Semen variables in llama (Lama glama)

Abstract

A semen collection technique with artificial vagina was tested and seminal variables recorded in order to establish possible fertility predictor parameters in male llamas. From 11 of 18 males 72 ejaculates were collected. Seminal variables of 26 ejaculates were submitted to descriptive statistics, after rejection of 31 due to azoospermia or akinozoospermia and 15 in account of missing values.

The recorded means were: volume 3.5 ml, pH 8.6, sperm concentration 84.7 x 103/mm3, normal spermatozoa 32.5%, free heads 6.4%, abnormal heads 6.5%, abnormal midpieces 39.9%, bent tails 8.8%, curled tails 5.3%, motility of native (MOT1) 25.5% and extended semen (MOT2) 32.6%.

Spearman correlation of variable "normal sperm" to MOT1 (r = .39) and MOT2 (r = .46) was significant (p 2 0.5). On the contrary, no significance was found correlating the variable "abnormal midpieces" to MOT. Considering that the tested males had shown normal fertility, the missing significance of the high rates of abnormal midpieces, mitocondrial sheets and proximal protoplasmic droplets suggests that they are of minor importance for fertility.