Artificial insemination vs. natural mating in captive American kestrels

Abstract

Methods for semen collection and intra vaginal insemination of birds of prey are described in detail. To study the practicability of these techniques in breeding birds of prey, a comparison was made between artificial insemination (AI) and natural mating (NM) in captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius). Sixteen pairs were used in 1974, 8 of which were naturally mated, and 30 pairs were used in 1975, 12 of which were naturally mated.The overall fertilities from either mating type were comparable (AI = 57%, NM = 61%), although one could calculate a 15% higher fertility in AI compared with NM birds if one excludes those eggs too far developed before the first insemination. The hatchability of eggs produced by either mating type under artificial and natural incubation did not differ significantly.