Quality of domestic cat semen collected by urethral catheterization after the use of different alpha 2-adrenergic agonists
Mónica Madrigal‐Valverde, Rodrigo Freitas Bittencourt, Antonio DL Ribeiro Filho, Vivian Fernanda Barbosa, Catharina de Albuquerque Vieira, Elton Amorim Romão, Isabella B Carneiro, M.C. Azevedo, Gediendson Ribeiro de Araújo
Abstract
Objectives We compared the effects of two alpha (α) 2 -adrenergic agonists on semen traits. Methods In this study, 13 adult domestic cats were divided into two experimental groups, according to the chemical ejaculation protocol used: the first group received medetomidine hydrochloride (100 µg/kg) and ketamine (5000 µg/kg); the second group received dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (25 µg/kg) and ketamine (5000 µg/kg), both by the intramuscular route. Results The animals responded positively ( P >0.05) to chemical collection. Seminal parameters evaluated included volume, sperm vigor, total motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration, and the structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane; sperm morphology values did not differ between groups ( P >0.05). Conclusions and relevance The results indicated that dexmedetomidine is a more viable and economical alternative to medetomidine in domestic cats submitted to semen collection by urethral catheterization. Semen collection by urethral catheterization after using α 2 -adrenergic agonists is a recently developed technique in feline species that is considered to be quick and highly applicable to assisted reproduction programs in felids.