Quality of domestic cat semen collected by urethral catheterization after the use of different alpha 2-adrenergic agonists

Objectives: We compared the effects of two alpha (α)₂-adrenergic agonists on semen traits. Methods: In this study, 13 adult domestic cats were divided into two experimental groups, according to the chemical ejaculation protocol used: the first group received medetomidine hydrochloride (100 µg/kg) and ketamine (5000 µg/kg); the second group received dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (25 µg/kg) and ketamine (5000 µg/kg), both by the intramuscular route. Results: The animals responded positively (P >0.05) to chemical collection. Seminal parameters evaluated included volume, sperm vigor, total motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration, and the structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane; sperm morphology values did not differ between groups (P >0.05). Conclusions and relevance: The results indicated that dexmedetomidine is a more viable and economical alternative to medetomidine in domestic cats submitted to semen collection by urethral catheterization. Semen collection by urethral catheterization after using α₂-adrenergic agonists is a recently developed technique in feline species that is considered to be quick and highly applicable to assisted reproduction programs in felids.