Semen collection from small breed birds and some parameters related to passerine bird semen

Abstract

It is much more difficult to collect semen from small breed birds than large breed birds. The biggest reason for this situation is that small breed birds are very active and their cloaca is smaller. To receive semen from passerine birds, the birds must be in the breeding season. Having active females around during this period will increase libido due to male competition. Trimming the hair around the cloaca to collect semen both prevents the risk of contamination and provides adequate viewing angles. The most commonly used method of obtaining semen is cloacal massage. Massage should be done cranially from the abdomen towards the cloaca. When the bird ejaculates, it is seen that the semen comes out of the cloaca from the seminal glomera with the pressure applied laterally on the cloaca. It collects the exiting semen with the help of a sterile hematocrit capillary tube. Sperm contaminated with feces should not be taken as it will be contaminated. In bird semen, motility examination is important in the direction of movement, speed of movement, and rate of movement of the spermatozoa. Due to this situation, it is seen that there is a relationship between motility and the morphological structure of spermatozoa in passerine birds. This study aims to give information about semen collection by a cloacal method in small breed canaries and some motility and morphological examination methods in passerine bird semen.