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Updated: Jun 20, 2025
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Collection of Post-mating Semen from the Female Reproductive Tract and Measurement of Semen Liquefaction in Mice
Published on: November 18, 2017
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A simple method for repeated in vivo sperm collection from laboratory mice
Sophie M Burgstaller1, Kerstin E Auer1, Thomas Rülicke2,3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|July 17, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for collecting mouse sperm without sacrificing the donor. By interrupting mating just before ejaculation, researchers can obtain viable sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and archiving.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- Spermatozoa collection in laboratory mice typically involves sacrificing adult males.
- This method is unsuitable for archiving or when repeated sperm collection is needed from the same animal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a non-lethal sperm collection technique in mice.
- To assess the feasibility of repeated sperm retrieval by interrupting the mating act.
Main Methods:
- Male mice (B6D2F1) were mated with receptive females.
- Mating was interrupted 1-2 seconds after the ejaculatory shudder.
- The ejaculate was collected from the penile cup.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained 80 ejaculates from 100 attempts.
- Average sperm count per ejaculate was 1.86 × 10^6.
- Achieved an average in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate of 76%.
Conclusions:
- A simple, non-surgical method for repeated in vivo sperm collection in mice.
- Collected sperm yields are lower than natural ejaculation but superior to prior non-lethal methods.
- Recommended for situations requiring sperm collection without sacrificing the donor mouse.
