Applied andrology in camelids.

Abstract

This chapter reviews the major aspects of the reproductive anatomy, physiology and common abnormalities of male camelids. Breeding soundness examination is emphasized, with special reference to semen characteristics and factors that may affect its quality.

Testicular length as an indicator of the onset of sperm production in alpacas under Swedish conditions

“…Although young males often begin to show interest in females and can display mounting behaviour around the age of one year, most of them are not able to carry out a mating at this age [ 19 , 20 ]. Complete erection and intromission is only possible when the preputial attachments to the penis have totally disappeared [ 10 ]. The detachment seems to be affected positively by the level of testosterone [ 21 ].…”

“…The detachment seems to be affected positively by the level of testosterone [ 21 ]. Early detachment is a desirable genetic trait in young animals and therefore should be an important parameter in the evaluation of the breeding potential of males, together with large testis size [ 7 , 10 , 22 ] which is assumed to be directly related to sperm production, as in other ruminants [ 20 ]. In addition, it is important to know what testicular size should be considered as normal for the identification of pathological changes, e.g., hypoplasia or degeneration.…”

“…In addition to their physiology, they also have an anatomical difference. The prepuce has adherence to the glans penis until 2 or 3 years of age, making protrusion of the penis impossible in young males [ 9 , 10 ]. The adherence disappears gradually when the animal matures, apparently in relation to testosterone levels [ 9 , 11 ].…”

Use of a Sperm-Hyaluronan Binding Assay for Evaluation of Sperm Quality in Dromedary Camels

“…The physical and biological characteristics of camel semen vary greatly depending on the conditions of the semen collection, but are also affected by individual 2. Literature review animals and the collection frequency (Tibary et al 2014;Al-Bulushi et al 2018;Malo et al 2019). Ejaculates are often of poor quality, varying even in different collections from the same individual, which poses a significant problem for developing reproductive processing and techniques (Bravo et al 2000).…”

Semen collection methods in alpacas

“…Aspiration of semen from the female tract after mating can be used routinely to enable semen evaluation (Dascanio 2014, Tibary and others 2014). Alarcon and others (2012) reported the use of this technique to collect semen and then inseminate females afterwards; however, it is still a controversial technique (Pacheco Curie, personal communication).…”