Semen collection and artificial insemination in the Hispaniolan parrot (Amazona ventralis)

Abstract

Semen collection and artificial insemination (AI) techniques were developed and tested in captive Hispaniolan parrots (Amazona ventralis). Between January and May of 1987 and 1988, semen collection attempts were made using five singleton males and six paired males. Spermatozoa were collected on 41.4% (46/111) of the occasions from single males and on 37.7% (20/53) of the occasions from paired males. Mean values for semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm concen tration were not different (P > 0.05) between the single and paired groups. However, differences (P < 0.01) were found in the volume of semen produced among singletons. Four females were artificially inseminated with freshly collected spermatozoa. Two of these females produced single fertile eggs. These results demonstrate that semen can be collected routinely from Hispaniolan parrots. With further technique refinement and a greater understanding of the optimal time to deposit sperm, AI could potentially serve as a useful tool in the captive propagation and conservation of Amazona parrots.