Ostrich specific semen diluent and sperm motility characteristics during in vitro storage

Abstract

The dilution of semen is a very important initial process for semen processing and evaluation, storage and preservation in vitro and efficient artificial insemination. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of two synthetic diluents (OS1 and OS2) on ostrich sperm motility parameters during in vitro storage. Formulation of OS1 was based on macro minerals (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg) and OS2 on the further addition of micro minerals (Se and Zn), based on mineral concentration determined in the ostrich seminal plasma (SP). Sperm motility was evaluated at different processing stages (neat, after dilution, during storage and after storage) by measuring several sperm motility variables using the Sperm Class Analyzer® (SCA). Processing (dilution, cooling and storage) of semen for in vitro storage purposes decreased the values for all sperm motility variables measured. The percentage motile (MOT) and progressive motile (PMOT) sperm decreased 20% to 30% during 24 h of storage, independent of diluent type. Quality of sperm swim (LIN, STR and WOB), however, was sustained during the longer storage periods (48 h) with the OS2 diluent modified with Se and Zn additions. Quality of sperm swim with use of OS1 was 6% to 8% less for the LIN, STR, and WOB variables. Male fitted as a fixed effect accounted for >60% of the variation for certain sperm motility variables (PMOT, MOT, VCL, VSL, VAP and ALH) evaluated at different processing stages. Semen from specific males had sustained sperm motility characteristics to a greater extent than that of other males during the 24-h storage period.

Effect of freeze‐dried quail egg white and yolk addition to semen extender on viability of rooster sperm stored for 6 h at 4°C

“…As previously mentioned, the time and conditions of semen storage have a significant impact on sperm motility and motility parameters (Hook & Fisher, 2020). Motility parameters and sperm kinematic parameters (Mphaphathi et al, 2016; Słowińska et al, 2018; Smith et al, 2018) are subject to a decrease. Also in our experiment, the 6 h storage at 4°C reduced sperm motility, similarly as in turkey (Bajpai & Brown, 1963; Iaffaldano et al, 2008; Słowińska et al, 2018), guinea fowl (Keerthy et al, 2016), meat and laying chicken lines semen (Łukaszewicz, Jerysz, & Kowalczyk, 2020), but yolk addition significantly limited this decrease (Bajpai & Brown, 1963; Rochmi & Sofyan, 2019; Yang et al, 2012).…”

“…Rooster sperm loses its fertilizing capacity very quickly shortly after ejaculation (Łukaszewicz, 1988); therefore, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate environment allowing for an elongation of its storage outside the bird's body. Semen dilution is a very important initial step of in vitro processing, storage and preservation for efficient artificial insemination (Smith et al, 2018). Numerous studies indicate a significant influence of diluents and storage time on sperm morphology and motility parameters in chicken (Donoghue & Wishart, 2000; Dumpala et al, 2006; Hudson et al, 2016; Iaffaldano et al, 2008; Łukaszewicz, Jerysz, & Kowalczyk, 2020; Mphaphathi et al, 2016; Santiago‐Moreno et al, 2012; Siudzińska & Łukaszewicz, 2008; Vasicek et al, 2015), turkey (Di Iorio et al, 2020; Słowińska et al, 2018), guinea fowl (Hudson et al, 2016; Keerthy et al, 2016), ostrich (Smith et al, 2018), capercaillie (Kowalczyk et al, 2012), quail (Chełmońska et al, 2006), duck (Łukaszewicz, Jerysz, & Chełmońska, 2020) and goose (Łukaszewicz, 2002a, 2002b).…”

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Rooster sperm loses its fertilizing capacity very quickly shortly after ejaculation (Łukaszewicz, 1988); therefore, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate environment allowing for an elongation of its storage outside the bird's body. Semen dilution is a very important initial step of in vitro processing, storage and preservation for efficient artificial insemination (Smith et al, 2018). Numerous studies indicate a significant influence of diluents and storage time on sperm morphology and motility parameters in chicken (Donoghue

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Ostrich ejaculate characteristics and male libido around equinox and solstice dates

“…Bonato et al (2017) provided evidence that this objective has also largely been met. Hence, the development of these techniques has demonstrated the need to characterise the ostrich ejaculates and established a protocol for optimum semen preservation (Rybnik et al 2007;Malecki et al 2008;Bonato et al 2010;Smith et al 2018).…”