Comparison of Semen Collection Methods in Merino Rams

Authors: FARUK ARAL, SEMRA ARAL

Abstract: The spermatological characteristics of merino rams' semen collected with an artificial vagina (AV) and electro-ejeculator (EE) were compared. The semen was evaluated for volume (ml), mass activity (0-5, no activity to rapid wave), motility (%), sperm concentration (x 10^9/ml) and abnormal spermatozoa percentage. The means of semen samples collected with the AV and EE were as follows: volume 1.10 ± 0.04 and 1.20 ± 0.04 (ml); mass activity 4.50 ± 0.07 and 3.70 ± 0.13 (0-5); motility 86.70 ± 0.77 and 77.18 ± 1.41 (%); sperm concentration 3.10 ± 0.04 and 2.34 ± 0.09 (x 10^9/ml); and abnormal spermatozoa 3.88 ± 0.29 and 4.00 ± 0.36 (%), respectively. Mass activity, motility and sperm concentration were greater in AV samples than in EE samples (P < 0.001).

Keywords: Ram, artificial vagina, electro-ejeculator, semen collection

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