Semen collection, characterization, and cryopreservation in a Magellanic penguin ( Spheniscus magellanicus )

Abstract

A cooperative method was developed for collecting semen from a Magellanic penguin. Ejaculate parameters and semen production during a breeding season were characterized. Experiments were performed to study the effect on penguin spermatozoa of two temperatures (4°C and 21°C) for short-term storage, and two cryoprotectants (dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO] and ethylene glycol [EG]) for long-term storage (cryopreservation). All dilutions were made using modified Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender. Sperm quality was assessed by evaluating motility and forward progression (sperm motility index [SMI]), viability, and morphology. A total of 39 ejaculates was collected over the 40-day study period. Thirty-eight ejaculates contained spermatozoa, but semen quality decreased toward the end of the study period. Varying levels of urate contamination were present in all ejaculates. Sperm quality parameters were similar for diluted samples held at 4°C and 21°C, and samples maintained high numbers of viable (77.8 ± 5.4%) and morphologically normal (67.9 ± 2.5%) spermatozoa at 3 hr. SMI and percentage of viable sperm decreased (P 0.05). Both SMI and viability of frozen-thawed spermatozoa were higher (P < 0.05) for clean than for contaminated ejaculates. This is the first report on penguin ejaculate parameters, semen production, and preliminary methods for short- and long-term semen storage. Zoo Biol 18:199–214, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.