Effect of Electroejaculation Protocols on Semen Quality and Concentrations of Testosterone, Cortisol, Malondialdehyde, and Creatine Kinase in Captive Bengal Tigers
Author:
Khonmee Jaruwan123, Brown Janine L.234ORCID, Pérez Anabel López125, Lertwichaikul Teepakorn1, Sathanawongs Anucha1, Pornnimitra Patchara1, Areewong Chanakan6, Supanta Jarawee12ORCID, Punyapornwithaya Veerasak1ORCID, Buddhasiri Songphon123ORCID, Punturee Khanittha7
Affiliation:
1. Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand 2. Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University-Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand 3. Elephant, Wildlife, and Companion Animals Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand 4. Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA 5. Elephant Conservation Center, Sayaboury 08000, Laos 6. Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, Khum Suea Trakan Co., Ltd., Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand 7. Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Abstract
The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is critically endangered, so assisted reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination, are important conservation tools. For wild and domestic felids, electroejaculation (EE) is the most common semen collection method, with protocols optimized to obtain sufficient amounts of viable sperm for artificial insemination. However, less attention has been paid to ensuring animal wellbeing during the process. This study examined the effects of three EE protocols (Low, 2–5 volts; Medium, 3–6 volts; High, 4–7 volts) on semen quality, testicular size, serum testosterone, creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and serum cortisol as a proxy for stress. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after each EE series. Seminal plasma pH, and sperm motility, viability, and morphology were evaluated after each procedure. Seminal plasma and sperm pellet MDA concentrations were also determined. Primary sperm abnormalities and seminal plasma MDA were higher in the Low compared to Medium and High voltage groups (p < 0.05). Serum CK in the High voltage group increased during the EE series (p < 0.05), suggesting the potential for muscle damage. However, no significant changes were observed for serum cortisol, testosterone, or MDA concentrations. Results suggest the Medium voltage protocol produced good quality samples at lower voltages than the High protocol with no negative effect on muscle function, which might be better for animal welfare.
Funder
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai University
Subject
General Veterinary,Animal Science and Zoology
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