Manual collection and characterization of semen from Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

摘要: The implications of collecting semen from elephants for use in artificial insemination programs are profound the context propagating captive elephants. Using a manual manipulation technique, was collected and characterized five adult Asian (Elephas maximus) ejaculate fluid obtained one castrated elephant bull. penis stimulated to protrusion erection by rectal massage pelvic portion urethra. During an ejaculatory response, also directed onto area ampulla ductus deferens. Sperm rich ejaculates were usually as result each contraction. Ejaculates evaluated spermatozoal concentration pH (when possible) sperm fractions combined determination total volume. Mean volume collection 27.5+/-4.4 ml. first second responses 2.05+/-0.17 x 10(9) 1.34+/-0.19 sperm/ml, respectively. Measurement seminal revealed no significant differences between fractions. 7.05+/-0.07 7.04+/-0.13. This method can be utilized evaluation bulls unknown reproductive status conjunction with other techniques (i.e. ultrasonographic, endocrinologic). It has potential providing valuable genetic material genome resource banks assisted like insemination.