Evaluation of pheasant semen production during the reproductive season

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the quality and quantity of semen production of pheasants during the reproductive season. Fifty-five male pheasants (Phasianus colchicus mon- golicus) were used from 37-59 weeks of age. Semen samples were collected manually on a bi- weekly basis. At 45 weeks of age, pheasants which had never produced (n = 22) or only produced occasionally (n = 7) were discarded from the study. The volume of the ejaculate from each male was measured upon each semen collection. Sperm concentration and motility were measured for every semen collection from the 41 st week of age. Body weight was recorded at 38 and 39 weeks and then every 2 weeks. The largest percentage (55%) of males producing semen was reached at 44 weeks of age. Semen variables showed the following mean values during the reproductive season: volume = 105 mg, concentration = 5.86 x 10 9 /ml, and motility scale = 2.45 (modest-good). Semen variables were significantly influenced by bird and age but not by day of collection. pheasant / Al / semen / reproductive season Rsum ― valuation du sperme chez le faisan commun pendant la saison de reproduction. L'objectif de cette tude tait d'valuer la quantit et la qualit de la semence produite chez le faisan au cours de la priode de reproduction. Au total, 55 faisans mles gs de 37 59 semaines ont t utiliss. La rcolte de sperme tait effectue manuellement, toutes les 2 semaines. Les animaux gs de 45 semaines n'ayant jamais eu de production spermatique (n = 22) ou une production occa- sionnelle (n = 7) ont t limins. Les paramtres suivants ont t dtermins sur l'jaculat indivi- duel : volume, concentration et motilit. Les animaux ont t pess individuellement 38 et 39 se- maines, puis toutes les 2 semaines. Les mles gs de 44 semaines ont t les meilleurs producteurs (55%). Les caractristiques de la semence ont t dfinies par les valeurs moyennes suivantes : volume = 105 mg, concentration = 5,86 x 1 () 9 /ml, motilit = 2,45. Les paramtres dter- mins sur la semence taient significativement diffrents selon les individus et l'ge. Par contre, le jour de collecte n'a pas influenc les rsultats. faisan / insmination artificielle / semence / priode de reproduction