Use of electroejaculation to collect semen samples from wild seals

Semen samples were obtained from 7 adult male gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) at a colony on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, using a portable electroejaculation system. Males were anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam. A probe was inserted in the rectum, and a progressive series of 10 to 15 stim...

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Published inJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol. 209; no. 9; p. 1615
Main Authors Lawson, J.W. (Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada.), Parsons, J.L, Craig, S.J, Eddington, J.D, Kimmins, W.C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.1996
Subjects
ANIMAL SALVAJE
ANIMAL SAUVAGE
Animals
COLLECTION
EJACULATION
Electric Stimulation
EYACULACION
FOCA
HALICHOERUS GRYPUS
Male
NOUVELLE ECOSSE
NOVA SCOTIA
PHOQUE
SEALS
Seals, Earless - physiology
SEMEN
SPERME
WILD ANIMALS
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Summary:Semen samples were obtained from 7 adult male gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) at a colony on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, using a portable electroejaculation system. Males were anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam. A probe was inserted in the rectum, and a progressive series of 10 to 15 stimulations (1 to 9 V, 25 to 750 mA) was applied. Males ejaculated after 15 to 29 minutes of stimulation and produced ejaculates with volumes of 4 to 17 ml that had vigorous, motile spermatozoa. Although trials were performed in winter conditions (0 to -15 C), simple storage methods (semen samples collected into plastic bags and placed in a warm pocket or an insulated cooler) kept spermatozoa motile for up to 4 hours after ejaculation. The procedure described here provides a means for collection of semen samples for genetic analyses and tests of reproductive competence in seals.
Bibliography:9634463
L10
L53
ISSN:0003-1488
1943-569X
DOI:10.2460/javma.1996.209.09.1615