SEMEN COLLECTION IN THE SQUIRREL MONKEY

Abstract

The first successful attempt to collect semen from monkeys was reported by Mastroianni & Manson ( 1963) using adult macaques. A monophasic, alternating current was applied through two surface electrodes, one around the base of the penis, the other against the ventral aspect of the glans near the frenulum. The method was successful in eight out of eleven monkeys. Weisbroth & Young (1965) later described the use of a rectal probe to stimulate ejaculation of semen in several species of Old World macaques. A specially designed rectal probe has now been used to stimulate ejaculation of semen in a species of New World monkey, Saimiri sciureus (the common squirrel monkey), in order to collect spermatozoa for artificial insemination of adult female monkeys after induction of ovulation with gonadotrophins (Bennett, 1967a, b). The male squirrel monkey is a comparatively small primate weighing about 900 g and having a body length of about 30 cm. It adjusts well to captivity and is easy to handle.