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A training program for noninvasive semen collection in captive western lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla )
Author(s) -
Brown Corrine S.,
Loskutoff Naida M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-2361(1998)17:2<143::aid-zoo9>3.0.co;2-9
Subject(s) - gorilla , semen collection , semen , biology , trainer , semen cryopreservation , sperm , cloaca , sperm motility , anatomy , artificial insemination , pregnancy , paleontology , genetics , botany , computer science , programming language
Staff at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo devised a training program for noninvasive semen collection from three male gorillas. Trained behaviors, shaped using food rewards and verbal praise, enabled the trainer to perform a cursory physical examination and collect >270 semen samples during the study period. Ejaculate volume, sperm motility, and progressive forward motion were recorded. Two of the gorillas regularly produced semen samples that were cryopreserved. Frozen semen from one gorilla was successfully used in an assisted reproductive procedure. The training program may be used as a guideline for other institutions to create similar programs. Zoo Biol 17:143–151, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.