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Di Iorio M, Lauriola F, Rusco G, Antenucci E, Schiavitto M, Iaffaldano N. Cryopreserving Rabbit Semen: Impact of Varying Sperm Concentrations on Quality and the Standardization of Protocol. Vet Sci 2023; 11:9. [PMID: 38250915 PMCID: PMC10818829 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of sperm concentrations on the in vitro quality of cryopreserved rabbit semen. The semen pools (n = 8, from 80 donors) were split into five aliquots with final sperm concentrations of 15, 25, 35, 55, and 75 × 106 per straw. The sperm motility parameters (CASA system) and membrane integrity (flow cytometric analysis) were both evaluated at various stages of the cryopreservation process: fresh semen dilution, cooling, equilibration, and immediately after and 30 min post-thawing. The results indicated the significant influence of the sperm concentration on the total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM), with a consistent decline in all sperm variables over the time points. Notably, the semen with a final concentration of 15 × 106 exhibited a higher TM and PM after cooling and equilibration. The post-thawing quality (TM, PM) was higher (p < 0.05) in the mid-range sperm concentrations of 25 × 106 (49.9% and 19.7%) and 35 × 106 (46.2% and 19.7%) compared to the other concentrations. This study demonstrated that the sperm concentration per straw played a significant role in specific phases of the cryopreservation process. These findings contribute valuable insights for refining and standardizing the cryopreservation protocol for rabbit semen, emphasizing the importance of the sperm concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Di Iorio
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis snc, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.D.I.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Fabrizio Lauriola
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis snc, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.D.I.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Giusy Rusco
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis snc, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.D.I.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Emanuele Antenucci
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis snc, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.D.I.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Michele Schiavitto
- Italian Rabbit Breeders Association (ANCI-AIA), Volturara Appula, 71030 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Nicolaia Iaffaldano
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis snc, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.D.I.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (E.A.)
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Mohammed KM, Darwish GM, Rawash ZM, Taha AM. Cryopreservation of rabbit semen: impacts of permeable and non-permeable mixture of cryoprotectant, male group individuality, freezing rate, semen package size and antioxidant bovine serum albumin on rabbit semen freezability. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2022.17303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, three experiments were designed to identify the most appropriate technique for freezing rabbit semen. Experiment 1 aimed to determine the optimal levels of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) contents in freezing medium and their effects on individual bucks. Semen ejaculates for each buck (n=15 bucks) were mixed and split into three portions for extension with a freezing medium containing varying concentrations of DMSO (0.75, 1.0, and 1.4 M). Diluted semen samples were packaged in 0.25 mL straws and suspended above liquid nitrogen (LN) for 10 min, then dipped in LN. A few days after freezing, post-thaw semen evaluation was assessed, and according to the results, six bucks and an extender containing 0.75 M of DMSO were used for experiments 2 and 3. In experiment 2, the pooled semen from 6 bucks was divided into two portions for packaging in two straw sizes (0.25 and 0.50 mL). Each straw size was divided into five groups and suspended at different heights above LN (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 cm) for 10 minutes before being preserved in LN. In experiment 3, the pooled semen was divided into four portions for dilution with freezing medium containing different concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA; 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mg/mL). Semen samples were packaged in a 0.50 mL straw and suspended 10 min, 4 cm above LN for freezing. Pre-freezing and post-thawing, semen samples were evaluated for semen quality. Results showed that the extender containing 0.75 M DMSO had higher significant values for post-thaw sperm motility, longevity, acrosome integrity and sperm plasma membrane permeability. Bucks’ individuality had significant effects on post-thaw motility, acrosome and sperm plasma membrane integrity. A significant interaction was recorded between DMSO concentrations and bucks’ individuality on sperm longevity. Semen package sizes had no significant effects on the evaluated parameters. Semen was frozen at 2 and 4 cm above LN had significantly better post-thaw quality. BSA at concentrations 5 and 7.5 mg/mL improved recovery rates of acrosome integrity and sperm membrane permeability. DMSO 0.75 M and freezing 4 cm above LN seem to be more adequate for rabbit semen cryopreservation. The appropriate level of DMSO differs between bucks, as the post-thaw sperm longevity is affected. BSA enhanced acrosome and sperm membrane integrity. Results obtained will need further investigation to be confirmed in the field.
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Abstract
Rabbits are an important animal species for meeting the nutritional requirements of the world's growing population due to the high conversion rate of feed. In most countries, the rabbit industry currently relies on artificial insemination with fresh or chilled and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. Various factors during the freezing process, including diluents, sperm preparation and freezing techniques, antioxidants, sudden temperature changes, ice formation and osmotic stress, have been proposed as reasons for the poor sperm quality post thaw. Despite the extensive progress reached in the field of rabbit sperm cryopreservation, new methodological approaches that could overcome problems in sperm cryopreservation are necessary. The aim of this review was to describe the factors that affect the cryopreservation of rabbit sperm.
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Viudes-de-Castro MP, Talaván AG, Vicente JS. Evaluation of dextran for rabbit sperm cryopreservation: Effect on frozen-thawed rabbit sperm quality variables and reproductive performance. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 226:106714. [PMID: 33556752 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Effects were analysed of dextran supplementation to Me2SO and acetamide rabbit semen freezing extenders on quality characteristics of rabbit spermatozoa and reproductive performance. The final concentration of cryoprotectants in pooled semen samples was 12.4 % Me2SO for the A extenders, 10.7 % Me2SO and 2.9 % acetamide for the D extenders and 8.9 % Me2SO and 2.9 % acetamide in F extenders, with a supplementation of 1.7 % sucrose in all cases. There was not inclusion of dextran in the A0, D0, F0; while 5 % dextran was included in A5, D5, F5 and 10 % dextran in A10, D10 and F10 extenders. Sperm motility and viability rates were similar with use of the different extenders. Acrosome integrity after the freeze-thawing processes, however, was markedly greater when there was dextran supplementation of D and F extenders. Prolificacy was affected by extender composition. When there was artificial insemination (AI) using semen cryopreserved in the A extenders, number of kits born was similar to when there was AI with fresh semen when there was inclusion of 5% dextran for cryopreservation, while there was no effect on prolificacy when there was cryopreservation of semen using the D and F extenders. In conclusion, dextran supplementation of extenders containing Me2SO and acetamide resulted in greater acrosome integrity. Furthermore, when there was AI using sperm preserved in cryo-diluents containing an intermediate concentration of Me2SO, combined with inclusion of 5 % dextran, there was a marked beneficial effect on rabbit doe reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María P Viudes-de-Castro
- Animal Technology and Research Center (CITA-IVIA), Polígono La Esperanza nº 100, 12400 Segorbe, Castellón, Spain.
| | - Amparo G Talaván
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - José S Vicente
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Riahi MM, Behnam B, Henney NC, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Protective Effects of Curcumin in the Reproductive System: Anti-toxic, Semen Cryopreservative, and Contraceptive Actions. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1328:223-242. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Improving the Rabbit Semen Cryopreservation Protocol: Comparison Between Two Extenders and Inseminating Doses. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This study has been designed to optimize the semen freezing protocol in rabbits, in this regard we compared a Tris-citrate-glucose (TCG) extender with a commercial one (Cortalap®), that to the best of our knowledge has never been used up to now on the in vitro freezability and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved rabbit semen. Two different inseminating semen doses were considered. Five pooled semen samples were divided into two subsamples and each of them were diluted to a ratio 1:1 (v:v) with a freezing extender composed of TCG or Cortalap® containing 16% of dimethylsulfoxide and 0.1 mol/L of sucrose. The extended semen was filled into 0.25 mL plastic straws and frozen above a liquid nitrogen surface. After thawing (50°C/10 seconds) we determined sperm motility, viability, membrane functionality, acrosome and DNA integrity. Our results showed that the Cortalap® extender significantly improved the in vitro post-thaw sperm quality, in comparison to TCG. When we compared the extenders in vivo, no significant differences in the reproductive performances were observed independently by inseminating doses used. In this study we demonstrated that Cortalap® extender can be used as an alternative to TCG. Thus, the Cortalap® being a ready to use extender, implies a reduction of time, mistakes and microbial contaminations during its preparation. This discovery results as significant because it provides beyond an important contribution to the creation of the first Italian semen cryobank of rabbit breeds and also for livestock rabbit farms based on artificial insemination (AI) program.
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Abdelatty AM, Badr OAM, Mohamed SA, Khattab MS, Dessouki SHM, Farid OAA, Elolimy AA, Sakr OG, Elhady MA, Mehesen G, Bionaz M. Long term conjugated linoleic acid supplementation modestly improved growth performance but induced testicular tissue apoptosis and reduced sperm quality in male rabbit. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226070. [PMID: 31923252 PMCID: PMC6953797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is known for its multiple benefits including improvement of growth, increasing lean mass, and anti-carcinogenic effects. However, when used in long-term supplementations CLA does not improve semen parameters in boar and bull and reduces fertility in Japanese quails. The content of unsaturated fatty acids in dietary lipids plays a significant role in spermatogenesis owning the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in plasma membrane of sperms. Whether CLA plays a role in testicular tissue and epididymal fat is still unknown. Therefore, in this study we hypothesize that long-term supplementation of equal proportion of CLA isomer mix (c9,t11-CLA and t10,c12- CLA) in rabbit bucks might alter male reproductive potentials. Twelve V-Line weaned male rabbits were used in 26 weeks trial, rabbits were individually raised and randomly allocated into three dietary groups. Control group (CON) received a basal diet, a group received 0.5% CLA (CLA 0.5%), and a group received 1% CLA (CLA 1%). Rabbits were euthanized at the end of the trial and several parameters were evaluated related to growth, semen quality, and testicular and epididymal tissue histopathology and transcriptome. The long-term supplementation of CLA increased feed intake by 5% and body weight by 2-3%. CLA 1% decreased sperm progressive motility. In testicular tissue L-carnitine and α-tocopherol were decreased by CLA supplementation. In epididymal fat, CLA tended to decrease concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the expression of SCD5 gene was upregulated by CLA 1% and CASP3 gene was upregulated by CLA 0.5%. Transcription of PPARG was downregulated by CLA. Feeding 1% CLA also decreased testicular epithelial thickness. Long-term supplementation of CLA modestly enhanced male rabbit growth, but negatively impacted male reproduction, especially at high dose of CLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Abdelatty
- Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - O. A. M. Badr
- Department of Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - S. A. Mohamed
- Department of Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - M. S. Khattab
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - SH. M. Dessouki
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - O. A. A. Farid
- Department of Physiology, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt
| | - A. A. Elolimy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, United States of America
- Department of Animal Production, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - O. G. Sakr
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - M. A. Elhady
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - G. Mehesen
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - M. Bionaz
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
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Dimethylacetamide and trehalose for ram semen cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2018; 85:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.10.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Di Iorio M, Colonna MA, Miranda M, Principe P, Schiavitto M, Cerolini S, Manchisi A, Iaffaldano N. Initial cooling time before freezing affects post-thaw quality and reproductive performance of rabbit semen. Anim Sci J 2018; 89:1240-1244. [PMID: 29856093 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of initial cooling time at 5°C during semen cryopreservation on post-thaw quality and reproductive performance of rabbit semen. Pooled semen samples (n = 6) were divided into two subsamples and cooled at 5°C for 45 or 90 min. After cooling, the semen samples were diluted to a ratio of 1:1 (v:v) with a freezing extender composed of Tris-citrate-glucose (TCG) containing 16% of dimethylsulfoxide and 0.1 mol/L sucrose. The semen was subsequently loaded in 0.25 ml straws, equilibrated at 5°C and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. After thawing, sperm motility, viability, osmotic resistance, acrosome and DNA integrity were assessed. Our results indicate that the longer cooling time, that is, 90 min before cryopreservation significantly improves sperm post-thaw viability, motility and fertility. In fact, reproductive performances obtained with semen frozen after a 90 min cooling time were similar to those produced by fresh semen insemination. Hence, the present research provides an effective freezing protocol for rabbit semen that will allow for the creation of a sperm cryobank for the conservation of Italian rabbit genetic resources, as well as the use of frozen semen doses in commercial farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Di Iorio
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Marsia Miranda
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Paola Principe
- Italian Rabbit Breeders Association (ANCI-AIA), Volturara Appula (Foggia), Italy
| | - Michele Schiavitto
- Italian Rabbit Breeders Association (ANCI-AIA), Volturara Appula (Foggia), Italy
| | - Silvia Cerolini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Manchisi
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Nicolaia Iaffaldano
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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