Effect of different extenders for preservation of ram semen at 4°C

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different extenders viz. Tris citric acid fructose egg yolk (TCFEY), Tris citric acid glucose egg yolk (TCGEY), Egg yolk citrate fructose (EYCF) and Egg yolk citrate glucose (EYCG) on the quality of ram spermatozoa during preservation at 4°C. Semen samples showing more than 3+ mass motility and 70% progressive motility were pooled and subsequently divided into four aliquots. Each aliquot was extended separately in four different extenders viz. TCFEY, TCGEY, EYCF and EYCG and stored at 4°C up to 72h. The quality of spermatozoa on the basis of percentage of sperm motility, live sperm, morphological abnormalities, intact acrosome and hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) reacted spermatozoa was evaluated immediately after extension in particular extenders (0 h), 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after preservation at 4°C. The percent sperm motility was significantly (P<0.01) higher for TCFEY and TCGEY than EYCF and EYCG at 72 h of preservation at 4°C. The percent HOST reacted spermatozoa and intact acrosomes were significantly (P<0.01) higher and morphological abnormalities were significantly (P<0.01) lower for Tris based fructose extender than other three extenders at 72 h at 4°C. In conclusion, Tris citric acid fructose egg yolk (TCFEY) was found the best in maintaining the quality of ejaculated ram spermatozoa during preservation for 72 h at 4°C.

Effect of Different Preservation Time of Chilled Semen on the Fertility of Field Indigenous Ewes

“…However, the current findings of chilled semen were similar to referred value (> 70%), which is essential for successful artificial insemination (Nilani et al, 2012). The viability in our study of fresh semen was in agreement with the findings of Hassan et al (2009) and, the value for chilled (at 24 and 48 hours) semen was in line with the observation of Rather et al (2017) was to be 85.37 ± 4.19, 82.22±3.26 and 78.36±3.89%, respectively. The sperm viability of chilled semen (10.7h storage) was 60% in small-tail Han sheep (Zhou et al, 2002) that was lower than in the current study.…”

Characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed Uda ram semen extended with Oviplus®, egg yolk and coconut milk

“…Generally, the current study showed from the commencement to the end of preservation, there was drop in sperm motility from 82% in freshly collected semen to less than 20% at 72 hours post extension for both the extenders. This finding is in agreement with previous studies (Kasimanickam et al, 2011;Rather et al, 2017). Storage temperature, irrespective of diluent, had a significant effect on both motility and viability.…”

“…Consequently, the findings from this study suggest that the use of fresh semen shortly after collection and chilled semen at 0 hours and 24 hours post extension could be acceptable for use in artificial insemination (AI) programs in Uda rams. These findings agree with a similar report in Indian indigenous ram by Rather et al (2017). The percentage livability of spermatozoa is important in assessing semen for artificial insemination.…”

“…Semen is extended to preserve its fertilizing ability during storage also increase its volume so that a single ejaculate of limited volume can be used post packaging (in form of strewing, ampoules and pellets) to inseminate a large number of animals. Components of semen extenders include glucose, fructose, tris citric acid and egg yolk which altogether provide a source of energy and protect the spermatozoa from temperature-related damage (Rather et al, 2017). Semen extension with animal and plant-based extenders significantly improve sperm parameters during storage (Kasimanickam et al, 2011).…”