculate Numbers, Collection Intervals, Diluents and Preservation Periods

To determine the number of ejaculates which can be collected within a 20‐min period after the smallest number of days of sexual rest, and a good diluent to preserve semen for routine AI, five mature Black Bengal bucks were used in three experiments. In experiment 1, semen from the bucks were collected by using artificial vagina at homosexual mounts as many times as possible during 20 min. The ejaculate numbers 1, 3 and 4 (or 5 when the buck could produce it) were examined for important semen characteristics. The mean ejaculate volume, density, mass activity, sperm motility, sperm concentrations, total spermatozoa/ejaculate, proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, midpiece and tail, and the proportion with normal head morphology varied between 267 and 342 µl, 4.1–4.5 (1–5 scale), 4.1–4.2 (1–5 scale), 77–79%, 4187 × 10⁶–5064 × 10⁶/ml, 1140 × 10⁶–1746 × 10⁶, 91–94% and 99%, respectively, depending on the collection number of the ejaculate. The difference between the ejaculates was significant only with respect to volume (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, semen was collected from the bucks successively during 20 min after 1, 2, 3 and 4 day intervals, and the first ejaculates were evaluated for the above‐mentioned semen characteristics. Semen collected after 2 or more day intervals had significantly higher volume, sperm concentration and total spermatozoa/ejaculate (p < 0.05). In experiment 3, pools of two to three ejaculates were diluted (1 : 5; semen : diluent) in splits with glucose‐citrate‐egg yolk (GCEY), Tris‐fructose‐egg yolk (TFEY) or skim milk (SM) and preserved at +4 to +7°C. Before chilling or after 0 (15 min chilling), 1, 2, 3 and 4 days of preservation, semen was evaluated for motility and proportion of normal spermatozoa with respect to acrosome, midpiece and tail. In data pooled across the bucks, the sperm motility was better in GCEY and TFEY than in SM, and the proportion of normal spermatozoa was higher in SM than in the others (p < 0.05). However, the differences in proportion of normal spermatozoa between diluents were not significant when the data were analysed separately within preservation periods. The sperm motility consistently dropped after 1 day of preservation (p < 0.01); the motility remained 50% or more up to 4 days in TFEY, 3 days in GCEY and only 2 days in SM. The proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, midpiece and tail, which was generally quite high ( 90%), decreased after 3 days of preservation (p < 0.01). We conclude that Black Bengal bucks can be collected three times during 20 min, every 3 days, and that buck semen holds good motility and proportion of normal spermatozoa up to 3 days in GCEY or TFEY at 4 to 7°C.     

Electroejaculation and semen cryopreservation of free-ranging Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus)

The Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) is endangered for extinction in some areas of Japan, and semen collection and cryopreservation are an important means to preserve genetic resources. The aim of this study was to characterize and cryopreserve semen of free-ranging Japanese black bears. Semen was collected by electroejaculation procedure from 4 free-ranging Japanese black bears at the capture point in the field. Ejaculates containing motile sperm were recovered from all of the animals and ejaculate volume, total sperm count, % motility (percentage of motile spermatozoa), % viability (percentage of spermatozoa that excluded eosin) and % abnormal morphology (range (mean)) were 0.65-2.20 (1.51) ml, 99-1082 (490) x 10(6), 5-100 (31), 42-97 (66) and 20-87 (53), respectively. Three of the 4 ejaculates were diluted with an egg yolk-TRIS-citrate-glucose extender and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Motile spermatozoa were observed after freezing and thawing in all cases. This study showed that electroejaculation would be a useful method for collecting semen from free-ranging Japanese black bears and that at least motile spermatozoa would be obtained by freezing the thus collected electroejaculates.     

Assessment of chosen semen characteristics of two colour morphs of the Arctic fox Alopex lagopus L.

The aim of the study was to evaluate semen quality in the two most popular colour morphs of the Arctic fox Alopex lagopus L., blue and white, based on ejaculate parameters, acrosin activity and analysis of sperm morphology. The research material consisted of ejaculates collected once by manual stimulation from 20 one‐year‐old male Arctic foxes (10 individuals of the blue morph and 10 of the white morph). Ejaculates were evaluated in terms of volume, sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa and the percentage of spermatozoa with major and minor defects. The study revealed that male blue Arctic foxes produce ejaculates with much higher concentration (148.75 × 10⁶/ml) and total number of spermatozoa (98.16 × 10⁶) compared to white Arctic foxes (42.88 × 10⁶/ml and 35.2 × 10⁶ respectively). The level of acrosin activity from white foxes seemed to be higher compared to blue foxes but the difference was not statistically confirmed. Semen from Arctic foxes is characterized by high inter‐individual variability in sperm morphology. The frequency of morphological changes in sperm from Arctic foxes does not significantly depend on ejaculate volume, sperm concentration or the total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, but is associated with acrosin activity.     

Technical note: Artificial vagina vs a vaginal collection vial for collecting semen from rams.

The time required to train rams to an artificial vagina (AV) makes collecting semen from large numbers of rams difficult. To manage this problem, we developed a glass, round-bottomed, 1.9-cm i.d. x 9.8-cm long vaginal collection vial (VCV). Three experiments were conducted to determine whether the VCV affected 1) semen volume per collection, 2) percentage of motile spermatozoa, 3) forward progressive motility score before and after extension and after freezing and thawing, and 4) our ability to collect semen from untrained rams. A soft rubber cap with a hole in the center was used to cover the VCV. A VCV was inserted into the vagina of an estrual ewe, and a monofilament line attached to the VCV was clipped to the wool near the vulva. Rams were joined with unrestrained ewes in a pen until they ejaculated into the VCV. In Exp. 1, five rams trained to an AV were used in a switchback design with four collection periods. During each period (1 d), semen was collected with an AV and a VCV. Immediately after collection, semen volume and sperm motility were quantified. Semen was extended with an aloe vera gel-based diluent at a 1:4 dilution rate, motility was quantified again, and semen was frozen. At 1 h after freezing, semen was thawed and sperm motility was quantified. Ejaculate volume (mean = 0.7 mL) and all measures of motility after collection were similar (P > 0.05) for the two collection methods. In Exp. 2, 10 rams trained to an AV were used in a switchback design with five collection periods (period = 3 d). On d 1 and 3 of each period, an AV and a VCV were used to collect semen. Collection method did not affect (P > 0.05) ejaculate volume (mean = 1.0 mL), percentage of motile cells, or forward progressive motility score. In Exp. 3, 51 untrained rams were used in a switchback design with a single collection period (2 d). Semen was collected with an AV and a VCV. Ability to collect an ejaculate and time required for collection were recorded. The likelihood of collecting semen from untrained rams was greater (P < 0.01) using a VCV (mean = 31.4%) than using an AV (mean = 9.8%). Collection method did not affect (P > 0.05) ejaculate volume (mean = 0.8 mL), percentage of motile cells, or forward progressive motility score. We concluded that a VCV could be used to collect semen from rams that are not trained for semen collection without decreasing ejaculate volume or sperm motility.     

Combined cryopreservation of canine ejaculates collected at a one-hour interval increases semen doses for artificial insemination without negative effects on post-thaw sperm characteristics

A limiting factor in canine artificial insemination (AI) is the low number of insemination doses obtained per ejaculate. In this study, semen was collected from dogs (n = 28) either once and frozen directly after collection or the same dogs were submitted to a dual semen collection with a 1-hr interval and the two ejaculates were combined for cryopreservation. We hypothesized that combining two ejaculates increases semen doses per cryopreservation process without negative effects on semen characteristics. Total sperm count was lower in semen from a single semen collection in comparison with the combination of the first and second ejaculate of a dual semen collection (p < .001). The percentage of motile and membrane-intact spermatozoa determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) in raw semen did not differ between single and combined dual ejaculates and was reduced (p < .001) by cryopreservation to the same extent in single (motility 73.7 ± 1.8%, membrane integrity 65.6 ± 2.2%) and combined dual ejaculates (motility 72.7 ± 2.3%, membrane integrity 64.6 ± 2.5%). The percentage of spermatozoa with morphological defects increased after cryopreservation (p < .001) but was similar in single and combined dual ejaculates. The CASA sperm velocity parameters decreased with cryopreservation (p < .001) but did not differ between single and combined dual ejaculates. The number of insemination doses increased from 2.7 ± 0.4 for single to 4.7 ± 0.8 for combined dual ejaculates (p < .01), based on 100 million motile spermatozoa per frozen-thawed semen dose. In conclusion, combining two ejaculates collected at short interval for one cryopreservation process increases the number of AI doses without compromising semen quality.     

Semen collection and characterization in rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome).

Low egg fertility and hatchability is a common problem in captive populations of rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome). These conditions make sustaining a captive population challenging. A method for collecting and evaluating semen from rockhopper penguins was developed to assist in the evaluation of low egg fertility found in one captive population. Six adult male rockhopper penguins were conditioned to allow semen collection once a week from the start of breeding season until ejaculates no longer contained sperm. A total of 59 ejaculates was collected between 17 September and 31 December 2004. Forty-five of these samples were evaluated for volume, pH, sperm concentration, and sperm quality (motility, viability, and morphology). There was a large variation between individuals and between collections for each individual. The mean motility was 34.5% (+/- 22%). Mean volume of ejaculate was 0.23 ml (+/- .31 ml). Mean concentration was 16.9 x 10(6) sperm/ml (+/- 48.7 x 10(6) sperm/ml). Mean number of sperm per collection was 1.7 x 10(6) (+/- 4.2 x 10(6)). Mean percentage of living sperm was 82.9% (+/- 18.1%). Mean percentage of sperm with normal morphology was 82.1% (+/- 18.8%). Mean pH was 6.47 (+/- 0.49). During this season, only one of these males paired with a female. The pair produced one fertile egg, but the embryo died early in incubation. Male rockhopper penguins had low sperm concentration and low motility indicating that low male fertility may be contributing to the poor egg fertility rate. This work represents the first step in an ongoing study to improve captive breeding of rockhopper penguins.     

Evaluation of two seminal collection regimens for mature Holstein bulls

Twenty mature Holstein bulls (3 to 10 yr old) were used to test the effect of two semen collection regimens on spermatozoal output, post-thaw percentage spermatozoal motility, and time needed to make the collections/week. For both regimens, six ejaculates/wk were collected using either three ejaculates/d, 2 d/wk, or two ejaculates/d, 3 d/wk. A three-period switchback experimental design was used. Each collection period for which measurements were taken was 3 wk and was preceded by a 2 wk period of acclimation. The total number of spermatozoa harvested per week was not significantly different (P greater than .05): 33.2 X 10(9) when the bulls were collected two ejaculates 3 d/wk, compared with 33.9 X 10(9) three ejaculates 2 d/wk. Post-thaw progressive spermatozoal motility was 50.3 and 52.1% (P greater than .05), respectively. The average time per week to collect each bull was 73.6 and 83.7 min (P less than .05), respectively.     

Semen collection and evaluation

Conformation showing and a variety of dog sports are increasingly popular. Propagation of an excellent dog requires normal fertility. Semen collection and evaluation are essential skills for small animal practitioners who work with breeders and dog-sport enthusiasts. Semen collection can be performed on most dogs in the clinic setting with minimal standard equipment. Preparation of the collection room and presence of a teaser bitch increase the success of sample collection. Semen evaluation consists of several components. First, gross characteristics and sample volume are recorded. Percentage and quality of motility are evaluated immediately. The concentration of spermatozoa in the sample is determined and multiplied by the total sample volume to determine the total number of sperm in the ejaculate. Morphology of > or = 100 spermatozoa is evaluated and recorded to determine the percent normal spermatozoa Total normal sperm per ejaculate is then calculated. Additional tests are often performed. These include cytology of the second and third fractions, culture of the semen, and measurement of semen alkaline phosphatase. Knowledge of normal parameters for canine semen enables the practitioner to evaluate the results of these tests with confidence.     

Seminal Characteristics in Spanish Purebred Stallions: A Retrospective Study

In this work, we studied retrospectively the influence of several factors on semen quality of the Spanish Purebred (SPB) stallion. Among these factors, we considered stallion age, season, and interval between two consecutive collections. The semen was collected from 11 SPB stallions (634 ejaculates). Semen quality was evaluated based on volume, concentration, and motility of the ejaculates. Results showed that the semen collected in autumn and winter was more concentrated in comparison with that collected in spring and summer, when the volume of ejaculate was the highest. Those ejaculates collected from younger stallions were characterized by having the smallest volume and the highest sperm concentration. When incorporating an SPB stallion into a program of artificial insemination, it is important to take into account all of these factors to achieve the maximum reproductive potential of the animal.     

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Semen Traits in A.I. Bulls

Contents: Repeatability and heritability coefficients were estimated for ejaculate volume, mass movement, individual motility, sperm concentration, first and second post-freezing control of motility, number of doses frozen, total number of spermatozoa and total number of motile spermatozoa per ejaculate in the first ten ejaculates of 175 Swiss Holstein and 673 Simmental young bulls (200 pure Simmental, 473 Simmental x Red Holstein crosses). Data were analysed using the univariate individual animal model with effects of interval between consecutive collections, age of bull at collection, season of collection, breed group of Simmental bulls according to percentage of Red Holstein genes, bull (within breed group) and permanent environment. Crossbred bulls had a better performance in all traits. Repeatability coefficients ranged from 0.28 to 0.46. They indicate that the prediction of semen quality in young bulls of the Swiss Holstein and the Simmental breed is possible to some extent. Heritabilities in Swiss Holstein bulls were generally very low and did usually not exceed 0.10, but standard errors of these estimates were high. Relatively high heritabilities (0.18–0.30) were found for Simmental bulls, Differences in heritabilities between these two breed groups were probably a consequence of the low number of Swiss Holstein bulls.     

The Effect of Season on Spermatozoa Motility,Plasma Membrane and Acrosome Integrity in Fresh and Frozen–Thawed Semen from Xinong Saanen Bucks

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the season of ejaculate collection influences seminal quality parameters of pre‐ and post‐freeze–thawing in Xinong Saanen bucks. Ejaculates were collected from eight bucks throughout the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) in a 12 months’ time period, identified in the Northern Hemisphere. Semen samples were evaluated by the combinations of conventional and Computer‐Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) when fresh and after frozen–thawed, respectively. The results clearly demonstrated that season of ejaculate collection influenced (p < 0.05) fresh semen quality. Highest semen quality was observed during autumn. On the contrary, undesirable indices (significantly lower, p < 0.05) were observed in winter as compared with the other remaining seasons. CASA has clearly shown the influences of seasonal variations on semen motility parameters. Furthermore, season of ejaculate collection was also found to influence sperm freezability. Semen characteristics after frozen–thawed followed a similar pattern with that of fresh ejaculate except in spring. The results revealed that sperm quality was higher (p < 0.01) in summer and autumn than in spring and winter. In conclusion, seasonal variation influences semen quality in Xinong Saanen bucks. In addition to summer and autumn, fresh ejaculates in spring can also be successfully used for AI. Sperm from ejaculates collected during summer and autumn are more suitable for cryopreservation. Hence, it is possible to increase the efficiency of goat breeding by manipulating the seasonal variations of semen quality for immediate AI and/or cryopreservation.     

Semen collection in rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis, Diceros bicornis, Ceratotherium simum) by electroejaculation with a uniquely designed probe.

Electroejaculation in rhinoceroses has historically yielded inconsistent results, with the collection of high-quality, sperm-rich samples rare. The goal of this study was to develop a reliable method of electroejaculation in the rhinoceros by designing a rectal probe that appropriately fits the anatomy of this taxon and refining the procedure. A curved probe handle ending in an oblate, ellipsoid head was built using readily available supplies. A combination of rectal massage, penile massage, and electrical stimulation with a specially designed probe was employed in attempts to collect semen on 14 occasions from greater one-horned rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis; n = 4), black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis; n = 2) and a southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum; n = 1). During 13 of the 14 attempts, ejaculates were collected in multiple fractions. All but one of the ejaculates contained spermatozoa, and seven ejaculates contained good-quality fractions of semen (-60% sperm motility; > or =20 x 106 spermatozoa/ml) suitable for sperm banking and assisted reproduction procedures. Mean (+/-SEM) values for volume, pH, osmolality, and total sperm number for ejaculates containing good-quality fractions (98.2 +/-21.8 ml, 8.5+/-0.1, 290.4+/-6.7 mOsm, and 37.1+/-12.0 x 10(9), respectively) did not differ (P > 0.05) from those containing only poor-quality samples. Urine and/or erythrocyte contamination was not uncommon in fractions of both ejaculate types. Males producing good-quality samples ranged in age from 7 to 34 yr. None of the samples contained > or =75% morphologically normal spermatozoa. Electroejaculation with a uniquely designed probe consistently produced ejaculates in the rhinoceros. However, the production of high-quality samples continued to be challenging, occurring in only 50% of collection attempts. Regardless, the technology has progressed to a stage at which good-quality semen samples can be produced for sperm banking and assisted reproduction, and thereby can be integrated into intensive rhinoceros management strategies for the ultimate survival of this taxon.     

The Usefulness of Captive Kept Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) as the Semen Donors for Artificial Insemination and Gene Pool Preservation In vitro

Captive breeding of birds threatened by extinction in zoological gardens or other closed aviary centres is one of the methods allowing their protection and gene pool preservation ex situ in vivo. Such birds are usually kept in captivity lifelong and serve as parents of several new generations that can be further released into natural environment, or males are used as semen donors for artificial insemination and gene banking. Therefore, the fecundity of such flocks (number of laid egg and spermatozoa quantity and quality) is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of captive kept capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) as semen donors in three subsequent reproductive seasons, based on the assessment of manually collected semen quality. Male response to dorso‐abdominal massage, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility and morphology were evaluated individually at three succeeding years. Depending on individual male properties and year of collection, the number of positive reactions to semen collection attempts (i.e. ending with ejaculation) varied from 44.4% to 100.0%; single ejaculate volume ranged from 10 to 300 μl, spermatozoa concentration from 10 × 10⁶ per ml to 3520 × 10⁶ per ml and percentage of live morphologically normal spermatozoa from 19.3 to 80.3%. The highest average value (66.7) of semen quality factor (SQF) was noted for a 2‐year‐old male (varying from 1.9 to 258.1), while the lowest for ten‐ (4.8; varying from 0.1 to 17.0) and 7‐year‐old (6.6; varying between 0.6 and 13.6). Assuming that for AI purposes, the ejaculate quality has to be at minimum 10 SQF, obtained results indicate that majority of capercaillie kept in captivity, both young (2–3 years old) and older (up to 10 years old), can be valuable semen producers in succeeding seasons.     

Effect of collection frequency on the semen quality of broiler breeder

1. Seven 35-week-old Hubbard broiler breeder males were subjected to three semen collection frequencies either once every 2 d (48 h), daily (24 h) or twice daily (12 h). 2. Semen characteristics including motility, volume, concentration and sperm numbers per ejaculate were determined for each ejaculate. 3. Sperm motility was unaffected by collection interval, but semen volume was lower at 12 than 24h intervals. Sperm concentration was lower at 12 than 48h intervals. 4. At 24 and 48 h number of sperm per collection (1.7+/-0.2, 1.8+/-0.2 x 10(9)) were higher than at 12 h (1.2+/-0.1 x 10(9)). 5. The number of semen doses over a 6-d period increased linearly as the frequency of collection increased from once every 2 d to twice daily. 6. It is concluded that output was theoretically maximal at twice daily collection, but in practice not all cockerels may be able to maintain full performance with such a demanding regime.