Camels and Camelids

OBSERVATIONS ON SEMEN COLLECTION AND SUITABILITY OF DIFFERENT MODIFICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL VAGINA FOR DROMEDARY CAMELS (Camelus dromedarius)

Journal Edition: June 2016
Article DOI: 10.5958/2277-8934.2016.00029.1
Published On: 03-09-2018 19:05

Ibraheem Kutty Cholakkal, Afsal Koroth and Sawsan Al Sharifi
Section for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Animal Production Division,
Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Al Wafea, P.O. Box 79914, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT

The present investigation was carried out to study the behavioural features at collection and to compare 7 modifications of bovine AV for semen collection from camels. During the period of study 197 attempts for semen collection were made and 178 ejaculates were obtained using different types of the AV. Reaction time, mating duration, interruption of mating and physical attributes of the ejaculate collected were recorded. Behavioural and seminal parameters were compared with different modifications of the AV used, to decide which is the best one for routine usage.
Quantity and quality of semen samples collected from different AV types are described. Bovine artificial vagina of shorter length fitted with the usual smooth rubber liner was adequate for semen collection in camels. The need for special liners and cervix imitations were not found essential. However, shortening of the rubber cone and usage of wide-mouthed and shorter collection vials appeared beneficial to increase the quality and quantity of the ejaculate being collected. Physical conditions required for the AV were also more or less the same as that for bovine, except, the need for smearing lubricants on the liner was not deemed essential. It is concluded that a bovine artificial vagina with minor modifications is sufficient for collecting fairly good quality ejaculates from dromedary camels.
Key words: Artificial vagina, camel, mating behaviour, semen collection, semen