Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop a new approach for collection of semen by artificial vagina from dromedary camel. Six male and 4 non-pregnant female dromedary camels aged 8-10 years were used. A semen collection area was constructed to allow collection of semen from underneath the male camel. An underground room (230 x 170 x 185 cm) was designed from steel beams and concrete block. A square roofhole (20 x 20 cm) was made on the roof of this room to open into a rectangular cut in a wooden board (380 x 190 x 10 cm). The board was placed on the collection room. Semen was collected by a modified bovine artificial vagina through the roofhole. A teaser female camel was tied in sternal recumbency on the wooden board of the collection area so that the underground roofhole was between her thighs. The male camel was allowed to enter the collection area, sniff. perform flehmen and mount. When the male attempted to introduce his penis in the vagina, the operator in the underground room opened the roofhole, the artificial vagina was passed through it and directed towards the penis. Two to eight ejaculations per copulation were collected. Each ejaculation was associated with pelvic thrust. This approach facilitated semen collection from the male camel with safety and allowed full view of the ejaculation process.