Semen Extraction and Management in Wild Animals: TUMASG Technique

Transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands (TUMASG) is a technique to collect semen that is less stressful than electroejaculation. TUMASG is useful in obtaining sperm samples from wild species, requiring few subsequent electrical electroejaculation stimuli and sometimes none at all. The ejaculatory response to TUMAG is species-specific, and maximum effectiveness is found in ruminants. Because certain anesthetics can interfere with the neuromuscular mechanisms that control erectile and ejaculatory functions, an appropriate anesthetic combination is needed if an adequate ejaculatory response is to be obtained. Here, we describe the technique TUMASG, the better anesthetic combination, and semen management to use in wild ruminants.