A new technique for collection of semen from dromedary camels

Several semen collection techniques described for other animal species have been modified and adopted for the male camel with variable degree of success. The objectives of this study were to describe a safer and more efficient semen collection technique from male dromedary camels and to assess its use. Six male dromedary camels, aged 8 to 10 years were used. A semen collection area was constructed to allow collection of semen from underneath the male camel. An underground room was designed from steel beams and concrete block with a square loophole in the roof of this room. Semen was collected by a modified bovine artificial vagina through the loophole. A teaser female camel was restrained in sternal recumbancy on a wooden board on the collection area so that the underground loophole was between her thighs. Following training of male camels to enter this semen collection area, successful mounting, intromission and ejaculation took place. This technique proved to be safe for both the animals and the operator. Moreover, it allowed a better view of the copulatory behaviour and ejaculatory pattern.