Abstract

GIULIANO, S.M. et al. Anatomy of the reproductive tract and seminal parameters in vicugna (Vicugna vicugna vicugna). InVet [online]. 2013, vol.15, n.1, pp.47-75. ISSN 1668-3498.

The aims of this study were: 1) to determine testicle size and shape, 2) ultrasonographically evaluate the accessory sex glands associated to the male reproductive tract, 3) collect semen by electroejaculation and determine semen parameters in vicuna. Knowledge on vicuna male reproductive system is scarce, thus the objectives of this study are important for estimating the reproductive fitness of males in the future. Measurements for the right and left testes were 3.91±0.64 cm and 3.91±0.60 cm long and 1.92±0.31 cm and 1.93±0.37 cm wide respectively (n=19). Ultrasonographically, the average length and width of the prostate was 1.69 cm and 1.76 cm respectively and the average length and width of the bulbourethral glands was 1.08 cm and 1.60 cm respectively. No seminal vesicles were observed and the average distance between anus and prostate was obtained (11.5 cm) (n=3). Semen presented the following characteristics (range): whitish color, thread formation, pH (7.0-7.7), volume (1.0-2.5 ml), concentration (10-140x10⁶ sperm/ml), sperm motility (0 to 10%) and morphology (normal sperm 66-75%) (n=3; 7 ejaculates). Eighty nine percent of the sperm nuclei stained with Feulgen were morphologically normal and the morphometric characteristics were obtained using digital microphotographs (n=1; 3 ejaculates). Nuclei stained with Toluidine Blue showed three distinct staining patterns, which are associated with different degrees of chromatin maturation. These results confirmed that it is feasible to collect vicuna semen using electroejaculation and to evaluate the ejaculates thus obtained.

Keywords : Vicuna; Semen; Electroejaculation; Ultrasonography; Sperm nucleus.

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