Behaviors and ejaculates characteristics in housed dromedary camels used for artificial insemination

7^th International Veterinary Congress

September 04-05, 2017 | Paris, France

Meriem Fatnassi, Rim Lassoued, Khorchani Touhami and Mohamed Hammadi

Arid Lands Institute, Tunisia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Vet Sci Technol

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: The introduction of biotechnologies of reproduction (artificial insemination, embryos transfer) remains among the most important factors in improving certain production and reproduction traits in camelids. However, these techniques have been rarely reported with a low rate of success (43% in Dubai; 28.6% in Tunisia). This could be due to the difficulties related in collection, evaluation of semen and to the nature of induced ovulation in camelids species. Therefore, the increasing in artificial insemination rate require a strict selection of camel bulls for behaviors, libido and semen quality. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe behaviors of bulls during semen collection and determine the characteristics of collected semen. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Behaviors of six dromedary camels (8 to 11 yr. old) during semen collection were recorded using an ethogram and a standardized schedule with a fixed time. Semen was collected (205 collections) by an artificial vagina using a female camel maintained in couched position. Each ejaculate was evaluated for volume (direct observation), mass motility (scale 0 to 5), sperm concentration (thoma cell) and Viability (Eosin-nigrosin stain). Findings: In our center, the different steps of semen collection since the exit from the box until the end of ejaculation and dismount are presented in the Fig.1. Semen was characterized by a volume: 12.6�±0.6 mL; mass motility: 2.4�±0.1; viability: 47.8�±1.3% (variation from 0 to 89%); sperm concentration: 450.6�±28.9 �� 106 cells/mL; and total number of sperm: 5122.4�±445.4 �� 106 cells. Conclusion & Significance: In this study, semen was evaluated to give an indication of its quality and hence its appropriateness for use with artificial insemination).