Spermatic reserves in three South American camelids

Abstract

Spermatic reserves were determined in three South American camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuna. Reserves were determined at three different times: before the breeding season (November), after the breeding season (March and April), and during sexual rest (September). Three sexual organs: testicles, epididymis, and vas deferens were isolated from 12 alpacas, eight llamas, and a vicuna. Organs were weighed, and spermatozoa were collected into warmed tubes containing phosphate saline solution. Spermatic concentration was determined using the hemocytometer method. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and the Duncan test was used to assess differences, if any. There was a difference (P<0.05) in spermatic concentration and reserves between llama (41, 98), alpaca (15, 27), and vicuna (0.4 million spz/organ, and 1.4 million spz/g tissue, respectively. Likewise, in alpacas, there was a difference (P<0.05) in spermatic concentration and reserves by organs, being (47, 118 in the epididymis tail and 29 25 million for the vas deferens, respectively. Llama reproductive organs hosted more spermatozoa than alpaca and vicuna. The alpaca's spermatic reserves were not affected by the time of year. However, the epididymis tail and vas deferens contained more spermatozoa than any other reproductive organ.