Electroejaculation and semen analysis and freezing in the giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca )

Semen was collected by a standardized electroejaculation procedure from a giant panda on 4 occasions. Ejaculate volume, sperm count and % sperm motility were 2.3-3.6 ml, 62-562 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml and 45-85%, respectively. The results, although limited to a single male, suggested a seasonal influence on ejaculate and gonadal parameters with improved ejaculate volume, sperm motility and increased testicular size in the season proximate to the female's oestrous period. Frozen-thawed spermatozoa were motile with no apparent abnormalities induced by the freezing procedure.