Bacteriology of fresh rabbit semen : a preliminary study

Abstract

12 mixtures of sperm from 39 New Zealand, Angora and Rex rabbits were used in this study. The animals were raised in different farming conditions and sperm was collected with more or less hygienic precautions. The mixtures were prepared according to the biological quality (mass motility) of each sample and they were all subjected to a qualitative and quantitative bacteriological examination. No relationship was found between the biological and the bacteriological quality of the tested mixtures. Artificial insemination does not constitute a barrier to the transmission of pathogenes, the semen being always liable to transport dangerous germs. It was clearly shown that the environmental conditions and the hygienic precautions taken during sperm collection have a major effect on the bacteriological quality of the tested mixtures. For that reason, we preconize the preparation of a protocol involving hygienic measures to be taken during A.I. operations and antibiotic treatment of semen samples prior to their use in artificial insemination. Further research should be carried out on the changes in the level of sperm contamination with time, the efficiency of the antibiotics added to the extenders and on the same questions applied to cooled and frozen sperm. It would also be important to examine the influence of these parameters on rabbit fertility.