Abstract
AbstractThis report describes characteristics of semen samples collected from eight captive quaker parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) using the massage technique. Overall, semen characteristics were (mean±SE, range in parentheses, n=8 males): ejaculate volume 1.96±0.26μl (1.02–2.96), sperm concentration 346.6±64.6 million/ml (74.8–579.3), and number of sperm per ejaculate 0.71±0.16 million (0.09–1.53). Significant differences were observed between males for all three semen characteristics. Semen pH for the eight males ranged from 8.05 to 8.5. The semen samples were collected early in the breeding season, so the data reported may not be representative of ejaculates from males in peak breeding condition. However, this study provides the first rigorous semen data from this species and demonstrates that good‐quality semen samples, suitable for artificial insemination, can be collected regularly from quaker parakeets using the massage technique. Zoo Biol 21:507–512, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
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