title: Collection and characterization of semen from green iguanas (Iguana iguana).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine an efficient method for the collection of semen samples by means of electroejaculation, characterize spermatozoa quality and quantity, and determine the effect of refrigerated storage on motility of spermatozoa obtained from green iguanas (Iguana iguana).
  
  
  METHODS
  18 adult green iguanas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Green iguanas were anesthetized, and semen samples were obtained by means of electroejaculation. Up to 3 series of electrostimulations were performed; the procedure was stopped after a semen sample was obtained. Various semen sample variables were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Semen samples were obtained from 16 iguanas; most (n = 10) iguanas produced a semen sample after the second series of electrostimulations. Median semen sample volume was 0.05 mL. Mean spermatozoa concentration was 2 69.0 × 10(6) spermatozoa/mL. Median percentage of motile spermatozoa was 78%. The only morphological abnormality of spermatozoa was bent tails (mean percentage in a semen sample, 5.7%). Spermatozoa motility decreased significantly during refrigeration (4°C); median percentage motility after 24, 48, and 72 hours of refrigeration was 60%, 33%, and 0%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this study suggested electroejaculation can be performed to collect semen samples from green iguanas, characteristics of iguana semen samples are similar to those for semen samples obtained from other reptiles, and motility of iguana spermatozoa decreases during refrigeration within 48 to 72 hours.
authors.affiliation: Memphis Zoo and Aquarium, 2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112.
authors.forename: Dawn M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Brittany Heggem
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D007076:Iguanas / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D012034:Refrigeration / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D053625:Sperm Retrieval / Q000662:veterinary*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric