Effect of semen collection frequency on the semen characteristics of dromedary camels

•Semen quality of dromedary camels is not affected by weekly semen collection frequency.•Twice weekly semen collection negatively affects camel semen quality.•Semen quality varies among males. The effect of semen collection frequency (once or twice per week) on the sexual behaviour, libido and semen characteristics (volume, colour, gross activity, viscosity, sperm concentration, morphology, motion characteristics and membrane viability and acrosome integrity) of dromedary camels (n = 7) was investigated over the course of 8 weeks. Results showed that frequency of collection influenced male camel libido (P 60% total motility or > 100 × 106 spermatozoa/mL) for subsequent processing, but when collected twice per week the percentage of qualified ejaculates dropped sharply after three weeks (P < 0.001; 69% of ejaculates qualified over 8- week collection period). Twice weekly collection frequency caused a reduction (P < 0.001) in progressive motility, path velocity, track speed, lateral head amplitude, beat cross frequency and straightness. In conclusion, during the peak breeding season, semen can be collected twice per week from dromedary male camels for a period of 3 weeks only or once per week for 8 weeks without affecting semen quality.