Sampling and preparation for cryoconservation of genetic material in marmot (Marmota bobac Müll., 1776) males [Échantillonnage et préparation de matériel génétique de la marmotte mâle (Marmota bobac Müll., 1776) pour la cryoconservation].

Résumé

We studied a possibility of taking sperm from marmot (Marmota bobac Müll, 1776) males 2-10 years of age weighing 3.6-9.4 kg (n=17). Since we failed to take sperm from these by masturbation, we applied electroejaculation. The electroejaculator electrode is a plastic rod with 4 current rings. It was wetted in a physiological solution before introducing into the animal’s rectum. The alternative current was first switched on with a low voltage (1_2 V), then the current was gradually increased to 6-9 V. Current impulses and intervals between them were 2-5 s. Sperm was taken from the animals that were preliminary immobilized. The period of electroirritation of nervous centers in animals made up 2-4 min. In the majority of cases ejaculation took place when the electrode was introduced into the rectum as deep as 6-8 cm and the current at 7-8 V was carried to both pairs of current conducting rings. From marmot males ejaculates were taken in 53 % of cases, and they were white and grey in coulour. The volume of ejaculate was 0.25-1.2 ml, spermatozoa concentration varied from 46 to 555 millions per ml, with their mobility equal to (-8 points. For obtaining ejaculate of high quality and eliminating stress in the animals, these must be deeply anesthetized.