Effect of different extenders on the sperm quality parameters of hu ram semen preserved at 16ºc

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the eff ects of diff erent extenders on the sperm quality parameters of Hu ram semen preserved at 16ºC. The quality parameters studied include total sperm motility, progressive motility, survival time, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and some kinematic parameters, such as the curvilinear velocity. Each ram ejaculated approximately twenty times and ejaculates were collected every two days interval during breeding season. Three Hu rams were used in experiments. The ejaculates were pooled and diluted (1:10) with extenders A (Tris-Fructose based), B (Fructose-Sodium Citrate based), C (Glucose based), D (Fructose based) and E (Control, Physiological saline solution) and then stored at 16ºC. The above parameters were detected every 24 h. The total sperm motility, progressive motility, acrosome integrity and some kinematic parameters of extender A were the highest compared to those of other extenders and decreased slowly within 24 to 144 h. The eff ective survival time of sperm preserved in extender A was 74.50±4.82 h, and the total survival time was 412.67±2.52 h, which was significantly higher than those of the other four extenders (P≤0.05). The acrosome integrity of extender A was the highest within 24 to 144 h and significantly higher than those of the other extenders within 48 to 144 h (P≤0.05). Compared with the other extenders, extender A had numerically the highest plasma membrane integrity within 24 to 96 h of preservation (P>0.05). In conclusion, extender A improved the sperm quality of Hu ram semen, which could be used for artificial insemination for up to 144 h of preservation.

Keywords

• hu ram
• 16ºc
• semen extender
• semen quality