Authors : Jeong-Sup Hong, Wook-Joon Yu , You-Seok Kim , Jin-Sik Cho , Myeong-Kyu Park , Soo-Min Cho , Hee Yi , Hee-Jung Cho and Ho-Chul Shin
Abstract: A novel method of sperm preparation by direct collection from the cauda epididymis and vas deferens of male rabbits is suggested and validated for improved artificial insemination efficiency in rabbits. Although, conventional methods in which sperm for artificial insemination are prepared using an artificial vagina have been well established in many laboratories due to its benefits over natural mating, this new method eliminates the existing disadvantages of the conventional semen preparation. To compare the quality of sperm collected using an artificial vagina with that retrieved directly from the cauda epididymis, motion parameters of sperm were analyzed with a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. Additionally, after 20 adult females were inseminated artificially with sperm derived from the cauda epididymis, all live dams were subjected to caesarean section on day 28 of gestation and their fetuses were examined for external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities. All data were compared to those of dams impregnated by the traditional artificial insemination method in which the semen was prepared with an artificial vagina. No significant difference was observed in any criteria examined between the new and traditional preparation methods. This new method yields the possibility of collecting more sperm usable in artificial insemination and reducing the time required for sperm preparation. The results of this study indicate that sperm preparation from the cauda epididymis for artificial insemination was faster and more efficient for impregnating rabbits than the traditional method.
Jeong-Sup Hong, Wook-Joon Yu , You-Seok Kim , Jin-Sik Cho , Myeong-Kyu Park , Soo-Min Cho , Hee Yi , Hee-Jung Cho and Ho-Chul Shin , 2012. Development of a Sperm Preparation Method for Artificial Insemination in Rabbits. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 712-718.