Effect of extender and storage temperature on sperm motility parameters of liquid ram semen

Abstract

The objective of this work was to compare the effect of eight extenders (Skim milk, INRA96®, Tris Eggs Yolk, Triladyl®, Ovipro®, Andromed®, Optixcel®,and Duragen®) on ram sperm motion parameters. Two experiments were carried out to determine the effect of extenders on ram sperm preservation at 15°C (Experiment 1), or at 5°C (Experiment 2). Semen was collected using an artificial vagina weekly for 10 weeks from two breeds (INRA180, n=4, on Monday and Boujaâd, n=4, on Friday). Aliquots were extended in each extender to a final concentration of 0.8 × 109 spermatozoa/ml and stored at 15°Cor 5°C for 24 h. Motility and kinematic parameters assessment were performed using a CASA system. Sperm motility and kinematic parameters decreased significantly over time of storage in all extenders and storage temperature. The overall CASA parameters were affected by extenders in different manners depending on breed and storage temperature. Skim milk, Duragen®, and INRA96® provided the best CASA results.

Keywords

• Semen
• extender
• motility
• kinematic parameters
• storage temperature
• ram breed