title: Semen collection in rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis, Diceros bicornis, Ceratotherium simum) by electroejaculation with a uniquely designed probe.
abstract: Electroejaculation in rhinoceroses has historically yielded inconsistent results, with the collection of high-quality, sperm-rich samples rare. The goal of this study was to develop a reliable method of electroejaculation in the rhinoceros by designing a rectal probe that appropriately fits the anatomy of this taxon and refining the procedure. A curved probe handle ending in an oblate, ellipsoid head was built using readily available supplies. A combination of rectal massage, penile massage, and electrical stimulation with a specially designed probe was employed in attempts to collect semen on 14 occasions from greater one-horned rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis; n = 4), black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis; n = 2) and a southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum; n = 1). During 13 of the 14 attempts, ejaculates were collected in multiple fractions. All but one of the ejaculates contained spermatozoa, and seven ejaculates contained good-quality fractions of semen (-60% sperm motility; > or =20 x 106 spermatozoa/ml) suitable for sperm banking and assisted reproduction procedures. Mean (+/-SEM) values for volume, pH, osmolality, and total sperm number for ejaculates containing good-quality fractions (98.2 +/-21.8 ml, 8.5+/-0.1, 290.4+/-6.7 mOsm, and 37.1+/-12.0 x 10(9), respectively) did not differ (P > 0.05) from those containing only poor-quality samples. Urine and/or erythrocyte contamination was not uncommon in fractions of both ejaculate types. Males producing good-quality samples ranged in age from 7 to 34 yr. None of the samples contained > or =75% morphologically normal spermatozoa. Electroejaculation with a uniquely designed probe consistently produced ejaculates in the rhinoceros. However, the production of high-quality samples continued to be challenging, occurring in only 50% of collection attempts. Regardless, the technology has progressed to a stage at which good-quality semen samples can be produced for sperm banking and assisted reproduction, and thereby can be integrated into intensive rhinoceros management strategies for the ultimate survival of this taxon.
authors.affiliation: Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220, USA.
authors.forename: Terri L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: Monica A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stoops
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: Evan S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Blumer
authors.forename: Mark K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Ken N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: Scott B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Citino
authors.forename: Adolf K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Maas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010527:Perissodactyla / Q000502:physiology*; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000662:veterinary; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000662:veterinary; D013081:Sperm Motility; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*