Semen Characteristics and Artificial Insemination in the Bactrian Camel

Summary Artificial insemination is an important technique to ensure rapid genetic improvement in Bactrian camels and recent new research on the semen characters and artificial insemination is reviewed in this paper. A detailed account of procedures for semen collection, processing and insemination are also included. As there are many unique features of reproduction in these animals, the application of advanced breeding techniques that are routinely used in other domestic species has been slow, and in some cases, are not even applicable. A fuller understanding of the endocrine changes and mechanisms accompanying reproductive processes such as puberty, breeding season and rutting behavior is therefore necessary before we can improve our results from artificial insemination in these animals on the farm, or on studs. In addition, development of techniques to freeze semen from these species is very important and has obvious advantages for breeding, including crossbreeding between species to improve products such as fiber, and to assist in preservation of some of the more endangered wild camels.