Five Key Points of Duck Artificial Insemination Technology Explained

Semen Collection Preparation The drakes used for semen collection must be robust and have well-developed penises. Before semen collection, the drakes should be kept in isolation and appropriately supplemented with high-quality protein feed and vitamins. Prepare a disinfected semen collection cup, dropper and diluent.

Semen Collection Method Use the teaser duck method. During collection, place a female duck in the drake's pen. Wait until the drake comes over, pecks the female duck's head and mounts her back; the collector then uses the left hand to help correct his posture. The middle and index fingers of the right hand hold the semen collection cup close to the drake's tail. When the drake's sexual excitement reaches its peak and the tail presses down, aim the semen collection cup at the cloaca; the drake's penis then automatically springs out into the cup and ejaculation follows. Generally, each drake can yield about 1 ml of semen per collection. Note that the teaser duck should be a female of the same breed as the drake.

Semen Dilution Mix the diluent with the semen at 1:1 to 2:1. The commonly used diluent formula is 1 g glucose, 0.36 g sodium dihydrogen phosphate, 1.4 g sodium citrate and 2 g sodium glutamate, added to 100 ml water and shaken well. First use a pipette to transfer the semen into a clean glass cup, then use a pipette to draw a measured amount of diluent and slowly inject it along the inner wall of the cup, then shake gently and thoroughly to mix.

Insemination Procedure For female ducks with a full abdomen, such as shelducks, the “everted oviduct insemination method” is often used. During insemination, gently press the duck's back with the foot, and squeeze the lower edge of the cloaca with the left hand to open it and expose the vaginal opening. Hold a dropper with the right hand, draw about 0.05 ml of diluted semen, insert it and inject it into the vagina, then release the left hand, and the insemination process is complete. For Muscovy ducks, the “finger-guided insemination method” is used. During insemination, slowly insert the index finger of the left hand into the cloaca, find the vaginal opening through the lower left side of the cavity, and use the fingertip to locate the sphincter of the vaginal opening. With the right hand, insert the front part of the insemination device into the vagina along the direction of the index finger, withdraw the index finger and inject the semen.

Precautions Be patient and meticulous during the procedure. The collected semen must be fully prepared within 1 hour, otherwise sperm vitality will be affected. At the same time, check whether there is an egg with a formed hard shell in the female duck's body; if there is, postpone the procedure, otherwise the duck will be injured. Mating is generally carried out in the afternoon, because female ducks are calmer at this time.