Seminal plasma composition in budgerigars ( Melopsittacus undulatus)

1. 1. Seminal plasma composition was studied in budgerigars. Semen was obtained from adult male budgerigars by applying gentle pressure to both sides of the cloaca. 2. 2. Pooled samples were centrifuged at 15,000 g for 2 min, and the seminal plasma separated for biochemical analysis. Osmolality, Na +, K +, Cl −, pH, glucose and fructose values were determined. 3. 3. The biochemical composition of budgerigar seminal plasma obtained in this study was: Osmolality 329.9 ± 14.5 Os/kg; Na + 158.6 ± 8.4 mEq/l; K + 16.39 ± 6.24 mEq/l; Cl − 109.2 ± 7.4 mEq/l; pH 8.20 ± 0.18 glucose 4.25 ± 0.96 mmol/l; fructose 0.59 ± 0.29 mmol/l. 4. 4. The results are discussed in relation to the values reported for the domestic fowl. 5. 5. This forms part of a reproductive biology study of non-domesticated avian species.