Electroejaculation and semen buffer evaluation in the microbat Carollia perspicillata

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Mammalian reproduction
• Conservation science

Background:

• Understanding bat reproductive biology is crucial for conservation efforts.
• Current methods for sperm collection in bats are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a safe, inexpensive, and reliable method for obtaining sperm from microbats (Carollia perspicillata) using electroejaculation.
• To evaluate different semen extenders for preserving sperm quality.

Main Methods:

• Electroejaculation was used to collect sperm from Carollia perspicillata.
• Three different buffers (including Earle's balanced salt solution) were tested as semen extenders.
• Sperm motility, viability, and swimming ability were assessed over time.

Main Results:

• The electroejaculation method achieved a 100% success rate.
• Earle's balanced salt solution demonstrated repeatable measures of sperm swimming ability and motility, maintaining sperm quality over time.
• Trypsin buffer released more sperm but negatively impacted sperm motility and viability.

Conclusions:

• Electroejaculation is a highly effective method for bat sperm collection.
• Earle's balanced salt solution is the recommended semen extender for Carollia perspicillata sperm.
• The sperm velocity of Carollia perspicillata is lower than predicted, suggesting unique adaptations for sperm competition in bats.