Electroejaculation and semen analysis in the La Plata three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2002 |
Authors: |
J. R. Herrick, M. K. Campbell, W. F. Swanson |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
edentate, semen collection, spermatozoa |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10053.abs The objectives of this study were to: 1) develop an electroejaculation procedure for collecting semen from the La Plata three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus), and 2) characterize basal reproductive traits, including sperm concentration, motility, morphology, acrosomal status, and viability. Three male armadillos were each electroejaculated on one to five occasions. Fluid containing spermatozoa was recovered during each attempt, and high proportions (>75%) of morphologically normal spermatozoa were seen in all analyzed samples. Two fluorescent stains (FITC-PNA and Hoechst 33258) appeared to be effective for assessing acrosomal status and viability, respectively, in this species. Sperm concentration and motility were usually low, and urine contamination was a persistent problem—possibly due to anesthesia, unique reproductive anatomy, and/or improper probe placement. Poor sperm recovery, urine contamination, and sensitivity of spermatozoa to culture medium must be addressed before electroejaculation can be used routinely in the La Plata three-banded armadillo. Zoo Biol 21:481–487, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.