Semen quality in dogs and the influence of a short-interval second ejaculation

摘要

Semen quality was examined in each of 65 fertile dogs. Values were similar to published data, although an apparent breed effect was demonstrated, with German Shepherd producing ejaculates of larger volume and greater total spermatozoal output than other breeds. A second ejaculate was collected from each dog at a mean interval of 63 min. The second samples had significantly lower values for the volume of the second fraction, the spermatozoal concentration and the total spermatozoal output. There were no differences for the percentage motility or the percentage of morphologically normal live spermatozoa. Although there was no increase in semen quality of the second ejaculate, the technique resulted in the collection of approximately 70% more spermatozoa than a single ejaculate. These spermatozoa also had normal motility and morphology, and could be used for insemination or cryopreservation.