Ejaculate characteristics of captive Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus)

Abstract

The aims of this study were to optimize semen collection by electroejaculation and characterize ejaculate characteristics in Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus). Eight adult males (4-20 years of age) were anesthetized using a combination of medetomidine HCl (0.012-0.018 mg/kg), butorphanol tartrate (0.012-0.018 mg/kg),and ketamine HCl (5-7 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly via a dart and subjected to electroejaculation. Ejaculates (milky-white to yellowish color) were successfully collected from all males. Averages (Mean±SD) of the seminal traits (volume, pH, osmolality, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, and viability) were 10.3±9.4 ml, 7.4±3.4, 278.6±13.3 mOsm, 206.2±185.4×106 spermatozoa/ml, 24±15.4%, and 35.1±6.5%, respectively. Morphological analysis showed low percentage of normal spermatozoa 6.7±2.6 % with 39.2±8.5% intact acrosomes. This is the first study to evaluate semen characteristics and sperm morphology in the Malayan tapirs. Results provide fundamental information essential for development of assisted reproductive technologies in this species.