Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (Feb 2009)

Ejaculate collection efficiency and post-thaw semen quality in wild-caught Griffon vultures from the Sardinian population

  • Zinellu Angelo,
  • Pasciu Valeria,
  • Rotta Andrea,
  • Succu Sara,
  • Satta Valentina,
  • Leoni Giovanni G,
  • Ledda Massimo,
  • Berlinguer Fiammetta,
  • Madeddu Manuela,
  • Muzzeddu Marco,
  • Carru Ciriaco,
  • Naitana Salvatore

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-7-18
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
p. 18

Abstract

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Abstract This study aimed to test the feasibility of a programme of semen collection and cryopreservation in Griffon vultures. Four wild-caught individuals kept in captivity because of unrecoverable traumas were used. Semen collection attempts were made twice a week during three consecutive reproductive seasons (December – March) using the abdominal massage method. Ejaculation was successfully induced between late January and late February. Semen collection efficiency was rather low (27.9%) and it did not vary among individuals (p > 0.05). No differences were found in ejaculate volumes (12.5 +/- 9.1 μl), spermatozoa concentration (28.4 +/- 30.9 million cells/ml) and viability (61.3 +/- 13.9%) among the 4 vultures. ATP values differed among the four vultures (p