Reproductive parameters of male dromedary and bactrian camels

Functional anatomy of male reproductive organs and reproductive physiology of dromedary and bactrian camels are quite similar except for some differences in the seasonal pattern of reproductive events: left testes bigger than right; scrotum not pendulous; vas deferens very convoluted with 2 mm diameter; prostate divided into 2 parts by septum, with many ducts; bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands well developed and seminal vesicle absent; fibroelastic penis has "prescrotal" sigmoid flexure and the glans resembles crochet needle; triangular-shaped prepuce directed posteriorly to open to the rear, and can move cranially or caudally during erection or urination, respectively; semen ejaculate, 1-12 mL in volume with little gelatinous material, coagulates and liquifies within minutes; total sperm/ejaculate 6 x 10(9) sperm/mL; semen contains PGE1, PGE(2x,LH), estradiol progesterone/other metabolites; semen collected by AV used for bulls with long copulation time; ovulation induced 36-48 h after mating or insemination; sperm of a short life of 1-6 h at 0.4 degrees C, is prolonged in presence of mucopolysaccharide gel; fresh semen inseminated. Topics of future research on endocrinology of reproduction, gonadal physiology, semen biology assisted reproductive technology, and gene transfer to germ cells of camels are outlined. The prevention and control of STD is an important component of camel stud management to improve reproductive performance in this species.