Method for collecting semen from the ostrich (Struthio camelus) and some of its quantitative and qualitative characteristics

1. Four methods of semen collecting that involved interruption of mating in two breeding ostrich pairs were tested: an artificial vagina was tested without promising results; the funnel method, in which a funnel was placed under the phallus of the tested male immediately after mating allowing semen drips to be collected; the vacuum method, using a turkey semen collector, inserted into the seminal canal; and the tube method, conducted by placing a test tube inside the seminal canal, allowing semen to enter by gravity. 2. For the funnel, vacuum and tube methods, respectively, average semen volume was 0.1 +/- 0.02, 1.12 +/- 0.22, and 0.58 +/- 0.13 ml, sperm concentration was 0.66 +/- 0.14, 2.35 +/- 0.26, and 2.13 +/- 0.27 x 10(9) cells/ml, and percentage of abnormal cells was 5.82 +/- 1.79%, 4.68 +/- 1.19%, and 7.09 +/- 1.72%. 3. Semen characteristics varied throughout the reproductive season reaching peak concentration in June-July. 4. The vacuum method proved to be the most efficient and was a low stress, restraint-free method for collecting ostrich semen.