Development of assisted reproductive technologies in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

This thesis is an effort to learn more about semen production, storage and Artificial insemination (AI) in camels. It examines the effect of semen collection frequency and reproductive seasonality of male dromedary. It also examines the suitability of different commercially available extenders for liquid storage of semen at 4 and 15 oC and in vivo fertility of fresh, liquid stored and frozen thawed semen. The outputs of the thesis showed that repeated semen collection can be conducted once per week without affecting libido and semen quality. When collection frequency, however, is increased to twice per week, libido and semen quality decreases after the third week of collection. Large quantities of camel semen with high viability, total motility and velocity can be successfully collected in Oman from December to March. Changes in semen parameters, testosterone levels and sex organ anatomy were also highly correlated with seasonal changes in day length and ambient temperatures. Semen diluted with Triladyl was superior than the other extenders at 24 and 48 h of storage, recording the highest percentages of sperm motility and spermatozoa with viable and intact acrosomes. Furthermore, storage temperature had no effect on semen quality. Deep horn insemination with fresh semen consisting of 150 x 106 motile spermatozoa recorded ≥ 60 % pregnancy rates. Fresh AI can be done at the time of induction of ovulation or 24 h later and pregnancy rate was not affected by extenders. Use of chilled semen for AI recorded poor fertility rates and with frozen-thawed semen no pregnancies were recorded. In conclusion, this study has established the ideal frequency of semen collection to avoid detrimental effects on semen quality, confirmed the exact period of the breeding season in Oman to obtain the highest quality semen, identified the ideal diluent for liquid semen preservation and made considerable progress in the development of optimised AI protocols.