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PubMed2003

Influence of stage of lactation and milk production on conception rates after timed artificial insemination following Ovsynch.

Conception rates after timed artificial insemination (TAI) are of paramount importance for the success of protocols based on synchronization of ovulation. Stage of lactation and milk production level are known factors that influence dairy cow fertility. It was the objective of this study to analyse the effect of stage of lactation and milk production level on conception rates and pregnancy rates by 200 days in milk (DIM) in dairy cows synchronized with the Ovsynch protocol (Day -10, Day -1: 0.1 mg of D-Phe6-gonadorelin, Day -3: 0.5 mg of cloprostenol, Day 0: AI). A total of 1,288 dairy cows were assigned to two groups and classified in three production levels (high, average, low). Cows of all milk production levels in Group 1 (Simultaneous Ovsynch, SO) were synchronized with the Ovsynch protocol simultaneously for TAI between 73 and 81 DIM. In Group 2 cows with average milk production were synchronized at the same time as Group 1, while low producing cows were synchronized 3 weeks earlier and high producing cows were synchronized 3 weeks later than Group 1, respectively. First service conception rates (FSCRs) were lower (P<0.05) in cows synchronized earlier than in cows of the same production level synchronized later (low production: 14.4% (22/153) versus 34.5% (51/148); high production: 28.2% (40/142) versus 41.4% (53/128)). Milk production level had no significant impact on conception rates after TAI in cows synchronized at the same stage of lactation. At 200 DIM fewer cows with high production level were pregnant than cows with average or low production (P<0.05). This effect was independent of the stage of lactation at the initiation of Ovsynch. Endometritis at a postpartum examination did not influence conception rates after TAI. In conclusion, stage of lactation, but not milk production level, has a major influence on conception rates after TAI. Early AI after Ovsynch is less efficient and therefore its return on investment should be evaluated carefully.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Improved conception in timed-artificial insemination using a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device and Ovsynch protocol in postpartum suckled Japanese Black beef cows.

The primary objective was to determine the effect of supplemental progesterone, administered via an intravaginal device (CIDR), on conception rates to timed-artificial insemination (timed-AI) in postpartum suckled Japanese Black beef cows treated with the Ovsynch protocol. A secondary objective was to compare the effects of treatments on plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol. Cows in the control group (Ovsynch, n=38) received a standard Ovsynch protocol (100 microg GnRH analogue on Day 0, 500 microg PGF2alpha analogue on Day 7, and 100 microg GnRH analogue on Day 9), with AI on Day 10, approximately 20 h after the second GnRH treatment. Cows in the treatment group (Ovsynch+CIDR; n=40) received a standard Ovsynch protocol plus a CIDR for 7 days (starting on Day 0). Plasma progesterone concentrations were determined on Days 0, 1, 7, 9, 10, and 17 and plasma estradiol-17beta concentrations were determined on Days 7, 9, 10, and 17. The odds ratio for likelihood of conception was 3.29 times greater (P=0.02) in the Ovsynch+CIDR group compared to Ovsynch group. The conception rate was greater (P=0.03) in the Ovsynch+CIDR group than in the Ovsynch group (72.5% versus 47.7%). Insertion of a CIDR device significantly increased plasma progesterone concentrations only on Days 1 and 7 (P<0.001 and P=0.05, respectively), but had no significant effect on plasma estradiol-17beta concentrations. Including a CIDR with the Ovsynch protocol significantly improved conception rates in postpartum suckled Japanese Black beef cows.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed1999

Estrus synchronization and artificial insemination of hair sheep ewes in the tropics.

Hair sheep ewes (St. Croix White and Barbados Blackbelly) were used to evaluate 3 methods of estrus synchronization for use with transcervical artificial insemination (TAI). To synchronize estrus, ewes (n = 18) were treated with PGF2alpha (15 mg, im) 10 d apart, with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices containing 300 mg progesterone for 12 d (n = 18), or with intravaginal sponges containing 500 mg progesterone for 12 d (n = 18). On the day of the second PGF2alpha injection or at CIDR or sponge removal, sterile rams were placed with the ewes. Jugular blood samples were collected from the ewes at 6-h intervals until the time of ovulation, and daily for 16 d after estrus (Day 0). Plasma was harvested and stored at -20 degrees C until LH, and progesterone concentrations were determined by RIA. There was no difference (P>0.10) in time to estrus among the CIDR-, PGF2alpha- or sponge-treated ewes. All of the ewes in the CIDR group and 94.4% of the sponge treated ewes exhibited estrus by 36 h after ram introduction, while only 72.2% of PGF2alpha-treated ewes showed signs of estrus by this time (P<0.06). The time from ram introduction to ovulation was not different (P>0.10) among the CIDR-, PGF2alpha- or sponge-treated ewes. The time to the preovulatory LH surge was similar (P>0.10) among CIDR, PGF2alpha and sponge treated ewes. Progesterone levels through Day 16 after the synchronized estrus were not different (P>0.10) among treatment groups. Hair sheep ewes (n = 23) were synchronized using PGF2alpha and bred by TAI using frozen-thawed semen 48 h after the second injection. The conception rate to TAI was 2/23 (8.7%) and produced 3 ram lambs. In a subsequent trial, 17 ewes were synchronized with CIDR devices and bred by TAI using frozen-thawed semen 48 h after CIDR removal, resulting in a conception rate of 52.9% (9/17). It is possible to synchronize estrus in hair sheep using either CIDRs, sponges or PGF2alpha. Even though there were no significant differences in the timing of ovulation or the LH surge among the treatment groups, a higher conception rate was achieved in ewes synchronized with CIDR devices during the second trial. This may reflect an increase in the skill level of the TAI technician.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed1999

A preliminary study on the usefulness of huIL-8 in cervical relaxation of the ewe for artificial insemination and for embryo transfer.

The efficacy of using human interleukin 8 (huIL-8) as an agent for inducing cervical relaxation in estrous and diestrous sheep was assessed in a small pilot study. Multiparous, estrus-synchronized ewes were treated for either 2 or 5 consecutive days with vaginal suppositories with or without 5 micrograms cytokine. Cervical penetration with an insemination instrument was then assessed in vivo. After euthanasia, physical, histological and enzymological properties of the cervix were examined. Treatment of diestrous sheep with huIL-8 did not result in recruitment of neutrophils into the cervix. Treatment of estrous sheep with huIL-8 usually led to neutrophil recruitment to the cervix and to either full or partial penetration of the cervix. However, some animals receiving placebo treatment had neutrophil infiltration of both the vagina and cervix and, in one of these, partial penetration of the cervix was also achieved. Thus, treatment with IL-8 as the sole agent in the vaginal suppository was not sufficient to relax the cervix of the nonpregnant ewe in this study.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Conception rates after artificial insemination or embryo transfer in lactating dairy cows during summer in Florida.

The objective was to compare conception rates to embryo transfer relative to AI, during summer heat stress, in lactating dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 180; 50 to 120 d postpartum) were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 groups: artificial insemination (AI, n = 84), embryo transfer using either embryos collected from superovulated donors (ET-DON, n = 48), or embryos produced in vitro (ET-IVF, n = 48). Embryos from superovulated donors were frozen in 10% glycerol and were rehydrated in a 3-step procedure, in decreasing concentrations of glycerol in a sucrose medium before transfer. Embryos produced in vitro were frozen in 1.5 M ethylene glycol, thawed and transferred without rehydration. Blood samples were collected from AI and ET recipients on Days 0, 7 and 22 for measurement of progesterone in plasma. Conception rate was estimated for the three groups at Day 22 (progesterone > 1 ng/mL) and confirmed at Day 42 by palpation per rectum. Conception rate estimates at Day 22 did not differ among groups (AI, 60.7%; ET-DON, 60.4%; ET-IVF, 54.2%), but conception rates at Day 42 differed (AI, 21.4%; ET-DON, 35.4%; ET-IVF, 18.8%; AI versus ET: P > 0.10 and ET-DON versus ET-IVF: P < 0.05). In cows considered pregnant at 22 d but diagnosed open at 42 d, the interestrous intervals were 28.8 +/- 2.2, 35.2 +/- 3.5 and 31.6 +/- 2.9 d, respectively, for AI, ET-DON and ET-IVF groups. Transfer of embryos collected from nonheat-stressed superovulated donors significantly increased conception rates in heat stressed dairy cattle. However, transfer of IVF-derived embryos had no advantage over AI. Where appropriate mechanisms are in place to attenuate the effects of heat stress, embryo transfer using frozen-thawed donor embryos increases conception rates.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Ethical and legal issues in the use of related donors for therapeutic insemination.

Donor insemination involving family members can be complex. Although it may offer some advantages to the requesting individuals, to the donor, or to the family, related donation does raise a significant number of concerns. The specific circumstances of these requests should be considered carefully--in most cases more carefully than with anonymous sperm donation. Still, in the United States the freedom of couples or individuals to decide whether, when, and how to reproduce is highly valued. Respect for the autonomy of the involved family members would favor serious consideration of proposals for intrafamilial sperm donation, when all parties have freely consented to participate. Without exception, standards governing anonymous sperm donation should be followed in evaluating the proposed sperm donor for infectious and genetic diseases. The semen specimens should be frozen and quarantined for 180 days. In many cases, the 6-month delay that results from this quarantine will discourage a couple from pursuing intrafamilial sperm donation. Adequate time is essential to assess these relationships when requested. Multiple visits to physicians, nurses, counselors, and lawyers may be necessary for a thorough assessment. Programs should require prospective participants, including recipients, donors, and partners of donors, to undergo psychologic counseling by a professional knowledgeable about gamete donation. Counselors should address issues such as emotional risks, potential impact on family relationships, the donor-recipient relationship, the future role of the donor in the offspring's life, and what information will be disclosed to the offspring. The process of obtaining informed consent from the requesting individuals, the donor, and, possibly, the donor's wife should involve a thorough discussion of potential risks to all parties. Clinicians should assure that the decision to be a sperm donor has been voulntary and free from manipulative and coercive influences. Financial incentives, including direct and indirect payment and inheritance, should not be so substantial that they become inducements that may lead the prospective donor to discount the emotional risk associated with the procedure. Legal counsel should be strongly encouraged to clarify issues of disclosure, rights, and duties, as well as the donor's relationship to the resulting offspring. Any possible changes in these issues in the event of divorce or death of requesting individuals should be addressed. In certain cases, requests should be immediately denied. Gametes from consanguineous relationships should never be used to initiate a pregnancy. Because of potential parental conflicts of interest, programs should not allow minors under the age of 18 years to donate sperm. The use of a family member may not be appropriate when sperm donation is chosen to prevent genetic diseases. Careful genetic counseling should be done before intrafamilial sperm donation is allowed in this situation. If, after careful consideration of the proposed arrangement, the physician chooses to facilitate the relationship, then all precautions should be taken to prevent medical, psychologic, and legal harm to the requesting couple or individual, the potential donor, and the prospective child. Programs that offer these arrangements should make every effort to obtain long-term follow up on the outcomes of these relationships, so that programs can provide more accurate information to families considering these relationships in the future. The physician or program should not feel obligated to agree to every request for intrafamilial sperm donation. When the assessment reveals consistent concerns about coercion of the prospective donor or about unhealthy family dynamics, the physician should feel free to deny these procedures. The physician should advise the requesting couple or individual to seek alternative methods, such as anonymous sperm donation, to conceive.

Family↗
PubMed2000

Intrauterine insemination or in-vitro fertilisation in idiopathic subfertility and male subfertility: a randomised trial and cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Couples affected by idiopathic subfertility or male subfertility have an estimated spontaneous conception rate of about 2% per cycle. Although various infertility treatments are available, counselling of a couple in their choice of treatment is difficult because of the lack of consistent data from good-quality comparative studies. We compared the results of treatment with intrauterine insemination (IUI) with those of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), and did a cost-effectiveness analysis. METHODS: In a prospective, randomised, parallel trial, 258 couples with idiopathic subfertility or male subfertility were treated for a maximum of six cycles of either IUI in the spontaneous cycle (IUI alone), IUI after mild ovarian hyperstimulation, or IVF. The primary endpoint was a pregnancy resulting in at least one livebirth after treatment. Cost-effectiveness based on real costs was studied by Markov chain analysis. FINDINGS: 86 couples were assigned IUI alone, 85 IUI plus ovarian hyperstimulation, and 87 IVF. Ten couples dropped out before treatment began. Although the pregnancy rate per cycle was higher in the IVF group than in the IUI groups (12.2% vs 7.4% and 8.7%, respectively; p=0.09), the cumulative pregnancy rate for IVF was not significantly better than that for IUI. Couples in the IVF group were more likely than those in the IUI groups to give up treatment before their maximum of six attempts (37 [42%] drop-outs vs 13 [15%] and 14 [16%], respectively; p<0.01). The woman's age was the only factor that influenced a couple's chance of success. IUI was a more cost-effective treatment than IVF (costs per pregnancy resulting in at least one livebirth 8423-10661 Dutch guilders [US$4511-5710] for IUI vs 27409 Dutch guilders [US$14679] for IVF). INTERPRETATION: Couples with idiopathic or male subfertility should be counselled that IUI offers the same likelihood of successful pregnancy as IVF, and is a more cost-effective approach. IUI in the spontaneous cycle carries fewer health risks than does IUI after mild hormonal stimulation and is therefore the first-choice treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Physiognomy, familism and consumerism: preferences among Jewish-Israeli recipients of donor insemination.

This paper examines the physiological preferences of Jewish-Israeli donor insemination (DI) recipients regarding the desirable donor. (1) By comparing recipients' own physiognomy with that of a hypothetical donor, we explore some of the social potentials of DI in its emerging democratized form. We examine prevailing notions regarding the 'natural family' and 'family resemblance' and query the relative weight of the natural vs. the consumer model as applied to one's own family through considerations regarding physical appearance. While examining the 'natural family' concept as a limit in the making of actual Israeli families, we consider the meanings of choice in the context of procreative technologies. The study may also provide practitioners with relevant information for donor matching. The paper is based on questionnaires delivered in four sperm banks during the years 1995-1998. It is important to note that the preferences we study are hypothetical, as in Israel no choice is offered and donor matching is performed exclusively by doctors. (2) Three comparisons serve as vehicles for characterizing the gaps between the natural and the consumer model: women's preferences regarding the donor's appearance vs. their male partners' appearance; men's preferences vs. their own features; single women's preferences vs. those of married ones. The paper ends with a discussion of the social implications of democratized DI on family, gender power relations and social hegemony.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Long gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist/human menopausal gonadotrophin protocol for ovarian stimulation in intrauterine insemination treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was undertaken to examine the usefulness of a long gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a)/human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) protocol in intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. The results were compared to those of clomiphene citrate (CC)/hMG/IUI. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-five patients were recruited to a GnRH-a/hMG group (group 1) while 88 patients underwent CC/hMG stimulation and served as controls (group 2). The study subjects were stimulated with a long GnRH-a/hMG regimen. IUI was performed 36 h after the administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin. RESULTS: The number of preovulatory follicles, the thickness of endometrium and sperm parameters were similar in both groups. The hMG requirements were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (21.2 +/- 5.1 vs. 8.1 +/- 3.1 ampoules). The pregnancy rate was 20% in group 1 and 12.5% in group 2, the difference being not significant. CONCLUSION: The pregnancy rates were not significantly different between the GnRH-a/hMG/ IUI and CC/hMG/IUI groups. In addition, GnRH-a/hMG stimulation is notably more expensive than CC/hMG, and for these reasons, GnRH-a/hMG stimulation is not cost-effective in routine IUI therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Intrauterine insemination as first line treatment of unexplained and male factor infertility.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intrauterine inseminations (IUI) as first line treatment of unexplained or male factor infertility. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 414 consecutive IUI treatment cycles in 124 couples with unexplained or male factor infertility. RESULTS: In 414 cycles 25 pregnancies were achieved (6% pregnancy rate per cycle and 20% per couple respectively). 24 healthy babies were born (20 singletons and 2 twins) as a result of our treatment. There was no significant difference in ejaculate parameters of patients who achieved a pregnancy compared with patients who failed to do so. Lowest values at which pregnancies were achieved were 0.8 mill sperm/ml and 11% progressive motility after sperm processing and 8% normal morphology before semen preparation. CONCLUSION: There is still a place for IUI as first line treatment for couples with unexplained or male factor infertility. Even in patients with moderate impairment of semen quality pregnancy rates up to 20% per couple can be achieved.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

How useful is Leuven personalism in the world of bioethics? The test case of artificial insemination.

Personalism in ethics denotes any system based upon the value of the person. Several versions of personalist morals have been developed over the past 50 years. Some have had particular interest in the field of medical ethics. Here the question is being studied about one such system, the so-called Leuven personalist morals and its usefulness in today's world of bioethics. In order to test the usefulness of this system the case of artificial insemination is examined both in the early 1970s in the context of the Leuven clinics and, subsequently, in the 1990s in a US policy document. The investigation reveals strengths and weaknesses of this personalism. Regarding AID it reveals unresolved oppositions. The conclusion seems to be that this personalism had, no doubt, a profound impact upon medical ethics within its own circle but, as regards the universal usefulness of the system, serious doubts remain.

Bioethics↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in bulls in artificial insemination centers in Poland.

This study was directed at the evaluation of the prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in bulls in artificial insemination centers. Both serological and virological examinations were performed. Blood samples were tested in micro-seroneutralization test for BVDV antibodies. Virus isolation was performed in cell culture and BVDV antigen was detected in an indirect immunofluorescence assay with monoclonal antibodies. One hundred and seventy-five serum samples and 219 whole blood samples for virus isolation were tested. Neutralizing antibodies were found in 86% of the bulls. Persistent infection (PI) was detected in 0.9% of the analyzed blood samples.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Production and storage of goat semen for artificial insemination.

Environmental influences on reproduction and semen production in the buck, the problem of interaction between seminal plasma and egg yolk or milk constituents in diluent, liquid storage and processing of semen for freezing are discussed. A review is given on the use of frozen-thawed semen for artificial insemination (AI) in spontaneous and induced oestrus and factors influencing the fertility.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Hygienic aspects of storage and use of semen for artificial insemination.

The artificial insemination (AI) industry has developed over the last 50 years to the extent that it is used in almost every country in the world. One of the main factors contributing to its success is the confidence of the farmers that germplasm is not associated with pathogens, so that AI can be performed without risks. This has been achieved as a result of a considerable amount of research based on sound scientific data that has identified the major risk pathogens. A summary of these studies, given in this section, shows that despite the large number of agents that could be transmitted via the semen, there are cost-effective means to prevent such hazards. One of the basic rules is that the males should be housed in strictly protected semen collection centres (SCCs). Such centres should be approved by the veterinary authorities based upon specific criteria, which include special housing and operating specifications. This also includes specific means of monitoring the health of individual males through regular clinical examinations, assessment of semen and testings for various diseases. Two new challenges can now be identified, one relevant to so-called emerging diseases the impact of which on the status of the semen donors should always be assessed, and the second, relates to endangered genetic resources which may become extinct without active conservation programmes. The experience gained by the AI industry over the last 50 years should help to solve those problems. Currently, the use of semen derived from approved SCCs warrants their disease-free status.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Influence of GnRH analogue (fertirelin acetate) doses on synchronization of ovulation and fixed-time artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows.

The effect of using a dose of 50 micro g rather than 100 micro g fertirelin in an ovulation/fixed-time insemination protocol for Holstein-Friesian dairy cows was investigated in three experiments. In each experiment, fertirelin was administered at the beginning of the protocol followed 7 days later by 500 micro g cloprosterol. Two days later, a second dose of fertirelin was given and AI performed 16-19 h later regardless of the incidence of behavioral oestrus. The effect on conception rate was studied in experiment 1 using 114 postpartum anoestrus cows. There was no significant difference in the age, parity or number of days after parturition in each treatment groups. The conception rate did not differ between the 50 micro g fertirelin group (61.1%; n=72) and the 100 micro g group (59.5%; n=42; NS). In experiment 2, a further 12 cows at 40-60 days postpartum were treated with 100 or 50 micro g fertirelin (n=6 per dose) with treatment commencing in the follicular or luteal phase of the oestrous cycle. The plasma concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) reached similar peaks of over 5 ng/ml 120 min after the intramuscular administration of fertirelin in both groups. There were no significant differences in LH levels between treatments or phase of the oestrous cycle when treatment commenced. Doses of 50 and 100 micro g fertirelin were compared in experiment 3 using 17 cows to study follicular wave development and synchronization by transrectal ultrasonography, conception rate and corpus luteum function. There were no significant differences between treatments for these factors. It was concluded that using a dose of 50 micro g fertirelin enabled the drug costs to be reduced without affecting the efficiency of a synchronization of ovulation/fixed-time AI protocol for dairy cows.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Evaluation of two different oestrus-synchronisation methods with timed artificial insemination and resynchronisation of returns to oestrus in lactating Holstein cows.

To examine the outcomes of adding medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) to the ovsynch protocol with the traditional ovsynch protocol in both cycling and anoestrus cows, and to evaluate a resynchronisation protocol, 742 cows averaging more than 40 days postpartum were assigned to the following four treatments: (1) ovsynch (OVS): day 0: GnRH; day 7: PGF2alpha; day 9: a similar dose of GnRH; day 10: timed artificial insemination (TAI), approximately 16-20h later; (2) ovsynch+MAP (MAP): the same ovsynch protocol plus an intravaginal insert made of polyurethane sponge impregnated with 300mg of MAP immediately after the first GnRH treatment and on day 7, at the time of the PG treatment, the sponge was removed; (3) resynchronisation (MAP+ODB): 1mg of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) on day 13 after TAI and a new sponge impregnated with MAP was inserted and; on day 20, 1mg of ODB was given and the sponge removed; and (4) no resynchronisation (No MAP): only oestrus detection and AI at any repeat oestrus detected after TAI. Progesterone was measured in milk samples collected on days -17, -10, -3, 13 and 20 (TAI=day 0). Based on milk P4 at days -17 and -10, 27.4% of the cows were still anoestrus. At PG injection, 67.7% of the cycling and 21.3% of the anoestrus cows had elevated P4. Farm, days postpartum and parity variations were detected in both cases. On day 20 after TAI 42.6% of cycling and 8.3% of the anoestrous cows had elevated P4. Pregnancy rates were similar in both pre-breeding treatments (20%), but interactions (P<0.001) were detected between treatment and cycling activity (for anoestrous cows: MAP=34.9%; OVS=11.1%. Average interval from TAI to subsequent AI was 37+/-3 days. Resynchronisation resulted in more (P<0.001) cows in oestrus between days 18 and 25 after TAI. Conception rate in the MAP+ODB treatment was lower (P<0.05) than the No MAP group (22.8% versus 47.4%). It was concluded that the addition of a progestin to the ovsynch protocol resulted in increased pregnancy rates of cows treated during anoestrus. The benefit of including MAP with the ovsynch protocol for cycling cows is equivocal.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed2003

Semen collection, cryopreservation and artificial insemination in the dromedary camel.

Collection of semen with a bovine artificial vagina (AV) was attempted with each of 14 camels over a period of 2 years. Semen samples were evaluated, extended and cryopreserved. Frozen thawed semen, diluted cooled semen or whole semen was used to inseminate some female camels which were induced to ovulate with hCG. Males ejaculated semen into the AV in 74.6% collection attempts. The male copulated for at least 200s in 62.9% attempts. The remaining copulations were of shorter duration. Similarly, 49.3% ejaculates were at least 3ml of semen. Libido and donation of semen improved from December onwards and reached a peak after mid January with peak performance persisting until April. It declined during May. The majority of camels had lost libido and refuse to donate semen by the end of May. Camel semen is in gel form. While 35.9% of 203 semen samples exhibited no individual sperm motility, 28.5% exhibited low to fair grade individual sperm motility and only 35.4% exhibited >50% sperm motility. Differences existed between animals (P<0.01) and months (P<0.05) of collection, while effect of copulation time was not significant. Mass motility was not observed in camel semen. Individual sperm motility develops after liquefaction of semen. Addition of caffeine but not chymotrypsin improved the individual motility. The mean live percent sperm count and normal acrosome were 73.3+/-1.0 and 92.0+/-0.5, respectively. Only 51.1% of 45 semen samples with pre-freeze motility of >50% and 25% of 16 semen samples from low pre-freeze motility group with an overall success of 44.2% of 61 semen samples were successfully preserved. Wide variation was observed in the freezability of semen from different males. Attempts to impregnate female camels with liquid semen, frozen thawed semen and whole semen after hCG induced ovulation resulted in 0/10, 1/13 and 4/10 pregnancies.

Acrosome↗