Collection and frozen storage of semen for artificial insemination in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Abstract

This study was conducted on red foxes to determine the appropriate voltage in electroejaculation for semen collection from stud males, and to confirm whether frozen semen with bovine semen extender can be used for artificial insemination. The proper load voltage for electroejaculation was 3–4 V based on semen collection rates and concentrations of spermatozoa. Frozen semen was prepared according to the known procedure for cows. In frozen-thawed semen, a relatively high conception rate (81.3%) was obtained in vixens, in which the optimum insemination time was detected by vaginal electrical resistance. These findings demonstrate that the restricted condition for semen collection by electroejaculation with cryopreservation of semen using bovine semen extender can be applied to artificial insemination of red foxes.