Cryopreservation of Sperm of the Endangered Razorback Sucker

Abstract

Abstract The endangered razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus is endemic to the Colorado River system in western North America and is threatened with extinction because of limited recruitment. To assist in management and recovery efforts, we developed methods for the cryopreservation of sperm, evaluated the influence of various factors on motility of thawed sperm, and examined the effect on fertilization of cooling rate and the addition of caffeine. Sperm samples cryopreserved with 10% methanol (MeOH) had significantly higher postthaw motility than did samples preserved with 5% or 20% MeOH or with 5% or 10% dimethyl sulfoxide, N, N-dimethylacetamide, glycerol, propylene glycol, or ethylene glycol. Sperm samples cryopreserved in 0.5-mL and 2.5-mL straws had significantly higher postthaw motility than did samples cryopreserved in 0.25-mL straws. Exposure to 10% MeOH for up to 30 min did not significantly influence sperm motility before freezing or after thawing. Cooling rate (−21°C/min or −91°C/min) did not si...