![Sample our Environment & Agriculture journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5934/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Agriculture.jpg"})
Abstract
| 1. | Three methods of semen collection from Alabio drakes were compared: the use of an artificial vagina (AV), electro ejaculation (EE) and manual massage (MM). For the latter two methods, drakes were housed in individual cages or in groups in floor pens, while for the AV method all drakes were kept in individual cages. | ||||
| 2. | Training success rates of drakes for the three collection methods were similar. | ||||
| 3. | Drakes housed in cages produced significantly more semen with a higher sperm concentration, which maintained fertility longer than semen from floor‐penned drakes. | ||||
| 4. | The average semen volume per ejaculate, sperm concentration and total number of sperm per ejaculate were highest for the AV method while the other two methods did not differ. | ||||
| 5. | The average duration of fertility was significantly longer for the AV method (8·8 d) than the EE (6·5 d) or MM methods (5·1 d). The proportion of fertile eggs for 7 d following the insemination of 2 × 108 spermatozoa was also highest for the AV method. | ||||
| 6. | Although greater skill was required from the operator, the AV method is recommended for general use because of its significantly higher semen yield and longer duration of fertility. | ||||
Notes
To whom reprint requests should be addressed. Present address: CSIRO Tropical Cattle Research Centre, Box 5545, Rockhampton Mail Centre, Rockhampton 4701, Queensland, Australia.