Detailed Explanation of Key Points of Electroejaculation Semen Collection Technology in White Raccoon Dogs
In recent years, colored fur has been consistently popular in the fur market, which has driven a surge in breeding of colored fur-bearing animals. As one of the few colored varieties among raccoon dogs, the white raccoon dog has seen rapid growth in popularity. In 2005, the price of breeding males exceeded 4000 yuan each, far surpassing other fur-bearing animals and even surpassing imported Finnish foxes. There is no shortage of hype factors here, but the main reason is the shortage of white raccoon dogs. Because the reproduction of white raccoon dogs is based on dominant inheritance, and lethal genes objectively exist in their own reproduction, white raccoon dogs must be mated with ordinary raccoon dogs, and only a small portion of the offspring obtained are white raccoon dogs, thus limiting the development of white raccoon dogs. Therefore, people have attempted to solve this problem through artificial insemination technology. Artificial insemination technology in raccoon dogs was developed later than in foxes, and the main problem currently encountered in operation is difficulty in semen collection. Massage semen collection in raccoon dogs can only be achieved after a certain degree of taming, is time-consuming and labor-intensive to operate, and has a low success rate. The application of electroejaculation semen collection technology can overcome these shortcomings and can be promoted in production.
1 Equipment and Drugs
(1) Electroejaculation semen collector specially for foxes and raccoon dogs, developed by the Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; a modified electroejaculation semen collector for livestock can also be used.
(2) Semen collection cup.
(3) Anesthetic. Anesthetics specially for fur-bearing animals are already available on the market, and canine anesthetics can also be used as a substitute. If the above drugs cannot be found, deer anesthetics can also be used as a substitute.
(4) Commonly used cleaning and disinfection supplies.
2 Operation Methods
2.1 Restrain the male raccoon dog, and wipe its anus and the area around the penis with a damp and hot clean towel. The temperature of the towel should be such that it is not too hot to the touch. The towel only needs to be washed with soap, and disinfectant must never be used. Repeatedly wipe around the penis, and cover it with the towel for a while to stimulate urination.
2.2 Anesthesia. Use the anesthetic specially for fur-bearing animals according to its instructions, or refer to the method for dogs; when using deer anesthetic, use 0.3 mL per raccoon dog by intramuscular injection.
2.3 Clean the probe rod of the semen collector thoroughly (it can be disinfected with disinfectant), apply soap for lubrication, and after the raccoon dog is completely anesthetized, insert the probe rod 5-8 cm into the raccoon dog's anus. Turn the voltage adjustment knobs (coarse adjustment and fine adjustment) on the instrument panel to the minimum setting, and connect the power. Gradually increase the voltage according to the raccoon dog's response, increasing by 1 V each time. When the raccoon dog's penis is completely erect and there is an ejaculation action, stop increasing the voltage and prepare to collect the semen. If there is no ejaculation, the voltage can continue to be increased until ejaculation occurs. Generally, a voltage of 5-6 V is sufficient to make the raccoon dog ejaculate. Raccoon dogs that are frequently used for semen collection or mating can also ejaculate at 2-3 V. Raccoon dogs undergoing semen collection for the first time or not fully in estrus require a higher voltage. If semen still cannot be collected when exceeding 15 V, the operation should be stopped to avoid harm to the raccoon dog from excessive voltage.
2.4 After semen collection, immediately inject the antidote into the raccoon dog. After it fully wakes up, put it back in the cage and observe it carefully.
2.5 Clean and disinfect the corresponding instruments for next use.
Electroejaculation semen collection is an effective method of semen collection, especially having outstanding advantages in reducing labor intensity and overcoming difficulties in taming breeding animals. It is the preferred method for successfully solving the difficulty of semen collection in white raccoon dogs and other fur-bearing animals, and plays a huge role in the artificial insemination process of white raccoon dogs. At present, no adverse reactions from the application of this method have been found, but electrical stimulation and anesthesia will inevitably have a certain impact on breeding males. Whether it affects the service life and the extent of the impact still needs further experimental confirmation, and how to reduce the negative effects also needs to be discussed and summarized in future practice.