178 Tibary and Anouassi: Challenges in the development of artifcial insemination in the dromedary camel Challenges in the development of artifcial insemination in the dromedary camel A. TIBARY 1 , A. ANOUASSI 2 (Reçu le 14/04/2017; Accepté le 06/06/2017) Abstract Artifcial insemination (AI) in dromedaries remains challenging. A few AI trials with liquid stored semen have been published but they remain too small in term of number of inseminated females. AI trials with frozen-thawed semen have met with very little success. This papers reviews research performed in the area of dromedary semen collection and preservation with a special emphasize on biological diferences compared to other species. These include, the viscous nature of camel ejaculate and the need for it liquefaction, the importance of induction of ovulation and possible efect on fertility and the difcult in reliably obtaining good quality ejaculates. We also present the most recent data regarding behavior of camel semen in various extenders and tech- nique for preservation. Areas where further research is needed are pointed out throughout the manuscript. Keywords: Artifcial insemination, fertility, semen, extenders, dromedary camel 1 Comparative Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University. Corresponding author: tibary@wsu.edu 2 Veterinary Research Center, Camel Embryo Transfer Laboratory, Sweihan, UAE and Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco Résumé L’insémination artifcielle (IA) chez le dromadaire est un vrai déf. Quelques essais d’IA avec du sperme liquide stocké ont été publiés mais le nombre de femelles inséminées et les taux de conception restent relativement faibles. Les essais d’IA avec du sperme congelé et décongelé ont rencontré très peu de succès. Cet article passe en revue les recherches efectuées dans le domaine de la récolte et de la conservation du sperme du dromadaire en insistant particulièrement sur les diférences biologiques par rapport aux autres espèces. La nature visqueuse de l’éjaculat du dromadaire et la nécessité de sa liquéfaction, l’importance de l’induction de l’ovulation et son éventuel efet sur la fertilité et la difculté d’obtenir de façon fable des éjaculats de bonne qualité. Nous pré- sentons également les données les plus récentes concernant le comportement du sperme du dromadaire vis-à-vis de divers dilueurs et techniques de conservation. Les domaines où d’autres recherches sont nécessaires sont signalés tout au long du manuscrit. Mots-clés: Insémination artifcielle, fertilité, sperme, dilueurs, dromadaire Défs au développement de l’insémination artifcielle chez le dromadaire INTRODUCTION Artifcial insemination (AI) is the single most important technique to insure rapid genetic progress. AI allows more efcient use of genetically superior males, prevention of diseases, elimination of the need for transportation of ani- mals, and elimination of behavioral problems. The need for AI is well illustrated by the high demand for top racing dromedary males. In the 2016-2017 breeding season in the UAE, 47 males bred approximately 27 000 females (3 to 4 mating per male per day). The only way this high demand on top males can be met without jeopardizing conception rate while reducing the risk of disease transmission is through AI (Anouassi, 2017, personal observation). Artifcial insemination in camelidae has been reported since the 1960’s (Review (Tibary and Anouassi, 1997a; Tibary, 2001)). The frst Bactrian camel born by artifcial insemination with frozen-thawed semen was reported in 1961(Elliot, 1961). Except for the Bactrian camel, where acceptable pregnancy rates have been achieved, results have been dismal in other camelid species (Chen et al., 1984; Chen et al., 1985; Xu et al., 1985; Zhao et al., 1991; Chen et al., 1993; Xu et al., 1993). It is not clear if this diference amongst species is due to diference in initial semen quality or in biological and functional properties. Semen collected by artifcial vagina from Bactrian camels tend to yield better concentration and motility than ob- served in dromedaries (Mosaferi et al., 2005). Several reviews on artifcial insemination in camelids has been published throughout the years and all conclude poor pregnancy rate particularly with frozen-thawed semen remains (Tibary and Anouassi, 1997a; Bravo et al., 2000b; Tibary, 2001; Adams et al., 2009; Bravo et al., 2013; Skid- more et al., 2013). The objectives of the present paper is to provide an updated review on advancement in semen preservation and artifcial insemination in the dromedary and discuss challenges and areas of future research.