SEMEN PRODUCTION BY THE EMU (DROMAIUS-NOVAEHOLLANDIAE) .1. METHODS FOR COLLECTION OF SEMEN

Two methods for collecting semen from male emus using an artificial cl oaca (AC) have been developed. In the first method, the male mounts th e female teaser and the collector effects erection and subsequent ejac ulation using the AC. The second method takes advantage of the develop ment of sexual behaviour directed towards the semen collector and seme n is collected when the male mounts the collector's back. Eight of 11 males were successfully trained with teasers and 5 of the 7 males trai ned without teasers ejaculated successfully. The ease of training vari ed between birds. The use of a teaser was very valuable, as the crouch ing behavior of the teaser elicited mating attempts in every male. The training and collection of semen was done by one person. Both methods can be used for routine collection of semen, as they take advantage o f natural stimulation and the voluntary ejaculation reflex to which th e birds adapted readily.