Interaction of extender composition and freezing method for effective semen cryopreservation in the North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis )

Current knowledge in the biology of gametes and embryos from Carnivora

In addition to companion animals and laboratory species, about 270 carnivore species play fundamental ecological roles in different ecosystems. However, almost 40% of carnivore species are now threatened or endangered in the wild because of human activities. While protection of natural habitats is critical, it is equally important to better understand carnivore reproduction, including a solid knowledge in sperm, oocyte, and embryo biology, to maintain sustainable populations in the wild and in conservation breeding centers. Characterizing gamete and embryo biology is also needed to develop cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technologies to enhance conservation efforts. The objective of this review is to provide the most recent knowledge in the biology of sperm cells, oocytes, and early embryos across all carnivore families. Overall, most data originate from populations maintained in breeding centers or zoos. Characterizations of sperm biology and cryopreservation are far more advanced than for oocytes and embryos. Currently, sperm biology is mainly studied in Canids, Felids, Ursids, and Mustelids, with more emphasis on structural than functional properties. Importantly, fundamental studies of gamete and embryo biology in domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets have paved the way for more precise characterizations in wild counterparts as well as the development of cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technologies. A striking feature of spermatozoa across a wide range of Canids and Felids is the presence of teratospermia (>60% of abnormal sperm cells), which is related to the loss of genetic diversity in some populations. Although sperm structures differ across carnivore families, sperm biology remains difficult to compare because of the small amount of data in many species. Regarding oocyte biology and embryology, data are much scarcer than in sperm cells, with too few studies going beyond structural descriptions. More carnivore species and more individuals (especially from wild populations in addition to captive ones) must be studied to improve our understanding about comparative germplasm biology and develop adequate conservation breeding strategies including the use of cryobanking and assisted reproductive technologies.

Optimization of donkey sperm vitrification: Effect of sucrose, sperm concentration, volume and package (0.25 and 0.5 mL straws)

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different factors affecting vitrification success of donkey sperm: extender, sperm concentration, volume and storage vessel type. In Experiment 1, sucrose supplementations at 0.25 and 0.1 M were compared using two base extenders (containing or not egg-yolk); in Experiment 2, three sperm concentrations were assessed: 100, 200 or 300 million sperm/mL; and in Experiment 3, three different sperm volumes (100, 160 and 200 μL) and two different storage vessels (0.25 and 0.5 mL straws) were assessed. Sperm motility variables (CASA), plasma membrane and acrosome (evaluated under fluorescence microscopy) and sperm DNA integrity (flow cytometry) were evaluated after warming with comparisons of protocols. There was a greater total (55.7 ± 16.4%) and progressive (44.0 ± 11.5%) motility using the extender with egg-yolk and 0.1 M sucrose. There were no effects of sperm concentrations on vitrification results (P > 0.05). The 0.25 mL covered straw showed higher values than the 0.5 mL straw for total (50.0 ± 17.3% vs 2.0 ± 6.7%) and progressive (40.5 ± 14.9% vs 0.9 ± 1.5%) motility, plasma membrane (43.9 ± 14.4% vs 14.0 ± 16.4%) and acrosome integrity (51.5 ± 13.6% vs 28.0 ± 14.7%), respectively. In conclusion, values for donkey sperm quality variables after vitrification were greater using an extender containing egg-yolk and 0.1 M sucrose, at 300 million sperm/mL in 0.25 mL straws with outer covers.