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Zhang L, Wang X, Jiang C, Sohail T, Sun Y, Sun X, Wang J, Li Y. Effects of Different Diluents and Freezing Methods on Cryopreservation of Hu Ram Semen. Vet Sci 2024; 11:251. [PMID: 38921998 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11060251] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different diluents and freezing methods on the quality of thawed sperm after cryopreservation and find an inexpensive and practical method for freezing Hu ram semen for use in inseminations under farm conditions. Ejaculates were collected from five Hu rams. In experiment I, ejaculates were diluted with eight different freezing diluents (basic diluents A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H). After dilution and cooling, the samples were loaded into 0.25 mL straws and frozen using the liquid nitrogen fumigation method. In experiment II, diluent C was used as the basic diluent and the semen was frozen using liquid nitrogen fumigation and two program-controlled cooling methods. For analysis, frozen samples were evaluated in terms of motility parameters (total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM)), biokinetic characteristics (straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), wobble movement coefficient (WOB), average motion degree (MAD)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and membrane and acrosome integrity. In experiment I, diluent C had higher TM, PM, and acrosome and membrane integrity and lower ROS compared to other extenders (p < 0.05) except diluent A. Diluent C exhibited higher (p < 0.05) VCL, VAP, ALH, WOB, and MAD compared to diluents B, D, E, and F. In experiment II, TM and all biokinetic characteristics did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) amongst the three freezing methods. Liquid nitrogen fumigation resulted in higher (p < 0.05) PM, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and lower ROS level compared to the program. In conclusion, the thawed semen diluted with diluent C had higher quality compared to other diluents. The liquid nitrogen fumigation demonstrated superior semen cryopreservation effects compared to the program-controlled cooling method using diluent C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuming Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xuyang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Caiyu Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tariq Sohail
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yuxuan Sun
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yongjun Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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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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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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Fadl AM, Ghallab ARM, Ghallab ARM, Abou-Ahmed MM, Abou-Ahmed MM. Quality assessment of cryopreserved New Zealand white rabbit spermatozoa in INRA-82 extender containing different cryoprotectants. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2019.10892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
<p>The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of INRA-82 semen extender with different cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulphoxide; DMSO vs. dimethyl formamide; DMF) on the quality of white New Zealand rabbit buck spermatozoa. We also investigated the possible association between the synergistic action of DMSO and DMF and their relation with INRA-82 extender composition. Semen was collected and pooled from 8 adult rabbit bucks. Pooled semen samples were diluted 1:1 with INRA-82 extender supplemented with DMSO 8%, DMF 8% or a combination of DMSO 4% and DMF 4%. The diluted semen samples were cryopreserved in 0.25 plastic straws. After thawing, progressive motility, sperm viability, sperm abnormalities, membrane integrity, acrosome status, viability index and DNA integrity were evaluated. The results showed that dilution of rabbit buck semen in INRA-82 supplemented with DMSO and DMF (4% each) before freezing significantly (<em>P</em><0.05) improved sperm motility (42.00%), percentage of live spermatozoa (45.30%), proportions of spermatozoa with intact acrosome (59.75%) and percentage of spermatozoa with non-fragmented DNA (86.04%), compared to those diluted in INRA-82 supplemented either with DMSO 8% (+9, +10, +5 and +7 percentage points, respectively) or with DMF 8% alone (+18 +18, +12 and +9 percentage points, respectively). In conclusion, dilution of rabbit buck semen before freezing with INRA-82 extender supplemented with a combination of DMSO 4% and DMF 4% improved quality of frozen-thawed New Zealand White rabbit spermatozoa. Furthermore, our results also suggest that supplementation of INRA-82 with DMSO or with DMF alone at higher concentrations deteriorates the sperm quality.</p>
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