Semen collection methods in alpacas

Abstract

South American camelids, particularly alpacas, are gaining in popularity outside their native lands. Reproductive biotechnologies, such as artificial insemination or embryo transfer with cryopreserved embryos, are more complicated in these species than many others due to differences in their reproductive physiology compared to the more commonly encountered domestic livestock. This article reviews the methods currently available for obtaining semen or spermatozoa from alpacas and describes some of the problems associated with handling the viscous seminal plasma characteristic of camelids. Possibilities and limitations of reproductive biotechnologies in this species are discussed, and future developments are outlined, especially some new techniques which are currently being developed for use with camel semen and may be transferable to alpacas.

Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa

“…Moreover, in the event of sudden death or emergency castration of a valuable sire, the use of epididymal sperm allows us to salvage valuable genetics that would have been lost otherwise [ 42 ]. Thus, cauda epididymis from castration or slaughtering can be used as a model [ 43 ]. Using this model, we found that alpaca epididymis spermatozoa undergo cryodamage after freezing/thawing, consistent with the described effects of cryopreservation in mammalian sperm physiology [ 44 ].…”

Semen Handling in South American Camelids: State of the Art

“…Semen collection in SACs is challenging, not least because mating takes place in sternal recumbency and is of long duration (21). Semen can be collected by different methods, including an artificial vagina, vaginal sponges, and electro-ejaculation, as reviewed recently (22). Creating a urethral fistula provides access to small quantities of spermatozoa without seminal plasma but is not practical as a regular supply of spermatozoa for AI.…”

“…Aspiration of semen from the reproductive tract of a mated female, or extraction from vaginal sponges or condoms, results in samples that may be contaminated by other secretions and cells (21), resulting in poor sperm survival. Sperm recovery may be stressful for females that are not accustomed to being handled (22) and the method is not practical for most alpaca husbandry systems. Although this method is a source of ejaculated spermatozoa, aspiration from the vagina for transfer into other females is not desirable for biosecurity [(26), cited in (22)].…”

“…Sperm recovery may be stressful for females that are not accustomed to being handled (22) and the method is not practical for most alpaca husbandry systems. Although this method is a source of ejaculated spermatozoa, aspiration from the vagina for transfer into other females is not desirable for biosecurity [(26), cited in (22)].…”

Empleo de la electroeyaculación en camélidos sudamericanos

“…A pesar de que ambas etapas son fundamentales para la evaluación de reproductores, aun no existe una técnica exacta para la colecta de semen. Dentro de estas, se conoce el empleo de la vagina artificial, la electroeyaculación, el lavado post coital, la recuperación de espermatozoides epididimarios y el uso de dispositivos como los condones, esponjas vaginales, entre otros (Abraham et al, 2017;Morrell y Abraham, 2020).…”