Comparison of two pharmacological protocols for inducing ex copula ejaculation in donkeys.
Authors: Khan Firdous A, Smick Stephanie, Werners-Butler Catherine, Karasek Inga, Beckford Gabrielle, Winchester Nyoni, Khanam Afroza
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Pharmacological Induction of Ex Copula Ejaculation in Donkeys Reproductive collection in donkeys presents significant practical challenges for breeding programmes and genetic preservation, yet effective pharmacological protocols remain poorly established compared to equine species. Khan Firdous and colleagues conducted a randomised crossover trial on seven mature jacks, comparing two distinct drug combinations: imipramine plus xylazine (IX protocol) versus detomidine with oxytocin (IDO protocol), each separated by a seven-day interval. Both protocols successfully induced deep sedation and partial to complete penile protrusion across all animals, yet ejaculation success was minimal—occurring in only one of eleven attempts with the IX protocol and zero of eleven with the IDO protocol—demonstrating that neither approach reliably achieves the intended reproductive outcome. For practitioners involved in donkey breeding, genetic management or semen collection, these findings highlight a significant gap in current pharmacological methodology and suggest that alternative protocols, timing adjustments, or combination strategies warrant further investigation before either approach can be recommended for routine clinical use.
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Practical Takeaways
- •These two drug combinations are not reliable methods for collecting semen from donkeys via ex copula ejaculation and should not be routinely used for this purpose
- •Alternative protocols or collection methods need to be developed and tested for donkey semen collection programs
- •While both protocols successfully induced sedation and penile protrusion, this is insufficient without actual ejaculation for breeding purposes
Key Findings
- •Both IX protocol (imipramine + xylazine) and IDO protocol (detomidine + oxytocin) produced deep sedation and partial to complete penile protrusion in all 7 jacks
- •IX protocol achieved ejaculation in only 1 of 11 replicates (9.1%)
- •IDO protocol achieved ejaculation in 0 of 11 replicates (0%)
- •Neither pharmacological protocol was effective for inducing ex copula ejaculation in donkeys