Effects of anesthetic protocols on electroejaculation variables of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

The effects of three intramuscular anesthesia protocols – detomidine 190 μg/kg plus ketamine 2 mg/kg, detomidine 270 μg/kg plus ketamine 1.4 mg/kg, and tiletamine 3.4 mg/kg plus zolazepam 3.4 mg/kg – on penis protrusion and ejaculation variables were compared in nine captive Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) subjected to electroejaculation. Body temperature, heart, and respiratory rates, as well as a number of plasma biochemical variables were also recorded prior to and during anesthesia. The detomidine plus ketamine protocols induced bradycardia and increased respiratory rate. However, the tiletamine/zolazepam protocol did not affect heart and respiratory rates. None of the three protocols caused a substantial change in rectal temperature, yet all protocols caused a significant increase in plasma glucose levels. Differences in anesthetic protocols did not affect sperm quality or quantity. However, choice of anesthetic protocol affected (P < 0.05) the degree of penis protrusion and the electrical pulse sequence required to achieve ejaculation. Results of this study support a recommendation of detomidine 270 μg/kg plus ketamine 1.4 mg/kg for anesthesia of Spanish ibex undergoing electroejaculation.