Effect of semen collection frequency on the semen characteristics of dromedary camels

The effect of semen collection frequency (once or twice per week) on the sexual behaviour, libido and semen characteristics (volume, colour, gross activity, viscosity, sperm concentration, morphology, motion characteristics and membrane viability and acrosome integrity) of dromedary camels (n = 7) was investigated over the course of 8 weeks. Results showed that frequency of collection influenced male camel libido (P < 0.05) but not sexual behaviour. Once per week collection frequency resulted in greater gross activity (2.7 ± 0.1 compared with 1.7 ± 0.1, P < 0.001) and greater sperm concentration (403 ± 16 compared with 261 ± 18 × 10⁶ spermatozoa/mL, P < 0.001) compared to ejaculates collected twice per week. When collected twice per week, ejaculates collected during the first 3 weeks had a greater sperm concentration than those collected from week 4 onwards (P < 0.001). All ejaculates (100%) collected once per week 'qualified' (Criteria: > 60% total motility or > 100 × 10⁶ spermatozoa/mL) for subsequent processing, but when collected twice per week the percentage of qualified ejaculates dropped sharply after three weeks (P < 0.001; 69% of ejaculates qualified over 8- week collection period). Twice weekly collection frequency caused a reduction (P < 0.001) in progressive motility, path velocity, track speed, lateral head amplitude, beat cross frequency and straightness. In conclusion, during the peak breeding season, semen can be collected twice per week from dromedary male camels for a period of 3 weeks only or once per week for 8 weeks without affecting semen quality.