The Effect of Proctodeal Gland Foam, and Depth and Frequency of Artificial Insemination on Fertility and Hatchability of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

The effect of the depth of semen deposition in the female reproductive tract, the addition of proctodeal gland foam to the net semen, and insemination frequency on fertility and hatchability of Japanese quails was investigated. In 2 experiments semen was collected from 30-32 males using the method of male stimulation by female. A group of 30-32 females was used in the fertility trials. In the first experiment semen obtained from group 1 was collected in empty glass tubes, while from group 2 it was collected in tubes containing Lake´s extender kept at 20 °C. Semen obtained from each group was deposited intravaginally or intrauterinely (4 groups of females were created, each comprising 8 specimens). In the second experiment, freshly collected semen was mixed with proctodeal gland foam and used for intravaginal insemination; semen from group 1 was inseminated 2x/week, while semen from group 2 was inseminated 3x/week. Keeping net (undiluted) semen or semen diluted with Lake´s extender for 15 min at room temperature reduced the number of live normal spermatozoa in relation to freshly collected semen. Egg fertility was higher after intravaginal insemination in comparison to intrauterine insemination (49.3% vs. 23.0% when undiluted semen was used, and 49.8% vs. 32.4 for semen diluted with Lake´s extender). Intravaginal insemination 3x/week with 20 ml of semen mixed 1:1 with proctodeal gland foam resulted in significantly higher (P < 0.01) egg fertility compared to insemination 2x/week (82.7% vs. 44.1%); the former was similar to that obtained in the naturally mated group (86.1%).