Assessment of Artificial Insemination in Camel

Abstract

The objective of this review is to confer semen collection and processing, and semen deposition technique in camel. Artificial insemination is an important technique to ensure rapid genetic improvement in camels. The use of AI has been reported in camel, although insemination trials are rare. The widely accepted methods of semen collection include electro ejaculation and artificial vagina (AV), but flushing of the epididymis with saline solution can also be used as an alternative. Depending on the method of semen processing, semen is usually used in raw condition or after extension. Whole semen is used within minutes or after few hours in the fresh raw method. In short-term preservation or liquid semen (within a few hours or days) and long-term preservation or frozen semen (months or years), extension of the semen ejaculate is carried out by adding extenders which is required in more efficient use of AI. Semen is extended under different temperatures (30°C, 25°C or 4°C), in short-term preservation. Cryopreservation is used to carry out long-term preservation. Different freezing procedures are represented by packaging methods such as ampoules or in plastic straws with different volumes (0.25, 0.5 or 4 ml) and pellets. The best time for insemination can only be determined by rectal palpation of the ovaries and/or ultrasonography. The other alternative is to inseminate at known intervals following induction of ovulation by hormonal treatment with human-chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH). The semen should be deposited into the uterus at least 24 hours after the onset of ovulation. Pregnancy rates depend on the semen extender, site of deposition and number of sperm deposited. Blood or milk progesterone assays, rectal palpation, and ultrasonic image detection of pregnancy are commonly used approaches of pregnancy diagnosis in camel.