SEMEN COLLECTION IN EMU (DROMAIUS NOVAEHOLLANDIAE) BIRD BY NONTEASER METHOD AND ITS MACROSCOPICAL EVALUATION IN HUMID TROPICAL CLIMATE

A study was conducted for collection and evaluation of emu bird semen by non teaser method. Ten adult male emu birds aged 3 to 4 years were selected and housed individually in a 10’ x 50’ pen constructed in parallel rows at emu unit, University Research Farm, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. The male birds were selected based on their readiness in accepting human beings without fear. All the birds were housed properly under standard managemental condition. An Isocaloric and Isonitrogenous standard emu breeder ration was fed to birds and portable drinking water were made available ad libitum. The selected male emus were trained for semen collection by non-teaser method. Out of 10 males, only seven males responded for semen collection. The raw semen collected from individual emu birds was evaluated for macroscopical seminal attributes namely volume, colour, consistency and pH. The overall mean values for volume and pH of individual male were 0.61? 0.02 ml and 7.40 ? 0.03 respectively. The individual males showed varied response and significant difference in seminal attributes. Creamy white thick consistency semen had significant (P?0.01) seminal attributes than yellow and watery semen. The temperament of male emu, sexual behavior and acceptance of the collector and courtship behavior by the male are the key factors for successful training of breeders. This study ensures the possibility of semen collection and facilitate further processing of semen.